Hakone Freepass Guide Vol.1 – Answering Your Questions About the Hakone Freepass!–
A scenic and popular travel destination, Hakone is easily accessible from central Tokyo via the Romancecar.
One of its biggest draws is its well-developed transportation system featuring fascinating modes of transport.
Hakone’s mountainous terrain offers fun and convenient ways to explore the area with various vehicles such as the mountain railway, cable cars, ropeway, and even sightseeing Cruise, all while enjoying amazing scenery. With every transfer, new attractions await!
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the Hakone Freepass, so be sure to check them out!
Information Pamphlet of Hakone Freepass
What are the benefits of the Hakone Freepass?
The pass comes in two versions: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. During the validity period, you get unlimited rides on eight different transportation options within the Hakone area, with a discounted total fare.
Although there is no 1-day pass, the Freepass still offers great value even for day trips.
Using it is simple. Just show your Hakone Freepass to station staff.
There’s no need to buy individual tickets, allowing for seamless travel on buses, trains, etc.
Additionally, the pass grants discounts or special benefits at about 70 tourist attractions, making it an item you don’t want to miss.
The following modes of transport are covered:
The Hakone Freepass is available both as a type that includes a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line and another type that starts from Odawara (valid only in the Hakone area). Choose based on your departure station and whether you need a round-trip ticket.
For travelers coming from Kansai or those not returning to Tokyo, the Odawara version of the Hakone Freepass is recommended.
Use the article below as a reference.
How much can you save?
The more you ride, the more you save.
For example, if you take the classic “Hakone Golden Route"—which efficiently covers popular spots Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Owakudani → Lake Ashi → Hakonemachi—the Hakone Freepass is an excellent choice when traveling from Shinjuku.
Additionally, how does the cost compare between taking JR to Odawara Station and touring Hakone versus using the Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku? (Both scenarios assume a 2-day Hakone Freepass.)
In short, if you’re departing from Shinjuku to explore Hakone, using the Hakone Freepass with an included round-trip ticket on Odakyu is definitely the better deal compared to taking JR.
【For adults】
Using JR: 8,040 yen
Using Odakyu: 6,100 yen
For adults, you’ll save 1,940 yen!
What Are the Operating Hours for Each Mode of Transport?
Click here for the timetable of the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (the site is in Japanese).
Major bus stop timetable
Click below for the timetable of the bus (the site is in Japanese).
Odawara Station
Hakone Yumoto Station
Gora Station
Togendai
Motohakone-ko
Hakonemachi-ko
Sengoku
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Station
Can I use the Hakone Freepass to ride the Romancecar?
The Limited Express Romancecar is a reserved-seat train that runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station without transfers, arriving about 30 minutes faster than a rapid express train.
To ride the Romancecar, in addition to the Hakone Freepass, you need to purchase a separate Limited Express ticket (1,200 yen from from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto).
If you have a Hakone Freepass departing from Shinjuku, it already includes the base fare ticket, so you only need to buy the Limited Express ticket.
Using Hakone Freepass from Odawara
For travelers from Kansai or those not returning to Tokyo, the Odawara version of the Hakone Freepass does not include Odakyu Line tickets. If you plan to take the Romancecar, you must purchase both an Odakyu Line ticket and a Limited Express ticket separately.
*The regular Odakyu Line ticket can be bought at the departure station on the day of travel.
Where can I buy the Hakone Freepass?
The Hakone Freepass can be purchased up to one month in advance.
・EMot Online Tickets (digital ticket)
・Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center
・Odakyu Line station counters or ticket machines
We highly recommend digital tickets, as they allow you to buy them anytime, anywhere, right from your smartphone!
You can also purchase a Romancecar Limited Express ticket at the same time.
With digital tickets, there’s no need to exchange physical tickets on the day of travel.
Simply display the QR code and enjoy smooth access to transportation!
Buy your Hakone Freepass on EMot Online Tickets
The Hakone Freepass is the ultimate must-have item for exploring Hakone. Start your trip by getting one today!