Hakone Ropeway (Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Hakone Ropeway is an aerial transportation route that connects the mountainous region of Hakone, offering tourists a route that allows them to enjoy the magnificent nature and volcanic terrain up close. Established in the 1960s, it currently operates on a route that includes the section from Sounzan (Souunzan Station) to Togendai (originally heading towards Togendai via Owakudani). Its greatest attraction is the panoramic aerial view of the active volcano, Owakudani's fumaroles, the Kanto Plain, Mt. Fuji, and the scenery towards Lake Ashi. On clear days, you can enjoy a spectacular view with Mt. Fuji in the background, which changes with the seasons.
Highlights
- Volcanic terrain of Owakudani: A rugged landscape with rising smoke and steam. Experience the dynamics of volcanic activity up close.
- View of Mt. Fuji: If the weather is good, you can get a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding mountains from the air over Hakone.
- Lake Ashi and the Hakone Mountains: As the ropeway's altitude changes, the view of the lake and lush mountain ranges changes.
- Black eggs (Owakudani specialty): Black eggs boiled in hot springs. Legend has it that eating them will extend your life (check for availability at the site).
- Walking trails and observation decks: There are walking trails and observation spots around Owakudani that you can explore in a short amount of time, and they are also great for taking photos.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
Typical route examples:
- From Tokyo: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 85 minutes). From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora (approx. 40 minutes). From Gora, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan (approx. 10 minutes). From Sounzan, transfer to the Hakone Ropeway.
- Towards Lake Ashi: If you get off the ropeway at "Togendai" or "Togendai/Motohakone", you can connect to the sightseeing boat dock on Lake Ashi.
- Nearest stations and stops: Sounzan Station (cable car connection), Owakudani Station (walking spot), Togendai (connecting to Lake Ashi sightseeing boat), etc.
Tip: If you have a Hakone Free Pass (Odakyu), you can use the ropeway, mountain railway, cable car, pirate ship, etc. at a discount. Operation status and start and end times may change depending on the season and inspections, so please check the official website in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Ropeway ride only: Approximately 10 to 20 minutes one way (depending on the section).
- Strolling around Owakudani and purchasing black eggs: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- If you include a round trip on the ropeway, a stroll around Owakudani, and a stroll along the lakeside at Togendai, the total time is approximately 2-3 hours.
- If you plan to combine it with other attractions in the Hakone area (such as museums or sightseeing boats), you will have plenty of time if you plan on spending half a day to a full day.
Nearby spots
- Observation decks and walking trails around Owakudani
- Lake Ashi (Togendai/Hakonemachi Port): Pleasure boat rides and lakeside strolls
- Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Shrine (around Motohakone)
- Hot spring towns around Gora, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Museum of Art
- Museums such as the Pola Museum of Art and Hakone Glass Forest Museum
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Service suspension due to volcanic activity: The area around Owakudani is susceptible to volcanic activity, and if the steam intensifies the ropeway and promenade will be temporarily closed. Be sure to check official information before visiting.
- Crowds: It gets extremely crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the autumn foliage season. Please allow yourself plenty of time and expect to have to wait in line to board the ropeway.
- Weather and visibility: Views may be obscured in bad weather or thick fog. Services may also be suspended due to strong winds or snowfall.
- Manners: Please share the space on the bus with other tourists. Always take your trash with you, and refrain from smoking or talking loudly outside of designated areas.
- Children and pets: Please keep small children close at hand. Please follow the rules of each business, such as keeping pets in bags or carriers.
- Clothing: As this is a mountainous region, there are large temperature differences and the wind can be cold in spring and autumn. Please bring comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing.
Finally, the Hakone Ropeway is a popular route that allows you to enjoy Hakone's volcanic landscape and magnificent views in a short amount of time. Be sure to check safety and operation information in advance and plan your visit accordingly, taking into account the weather and crowds.
