Ultimate Guide to Hakone Access and Transportation from Tokyo
Hakone has been a special place that I've been visiting for over 10 years, thanks to its beautiful nature, hot springs, and excellent access (especially from Tokyo). The breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, the ever-changing seasonal landscapes, and over 100 hot spring facilities are reasons why I discover new charms every time I visit.
However, there are also challenges to be aware of, such as the crowds of tourists on weekends, sudden suspension of transportation due to weather conditions, and unexpected traffic jams in the hot spring town. Especially for foreign tourists, it's not uncommon to be confused by the complex transportation network and reservation systems.
In this article, I'll use my 10 years of experience visiting Hakone to explain in detail the transportation access and local means of getting around to maximize your enjoyment of Hakone.
From mountain-climbing trains to sightseeing boats and ropeways, I'll cover the characteristics of each mode of transportation, how to use them effectively, and information on discount tickets, so please read to the end if you're considering a trip to Hakone.
Table of Contents
・Should You Go to Hakone from Tokyo or Osaka?
・How to Access Hakone from Tokyo
・Getting Around Within the Hakone Area
・Information on Discount Tickets: Hakone Free Pass
・Seasonal Transportation Information for Hakone
・Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone Transportation
Should You Go to Hakone from Tokyo or Osaka?
When considering access to Hakone, many travelers wonder "Should I go from Tokyo or Osaka?" Based on my experience, I'll explain the characteristics of each in detail.
Conclusion: Tokyo is Recommended
From my over 10 years of experience visiting Hakone, I can say with certainty. The Tokyo route, which allows access in just 85 minutes from Shinjuku Station by Romance Car, is overwhelmingly recommended. Especially for tourists from overseas, being able to use time effectively is a big advantage.
Even for travelers from the Osaka area, I recommend visiting Hakone in combination with Tokyo sightseeing. From Tokyo, it's even possible to head to Hakone in the morning, enjoy a day trip hot spring bath, and return to Tokyo by evening.
I live in Osaka, but whenever I go on a hot spring trip to Hakone, I always combine it with Tokyo sightseeing.
Benefits of Going from Tokyo
There are many attractive points to accessing Hakone from Tokyo. First is the proximity. It's only about 100km from Tokyo to Hakone, and if you use the Shinkansen or limited express trains, you can arrive in surprisingly little time.
What I particularly like is the abundance of transportation options. You can choose the optimal mode of transportation from various options such as train, bus, or rental car, depending on your purpose, budget, and mood.
Another advantage is that it's easy to combine with Tokyo tourist spots. For example, you can enjoy shopping in Shinjuku in the morning and hot springs in Hakone in the afternoon. Moreover, the short travel distance allows you to keep transportation costs down, which is a big advantage. The high frequency of trains and buses also allows for flexible responses to sudden schedule changes.
Benefits of Going from Osaka
Accessing Hakone from Osaka also has its own charms. The main feature is that you can create an itinerary combined with Kansai tourist spots like Kyoto and Nara. It takes about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Odawara Station, but in return, you can enjoy diverse Japanese scenery from the train window.
For budget-conscious travelers, there's also the option of an overnight bus. Although the travel time is longer, you can save on accommodation costs and maximize daytime hours for sightseeing. In fact, among tourists from Kansai, quite a few use this method to visit Hakone.
Points to Consider When Choosing
If Tokyo sightseeing is your main focus, access from Tokyo without hesitation. If Kansai sightseeing is your main focus, consider access from Osaka.
The balance of time and cost is also an important factor. If you prioritize short travel time, go from Tokyo. If you want to keep costs down, consider an overnight bus from Osaka. Also, take into account the convenience of transportation at each departure point.
However, to repeat, I strongly recommend access from Tokyo overall. Especially for those visiting Hakone for the first time, prioritizing ease of access will likely lead to a more fulfilling trip.
How to Access Hakone from Tokyo
There are truly a variety of ways to access Hakone. Based on my over 10 years of experience visiting Hakone, I'll introduce the characteristics of each mode of transportation and how to choose the optimal one depending on the situation.
Ways to Get to Hakone from Tokyo and Costs
What I recommend most is using the Odakyu Romance Car. You can enjoy a comfortable journey of about 85 minutes direct from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
The fare of 2,470 yen including the limited express fee is very reasonable considering the travel time. The interior has comfortable seats, and you can enjoy the change in scenery from the Kanto plain to the mountains of Hakone through the large windows.
Using the Shinkansen is also a popular choice. It takes about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, then about 15 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The total fare is 4,170 yen, which is higher than the Romance Car, but it's a convenient option for those staying around Tokyo Station.
Highway buses operate direct services from Shinjuku or Shibuya to the Hakone area. The fare varies depending on the season and destination, but it's usually within 2,500 yen. However, it's important to remember that arrival times can fluctuate due to road conditions.
Traveling by rental car takes about 2 hours via the Metropolitan Expressway and Tomei Expressway. This is a good option for those traveling in groups or considering free movement within the Hakone area.
Taxi use is also possible, arriving at the destination in about 2 hours, but it costs between 20,000 to 30,000 yen. It's often used when there's a lot of luggage or when heading to a luxury ryokan.
Access from Airports and Costs
From Haneda Airport, the common route is to take the Keikyu Line to Yokohama Station, then the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Odawara, and from there to Hakone-Yumoto Station. It takes about 2 hours and costs 1,720 yen in total. In my experience, while this route has many transfers, the high frequency of each line allows for relatively smooth travel.
From Narita Airport, the best route is to take the JR Narita Express to Shinjuku Station, and from there use the Odakyu Line Romance Car. It's about a 3-hour journey, costing 5,720 yen in total. While it's a long distance, the journey is centered on limited express trains, allowing for a comfortable itinerary.
As of 2025, there are no direct limousine buses operating from airports. However, there are regular timetable revisions and new route openings, so I recommend checking the latest information.
Getting Around Within the Hakone Area
By combining various modes of transportation within the Hakone area, you can realize a more attractive trip.
Hakone Tozan Railway
The Hakone Tozan Railway is a mountain railway that operates from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gora Station. What I particularly like about this line is its astonishing steep gradient and the spectacular views from the train windows. In spring, you pass through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, you can view mountains wrapped in autumn colors.
However, it gets especially crowded during the autumn foliage season, so I recommend using the early morning trains. While trains run from early morning to night, there are no late-night services, so checking the timetable is essential.
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is an aerial walk connecting Owakudani to Togendai. What I find particularly impressive is the close-up view of the steam from Owakudani, an active volcano, and the famous black eggs. On clear days, you can also enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.
At Togendai Station, you can transfer to the Lake Ashi sightseeing boat, which is a standard route for Hakone sightseeing. However, be aware that it may be suspended due to strong winds or heavy fog.
Happily, the gondolas are wheelchair accessible, and barrier-free facilities are well-equipped. The journey takes about 15 minutes for each section, connecting four stations.
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat
The sightseeing boats that cruise Lake Ashi fascinate many tourists with their unique pirate ship design. What I especially recommend is the view from the deck on a clear day. The scenery created by Mt. Fuji and the mountains of Hakone is truly worthy of being called spectacular.
Boat tickets are discounted when presenting the Hakone Free Pass. During the summer fireworks festival period, special boats operate, allowing you to enjoy the fireworks from the lake.
Bus
The Hakone Tozan Bus is an important means of transportation efficiently connecting Hakone's main tourist spots. What I find particularly convenient is the good access to museums and tourist facilities.
However, from experience, there are a few points to note. First, routes running through mountainous areas have limited services, so I recommend checking the timetable in advance.
For payment, IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo can be used, making it easy for tourists to use. However, during tourist seasons, road congestion is likely to occur, and you may not be able to move as planned. The weekends during the autumn foliage season are particularly noteworthy. Also, there are no late-night buses, so night action plans need to be made carefully.
Taxis and Rental Cars
Taxis and rental cars allow for high-freedom movement in Hakone. In my experience, taxis are especially useful during rainy weather or when traveling with elderly people. However, the fare is often higher compared to other modes of transportation, so I recommend planned use.
For rental cars, foreign tourists need an international driving permit. Also, parking lots near tourist spots are often paid and may be full during busy periods. When renting a car, it's possible to request an English-language car navigation system. This is a particularly convenient feature for those unfamiliar with the roads.
Information on Discount Tickets: Hakone Free Pass
The Hakone Free Pass is a strong ally for Hakone sightseeing. This pass can be purchased at Odakyu Line stations or online, with a choice of 2 or 3 days. What I particularly like is that various means of transportation within the designated area become unlimited.
Furthermore, it comes with discount services at affiliated facilities, and admission fees to tourist spots can be discounted. The price varies depending on the departure station, but from Shinjuku Station, it's 6,100 yen for 2 days and 6,500 yen for 3 days. I strongly recommend the use of this Hakone Free Pass for tourists.
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/discount_passes/free_pass
Seasonal Transportation Information for Hakone
The traffic situation in Hakone changes significantly with the seasons. From my over 10 years of experience, I'll introduce the specific points to note and ways to enjoy each season. With appropriate timing selection and advance preparation, you can realize a more comfortable Hakone trip.
Spring (March to May)
Hakone in spring is crowded with many tourists as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Especially the cherry blossom avenues in Gora Park and Hakone-Yumoto are magnificent. During this period, what I always pay attention to is the congestion due to the concentration of tourists. Based on experience from past years, even on weekdays, areas around tourist spots get crowded during the cherry blossom season.
Still, weekends are especially crowded, so I recommend using early morning trains to work around the timing. Also, as the weather can be changeable in spring, don't forget to bring rain gear.
Summer (June to August)
Hakone in summer boasts immense popularity as a cool retreat. Due to its high altitude, it's about 5 degrees cooler than the city center, making it comfortable to spend time. However, it gets especially crowded on weekends. In my experience, on Saturday mornings, trains from Hakone-Yumoto Station towards Gora can sometimes have standing room only.
Particular caution is needed on fireworks display days. The fireworks display at Lake Ashi is a summer tradition in Hakone, but public transportation is extremely crowded during this time. While extra buses and trains are added, you might not be able to board without a reservation. When participating in the fireworks display, I recommend early movement or staying overnight.
Autumn (September to November)
Hakone during the autumn foliage season is the most crowded time of the year. Especially the ropeway at Owakudani and around the Hakone Mountain observation deck form long queues. Every year during this season, I recommend starting sightseeing from early morning.
The temperature changes are also drastic, with cold mornings and evenings, so outerwear is essential. Also, local festivals are held during this season, which can lead to traffic regulations. It's important to plan your itinerary with ample time.
Winter (December to February)
While Hakone in winter has fewer tourists compared to other seasons, it's a special time when you can enjoy snowy landscapes. What I particularly like is the scenery of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji covered in pure white snow. However, extra caution is needed when moving on mountain roads.
Transportation can suddenly be suspended due to poor road conditions from snow or ice. Especially the Hakone Ropeway is often suspended due to strong winds or poor visibility, so I recommend checking the operation status in advance.
This season is the best for hot spring hopping. The temperature difference between the cold outside air and the warm hot springs is pleasant, and the snowy scenery from open-air baths is exceptional. However, as the sun sets early, extra caution is needed when moving at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone Transportation
I'll answer common questions I often receive from people visiting Hakone. Based on over 10 years of experience, I'll provide practical advice.
Can I Carry Large Luggage on Public Transportation?
When moving from Tokyo to Hakone, large luggage like suitcases can generally be brought on board. The Romance Car has luggage storage areas, and the Shinkansen also has luggage spaces.
However, it's different when moving within the Hakone area. Especially on the Hakone Tozan Railway and mountain buses, the interiors are narrow, and having large luggage can inconvenience other passengers.
My advice is to leave your luggage at your hotel or in coin lockers after arriving in Hakone. Large coin lockers are available at Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station.
Can I Use Credit Cards?
On Hakone's public transportation, payment is basically by cash or IC card (Suica or Pasmo). However, credit cards can be used when purchasing the Hakone Free Pass. I recommend preparing an IC card. This makes payments on buses and trains smooth and eliminates the need to prepare small change.
Transportation access to Hakone might seem complicated at first glance. However, with proper preparation and knowledge, it's a tourist destination that can be thoroughly enjoyed. From my over 10 years of experience, I'd like you to be particularly conscious of the following three points.
First, access from Tokyo is the most convenient. Especially the Romance Car from Shinjuku combines comfort and time efficiency. Next, I recommend using the Hakone Free Pass. It's a very good value ticket that allows free movement within the area and offers discounts at facilities. Lastly, it's important to make plans considering congestion situations due to seasons and time periods.
If you keep these points in mind, you should be able to enjoy a wonderful Hakone trip. I hope your Hakone trip becomes a memorable and wonderful experience!
