Hakone Ropeway: Guide to Japan's Scenic Aerial Adventure
Hakone is one of Japan's representative tourist destinations. Located close to Tokyo, Hakone is famous for its hot springs and attracts many visitors seeking relaxation.
While popular as a tourist and hot spring destination, Hakone was also formed by volcanic activity and is a caldera. Lake Ashinoko is a caldera lake, and Owakudani continues its volcanic activity, emitting smoke even today.
The Hakone Ropeway is a popular transportation system that travels from the hot spring and tourist area of Gora through Owakudani to Lake Ashinoko. Beyond just being a means of transportation, the Hakone Ropeway is popular with tourists as it offers beautiful panoramic views. In this article, we will introduce the Hakone Ropeway and the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
The true pleasure of Hakone tourism isn't just hot springs, but also the majestic nature and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji!
When you think of Hakone, you might first imagine hot springs and museums, but the charm of Hakone, situated among mountains, also includes natural wonders like Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani. Additionally, from Hakone's high elevation, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay.
The Hakone Ropeway is one of the main means of transportation in Hakone, connecting hot spring areas and tourist spots like Lake Ashinoko. While riding, you can fully appreciate Hakone's spectacular views, and on clear days, you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji. By taking the Hakone Ropeway, you can thoroughly enjoy the attractions of Hakone.
There are two types of ropeways in Hakone! Explaining the differences and unique appeal of each
Hakone has two types of ropeways: the "Hakone Ropeway," which is convenient as a means of transportation, and the "Komagatake Ropeway," which leads to the summit of Komagatake Mountain. Here, we'll explain the differences and attractions of these two.
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway connects Gora (Sounzan Station) to Lake Ashinoko (Togendai Station) over a distance of about 4km. Operating at one-minute intervals, it's popular and convenient as an access method for traveling around Hakone, taking approximately 40 minutes to travel from Gora, with its hot springs and art parks, to Lake Ashinoko.
Along the way, the Hakone Ropeway passes through "Owakudani," which gives you a real sense of Hakone's caldera nature, and during the journey, you can enjoy spectacular views of Hakone's vast natural landscape.
Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Owakudani
Source:Hakone Navi
The charm of the Hakone Ropeway is enjoying the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Owakudani during your journey. Between Sounzan and Owakudani, the Hakone Ropeway travels more than 1000m above the mountains. During this ride, you can enjoy a panoramic view and feel like you're on an aerial journey immersed in Hakone's great natural beauty.
Around Owakudani, an active volcano, you can get a full view of the rising steam from the sky, enjoying the dynamic volcanic landscape. On the section from Owakudani to Togendai, you can also view distant scenery including Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay.
Easy access to Sounsan and Owakudani
While it's possible to access Owakudani by bus, the ropeway is the most recommended way! The Hakone Ropeway operates at one-minute intervals, so you can board whenever you want without worrying about schedules. Additionally, since it connects Ashinoko to Gora in almost a straight line, you can access your destination in a short time without going the long way around like a bus. The ropeway cabins hold 18 people, but when it's not crowded, they sometimes allow groups to ride alone, so you can enjoy a private space.
Above all, the aerial view of Hakone can only be enjoyed via the ropeway, so the Hakone Ropeway is a means of transportation in Hakone that I confidently recommend.
Various discounted tickets are available
The Hakone Ropeway offers various discounted tickets. While a standard one-way ticket from Sounzan to Togendai costs 1,500 yen (round trip 2,500 yen), you can make your trip more economical by using these special tickets!
Hakone Free Pass
A ticket that allows you to use most transportation in Hakone. It also comes with discount coupons for facilities, making it a great value! This is the most recommended ticket.
2-day pass: From 5,000 yen
Owakudani 2 Days Pass
A ticket that allows unlimited rides on three types of transportation: Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Tozan Railway, and Hakone Tozan Cable Car. Recommended for those who want to enjoy the ropeway journey.
2-day pass: From 3,700 yen
Sightseeing and Ropeway Free Pass
A free pass for the cruise ships that tour Lake Ashinoko and the ropeway. Recommended for those who want to focus their sightseeing on the aerial journey of the ropeway and cruising on Lake Ashinoko.
2-day pass: From 4,000 yen
Reference site: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-ropeway/
Basic Information
- Access:
From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to "Odawara" Station. From Odawara Station, take the Izuhakone Bus "J" line and get off at "Sounzaneki Iriguchi"
From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu Railway bound for Hakone-Yumoto to "Hakone Yumoto" Station. From Hakone Yumoto Station, take the Izuhakone Bus "J" line and get off at "Sounzaneki Iriguchi"
- Operating hours: February-November 9:00-16:45 / December-January 9:00-16:15
- Closed: None
- Phone number: Monday-Friday 0465-32-2205 / Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 0460-84-8439
- Official website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-ropeway/
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Mt. Komagatake is a 1356m mountain that towers on the eastern side of Lake Ashinoko. It has long been a stage for mountain worship where mountains are revered as deities, and has been cherished by locals as one of Hakone's most powerful spiritual spots. At the shrine on the summit, you can witness traces of ancient worship.
The Hakone Komagatake ropeway is a cable car system that connects from the foot of Lake Ashinoko at an elevation of 723m to the summit of Hakone Komagatake at 1356m. Since it takes only about 7 minutes to easily reach the summit, you can visit the mountaintop and shrine without having to climb the mountain.
Let's take a ride on the Hakone Komagatake ropeway and visit Komagatake where you can enjoy Hakone's history and breathtaking views!
Spectacular Views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko
Source:Prince Hotel
From the summit of Hakone Komagatake, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Fuji in all of Hakone. Lake Ashinoko spreads out directly below, and in the distance, you can see the vast panorama of Sagami Bay.
This spot is popular for enjoying the collaboration between Hakone's beautiful nature and the majestic Mt. Fuji. In April 2025, a new observation deck called "Kono sora" (This Sky) was built. The observation deck features objects specially designed for taking beautiful photographs of Mt. Fuji and newly constructed decks for viewing the sea, making it a recommended spot for those who want to take impressive photos.
Reach the Summit of Komagatake by Climbing Just 30m from the Top Station
Source:Prince Hotel
Since the hakone ropeway runs to a high position on the mountain, you can reach the summit of Hakone Komagatake by climbing just 30m after getting off the ropeway.
At the summit of Hakone Komagatake, you'll find Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine, which is the stage for Hakone's history and worship. Though this shrine was built in 1964 as the inner shrine of "Hakone Shrine" located at the foot of Lake Ashinoko, worship at this site is said to have taken place more than 2400 years ago. As evidence of this, you can see rocks called "Bakoseki" that were used for worship around the summit.
Enjoy the Ropeway with Night Views and Starry Skies During the "Night Sky Tour Hakone Soratabi" Season
Source:Prince Hotel
While the Hakone Komagatake ropeway normally operates only during the day, it runs at night for limited periods such as during summer vacation and winter when the starry skies are beautiful.
Since light from the ground doesn't reach the summit, you can fully experience the beautiful brilliance of the starry sky at night. During the nighttime operation period, "Astronomical Observation & Night Tours" are also held, allowing you to enjoy romantic moments observing moon craters through telescopes and finding constellations.
The shrine at night illuminated by starlight creates a fantastical and spiritual atmosphere. Please enjoy this special experience that can only be savored at night!
*Night operations are held irregularly, so please check the schedule at 0460-83-1151 (Hakone-en) for more details.
Basic Information
- Access:
From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to "Odawara" Station. From Odawara Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus "J" line and get off at "Hakone-en."
From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu Railway bound for Hakone-Yumoto to "Hakone Yumoto" Station. From Hakone Yumoto Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus "J" line and get off at "Hakone-en."
- Operating hours: 9:00-16:30
Fee: 1800 yen
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0460-83-1151
- Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/ropeway/
Spring and Autumn: When Views from the Hakone Ropeway Become Even More Beautifully Colored
You can enjoy the changing seasons with even more beautiful scenery from the ropeway that offers spectacular panoramic views, especially during spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season.
Cherry Blossom Season Highlights
Source:Hoshino Resort
When we think of Japanese spring, cherry blossoms immediately come to mind. The Hakone ropeway and Hakone Komagatake ropeway both offer magnificent views of cherry blossoms in bloom. Wild cherry trees grow naturally in Hakone's mountains. These are called "Mame zakura" and "Yama zakura," characterized by their white color and small petals.
While they have a more modest appearance compared to the "Someiyoshino" cherry trees commonly seen in urban areas and tourist spots, these wild cherries blend beautifully with the mountains, offering a glimpse into Japan's profound natural beauty. Beautiful azaleas also bloom in late April.
Additionally, riding the Hakone ropeway gives you easy access to famous flower viewing spots such as "Hakone Gora Park" and "Hotel de Yama."
Autumn Foliage Season Highlights
Source:Hoshino Resort
The Hakone ropeway and Hakone Komagatake ropeway offer breathtaking views of magnificent autumn foliage during your journey. Since Hakone has many broadleaf trees like maple and oak that turn yellow and red in autumn, the mountains become painted in vibrant red and yellow colors during the foliage season from late October to early December.
The collaboration of Mt. Fuji with autumn foliage is a popular Japanese view. Take the Hakone ropeway to enjoy this spectacular scenery that can only be experienced during this season!
The "Hakone Free Pass" is the Best Deal for Riding the Ropeway!
As mentioned earlier about discount tickets, the Hakone Free Pass is essential for those who want to fully enjoy their Hakone trip. Not only can you ride the ropeway, but you can also freely board buses and trains operating in Hakone. It also includes discount coupons for hot springs and museums, making it a very economical way to tour Hakone.
2-day and 3-day passes are available, so purchase according to your sightseeing schedule.
Prices:
- 2-day pass: 5,000 yen
- 3-day pass: 5,400 yen
Available transportation:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Hakone ropeway
- Hakone sightseeing cruise
- Hakone Tozan Bus
- Odakyu highway bus
- Tokai bus
- Kanko Shisetsu meguri bus
Usage example:
- Odawara station~Hakone yumoto (Hakone tozan Railway) normally 420 yen
- Hakone Yumoto~Moto Hakone (Hakone tozan bus) normally 1,080 yen
- Moto hakone~Togendai (Hakone sightseeing cruise) normally 1,200 yen
- Togendai~Owakudani (Hakone Ropeway) normally 1,500 yen
- Owakudani~Sounzan (Hakone Ropeway) normally 1,500 yen
- Sounzan~Gora (Hakone Tozan Cable Car) normally 430 yen
It's extremely economical as you can ride these routes as much as you want for a fixed price! Of course, you can use other routes within the covered area as well, so be sure to purchase the Hakone Free Pass and enjoy your Hakone tour to the fullest!
