Hakone Free-pass – The Complete 2025 Guide for Travelers
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Hakone Free-pass Overview and Benefits
The Hakone Free-pass is a transportation and discount package designed to simplify travel in Hakone.
Visitors who would otherwise purchase multiple train, bus, and boat tickets can instead use a single pass that grants unlimited rides.
Beyond transport, the pass also functions as a discount card at hot springs, museums, and gardens, making it both a logistical and financial advantage.
＞＞＞ Check The Official Site of The Hakone Free Pass
What is the Hakone Free-pass?
The pass comes in two versions—2-day and 3-day.
If purchased in Shinjuku, it includes a round-trip Odakyu Line ticket between Shinjuku and Odawara.
From Odawara, travelers gain unlimited access to Hakone’s local network: the Tozan Railway, the Cable Car, the Ropeway, the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, and designated buses.
Buying from Odawara is cheaper but excludes the Tokyo connection, which is useful for those already in the region.
Benefits of Using the Hakone Free-pass
The advantage of the Free-pass becomes evident when comparing single fares.
A ropeway ride costs ¥1,500, the Lake Ashi cruise charges ¥1,200, the Tozan Cable Car is ¥450, and the mountain train adds ¥410.
Even with one round trip, these already total more than ¥3,500.
A 2-day Free-pass from Odawara is ¥5,000, meaning that after two or three rides, the pass has already paid for itself.
Adding in museum and onsen discounts makes the cost efficiency even greater.
Where to Buy the Hakone Free-pass
Travelers can purchase the pass easily in several locations:
- Online: Odakyu’s official website, Klook, Rakuten Travel Experiences.
- In Tokyo: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers at Shinjuku Station and ticket machines along the Odakyu Line.
- In Hakone: Hakone-Yumoto Station, Togendai Station, and other major hubs.
Hakone Free-pass Price and Validity in 2025
Pricing was updated in 2025, but the structure remains simple.
Travelers starting in Shinjuku pay slightly more since the Tokyo–Odawara round trip is included, while those starting in Odawara can purchase the cheaper local version.
Current Prices
| Departure Point | Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | 2 Days | ¥6,100 | ¥1,100 |
| Shinjuku | 3 Days | ¥6,500 | ¥1,350 |
| Odawara | 2 Days | ¥5,000 | ¥1,000 |
| Odawara | 3 Days | ¥5,400 | ¥1,250 |
Price Revision of Discount Passes
The Hakone Free Pass offers unmatched convenience and savings—for instance, from Shinjuku the two-day pass costs 6,100 yen, while a three-day version is 6,500 yen.
From October 1, 2025, fares will change
| Pass Type | Current Price (until Sep 30, 2025) | New Price (from Oct 1, 2025) | Child Price (New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakone Free Pass (2-Day, Shinjuku) | ¥6,100 | ¥7,100 | ¥1,350 |
| Hakone Free Pass (3-Day, Shinjuku) | ¥6,500 | ¥7,500 | ¥1,750 |
| Hakone Free Pass (2-Day, Odawara) | ¥5,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥1,200 |
| Hakone Free Pass (3-Day, Odawara) | ¥5,400 | ¥6,400 | ¥1,600 |
Children and Group Discounts
Children aged 6–11 pay the discounted child rate, while up to two children under six may travel free with each paying adult.
There are no official group discounts, but the family pricing structure ensures affordability.
Validity Rules and Usage
The pass is valid for consecutive calendar days, not 24-hour periods.
For example, activating a 2-day pass on June 10 means it expires at the end of June 11.
Passes purchased before October 2025 remain valid at their original price, even if used later. Digital vouchers must be exchanged before travel, and lost passes cannot be reissued.
Hakone Free-pass Transportation Coverage
Hakone is known for its diverse transportation network, and the Free-pass covers nearly all of it.
Visitors can travel in a circular route, combining trains, cable cars, ropeways, lake cruises, and buses to reach key attractions without extra fees.
Hakone Tozan Railway and Cable Car
The Hakone Tozan Railway climbs steep slopes from Odawara through Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, with switchbacks and views of mountain streams.
At Gora, travelers transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which ascends to Sounzan in about 10 minutes. This short but steep ride is the gateway to the Ropeway.
Hakone Ropeway and Pirate Ship Cruises
From Sounzan, the Ropeway connects to Togendai via Owakudani and Ubako.
The Owakudani section offers close views of volcanic activity, with sulfur vents visible beneath the gondola. On clear days, Mount Fuji rises dramatically in the background.
At Togendai, visitors board the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, themed as pirate ships that cross between Togendai, Motohakone, and Hakone-machi.
The 30-minute ride offers panoramas of the lake and Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate.
Hakone Tozan Buses and Partner Transport
Hakone Tozan Buses connect to destinations outside the main loop, including the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields, the Venetian Glass Museum, and Gotemba Premium Outlets.
The pass also covers the sightseeing bus “KANKO SHISETSU-MEGURI,” which links museums and hot springs efficiently.
Portions of the Odakyu Highway Bus and Tokai Bus networks are included within the designated Hakone area.
Available Area
Hakone Free-pass Sightseeing Discounts
The Free-pass doubles as a discount ticket at numerous attractions. Savings vary, but frequent use can reduce total costs by several thousand yen during a short stay.
Discounts at Hakone’s Museums and Gardens
| Attraction | Standard Price | With Free-pass |
|---|---|---|
| Hakone Open-Air Museum | ¥1,600 | ¥1,400 |
| Pola Museum of Art | ¥1,800 | ¥1,600 |
| Venetian Glass Museum | ¥1,800 | ¥1,500 |
| Hakone Botanical Garden | ¥700 | ¥600 |
Hot Springs and Onsen Facilities Benefits
At Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, entry drops from ¥3,500 to ¥2,900, which is significant for families.
Tenzan Onsen lowers its admission from ¥1,500 to ¥1,200.
Many ryokan in the Hakone-Yumoto area also accept the pass for discounted day-use bathing, allowing visitors to enjoy hot springs without an overnight stay.
Partner Restaurants and Souvenir Shops
Several restaurants in Gora and Motohakone offer five to 10% off meals with pass presentation.
Souvenir shops near Hakone-Yumoto Station and Togendai also participate, granting small reductions on local crafts such as yosegi marquetry and onsen manju.
Hakone Free-pass FAQ (2025 Edition)
- Can I reserve seats on the Odakyu Romancecar with the Free-pass?
-
No, the pass covers the base fare only. A separate surcharge of ¥1,290 is required for Romancecar reserved seats.
- Is the pass valid on the Shinkansen?
-
No. The Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Odawara is not included.
- Can I buy the pass outside Japan?
-
Yes, vouchers are sold on platforms like Klook and Rakuten, which you exchange for the actual pass in Japan.
- What happens if I lose the pass?
-
It cannot be reissued, and a new purchase is necessary.
- Do lockers or luggage storage come with the pass?
-
No, coin lockers at stations charge separately, usually between ¥300 and ¥700.
- Do children under six need a ticket?
-
Up to two children under six can travel free with each paying adult.
- Is the Ropeway always open to Owakudani?
-
Ropeway service is suspended during high volcanic activity, but buses provide alternate routes that are covered by the pass.
Final Thoughts on Hakone Free-pass
The Hakone Free-pass combines transportation and discounts into a single ticket that reflects the geography of Hakone itself.
It links mountain railways, ropeways, cruises, and bus routes into one continuous circuit while also reducing admission costs at key attractions.
For travelers spending at least two days in Hakone, the pass provides both convenience and genuine savings, making it one of the most practical tools for exploring the region in 2025.