Anaba OffJapan
Overview
Location
The Hakone Tozan Railway winds through lush mountain forests, making its way from Odawara up to Gora with spectacular switchback curves. The Hakone Ropeway glides over Owakudani's active volcanic valley.(/assets/images/articles/hakone-free-pass-ultimate-guide-sub4.jpg)
The Hakone Ropeway glides over Owakudani's active volcanic valley — one of the most dramatic experiences included in the Free Pass.
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
Cost Savings at a Glance
| Scenario | Cost per Adult | Savings vs. Individual Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| One-day Loop (local trains, 2-day pass) | ¥6,100 | ¥5,380 (47%) |
| One-day Loop (Romancecar) | ¥8,500 | ¥2,980 (26%) |
| Two-day casual (no Loop) | ¥6,100 | ¥2,500–¥4,000 |
| Two-day within Hakone only | ¥2,500 | Varies by usage |
Compared to buying individual tickets for a full Hakone Loop (¥11,480+), the Free Pass pays for itself after just 3–4 rides within Hakone.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
Buy online in advance: The Odakyu website allows you to reserve the Free Pass and Romancecar seats together, saving time at the ticket counter. Online booking opens 30 days ahead.
Plan your first ride: The Free Pass activates on first use. Start early (7:30–8:00 AM from Shinjuku) to maximize a two-day pass.
Check included bus routes: Not all Hakone bus routes are covered. The Hakone Tozan Bus (orange buses) is included; the Hakone Town Minibus (green) is included for limited routes. Hotel shuttle buses are not covered.
Luggage storage: If staying overnight, store luggage at Hakone-Yumoto Station (coin lockers ¥300–¥700, or luggage delivery to your ryokan for ¥500–¥1,000 per bag). The mountain train has limited luggage space.
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)
Hakone Area
|---|---|---|---|---| | 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)
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:
Pro Tips
References & Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it for a first-time visitor? A: Absolutely. The Hakone Free Pass is specifically designed for tourists and offers the best value if you plan to visit 3+ attractions and use multiple transport types. The included guide map with English explanations makes navigation easy. First-timers staying 2+ days in Hakone will save ¥3,000-4,000 compared to buying separate tickets.
Q: Can I use the Free Pass for a day trip from Tokyo? A: For day trips, the Free Pass from Shinjuku (¥6,100) generally costs more than separate tickets (¥4,500). Consider buying the pass from Odawara (¥5,140) if you already have a JR Pass, or skip the pass entirely if you only plan to visit Hakone-Yumoto for a quick onsen trip.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Hakone Loop with the Free Pass? A: The classic Hakone Loop (train up, ropeway across, cruise back) takes 4-6 hours without stops. Add 1-2 hours per museum or attraction visit. For a relaxed experience, spread the loop across two days — the 2-day pass is designed for this.
Q: What should I do if I lose my Free Pass? A: The Free Pass is strictly non-replaceable — treat it like cash. Take a photo of the pass front/back when you first receive it. Note the serial number. If lost, you must purchase a new pass at full price. Store it in a secure wallet, not a loose pocket.
Q: Is the Free Pass valid for the Owakudani Ropeway when it's closed? A: The ropeway section of the route is covered by the Free Pass when operational, During volcanic activity closures (check the Hakone official site before visiting), replacement bus services run between Sounzan and Togendai and are also covered by the pass.
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!
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.
Access
Practical Tips
Hakone Open-Air Museum (¥200 off)
Total: ¥6,160
Total: ¥4,000
Total: ¥4,500 (Pass: ¥6,100, Lose ¥1,600)
Location: Odakyu Tourist Information Center
Hours: 8:00-20:00
Access: Direct from Shinjuku Station Tokyo Station
Location: Odakyu Travel
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Conclusion
Hakone Free Pass Ultimate is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels!
