Train Tickets from Hakone (Odawara) to Tokyo
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Getting from Hakone to Tokyo by Train (via Odwara)
The journey from Hakone to Tokyo is a popular route for both visitors and locals. Many people choose to take this trip as Hakone is one of the top day trip destinations from Tokyo. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to experience the efficiency of the high-speed Japan bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Despite the relatively short travel time, the landscapes and atmospheres between Hakone and Tokyo are quite different. Tokyo, being a bustling international megacity, stands in contrast to Hakone's natural beauty and cultural significance.
As you travel along this central and well-traveled route, the Shinkansen whisks you through the urban scenery of the Kanto region, passing through Odawara and the Tokyo suburbs before arriving in the heart of Tokyo. However, please note that the Shinkansen only operates between Odawara and Tokyo. To reach Odawara from Hakone, such as Hakone-Yumoto or Gora, you have several options, including express or local trains, as well as buses. These transportation options include lines are not operated by JR, which operates much of the train network in Japan, but by Odakyu (or by Hakone Tozan, which is a part of Odakyu).
More information about your journey to Tokyo
Upon arrival, Tokyo Station serves as the entrance to Japan's bustling capital, a stark contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of Hakone. From the lively and iconic neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the glitz and glamour of Roppongi or Ginza, and even the haven for pop culture enthusiasts, Akihabara, Tokyo offers a myriad of experiences that attract thousands of visitors each year. Amidst the neon lights of Kabukicho and the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, you'll also find traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines that provide moments of serenity, revealing Tokyo's ability to cater to everyone's interests.
Whether you're a fan of pop culture, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking an urban escape, the journey from Hakone to Tokyo by train seamlessly combines modern travel convenience with the timeless charm of Japan's cultural heritage. Moreover, as Tokyo serves as the central hub of Japan's transportation network, it also acts as a gateway to numerous other regional treasures. From the picturesque shores of Chiba Prefecture to the majestic Japanese Alps, the popular day trip destination of Nikko with its breathtaking natural landscapes, or the traditional and preserved Tohoku region, Tokyo opens the door to a world of exploration and discovery.
The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Bookings with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator taking you from Odawara to Tokyo.
Advantages of taking the train from Hakone to Tokyo
How to book your Hakone to Tokyo train tickets?
Shinkansen Information
To reach Tokyo from Hakone, you can embark on a delightful journey aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen, starting from Odawara. This leg of the trip spans around 80 kilometers (45 miles) between Odawara and Tokyo, taking approximately 35 minutes on average. As you traverse the Tokyo suburbs, you'll be seamlessly transported into the heart of the city. Departing from Odawara Station, the trains bound for Tokyo arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, both serving as gateways to the bustling Japanese capital. When traveling from Odawara to Tokyo, you have the choice between two types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari and Kodama.
To reach Odawara from the various Hakone stations, you have several convenient options at your disposal. One of the swiftest routes is to board the Odakyu Romancecar, which will whisk you away from Hakone-Yumoto station to Odawara in a mere 14 minutes! Alternatively, there are also buses available that can swiftly transport you from the central Hakone station. If you find yourself in Gora and wish to make your way to Hakone-Yumoto first, fear not! Simply hop on the Hakone Tozan train, and within approximately 30 minutes, you'll descend from Gora while relishing the breathtaking scenery along the way. Moreover, if you're coming from a more distant location, such as the shores of Lake Ashi, you can reach Gora station by taking the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani or directly from Lake Ashi. This scenic train ride promises a delightful sightseeing experience.
More information about Odawara Station and Tokyo Station
How to get to Odawara Station
There are multiple convenient options available to reach Odawara from the different Hakone stations. One of the quickest ways is to board the Odakyu Romancecar, which will transport you from Hakone-Yumoto station to Odawara in just 14 minutes! Alternatively, you can also take buses that can swiftly take you from the central Hakone station. If you happen to be in Gora and want to go to Hakone-Yumoto first, don't worry! Just hop on the Hakone Tozan train, and in approximately 30 minutes, you'll descend from Gora while enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way. Additionally, if you're coming from a more distant location like the shores of Lake Ashi, you can reach Gora station by taking the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani or directly from Lake Ashi. This scenic train ride ensures a delightful sightseeing experience.
Where to go from Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station, situated in the heart of Tokyo, acts as a crucial transportation hub for numerous local public transportation lines. It serves as the primary departure point for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Multiple JR lines, such as the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo, and Sobu lines, operate at Tokyo Station. Additionally, the Marunouchi subway line, various bus lines, and airport transfer options have stops at this station. With Tokyo Station as your starting point, you can easily explore any destination within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area or seamlessly continue your journey by boarding another Shinkansen train.
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to use your train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email. This QR code is your e-ticket, that you can use directly at the gates in stations by scanning it.
In case your QR code does not work, you will find right below it a registration number to show to station staff in order to board your train.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and train tickets usage conditions. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of using your train tickets in Japan.
More information about conditions and validity of train tickets here
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 bookings, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.
How to use your train tickets in Japan?
To use your Shinkansen e-tickets once you have received them, simply head to Odawara (Hakone) Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at West exits, and head to the right platform to hop on your train.
Please note that your QR code will not scan at other ticket gates than Shinkansen ticket gates, which means you may need to exit the station and re-enter through the Shinkansen zone, depending on the following cases.
If you arrive to Odawara (Hakone) Station by a JR line:
If you have a prepaid IC card or paper JR tickets, you can transfer from the JR local lines area to the JR Shinkansen area. First scan your Shinkansen e-ticket, then tap your prepaid card (or insert your paper tickets). The gates will open on this second action.
If you are arriving in Odawara (Hakone) Station via subway lines:
You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at West exits.
On board the train, find the seat number that is on your e-ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride!
Once you've arrived in Tokyo, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Tokyo Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
If you need to transfer to a JR local line, you need to exit the Shinkansen gates first, and then purchase local tickets - or use your prepaid IC card to travel by scanning directly at the transfer gates.
You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train passes issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Hakone to Tokyo (via Odawara) route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan
Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.
- How can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.
Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).
- What are the cancellation conditions?
You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.
- What if I miss my train?
If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.
- What are the modification conditions?
You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.
If you want to modify:
- Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
- Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
- Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
- Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.
*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).
- There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
- The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
- The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.
Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.
If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.
If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.
Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.
If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.
For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.
Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.
You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.
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