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Day 2 in Tokyo: Hakone, sumo and Shinjuku

A Hakone day trip from Tokyo, a Sumoland sumo experience and a night walk through Shinjuku.

Day 2 in Tokyo: Hakone day trip, Sumoland sumo show and Shinjuku at night

Our second day in Japan combined nature, Japanese culture and Tokyo at night. In the morning we took a Hakone day trip from Tokyo to see Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, its lakeside torii and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In the afternoon we returned to central Tokyo for a sumo experience with chanko nabe and mochi making, then ended the day in Shinjuku.

Early morning

Lake Ashi boat trip and Hakone Shrine torii

We left early for Hakone to take a boat trip across Lake Ashi. From the water you get one of the prettiest views in the area: green mountains, the lake and the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine by the shore.

Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi during the Hakone day trip — Lake Ashi boat

Views of Lake Ashi from the boat in Hakone — Views from the cruise

Red torii gate of Hakone Shrine by Lake Ashi — Hakone Shrine torii

Mountain and forest scenery by Lake Ashi — Hakone scenery

Morning

Visit to Hakone Shrine

After that, we visited Hakone Shrine, one of the most special places in the area. It is surrounded by forest and is famous for its red torii gate by Lake Ashi, a beautiful scene when it reflects on the water. It is a peaceful and very photogenic stop during a Hakone day trip.

Visit to Hakone Shrine on the morning of day 2 of the Japan itinerary 2 — Walking around the shrine

Visit to Hakone Shrine on the morning of day 2 of the Japan itinerary 3 — Details of Hakone Shrine

Midday

Hakone Open-Air Museum and buffet

Before returning to Tokyo, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a beautiful plan that combines art, gardens and landscape. We also had lunch at its buffet, which was very convenient for ending the morning without wasting time.

Entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum — Museum entrance

Sculpture in the gardens of the Hakone Open-Air Museum — Outdoor sculptures

Picasso Pavilion at the Hakone Open-Air Museum — Picasso Pavilion

Garden with water and mountains at the Hakone Open-Air Museum — Hakone gardens

Sculptures and tower at the Hakone Open-Air Museum — Art and landscape

Afternoon

Sumo show at Sumoland

In the afternoon, we returned to central Tokyo to see a sumo show. I booked it through GetYourGuide at Sumoland, and it included chanko nabe, the typical stew eaten by sumo wrestlers, plus an activity to make mochi. During our experience, they also gave us a Sumoland tote bag with a few products inside, including small snack bags, and a signed card stamped with the palm print of a sumo wrestler. It was a lovely extra detail because you leave not only with the show and the food, but also with a physical souvenir from the activity.

Entrance to Sumoland in Tokyo — Sumoland entrance

Sumo bout during the Sumoland show — Sumo bout

Chanko nabe served during the Sumoland sumo experience — Chanko nabe

Sumo wrestlers during the Sumoland show — Sumo show

Photo with sumo wrestlers at Sumoland — Photo with wrestlers

Night

Shinjuku at night: do not miss it

When we finished, we went for a walk around Shinjuku at night. For us, it was one of Tokyo’s biggest surprises: we liked it much more than Shibuya. Lights, atmosphere, restaurants, shops, streets full of life and the famous Godzilla head looking out between the buildings; if you travel to Tokyo, do not miss it.

Red Kabukicho arch in Shinjuku at night — Kabukicho at night

Illuminated streets of Shinjuku at night — Shinjuku neon lights

Kabukicho street lit up at night — Kabukicho streets

Godzilla head in Shinjuku at night — Godzilla in Shinjuku

3D cat screen in Shinjuku at night — 3D cat screen

Dinner

Okonomiyaki Osakaya and Don Quijote Shinjuku

We ended the day having dinner at Okonomiyaki Osakaya, in Shinjuku. Before going back to the hotel, we also went into Don Quijote Shinjuku, because we love shopping and this chain always ends up being a dangerous stop for the suitcase.

Entrance to Okonomiyaki Osakaya restaurant in Shinjuku — Okonomiyaki Osakaya

Okonomiyaki at Osakaya restaurant in Shinjuku — Okonomiyaki in Shinjuku

Japanese okonomiyaki cooked on the griddle in Shinjuku — Japanese okonomiyaki

Shopping at Don Quijote Shinjuku — Don Quijote shopping

Tip: if you want to visit Hakone from Tokyo and return for an afternoon activity, start very early and book the sumo experience in advance. It is a full day, but absolutely worth it.

This itinerary is part of the main Japan guide. Go back to the full route to continue with the rest of the days.

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