Hakone day trip from Tokyo: Freepass, ropeway and lake cruise choices

The Hakone Freepass comes in 2-day and 3-day versions, not a 1-day ticket. Compare Shinjuku fares, covered transport, ropeway suspensions and day-trip trade-offs.

Last checked:

  • Kanagawa
  • Tokyo
  • Day trips
  • Transport

The main question for a same-day trip from Tokyo to Hakone is that the Hakone Freepass () has no 1-day version: it is sold for 2 or 3 days. This article uses official Hakone transport information (checked on 2026-10-28) to explain ticket prices, included transport and ropeway restrictions, so you can decide whether to buy a pass. For trips departing Tokyo, see the Tokyo day trips guide.

Key points

  • Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku: 7,100 yen for a 2-day adult pass, 7,500 yen for 3 days; there is no 1-day version
  • The Freepass does not include the extra limited express charge for the Romancecar
  • The ropeway can be suspended due to strong winds, severe weather, mechanical failure or scheduled inspections
  • The official pages do not list individual fares, so this article does not calculate whether the pass offers savings

Freepass prices (from 1 October 2025)

Departure Validity Adult Child
Shinjuku 2 days 7,100 yen 1,600 yen
Shinjuku 3 days 7,500 yen 1,850 yen
Odawara 2 days 6,000 yen 1,500 yen
Odawara 3 days 6,400 yen 1,750 yen

Included transport

Unlimited boarding and alighting within designated areas:

  • Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway and sightseeing cruise
  • Hakone Tozan Bus, Odakyu Highway Bus and Tokai Bus (designated areas)
  • Tourist-attraction sightseeing bus

The official information also states:

  • A Freepass with Odakyu return travel includes one return trip between the departure station and Odawara; Seibu and Sotetsu lines and some highway buses also accept the pass; Izu-Hakone Bus does not
  • The Romancecar requires an additional charge; the official page does not state the amount
  • Admission discounts at around 70 sightseeing spots; the Odakyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Gotemba costs 1,000 yen (regular adult fare 2,000 yen)
  • Purchase through EMot online tickets, Odakyu Line stations (available from one month before departure), 7-Eleven, Odakyu travel agencies, Hakone Tozan Railway ticket machines, tourism service centers in Odawara, Mishima and Gotemba, and travel agencies such as JTB

Hakone Ropeway

Official information ():

Item Details
Route Sounzan → Owakudani → Ubako → Togendai; all passengers transfer at Owakudani
Time Sounzan to Owakudani about 15 minutes; Owakudani to Ubako about 15 minutes; Ubako to Togendai about 15 minutes
Operating hours February to November, 9:00 to 17:00; December to January, 9:00 to 16:15
Suspension Wind speed of 30 metres/second or more, severe weather or mechanical failure; services also stop for scheduled inspections and maintenance each year

The official page does not list fares or warnings about volcanic gases. Before visiting Owakudani, consult the latest notices from Hakone Town and the operator.

Trade-offs for a day trip

Option Explanation
Buy a Freepass You must buy a 2-day pass; from Shinjuku it costs 7,100 yen; Romancecar costs extra
Do not buy a Freepass Individual fares are not on the official page; check the fares for your route on the day. This article cannot compare costs
Complete the entire “Sounzan → Owakudani → Togendai” route in one day Watch for ropeway suspensions and have an alternative for bad weather
Ropeway suspended Use other transport or shorten the route; do not base the whole day on one route

Further reading: Tokyo transport introduction and Suica and transport IC cards.

Sources