Location
The Hakone Free Pass is the most economical way to explore Hakone. This guide covers everything you need to know about prices, coverage, where to buy, and whether it's worth it for your trip. Explore Mt Fuji & Hakone on a full-day trip with sukiyaki lunch, Hakone Cruise, Ropeway & Shinkansen return
What Is the Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone Free Pass is a discounted ticket that includes: Discover Mt Fuji's 5th Station, World Heritage Center & Owakudani volcanic valley on this scenic Hakone day trip
- Round-trip transportation from Tokyo (optional)
- Unlimited use of 8 transportation types in Hakone
- Discounts at 70+ facilities Valid Period: 2 or 3 consecutive days
Where to Buy
| Location | 2 Days (Adult) | 3 Days (Adult) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | ¥6,100 | ¥6,500 | Round-trip + Hakone |
| Tokyo | ¥6,100 | ¥6,500 | Round-trip + Hakone |
| Odawara | ¥5,140 | ¥5,700 | Hakone only |
| Online | ¥6,100 | ¥6,500 | Round-trip + Hakone |
Child Prices
| Location | 2 Days (Child) | 3 Days (Child) |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku/Tokyo | ¥1,500 | ¥1,600 |
| Odawara | ¥1,200 | ¥1,400 |
Transportation (8 Types)
- Hakone Tozan Railway (Odawara-Hakone-Yumoto-Gora)
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car (Gora-Sounzan)
- Hakone Ropeway (Sounzan-Owakudani-Togendai)
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ships, Lake Ashi)
- Hakone Tozan Bus (most routes)
- Odakyu Hakone Bus (selected routes)
- Izu Hakone Bus (selected routes)
- Kanachu Bus (selected routes)
Discounts (70+ Facilities)
Museums:
- Hakone Open-Air Museum (¥200 off)
- Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (¥500 off)
- POLA Museum of Art (¥500 off) Attractions:
- Owakudani Ropeway (included)
- Lake Ashi Cruise (included)
- Hakone Shrine (free entry) Restaurants & Shops:
- 10-20% off at selected locations
- Check guide map for details
YES, If You Plan To:
✅ Visit 3+ attractions in Hakone ✅ Use multiple transportation types ✅ Stay 2+ days in Hakone ✅ Travel from Tokyo to Hakone
Sample 2-Day Itinerary (Value: ¥9,000+)
Day 1:
- Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto (¥2,000)
- Hakone-Yumoto → Gora (¥410)
- Gora → Sounzan → Owakudani (¥1,610)
- Owakudani → Togendai (¥1,140)
- Lake Ashi Cruise (¥1,000)
- Total: ¥6,160
Day 2:
- Togendai → Hakone Shrine (bus, ¥500)
- Hakone Shrine → Odawara (bus, ¥1,500)
- Odawara → Shinjuku (¥2,000)
- Total: ¥4,000
Grand Total: ¥10,160 (Pass: ¥6,100, Save ¥4,060) Get the Yokohama Seaside Gourmet Train Pass — combine transport & dining for a perfect bay area day out
NO, If You Plan To:
❌ Only visit 1-2 attractions ❌ Have JR Pass (covers Tokyo-Odawara) ❌ Day trip with minimal travel ❌ Only visit Hakone-Yumoto area
Sample Day Trip (Value: ¥4,500)
- Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto (¥2,000)
- Local bus (¥500)
- Return (¥2,000)
- Total: ¥4,500 (Pass: ¥6,100, Lose ¥1,600)
In Tokyo
Shinjuku Station
- Location: Odakyu Tourist Information Center
- Hours: 8:00-20:00
- Access: Direct from Shinjuku Station Tokyo Station
- Location: Odakyu Travel
- Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Access: Marunouchi South Exit
In Hakone
Odawara Station
- Location: Hakone Tozan Bus Information
- Hours: 7:30-17:30
- Access: East Exit Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Location: Tourist Information Center
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
Online
Odakyu Website
- URL: https://www.odakyu.jp/
- Delivery: E-ticket or pickup
- Price: Same as counter
Step 1: Activate
- At station: Show pass to staff
- On bus: Show to driver
- On ship: Show at boarding gate
Step 2: Keep Safe
- Keep with you at all times
- Don't fold (may damage barcode)
- Valid for consecutive days (not 48 hours)
Step 3: Show Discounts
- At attractions: Show before payment
- At restaurants: Show when ordering
- At shops: Show at checkout
Covered Areas
✅ Hakone-Yumoto Area (most routes) ✅ Gora Area (all routes) ✅ Owakudani (ropeway) ✅ Lake Ashi (all routes) ✅ Hakone Shrine (bus + ship)
Not Covered
❌ Tokyo local trains (except round-trip) ❌ Shinkansen (except with JR Pass combo) ❌ Some bus routes (check map) ❌ Taxi (all routes)
Can You Use Both?
Yes! Best combination:
- JR Pass: Tokyo → Odawara (Shinkansen)
- Hakone Free Pass: Buy at Odawara (¥5,140)
Total Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| JR Pass + Hakone Pass | ¥5,140 | Best value |
| Hakone Pass (Shinjuku) | ¥6,100 | Convenient |
| Separate tickets | ¥8,000+ | Expensive |
Where to Buy with JR Pass
Odawara Station
- Location: Hakone Tozan Bus Information
- Price: ¥5,140 (Hakone only)
- Access: 1 min from Shinkansen exit
If You Lose It
❌ No reissue (strictly no refund) ❌ No refund for remaining days ✅ Keep safe (treat like cash)
Prevention Tips
- Take photo of pass (for reference)
- Store in wallet (not loose pocket)
- Note serial number (for reporting)
3-Day Pass
Best for: 2-night stays
- Price: +¥400 (from 2-day)
- Value: excellent for relaxed itinerary
- Recommendation: Highly recommended
No Extension
- ❌ Cannot extend 2-day to 3-day
- ❌ Must purchase new pass
- ✅ Plan ahead for best value
Best Time to Buy
Buy in advance for:
- Golden Week (Apr 29 - May 5)
- Autumn foliage (Nov)
- New Year (Dec 29 - Jan 3)
- Weekends (especially Saturday)
Peak Season Strategy
- Book online (guaranteed availability)
- Arrive early (stations crowded)
- Have backup plans (transport delays)
Off-Peak Benefits
- Fewer crowds (weekdays)
- Better availability (no booking needed)
- Lower prices (some facilities)
Buying at Wrong Location
Wrong: Buying at Tokyo Station if staying in Shinjuku Right: Buy at departure station (Shinjuku or Tokyo)
Not Activating Properly
Wrong: Just boarding without validation Right: Show to staff at first use
Misunderstanding Validity
Wrong: Thinking it's 48 hours from first use Right: Consecutive calendar days (not hours)
Not Using Discounts
Wrong: Paying full price at attractions Right: Always show pass before payment
2-Day Express
Day 1: Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Owakudani → Lake Ashi Day 2: Lake Ashi → Hakone Shrine → Odawara → Tokyo Value: ¥9,000+ | Pass: ¥6,100 | Save: ¥2,900+
3-Day Relaxed
Day 1: Tokyo → Hakone-Yumoto (onsen) Day 2: Gora → Owakudani → Lake Ashi Day 3: Hakone Shrine → Tokyo Value: ¥11,000+ | Pass: ¥6,500 | Save: ¥4,500+
Budget Day Trip
Not recommended (pass costs more than separate tickets) Better: Buy separate tickets (¥4,500)
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Hakone Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hakone Soba | Japanese | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-17:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Hakone Soba
- 🏷️ Type: Japanese
- 🌐 Official Website: https://hakone-soba.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-460-XX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-17:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Hakone-Yumoto
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Summary
| Traveler Type | Recommendation | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | ✅ Highly recommended | 2-day from Shinjuku |
| JR Pass holder | ✅ Recommended | Buy at Odawara |
| Day tripper | ❌ Not recommended | Separate tickets |
| 2+ day visitor | ✅ Highly recommended | 3-day pass |
| Budget traveler | ✅ Good value | 2-day from Odawara |
Bottom Line: The Hakone Free Pass is excellent value for anyone spending 2+ days in Hakone. Buy from Shinjuku for convenience, or Odawara if you have JR Pass.
Related Articles:
Conclusion
Hakone Free Pass Ultimate Guide provides everything you need to make your Kanagawa trip smooth and enjoyable. With these tips in hand, you're ready to explore this beautiful region with confidence. Safe travels!
Anaba OffJapan — Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Hakone Free Pass Ultimate Guide Investing in the right transportation pass can significantly reduce your travel costs while giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Each pass is designed for a different travel style.
