Reddit's Most Popular Japan Travel Questions: Tokyo to Hakone Transportation – Real Answers from a Local Pro

When planning a trip from Tokyo to Hakone, travelers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of routes, tickets, and options.

On Reddit, you'll find questions like: "Should I take the Romancecar or Shinkansen?" or "Is the Hakone Free Pass really worth buying?"

Some users say, “Just hop on the Odakyu Limited Express—it’s direct and easy!” while others argue, “The bullet train is fastest as long as you don't miss the right stop.”

But can you trust those answers completely?

I’ve spent over 20 years working in Japan’s travel industry, guiding travelers and designing itineraries for everyone from backpackers to luxury seekers.

Drawing from real local insight and up-to-date experience, let’s dive in and answer the internet’s burning Hakone questions—cutting through the confusion with specifics you won’t find elsewhere.

Ready to have your Tokyo–Hakone transport confusion fixed? Check the FAQ below for answers—and an extra selection of must-know pro tips at the end!

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Q: What's the best way to get from Tokyo to Hakone? Should I use the Romancecar, Shinkansen, or local train?

This is the #1 most-asked question, and the answer depends on your priorities: speed, price, ease, and experience.

For most travelers, the classic Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto is the “iconic” choice. It’s a comfortable 90-minute direct ride, usually with gorgeous panoramic windows (grab a front “view car” seat if you can!).

But if you need the absolutely fastest way, the Shinkansen (bullet train) wins. Catch it at Tokyo or Shinagawa stations, get off at Odawara (35 minutes), then transfer to the Hakone Tozan local line for 15 more minutes—total under an hour for the ride, though be prepared for a crowded transfer at Odawara.

If cost is king, use the JR Tokaido Line: slower, but nearly as cheap as local trains get—great for those on JR passes or tight budgets, but expect about 2 hours door-to-door and no reserved seats.

Nobody talks much about the “slow train” option, but riding the JR Tokaido Line (local) is popular with students and off-the-beaten-track travelers. Try it if you want to look out the window and soak up the scenery like a local commuter.

If your heart is set on scenic views, the Romancecar’s panorama seat is your best bet. If “target arrival time” is your number one factor, the Shinkansen is hard to beat.

Pro tip: Don’t overlook the flexibility advantage of the local line if you’re carrying a Japan Rail Pass or traveling during holidays—Romancecar tickets do sell out on weekends.

Q: Is the Hakone Free Pass really worth it? How do I use it, and where should I buy it?

The Hakone Free Pass is a lifesaver—if you plan to explore Hakone’s attractions (and most people do). For a set price (a little over 4,000 yen for 2 days from Shinjuku), it covers almost all local transportation: trains, buses, cable car, ropeway, fun pirate boat on Lake Ashi, and even discounts at hot springs and museums.

If you’re doing more than just soaking in one hotel’s onsen and leaving, it’s a great deal. Single tickets add up fast, and fares from Hakone Tozan train and buses alone can total more than the pass price in just a day or two.

Buy the pass at Shinjuku (Odakyu Service Center), Odawara, or any major Odakyu station. You can also purchase in advance online. The paper ticket format is nostalgic, but Odakyu now offers digital pass options for smartphone users.

Many first-timers are surprised—there’s no need to “tap” the pass at every gate. Just show it to staff when boarding buses or entering attractions. (And yes, the pass gives you a discount on Romancecar seat reservations, but not the full supplement fee—it only covers the local line fare.)

If you’re only going to Hakone Yumoto for a day-trip spa visit and then heading directly back to Tokyo, you might just pay individual fares. But for most, the pass is easier and reduces friction.

In my own experience, leading international groups around Hakone during the cherry blossom season, 95% of passengers found the pass both cheaper and less stressful than calculating individual fares while juggling timetables.

One small caveat: Pass coverage does not extend to the Shinkansen portion between Tokyo/Odawara—you’ll need a separate ticket for that jump.

Q: If I’ve got a JR Pass, is the Shinkansen to Odawara the best option? Can I use it for everything?

If your Japan Rail Pass (“JR Pass”) is valid, definitely consider using the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Odawara, as it’s fully covered. Board the Kodama or eligible Hikari services only—Nozomi trains don't stop at Odawara, so watch the schedule!

Once in Odawara, you’ll transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway (not covered by JR Pass) for the final stretch to Hakone Yumoto or to use any of the fun local cable cars, ropeways, and buses that crisscross the region. For this, you have two main choices: buy your Hakone Free Pass at Odawara, or buy single tickets per ride (but those add up fast, as mentioned above).

This method is usually both the fastest and cheapest for JR Pass holders, especially for spontaneous day trips when Romancecar reserved seats might be sold out. Before you ride, double-check the Shinkansen time tables—Kodama trains are a little slower, but they always stop at Odawara.

One more pro tip: If you have a JR East or other partial pass, check pass region coverage; some passes (like JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass) do not cover Hakone/Odawara.

Q: What about taking a highway bus? Is it convenient, and can you use the Hakone Free Pass?

Highway buses between Tokyo (e.g., Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) and Hakone are much less famous with foreign visitors, but pretty popular with budget-savvy locals. A direct bus to Hakone costs about 2,240 yen, takes around 2 hours 15 minutes (but watch for road traffic during peak season or rain), and brings you to popular stops like Togendai (Owakudani ropeway area) or Hakone-Yumoto.

The advantage over trains? No transfers—if you dislike luggage transfers or are traveling with small kids, this is huge. Downsides: frequency is less than trains, and some buses require advance bookings.

If you have the Hakone Free Pass, there are special “discount bus routes” where you pay a supplement (often about 1,000 yen extra on top of the pass). It is not 100% free, but can still be a bargain.

I often recommend the bus for groups with heavy bags or on dates where Odakyu Romancecar reservations are sold out. After hiking the Hakone trails on a misty May morning—surrounded by hydrangeas in full bloom—sometimes it’s just nice to nap on a direct bus back to Tokyo.

Recommended Places to Stay in Hakone (with Booking Links)

• Hotel Green Plaza Hakone: Well-known for unbeatable panoramic views of Mount Fuji from the onsen baths. The property is close to the ropeway and suits both couples and families. Check prices on Agoda
• Hakone Yutowa: A modern ryokan experience in Gora, with public and private hot-spring baths, chic interiors, and great access to the art museums that make Hakone famous. See rates on Agoda
• Odakyu Hotel de Yama: Classic lakeside elegance, renowned for its gardens (especially during azalea season). It’s an easy stroll to Lake Ashi’s pirate boats and torii gates. Book on Agoda

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Q: I’ll have a tight schedule—can I do Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo? If so, what’s the ideal route and top sights?

Yes, Hakone is one of the very best day trips from Tokyo—if you plan efficiently and get an early start. My recommendation (for first-timers): catch the earliest Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku, arrive at Hakone-Yumoto before 9:30 am.

Buy the Hakone Free Pass for maximum flexibility. Start with the Hakone Tozan train up to Gora, transfer to the cable car, then the ropeway to Owakudani’s volcanic hot-spring valley.

Don’t miss a quick break for the famous black “onsen eggs”—it’s touristy, but fun—and then on to Lake Ashi via the pirate ship. If the sky is clear, the views of Mt. Fuji from the boat are unbeatable.

Depending on your pace (and crowds), you can circle back via Hakone Shrine or Hakone Open Air Museum. Take the early evening train or bus back—Romancecar is best, but if you miss the last one, any combination will work with your Free Pass.

I’ve taken hundreds of international guests on this “classic loop” in every season; cherry blossoms in March/April, fiery red leaves in November, rolling fog in June. Each gives a different, magical vibe! The only challenge: weekends can get crowded, so keep your schedule flexible.

Q: Are there luggage lockers or storage options at Hakone stations?

Yes! Both Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara stations have coin lockers in various sizes. But they fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays.

If you’re traveling with a lot of baggage, consider sending your luggage ahead by “takkyubin” (luggage delivery service) or using hotel bag drop (some Hakone hotels offer this service from Tokyo for a fee).

Smaller guesthouses may hold your bags after check-out, but always confirm in advance.

If you’re tight on time, traveling with just a daypack will save you a lot of stress and waiting in locker lines. Bringing a foldable extra bag works wonders—especially after souvenir shopping (the Hakone area pottery is famous and addictive!).

Extra Hakone Transport Pro Tips:

• Download the “Odakyu Electric Railway” or “Japan Transit Planner” apps on your phone for live train times and delay info.
• Hakone's bus routes can be winding and slow during rain or snowy weather—leave time buffers in your plan, especially in winter.
• Most major attractions accept credit cards, but have some yen in cash for smaller inns, snack stands, or rural bus fares.
• If you love art, spare time for the Hakone Open Air Museum—it’s accessible on the standard circuit and is a favorite with families and culture lovers.

Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Hakone, and does transport get crowded?

Hakone is beautiful year-round, but each season has its charm (and its crowds).

Spring (late March–April): Cherry blossoms and crisp air. Trains, especially Romancecar, fill up on weekends and when the sakura forecast hits.

Summer: Great for escaping Tokyo’s city heat. Hydrangeas along the Hakone Tozan line bloom, turning train windows into framing for purple and blue. It’s less crowded except for school holidays.

Fall (late Oct–early Dec): A favorite for autumn leaves, making photo spots crowded. Advance reservations a must.

Winter: Fewer crowds except around New Year, and you might catch Mount Fuji capped in snow—a scene many photographers chase.

Rainy season (June–early July): Transport uncrowded, but be prepared for mist and sometimes delayed ropeways due to fog. Still magical if you love atmospheric views!

In short: Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May) and mid-August Obon week if you dislike crowds. Otherwise, Hakone remains accessible throughout the year, especially if you book Romancecar or hotels early.

Recommended Hakone Accommodation Links (for Every Budget)

• Mizunoto: A popular onsen ryokan with amply sized private baths and dinner plans. Walking distance from main sites. See rooms
• Fujiya Hotel: Legendary historical property, beloved by everyone from John Lennon to modern design fans. Book now

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Q: Can I stop at Odawara Castle on my way to Hakone? Is it worth a visit?

Absolutely! If you’re using the Shinkansen or the JR Tokaido Line, you’ll transfer trains at Odawara, which makes stopping at Odawara Castle both easy and logical.

The castle is a pleasant 15-minute walk or short local bus ride from Odawara Station. Climb to the top for panoramic city and sea views, wander the samurai-era weapon exhibitions, or just relax in the surrounding park, which is lovely (and much less crowded than Tokyo’s castles).

If you’re traveling light and have 1-2 hours to spare, this historical detour is more than worthwhile. The castle’s neighborhood also offers local snacks (plum and fish cake specialties). I’ve personally enjoyed introducing castle enthusiasts to Odawara—just allow for extra time during low season when opening hours are shorter.

Note: Lockers are available at Odawara Station if you want to store your bags before sightseeing.

Summary: How Should I Go from Tokyo to Hakone, and What’s the Smartest Plan?

In short, there is no “single best” way to get from Tokyo to Hakone—your best option depends on your priorities, itinerary, and wallet. The Romancecar is perfect for direct comfort and scenery, the Shinkansen + JR Pass is best for speed or passholders, and old-school train travelers on a tight budget can ride the Tokaido Line for the local experience.

If you want maximum freedom to hop around Hakone’s unique attractions (cable cars, ropeways, boats, art museums), the Hakone Free Pass is a must-buy—for both convenience and value.

And yes, highway buses offer a no-transfer alternative popular with Japanese groups, but can be slower due to traffic.

My final advice from decades guiding foreign travelers: Plan ahead, book your main tickets (especially Romancecar) in advance if traveling on weekends, and don’t hesitate to mix-and-match your route for flexibility or detours (like Odawara Castle).

Whatever you choose, the journey is part of the Hakone adventure—so take your time, watch the scenery, and get ready for some of Japan’s most famous hot springs, views, and culture.

Happy travels, and see you in Hakone!

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