Hakone Tozan Railway

The Hakone Tozan Railway (箱根登山鉄道) is a scenic train line that runs between Odawara and Gora, located in the Hakone area of Japan. It is known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as its unique engineering that allows it to navigate steep inclines and winding tracks.

The train line starts in Odawara, a city located on the coast, and winds its way up through the mountains, passing through several small towns and villages along the way. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, forests, and mountains.

One of the highlights of the Hakone Tozan Railway is its switchback system, which allows the train to navigate the steep inclines of the mountainous terrain. At several points along the line, the train makes a complete U-turn and reverses direction, allowing it to climb higher and higher up the mountain.

The train also passes through several tunnels, including the famous “Hayakawa Spiral,” which is a spiral tunnel that circles around itself to gain elevation. The engineering feats of the railway are impressive and add to the unique experience of riding the train.

At the end of the line in Gora, visitors can explore the town’s hot springs and other attractions, such as the Gora Park and the Hakone Museum of Art. From Gora, visitors can also continue their journey on the Hakone Ropeway, which provides stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

Getting there

From Tokyo

1. Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station (about 85 minutes)
2. Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway at Odawara Station and head to Hakone-Yumoto Station

By Shinkansen

1. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Odawara Station (about 30 minutes)
2. Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway at Odawara Station and head to Hakone-Yumoto Station

Hakone Free Pass

• A convenient pass is available that includes round-trip travel from Shinjuku to Hakone and unlimited rides on designated transportation within the Hakone area

Details

Hours	5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Resources	https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/transportation/hakone-tozan