The Hakone Ropeway is a popular aerial tramway in the Hakone region of Kanagawa Prefecture. It offers a scenic and convenient way to explore one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, known for its stunning natural landscapes, volcanic activity, and views of Mt. Fuji.
The Hakone Ropeway spans approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) and connects four stations: Sounzan, Owakudani, Ubako, and Togendai. Most visitors will begin at Sounzan Station, located on the eastern side of Mt. Hakone, and travel to Togendai Station on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Sounzan is the starting point of the ropeway for most visitors, as it is connected to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which can be accessed from Hakone Yumoto, a major transportation hub in the region. After Sounzan Station, the ropeway travels up Mt. Hakone, over the sulphur plumes of Owakudani, and offers up the first views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) before arriving at Owakudani Station. You will disembark here, allowing you to explore Owakudani, or transfer cable cars to Ubako Station, and then to Togendai Station, the final stop of the Ropeway, located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko.
The Hakone Ropeway is covered under the Hakone Free Pass, which allows unlimited travel during the validity period for all pass holders. The Hakone Free Pass is a great way to explore the area around each of the Hakone ropeway stations at your own pace and cost-effectively.
The Hakone Ropeway operates throughout the year, but its schedule may vary depending on weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest information before planning your visit.
Similiarly, due to the volcanic nature of the area, Owakudani, and the Hakone Ropeway, can be occasionally closed to visitors during periods of increased volcanic activity. It’s important to check for any updates before planning your trip.
Explore Hakone
Top Attractions
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Owakudani
Geothermal attraction with Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Lake Ashinoko
Scenic lake in Hakone
Hakone FAQs
Hakone can best be enjoyed with an overnight stay in one of the many Ryokans or world-class hotels.
However, Hakone can still be enjoyed as a day trip.
Yes, the Hakone Free Pass offers excellent value if you plan to use multiple transports such as the ropeway, pirate ship cruise, and buses, often saving both money and time, particularly if you are planning more than a day trip.
Yes, on clear days you can see Mount Fuji from spots in and around Hakone, like the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi, though visibility depends heavily on weather conditions.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00am-5;00pm (9:00am-4:15pm in December & January)
- 1500JPY One Way, 2500JPY Round trip. Covered by Hakone Free Pass
- Average Time Spent: 45-90 mins
- Official Website
Accessing the Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway can be found on the north side of Lake Hakone, easily accessed from the lake front at the Togendai Port – which connects to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise.
Sounzan Station sits to the east of the lake, and can be accessed via a combination of the Hakonetozan Cable car, and the Hakone Tozan railway.
Hakone sits approximately 80km west of Tokyo, and you can connect to the area from Odawara Station, taking the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Station, to Gora Station. From Gora, you can connect to the Sounzan Station via the Hakonetozan Cable Car.
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Where to Stay
Yoshiike Ryokan
Modern Japanese Ryokan, with stunning facilities, gorgeous indoor and outdoor onsen and beautiful gardens.
Hakone Hotel
Luxury hotel, featuring rooms with unforgettable lake views, world class dining, and immaculate facilities.
Odakyu Hotel De Yama
Lake-side hotel, boasting large gardens to explore and relax in, convenient location, just a 5 minute drive from the port.
Explore more in Hakone
Hakone Checkpoint
Edo era checkpoint, often used by samurai and travelling merchants
Hakone Open Air Museum
Outdoor museum with interactive displays
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Tozan Railway
Railway that snakes up a mountain leading to Hakone