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Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
September 2, 2026
One of the most convenient ways to get from Tokyo to Hakone is to take the Odakyu Romancecar, which has reserved seating, from Shinjuku and go directly to Hakone-Yumoto without changing trains. The Odakyu Romancecar is the main mode of transport to Hakone, and it takes approximately 75 minutes at its fastest, and 80-90 minutes normally, to reach Hakone-Yumoto. This is suitable for day trips or overnight trips to Hakone. This article will introduce transportation options from Tokyo to Hakone in 2026, Hakone Free Pass fares, sightseeing plans, and recommended luxury accommodations around Hakone.
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The Odakyu Romancecar offers a direct, non-stop journey from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, and all seats are reserved. Some trains also have observation seats.
Even if you already have a Hakone Free Pass, you will need to purchase a separate limited express ticket to ride the Romancecar.
The express train fare from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto is currently 1,120 yen for adults one way. Please check the actual train schedule, seating, and fare displayed at the time of booking.
Odakyu Electric Railway:https://www.odakyu.jp/romancecar/
If you don't want to take the Romancecar, you can take a local or rapid express train to Odawara and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto. This will take longer, but you won't need to pay the additional express fare for the Romancecar, and there are no reserved seats.
Travelers staying near Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, or Yokohama can also take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line.
Some express buses depart from Shinjuku and head towards Gotemba, Sengokuhara, and Togendai. These are suitable for travelers whose destination is these areas, rather than Hakone-Yumoto.
| transportation | Main departure points | Main destinations | Acitivity Time | Adult one-way reference fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odakyu romance car | Shinjuku Station | Hakone Yumoto Station | Approximately 80 minutes, fastest time approximately 75 minutes | Approximately 2,420 to 2,470 yen |
| Odakyu local train | Shinjuku Station | Hakone Yumoto Station | Approximately 2 hour | About 1,270 yen |
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station | Odawara Station, then on to Hakone-Yumoto. | The journey from Tokyo to Odawara takes approximately 35 minutes, and after the transfer, it's about 15 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto. | Approximately 3,300 yen~ |
| Express Bus | Busta Shinjuku | Sengokuhara, Hakone Glass Forest, Togendai, etc. | Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 40 minutes | Approximately 2,420 to 2,730 yen |
The above are the officially announced fares for Odakyu Express Bus.
Currently, Hakone Free Passes are only available as 2-day and 3-day passes; there is no 1-day pass for day trips.
| Denomination | Adult | children |
|---|---|---|
| 2-day pass | ¥7,100 | ¥1,600 |
| 3-day pass | ¥7,500 | ¥1,850 |
The prices shown are effective from October 1, 2025. Romancecar express train tickets are not included.
Hakone Free Pass:https://www.hakonenavi.jp/transportation/ticket/freepass/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
| Day trip sightseeing spots | Stay time | Most recommended travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Owakudani（Fumarolic area of Hakone volcano） | 60-90 minutes | For first-time visitors and those who want to enjoy the natural scenery. |
| Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine | 90-120 minutes | Photography, couples, first-time visitors |
| Hakone Pirate Ship | 25-40 minutes | Family trip, first-time visitors |
| Gora Park | 45-75 minutes | Flower viewing, hands-on activities |
| The Hakone Open-Air Museum | 2 to 3 hours | Family trip, art lover |
| Hakone Glass Forest Museum | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Couple, photo shoot |
ⓒKanagawa Prefectural Tourist Association
In Owakudani, Hakone, you can still see sulfurous steam rising from the volcanic terrain. The most famous thing here is the "black egg," which has a black shell and is made using the hot spring water and steam. Locally, there is a legend that eating one black egg will extend your life by seven years.
note:
Access to Owakudani may be restricted due to volcanic gases, weather, strong winds, or safety reasons. Travelers with respiratory, heart, or related conditions should check the latest official safety information before departure.
ⓒKanagawa Prefectural Tourist Association
Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine are famous for the red torii gate of peace that stands in the middle of the lake. They were formerly known as Hakone Gongen and Sansho Daigongen.
Founded in 757 during the reign of Empress Koken, it boasts a history of over 1,200 years to this day.
The Hakone Pirate Ship is designed to resemble a Western sailing ship and connects Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone.
The pirate ship is not only an enjoyable tourist experience, but also an important mode of transportation on the Hakone sightseeing route. Inside the ship, there are areas that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, including 3D art and pirate-themed merchandise.
ⓒKanagawa Prefectural Tourist Association
Gora Park is one of Japan's earliest French-style gardens. The park features roses and seasonal flowers, as well as shops selling pottery, glass, and handicrafts. It's a great place to visit with children.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum displays large-scale sculptures and a collection of works related to Picasso. Furthermore, it features impressive pieces such as the "Symphony Sculpture that Brings Happiness," adorned with stained glass.
This is a representative food of Owakudani, made using hot spring water and volcanic steam, and is characterized by its black shell.
There are many soba restaurants around Hakone, and you can include one in your lunch after sightseeing in Hakone Yumoto, Gora, or Lake Ashi. Hakone Akatsuki-an Akatsuki-tei is especially recommended. Their Awayuki soba uses high-quality local wild yam.
This is a common souvenir found in the Hakone Yumoto hot spring resort area, and it's perfect for enjoying on the spot or taking back to Tokyo.
Address: 182-7 Yumotochaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 0460-85-7330
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday 11:00-20:00, closed on Wednesdays.
Official site:https://akatsukian.jp/shop-akatsukitei/
This hotel boasts one of the oldest natural hot springs in the Kanto region. Each guest room is equipped with natural hot spring water from the hotel's own source, rich in natural skin-beautifying ingredients. In addition, each room is equipped with a private barrel sauna and cold plunge pool. For meals, guests can enjoy carefully selected beef grilled on a rock-grilled surface, or half a charcoal-grilled spiny lobster caught in Sagami Bay.
If you're starting from Shinjuku and want to explore the entire Hakone sightseeing route, which includes the mountain railway, mountain cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, and bus, purchasing a Hakone Free Pass is convenient and likely to be more economical than buying individual tickets for each section.
Even on a day trip, you can visit major spots such as Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and the pirate ship. However, it's not ideal for leisurely visiting multiple art museums, soaking in hot springs, or enjoying traditional cuisine.
It is possible. However, it is recommended to reduce the number of visits to Owakudani, long-distance outdoor walking, and scenic viewpoints, and instead focus on art museums, hands-on workshops, hot springs, and the Hakone Yumoto shopping street.
The Hakone Free Pass includes regular train travel, but does not include Romancecar express train tickets. If you wish to ride the Romancecar, you will need to purchase a separate reserved seat express train ticket.
The most convenient options are to use the coin lockers, luggage storage service, or luggage delivery service at Hakone-Yumoto Station, or to go to your accommodation in advance and leave your luggage there.
It is not recommended to use mountain trains, cable cars, ropeways, or pirate ships while carrying large luggage.
If you're taking a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, you can choose the Hakone sightseeing route. For art lovers or on days with unpredictable weather, it's recommended to change your route to one that focuses on Gora and art museums. If you want to enjoy hot springs, admire Mount Fuji at your leisure, or are traveling during the autumn foliage season or a Japanese holiday, an overnight stay is more suitable.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
