Japan - my itinerary in Hakone

Oct 28 - Day 8 - Hakone

Got the train from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone Odawara station. From Odawara took a local train to Hakone Yumoto and then another train to Gora and it was almost 1 pm when I arrived. I had previously purchased the 2 day Hakone Pass from Shinjuki station for 4670 Yen (good value!)

As soon as you exit Gora station there is an information counter. I stayed at Hakone Tent which is right behind the station (go through the underground passway). Hakone Tent has 2 private Onsens which is really nice. Highly recommend it for the location and value.

Took the cable car from Gora station to go to the Lake. As the Hakone ropeway wasn't working had to use a bus (covered by the pass) to arrive at the Lake Ashinoko. Once reached Togendai station I took the pirate ship across the Lake Ashi (all this covered by the pass).

Sadly there was no view of mount Fuji-san due to the cloudy weather. Got off at Hakonemachi and walked through the Hakone checkpoint to then reach the Cedar trees. Walking trough this gigantic trees really is a lovely feeling.

Enjoyed the lake view and walked to the Shrine (FREE entrance) which is in Motohakone-ko. Unfortunately I missed the last ship back and had to take the bus changing at Kowakidani station and then taking the train to Gora station.
Gora is a small town. At night there isn't much around the station but found a great Okonomiyaki restaurant just a cross the railway tracks. I loved the Okonomiyaki!

Oct 29 - Day 9 - Hakone

Started out around 8 am and again reached Hakonemachi station and took bus no 2 (red line) to see Stone Buddahs and a waterfall.

Stone Buddahs and history hall - get off at bus stop Rokudo-jizo and walk in to the wooden building. After that exit to your left on a pathway around the water pond. Follow the pathway to see more statues which includes also a big stone Buddha statue. The path ends at Sogakyodai-no-haka bus stop. Cross the road and take again bus number 2 to see some waterfalls.Took the S line (purple colour) up to Senkyoro-mae and then change to the T line (blue colour) for 2 stops at Sengoku-kogen to see the Susuki fields.

Hiryu waterfall - get off at Yusakamichi-iriguchi and cross the road. Yoy need to walk almost 1 km downhill in the woods to reach this place. The view of the waterfall isn't breathtaking.

Chizui waterfall - on the same bus route get off at Kowakidani and cross the road. Walk up the hill about 15-20 mins and you reach this waterfall. Here again it was a very small waterfall!

Returned back to Ninotaira-iriguchi bus stop and had lunch at a 7Eleven shop. This was my first time eating in a convenience store. I've always seen it in the Japanese TV series, it felt very exciting!

Susuki (Pampas) fields - Walk up stone hill the path through the Susuki fields. Once you reach the top, you can get a nice view of the fields and near by mountains.

Gora park - Got back on the S line and arrived at the Gora park to see beautiful Rose flowers and Marple trees. The park also has a Tropical garden and a Bougainvillea house. The flowers depends on the season. This is also covered by the pass.

By train from Gora to Hakone Yumoto it takes about 30-40 mins. Because it always stops when two trains have to exchange tracks. From Hakone Yumoto to Odawara it takes about 15-20 mins 

Something I loved about Hakone: The bus drivers are extremely friendly despite the fact that all tourists ask them the same question over and over. But they are always ready to help you out. 
A bit disappointed about the weather as it was cloudy and like I said before and didn't get to see Fuji san. 

TIP:
Get a Hakone Tozan map. This will help you very much.
In front of the Gora station there are a few souvenir shops for very reasonable prices.