Hakone is situated in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the west of Tokyo. It is a town well-known for its hot springs resorts and spectacular views of Mount Fuji. It is also home to Hakone Shrine, a historical place overlooking the picturesque Lake Ashinoko. Traversing across Hakone to visit some of the famous attractions may be costly, thus we would recommend travelers to invest in a Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railways.
First time hearing of this travel pass? Not to worry because in this guide, we will share with you in detail the benefits of having a Hakone Free Pass, so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth purchasing.
1. What does the Hakone Free Pass cover?
The free pass gives free transit on most Hakone transportation routes like trains, buses and more. It also gives exclusive discounts and deals on more than 50 Hakone tourist attractions on two or three consecutive days. Let’s delve a little deeper.
Transport
Trains
You will be able to access unlimited rides on the Hakone Tozan Railway, the only mountain railway in Japan. The pass may also include a discounted round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line, between your departure station and Odawara Station.
Buses
Unlimited rides are available between designated areas on the Hakone Tozan Bus (including the sightseeing bus), Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus and Tokai Bus Orange Shuttle.
Other transportations
Other than trains and buses, you will also be entitled to free rides on Hakone Tozan Cable Car that links Gora Station to Sounzan Station on a steep slope. In addition, you will get to enjoy views that can only be seen on the Hakone Ropeway and take on the pirate ship via Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Do note that romance cars are not included with the Hakone Free Pass.
Onsen and spas
Tenzan Tohji-kyo
Tenzan Tohji-kyo, or known as Tenzan Onsen, is located in the Ashigarashimo District in Hakone. It’s a tattoo-friendly onsen, so that’s one less thing to worry about. For those who are pregnant, it is recommended to exercise caution. Remember to show your Hakone Free Pass at the entrance before entering to get your 100 JPY (1 USD) discount and bring along a bath towel if you don’t want to pay for one.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun / Mori No Yu
This hot-spring paradise is a 10-minute walk from Chisuji Falls. It is divided into two areas with the Yunessun area as an amusement park with water slides and pools and the Mori no Yu area with traditional Japanese hot spring baths. There are in fact 20 over hot spring baths, including interesting ones filled wine, coffee, and sake.
With a combination of outdoors and indoor options, you can take your pick. Covered tattoos are alright but they won’t be allowed in the Mori no Yu area. The admission fee starts from 1,800 JPY (16 USD) for a child and 3500 JPY (32 USD) for adults.
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko is a 4-star hotel in the Ashigarashimo District in Hakone. You can get to the onsen at Ryuguden Main Building via a free shuttle bus from the hotel. Children between 4 to 6 years old can enter for free while adults will need to pay 1,000 JPY (9 USD) to enter. You will not be able to enter if you have tattoos.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Historical places
Odawara Castle Donjon, Odawara Castle History Museum
Odawara Castle is a landmark in the city of Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture and you can find it specifically in Odawara Castle Park. Entrance to the Odawara Castle History Museum (NINJA Hall) will cost 310 JPY (3 USD). There are combination prices if you decide to see the other attractions as well. Remember to flash your Hakone Free Pass while buying tickets.
Hakone-jinja Shrine and Treasure Museum
This Shinto shrine sits at the foot of Mount Hakone along Lake Ashi. It has the Treasure Museum located right next to it. The shrine is beautiful throughout the year but it can get rather crowded in the afternoon so head early if you want to spend some quiet time.
Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Sekisho Museum
Hakone Checkpoint, also widely known as Hakone Sekisho, is an important site for the history of transport and communication during the Edo period. It’s a short walk away from Hakone Sekisho-ato bus stop. You will also find Hakone Sekisho Museum, an area with various exhibits right next to it.
Botanical parks
Hakone Gora Park
Hakone Gora Park is a French-style hillside botanical garden with a craft house, greenhouses, and a central fountain. A range of workshops can be found in the park. Pick up new skills in pottery painting and glass blowing if you’re up for a not so touristy experience. In addition, if you’ve visited this park only once, you’ve got to come back to visit on a different season because of the view and vibe changes! Also, if you hold the Hakone Free Pass, you can save 550 JPY (5 USD) because entry is free.
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
A 15-minute walk from Kintoki Tozanguchi will take you to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands. It’s open usually in the warmer months from March to November so make sure to visit if you’re heading to Hakone for spring, summer or autumn. With the Hakone Free Pass, you will get 100 JPY (1 USD) off the entrance fee of 700 JPY (6 USD). The Little Prince Museum and Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest) are located near the area for those planning to connect the dots.
Restaurants
There is actually a long list of restaurants and shops you can enjoy discounts with the Hakone Free Pass. However, we will zoom in on two restaurants for now.
Togendai View Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the Ashigarashimo District, within Togendai Terminal where Hakone Pirate Ship Togendai Port is at. You will be able to enjoy international cuisines while overlooking Lake Ashi. Don’t forget to have some dorayaki (Japanese red-bean pancake) and sweet potato to-go.
Togendai View Restaurant
Address: Japan, 〒250-0522 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Motohakone, 164 桃源台駅構内
Website: Togendai View Restaurant
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Owakudani Sky Restaurant
To access this place, you will need to board at Tokaido Hakone ropeway cruise interchange station, which coincidentally is located in the same building where Togendai View Restaurant is at. Stop at Hakone Ropeway cable car station and walk to the restaurant which boasts of a great view and mouth-watering curry dishes. To avoid the lunch crowd, go there slightly earlier or later to reduce waiting time.
Owakudani Sky Restaurant (大涌谷駅食堂)
Address: Japan, 〒250-0631 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Sengokuhara, 大涌谷駅2階
Website: Owakudani Sky Restaurant
Opening hours: 10:30am to 4:30pm (daily)
2. Where can I buy a Hakone Free Pass? (From 58 USD)
Wow, the benefits of a Hakone Free Pass are many and we almost got carried away with introducing them! If you’re as convinced as we are, you can buy a Hakone Free Pass over-the-counter at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers, which are Japan’s National Tourism Organization-authorized information centers for tourists. You can find them at various places including Odakyu Line Shinjuku Station West & South Exit, and across the Odakyu Line ticket vending machines at Odawara Station.
If you prefer to do-it-yourself, then head to one of the Hakone Tozan Train stations (Hakone-Yumoto Station, Gora Station or Sounzan Station) to purchase the pass through vending machines. Selected information centers in Mishima, Numazu, and Gotemba are also places that sell the Hakone Free Pass. Alternatively, it can also be bought online and exchanged with a voucher at Shinjuku station.
Hakone Freepass – Unlimited Travel from Tokyo
Price: From 58 USD
Hakone Free Pass Cost (from USD 40.25)
As briefly mentioned earlier, there are 2- to 3-day passes available.
From Shinjuku
If you’re taking a two consecutive-day pass from Shinjuku, it will cost you 1,500 JPY (14 USD) for a child aged 6 to 11 years old and 5,700 JPY (52 USD) for an adult. For a three consecutive-day pass from Shinjuku, it will be 1,750 (USD) and 6,100 JPY (55 USD) respectively.
From Odawara
You can choose to depart from Odawara too. For a two consecutive-day pass, it will cost you 1,000 JPY (9 USD) for a child aged 6 to 11 years old and 4,600 JPY (42 USD) for an adult. A three consecutive-day pass will be 1,250 JPY (11 USD) and 5,000 JPY (45 USD) respectively.
Hakone Free Pass | Unlimited Transport Rides Around Hakone
3. Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
Absolutely! In fact, you can conquer all of Hakone with this one pass.
A regular round-trip ticket from Shinjuku to Odawara will cost you 6,790 JPY (62 USD) but a two consecutive-day Hakone Free Pass is only 5,700 JPY (52 USD) for an adult.
That’s about 1,090 JPY (10 USD) of savings. It’s exceptionally worth it for travelers who are exploring Hakone to the fullest while making use of the discounts that come with the pass.
4. How do I know if my Hakone Free Pass can be used?
Spot the Hakone Free Pass icon, in the form of a woodpecker, on maps or train stations.
A viable investment
Located approximately 80 minutes from Shinjuku in Tokyo, it will be a pity to not visit this mountainous town for its onsens, shrines and museums when visiting Japan. What’s more, you now have the option to save some yen and get more out of your magical Hakone Free Pass! With unlimited rides on certain routes, it’s perfectly alright to take a detour or get lost in the adventure sometimes.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
Where To Stay In Hakone, JapanTrip101 Editorial -
-
-
-
-
Top 10 Tourist Spots To Visit In Izu In Winter - Updated 2024Trip101 Editorial -
-
Create an account to