Hakone Tozan Railway
Ride Japan's first mountain railway, a historic engineering marvel winding through lush forests with stunning scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Hakone Tozan Railway
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Japan's first mountain railway, a historic engineering marvel winding through lush forests with stunning scenic views.
"The Hakone Tozan Railway is a really enjoyable experience, climbing through lush forested mountain terrain."
✅ Use Hakone Freepass
Covers most transport, saving money and hassle. Book via Klook for discounts!
📱 Tap Suica/Pasmo
Consider tapping your IC card for flexibility if not using a Freepass.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Mountain Ascent
Hakone-Yumoto to Gora
Ride Japan's first mountain railway, winding through lush forests and steep gradients with impressive engineering.
Hayakawa Bridge Views
Between Tonosawa and Ohiradai stations
Capture iconic shots of the historic Deyama Railway Bridge, especially stunning during autumn foliage.
Switchback Engineering
Various sections
Witness the unique switchback system designed to conquer steep mountain inclines, a marvel of early railway engineering.
Purple Flower Tunnel (Seasonal)
Kuzuhana-no-oka Park
Experience a magical ride through a tunnel of purple flowers, a unique seasonal spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hakone Freepass is Your Best Friend
Timing is Everything for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Use Hakone Freepass
Covers most transport, saving money and hassle. Book via Klook for discounts!
📱 Tap Suica/Pasmo
Consider tapping your IC card for flexibility if not using a Freepass.
☁️ Check Fuji Visibility
Mount Fuji views are weather-dependent; check forecasts before your trip.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Lines
Lines can be very long, especially on weekends. Arrive at opening time.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Use Hakone Freepass
Covers most transport, saving money and hassle. Book via Klook for discounts!
📱 Tap Suica/Pasmo
Consider tapping your IC card for flexibility if not using a Freepass.
☁️ Check Fuji Visibility
Mount Fuji views are weather-dependent; check forecasts before your trip.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Lines
Lines can be very long, especially on weekends. Arrive at opening time.
🚎 Bus Alternatives
If cable car lines are too long, buses are a viable alternative for some routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hakone Tozan Railway for its unique engineering, scenic mountain views, and historical significance. The journey is often described as peaceful and picturesque, especially during autumn foliage. However, many reviews highlight extremely long wait times, particularly on weekends, which can detract from the experience. The reliance on clear weather for Mount Fuji views is also a common point of disappointment.
"The Hakone Tozan Cable Car up to Sōunzan Station was a really enjoyable experience! The ride itself is fun — you get to climb through lush forested mountain terrain, which feels peaceful and scenic. Once you reach Sōunzan, the views are lovely: you can see valleys, hills, and in clear weather Mount Fuji in the distance.
The station facilities are pretty nice, clean and well maintained, and there are a few shops and vantage points to take photos. The staff were friendly and helpful, which added to the overall good impression.
If I had to pick one downside: it’s a bit crowded at peak times, and the views depend heavily on the weather. But overall, definitely worth doing if you’re exploring Hakone or want a relaxing outing."
Rob H
"This is part of the journey on the Hakone circular route. It is a relatively short journey serviced by a single cable car going up and down. If you cannot get on because it is full or you missed it, you have to wait for the cable car to come back before you can board. For this reason the wait can be quite long as other people have commented and when the cable car arrives, everybody squeeze in there like sardines. The journey itself is pleasant and the view is nice if you’re at the front. During peak season, I expect the wait to be quite long. It may be worth exploring other modes of transport for this short journey to avoid spending valuable time waiting. It was a very nice experience and I would recommend."
Andrew Cheng
"Long long line, waited 40 minutes in outside then inside line for a 10 minute ride on gondola. Not worth it, if there is a line outside just take the bus to the next station where the volcano egg is.
The lines for this cable car throughout every station were crazy, this is on a weekend in late March.
Avoid weekends here. Go weekday and very early right when it opens. Noon is too late. If you are staying local in Hakone check that your hotel shuttle starts early enough to get you to gondola station for 845AM when it opens. Possible with a day trip from Tokyo.
Did not see Mount Fuji even though was a 10/10 visibility online so that was disappointing. If you do a day trip, check visibility before going.
You don’t need to buy a ticket, you can tap your Suica card to board. We did not know that and bought a day pass in Odawara which was not worth it as the gondola lines were so crazy everywhere we ended up taking the buses which were not covered by the pass and a taxi in the evening as the gondola also stops running early. Consider just tapping your Suica card for the routes you need."
Shawn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar limited express train directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station, the starting point of the Hakone Tozan Railway. Alternatively, you can use the Japan Rail Pass to reach Odawara Station and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line.
Yes, the Hakone Freepass is highly recommended as it covers the Hakone Tozan Railway, along with other essential transport like buses, cable cars, and the pirate ship cruise, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for exploring the area.
The Japan Rail Pass generally does not cover the Hakone Tozan Railway itself, as it's a private line. However, you can use your JR Pass to get to Odawara Station, which is a major hub for accessing Hakone and the Hakone Tozan Line.
The main stations include Hakone-Yumoto, Tonosawa, Gora, and Sounzan. The line is known for its scenic route and engineering marvels as it ascends the mountain.
Absolutely! Many visitors do a day trip from Tokyo. The Odakyu Romancecar offers a direct and comfortable journey, allowing you to experience the Hakone Tozan Railway and other attractions within a day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Individual ticket prices vary by section. However, purchasing a Hakone Freepass is generally more economical if you plan to use multiple modes of transport within Hakone.
While you can buy tickets at the station, booking the Hakone Freepass in advance, especially through platforms like Klook, can offer discounts and save time.
Yes, you can tap your Suica or Pasmo card to pay for individual rides on the Hakone Tozan Railway if you are not using a Hakone Freepass.
During the purple flower season (typically June-July), there are special evening light-up events with separate admission fees. Booking in advance is recommended.
Operating hours vary by section and season, but generally, trains run from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the official timetable for specific times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most immersive way is to ride the entire line from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, appreciating the engineering and scenery. Consider combining it with the Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise for the full loop.
You'll enjoy views of lush mountain forests, valleys, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji. The Hayakawa Bridge section offers particularly picturesque scenery.
Yes, queues can be extremely long, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving very early or visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to minimize wait times. +1
This refers to a seasonal event where the train passes through a tunnel adorned with purple flowers, often illuminated at night for a magical experience.
While efforts are made for accessibility, the mountainous terrain and historic nature of the railway can present challenges. It's best to check with the operator for specific station accessibility.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Hayakawa Bridge (Deyama Railway Bridge) is a prime spot for capturing the train against a scenic backdrop. Also, look for opportunities to photograph the switchbacks in action.
Early morning light offers softer illumination and fewer crowds. For dramatic shots, consider the evening light-up events during the purple flower season.
Mount Fuji views are highly dependent on weather. On clear days, you can see it from various points along the route, especially from higher elevations.
The historic bridges, the winding tracks through forests, and the unique engineering of the switchbacks are all highly photogenic and popular on Instagram.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and train details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially during evening events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, be mindful of potential long queues, especially on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can significantly improve the experience for families. Pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring stations and potential short walks. The views of the lush greenery are also a great way to introduce children to Japan's natural beauty.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Consider visiting during the purple flower season (June-July) for the enchanting evening light-up events, offering a different photographic perspective. Always check the weather forecast for clear views of Mount Fuji, which can be a stunning backdrop on good days. Early mornings provide softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene mountain atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Be prepared for potential crowds, especially if traveling on weekends. Engaging with other travelers or locals at stations can be a pleasant part of the solo experience. The railway offers a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for reflection and enjoying the journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Engineering History
+1Inspired by European mountain railways, the Hakone Tozan Railway was a pioneering project. Its construction involved significant challenges, but the result is a unique and enjoyable travel experience. Riding this historic line offers a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the ingenuity required to build such a railway in a mountainous region.
+1Many visitors find the engineering aspect fascinating. The ability to see the train navigate these complex sections adds an educational layer to the journey. It’s a journey that truly takes you through the landscape, rather than just over it.
Navigating the Hakone Loop
The loop continues with a Pirate Ship cruise across Lake Ashi, offering iconic views of the Hakone Shrine's torii gate in the water. From the lake, you can take a bus back towards Hakone-Yumoto or other parts of Hakone. The Hakone Freepass is the most convenient way to cover all these modes of transport, making the entire loop seamless and cost-effective.
While the loop is a fantastic way to see Hakone, it's important to be aware of potential disruptions. For instance, the Hakone Ropeway has experienced temporary suspensions due to volcanic activity. Always check for the latest service updates before your trip.
Seasonal Spectacles: Flowers and Foliage
In early summer, specifically from mid-June to late July, a unique spectacle unfolds: the purple flower tunnel. The train passes through areas where these flowers bloom profusely, creating a magical, almost ethereal experience. Special evening light-up events are often held during this time, adding an enchanting glow to the floral display.
Beyond these highlights, the railway is surrounded by lush greenery for much of the year, offering a consistently scenic and peaceful ride. Whether you're seeking the fiery hues of autumn or the delicate beauty of summer blooms, the Hakone Tozan Railway provides a picturesque journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit