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Tokyo to Hakone Distance & Map
Hakone is one of the most popular getaway spots from Tokyo—famous for its hot springs, lake cruises, mountain views, and onsen ryokan. Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, it’s nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and offers a refreshing escape from Tokyo’s city buzz, all within 100 km.
Depending on how you travel, getting from Tokyo to Hakone can take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours, making it a perfect day trip or overnight retreat.
Tokyo to Hakone Route Map
Travel Times from Tokyo to Hakone
| Transport Mode | Route | Approx. Time | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odakyu Romancecar | Tokyo (Shinjuku) → Hakone-Yumoto (Direct) | ~1 hr 25 min | Best combo of ease + scenery |
| JR Shinkansen + Bus/Train | Tokyo → Odawara → Hakone (transfer) | ~1 hr | Fastest with JR Pass |
| Highway Bus | Tokyo Station / Shinjuku → Hakone | ~2 hrs | Budget-friendly & direct |
| Private Car | Tokyo → Hakone via Tomei Expressway | 1.5–2 hrs | Flexible for families & stopovers |
Want to relax in a hot spring by sunset? You can be soaking in an onsen just 90 minutes after leaving central Tokyo!
Tokyo to Hakone by Train – Best & Easiest Way
Traveling by train is the most popular and efficient way to get from Tokyo to Hakone. Whether you’re after the speed of the shinkansen or the scenic charm of the Romancecar, there's a rail route to match your style and budget.
Option 1: Odakyu Romancecar – Direct from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
- Time: ~1 hr 25 min
- Fare: ~2,330 yen (one way, reserved seat included)
- Pass Option: Hakone Free Pass (with optional Romancecar surcharge)
- Best For: First-timers, families, and those who want a scenic, direct route.
Hop on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station and enjoy wide windows, comfy seats, and even snacks while you head straight to Hakone-Yumoto without transfers. It’s the most relaxing and tourist-friendly way to start your trip.
Option 2: Shinkansen + Local Train or Bus – Fastest Route via Odawara
- Route: Tokyo Station → Odawara (Shinkansen) → Hakone
- Time: ~35 min to Odawara + 15–20 min transfer
- Fare: ~3,500 yen (one way)
- Pass Option: Valid with Japan Rail Pass (Shinkansen Hikari/Kodama)
- Best For: JR Pass holders or speed-seekers
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Odawara. From Odawara, transfer to a local train (Hakone Tozan Line) to reach Hakone-Yumoto station or directly to Gora Station (base for Owakudani). It’s quick but requires a transfer.
Option 3: Odakyu Local Train + Hakone Tozan Train – Budget-Friendly
- Route: Shinjuku → Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto/ Gora
- Time: ~2 hrs
- Fare: ~1,220 yen
- Best For: Budget travelers and those using the Hakone Free Pass
This local Odakyu Line route is cheaper than the Romancecar but involves a transfer at Odawara. You can pair it with the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited rides on Hakone’s buses, boats, cable cars, and mountain trains.
Tokyo to Hakone by Car – Flexible & Family-Friendly
Want a door-to-door journey without lugging suitcases through train stations or juggling transfers? Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone by private car is the most stress-free and flexible option—especially great for families, groups, or luxury travelers.
Private Car Transfer with Asia Odyssey Travel
Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on traffic
Distance: About 85 km (53 miles) southwest of Tokyo
Recommended For: Families, couples, elderly travelers, or anyone seeking convenience
With Asia Odyssey Travel’s private car service, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or the airport in Tokyo and dropped off right at your Hakone hotel, ryokan, or any attraction you choose.
No transfers. No crowds. No stress.
Tokyo to Hakone by Bus – Budget-Friendly Alternative
Looking for an affordable way to get to Hakone without transfers or train switches? Buses are a great low-cost option with direct service from central Tokyo to key spots in Hakone.
Direct Highway Buses from Tokyo to Hakone
- Duration: ~2–2.5 hours (depending on traffic)
- Cost: Around ¥2,000–2,200 one way (~$13–15 USD)
- Departure Points: Shinjuku Station (most popular), Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport
- Arrival Points: Sengokuhara, Togendai, or Lake Ashi areas
These buses are equipped with comfy reclining seats, luggage storage, and sometimes onboard toilets—perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want a direct ride.
The Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus from Shinjuku is one of the most popular options. If you're staying near Lake Ashi or want to visit the Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani, get off at Togendai.
Hakone Free Pass – Save Money & Explore More
If you’re planning to explore Hakone’s scenic loop—think mountain trains, pirate ships, ropeways, and hot springs—the Hakone Free Pass is your ultimate travel hack. It bundles transportation and attractions into one affordable ticket, making your trip smoother and cheaper.
What’s Included in the Hakone Free Pass?
Unlimited rides on 8 types of transportation in Hakone:
- Hakone Tozan Train
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (pirate ship on Lake Ashi!)
- Hakone Tozan Bus
- Odakyu local buses in the area
- Numazu Tozan Tokai Bus
- Kanko Shisetsu Meguri Bus
It also concludes round-trip fare from Tokyo (Shinjuku) if you get the Shinjuku version. You can get discounts at 70+ attractions, museums, hot springs, shops, and restaurants with Hakone Free Pass.
Price (as of 2025):
| Valid for 2 Days | Adult | Child (Age 6-11) |
|---|---|---|
| From Shinjuku (round-trip) | ¥6,100 (~$41 USD) | ¥1,100 (~$8 USD) |
| From Odawara (Local Hakone Only) | ¥5,000 (~$34 USD) | ¥1,000 (~$7 USD) |
| Valid for 3 Days | Adult | Child (Age 6-11) |
|---|---|---|
| From Shinjuku (round-trip) | ¥6,500 (~$44 USD) | ¥1,350 (~$9 USD) |
| From Odawara (Local Hakone Only) | ¥5,400 (~$37 USD) | ¥1,250 (~$8 USD) |
How to Get Around Hakone After Arrival in Hakone-Yumoto
Once you hop off the train at Hakone-Yumoto Station — your gateway to this mountain escape — it’s time to start exploring! The good news? Hakone has a looped transportation network that makes sightseeing super smooth. Even better if you’ve got the Hakone Free Pass.
1. Hakone Tozan Railway
From Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, this scenic mountain train zigzags up through forests and hot spring towns. It’s part of the adventure!
Route: Hakone-Yumoto → Gora
Highlights: Cute vintage train, lush valley views
Tip: Sit on the right side going up for better views
2. Hakone Cable Car
A short cable car connects Gora to Sounzan, giving you a slow climb up the mountain.
Route: Gora → Sounzan
Good to know: It’s more like a sloped tram than a hanging gondola
Transfer point: You’ll switch here to the next ride — the ropeway!
3. Hakone Ropeway
One of Hakone’s stars! This aerial gondola gives you sweeping views over Owakudani’s volcanic valley and all the way to Lake Ashi on clear days.
Route: Sounzan → Togendai (via Owakudani & Ubako)
Must-do: Get off at Owakudani for eggs boiled in volcanic steam (seriously!)
4. Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi
Board a fun “pirate ship” ferry and cruise across Hakone’s famous lake with Mt. Fuji (hopefully) in the background.
Route: Togendai → Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone
Highlights: Insta-worthy photos, lakeside torii gate
Tip: Head to the top deck if it’s not too chilly!
5. Hakone Tozan Bus & Local Buses
Buses help you connect the dots between places like Hakone Shrine, Sengokuhara, the museums, and back to Hakone-Yumoto.
Well-marked routes, and covered by the Hakone Free Pass
Check bus stop signs — most are in English
Suggested Loop Order (starting from Hakone-Yumoto):
Train → Cable Car → Ropeway → Lake Ashi Cruise → Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto
You can go clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on your timing and crowd levels. The Hakone Free Pass covers all these rides and saves you money — skip the lines and just hop on and off.
Day Trip or Overnight? Planning Your Hakone Adventure
Hakone offers numerous attractions, here are some must-visit spots:
- Lake Ashi Cruise: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
- Hakone Ropeway: Experience breathtaking aerial views of the volcanic valley.
- Owakudani Valley: Explore a volcanic crater, taste black eggs, and enjoy scenic hot springs.
- Hakone Shrine: Immerse yourselves in Japanese culture and history at this beautiful shrine.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: Discover unique sculptures and art installations in a natural setting.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Consider visiting a theme park like Fuji-Q Highland or enjoying traditional crafts like wood carving.
You can cover them in one day or two days, depending on your choice.
Option 1. Best Day Trip from Tokyo (Especially from Shinjuku)
With the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku, you can be in Hakone-Yumoto in just 85 minutes — easy and direct. This makes Hakone one of the most convenient day trips from central Tokyo.
In one full day, you can:
✅ Ride the Hakone loop (train, cable car, ropeway, lake cruise)
✅ See Mt. Fuji (on a clear day from the ropeway or lake)
✅ Enjoy a hot spring footbath or a quick soak
✅ Visit a top museum like the Open-Air Museum
Then hop back on the train and be in Tokyo by dinner.
Great for: Travelers with tight schedules or those who want to keep their Tokyo hotel base.
Option 2. Stay Overnight
If you want to slow down and soak in the full Hakone vibe, staying overnight is 100% worth it.
✅ Sleep in a traditional ryokan with tatami mats and futons
✅ Unwind in a private onsen under the stars
✅ Try a kaiseki dinner (multi-course Japanese feast)
✅ Visit quieter spots like Hakone Shrine at sunrise
It’s also easier to avoid crowds by starting early the next morning — especially if you're planning to continue onward.
Great for: Romantic getaways, families with kids, or anyone wanting the full hot spring experience.
Option 3. Combine Hakone with Mt. Fuji
It’s common for group tour travellers. One day or two is both available.
For a long day trip, some travelers visit Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako in the morning and drive to Hakone in the afternoon. Stay ovenight in Hakone in an onsen hotel.
It’s not easy for travelling from Kawaguchiko to Hakone, because there is no direct train or bus connecting these two spots. So a private car with tour packages is conwenient.
Insider Tips for Tokyo to Hakone Travel
Best Time to Go
Fall (Late Oct–Mid Nov): Maple leaves light up the mountains — Hakone becomes a fiery red wonderland.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Crisp skies, snow-dusted Mt. Fuji views, and piping hot onsen baths. Pure magic!
Spring (Apr–May): Cherry blossoms bloom near Lake Ashi, with comfortable hiking weather.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Lush and green — great for escaping Tokyo’s heat, but watch out for summer showers.
Tip: Weekdays are always quieter. Try to avoid weekends or public holidays if possible.
What to Pack
Warm layers: Even in summer, Hakone can be chilly, especially on the ropeway or at higher altitudes.
Good walking shoes: You’ll be hopping on and off trains, cable cars, boats, and trails.
Small backpack: Travel light! If staying overnight, pack just what you need.
Rain gear: Umbrella or raincoat, especially from June to September.
Tickets & Timing
Romancecar seats sell out fast, especially for return trips. Reserve early — you can do it online or when buying the Hakone Free Pass.
Start early: Especially for day-trippers. The full Hakone Loop takes time, and shops/attractions often close by 5 PM.
Weather check: Fuji views are clearer in the morning and after a rain. Cloudy? Prioritize museums or the hot springs.
Explore Hakone & Japan with Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to relax in a mountain onsen, cruise across Lake Ashi, or spot Mt. Fuji from a cable car? Whether you're planning a quick day trip from Tokyo or a full Japan adventure, Asia Odyssey Travel is here to help you make it effortless and unforgettable.
We handle the details—transport, tickets, itineraries, expert guides and maps—so you can just enjoy the ride. From Hakone’s scenic loop to Fuji-Hakone combo tours, we’ve got flexible plans to match your style, time, and budget.
Want to go beyond Hakone? Let us craft a Japan journey just for you—Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Nara, Hokkaido, and more!
Start planning your stress-free Hakone escape with Asia Odyssey Travel today.
Contact us now for personalized travel support in Japan.
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