Hakone, known for its hot springs (onsen), stunning views of Mount Fuji, and beautiful nature, is a popular day trip or weekend getaway from Tokyo. Located about 90 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. This guide covers all the transportation options for getting from Tokyo to Hakone. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to travel from Tokyo to Hakone:
- By Odakyu Romancecar: A direct, comfortable, and scenic train option.
- By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The fastest way to reach Hakone.
- By Bus: A budget-friendly option with direct routes.
- By Private Car or Taxi: A convenient way to explore Hakone at your own pace.
- By Local Train: An adventurous option for travelers who enjoy scenic routes.
Each method has its advantages in terms of cost, time, and convenience, which we’ll explore below.
| Train Tokyo - Hakone Â¥ 8,105 1h 20m – 1h 40m | |
|
By Odakyu Romancecar: The Comfortable and Scenic Option
The Odakyu Romancecar is a direct and comfortable train service that runs from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone. It’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a scenic and relaxing journey.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: The Romancecar departs from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
- Arrival Point: Arrives at Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Duration: The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Price Range: Tickets cost around 2,280 to 2,400 JPY (~$16 to $22 USD), including a limited express fee.
- Operator: Odakyu Electric Railway.
Pros:
- Direct and scenic route with panoramic windows for great views.
- Comfortable seats and onboard amenities like food and drinks.
- No transfers required, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than local trains or buses.
- Limited departures compared to other train options.
Onboard Experience:
The Romancecar offers comfortable seating, spacious legroom, and large windows for viewing the surrounding landscape. Onboard refreshments are available, and some trains even offer a premium seating class for extra comfort.
Booking Tip:
It’s recommended to book Romancecar tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. You can secure your seats through our online search form.
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Fastest Option
For travelers looking to get to Hakone quickly, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest option. While not direct, you can combine the Shinkansen with local transportation to reach Hakone.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Shinkansen trains depart from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station.
- Arrival Point: Shinkansen arrives at Odawara Station, where you’ll transfer to a local train or bus to Hakone.
- Duration: The Shinkansen ride to Odawara takes about 35 minutes, followed by a 15-minute local train ride to Hakone-Yumoto.
- Price Range: Tickets cost around 3,220 to 4,180 JPY (~$25 to $40 USD), depending on the class and type of Shinkansen.
- Shinkansen Services:
- Kodama: The slowest but most affordable Shinkansen option.
- Hikari: A faster Shinkansen service, but less frequent.
Pros:
- The fastest travel option, reaching Odawara in just 35 minutes.
- Frequent departures throughout the day.
- Comfortable and spacious seating on the Shinkansen.
Cons:
- Requires a transfer from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto, adding travel time.
- More expensive than direct trains or buses.
Booking Tip:
Shinkansen tickets can be booked in advance, and if you’re traveling around Japan, consider using the Japan Rail Pass, which covers the Hikari and Kodama trains. You can book your Shinkansen tickets through our online search form.
By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Option
Buses provide an affordable and direct way to reach Hakone from Tokyo, with some services offering scenic views along the way.
Key Details:
- Departure Points: Buses depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or other locations in central Tokyo.
- Arrival Point: Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station or other points in Hakone.
- Duration: The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price Range: Bus tickets cost around 1,500 to 2,200 JPY (~$12 to $20 USD).
- Bus Operators:
- Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus: Provides frequent services to Hakone from Tokyo.
- JR Bus Kanto: Another reliable bus service with direct routes.
Pros:
- Affordable and great for budget-conscious travelers.
- Direct routes with no need for transfers.
- Scenic views along the way, especially during the autumn season.
Cons:
- Travel time can be affected by traffic, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Less comfortable than the Shinkansen or Romancecar.
Booking Tip:
Buses can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your seats.
By Private Car or Taxi: The Convenient Option
For those seeking privacy and flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi is a convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Hakone. This option allows you to explore Hakone at your own pace, making stops along the way.
Key Details:
- Duration: The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price Range: A private taxi or car hire costs between 20,000 to 40,000 JPY (~$180 to $360 USD), depending on the vehicle and service.
- Route: The most common route is via Tomei Expressway and Hakone Turnpike.
Pros:
- The most flexible and private option.
- Direct service with no need for transfers.
- Ideal for families or groups traveling together.
Cons:
- More expensive than public transport options.
- Traffic can affect travel time, especially on weekends.
Booking Tip:
Private transfers can be arranged through travel agencies or online platforms. Use our online search form to book a private car or taxi for a convenient journey.
By Local Train: The Scenic and Slower Option
For travelers who enjoy scenic train rides, taking local trains from Tokyo to Hakone is an adventurous and affordable option. This route involves transfers but offers great views along the way.
Key Details:
- Departure Points: Local trains depart from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station.
- Route: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach Hakone-Yumoto.
- Duration: The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, including transfers.
- Price Range: Tickets cost around 1,500 to 2,000 JPY (~$12 to $18 USD).
- Train Services:
- Odakyu Line: A local train from Shinjuku to Odawara.
- Hakone Tozan Railway: A scenic mountain railway from Odawara to Hakone.
Pros:
- Scenic route with beautiful views of the countryside and mountains.
- Affordable and ideal for budget travelers.
- Great for those who enjoy local train journeys.
Cons:
- Requires transfers and has a longer travel time compared to direct options.
- Limited luggage space on local trains.
Booking Tip:
For travelers using local trains, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time. Use our online search form to check train schedules and plan your scenic journey to Hakone.
Final Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone
- Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Hakone are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is stunning.
- Hakone Free Pass: If you plan to explore Hakone extensively, consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass, which covers transportation within Hakone, including trains, buses, and the cable car.
- Book in Advance: Whether you’re taking the train or bus, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Use our online search form at the top of this page to compare all travel options and book your trip to Hakone.
