Quick overview
What’s included in the “Hakone lake & ropeway” experience.
AREA
Hakone, Kanagawa · Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
MAIN SPOTS
Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Hakone Ropeway, Togendai
TIME NEEDED
4–6 hours from Hakone-Yumoto (full loop)
BEST SEASON
Clear days · Spring & autumn views
💡 For the best chance of seeing Mt. Fuji, aim for a clear morning.
Views are not guaranteed – clouds can hide the mountain even on “good” days.
What is the Hakone loop?
A circular route combining trains, cable car, ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise.
The classic Hakone loop is a day-trip route that lets you sample many of Hakone’s
unique transports in one go. A typical route looks like this:
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Hakone-Yumoto → Gora – by Hakone Tozan Railway (mountain train).
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Gora → Sounzan – by Hakone Tozan Cable Car (funicular).
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Sounzan → Owakudani → Togendai – by Hakone Ropeway.
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Togendai → Hakone-machi / Moto-Hakone – by Lake Ashi pirate ship.
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Hakone-machi / Moto-Hakone → Hakone-Yumoto – by Hakone Tozan bus.
Along the way, you’ll see volcanic scenery at Owakudani, lake views and shrines around
Lake Ashi, and traditional structures like the former Hakone checkpoint and lakeside torii.
Hakone Ropeway & Lake Ashi cruise
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway runs between Sounzan and Togendai,
with a major stop at Owakudani. The full journey takes roughly
25–30 minutes end to end. From the gondola you’ll see steam vents, crater slopes,
forests and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.
- Typical operating hours: around 9:00–17:00 (shorter in winter).
- Cabins depart roughly every minute; you rarely wait long.
- Operations can pause in case of strong winds or volcanic gas alerts.
Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise uses pirate-style boats between
Togendai, Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone.
A one-way ride is usually about 25–40 minutes, depending on the route.
- Views of Lake Ashi, surrounding mountains and – if you’re lucky – Mt. Fuji.
- Great photo spots for the Hakone Shrine torii gate on the water.
- Indoor seating plus open decks for fresh air and pictures.
Both the ropeway and cruise are usually included in the Hakone Freepass, which is why
many travelers choose that pass rather than buying separate tickets.
Best time to visit Hakone (& manage expectations)
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Clear mornings: best chance for Mt. Fuji views. Clouds often build up later in the day.
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Autumn: colorful foliage and crisp air around the lake and mountains.
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Winter: colder, but some of the clearest visibility days.
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Rain / fog: views are limited; focus more on hot springs and museums instead.
Hakone is a mountain area, so weather changes fast. Even if Hakone itself is sunny, Mt. Fuji can still be
hidden behind clouds. Think of Fuji views as a bonus, not a guarantee.
How to get to Hakone from Tokyo & Shinjuku
From Shinjuku (Odakyu line)
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Take the Odakyu Romancecar directly from Shinjuku to
Hakone-Yumoto (limited express, seat reservation, extra fee).
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Or take an Odakyu express to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto.
From Tokyo / Shinagawa (JR)
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Take the JR Tokaido Line or Shinkansen to Odawara Station.
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Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line for Hakone-Yumoto, then follow the loop (train → cable car → ropeway → cruise → bus).
Many visitors start and finish the loop at Hakone-Yumoto Station. If you have the
Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku, it will cover most of the transport inside the Hakone area.
Practical tips for Hakone: Lake & Ropeway
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Start early in the day if you are doing a day trip from Tokyo; this gives more time for stops.
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Check ropeway & cruise operation status in the morning –
strong winds or volcanic gas can cause suspensions or changes.
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Bring a light jacket even in warmer months; it can be cooler and windier at Owakudani and on the lake.
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Consider staying one night in a Hakone ryokan with onsen to make the trip less rushed.
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If you get motion sick, sit facing forward on the ropeway and choose the lower deck on the boat where movement feels milder.
FAQ – Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway
Do I need to book Hakone Ropeway or Lake Ashi cruise in advance?
Usually you don’t need a reservation for regular ropeway rides or standard Lake Ashi cruises.
You can buy tickets or use a Hakone Freepass on the day. However, during peak seasons it’s
smart to plan your timing and check for any special notices in advance.
How long does the full Hakone loop take?
If you move steadily, the classic loop (Hakone-Yumoto → Gora → Owakudani → Togendai → Lake Ashi cruise → bus back)
takes about 4–6 hours. Add extra time if you want to stop at museums, shrines or cafés along the way.
Is Hakone suitable as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Many people do Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo or Shinjuku.
Just start early and be realistic: focus on the loop, views and maybe one or two extra spots,
rather than trying to see everything in one day.
Can I see Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi and the ropeway?
On clear days, you can sometimes see Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi and sections of the Hakone Ropeway.
But visibility depends heavily on weather and clouds, so treat Fuji as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Is the Hakone Ropeway safe for people afraid of heights?
The gondolas are enclosed and feel stable, but they do travel high above valleys, especially near Owakudani.
If you strongly dislike heights, you might prefer to take buses instead of the ropeway for that section.
