Hakone is one of the most visited day-trip destinations from Tokyo, and for good reason: mountain scenery, hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and the open-air museum are all within a couple of hours of the city. But for first-time visitors, the transportation side of a Hakone trip can seem confusing.
Getting there involves more than a single train. Depending on whether you’re using a JR Pass or traveling on the Odakyu network, the access routes differ — and once you arrive, Hakone’s local transport system combines a mountain railway, a cable car, a ropeway, and a lake ferry into a connected sightseeing circuit.
Most Hakone trips involve combining trains with local mountain transportation systems. This guide covers the main options so you can choose the route that best fits your itinerary.
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What Is the Best Route to Hakone from Tokyo? — Quick Answer
The best Hakone route by train depends on your itinerary and rail pass coverage. JR travelers often take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara, then connect to Hakone’s local transport system. Travelers starting from Shinjuku can take the Odakyu Romancecar directly to Hakone-Yumoto, which is the main gateway for Hakone’s mountain transport network. Most visitors then continue using Hakone’s local transportation network — mountain railway, ropeway, and lake ferry — to move around the region.
How to Get to Hakone by Train
Hakone is accessible through multiple rail systems — not a single direct route. There are two main approaches from Tokyo:
JR Shinkansen to Odawara
Travelers using a Japan Rail Pass can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Odawara in around 35–40 minutes. The Kodama and Hikari services stop at Odawara, where passengers transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway for the short trip to Hakone-Yumoto. While the JR Pass covers the Shinkansen portion, the local Hakone railway requires a separate ticket or a Hakone Free Pass.
Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku
The Odakyu Romancecar provides a direct route from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto in approximately 85 minutes. This reserved-seat express service removes the need for a transfer and offers comfortable seating with large windows for enjoying the scenery along the way. Although the JR Pass does not cover it, the Hakone Free Pass can be combined with it for convenient travel around the region.
Travel time comparison: the Shinkansen route to Odawara is faster in pure transit time, but the Romancecar offers a more direct and scenic ride to Hakone-Yumoto without requiring a transfer.
JR Pass Hakone Coverage — What’s Included?
A common point of confusion for Hakone visitors is what the Japan Rail Pass actually covers on this route.
The JR Pass covers:
- The Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari and Kodama services) from Tokyo to Odawara
- JR local trains to Odawara on non-Shinkansen lines
The JR Pass does not cover:
- The Odakyu Romancecar or standard Odakyu services
- The Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto
- The Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, or Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Hakone-area buses operated by Hakone Tozan Bus
The JR Pass provides convenient access to Odawara, but additional transport within Hakone requires separate fares. Many visitors choose the Hakone Free Pass, which covers the area's main transport network, including trains, buses, the ropeway, and the sightseeing ferry. If traveling around Japan, it is also worth reviewing this Shinkansen guide before planning your trip.
JR vs Odakyu for Hakone — Which Should You Use?
The better option depends on your broader itinerary — not just Hakone itself.
Use JR if:
- You already have a JR Pass for wider Japan travel
- You are combining Hakone with Kyoto, Osaka, or other destinations on the Tokaido Shinkansen corridor
- You prefer the Shinkansen speed to Odawara and don’t mind the transfer
Use Odakyu if:
- You are starting your journey from Shinjuku
- You want direct access to Hakone-Yumoto without a transfer
- You plan to use the Hakone Free Pass, which combines the Romancecar fare and unlimited Hakone transport into a single purchase
- Hakone is your primary destination rather than a stop on a longer route
If Hakone is your only destination for the day and you’re not already using the JR Pass for other parts of your trip, the Odakyu route combined with the Hakone Free Pass is typically the more cost-efficient option.
Understanding the Hakone Railway Route
Once you arrive at Hakone-Yumoto, Hakone’s transportation is designed as a connected sightseeing circuit. The Hakone Tozan Railway is the starting point.
Hakone Tozan Railway
This is Japan’s steepest mountain railway, running from Hakone-Yumoto up to Gora through a series of switchbacks. The line passes through forested mountain terrain and several small stations, including Miyanoshita, a traditional spa town with historic ryokan. Travel time from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora is approximately 40 minutes.
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
From Gora Station, passengers transfer to the cable car, which climbs from Gora up to Sounzan. This section is the access point for the ropeway. The ride takes around 10 minutes.
Hakone Ropeway
From Sounzan, the ropeway (aerial gondola) crosses over the volcanic Owakudani valley — one of Hakone’s most dramatic viewpoints — and continues down to Togendai on the shores of Lake Ashi. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible along this section. The full ropeway takes around 25 minutes.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
From Togendai, visitors board the lake ferry (styled as a pirate ship) across Lake Ashi to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone. On clear days, this crossing offers some of the most memorable views of Mount Fuji over the lake. From Moto-Hakone, buses connect back toward Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara.
How the Hakone Round Course Works
The Hakone Round Course is the name given to the standard circular sightseeing route through the region, designed to be traveled in one direction as a loop. Most visitors follow the sequence from Hakone-Yumoto up through the mountains and across the ropeway, finishing with the lake cruise, before returning by bus or train to their starting point.
A typical Round Course sequence:
- Train from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto (via Odakyu Romancecar or Shinkansen + transfer)
- Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto up to Gora
- Cable car from Gora up to Sounzan
- Ropeway from Sounzan across Owakudani to Togendai
- Lake cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi
- Bus from the lakeside back toward Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto for the return trip
While the Hakone sightseeing circuit can be completed in either direction, many day-trip visitors follow the standard route from Hakone-Yumoto to Lake Ashi to make the most of daylight for sightseeing. The Hakone Open Air Museum is conveniently located near Chokoku-no-Mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, making it an easy stop along the journey.
Tips for Using Trains and Transport in Hakone
Hakone transportation is manageable with realistic timing expectations. A few practical notes for a smoother trip:
- Start early from Tokyo: Hakone is a popular destination, and the mountain transport lines can become busy by mid-morning on weekends and holidays. Aiming to leave Tokyo by 8:00–8:30 AM gives you more flexibility during the day.
- Reserve Romancecar seats in advance: The Odakyu Romancecar requires seat reservations and can sell out on weekends or during peak seasons. Book through Odakyu’s online platform or at Shinjuku Station ticket windows.
- Use IC cards where applicable: An IC card, such as a Suica or Pasmo, is commonly used for local train transfers and can speed up boarding on JR and Odakyu local services where non-reserved fares apply.
- Allow extra time for transfers and mountain transport: The Hakone Tozan Cable Car stops for maintenance periods (typically for around two months annually). Check the current operating status before you travel, as alternative buses are put in place during these times.
- Check the weather: Ropeway and lake cruise views depend heavily on visibility. If a clear view of Mount Fuji is a priority, check forecasts in advance and consider adjusting your timing accordingly.
FAQs
How do I get to Hakone by train?
Most travelers reach Hakone by taking either the JR Shinkansen to Odawara and transferring locally or the Odakyu Romancecar directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto.
Is Hakone covered by the JR Pass?
The JR Pass covers eligible Shinkansen services to Odawara, but local Hakone transport, including trains, buses, ropeways, cable cars, and ferries, requires separate fares.
What is the best route to Hakone from Tokyo?
The most suitable route depends on your plans: the Romancecar offers direct access, while the Shinkansen provides a faster option for JR Pass holders.
Should I use JR or Odakyu for Hakone?
Passholders traveling around Japan often prefer JR, while those taking dedicated Hakone day trips from Tokyo generally find Odakyu more convenient.
How does the Hakone Round Course work?
The Hakone Round Course follows a circular sightseeing route using trains, cable cars, ropeways, ferries, and buses to connect Hakone’s major attractions.
