basic information

A ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan's oldest mountain railway, is a treat for more than just railway fans. The small trains wind themselves through a narrow, densely wooded valley over many bridges and tunnels, stopping at small stations along the way and changing directions at three switchbacks.

The Hakone Tozan Line consists of two sections. The lower section from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto is used by Odakyu trains from central Tokyo and is not particularly noteworthy. Far more spectacular is the upper section from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, which is served by the small mountain trains. At Gora, many travelers transfer to the cablecar for Lake Ashi.

The 35 minute train ride from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora is especially beautiful in June and July when thousands of ajisai (hydrangea) are in bloom along the tracks and are illuminated during the evenings. The ajisai are usually best around the beginning of July and can be seen from the trains and around the stations.

Special trains run from mid June through mid July between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora Stations for the viewing of the illuminated flowers. They depart in the evenings, twice in each direction, and reservations are required.

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how to get there

Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora. The one way fare from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora is 390 yen. The entire line from Odawara to Gora is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

How to get to and around Hakone

news and reports

Hakone Autumn Color Report November 4, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Hakone Tozan Railway:
Users who have been to Hakone: 691
Users who have been to Hakone Tozan Railway: 263

3rd of 14 most visited sights in Hakone.
84th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Hakone Tozan Railway:

japan-guide.com Rating:		interesting
User Rating (by 152 users):	79/100	recommended

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hotels & ryokan

Hakone Suimeisou An onsen ryokan on riverside. 3 min walk from Hakone Yumoto Sta. Internet connections in lobby. Check-out until 11AM. Hakone Senkei Choose from Japanese traditional ryokan, private guest residence and budget hotel. 10 min walk from Hakone Yumoto station. Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Experience Hakone�fs hot springs at this traditional Japanese style ryokan with private open air baths in selected rooms. Lakeside Inn Charlotte A friendly pension, right in front of the beautiful Lake Ashinoko. Free breakfast and Internet. Checkout time is noon. Kappa Tengoku A ryokan with onsen baths surrounded by trees. From 3300Yen. Located just above Odakyu Hakone Yumoto Station.

tours and packages

Mount Fuji and Hakone Tours Various tours and travel packages for Mount Fuji and surroundings.

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