Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo (2026): The Loop, the Freepass and a Plan That Works
Hakone is a long but easy day trip from Tokyo. Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku early, ride the classic loop (mountain train, cable car, ropeway over Owakudani, boat across Lake Ashi, bus back), and you're in Shinjuku again by evening. The 2-day Hakone Freepass at ¥7,100 costs about the same as the separate tickets for that loop, so buy it: it's simpler and adds discounts.
On 6 November 2026 we read the fares, pass prices and maintenance notices on Odakyu's and Hakone Navi's official sites. Note the ropeway closures in December 2026 and January–February 2027.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. The Freepass costs the same at Odakyu stations, and we say so.
What is the Hakone loop?
Most visitors ride it anticlockwise, starting with the train from Hakone-Yumoto. Each leg below is the official adult one-way fare.
Is the Hakone Freepass worth it for one day?
Yes, if you do the full loop. The Odakyu return from Shinjuku (¥2,540) plus the train, cable car, ropeway and cruise (¥4,590) is ¥7,130 before the bus. The 2-day Freepass from Shinjuku is ¥7,100 and covers all of that plus the bus. For a short visit to Hakone-Yumoto's onsen only, skip it.
Hakone Freepass at Odakyu
Sold at Odakyu stations and ticket machines, Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers, and as a smartphone pass on EMot. Eight kinds of transport, including the Odakyu return. Discounts at about 70 places.
Hakone Freepass voucher
The product page explains how to redeem the voucher in Japan; read it before you buy. Useful if you want everything booked before you fly; otherwise the station machine is just as good.
Affiliate linksGoing on to Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko as well? The 3-day Fuji Hakone Pass (¥11,100) covers both areas. Fuji Hakone Pass →
A day plan that works
- Early morningRomancecar from Shinjuku, with the seat reserved ahead (see below).
- MorningHakone-Yumoto. Leave big bags at the luggage counter (see below) and board the Tozan Train.
- Late morningChokoku-no-Mori Station: Hakone Open-Air Museum, a 2-minute walk.
- MiddayCable car to Sounzan, ropeway to Owakudani. Lunch and the valley views.
- AfternoonRopeway on to Togendai, then the cruise to Moto-Hakone. Walk the cedar avenue or visit Hakone Shrine.
- Late afternoonBus back to Hakone-Yumoto. Onsen, then a Romancecar to Shinjuku.
What should I book ahead?
- Romancecar seats Book on Odakyu's site or the EMot app (¥50 cheaper online). Book as soon as your date is fixed, especially for a weekend.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum Online tickets are ¥1,800 instead of ¥2,000 at the door. Hakone Open-Air Museum guide →
- Freepass No need to book ahead: buy it at the Odakyu station on the day, or on EMot.You'll need data for bus times and the ropeway status. A Japan eSIM is set up before you fly.Japan eSIM on Klook ↗
Can I bring my suitcase?
Better not: you'd be carrying it on and off five different vehicles. At Hakone-Yumoto Station there's a luggage counter open 8:30–18:30. Drop bags by 12:00 and they're delivered the same day to partner hotels in Hakone, for ¥1,500 (up to 140 cm, 15 kg) or ¥2,500 (up to 200 cm, 30 kg) per item.
On a day trip, use coin lockers at Shinjuku instead, or send your bags to your next hotel. Luggage delivery in Japan →
What if…?
…the ropeway is closed?
Planned maintenance (7–24 Dec 2026 Owakudani–Sounzan; 12 Jan–26 Feb 2027 Togendai–Ubako–Owakudani) has replacement buses that accept the Freepass. For wind or volcanic-gas stops, the official pages describe a refund of the unused section. Check Hakone Navi on the day for the operating status before you go up.
…it's cloudy and I won't see Fuji?
Hakone is still worth it for the museum, the onsen and the lake. Fuji views from Hakone need a clear day, so check the forecast before you go.
…I only have half a day?
Go to Hakone-Yumoto for an onsen and the Open-Air Museum, and skip the ropeway and boat. A Freepass won't pay off.
Hakone day tour from Tokyo
One booking for the trip from Tokyo and the main sights. Check what each itinerary includes, especially during the ropeway closures. Less freedom, but no timetables to check.
Affiliate links. Compare the tour price with the Freepass (¥7,100) plus the Romancecar fee.What we checked
odakyu-global.com Hakone Freepass: ¥7,100 / ¥7,500 from Shinjuku, ¥6,000 / ¥6,400 from Odawara; Romancecar about 80 min; fee ¥1,200 not included; day 1 is the purchase date.
Hakone Navi fare pages: train ¥460, cable car ¥430, ropeway ¥2,000, cruise ¥1,700 (ropeway and cruise raised on 1 Oct 2025).
Hakone Navi maintenance notice: the two ropeway closures and replacement buses for Freepass holders.
Odakyu baggage service page: Hakone-Yumoto counter hours, 12:00 cut-off and prices.
Staying the night?
With a ryokan night the loop is relaxed, and the 2-day Freepass covers both days. From Hakone you can also continue to Kawaguchiko for Fuji views.
Affiliate link