Is the Hakone Romancecar worth it?

If anyone is interested in travelling on different forms of transport or seeing a regional area close to Tokyo in an easy going, comfortable trip then the Hakone Freepass with Romancecar option is definitely worth considering and if you happen to see Mt Fuji then that is an added bonus.



The Odakyu Romancecar is absolutely worth the small "Limited Express" surcharge for travelers heading from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone. For a relatively low additional fee (approximately ¥1,150 or $8 USD in 2026), you gain access to a direct, seat-reserved journey that takes about 75 to 90 minutes. This is significantly faster and more comfortable than the standard local trains, which require at least one transfer at Odawara and can be quite crowded. The primary "worth" comes from the experience itself: most Romancecar models feature massive, oversized panoramic windows, and the "GSE" (70000 series) model offers iconic "Observation Seats" at the very front or back of the train for a driver's-eye view of the scenic Japanese countryside. For those with a Hakone Free Pass, you only need to pay the limited express surcharge, making it a highly cost-effective way to add a touch of luxury and efficiency to your mountain getaway.

People Also Ask

The Hakone Freepass is not valid for transportation other than that listed above. An extra fare will incur if boarding or riding a bus outside of the designated area. To ride the Romancecar, a limited express ticket is required in addition to a regular ticket or a Discount Pass.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can use the JR Railpass to get to Hakone. The JR Railpass will allow you to ride the shinkansen bullet train to Odawara Station. All shinkansen does not stop at Odawara so make sure you catch the Kodama shinkansen. The shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Odawara is only about 40 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

It connects Sounzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) with Togendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashinoko) and stops at Owakudani and Ubako stations on the way. The ropeway is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass. The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each.

MORE DETAILS

The one-way fare starts from ¥3600 for unreserved seating, but with a Japan Rail Pass you need only to pay ¥320 for the Hakone-Tozan line - easily done with a Suica or PASMO card (Limited Express trains require an extra ¥200 surcharge). With a good connection, the trip takes one hour.

MORE DETAILS

There is so much to see and do in the Hakone Region that we would definitely recommend that you plan to stay in Hakone for at least 1-2 nights to make the most of the local options. However, many people are on a tight timeframe when they visit Japan so plan to do a day trip to Hakone instead.

MORE DETAILS

Many splendid views of Mt. Fuji can be found around the Hakone area. Each viewpoint shows a different profile of the famous mountain and the surrounding areas are also worth exploring for the diverse historical and natural sites.

MORE DETAILS

An easy loop tour you can follow through Hakone includes various forms of unique transportation: Starting out by train from Tokyo, you switch to a small three-car tram that zigzags up the mountain, then change to a cable car, and then to a smaller ropeway, and end your trip with a boat ride across Lake Ashi, stopping ...

MORE DETAILS

Included transportation networks
  • Hakone Tozan Train.
  • Hakone Tozan Cable Car.
  • Hakone Ropeway.
  • Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.
  • Hakone Tozan Bus. (designated areas)
  • Odakyu Highway Bus. (designated areas)
  • Tokai Bus. (designated areas)
  • Hakone Tozan Bus / KANKO SHISETSU-MEGURI Bus. (Tourist Attraction Sightseeing Bus)


MORE DETAILS

The fastest way to reach Hakone is to take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and then the short 15 minutes train ride to Hakone Yumoto at the base of the Hakone mountains. Taking the local JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station may the the most economical.

MORE DETAILS