Ah, so you’re planning that classic Tokyo to Hakone trip - and it’s your first time? You’re in for something truly special.
When it comes to epic day trips from the capital, Hakone is hard to beat.
It’s the perfect city escape, loved for its soothing onsens, postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji, and peaceful nature that’ll have you feeling zen in no time - a welcome break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The best part? It’s super easy to get there, with plenty of travel options.
Whether you’re hopping on a bullet train, catching a direct bus, or even driving yourself, we’ve got all the routes covered.
From Shinkansen to road trips, here are the best and cheapest ways to travel from Tokyo to Hakone.
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo by Train 🚅
The Hakone mountains are calling! And the good news? There are plenty of ways to reach Hakone, so you can soak in that abundant nature in no time.
One of the easiest - and most popular - options is by train. In fact, many travellers consider this the best way to travel, especially if you're after comfort and speed.
Whichever route you take, you’ll end up at Hakone-Yumoto Station. It’s the main gateway to the area.
From there, you can connect to the rest of Hakone by local trains, buses, and cable cars.
So what’s the best train from Tokyo to Hakone? Let’s break down your options.
Option 1: Shinkansen via Odawara: The Fastest Way from Tokyo to Hakone
If you're all about speed and want to maximise your time in Hakone, hopping on a Shinkansen is the way to go.
You can take a Kodama or Hikari train from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Odawara - the last bullet train stop before Hakone.
The fastest option would be the Kodama train, which should take roughly 35 to 40 minutes. Price-wise, it would be 3,280 to 3,800 yen depending on your seat choice.
From Odawara, it’s a quick 15-minute ride on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Hakone-Yumoto.
The Hakone Tozan line is Japan’s oldest mountain railway. And it offers spectacular views along the way.
While the lower section (Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto) is shared with Odakyu trains, the upper section from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora Station is where the magic happens.
You’ll ride small mountain trains that wind through forested slopes. And if you're visiting in June or July, colourful hydrangea (ajisai) will bloom right by the tracks.
Hakone Gora Park is also worth a stop if you're coming along via the Hakone Tozan Railway.
And yes, we know what you're thinking.
The great news is that you can easily travel from Tokyo to Hakone using the JR Pass - making it one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for Japan Rail Pass holders.
Travel time: About 45 to 55 minutes in total
Cost: Around 3,550–3,920 yen one-way
Covered by Japan Rail Pass? Yes
Good for: Speed, comfort, and continuing on to Kyoto or Osaka
Heads up: You’ll need to transfer at Odawara
Quick tip: If you're carrying luggage or heading to other cities after Hakone, this route makes travel smooth and efficient.
Option 2: Visit Hakone in Style with the Romance Car from Shinjuku
If you’re not in a rush and love the idea of a scenic ride through the countryside, this might be right up your alley.
The Romancecar is a comfortable limited express train that takes you directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto - no transfers needed. It’s super easy and fuss-free with its direct connection.
No wonder it’s long been a favourite among travellers who want to journey at a more relaxed pace. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from your seat.
Just a heads-up: you need a limited express ticket, and that'll set you back an extra 1,200 yen on top of the regular fare. That limited express surcharge is required in addition to your base train fare.
Remember, you cannot board the Romancecar without a reserved ticket.
Travel time: About 85–90 minutes
Romancecar price: Around 2,470 yen one-way (including a 1,200 yen limited express surcharge)
Good for: A scenic, no-hassle ride with reserved seats
Heads up: Only departs from Shinjuku and takes a bit longer than the Shinkansen
Quick tip: Book the Limited Express Romancecar service in advance. Seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Try to snag a front-row seat in the observation car for panoramic views. If those are taken, the back car of the Odakyu 70000 series is a great alternative. You’ll still get stunning countryside scenery as you ride in style.
Option 3: Regular Odakyu Train
Travelling on a budget? Your Hakone day trip doesn’t have to break the bank.
The best value option is to take a local or express Odakyu train from Shinjuku. It’s the cheapest way to get to Hakone.
And if you time it right, some trains even go all the way to Hakone-Yumoto without requiring a transfer.
Travel time-wise, it should take you approximately two hours via this method.
As for the cost of a train from Tokyo to Hakone on a regular Odakyu line? That'd be just 1,270 yen, making it the most wallet-friendly option you can go for.
Even better, a round-trip on the Odakyu Line is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass, whether you're departing from Shinjuku or Odawara.
Just keep in mind that the last train from Tokyo to Hakone depart around 9pm.
Travel time: Around 90–120 minutes
Cost: About 1,270 yen one-way
Covered by the Free Pass? Yes
Good for: Saving money and flexible travel
Heads up: Trains can get crowded, and you may need to transfer at Odawara
Quick tip: Take the regular train on the way out, then treat yourself to the Romancecar on the return leg. After a long day of sightseeing, the added comfort - and those countryside views - are worth the small upgrade.
Getting from Tokyo to Hakone by Bus
Not keen on taking the train? The Odakyu-Hakone Highway Bus is another easy option.
Photo: @premium_ho.kai_dream on Instagram
It runs straight from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Tōgendai, right by Lake Ashi.
Honestly, it's perfect if you're staying near the lake.
If you're also wondering where to start the Hakone Loop, this side is a good way to circle the Hakone region.
Travel time: About 2 hours 15 minutes (can take longer with traffic)
Cost: Around 2,010 yen one-way - or just 1,000 yen with the Hakone Free Pass (not fully covered by the pass, just discounted to a cheaper price)
Tickets: Just show up and buy at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center located five-minutes from the terminal; no booking needed in most cases
Quick tip: during peak periods, you might want to make seat reservations - it gets crowded real quick.
Why choose the Odakyu Highway Bus?
Taking the bus from Tokyo to Hakone is direct, so no need to figure out train connections.
You can stash your luggage underneath - no juggling bags and all that bother.
Great if you're heading to Tōgendai, Lake Ashi, or doing the loop in reverse. Why? Well, you may actually avoid the crowds!
Doing the Hakone Loop in reverse (bus → cruise → ropeway → cable car → train) helps you stay ahead of tour groups, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
A few things to note:
If you're planning to head to Hakone-Yumoto, the Odakyu Highway Bus doesn’t stop there. You’ll need a local bus if that’s your destination.
Weekend traffic can slow things down, which is always a bummer.
Without the Hakone Free Pass, it’s about the same price as the train. So make sure you grab one in advance.
Buses run about once an hour. And while most signs are in Japanese, Odakyu staff are there to help - no need to stress about opening up Duolingo every day.
Bonus tip: Planning to shop? The bus route also stops at Gotemba Premium Outlets. And yes, the Hakone Free Pass covers the bus ride between Gotemba and Hakone too. Handy if you want to squeeze in some outlet deals.
Driving from Tokyo to Hakone
Not a fan of train schedules?
Then driving from Tokyo to Hakone might be more your jam. It gives you full control over your trip - great if you're travelling with others, carrying lots of luggage, or just like doing things at your own pace.
So, how long does it take to get from Tokyo to Hakone by car?
On a good day with smooth traffic, about two hours.
The distance is around 85 to 100 kilometres, and most people take the Tomei Expressway or the Odawara-Atsugi Road.
Why it might be worth it:
Self-driving from Tokyo to Hakone means total flexibility. Stop wherever you want, whenever you want - no one telling you what to do or when to do it.
Super convenient if you're coming straight from Narita or Haneda Airport.
Got time to spare? Add a detour or two. Want to shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets? Easy. Swing by the Fuji Five Lakes? A car gets you there, no problem.
A few things to watch out for:
Mountain roads in Hakone are steep, winding, and can get crowded on weekends.
Tolls add up - expect to pay roughly 5,000 yen round trip (although a one-way trip would set you back 3,000 yen).
Parking can be tricky at popular spots, though most ryokans and hotels offer free parking.
If you go from Tokyo to Hakone by car, you may miss out on the scenic local rides - like the ropeway, pirate ship, and mountain train - all covered by the Hakone Free Pass. That said, the drive itself is pretty scenic too.
Final thoughts:
If you're confident on Japanese roads and want full flexibility, a self-drive from Tokyo to Hakone is a solid choice. But if it’s your first trip and you're just looking to relax, public transport is honestly easier and often more fun if you’d rather skip the hassle of navigation.
Besides, if you're going to be stuck behind a tour bus... you might as well be on it.
Time- and Money-Saving Hakone Transport Passes
Want to save some yen and skip the hassle of buying tickets at every stop?
These passes can make your Tokyo to Hakone day trip way smoother and cheaper too.
Japan Rail Pass
If you're planning to travel around Japan - think Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more - you've probably looked into the Japan Rail Pass.
It gives you unlimited rides on JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 days, and can be a great deal if you're covering long distances. We highly recommend getting one if you're planning loads of train-hopping in Japan in any case.
For Hakone specifically, though, the Japan Rail Pass lets you ride the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama) from Tokyo to Odawara, getting you most of the way there without spending extra.
The catch? It doesn’t cover transport within Hakone, like the mountain train, Hakone ropeway, or sightseeing boats. That’s where the Hakone Free Pass comes in. Most travellers just use the Japan Rail Pass to get to Odawara, then switch to the Free Pass for everything local.
Should you get the JR Pass just for Hakone? Definitely not. It only makes sense if you’re also visiting other cities. But if you already have one, Hakone fits in easily and you can pair it with a 7-day or 14-day JR itinerary to get the most out of your pass.
Hakone Free Pass
This one’s a winner.
The Hakone Free Pass gives you unlimited rides on pretty much every local public transportation option in the Hakone area.
We're talking about trains and buses to the ropeway and pirate ship cruise.
You also get discounts for entrance fees at museums, onsens, and other attractions.
You can choose where to start your trip. Just note that the Hakone Free Pass price depends on whether the round-trip transport from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station is included.
From Shinjuku Station: Includes round-trip on the Odakyu Line
Price: 6,100 yen (2-day) / 6,500 yen (3-day)
From Odawara Station: Ideal if you’re using the JR Pass or Shinkansen to get to Odawara
Price: 5,000 yen (2-day) / 5,400 yen (3-day)
Why it’s great:
Covers eight types of transport in one ticket and discounts at 70+ locations
Saves you from fumbling for cash or figuring out local fares
Worth it even for a packed Hakone day tour, and even more so if you're doing the full loop
Hakone Kamakura Pass
Got three days and want to see both Hakone and Kamakura? This pass might just be a godsend. It costs 7,520 yen and covers:
Round-trip from Shinjuku
Unlimited travel on Odakyu Lines, the Hakone Free Pass network, and the Enoden tram in Kamakura
Perfect if you're doing a loop like Tokyo → Hakone → Kamakura → Tokyo.
Just note: this pass only works on Odakyu lines, so you won’t be able to use JR trains in Kamakura - so plan your route wisely. Also, the Romancecar surcharge is not included with this pass.
Quick Recap: Which Pass Should You Get?
Pass | Best for | Price (from) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
Cross-country travel | 50,000 yen (7-day) | JR trains only (not local Hakone) | |
Exploring Hakone easily | 5,000-6,100 yen (2-day) | All local transport + discounts | |
Hakone + Kamakura in 3 days | 7,520 yen | Odakyu + Enoden lines |
Things to Do in Hakone
Itineraries and Top Attractions for 1, 2 or 3 Days
Not sure what to do in Hakone?
Whether you're planning a quick day trip from Tokyo or staying longer in a ryokan, Hakone has no shortage of things to see and do.
From scenic ropeways to pirate ship cruises and steaming volcanic valleys, it's packed with iconic Hakone attractions.
To make it easy, we’ve put together a few sample itineraries - whether you’ve got just one day or a long weekend.
They're designed around your travel style and help you make the most of your time (and passes!) in this stunning onsen town.
Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
Best for: First-timers short on time
Travel style: Guided tour or DIY with bullet train + buses
Itinerary:
8:00am – Depart Tokyo (by tour bus or Shinkansen to Odawara)
10:30am – Arrive at Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting)
12:00pm – Lunch near Mt. Fuji or Gotemba
1:30pm – Head to Owakudani volcanic valley (by ropeway)
3:00pm – Cruise across Lake Ashi on the sightseeing ship
4:30pm – Return to Tokyo (bus or bullet train)
🔄 Ideal as a full-day tour - no transfers to worry about, and a good option if you don’t have a JR Pass or Hakone Free Pass.
Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
Best for: Day trippers from Tokyo with the Hakone Free Pass
Travel style: DIY (Odakyu Line or Shinkansen + Free Pass)
Itinerary:
8:00am – Depart Shinjuku (Romancecar or Odakyu Line)
9:30am – Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto
10:00am – Take Hakone Tozan train to Gora
11:00am – Ride the cable car to Sounzan
11:30am – Take the ropeway to Owakudani
1:00pm – Cruise across Lake Ashi from Tōgendai to Moto-Hakone (that's where you get the best Mount Fuji views)
2:30pm – Drop by Hakone Shrine or explore Moto-Hakone
4:30pm – Return to Tokyo
🎫 All transport is covered by the Hakone Free Pass - super convenient and cost-effective.
Hakone 2 Day Itinerary
Best for: Visitors who want to take it slow and stay overnight
Travel style: DIY with Free Pass + ryokan stay
Day 1:
Morning: Travel from Shinjuku or Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto
Midday: Do the Hakone Loop (Tozan train → ropeway → cruise)
Afternoon: Drop by Hakone Shrine or Cedar Avenue
Evening: Check into a ryokan and enjoy a traditional dinner + onsen
Day 2:
Morning: Explore Gora Park and Hakone Open-Air Museum
Optional: Visit Owakudani again or try local soba
Afternoon: Head back to Tokyo by train
Pro tip: book a ryokan with onsen for the full Hakone experience.
Hakone 3 Day Itinerary
Best for: Slow travellers, couples, or those combining nature + culture
Travel style: DIY with time to wander
Day 1:
Arrive and do the full Hakone Loop
Visit Owakudani + Lake Ashi cruise
Overnight at a ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto or Gora
Day 2:
Morning: Drop by Hakone Open-Air Museum
Afternoon: Try a craft workshop at Gora Park or a tea ceremony
Evening: Relax in a different onsen for a much-needed hot spring bath or explore a local izakaya
Optional night at a second hotel or resort
Day 3:
Visit Pola Museum of Art or Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Head back to Tokyo
Hakone Free Pass Itinerary
Best for: Travellers who want maximum value and simplicity
Travel style: DIY using only what's covered by the Free Pass
Day 1 (Full loop):
Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Ropeway → Owakudani → Lake Ashi cruise → Moto-Hakone
Visit Hakone Jinja Shrine
Stay overnight near Gora or Lake Ashi
Day 2:
Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum
Ride the Tozan train again or explore shops around Hakone-Yumoto
Head back to Shinjuku
🧾 All transport is covered. Just flash your pass and go.
Wrapping Up Your Hakone Adventure
Whether you're cruising across from Hakone Togendai, hiking through steep slopes around Owakudani Station, or soaking in a peaceful onsen at a ryokan in the Gora area, one thing's for sure. Hakone packs a lot into a small corner of Kanagawa Prefecture.
With the Hakone Freepass in hand, getting around is simple and stress-free, covering various forms of transport including trains, buses, cable cars, and even boats.