Overview
The Odakyu Romance Car is a premium limited express service connecting Shinjuku to popular destinations in Kanagawa, including Hakone, Enoshima, and Odawara. In this guide, I'll walk you through all train types, reservation methods, onboard facilities, and tips for making the most of your journey.
The Romance Car offers a comfortable and scenic alternative to regular trains, with reserved seating, spacious interiors, and panoramic views of the Kanagawa countryside. Whether you are heading to Hakone for hot springs or Enoshima for the beach, the Romance Car makes the journey part of the experience.
Quick Links
This guide provides essential information about the Odakyu Romance Car, including train types, reservation procedures, onboard amenities, and money-saving tips for foreign visitors.
Location and Routes
The Romance Car operates on the Odakyu Odawara Line and Enoshima Line, connecting Shinjuku Station to major destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Main Routes
Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
- Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
- Distance: 82.5 km
- Stops: Major stations including Machida, Hon-Atsugi, and Odawara
- Best for: Hot spring resorts, mountain scenery
Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima
- Duration: Approximately 65 minutes
- Distance: 50.0 km
- Stops: Direct service with limited stops
- Best for: Beach access, Enoshima Island, aquarium
Shinjuku to Odawara
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
- Distance: 82.5 km
- Stops: Express service with limited stops
- Best for: Odawara Castle, gateway to Hakone
Seasonal Variations
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom views along the route
- Increased service during hanami season
- Popular for day trips to Hakone Summer (June-August)
- Beach-bound passengers to Enoshima
- Extra services during Obon holidays
- Air conditioning essential
Autumn (September-November)
- Fall foliage viewing from train windows
- Comfortable temperatures for travel
- Popular for Hakone hot springs
Winter (December-February)
- Clear views of Mount Fuji on sunny days
- Fewer crowds, easier reservations
- Cozy onboard atmosphere
Train Types and Features
GSE (70000 Series) - Graceful Super Express
The GSE is the newest Romance Car, featuring a panoramic front view and modern design. Key Features:
- Capacity: 468 seats across 6 cars
- Length: 100 meters
- Speed: Up to 110 km/h
- Special Feature: Panoramic front observation seats (first car)
Onboard Amenities:
- Reclining seats with leg rests
- AC power outlets at every seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms in cars 2, 4, and 6
- Vending machines for drinks Best For:
- Scenic views (front observation seats)
- Comfortable long-distance travel
- Photography enthusiasts
MSE (60000 Series) - Multi Super Express
The MSE offers through-service to Tokyo Metro lines, convenient for passengers from central Tokyo. Key Features:
- Capacity: 402 seats across 6 cars
- Length: 100 meters
- Speed: Up to 110 km/h
- Special Feature: Direct access to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Onboard Amenities:
- Reclining seats with tray tables
- AC power outlets at window seats
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms in cars 2 and 5
- Luggage storage areas Best For:
- Passengers from Tokyo Metro lines
- Business travelers
- Convenient transfers
VSE (50000 Series) - Vista Super Express (Retired)
The VSE was the iconic double-decker Romance Car, retired in 2022 but fondly remembered. Historical Note:
- Service Period: 1996-2022
- Special Feature: Double-decker observation car
- Legacy: Inspired current GSE design
Reservation Methods
Online Reservation
Odakyu Official Website:
- Visit the Odakyu Romance Car reservation page
- Select departure station, destination, and date
- Choose train type and departure time
- Select seats from the seat map
- Complete payment with credit card Payment Methods:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX)
- Some foreign-issued cards accepted
- Payment confirmation via email
Advance Booking:
- Reservations open 1 month in advance
- Popular dates fill quickly (weekends, holidays)
- Same-day reservations possible if seats available
Station Counter Reservation
Major Stations:
- Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center)
- Machida Station
- Hon-Atsugi Station
- Odawara Station Process:
- Visit the ticket counter or vending machine
- Request Romance Car tickets
- Specify train type, date, and time
- Pay with cash or card
- Receive printed tickets Language Support:
- English-speaking staff at Shinjuku
- Multilingual vending machines
- Translation apps recommended
Vending Machine Reservation
Available At:
- All major Odakyu stations
- Some convenience stores Process:
- Select "Limited Express" on screen
- Choose English language
- Select route and date
- Choose seats from display
- Insert payment
- Collect tickets
Pricing and Tickets
Base Fare + Limited Express Fee
Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto:
- Base Fare: 1,140 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,230 yen
- Total: 2,370 yen (one way)
Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima:
- Base Fare: 970 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,030 yen
- Total: 2,000 yen (one way)
Shinjuku to Odawara:
- Base Fare: 1,140 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,230 yen
- Total: 2,370 yen (one way)
Discount Passes
Hakone Free Pass:
- Includes round-trip Romance Car from Shinjuku
- Unlimited transport in Hakone area
- Discounts at attractions and restaurants
- Price: 6,100 yen (2 days), 6,500 yen (3 days)
Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass:
- Includes round-trip Romance Car from Shinjuku
- Unlimited transport in Enoshima/Kamakura
- Discounts at temples and shops
- Price: 3,000 yen (1 day)
Odakyu Rail Pass (for foreign visitors):
- Discounted Romance Car tickets
- Available at travel agencies abroad
- Valid for 14 days from purchase
Onboard Experience
Seating Comfort
Seat Specifications:
- Width: 460 mm (wider than regular trains)
- Pitch: 1,000 mm (generous legroom)
- Recline: Up to 15 degrees
- Features: Headrests, armrests, tray tables
Seat Types:
- Standard Seats: Comfortable reclining seats
- Observation Seats: Front-row panoramic views (GSE only)
- Group Seats: Some cars have facing seats
Other Accessibility Features:
- Priority seating for elderly and disabled
- Visual and audio announcements
- Braille signage in trains
Luggage Storage
Onboard Storage:
- Overhead racks for small bags
- Luggage areas at car ends
- Maximum 2 large bags per passenger
- No additional fee for luggage
Size Limits:
- Large bags: Up to 160 cm total dimensions
- Small bags: Fit in overhead racks
- Oversized items: Contact Odakyu in advance
Practical Tips
Best Times to Travel
Avoid Crowds:
- Weekday mornings (9-11 AM)
- Weekday afternoons (2-4 PM)
- Avoid weekends and Japanese holidays Best Views:
- Morning departures for Mount Fuji views
- Autumn foliage season (November)
- Cherry blossom season (late March-early April)
Money-Saving Tips
Book in Advance:
- Reservations open 1 month ahead
- Early booking ensures seat selection
- Popular dates sell out quickly
Use Discount Passes:
- Hakone Free Pass offers best value
- Enoshima-Kamakura Pass for beach trips
- Foreign visitor passes available
Combine with Local Transport:
- Romance Car + local trains/buses
- Day passes for unlimited travel
- Group discounts for 6+ passengers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reservation Errors:
- Booking wrong destination (Hakone-Yumoto vs. Odawara)
- Forgetting limited express fee in budget
- Not checking train type (GSE vs. MSE)
Travel Errors:
- Arriving late (trains depart on time)
- Wrong platform at Shinjuku
- Not validating pass before boarding
⏰ 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
Kamakura Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamakura Menman | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-21:00 | ¥900-1,200 |
Kamakura Menman
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.kamakura-menman.com/
- 📞 Phone: +81-467-24-0505
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-21:00
- 💰 Price: ¥900-1,200
- 📍 Area: Kamakura Station
- 📅 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
Conclusion
The Odakyu Romance Car is an essential part of any Kanagawa trip, offering comfort, speed, and scenic views. By understanding train types, reservation methods, and money-saving passes, you can maximize your travel experience.
Whether heading to Hakone hot springs, Enoshima beach, or Odawara Castle, the Romance Car makes the journey enjoyable and memorable. Book in advance, choose the right train type, and enjoy the ride.
Practical notes for visitors
Coastal hikes demand tide charts even when trails look dry at noon; returning legs can meet rising water on narrow volcanic shelves. Tell someone your ETA when cell coverage thins, and carry a whistle separate from your phone battery.
Coffee shop remote work is welcome until one customer dominates bandwidth with huge uploads. Ask staff quietly about time limits, order a second drink as courtesy, and avoid phone calls without stepping outside under residential windows.
Souvenir ceramics need bubble wrap inside shoes to survive trains; socks pad rims better than newspaper that stains glaze. If shop staff offer registered mail, compare insurance limits against the piece value before nodding yes.
Charging hubs cluster near major stations yet cables walk away; label yours subtly. Power banks degrade in heat, so avoid leaving them on car dashboards during summer beach afternoons before a long evening train back to Tokyo.
Beach cleanup volunteers should wear closed shoes for hidden glass; organizers distribute tongs and bags yet rarely spare socks. Hydrate before bending hundreds of times, and photograph sorted piles for accountability without shaming individuals.
Surf lesson schools post wave height limits honestly; respect refusals when instructors cite beginner safety. Sunscreen stings eyes after duck dives, so use stick formulas on forehead and zinc on nose bridges before paddling out.
Fish market mornings reward early tickets yet punish late sleepers with sold-out tuna bowls. Read whether photography requires a fee, and avoid blocking auction aisles where forklifts move faster than tourist reaction times.
Castle stone steps wear smooth in rain; descend facing inward and use handrails even when locals skip them. Reconstructed towers still teach layout history if you read bilingual panels slowly instead of racing for rooftop selfies only.
Romancecar seats feel wider yet luggage rules remain strict; measure bags before gates. Green car upgrades on other lines differ from Odakyu branding, so confirm car numbers printed on platform floor stickers minutes before departure.
Taxicab rear doors sometimes auto-open on the left; step back to avoid knee collisions. Receipt printers jam; ask calmly for a manual rewrite if you need reimbursement paperwork for corporate travel policies back home.
Parking garages near stadiums spike prices on event days; apps show dynamic rates yet lag during overtime innings. Consider remote lots with shuttle buses when walking distance stays under fifteen minutes and lines move steadily post-game.
Highway buses require named seats; boarding with the wrong row delays everyone during narrow aisle choreography. Keep snacks low odor, seal trash until rest stops, and fasten seat belts when signs illuminate even on straight expressways.
Luggage forwarding labels need kanji hotel addresses exact; one wrong digit routes bags overnight to a different prefecture. Photograph both sides of the slip, and text yourself the tracking number before you misplace the receipt heat print.
Ramen shop queues form silently; join the line end even if a friend saves a stool inside unless staff explicitly allow group coordination. Slurp modestly, finish broth if culture demands it at that shop, and exit promptly when turnover pressure rises.
Matcha sweets cafes vary sweetness levels; ask for usucha before committing to thick koicha if bitterness surprises you. Wagashi pairing menus rotate monthly, so revisit seasonal menus rather than assuming last year's photos still apply.
Vegetable-forward set meals still use dashi; clarify dietary needs with allergy cards in Japanese if fish stock matters medically. Farmers markets accept cash early morning yet switch POS tablets after lunch crowds thicken near station exits.
Kamaboko tasting skewers appear small yet sodium adds up across multiple stalls; sip water between samples. Factory tours limit group sizes, so reserve online slots before you ride the Shinkansen leg that arrives minutes before gate close.
Craft brewery flights encourage moderation when trains home run hourly after midnight ends. Ask about take-home crowlers if glass growlers weigh down your backpack during a humid coastal afternoon stroll afterward.
Shirasu bowls peak in season charts; off-season versions may use frozen fish honestly labeled yet different texture. Photograph menu kanji if translators struggle with handwritten lunch specials taped beside register printers.
Chinatown hidden menus reward phrasebook prep; point at characters slowly and confirm spice levels with finger scales from mild to bold. Shared tables turn quickly, so stack trays neatly when finished to signal readiness without shouting.
Ie-kei ramen customization confuses newcomers; write toppings in order of preference when lines stretch. Broth oil caps exist for a reason; respect the recommended slider setting before asking staff to dilute a carefully balanced batch.
Navy curry shops post lunch sold-out signs by early afternoon; arrive before noon on holidays. Retort pouches in souvenir corners differ from restaurant recipes, so read ingredient lists if allergies require certainty beyond restaurant verbal assurances.
