Train Tickets from Kyoto to Hakone (Odawara)

Visitors to Kansai can explore Kyoto, the former capital. For good reason, this city is among the most popular locations for tourists visiting Japan. It boasts one of the most unique city plans meant to maintain much of its historic character, and it is home to 17 distinct UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto is also endowed with breathtaking scenery; it is bordered by mountains on three sides, as well as rivers that flow and bamboo woods, such as those found in Arashiyama. Furthermore, Kyoto is home to some of the most highly regarded restaurants, which are highly recommended by both locals and organizations like the Michelin Guide. 

Beautiful scenery and a rich artistic culture are at their best in Hakone, a region of Japan that has to be seen to be believed. There are several activities that are unique to the Hakone region. From taking in the unparalleled number of art museums in the region to savoring the region's signature black eggs, which get their color from boiling in sulfur-rich waters, visitors may enjoy views of Mount Fuji from warm, opulent onsen.

The easiest way to tour around Hakone is with the Hakone Free Pass, which gives you unrestricted access to local transit. Kyoto Station and Odawara Station, near the center of Hakone, are directly connected via the Tokaido Shinkansen and can be traveled between without transfers, depending on the time of departure and train. Visit these two key locations for your next trip to Japan!

When taking the train from Kyoto to Hakone, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!

Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.

Different types of Shinkansen

On the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen bullet trains will take commuters out to Odawara from Kyoto. The often mentioned Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansens are also part of this network, but DO NOT STOP at Odawara on the way to Kyoto. On the Shinkansen itself, there are onboard amenities such as power outlets and reclining seats. Enjoy your time commuting in Japan in style and comfort.

How to get to Kyoto Station

Situated in the heart of the former capital of Japan, Kyoto Station is easily accessible by public transportation from JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail company operating in the Kansai area. Kyoto Station is also a stop on the Karasuma subway line. You can connect to a range of bus routes and travel anywhere in Kyoto from Kyoto Station, which serves as the hub of the well-known and extensive bus network in the city.

Where to go from Odawara Station

Departing from Hakone Yumoto Station, Odawara Station is a short local train trip from central Hakone, situated in Kanagawa Prefecture. The Hakone Free Pass is valid for this route, but Odawara and Odawara Station—which is a Shinkansen train stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line that connects Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with an extension to Kyushu via the Sanyo Shinkansen line—will be the primary hub for travel to and from other regions of Japan. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

How to use your train tickets in Japan

To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Kyoto Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at Hachijo South exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train. 

Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases. 

If you arrive to Kyoto Station by a JR line: 

If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action. 

If you are arriving in Kyoto Station via subway lines: 

You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at Hachijo South exits.

On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! 

Once you've arrived in Hakone, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Odawara (Hakone) Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.

You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking and are to be used only on the Kyoto to Odawara route.