Hakone Free Pass

If your itinerary involves exploring the multiple sights of beautiful Hakone, the Hakone Free Pass is your best option. Not only do you get unlimited free rides on specific Hakone transportation networks, but you also get discounted admissions to select tourist attractions and restaurants.

Eligibility

Everyone is eligible to buy the Hakone Free Pass. There is no requirement to show your passport when purchasing the ticket. You can even access your pass immediately if you buy it digitally online.

Price

The Hakone Free Pass is available as a two or three-day pass, and their prices differ depending on where you start your travel. Kids aged 6-11 are eligible for discounted rates.

Here are the prices:

	2-day pass		3-day pass
	Adult	Child	Adult	Child
From Shinjuku Station	A$65* (6,100 yen)	A$12* (1,100 yen)	A$69* (6,500 yen)	A$14* (1,350 yen0
From Odawara Station	A$53* (5,000 yen)	A$11* (1,000 yen)	A$57* (5,400 yen)	A$13* (1,250 yen)

The pass price differs slightly if you depart from an Odakyu station other than Shinjuku or Odawara. Consult a station employee to determine the exact cost of your pass.

How to Obtain the Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is available for purchase at the following areas:

• Odakyu Line station offices and vending machines
• Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centres
• Hakone-Yumoto Station
• Gora Station
• Sounzan Station
• Odawara Station Information Center
• Hakone-Yumoto Information CenterMotohakone Information Center
• Hakonemachi Information Center
• Miyagino Center
• Sengokuhara Information Center
• Togendai Information Center
• Yugawara Station Information Center
• Mishima Station Information Center
• Numazu Station Information Center
• Gotemba Center

The Hakone Free Pass can also be purchased from Odakyu’s website for those who prefer digital tickets. The digital version of the pass will be stored on your smartphone. You can access the website even when outside of Japan.

How to Use the Pass

Show the pass to a station attendant to board any Odakyu-operated trains and buses within the Hakone coverage area. Do the same when using the pass for discounted admission at attractions or restaurants. If you have a digital ticket, show it to a station attendant or scan the QR code at the gate.

When taking the Odakyu Line, the Hakone Free Pass only allows for one round-trip journey between Odawara Station and your original station. Within Hakone, the pass is valid for unlimited rides on the following lines:

• Hakone Tozan Train
• Hakone Ropeway
• Hakone Tozan Bus (designated areas)
• Tokai Bus (designated areas)
• Kakone Tozan Cable Car
• Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
• Odakyu Highway Bus (Designated areas)
• Hakone Tozan Bus (tourist bus)

Validity and Exclusions

To take the Romancecar limited express train, you must purchase a limited express ticket along with your pass. You will be charged an extra fee if you try boarding a train or bus service outside the pass-designated area.

Non-Odakyu trains and buses, such as ones operated by JR, are not included in the pass.

In times of extreme weather, transport links may be suspended due to safety concerns. Make sure to check the weather forecast before making any plans for the day.

Multiple round trips to and from Odawara Station are not included in the pass. Only the first round trip journey is covered.

About Hakone: Japan’s Hidden Gem‍

Hakone, nestled within the Kanagawa Prefecture, is acclaimed for its hot springs (onsen) and breath-taking nature. Just a stone’s throw away from Tokyo, this top-rated destination is a perfect escape into the heart of Japan’s rich landscapes. Journey with us as we unravel the wonders of Hakone and its idyllic surroundings.

Found within an extinct volcanic crater in the mountainous terrain, Hakone lies approximately 80 km from Tokyo. In the past, it served as a rest stop for travellers journeying between Kyoto and Tokyo. Today, it’s a sought-after tourist spot in the Kanto region, boasting an awe-inspiring view of Mount Fuji, the serene Lake Ashi, and a plethora of ryokan and hot springs.

Getting Around Hakone

To reach Hakone, board the “Limited Express Romance Car Super Hakone” train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Operated by the Odakyu Railway Company, this charmingly named train whisks you away to Hakone-Yumoto Station in just 80 minutes.

From there, the Hakone Tozan train awaits to take you to Gora. This 35-minute journey winds through a verdant valley, crossing over bridges, through tunnels, and stopping at quaint stations along the way. The Hakone Tozan company also operates a host of other transportation services including the Hakone Cable Car and the Hakone Tozan Bus, all of which can be accessed with the Hakone Free Pass.

Hakone’s Attractions

Gora-Koen park is a must-visit for floral enthusiasts. And if you’ve an appreciation for ceramics, the Hakone Art Museum houses a valuable collection.

On a cloudy day, Owakudani transforms into an eerily beautiful sight. The hiking trails here are a delight for walkers, despite occasional closures due to volcanic gas emissions. For another scenic route, take the funicular to Togendai, on the northern shores of Lake Ashi.

Lake Ashi and the Iconic Mount Fuji View

Lake Ashi’s shores are a tranquil haven, perfect for rest and relaxation after your morning adventures. The Togendai View restaurant serves up delicious meals at affordable prices, and is famed for its stunning view. Alternatively, you can indulge in a bento box lunch by the water.

A boat ride on Lake Ashi presents one of Hakone’s most captivating sights – the reflection of Mount Fuji shimmering in the lake. The lake itself is a hub for fun activities and attractions. Boating is a popular pastime with several ships available for travellers and locals alike. If you prefer a bird’s eye view, the Hakone Ropeway gives a magnificent panorama of the nature beneath, and the majestic Mount Fuji in the backdrop.

The lake cruise on Lake Ashi lets you admire Hakone’s other iconic sight – the vermilion torii of the Hakone-jinja shrine emerging from the waters. The half-hour cruise leads you to the south shore, to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone, two of the larger towns lining the lake.

Hakone: An Art and Culture Hub

Hakone is renowned for its impressive array of museums. The Hakone Art Museum is a celebrated institution, attracting visitors both locally and internationally.

The Narukawa Art Museum, located on the shores of Lake Ashi, is celebrated for its architecture and the treasures it houses. The museum scene often extends to Odawara, such as the Okada Art Museum, a private museum spread across five floors, showcasing a splendid collection of Asian Art.

The Hakone Open Air Museum features remarkable artwork that blends seamlessly with the area’s backdrop. With several museums to explore in Hakone, art and culture enthusiasts are in for a treat.

Stepping into History: Odawara

Odawara, located within Hakone, is home to the magnificent Odawara Castle and the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, making it a must-visit for the entire family.

Hakone’s natural beauty is also captured in its stunning parks. Onshi-Hakone Park is adorned with beautiful flower fields and rolling scenery, while Kamigawara Park in central Hakone is perfect for a leisurely stroll during the cherry blossom season in spring. Hakone Yasuragi-no-mori Park offers spectacular views of Lake Ashi’s blue waters and the surrounding mountains.

Complete your forest walk at Moto-Hakone Park with a visit to the Hakone-jinja Shinto shrine, nestled atop a lush hill. For a truly immersive experience, unwind in the hot springs or extend your stay at a ryokan, a traditional inn, to spend the night away from the urban rush of the capital.

Delve into the enchanting world of Hakone, and let its diverse offerings captivate your senses. From its natural treasures to its rich culture and history, Hakone is a journey of discovery waiting to unfold.