Transit Guide: The Hakone Free Pass

All you need to know about this useful pass to the Hakone area

Community writer

The Hakone Freepass is your surefire way to see as much of the Hakone area for as little as possible. Hakone is one of Japan’s hottest areas for relaxing in nature and soaking in amazing hot springs. With the Hakone Freepass, commonly called the Hakone Free Pass, you will be able to enjoy everything Hakone has to offer without worrying about buying tickets for each stop.

The pass

This pass comes with a plethora of advantages and benefits while allowing you to see one of Japan’s most beautiful areas in the Kanto region. Experience unlimited rides throughout the Hakone area with this easy-to-use pass.

There are options for two-day or three-day passes and the pass will allow you to ride on eight different transport systems in the area. In addition to unlimited travel in the area, show your pass at the entrance of participating establishments to receive further discounts.

Prices

There are a few options when you purchase this pass that can change according to where you purchase the pass.

If you purchase the pass in Shinjuku Station (the main station for the Odakyu Line in Tokyo) you will be charged an additional 1,110 yen; however, passes can be purchased inside the free area (e.g. Odawara Station) for a reduced fee. Children’s tickets are also available at cheaper prices.

Hakone Free Pass pricing as of 2020.
Departure	2-day Pass Adult (child)	3-day Pass Adult (child)
From Shinjuku Station	5,700 yen (1,500 yen)	6,100 yen (1.750 yen
From Odawara Station	4,600 yen (1,000 yen)	5,000 yen (1,250 yen)

Validity

The Hakone Free Pass covers travel on the following eight systems:

Hakone Tozan Train
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Hakone Tozan Bus
Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus
Tokai Bus
Hakone Tozan Bus

The pass is valid for two days or three days, depending on the version of the pass that you purchase at the beginning of your journey.

Do I need it?

When you purchase the Hakone Free Pass, you aren’t just making things easier on yourself, you’re also saving money. The two-day pass saves you a minimum of 1,500 yen per adult and 1,900 yen per child. In addition to the savings of just buying the pass itself, it offers many discount advantages at more than 70 participating shops, museums, restaurants, and hot springs.

If you’re planning to stay in the Hakone area and do as much as possible in the time you’re there, the pass is worth it. If, however, you expect to just visit one spot from Shinjuku and head back, you may want to check the individual price of those tickets because the pass may not be a value-saver for you.

For JR pass holders, be aware that your pass does not cover the Odakyu lines or, indeed, any of the trains, buses, cable cars, or other modes of transportation in the Hakone area. The Hakone Free Pass is your path to savings!

Purchase

Purchase your Hakone Free Pass at ticket vending machines or sales offices at any station on the Odakyu Line (Shinjuku and Odawara are the most common stops, although staff at any Odakyu station should be able to assist you). The two-day pass can also be purchased online.

Usage

Simply scan or show your pass to station staff to gain entry. It’s that easy.

While using the buses, however, first make sure that the driver accepts the pass as some destinations require additional fees. So long as the destination is within the designated Hakone area, there will be no additional fare; but it is safest to ask the driver first.