Hakone is one of the most popular getaways from Tôkyô, offering hot springs, breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, and rich cultural experiences. This mountainous region has something for every traveler.
If you want to explore Hakone easily and affordably, the Hakone Freepass is an excellent option. This pass provides unlimited access to transportation, discounts on over 50 attractions, and saves you valuable time when planning your trip.
What is the Hakone Freepass ?
The Hakone Freepass is a tourist pass offered by Odakyû Railway, allowing unlimited access to major transportation in Hakone for 2 or 3 days. It also includes discounts on many attractions, such as museums, onsens, and historical sites.
Why choose this pass ?
- Cost-effective: Quickly pays for itself if you follow a classic itinerary.
- Convenient: No need to buy separate tickets for each ride.
- Flexible: Available for 2 or 3 days, depending on your plans.
What transportation is included ?
The Hakone Freepass allows you to complete a full loop through Hakone from Odawara Station.
- Odakyû Train: Round trip between Shinjuku and Odawara
- Hakone Tozan Train: Mountain train connecting Odawara to Gôra
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car: Funicular between Gôra and Sôunzan
- Hakone Ropeway: Cable car from Sôunzan to Tôgendai, with a stop at Ôwakudani (see volcanic fumes and try the famous black eggs)
- Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi: Between Tôgendai and Motohakone
- Hakone Tozan Bus: Including the route connecting Motohakone to Odawara
There is a version of the pass that does not include the round-trip from Shinjuku to Odawara. This is only a good option if you have a JR Pass or are not traveling from Tôkyô.
What discounts are included ?
In addition to transportation, the Hakone Freepass provides discounts at many popular attractions. You can found all discounts on official Web Site.
- Hakone Shrine: 100 yen off
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: 100 yen off
- Gôra Park: Free entry!
You can purchase the pass up to one month in advance on Japan Experience.
Ideal 2-Day itinerary with the Hakone Freepass
Here’s a stress-free 2-day itinerary covering Hakone’s must-see attractions.
Before you go: travel tips
- Luggage: Store your suitcases in Shinjuku (coin locker/concierge service) or use Yamato Transport to have them delivered to your hotel.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Onsen: No need to bring toiletries, hotels and ryôkan provide them.
- Romance Car Train: For a faster, more comfortable ride, take the Limited Express "Romance Car" (requires a 1,200 yen supplement and reservation).
Day 1: Hiking & Culture
8:00 AM: Store your luggage in Shinjuku and pack a small bag for the night.
8:23 AM: Depart on the Odakyû Express Train to Odawara (1h40).
10:07 AM: Take the Hakone Tozan Train to Hakone-Yumoto (15 min).
10:40 AM: Ride the Hakone Tozan Bus K to bus stop Honji Ato (14 min / 15 stops) near the historic village of Hatajuku.
11:30 AM: Hike the Old Tôkaidô Road (5 km / 1.5-2 hours).
Lunch Break
- Picnic option: Buy a bento in Shinjuku or Hakone-Yumoto.
- Restaurant: Kikyo Ya (at the start of the hike) or Miharashi Chaya Utsuki (30 min into the hike).
- Tea break: Hakone Amazake Tea House, a 400-year-old shop serving amazake (a sweet, hot rice drink) and mochi.
Afternoon: Cultural Exploration
- Hakone Shrine: Visit the famous floating torii gate. (discount with the pass)
- Cedar Avenue of the Old Tôkaidô: A shaded forest walk.
- Hakone Checkpoint: A historic Edo-period military post. (discount with the pass)
- Onshi Park: Panoramic views of Lake Ashi.
- Narukawa Art Museum: Features modern Japanese art and an amazing terrace view. (discount with the pass)
- 5:48 PM: Take the Hakone Tozan K bus from the Pirate Ship Embassy to Hakone-Yumoto (32 min / 29 stops).
- 6:30 PM: Check into your hotel or ryokan before going to eat.
Many restaurants are available in Hakone-Yumoto, but keep in mind most close by 9:00 PM!
Day 2: Exploring Hakone’s mountain views
- 9:46 AM: Take the Hakone Tozan K bus back to the pirate ship pier, the stop is Motohakone-kô (32 min / 27 stops).
- 10:45 AM: Boat cruise on Lake Ashi (30 min).
- 11:20 AM: Take the Hakone Ropeway, stopping at Ôwakudani Station (30 min / 2 stops) to enjoy black eggs.
- 12:00 PM: Continue on the cable car to Sôunzan, then take the funicular to Gôra.
Lunch Break
Recommended restaurant: Yamaji (serves katsudon and soba).
Afternoon: Culture & Relaxation
- Gôra Park : gardens inspired by French gardens. (free with the pass).
- Hakone Open-Air Museum : magnificent sculptures with a Picasso room (official site to buy tickets at 1800 yen / ~ 12 € / discount with the pass).
- 5:38 PM: Take the Hakone Tozan train towards Hakone-Yumoto - OH51 (42 min).
- 6:21 PM: Take the Hakone Tozan train towards Odawara - OH47 (16 min).
- 6:45 PM: Take the Odakyu Express train to Shinjuku to end the day.
- 8:18 PM: Return to Shinjuku
If you are continuing your journey to Kyoto or another city, take the Shinkansen or a JR train from Odawara.
Is the Hakone Freepass worth it ?
Calculating costs without the pass
Let’s break down the costs for the suggested itinerary:
| Day 1 | |
| Shinjuku → Odawara | 1 910 yen |
| Odawara → Hakone Yumoto (Hakone Tozan line) | 360 yen |
| Hakone Yumoto → Honji Ato (bus K) | 410 yen |
| Motohakone Kô → Hakone Yumoto (bus K) | 870 yen |
| Day 2 | |
| Hakone Yumoto → Motohakone Kô (bus K) | 870 yen |
| Motohakone Kô → Togendai (boat) | 1 200 yen |
| Togendai → Sôuzan (Tozan Ropeway) | 1 500 yen |
| Sôuzan → Gôra (Tozan Cablecar) | 430 yen |
| Gôra → Hakone Yumoto (Hakone Tozan line) | 460 yen |
| Hakone Yumoto → Odawara (Hakone Tozan line) | 360 yen |
| Odawara → Shinjuku | 1 910 yen |
| Total without the pass | 10 280 yen / ~ 65,50 € |
The pass is sold for 6,100 yen (~43 €), the pass shows a profitability of 30%.
If you don't have a JR Pass and you are only doing the Shinjuku-Odawara outward journey, still take the full pass rather than the one sold in Odawara, it is still cheaper.
What about using JR lines ?
With a national JR Pass, you can travel to Odawara Station by taking the JR Tokaido Line or the Tokaido Shinkasen.
However, there are several points to note:
- The entire Hakone visiting area is excluded from the JR Pass. You must purchase tickets or the Hakone Freepass.
- In Odawara, you can buy a pass without the round trip to Tokyo which is cheaper.
How to buy and use the pass?
The Hakone Freepass is available on the Japan Experience Web Site.
- Purchase the pass up to a month in advance.
- Activate it and scan the QR code at train station gates.
- No reservatios are required, except for the Limited Express Romance Car (details below).
After purchase, you will receive a voucher with a QR Code by email.
- Present the QR Code at the Odakyu counter at Shinjuku Station to collect your pass.
- Once activated, scan the QR Code provided to pass through the station gates/
- No reservations are necessary, unless you want to take the "Limited Express Romance Car" train (see below).
Types of Odakyu Trains
Odakyu Line trains between Shinjuku and Fujisawa include:
- Local: Stops at every station; very slow.
- Semi-Express: Stops at about half of the stations.
- Express: Faster with limited stops.
- Rapid Express: The fastest without extra fees—ideal for saving time.
- Limited Express/Romance Car: The most comfortable option, requiring a reservation and a 1200-yen supplement.
Where to stay in Hakone ?
To spend a night in Hakone, we prefer Hakone-Yumoto which is easily accessible by bus and train. The prices are quite high due to the geographical location of the place.
- Luxury : Fujiya (opened in 1878) / Gyokutei : room from 450 €.
- Mid-range : Hakoneji Kaiun / Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan : between 200 € and 300 €.
- Budget : GuestHouse Azito (50 € dorm bed) / Yumoto Station Hotel MIRAHAKONE (classic hotel, 100 €)
