HAKONE Free Pass
Why choose the Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone region, with its natural landscapes, steamy onsens and stunning views on Mount Fuji, is an unmissable addition to your Japan itinerary. A refreshing natural escape just steps away from the capital, it is one of the best destinations for a couple of days away from Tokyo. It's also an ideal stop on your way to Kyoto to experience a unique side of Japan. All thanks to the Hakone Free Pass, with its many included lines:
Highlights of the Hakone Free Pass:
How to use the Hakone Free Pass?
Delivery
Your Hakone Free Pass (e-voucher with QR code) will be delivered to the email address used for booking within 5 working days of booking. It is important to check your spam mailbox, in case your Hakone Free Pass ends up there.
If you want to use it as soon as possible, do not hesitate to contact us.
Exchange
The e-voucher that you received by email is to be exchanged exclusively at the Odakyu counter in Tokyo Shinjuku Station or at the Odakyu Tourist Information Center in Odawara Station.
Validity
The pass is valid for 2 or 3 days (depending on the pass duration you select). It includes a round trip ticket on the Odakyu Line (from Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto). An additional fare of 1200 yen ($8/7€) is required for the Limited Express "Romancecar" trains, to be paid at Odakyu automatic machines or ticket offices. It also includes unlimited rides on different transportation modes in Hakone (local trains, buses, ropeways and lake cruises).
The Hakone Free Pass does not include the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara. Again, it includes the Odakyu Line from Tokyo.
Cancellation and Modification
This voucher is non-refundable once sent.
Once exchanged, the starting date can't be modified.
You can modify your starting date before exchanging by advancing or delaying your exchange date.
Eligibility
Visitors traveling as tourists who have a temporary visitor entry status are eligible for this pass. Japanese passport holders are not eligible for this pass.
What to see and do in Hakone?
Hakone in Kanagawa is one of Japan's most famous hot spring (onsen) areas, rich with unspoiled nature and within easy traveling distance of Tokyo, Hakone is one of the favorite destinations of Kanto residents. Escape from the capital, see ancient craters, view the scenery of rolling mountains, an almost mythical lake, and finally, relax in onsen that have existed since the dawn of time.
Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is located 50 miles (80 km) away from Tokyo and lies in an extinct volcano crater in a mountain range. Historically it was a resting place for those making the trip between Kyoto and Tokyo. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Kanto region, offering fantastic views of Mount Fuji, beautiful Lake Ashi and home to numerous ryokan and hot springs amongst other things. Hakone and its picturesque view of Mount Fuji are a worthwhile trip for anyone who wishes to enjoy some of the best things that the country has to offer all in one location.
How to get around Hakone
To trek out to Hakone, take the "Limited Express Romance Car Super Hakone" train, operated by the Odakyu Railway Company, from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station in 80 minutes.
From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan train to Gora. The journey takes 35 minutes and winds through the wooded valley, crossing bridges and tunnels and stops at small stations.
Hakone Tozan operates a large amount of transportation throughout the area, including the Tozan Hakone Cable Car and Hakone Tozan Bus. All of these are accessible by the Hakone Free Pass to explore the region.
The attractions of Hakone
Flower lovers should see Gora-Koen park. There is also Hakone Art Museum, where you can enjoy a treasured collection of ceramics.
On a cloudy day, Owakudani takes on an apocalyptic atmosphere. Several hiking trails, that are usually a delight for walkers, are partially or totally closed due to the emanation of volcanic gazes. You can simply go your way, by funicular, to Togendai, on the northern shores of Lake Ashi (Ashino-ko in Japanese).
An iconic lake and view of Mount Fuji
The shores of the lake are a call to rest, and a long morning walk is certain to whet your appetite. The Togendai View restaurant offers simple dishes at reasonable prices and is renowned for its view. The boat ride on Lake Ashi offers one of Hakone's most stunning sights: the image of Mount Fuji reflected in its waters.
Lake Ashi itself hosts a number of fun attractions and activities. Boating is also a popular activity with a number of ships servicing travelers and the general public. Above, the Hakone Ropeway operates, giving a gorgeous view of the nature below as well as the looming scene of Mount Fuji.
Also able to be done on Lake Ashi is a lake cruise, where you can also admire another iconic sight of Hakone, the vermilion torii gate of the Hakone-jinja shrine emerging from the water. The half-hour cruise takes you to the south shore, to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone, the two large towns bordering the lake.
An epicenter of art and culture
The museum options in Hakone are one of the most notable things about the area. The Hakone Art Museum is a very well-regarded museum and is frequented by travelers from both within the country and abroad.
Narukawa Art Museum on the shores of Lake Ashi is of major note as it is equally lauded for its architecture as it is for the treasures on the inside. The museum attractions often find themselves around Odawara, like the Okada Art Museum, a private museum spanning five floors that has an impressive selection of Asian Art amongst other things on display. It is the most spacious of the museums in Hakone.
The Hakone Open Air Museum displays noteworthy artwork that seamlessly flows with the backdrop of the area. One can occupy their whole day at one of the many museums in Hakone, so this is an essential trip for those who enjoy art and culture.
Odawara: Stepping into history
Centering around the area of Odawara in Hakone, one can visit the famous Odawara Castle as it looms over the public park beneath it. Odawara is also home to the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, a must-do trip for the whole family.
Just as varies as the museum selection is that of the beautiful parks to be visited in the nature-rich area of Hakone. Onshi-Hakone Park is peppered with beautiful flower fields and rolling scenery. Kamigawara Park in the center of Hakone is the perfect locale for a leisurely walk during the cherry blossom season in Spring.
End your forest walk in Moto-Hakone Park with a trip to the Hakone-jinja Shinto shrine, perched on top of a green hill. Relax in the hot springs or extend the trip and go down to a ryokan, a traditional inn, to spend the night away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions