How do I get to Hakone from Tokyo?

Compare the Romancecar from Shinjuku, the Shinkansen to Odawara and the highway bus, and learn how the local mountain transport works once you arrive.

Published October 21, 2026 at 12:08 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The most popular way is the Odakyu Romancecar, a reserved-seat limited express from Shinjuku that reaches Hakone-Yumoto in about 80 to 85 minutes. Another route is the Shinkansen to Odawara, then a local train or bus into the mountains. Highway buses also run. Check current timetables and fares on the operators' official pages.

The main ways to reach Hakone

Hakone is a mountain resort area southwest of Tokyo, known for hot springs, Lake Ashi and views toward Mount Fuji. It is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and Wikipedia's article describes the lake as the center of the park. Most visitors come by train from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, and there are three common routes.

The first is the Odakyu Odawara Line, which runs from Shinjuku Station. Odakyu's English page names the Romancecar limited express as the fastest way between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto, while regular express and express trains on the same line need only a regular ticket and take about two hours, according to that page. The second is the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara, followed by a local train, and the third is a highway bus, which Hakone's tourism office mentions through a link to an Odakyu highway bus service.

Each route works well, so the choice depends on your starting point, your budget and how much time you want to save. Rail pass holders and people already staying near Tokyo Station may prefer the Shinkansen, while many others choose the direct train from Shinjuku.

Step by step: the Romancecar route

The Romancecar is a limited express service run by Odakyu, a private railway. Odakyu's English page says all seats are reserved and lists the trip as about 80 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto. Treat it as roughly 80 to 85 minutes and check the timetable for your train.

To use it, buy a limited express ticket with a seat reservation, which you can do through Odakyu's online purchase system, as its English page notes, or at a ticket office in Shinjuku. Choose your departure time, find the Odakyu platform, and board with your reserved seat number.

Because services differ, read the destination shown on your ticket and on the platform display, and check the car number on your ticket so you board the correct section of the train. If you are unsure, station staff can point you to the right platform and car.

Shinkansen, bus and getting around once you arrive

The Shinkansen route is useful for travelers who are already near Tokyo Station or who hold a rail pass that may cover certain trains. You ride to Odawara and then change to the Hakone Tozan Line or a bus. The Shinkansen leg from Tokyo is short, often well under an hour, but the transfer adds time, so the overall trip is often comparable to the Romancecar.

Highway buses are another choice, particularly for people who prefer a seat without changing trains. Timings depend on road traffic, so allow extra time on weekends and holidays, and check the operator's page for current routes and reservation rules.

Once you arrive, the Hakone Tozan Line continues from Odawara into the resort towns, ending at Gora, according to Wikipedia. From Gora, a cable car climbs to Sounzan, and the Hakone Ropeway continues to Owakudani, an area of volcanic activity with steam vents, and on toward Lake Ashi, where playful pirate-style sightseeing ships cross the water.

Costs and timing

Fares vary by route, so no single figure fits everyone. The Romancecar requires a limited express ticket in addition to the regular fare, as the Odakyu page explains (it listed 1,200 yen for adults one way from Shinjuku, but confirm the current amount), and the Shinkansen has its own fare structure. Prices change, so check the operators' English pages for current amounts.

Many travelers also buy the Hakone Freepass, a multi-day pass that Wikipedia says gives unlimited use of most local transport. The Hakone transport site's English page lists 2-day and 3-day versions, and the version departing from Shinjuku includes one return trip on the Odakyu Line to Odawara. Whether it is worth buying depends on your plans, so compare the cost with the fares you would actually pay.

Timing varies with weekends and seasons. Autumn and holiday periods are busier, and reserved seats on the Romancecar can sell out, so book ahead when you can. Weekday mornings are typically easier, and an early start gives more daylight for the lake and the mountain views.

Who each route suits

The Romancecar suits travelers who want a comfortable, direct ride from Shinjuku without changing trains. It is a good choice for families, older travelers and anyone with luggage, since the seats are reserved and the trip is simple to follow from start to finish.

The Shinkansen to Odawara suits visitors starting from Tokyo Station or traveling from cities like Kyoto or Nagoya, because Odawara is on the main Shinkansen line. Rail pass holders should check the pass rules for the specific train they plan to use.

Highway buses may suit travelers who prefer fewer transfers, though road traffic can affect the schedule. Solo travelers on a flexible plan can pick whichever option fits the day and the weather. Visitors with limited mobility should ask station staff about elevators and boarding help, since Hakone's mountain stations and piers vary in layout.

Common mistakes and misunderstandings

A common mistake is forgetting that Hakone is a loop of different transport types, so a single train ticket does not cover everything. Trains, a cable car, a ropeway, boats and buses each have separate fares unless a pass applies, so work out your route before you buy.

Another is assuming the ropeway always runs. Wikipedia notes that Owakudani is volcanically active, and service can be affected by conditions, so check the operator's status page on the day. Some travelers also try to do too much in a single day. The sights are spread out, so choose a few priorities.

Finally, not every train that leaves Shinjuku goes all the way to Hakone-Yumoto, so confirm that your train does, and read the destination display on the platform before boarding. If you end up at Odawara by mistake, the Hakone Tozan Line continues from there, so the trip can usually be fixed with a short transfer.

Planning tips and next steps

Check the timetable, reserve your seat, and look at the weather. Hakone is a mountain area, so conditions can change, and clouds can hide Mount Fuji even on a day that looks clear in Tokyo. A flexible plan helps, with the lake and ropeway as optional extras rather than fixed commitments. Pack layers, since the mountains are cooler than central Tokyo, and carry a small bag, because luggage is easier to leave at the hotel or a station locker if one is available.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. Review the official English pages of Odakyu and the Hakone tourism office for current fares, timetables and pass information before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Romancecar worth the extra fee?

Many travelers find the reserved seat and direct service convenient, especially with luggage or children. Regular Odakyu trains cost less but may involve changing at Odawara and can be crowded. The better choice depends on your budget and comfort preferences, so compare current fares on Odakyu's official site.

Can visitors reach Hakone by Shinkansen?

Yes, the Shinkansen stops at Odawara, which is the gateway to Hakone. From there, a local train or bus continues into the mountains. The Shinkansen leg is fast, but the connection adds time. Check the operators' pages for timetables and fares, and see whether your rail pass applies.

How long should a trip to Hakone take?

A day trip is possible but busy, since the loop of ropeway, boat and bus takes several hours on top of the travel time. Many visitors prefer an overnight stay to enjoy a hot spring and a calmer pace. Choose according to how much you want to see.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Onsen Towns is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Is the Hakone Freepass worth it?, What are the best places to see autumn leaves in Japan? and Odawara Castle: Gateway to Hakone.