Train Tickets from Tokyo to Hakone (Odawara)
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Getting from Tokyo to Hakone (via Odawara)
The journey from Tokyo to Hakone is one used by visitors and locals alike, as Hakone is one of the most popular day trip destinations from the Japanese capital. On part of the trip, experience the seamless efficiency of the high-speed Japan bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Despite the relatively short travel time, the landscapes and atmospheres between the two destinations diverge significantly. Tokyo, a bustling international megacity, contrasts with Hakone's rich natural offering and cultural significance. On this central and popular route for travelers to Japan, the Shinkansen will speed through the Tokyo suburbs until for a short while, you get a glimpse of rural landscapes with picturesque villages and mountainous sights, before reaching the urban setting of Odawara.
This is as far as the Shinkansen takes you. From Odawara, to get to Hakone, you then have a choice of trains, express or local, as well as buses, to reach the various stations within the Hakone region, such as Hakone-Yumoto or Gora. These lines are not operated by JR, like much of the lines in Japan, but by Odakyu (or by Hakone Tozan, which is a part of Odakyu).
More information about your journey to Hakone through Odawara
Upon arrival, Odawara Station stands as a gateway to the Hakone region's natural treasures. From the iconic floating torii gate of Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi to the unexpected sulfur-filled heights of Owakudani, with its stunning views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers a beautiful glimpse into Japan's rich nature. With the Hakone Open Air Museum, the Pola Museum of Art or the Venetian Glass Museum, along with a rich and surprisingly preserved geisha culture, Hakone is also an unmissable cultural destination.
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a tranquil escape, the Tokyo to Hakone train journey offers a seamless blend of modern travel convenience and the timeless charm of Japan's traditional heritage. And with Hakone being so close to Mount Fuji, it's also the perfect opportunity for an extra day trip to one of Japan's main landmarks.
Note: We highly recommend buying a Hakone Free Pass to get around Hakone, as this pass allows you to ride freely on all Odakyu lines for a set number of days, even the Hakone Ropeway or the Lake Ashi pirate cruise.
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 that will take you from Tokyo to Odawara.
Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Hakone
How to book your Tokyo to Hakone train tickets?
Shinkansen information
To get to Hakone, you will ride partly on the Tokaido Shinkansen to get to Odawara. On this short trip, the line covers a distance of approximately 80 kilometers (45 miles) between Tokyo and Odawara. It'll take an average of 35 minutes, and it will take travelers through the Tokyo suburbs, deeper into the Kanto region into Kanagawa prefecture. Trains from Tokyo to Odawara, where you'll be able to hop on a train to Hakone, depart from the Japanese capital at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and arrive at Odawara Station. To get from Tokyo to Odawara, you can choose between two types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari and Kodama.
You have several options to reach Hakone from Odawara Station. One of the fastest ways is to take the Odakyu Romancecar, which will bring you to Hakone-Yumoto station in just 14 minutes! Alternatively, there are buses available that can also take you to the central Hakone station quickly. Once you reach Hakone-Yumoto, you can continue your journey by hopping on the Hakone Tozan train, which will take you to Gora in approximately 30 minutes. This train ride is incredibly scenic and offers a wonderful sightseeing experience. From Gora station, you can then take the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani and down to Lake Ashi. Don't forget to complete your Tokyo to Odawara train ticket with a Hakone Free Pass to fully explore Hakone!
More information about Tokyo Station and Odawara Station
How to get to Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is located in central Tokyo and is at the crossroads of many public transportation lines, being the main departing station for Shinkansen trains in Tokyo. Multiple JR lines, such as the Yamanote, Chuo, Keiyo or Sobu Lines stop at Tokyo Station. The Marunouchi subway line, as well as several bus lines and airport transfer options, also stop at Tokyo Station.
Where to go from Odawara Station
From Odawara station, you can continue on with Odakyu lines, trains, or buses to get to where you need in Hakone. The fastest option will be the Odakyu Romancecar, which will bring you to Hakone-Yumoto station in just 14 minutes! Other buses can also help you travel to this central Hakone station quickly from Odawara. From Hakone-Yumoto, you can also hop on the Hakone Tozan train to get to Gora in about 30 minutes. This train journey is so scenic that it's basically a sightseeing tour! From Gora station, you can for example take the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani and down to Lake Ashi. Reminder: complete your Tokyo to Odawara train ticket with a Hakone Free Pass to explore Hakone!
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 the conditions and validity of train tickets here
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.
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 Tokyo Station and scan your QR code at the Shinkansen gates at Yaesu 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo Station via subway lines:
You need to exit the station first, and then re-enter via the Shinkansen gates at Yaesu 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 Hakone, scan the QR code again at the Shinkansen gates upon exiting Odawara (Hakone) 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.
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 Tokyo to Hakone (via Odawara) route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about train tickets
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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