Starting Your Hakone Journey: A Hot Spring Retreat Near Tokyo via Free PassEfficient hot spring travel near Tokyo enjoyed with a Free Pass.
If you want to enjoy an authentic hot spring trip near Tokyo, visiting Hakone is the standard choice. This region is consistently loved by travelers for its combination of beautiful natural landscapes and onsen.
The essential item for a Hakone trip is the Hakone Free Pass. Uniquely, there is no 1-day version; only 2-day or 3-day passes are sold, so choose according to your schedule.
With this pass, you can freely use major transport modes within Hakone, including the Tozan Railway, Cable Car, Ropeway, Sightseeing Pirate Ship, and Tozan Bus, allowing for a much more economical and efficient trip.
1) Check Real-time Operation and Volcanic Info
Hakone is a hot spring town and an active volcanic zone. This means that ropeway operations may be suspended or certain trails restricted based on volcanic activity levels. Before departing, always check transport status and volcanic conditions via the links below.
2) Useful Tourism Links
For detailed travel information or real-time bus locations, make active use of the official portal site.
💡 Travel Tip
The Hakone Free Pass includes the round-trip Odakyu Line fare from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. However, if you wish to use the 'Romancecar' limited express (all-reserved seating), you must purchase a separate limited express ticket (approx. 1,200 yen) in addition to the pass.
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo: Comparing Odakyu Line, Shinkansen, and Limousine BusThe best approach via train, Shinkansen, or bus.
There are various ways to travel to Hakone from central Tokyo or the airports. Choose the best method based on your starting point, budget, and time.
1) Using the Odakyu Line
The most popular method, departing from Shinjuku Station.
- Regular Train: Use an Express or Rapid Express from Shinjuku Station. With a Hakone Free Pass, the round-trip Odakyu section is included, making it economical.
- Romancecar (Limited Express): An all-reserved seat express train that arrives comfortably from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 80 minutes without transfers. Free Pass holders must still purchase a separate limited express ticket (1,200 yen one-way).
2) Using the Shinkansen
Advantageous if departing from near Tokyo or Shinagawa stations, or if moving quickly from Narita/Haneda airports.
- Route: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or a bus.
- From Narita Airport: Move to Tokyo/Shinagawa Station via Narita Express (N'EX) or Limousine Bus, then transfer to the Shinkansen (approx. 3,800 yen for a reserved seat).
- From Haneda Airport: Move to Shinagawa Station via the Keikyu Line, then transfer to the Shinkansen.
3) Using the Limousine Bus
Suitable for those wanting to travel in one go without the hassle of transfers.
- Service Info: One Limousine Bus per day (around 2:00 PM) runs from Haneda Airport toward Hakone. It is convenient if it aligns with your arrival time.
💡 Hakone and Kamakura in One Day?
Traveling to both Hakone and Kamakura in a single day can result in an extremely tight schedule due to long public transport times.
If you want to enjoy the core highlights of both regions with an efficient route, using a bus tour is a smart method. Moving in a dedicated vehicle allows you to complete a day trip without complex transfers.
💡 Travel Tip
If you have arrived at Odawara Station, you can purchase a Hakone Free Pass at the tourist information center inside the station. It is cheaper than the pass from Shinjuku (as it excludes the Odakyu round-trip fare), allowing Shinkansen users to enjoy unlimited transport within Hakone economically.
Essential Transport Passes for Hakone: Hakone Free Pass & Kamakura Pass GuideSmart choices for route, cost, and convenience.
1) Hakone Free Pass
An all-in-one pass covering one round-trip between Shinjuku and Odawara and unlimited use of 8 transport modes within Hakone.
- 8 Unlimited Transport Modes:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship)
- Hakone Tozan Bus (Designated areas)
- Note: Izu Hakone Bus (Line numbers Z, J, E, P, U, AT) cannot be used.
- Sightseeing Cruise Bus (Hakone Tozan Bus)
- Odakyu Highway Bus (Designated sections)
- Tokai Bus (Designated areas)
Ropeway and Pirate Ship operations may be suspended due to weather or maintenance. If specific modes are not running, an 'Owakudani Ticket' or 'Hakone Tozan Railway 1-Day Ticket' might be better value; always check real-time info.
Real-time Transport Status- Purchase and Collection Tip:
- For online purchases, you must exchange your voucher at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku Station West Exit. Since the center opens at 8:00 AM, it is better to exchange a day early if you plan an early morning departure, or use an automated machine.
2) Hakone Kamakura Pass
An integrated pass combining the Hakone Free Pass and the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass. This is the best choice if you plan to visit both regions.
- Major Benefits:
- Unlimited rides on all Odakyu lines
- Unlimited use of 8 Hakone transport modes and all Enoden lines
- Transfer Tip: Moving directly from Enoshima to Hakone takes about 1 hour 25 mins via the Odakyu Line. Using the JR Tokaido Main Line takes only 36 mins but incurs a separate fee (720 yen) outside the pass benefits.
Hakone-Yumoto, the Gateway to Hakone: Romancecar Booking & Transfer TipsTransfer tips to enjoy travel lightly by leaving your bags.
Hakone trips typically begin at Hakone-Yumoto Station. From here, travelers generally plan a circular route toward the lake or the mountains.
1) Travel by Regular Train
Take an Odakyu Rapid Express or Express from Shinjuku Station and transfer at Odawara Station for Hakone-Yumoto. Total travel time is approx. 1 hour 50 mins.
2) Using the Romancecar
A limited express train that reaches Hakone-Yumoto directly from Shinjuku in about 1 hour 10 mins.
- Booking Info: Online reservations open at 10:00 AM one month before the boarding date.
- Seating Tip:
- Observation seats offer great views but are highly competitive and can have strong direct sunlight.
- For standard seats, choose the right side toward Hakone or the left side toward Tokyo for the best Mt. Fuji views.
- Fare: Requires a limited express ticket (approx. 1,150 yen online / 1,200 yen on-site) in addition to your pass.
Upon reaching Hakone-Yumoto Station, try the Carry Service (Luggage Delivery). You can send your bags from the station to your accommodation and start sightseeing immediately and lightly. Discounts are provided for Hakone Free Pass holders.
Master Hakone Sights & Recommended Courses: From Owakudani to the Pirate ShipA packed route to efficiently tour popular spots.
The standard Hakone trip is a circular route starting from Hakone-Yumoto Station. The 'Hakone Shrine Torii' has recently become a viral Instagram spot and is known for very long queues.
💡 Route Selection Tip
If your goal is capturing a perfect photo at the shrine, we recommend the clockwise route. Take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto straight to Motohakone-ko Port and visit the shrine early in the morning to beat the crowds.
1) Hakone-Yumoto Station
The gateway to Hakone. Use the Carry Service to send bags ahead and enjoy sightseeing lightly from day one.
- Counter-clockwise: Board the Tozan Railway toward Gora Station.
- Clockwise: Board a bus (Lines R, H, or K) toward Motohakone-ko/Hakonemachi-ko.
2) Gora Station
A place filled with artistic flair. Sights include the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Gora Park.
- Food Recommendation: Tamura Ginkatsutei, where you can taste Hakone's famous Tofu Katsuni, is a must-visit.
- Transfer: If going counter-clockwise, take the Tozan Cable Car from here up to Sounzan.
3) Sounzan Station & Owakudani Station
This is the section where you ride the Hakone Ropeway. You can enjoy dynamic views of the volcanic zone from the sky.
- Owakudani Specialty: Be sure to try the Kuro-tamago (Black Eggs), simmered in sulfuric hot spring water until the shells turn black. Legend says eating one adds 7 years to your life. (500 yen for a set of 4).
- Caution: Ropeway service may be suspended due to high winds or volcanic gas levels; check real-time status.
4) Togendai-ko Port
The terminal of the ropeway and the departure point for the Hakone Pirate Ship. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Ashi from the boat.
- Pirate Ship Usage: Standard cabins are free with a Free Pass, but the more comfortable Special Cabin requires an extra 600 yen.
5) Hakonemachi-ko / Motohakone-ko Ports
The southern ports reached via the Pirate Ship. This is the best section for walking, featuring the Hakone Shrine and cedar forest paths.
- How to get to Hakone Shrine: It is closest to Motohakone-ko, about a 10–15 minute walk.
- Recommended Walk: The Ancient Cedar Avenue, with its 400-year history, is a wonderful place for a stroll in a quiet atmosphere.
- Return: Use the bus (Lines H, K, or R) from the port bus stops back to Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara Station.
💡 Time Management Tip
Major Hakone transport (Ropeway, Pirate Ship, etc.) often ends service between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. For day trips, depart early and verify the last service times for each point.
Recommended Day-trip Hakone Onsen & Guide: Tenseien & YunessunBest selection of hot springs to relieve fatigue.
Day-use Onsen (日帰り温泉)
The highlight of a Hakone trip is undoubtedly the hot springs. Even without an overnight stay, you can fully enjoy a soak using the Day-use Bathing systems where dedicated onsen facilities or ryokan baths are opened to outside guests. If you've come all the way to Hakone, we highly recommend a warm bath to melt away your travel fatigue.
1) Tenseien Day-use Onsen
A famous spot in the Hakone-Yumoto area known for its excellent accessibility and clean facilities.
- Fee: Adult 2,730 yen / Child 1,320 yen (Separate 50 yen bath tax for middle school and up).
- Features: The fee includes towels and a Yukata, so you can visit empty-handed. Relax in the open-air bath, then wear your Yukata and rest in the recliner nap room.
- How to Get There: Take the orange Route A shuttle bus (100 yen) from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Tenseien," or walk for about 12 minutes.
2) Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Recommended for families or couples who want to enjoy hot springs like a theme park.
- Composition: Divided into YUNESSUN, where you wear swimwear and enjoy wine or coffee baths, and Mori no Yu, a traditional gender-separated onsen.
- Fee: Passport (Yunessun + Mori no Yu) Adult 3,500 yen / Child 1,800 yen.
- How to Get There: Take a Line H bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at the 'Kowakien' stop (approx. 20 mins).
💡 Usage Tip
If you want to enjoy a private soak with family or a partner, try Tenseien's Private Rental Bath (60 mins 2,200 yen, admission separate). You must check availability and book at the ticket counter upon entry.