Hakone travel guide
Getting Around Hakone: Transport Guide
From Tokyo to Hakone, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes, about ¥2,470) — it’s covered or discounted with the Hakone Free Pass. The faster option is the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara (35 minutes), then a local train or bus up the mountain.
Arriving in Hakone
Nearest airport: Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) — Hakone is reached overland from Tokyo
From Tokyo, the Odakyu Romancecar runs from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes (¥2,470 with the supplement). Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara (35 min), then a local train or bus into the mountains.
Getting around Hakone
- The Hakone Free Pass covers the whole loop — Tozan railway, cable car, ropeway, cruise and buses
- The “Hakone loop” (train → cable car → ropeway → boat → bus) is the classic way to see it all
- Buses link Yumoto, Gora, Motohakone and the museums; they’re covered by the Free Pass
- A car is unnecessary — the loop transport is the attraction
Also in kanto
how to get around Hakone — FAQs
How do I get from Tokyo to Hakone?
From Tokyo to Hakone, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes, about ¥2,470) — it’s covered or discounted with the Hakone Free Pass. The faster option is the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara (35 minutes), then a local train or bus up the mountain.
Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
Yes — the Hakone Free Pass (¥6,100 for 2 days from Shinjuku) is almost always worth it. It covers the round trip from Tokyo plus unlimited use of the mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise and local buses, and gives small discounts at museums and attractions.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.