Train Tickets from Tokyo to Hakone (Odawara)
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!
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
More information about the exchange process, 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.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan?
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Tokyo Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Odawara, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting to transfer to your means of transportation to Hakone, and the beautiful region will be yours to explore.
Modification and Cancellation
Order cancellation
Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.
For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.
Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.
Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.
These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.
Order modification
If you want to modify:
- Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:
Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.
You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.
Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
- Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:
Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
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If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.
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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