Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is not a JR product, which is the first thing to understand about it. It is an Odakyu ticket, and it covers the loop of small railways, cable cars, ropeways and boats that make Hakone worth visiting in the first place.

What the Hakone Free Pass covers

Unlimited use of the Odakyu-affiliated transport network inside Hakone, plus a return trip from Shinjuku if you buy that version.

• Odakyu line, Shinjuku to Odawara return, on the version that includes it
• Hakone Tozan Railway, the switchback mountain line to Gora
• Hakone Tozan Cable Car up to Sounzan
• Hakone Ropeway over the sulphur vents at Owakudani
• Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, the pirate ships across Lake Ashi
• Hakone Tozan buses and selected Odakyu highway buses
• Discounted entry at roughly 70 attractions in the area

The Romancecar, Odakyu’s reserved limited express, needs a supplementary fare on top of the pass.

Why the loop matters

Hakone is designed to be travelled as a circuit rather than out and back, and the pass exists because the circuit crosses several operators. The usual direction is Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto, the Tozan railway up to Gora, the cable car to Sounzan, the ropeway over Owakudani, then the boat across Lake Ashi and a bus back down.

Buying each leg separately costs more than the pass in almost every case, which is why this is one of the few Japanese transport passes that is nearly always worth it if you complete the loop.

Is it worth it?

If you do the full loop, yes, comfortably. If you are going straight to one onsen and staying there, no. The Hakone area version at ¥6,000 makes sense if you are already staying locally or arriving by a route other than the Odakyu line.

The three day version costs only ¥400 more than the two day, so if there is any chance of a slower trip, take the longer one.

What to see along the loop

Owakudani is the volcanic valley the ropeway crosses, with steam vents and the black eggs boiled in the sulphur springs. Note that the ropeway occasionally closes at short notice on volcanic activity, and buses substitute.

Lake Ashi gives the classic view of Mount Fuji behind the red torii gate at Hakone Shrine, on the clear days you will need some luck to get. The Hakone Open-Air Museum near Gora is worth an hour, and the Okada Museum and Pola Museum are both strong.

How to buy

Available as a digital pass through the Odakyu site or Klook, or as a paper ticket from ticket machines and offices at Odakyu stations including Shinjuku, and at points inside the Hakone area.

Unlike JR regional passes there is no Temporary Visitor restriction, so anyone can buy it.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hakone Free Pass covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

No. It is an Odakyu product and entirely separate from JR. The two do not overlap, although a JR pass can get you as far as Odawara.

Does it include the Romancecar?

No. The Romancecar requires a supplementary limited express fare on top of the pass.

Two days or three?

Three costs only ¥400 more. Unless your schedule is fixed and tight, take the three day version.

Can Japanese residents buy it?

Yes. There is no visitor status restriction on this pass.

Check Hakone Free Pass prices