Hakone Itinerary And Rail Pass

Odakyu Railway's Hakone Free Pass: Your Ticket to Explore Hakone

The Odakyu Railway’s Hakone Free Pass is a budget-friendly choice for those looking to explore the scenic Hakone region. This versatile pass provides unlimited access to a wide range of transport modes affiliated with Odakyu, including buses, trains, boats, cable cars, and ropeways within Hakone. It also offers discounts on admissions to select local attractions, making it ideal for a comprehensive exploration of the area. The pass is valid for a consecutive two or three-day period, with an added option of a cost-effective round trip from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo

Validity and Transportation Options

A key feature of the Hakone Free Pass is the inclusion of a round trip option from Tokyo to Odawara Station via Odakyu-operated local or express trains. It’s important to note, however, that this excludes the “Romance Car” service. While Shinjuku Station is Odakyu’s main Tokyo hub, you can also start your journey from other Odakyu stations. Opting for the “Romance Car” incurs an additional fee and a seat reservation requirement, priced at 1200 yen one way from Shinjuku, or 1150 yen with an e-ticket. Passes purchased within the free area, such as at Odawara Station, do not cover the Odakyu train segment between Odawara and Shinjuku.

Exploring the Free Area with Ease

The pass unlocks limitless travel in the free area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara to Gora, the Souzan Cablecar, and the Hakone Ropeway from Gora to Togendai. Additionally, it covers the Hakone Sightseeing Boats on Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Tozan and Odakyu buses within the free area, and the Numazu Tozan Tokai buses connecting Mishima and Moto-Hakone. This extensive network ensures a hassle-free exploration of Hakone’s natural beauty.

Pricing and Where to Buy

The 2-day pass from Shinjuku costs 6100 yen, and the 3-day pass is priced at 6500 yen, including the round trip. When purchased within the free area, such as at Odawara Station, the 2-day pass is 5000 yen and the 3-day pass is 5400 yen. The Hakone Free Pass is available at Odakyu stations, including Shinjuku in Tokyo and stations within the free area like Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto, and Mishima. For added convenience, there’s also a digital version available online for smartphone use.

Economical Choice for Extensive Travel

If you’re planning the classic Hakone round trip from Tokyo, which includes train, cablecar, ropeway, boat, and bus travel, regular ticket costs would exceed 7000 yen, making the Hakone Free Pass a more economical option. However, for shorter trips like a round trip from Shinjuku to Lake Ashinoko and back, which costs about 4600 yen with regular tickets, the pass might not offer the same value.

Using the Digital Pass

Purchasing the pass online from platforms like emot tickets or Klook is straightforward. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email with a link to download the digital ticket, usually in PDF or image format. Simply present the digital ticket on your smartphone at relevant checkpoints, ensuring the QR code or barcode is visible for scanning.

Full Day Itinerary in Hakone

Morning Departure: Embark on your adventure early, departing from Shinjuku Station at 7:00 am. Consider the “Romance Car” for a more luxurious and scenic journey, gliding through the picturesque landscapes that connect Tokyo to Hakone. The comfortable seating and panoramic windows enhance the travel experience, offering a prelude to the natural beauty of Hakone.

Arrival in Hakone Yumoto: After arriving at Hakone Yumoto, the gateway to the Hakone region, board the Hozan bus for a scenic 30-minute journey to Hakonemachi-ko or the Hakone Checkpoint. This route offers glimpses of the region’s lush greenery and traditional architecture, setting the tone for your day in Hakone.

Exploring Hakone: Begin your exploration at the serene Hakone Shrine, nestled among towering trees and beside the peaceful Lake Ashi. This historic shrine, shrouded in mystique and natural beauty, provides a perfect opportunity for reflection and photography. Next, embark on a tranquil boat ride across Lake Ashi, a crater lake formed by volcanic activity. The lake offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days, creating a picture-perfect moment.

Lunch: Indulge in a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants, where you can savor Hakone’s regional cuisine. Options range from freshly caught seafood to traditional Japanese dishes, providing an authentic taste of the area’s culinary heritage.

Owakudani Visit: Journey to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. Here, you can try the famous black egg, a local delicacy cooked in the naturally hot water. According to legend, eating one of these eggs can add seven years to your life.

Ropeway to Sounzan: Next, take the Hakone Rope way to Sounzan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The rope way ride is a thrilling experience, with panoramic vistas that change with every season, from vibrant autumn leaves to the snowy landscapes of winter.

Gora and Cable Car: Arrive in Gora, a charming town known for its hot springs and the Hakone Gora Park. Enjoy a ride on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, one of the world’s steepest, which provides a unique vantage point over Gora’s scenic beauty. The Hakone Gora Park, with its flower gardens and tea house, offers a peaceful retreat.

Hakone Open-Air Museum: Your next stop is the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan’s first open-air art museum. This unique space blends art with nature, featuring sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. It also includes indoor galleries and a natural hot spring foot bath, where you can relax and soak your feet while enjoying art.

Relaxing Onsen: Conclude your day at Hakone Yuryo, a traditional onsen (hot spring) bathhouse. It’s the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your day’s adventures, soaking in the therapeutic waters that Hakone is famous for.

Return to Tokyo: Your journey concludes with a return trip from Hakone Yumoto to Tokyo. Opt for a regular train back to Odawara Station, and then board an express train to Tokyo, carrying with you memories of a day well spent in one of Japan’s most picturesque regions.

Additional Attractions and Accommodations

For those staying overnight in Hakone, there are numerous additional attractions and accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels like Hakone Hostel 1914 to luxurious options such as Gora Kadan and Hananoyado Fukuya.

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Hakone Museum of Art
Chisuji Falls
Traditional Ryokan Stays
Spa Resorts

This comprehensive guide to using the Odakyu Railway’s Hakone Free Pass ensures an enriching and budget-friendly experience in one of Japan’s most picturesque regions.

Hotels to stay in:

Budget friendly