Popular Other Railways in Hakone

Hakone offers several sightseeing bus routes, making it convenient for travelers to explore various attractions. The main ones are the Hakone Tozan Bus and the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus. The Hakone Tozan Bus has an extensive network, connecting from Hakone-Yumoto Station to key spots like Gora, Kowakudani, Moto-Hakone Port, and Hakone-machi Port, and is essential for touring Hakone. The Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus connects to the Gotemba area, convenient for reaching OUTLETS or the Hakone Sengokuhara area, providing diverse travel options.

The Hakone Free Pass covers the main transportation in the Hakone area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship), Hakone Tozan Bus, and some Odakyu Hakone Highway Buses. This pass allows unlimited rides on these modes of transport within a specified period, making it an ideal choice for experiencing Hakone's classic loop route. Please note that an extra express fee is required for the Odakyu Romancecar.

The Hakone Tozan Railway is famous for its unique "zig-zag" track design, which allows the train to overcome steep mountain slopes. Along the way, passengers can enjoy Hakone's natural beauty, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. It primarily handles transportation within Hakone, connecting many important attractions. The Odakyu Romancecar is an express train that runs directly from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station. It is characterized by its comfortable ride and the observation seats in some cars, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery on their way to Hakone, saving travel time.

The best time to see autumn leaves by taking the Hakone Tozan Railway is generally from late October to late November. Due to the varying altitudes in the Hakone region, the timing of the fall foliage can differ. For example, in higher altitude areas like Sengokuhara or Owakudani, the leaves might start turning red in late October. In lower altitude areas near Hakone-Yumoto, the peak foliage might be observed from mid to late November. It is recommended to check the annual autumn foliage forecast.

Major railway stations in the Hakone area, such as Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station, typically offer coin lockers for travelers to store their luggage. These lockers come in various sizes, allowing travelers to choose based on their baggage size. Additionally, some tourist facilities or hotels around the stations may provide luggage delivery services, enabling travelers to journey lightly without the burden of carrying their luggage to attractions, thus enhancing travel convenience.

In addition to the well-known Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone features a variety of railway-related transportation options that form a unique circular sightseeing route. The Hakone Tozan Cable Car connects Gora and Sounzan, offering a short but steep journey. The Hakone Ropeway extends from Sounzan to Togendai, crossing over Owakudani, allowing passengers to enjoy spectacular volcanic landscapes and views of Lake Ashi from high above, making it an excellent way to experience Hakone's natural scenery.

The most distinctive sightseeing train in Hakone is undoubtedly the Hakone Tozan Railway. This railway is renowned for its unique "zig-zag" switchback design, allowing the train to ascend steep mountain slopes slowly. It passes through tunnels and over bridges, is surrounded by hydrangeas in spring and summer, and offers autumn foliage views in the fall, making the journey itself a scenic experience. Furthermore, the Odakyu Romancecar, departing from Shinjuku, features observation seats in some cars, providing passengers with expansive views before they even reach Hakone, which is also a unique experience.

There are several convenient ways to travel from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Lake Ashi. The most classic and recommended method is to follow the Hakone loop route: first, take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan, and finally switch to the Hakone Ropeway, which will take you to Togendai, located on the shores of Lake Ashi. Alternatively, you can take a Hakone Tozan Bus directly from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Moto-Hakone Port or Hakone-machi Port, both of which offer easy access to Lake Ashi.

There are several recommended sightseeing spots along the Hakone Tozan Railway line. Starting from Hakone-Yumoto, near Miyashita Station, you'll find the historic Fujiya Hotel and various art galleries. At Chokoku-no-Mori Station, you can visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire outdoor artworks. Gora Station is a hub for exploring Hakone, with Gora Park and Hakone Museum of Art nearby. These stations offer unique cultural and natural experiences, perfect for travelers to disembark and explore.

For foreign tourists using railway transportation in Hakone, the most recommended option is the 'Hakone Free Pass'. This pass offers unlimited rides on various transportation modes, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and Hakone Ropeway, within its validity period. Purchasing the Free Pass not only simplifies the ticket purchasing process but also often provides discounts at designated tourist facilities and shops in the Hakone area. It's an economical and convenient choice for touring Hakone and experiencing its diverse transportation.