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The Hakone Freepass makes it easy to enjoy Hakone’s trains, ropeways, and boats with one ticket that saves both time and money.
Why Choose the Hakone Freepass
Hakone is a popular mountain getaway filled with scenic trains, ropeways, boats, and buses. Driving here can be challenging, with winding roads and limited parking, so having a pass that covers almost everything is a big relief. With the Hakone Freepass, riders don’t need to stop at every ticket counter—just hop on and go.
Our kids loved the variety of transport in Hakone. One moment we were on a ship cruising across Lake Ashi, and the next we were gliding over Owakudani Valley in a ropeway. The Freepass kept the trip fun and stress-free.
What’s Included in the Pass
The Hakone Freepass gives unlimited rides on eight transport systems in Hakone:
- Odakyu Line (小田急線) – From Shinjuku to Odawara
- Hakone Tozan Train (箱根登山鉄道) – A mountain railway with switchbacks
- Hakone Cable Car (箱根登山ケーブルカー)
- Hakone Ropeway (箱根ロープウェイ) – Over Owakudani with Mt. Fuji views
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (箱根海賊船) – Across Lake Ashi
- Hakone Tozan Bus (箱根登山バス)
- Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus (小田急箱根高速バス)
- Numazu Tozan Tokai Bus
It also comes with discounts at many local attractions, hot springs, and museums.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price depends on where you start (price as of Sept 2025):
- From Shinjuku
- 2-Day Pass: ¥6,100 (Adult), ¥1,100 (Child)
- 3-Day Pass: ¥6,500 (Adult), ¥1,350 (Child)
- From Odawara
- 2-Day Pass: ¥5,000 (Adult), ¥1,000 (Child)
- 3-Day Pass: ¥5,400 (Adult), ¥1,250 (Child)
We usually buy ours at Shinjuku Station since that’s where we begin. You can also purchase the pass at Odawara, Machida, and other major Odakyu stations.
Travel Tips
Hakone’s transport system sometimes closes due to weather or volcanic activity near Owakudani. Before traveling, check the Odakyu or Hakone Navi websites for the latest updates. Even if part of the network is closed, the pass still covers the other routes.
How to Get to Hakone with the Hakone Freepass
The Hakone Freepass includes a round trip on the Odakyu Line and unlimited rides in Hakone. Choose the option that fits your plans.
From Shinjuku
- Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar. About 85 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto. A seat surcharge applies.
- Regular Odakyu Express. About 2 hours to Hakone-Yumoto with a transfer at Odawara.
From Odawara
Already nearby or arriving by Shinkansen? Start the Freepass at Odawara Station. Continue by Hakone Tozan Train or bus to Hakone-Yumoto.
Pro Tip: With kids or luggage, pay the Romancecar surcharge for reserved seats and a smoother ride.
Is the Hakone Freepass Worth It?
If you’re staying in Hakone for more than a day and plan to explore different areas, the Freepass is excellent value. It covers nearly all transport, saves time at ticket counters, and adds flexibility to your trip. For us, it made the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.
More to Explore Nearby
The Hakone Freepass provides essential access to the entire region, encouraging exploration of the most iconic attractions, from the scenic caldera lake and its spiritual sites to the valley’s cultural and transport hubs.
- Lake Ashi – Use your pass to ride the sightseeing ship across this caldera lake, known for views of Mt. Fuji and the iconic torii gate in the water.
- Hakone Shrine – Visit the spiritual heart of the area, located on the shores of Lake Ashi, famous for its serene atmosphere and the iconic red gate standing in the water.
- Hakone Checkpoint Museum – Discover the faithfully reconstructed historical checkpoint where travelers on the Old Tokaido highway were once inspected.
- Hakone-Yumoto – Explore the charming town center and major transportation hub at the base of the mountain, famous for its hot spring atmosphere and local shops.
