Hakone Travel Guide: Day Trip vs Ryokan Overnight Perfect Course (Hakone Free Pass, Romancecar)
Tokyo Mate
Planning a side trip to Hakone from Tokyo?
From purchasing the Hakone Free Pass to reserving the Romancecar,
we propose perfect courses for both Day Trips and Relaxing 1-Night Ryokan Stays.
Don't get lost in Hakone's transport maze anymore!
♨️ Hakone: The City of Healing Onsens and Nature
About 80 minutes from Shinjuku via Romancecar. When you want to escape complex Tokyo and embrace nature, Hakone is the best choice. Beautiful Lake Ashi, the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, the active volcano Owakudani, and warm hot springs to melt your fatigue.
But complicated transport and routes can be daunting. Don’t worry! We’ll show you how to solve everything with just one Hakone Free Pass!
The ‘Cheat Code’ for Hakone Travel: Complete Hakone Free Pass Guide
99% of Hakone travel can be solved with this one pass. It’s much cheaper and more convenient than buying each Hakone transportation ticket separately, so we absolutely recommend purchasing it.
✅ Main Benefits
- Shinjuku ↔ Odawara round-trip train (1 time)
- Unlimited rides on 8 types of transportation within designated areas: Hakone Tozan Train, Cable Car, Ropeway, Pirate Ship, Tozan Bus, etc.!
✅ Pricing Information
🚨 HOT NEWS: Prices will increase by 1,000 yen starting October 1, 2025, so travel before then for savings!
| Type | 2-Day Pass | 3-Day Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 6,100 JPY | 6,500 JPY |
| Child | 1,100 JPY | 1,350 JPY |
✅ How to Purchase:
- (On-site) Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku Station, Odawara Station, or Odakyu Line ticket machines
- (Online) Purchasing a 'Digital Pass' in advance via Klook is most convenient. (Use immediately with QR code)
➡️ Purchase Digital Hakone Free Pass on Klook
The Fastest and Most Romantic Way: Romancecar
If you want to get from Shinjuku to Hakone in the fastest and most comfortable way, the Limited Express ‘Romancecar’ is the clear choice. Hakone Free Pass + Romancecar Limited Express Ticket allows you to travel not by regular train but by Limited Express in comfort.
Notably, the Romancecar runs all the way to Hakone-Yumoto (not just Odawara), so you can transfer directly to the Hakone mountain railway and save over 30 minutes. It operates with all reserved seating, ensuring a comfortable journey. You can purchase the limited express ticket together with the Free Pass, or add it separately later if needed.
- How to Use: Hakone Free Pass + Separate Romancecar Limited Express Ticket (1,200 JPY one-way)
- Travel Time: Shinjuku Station ↔ Hakone-Yumoto Station approximately 80 minutes
➡️ Purchase Digital Hakone Free Pass on Klook
➡️ Purchase Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto Romancecar Limited Express Ticket on Klook
➡️ Purchase Hakone-Yumoto → Shinjuku Romancecar Limited Express Ticket on Klook
⭐ Want to know more about the Romancecar?
From tips for successfully booking the coveted ‘observation seats’ to detailed online reservation methods, features of each train model, and the entire boarding process—check out the complete guide below!
Hakone Travel Course Recommendations for Your Style
We propose two customized courses to make 200% use of your Hakone Free Pass.
Course 1: Perfect Hakone Day Trip (Core Conquest Course)
The essential course for busy travelers. Starting early in the morning is key!
1. Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto: Relax on the Romancecar (approx. 80 min)
Depart from Tokyo on the Romancecar. It’s a direct limited express to Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51) with no transfers. The journey takes about an hour and a half. All seats are reserved so you can enjoy the scenery comfortably. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji through the window, building excitement for your trip! The right window seats offer the best Fuji views.
2. Hakone-Yumoto → Gora: The Mountain Railway Experience!
Take the Hakone Tozan Train from Hakone-Yumoto (OH51) up to Gora (OH57) at 541m elevation. This mountain railway zigzags up the steep slopes using switchbacks. The conductor changes cabins at each switchback! The view from the front (or back) seat is spectacular.
3. Gora → Sounzan: Cable Car & Footbath with a View
Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car at Gora Station (OH57). The classic cable car rattles up the steep incline. If you sit at the very back, you can see the two cable cars passing each other narrowly.
At Sounzan Station, take a break at the “cu-mo Hakone” observation deck. There is a free footbath where you can soak your feet while gazing at the stunning mountain view.
4. Sounzan → Owakudani: Ropeway over the Volcano!
Board the Hakone Ropeway. As you crest the mountain, the majestic Mt. Fuji often appears in front of you (weather permitting)! Look down to see the “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani) of Owakudani, with sulfurous fumes rising from the active volcanic vents.
Owakudani (大涌谷)
The smell of sulfur fills the air. This active volcanic zone feels like another planet.
Must-Eat: Black Eggs (Kuro-tamago)
These eggs are boiled in the hot sulfurous mud ponds. The shells turn black due to a chemical reaction. Legend says eating one adds 7 years to your life!
5. Owakudani → Togendai: Lake Ashi View
Continue on the ropeway down to Togendai. The view of Lake Ashi sparkling below is breathtaking.
6. Lake Ashi Pirate Ship (Sightseeing Cruise)
From Togendai Port, board the famous Hakone Pirate Ship. It traverses the calm waters of Lake Ashi (an ancient caldera lake). The cruise takes about 25-40 minutes to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone ports.
7. Hakone Shrine & Heiwa no Torii
After arriving at Moto-Hakone Port, walk along the lake to the Hakone Shrine. The massive cedar trees create a mystical atmosphere. From the shrine, you can walk about 10 minutes to Lake Ashi to see the 1260-year-old shrine’s history. The people who come from afar to visit Hakone Shrine and the torii gate are endless. It’s crowded with worshippers and photographers, and there’s always a line.
8. Moto-Hakone → Hakone-Yumoto → Shinjuku: Return via Tozan Bus then depart for Shinjuku
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus (K, R, H routes) to Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51). From Moto-Hakone to Hakone-Yumoto takes about 40 minutes.
Even if you didn’t pre-book the Romancecar, you can purchase limited express tickets at Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Course 2: 1 Night 2 Days Ryokan Healing Course
Recommended for those who want to properly enjoy onsen and museums.
- Day 1: Arrive at Yumoto → Lunch (Soba) → Check-in at Ryokan (Early check-in recommended!) → Onsen & Kaiseki Dinner (Highlight) 🍶
- Day 2: Minimal sightseeing (Open Air Museum or Venetian Glass Museum) → Owakudani → Lake Ashi → Return.
Hakone Tozan Train & Open-Air Museum
Start your journey by boarding the red Tozan Train from Hakone-Yumoto Station. After climbing the mountain for about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at “Chokoku-no-Mori” (Sculpture Forest) Station. Located right in front of the station, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a place where you can admire giant artworks amidst Hakone’s nature, making it one of the highlights of a Hakone trip.
If you’re curious about detailed admission discount tips and must-see photo spots, be sure to check out the detailed guide below!
➡️ Tokyo Side Trip: Hakone Open-Air Museum Must-Visit Spots (Admission Discounts, Photo Spot Tips)
Hakone Weather & Clothing Tips
The Hakone-Yumoto area averages: Spring: 59°F (15°C), Summer: 77°F (25°C), Autumn: 59°F (15°C), Winter: 45°F (7°C).
However, higher elevation areas like Lake Ashi and Owakudani are 5-7°F (3-4°C) cooler with frequent weather changes.
- Spring: March temperatures are similar to Tokyo, but sometimes a thick coat is needed. April and May warm up, but having a jacket is reassuring.
- Summer: Mostly short sleeves, but having a light jacket is reassuring.
- Autumn: Long-sleeved shirts and jackets. Some days require thick coats. Late October to mid-November is the most beautiful autumn foliage season.
- Winter: Thick coats are necessary. Due to elevation differences, layer multiple garments and take proper cold weather precautions.
Q&A: Pre-Trip Questions Answered
Q1: What should I be most careful about when traveling?
A1: Depending on weather conditions, ropeway or pirate ship operations may be suspended. On the morning of your trip, be sure to check real-time operation information on the official site below and adjust your schedule!
➡️ Check Real-Time Hakone Transportation Operation Information
Q2: Where can I get recommended ryokan information?
A2: Reviews on Japanese local booking sites like “Jalan.net” and “Rakuten Travel” are the most accurate. Alternatively, you can discover hidden gems by referring to honest reviews from actual guests in communities like “Hakone Ryokan Recommendations.”
➡️ Odakyu Railway’s Recommended 2025 Hakone Popular Ryokan & Hotel Rankings TOP10
Conclusion
Hakone may seem complicated, but with just one Hakone Free Pass, everything is solved at this charming destination. Whether as a day trip or a 1-night 2-day healing journey, create unforgettable memories here!
⭐ Related Hakone Travel Guides Worth Reading Together
➡️ Tokyo Side Trip: Hakone Open-Air Museum Must-Visit Spots (Admission Discounts, Photo Spot Tips)
➡️ Hakone Romancecar Reservation Guide, Observation Seat Tips A to Z
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.