According to forum posts, planning your travel route well is crucial for enjoying Hakone. Some travelers suggested using the Odakyu website for maps and pass information to navigate efficiently around the main attractions like the Hakone Tozan Train, ropeway, and pirate ship cruise.

Travelers have called out several must-visit attractions in Hakone. The Hakone Open Air Museum is popular among visitors for its outdoor art installations. The Ashinoko Cruise and ropeway offer scenic views that are not to be missed. For those interested in Japanese culture, visiting Hakone Shrine and experiencing a simplified tea ceremony at Gora Park are highly recommended.

For families, attractions like the Yunessun spa and various museums cater to both adults and children. The pirate ship cruise is another family-friendly activity that is often highlighted by visitors for its fun and scenic lake tour.

According to forum posts, Hakone Ginyu and Gora Hanaougi are highly recommended ryokans in Hakone. Hakone Ginyu offers private onsens with views, and Gora Hanaougi is noted for its private onsens and the option to cater to dietary restrictions such as vegetarian meals.

For travelers looking for ryokans with specific amenities, Mount View Hakone is praised for its excellent kaiseki meals and onsen experience at reasonable prices. Additionally, Kowakien Tenyu is suggested for rooms with ensuite onsens and the possibility to arrange vegetarian meals.

For families, the Hakone Gora Byakudan is recommended as it offers private onsens and the ability to adjust menu items to accommodate dietary preferences, such as non-seafood options for children.

Some travelers suggest that the utility of the Hakone Free Pass depends on your itinerary in Hakone. If you plan to explore multiple attractions and use various modes of transport within the area, the pass can offer convenience and potential savings.

The cost of individual transportation like buses, the ropeway, and boats can add up, making the Free Pass a worthwhile purchase if you intend to use these services extensively. However, for limited sightseeing, purchasing individual tickets might be more economical.

For travelers driving or making limited stops, the pass might not be necessary. It is also noted that while the pass covers many transportation options in Hakone, it does not include certain services like the Romance Car surcharge, which is an additional cost.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning your trip and assessing the transportation needs based on your activities in Hakone to decide on the pass. Checking updated resources and calculating potential savings based on your planned routes and stops is recommended.