How to Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone, the hot-spring and Mt Fuji-view resort area, is one of the easiest escapes from Tokyo: about 85 minutes on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (from around ¥2,470), or 50 minutes by shinkansen to Odawara plus a short local train, which suits JR Pass holders. Here's exactly how each option works, what it costs, and which to choose.

Quick comparison

Tokyo to Hakone by train

Two rail routes work, and the right one depends on whether you hold a Japan Rail Pass:

• Odakyu Romancecar: a reserved-seat limited express from Shinjuku direct to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes, from around ¥2,470. Comfortable and scenic, but not a JR line, so it's not covered by the JR Pass.
• Shinkansen + Hakone-Tozan Line: Kodama or some Hikari services reach Odawara in about 35 minutes from Tokyo or Shinagawa (JR Pass covered), then the Hakone-Tozan Line climbs to Hakone-Yumoto in about 15 minutes (around ¥360, not covered).
• Odakyu local/express: the slow-and-cheap option from Shinjuku with a change at Odawara, about 2 hours from around ¥1,270.

Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway town; from there the Hakone-Tozan railway, cable car, ropeway and Lake Ashi sightseeing boats form the classic loop past Owakudani's volcanic springs.

Do you need to reserve a seat?

The Romancecar is all reserved, so book ahead on weekends, in autumn leaves season and around public holidays; weekday seats are usually easy to get on the day. The shinkansen and Hakone-Tozan Line legs don't need reservations for this short hop.

First and last trains

Romancecars run from Shinjuku roughly every 30 to 60 minutes from early morning until evening; the shinkansen-to-Odawara route runs even more frequently. Day trips are easy in either direction.

How to buy Tokyo to Hakone tickets

• Online in advance is simplest for visitors. Check times and book your tickets here.
• Odakyu ticket machines and counters at Shinjuku for Romancecar seats and the Hakone Free Pass.
• JR ticket machines or offices for the shinkansen leg if you're routing via Odawara.

Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass

If you're making several long journeys, a Japan Rail Pass can save money, but it was repriced in late 2023, so check today's price against your trips first. For this route the pass covers the shinkansen to Odawara (Kodama and Hikari; Nozomi doesn't stop there), but not the Odakyu Romancecar or the Hakone-Tozan Line beyond Odawara, so pass holders should route via Odawara and pay the small Tozan fare on top. Not sure it's worth it? See our guide to Japan Rail Pass prices and whether it's worth it.

Tokyo to Hakone by bus

Odakyu Hakone Highway Buses run from Shinjuku's Busta terminal direct to the Lake Ashi area in about 2 hours 15 minutes from around ¥2,240, handy if you're staying by the lake rather than in Hakone-Yumoto. Book on the Japan Bus Online site.

Driving from Tokyo to Hakone

About 1.5 to 2 hours via the Tomei Expressway when traffic is kind, but weekend congestion is notorious and mountain parking is limited. The train is easier for almost everyone; you'll want an International Driving Permit if you do drive.

Luggage tips for Hakone

Hakone's mountain trains and ropeways are not luggage friendly. Use the Hakone Baggage Delivery service at Hakone-Yumoto Station to send bags to your ryokan, or takkyubin from your Tokyo hotel, and travel with a daypack.

So what is the best way to get from Tokyo to Hakone?

No JR Pass? Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku with a Hakone Free Pass for the loop. With a JR Pass, ride the shinkansen to Odawara and hop on the Hakone-Tozan Line. The bus suits Lake Ashi stays; driving suits almost nobody.

Frequently asked questions