Japan travel guide
Tokyo to Hakone: Romancecar, JR and the Free Pass
The Odakyu Romancecar runs Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes for ~2,500 yen (~A$25) — the best option. With a JR Pass, take the shinkansen to Odawara (35 min) and change to the local line (15 min). Either way, the 2-day Hakone Free Pass (6,100 yen from Shinjuku) covers the trip plus all loop transport and pays for itself quickly.
The options at a glance
| Romancecar (Odakyu) | ~85 min · ~2,500 yen (~A$25) · Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto, reserved seats |
|---|---|
| JR shinkansen + local | ~50 min · ~3,500–4,000 yen without pass · Tokyo stn → Odawara → Yumoto |
| Hakone Free Pass (2-day) | 6,100 yen (~A$61) from Shinjuku · covers return + all Hakone loop transport |
The Romancecar
Odakyu’s limited express leaves Shinjuku every 20–30 minutes and runs directly into Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway station — no changes. All seats reserved; the front-row "observation seats" book out first for the Fuji views. Book on the Odakyu site or at Shinjuku station machines. Without the Romancecar surcharge, regular Odakyu expresses take about two hours for ~1,300 yen — the budget play if your pass or hotel makes Yumoto the start.
The Free Pass maths
The 2-day Hakone Free Pass (6,100 yen from Shinjuku, less from Odawara) covers the return trip, the mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, pirate-ship lake crossing and local buses, plus discounts at sights like the Open-Air Museum (2,000 yen entry, pass discount applies). Doing the classic loop once — Yumoto → Gora → ropeway → lake → back — would cost more than the pass buying separately. Buy it at Shinjuku or Odawara stations.
With a JR Pass
Nationwide JR Pass holders should ride the Tokaido shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Odawara (35 minutes, Kodama or Hikari) and change to the private Hakone Tozan line (15 minutes, ~320 yen — not JR-covered). The Odawara version of the Free Pass (5,000 yen) then covers the loop. This route also suits anyone continuing to Kyoto or Osaka by shinkansen the next day — Odawara is on the way.
Our take
One night is the sweet spot: Romancecar in, loop the mountains and lake in the afternoon, sleep in a ryokan with an onsen, Fuji views next morning before the day-trippers. Our Hakone guide has the loop order and ryokan notes, and the two-week Japan itinerary shows where Hakone slots in.
Keep planning Japan
Tokyo to Hakone — FAQs
How do I get from Tokyo to Hakone?
The Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto takes about 85 minutes (~2,500 yen, all reserved). JR Pass holders take the shinkansen to Odawara (35 min) then the local line 15 minutes.
Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
Almost always — the 2-day pass (6,100 yen from Shinjuku) covers the return trip plus the mountain railway, ropeway, lake cruise and buses. Riding the classic loop once separately costs more than the pass.
Can I do Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes — leave by 8 am and the full loop (train, cable car, ropeway, lake ship) fits a long day. But one night in an onsen ryokan is the better Hakone; day-trippers miss the quiet mornings.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.