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Visiting the Japanese region of Hakone offers spectacular mountain scenery, views of Mount Fuji (if you’re lucky), hot springs, and unique experiences, and the Hakone Free Pass is one of the most popular ways to explore this area without worrying about individual transportation costs. But is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
Convenient? Tick. But does it save you money? In this guide, we break down what the pass includes, its perks, and how it compares to alternative options, to help you decide if it’s worth getting the pass for your visit to Hakone.
We spent 2 nights in Hakone during our 2-week Japan trip and we’re so glad we got the Hakone Freepass!

What Is the Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone Free Pass, offered by Odakyu Railways, offers unlimited rides on a variety of transportation options throughout Hakone, including the cable car, ropeway, Hakone Tozan Train and local buses.
The Hakone Free Pass is available as a two-day pass or a three-day pass, depending on the length of your stay. It also covers a round-trip ticket from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station.
You can also purchase a pass just for the Hakone area if your starting point isn’t Tokyo.
Key Features of the Hakone Free Pass:
- Unlimited Travel: Covers all transport on the Hakone Loop, including buses, the Hakone Tozan Train, cable cars, ropeways, and Lake Ashi cruise.
- Round-Trip from Shinjuku (optional): For those coming from Tokyo, the pass offers a version that includes round-trip tickets from Shinjuku.
- Discounts: Access to discounts at various museums, hot springs, cafes and attractions in the Hakone region.

Included Transportation Options
The pass covers nearly all local transit within Hakone, making it ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the full range of attractions.
- Hakone Tozan Train – Japan’s oldest mountain railway, winding up to Gora Station.
- Hakone Cable Car – Takes you from Gora to Sounzan.
- Hakone Ropeway – Offering views of the Owakudani Valley and, on clear days, views of Mt Fuji.
- Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise – Take a ride across the lake with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
- Hakone Tozan Bus and Other Local Buses – Frequent buses take you to Hakone Shrine, Hakone Open-Air Museum, and other popular spots.
What Else Is Included In A Hakone Free Pass Ticket?
Beyond transportation, the Hakone Free Pass provides exclusive perks and discounts for maximising your time in Hakone.
Pass holders get discounted entry to popular attractions, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum (we loved this outdoor art gallery) and free entry to Hakone Gora Park (usually 500 yen per adult), as well as a reduced rate at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot spring resort.
Additional savings are available at certain souvenir shops, dining locations, and some hot springs in Hakone. If you make use of these discounts, you can certainly keep your budget down during this time.
How Much Does The Hakone Free Pass Cost?
Please note that these prices are current as of the end of 2024 and are subject to change. The below prices are for adult passes:
- 2-Day Pass: ¥5,700 (from Shinjuku) or ¥4,600 (without Shinjuku round-trip)
- 3-Day Pass: ¥6,100 (from Shinjuku) or ¥5,000 (without Shinjuku round-trip)
Below are the current child pass prices (aged 6 to 11 years):
- 2-Day Pass: ¥1,100 (from Shinjuku) or ¥1,000 (without Shinjuku round-trip)
- 3-Day Pass: ¥1,350 (from Shinjuku) or ¥1,250 (without Shinjuku round-trip)
Here is an example of some of the costs if you were to purchase individual tickets instead of the Freepass:
- Lake Ashi Scenic Cruise – ¥1,200
- Hakone Tozan Railway 1-day pass – ¥1,500
- Ropeway from Togendai to Sounzan – ¥1,500
- Gora Park Entry – ¥500
- Bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora – ¥800
- Cable car from Gora to Sounzan – ¥420
As you can see, just from those few costs, you are already getting your Free Pass value and that hasn’t included all the likely uses you will have during your stay.
Klook.comUpgrade To The RomanceCar

If you are visiting Hakone from Tokyo, you can upgrade your train trip to Hakone to the Limited Express Romancecar Train from Shinjuku.
This is a direct and scenic route into the mountains, with reserved seating, making it a more comfortable and quicker journey. You can upgrade to a RomanceCar train at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center.
The separate limited express ticket is currently ¥1,200 per person.
The main perk of the express train is that it takes you beyond Odawara Station to Hakone-Yamato Station. This is where you catch the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora.
While not essential, it is a more comfortable way to do the train journey from Tokyo and quicker.
Insider Tip: You can still upgrade your Hakone Free Pass to the RomanceCar even if you purchase your passes online. Do this at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center or ahead of time online – the earliest Express train leaves between 7 and 8 am and books out quickly with day trippers.
Where To Purchase A Hakone Free Pass

There are several options for purchasing Hakone Free Passes.
- Purchase online via the Odakyu official website or via Klook
- Purchase in person at an Odakyu Service Sightseeing Center at either Shinjuku Station (West Exit) or Odawara Station.
- Purchase via a vending machine outside the service centres
We booked online via Klook, which allowed us to budget ahead of our trip for this cost.
When we purchased our Hakone Free Pass tickets in September 2024, there was only the option to pick up physical paper tickets at the Service Centre. They now have a digital pass e-ticket version, but this is only an option if you have a mobile device (one pass per device), so if visiting with kids, your best option is still having the physical passes.
Key Perks of the Hakone Free Pass
While we haven’t done an exact cost comparison between purchasing individual tickets Vs using the free pass, the inclusions and convenience do make it great value.
Here are the pros that make the Hakone Free Pass worth it:
- Cost Savings: With the Hakone Free Pass, you won’t have to worry about buying multiple tickets. If you’re visiting multiple tourist attractions or following the Hakone Loop, this pass can save you both time and money.
- Flexible, Unlimited Use: The pass allows unlimited rides within Hakone on consecutive days, making it easy to explore at your own pace without tracking individual fares.
- Discounted Admission: Many sites, like the Hakone Art Museum and Gora Park, offer discounts with the pass. These savings can add up, especially if you’re interested in Hakone’s many cultural and historical sites.
- Easy Navigation for First-Timers: With transport options covered by the pass, first-time visitors have the freedom to explore without worrying about language barriers or ticket machines. Just show your paper tickets (or scan your electronic pass) and off you go.
When Is The Hakone Pass Not Worth The Cost?
While the Hakone Free Pass can be a great value, it may not be the best option for every traveller.
- Shorter Trips: If you’re only in Hakone for a quick day trip or only visiting a couple of spots, the pass may not be worth it. It makes sense if you’re planning to do the Hakone Loop but if you’re just transiting from Tokyo and staying for the night, you might be better off just getting single-trip tickets.
- Limited Area Coverage: The pass only covers transportation in Hakone and surrounding areas, so it’s not a good fit if most of what you plan to explore is beyond these areas.
What If I Have A JR Pass?
If you have a JR Pass, it’s still worthwhile getting the Hakone Free Pass as this train line is owned by Odakyu Railway rather than by Japan Rail Group, so your JR Pass won’t cover you for Hakone train travel.
How Many Days Should You Spend In Hakone?

When we started planning our Japan trip, a friend mentioned Hakone as a great stop and suggested staying there overnight rather than doing Hakone just as a day trip from Tokyo.
Most people visit Hakone as a day trip, trying to fit the Hakone Loop into a single day and potentially missing some of the best things in the area.
This is why we decided to spend 2 nights in Hakone instead of just a day or a single night. It really depends on how much time you have to spare in your overall itinerary. If you’ve got time for 2 nights, we highly recommend it.
If not, a single night will still give you time to see the top Hakone attractions.
Which Pass Should I Get?
If you are staying in Hakone for one night, a 2-day pass is recommended.
This will get you from Tokyo to Hakone on your first day and back to Odawara Station the next day, to travel back to Tokyo or onto your next destination (although it won’t cover your costs beyond Odawara if heading elsewhere.
Similarly, if you’re staying 2 nights, get the 3-day pass for unlimited public transport during your stay and to transit back to Odawara ready to leave Hakone.
We did a 3-day pass, travelling Tokyo to Hakone on day 1, within Hakone on day 2 and back to Odawara to catch a Shinkansen on day 3.
Best Attractions In Hakone

Hakone is packed with attractions that showcase its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Highlights include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures blend with scenic landscapes. The Hakone Shrine is well known for its iconic red torii gate on Lake Ashi’s shores.
For panoramic views, the Hakone Ropeway takes you over the volcanic Owakudani Valley, famous for its hot springs and black eggs. They have black shells after being hard-boiled in the volcanic hot springs and eating one is said to add up to 7 years to your life.

There are also souvenir shops, restaurants and the Hakone Geo Museum in Owakudani. This was one of our favourite places to visit in Hakone!
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi offers picturesque views of Mount Fuji on clear days. We lucked out with a cloudy day sadly! Just a reason to visit again next time we are in Japan.
For delicious food, don’t miss dining at Gora Brewery & Grill. This was one of our favourite meals of the trip and you get to watch the chefs cooking right inside the restaurant area. Very cool!

And of course, Hakone is famous for its onsens, so don’t miss the chance to soak in one of the hot springs while you’re there.
Insider Tip: Try to visit on weekdays to avoid peak crowds, and if you’re after a peaceful onsen experience, check out some of the less-frequented hot springs covered by the pass.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Hakone Free Pass
Regardless of whether you are doing an overnight trip or a Hakone 2-day itinerary, similar to what we did, there are a few tips that will help you make the most of your first time in Hakone:
1. Start Early

Begin your journey as early as possible to maximise your time and get the most value out of the pass. Early starts also mean fewer crowds at popular spots, especially if visiting Hakone during busy times, such as cherry blossom season.
We caught the earliest cable car from Gora Station which meant we were one of the first on the ropeway for the day too.
2. Plan Your Route
If you’re planning to do the Hakone Loop, decide whether you are doing it clockwise or anticlockwise.
We did the typical direction, starting in Gora and heading up the cable car and ropeway to Owakudani first, however many people like to do the reverse as it is less busy. This is worth considering, especially if you’re visiting at a peak time.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts
Don’t forget the pass includes discounts on many attractions, which can add up, especially if you’re visiting places like the museums or hot springs.
The Hakone Open Air Museum is a must-visit if you have the time and while the discount is small, it’s still nice to pay less.
4. Check Ropeway Status

Occasionally, the Hakone Ropeway may close due to volcanic activity around Owakudani. Checking the official website beforehand can help you adjust your plans if needed.
Alternatives to the Hakone Free Pass
If you’re uncertain about the pass, there are other ways to see Hakone that might better suit your itinerary.
- Single Tickets: If you’re only visiting a few sites, individual tickets may be cheaper.
- JR Rail Pass Users: For those with a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it to get to Odawara (just outside Hakone), and then buy a local pass or single tickets for the Hakone Loop.
Final Verdict: Is the Hakone Free Pass Worth It?
In short, the Hakone Free Pass is absolutely worth it if you’re planning a full day (or two) exploring Hakone’s main attractions. It’s especially ideal if you’re looking to do the Hakone Loop, as the pass covers the entire route seamlessly.
For families (like us), couples, or solo adventurers who want a hassle-free experience with added savings on transportation and entry fees, the Hakone Free Pass offers fantastic value.
If you are visiting Hakone for 2 or 3 days, the Hakone Free pass is good value. It will also save you time with the convenience of not having to stop for individual tickets at each transfer point!
Make sure to read our 2-day Hakone itinerary for tips to plan your visit!
More Japan Trip Planning Resources:
- Japan packing list
- 2 weeks in Japan itinerary
- Our Japan trip cost
- What to know before you visit Japan
