Hakone Ropeway

The Hakone Ropeway is a popular aerial tramway in the Hakone region of Kanagawa Prefecture. It offers a scenic and convenient way to explore one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, known for its stunning natural landscapes, volcanic activity, and views of Mt. Fuji.

The Hakone Ropeway spans approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and connects four stations: Sounzan, Owakudani, Ubako, and Togendai. Most visitors will begin at Sounzan Station, located on the eastern side of Mt. Hakone, and travel Togendai Station on the shores of Lake Ashi.

Sounzan is the starting point of the ropeway for most visitors, as it is connected to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which can be accessed from Hakone Yumoto, a major transportation hub in the region. After Sounzan Station, the ropeway travels up Mt. Hakone, over the sulfur plumes of Owakudani, and offers up the first views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) before arriving at Owakudani Station. You will disembark here, allowing you to explore Owakudani, or transfer cable cars to Ubako Station, and then to Togendai Station, the final stop of the Ropeway, located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko.

The Hakone Ropeway is covered under the Hakone Free Pass, which allows unlimited travel during the validity period for all pass holders. The Hakone Free Pass is a great way to explore the area around each of the Hakone ropeway stations at your own pace and cost-effectively.

The Hakone Ropeway operates throughout the year, but its schedule may vary depending on weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest information before planning your visit.

Similiarly, due to the volcanic nature of the area, Owakudani, and the Hakone Ropeway, can be occasionally closed to visitors during periods of increased volcanic activity. It’s important to check for any updates before planning your trip.

Hours and Admission

Tickets can be purchased for one-way or round-trip journeys, with options to combine the ropeway with other modes of transport, like the Hakone Free Pass, which provides unlimited access to various transportation options in the Hakone area.

Accessing the Hakone Ropeway

The Hakone Ropeway can be found on the north side of Lake Hakone, easily accessed from the lake front at the Togendai Port – which connects to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.

Sounzan Station sits to the east of the lake, and can be accessed via a combination of the Hakonetozan Cable car, and the Hakone Tozan railway.

Hakone sits approximately 80km west of Tokyo, and you can connect to the area from Odawara Station, taking the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Station, to Gora Station. From Gora, you can connect to the Sounzan Station via the Hakonetozan Cable Car.

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