Discover how to travel from Tokyo to Hakone by train in comfort and style aboard the iconic Odakyu Romancecar. This guide covers everything from booking tickets to the fascinating history of Odakyu Electric Railway, helping you plan the perfect getaway to Hakone.
Why Travel from Tokyo to Hakone by Train?
Hakone is one of Japan’s top destinations for hot springs, traditional inns, natural beauty, and views of Mount Fuji. And the best way to get there? By train from Tokyo, specifically via the luxurious and scenic Odakyu Romancecar.
Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone by train is not just convenient—it’s part of the adventure itself.
What is the Odakyu Romancecar?
The Odakyu Romancecar is a limited express train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway, offering direct service between Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to the Hakone area.
Key Features of the Romancecar:
- Direct access from central Tokyo (no transfers needed)
- Reserved seating only
- Panoramic windows for beautiful views
- Onboard services l
- Elegant design and spacious interiors
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, the Romancecar is the most comfortable way to go from Tokyo to Hakone by train.
How to Get from Tokyo to Hakone by Train
This is the fastest direct route to Hakone without changing trains, perfect for tourists.
🚉 Recommended Route: Odakyu Romancecar
- Departure: Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Line)
- Arrival: Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Duration: ~85 minutes
- Fare: ~2,330 JPY (Base fare + Limited Express surcharge)
There are multiple ways to purchase tickets:
- Online via the Odakyu Official Website
- At ticket counters in Shinjuku Station
- From automated machines with English support
💡 Pro Tip:
Get the Hakone Freepass to save money on local transportation in Hakone and get a discount on the Romancecar limited express fee.
Odakyu has introduced several iconic trains over the decades.For the best scenic experience from Tokyo to Hakone by train, we recommend the GSE or VSE models.
Odakyu Electric Railway: A Brief History
To fully appreciate the Romancecar, it’s worth knowing the story of its operator: Odakyu Electric Railway.
In 1957, Odakyu unveiled the first Romancecar 3000 SE, a revolutionary train that broke speed records (145 km/h) and introduced the famous “romance seats”—two-person bench seats with no dividing armrest, perfect for couples.
This made the Romancecar a hit not only for its speed but also as a symbol of elegant travel in postwar Japan.
Odakyu kept introducing more advanced models:
- 3100 NSE (1963): panoramic front windows
- 7000 LSE (1980): improved comfort and design
- 50000 VSE (2005): sophisticated interior with a nostalgic feel
- 70000 GSE (2018): barrier-free design with luxury touches
Its continued investment in tourist-friendly services has helped maintain the Romancecar’s appeal for both domestic and international travelers.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary: Tokyo to Hakone by Romancecar
Here’s how you can make the most of your day trip from Tokyo to Hakone by train:
🌄 Morning
- 7:00 AM: Depart Shinjuku Station aboard the Romancecar GSE
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station
- 9:00 AM: Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway up the mountains
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
🏞️ Afternoon
- 12:00 PM: Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley
- 1:00 PM: Eat black eggs boiled in sulfur springs
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise
- 3:00 PM: Visit Hakone Shrine
🌆 Evening
- 4:30 PM: Return to Hakone-Yumoto Station
- 5:00 PM: Board Romancecar back to Shinjuku
- 6:30 PM: Arrive in Tokyo
Is the Romancecar Worth It?
Absolutely. Compared to transferring multiple times on local trains, the Romancecar offers a stress-free, comfortable ride—especially ideal for families, couples, or first-time visitors to Japan.
For under 2,500 JPY, you get:
- Reserved seating
- No transfers
- Scenic mountain views
- Access to historic and modern train models
It’s not just a way to get from Tokyo to Hakone by train—it’s part of the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use a Japan Rail Pass?
No, the Odakyu Line and Romancecar are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, you can use the Hakone Freepass for discounts.
❓ Are Romancecar trains wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Especially the GSE model, which features barrier-free design and designated wheelchair spaces.
❓ Are Romancecar trains wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Especially the GSE model, which features barrier-free design and designated wheelchair spaces.
Conclusion
Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone by train on the Odakyu Romancecar is one of the most relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich ways to explore Japan. With a deep-rooted history in postwar innovation, Odakyu has turned a simple train ride into a refined experience that combines elegance and efficiency.
Whether you’re a history lover, train enthusiast, or just looking for the best way to reach the hot springs of Hakone, the Romancecar is your perfect gateway.
