Anime Japan travel

Explore Japan Like in Dr. STONE: A 5-Day Anime Travel Route from Tokyo to Hakone, Izu, and Kozushima

The world of Dr. STONE is filled with breathtaking landscapes, volcanic energy, and the spark of human science.
What if you could experience that same atmosphere — not in fiction, but in real life?

Many of the locations that inspired the anime actually exist in Japan, only a few hours away from Tokyo.
As a local living here, I’ve put together a 5-day itinerary that takes you from Haneda Airport through Hakone, Izu, the Izu Islands, and Kamakura
a journey through the real-world scenery that feels straight out of Dr. STONE.


✈️ Starting Point: Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)

white airplanes on railway under white and blue sky

Haneda Airport is Tokyo’s most convenient international hub,
serving direct flights from North America, Europe, and Asia.

  • To Tokyo Station: 30 minutes via Tokyo Monorail + JR Yamanote Line
  • To Kanagawa & Shizuoka: Easy access to Hakone and Izu, ideal for anime sightseeing

🌋 Chapter 1: Hakone — The Birthplace of Science

gray house under brown mountain during daytime

In Dr. STONE, Senku visits Hakone to collect sulfur for gunpowder.
In real life, Hakone’s volcanic smoke and hot springs truly capture that “science and survival” feeling.
Note: The hydrogen sulfide gas shown in the series is real — please be careful in actual volcanic areas.

🚆 How to Get There

RouteTransportationTime
Haneda → Yokohama → OdawaraKeikyu Line + JR Tokaido Line~1.5 hours
Odawara → Hakone-YumotoHakone Tozan Railway or bus~30 minutes

🗺️ Highlights

  • Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley): Active volcanic valley full of sulfur steam — just like Senku’s experiments.
  • Lake Ashi: Enjoy a cruise that feels like sailing the Perseus.
  • Hakone Shrine: A sacred red torii gate surrounded by mist and trees.

🛏️ Where to Stay

  • Traditional ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto (many English-friendly).
  • Gora Onsen area hotels with open-air baths and Mt. Fuji views.

    For more information, visit the official Hakone Navi.

🌿 Chapter 2: Izu Peninsula — The Spirit of Ishigami Village

a large rock in the middle of a body of water

With warm weather, clear rivers, and lush forests,
the Izu Peninsula feels like the setting of Senku and Kohaku’s “Ishigami Village.”

🚆 How to Get There

RouteTransportationTime
Odawara → Izu-Kyū ShimodaLimited Express “Odoriko”~2 hours
Hakone → Izu by carRoute 135~2.5 hours

🗺️ Highlights

  • Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: A chain of waterfalls deep in the forest.
  • Jōren Falls: Mossy cliffs and misty air — pure nature.
  • Shuzenji Onsen: A quiet hot spring town with historic streets and bridges.

🛏️ Where to Stay

  • Ryokans in Kawazu Onsen with open-air baths.
  • Shuzenji inns offering English-speaking service.

🏝️ Chapter 3: Izu Islands — The Real-Life “Treasure Island”

a small island in the middle of the ocean

In the Treasure Island Arc, Senku and his crew sail to a mysterious island in search of platinum.
Fans believe the Izu Islands, especially Niijima and Kozushima, inspired this setting.

🚢 How to Get There

RouteTransportationTime
Izu-Kyū Shimoda Station → Shimoda PortWalk or taxi~10 min
Shimoda Port → Niijima / KozushimaTokai Kisen Ferry2.5–3 hours

(You can also take a high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier — around 3 hours.)

🗺️ Highlights

🌊 Niijima

Copyright © 2013 NIIJIMA Village.
  • Habushiura Beach: A long white-sand beach resembling Senku’s Treasure Island.
  • Yunohama Open-Air Bath: Free seaside hot spring, perfect at sunset.

🌌 Kozushima

  • Mt. Tenjo: A panoramic hiking trail with 360° ocean views.
  • Star-Gazing Area: Certified “Dark Sky Reserve.” The stars are unbelievable here.

🛏️ Where to Stay

  • Local guesthouses and family inns (English-friendly).
  • Camping sites available in summer.

🏯 Chapter 4: Kamakura — The Legacy of Civilization

Kōtoku-In, Japan

The Great Buddha shown in Dr. STONE resembles the Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in Temple)
a symbol of human civilization that endures through time.

For more sightseeing information and local tips, visit the official Kamakura Travel Guide.

🚆 How to Get There

RouteTransportationTime
Haneda → Yokohama → KamakuraKeikyu Line + JR Yokosuka Line~1.5 hours

🗺️ Highlights

  • The Great Buddha of Kamakura: An 11-meter bronze statue — powerful and serene.
  • Hasedera Temple & Yuigahama Beach: Where history meets the ocean breeze.
a group of people walking down a street next to the ocean
Note: Kamakura is also a famous pilgrimage spot for Slam Dunk fans.

🧭 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

black marker on notebook
DayDestinationStay
1Arrive at Haneda → Explore KamakuraKamakura
2Travel to Hakone (Owakudani, Lake Ashi)Hakone
3Explore Izu (Shuzenji, Kawazu)Izu
4Ferry to Niijima or KozushimaIzu Islands
5Return to Tokyo → Shopping / DepartureTokyo

💰 Estimated Budget for the 5-Day Dr. STONE Journey

silver and gold round coins in box

Here’s an approximate breakdown of costs for a 5-day mid-range trip across this Dr. STONE-inspired route.
(All prices are in USD.)

CategoryDetailsEstimated Cost (USD)
TransportationTrains (Tokyo–Hakone–Izu), ferries, local transit$200–250
AccommodationMid-range ryokan & guesthouses (4 nights)$400–600
Food & DrinksMeals, snacks, and local cuisine$150–250
Activities & Entrance FeesOnsen, temples, attractions$50–100
Ferry to Izu IslandsRound-trip fare (Shimoda ⇄ Niijima / Kozushima)$80–120
Total (per person)$900–1,300 USD

💡 Budget Tips:

  • Public transport is reliable and easy to navigate in English.
  • Book ferry tickets and island lodgings in advance (summer gets busy).
  • Japan Rail Pass is unnecessary — local trains are more cost-efficient for this route.

🌸 Final Thoughts

The landscapes of Dr. STONE aren’t just fantasy — they live on across Japan’s southern Kanto region.
From Hakone’s volcanic smoke to Izu’s forests and Kozushima’s starlit sky,
each stop brings you closer to Senku’s vision of science, survival, and rebirth.

So next time you visit Japan — don’t just watch Dr. STONE.
Step into it.


-Anime, Japan travel