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).
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.
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