The Hakone Free Pass

Is it worth it? And what are the options?

2 or 3 day trip to Hakone:

The Hakone Free Pass is ticket that gives you unlimited public transport in Hakone as well as discount vouchers at some 80 locations. It can save you a lot of money especially if you are planning to spend a night or two in Hakone. In this case it is definitely worth it.

A day trip:

  1. If you don’t already have a JR Pass, using the two day pass just for a one day trip from Tokyo can also save you money, to save the most you should buy your pass from Shinjuku Station and plan to travel a lot inside Hakone. In this case it is probably worth it.

  2. If you already have a JR Pass and are planning to visit Hakone as a day trip only, then you can already catch the bullet train to Odawara Station from Tokyo Station for free. Doing lots of travel inside Hakone for one day starting from Odawara usually costs about the same price as buying a Hakone 2 Day Free Pass. In this case it is neither saves nor costs you extra money but it will be easier to flash your Free Pass rather than having to buy new tickets each time you ride.

  3. If you are coming to Hakone for a day trip of hiking or simply a day out that doesn’t involve the boats over the lake and ropeway over volcano then it is probably cheaper not to get a Free Pass at all. In this case it is not worth it.

Prices:

  • 2 Day Free Pass:

    • From Shinjuku (roundtrip included):

      • Adults: …………………….. 5,700 JPY

      • Children (6-11 yrs old): …… 1,500 JPY

      • Children 5 and under: …….. Free

    • From Hakone/Odawara area:

      • Adults: …………………….. 4,600 JPY

      • Children (6-11 yrs old): …… 1,000 JPY

      • Children 5 and under: …….. Free

  • 3 Day Free Pass:

    • From Shinjuku (roundtrip included):

      • Adults: …………………….. 6,100 JPY

      • Children (6-11 yrs old): …… 1,750 JPY

      • Children 5 and under: …….. Free

    • From Hakone/Odawara area:

      • Adults: …………………….. 5,000 JPY

      • Children (6-11 yrs old): …… 1,250 JPY

      • Children 5 and under: ……... Free

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  • What’s included:

    • Unlimited travel on:Trains inside of Hakone and Odawara. If you buy the pass from Shinjuku it also covers your round trip on a standard train.

    • All public and some sightseeing buses in Hakone.

    • Sightseeing cruise boat of Lake Ashi.

    • Hakone Ropeway over an active volcano.

    • Discounts on several museums, onsen, restaurants, galleries and more.

  • What’s not included:

    • Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets to and from Hakone/Odawara.

    • Romance Car (1st class train) seat reservation tickets. You will have to pay a little extra for this service though it is probably worth it for the guaranteed seat, leg room and simple direct train from between Shinjuku and Hakone Yumoto.

    • The Komagatake Ropeway (the Free Pass gets you a discount)

  • Where can I purchase my Free Pass?

    • In Tokyo:

      • Shinjuku West: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Counter.

      • Using the ticket vending machines outside of Odakyu Line trains.

    • Inside of Odawara, Hakone, Gotemba, Mishima:

      • Please go to train station counters, local tourist information desks, bus information desks etc. to purchase your free pass.

    • Travel Agencies:

      • If you are planning your trip with a travel agent they may be able to organize the purchasing of your Free Pass on your behalf. They may charge a handling fee for this service.