Hakone Ropeway is one of Hakone’s best attractions. Also a Guinness Record Holder, it brings visitors to some of Hakone’s star attractions like Owakudani and Ubako Onsen. Hakone Ropeway also offers marvellous views over Hakone, its nearby areas, and Mt. Fuji. Let us explore what this ropeway has to offer.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What to expect along Hakone Ropeway
- Other Places to Visit Nearby
- Helpful Information
- Summary
Introduction
The Creation of the Hakone Ropeway
During the Edo Period, Hakone was a part of the Tokaido Route. Hakone was a checkpoint, called sekisho in Japanese, to control traffic along the route and to perform security checks. Since then, Hakone has become a tourist destination famous for its onsen town.
Construction of Hakone Ropeway began about 60 years ago in stages starting with the Souzan-Owakudani line. The other lines were added on until finally the total 4km ropeway length was completed. . Initially, Hakone Ropeway used gondola lifts to transport its passengers but has since been replaced with funitel cableways in 2002. This made the Ropeway more stable against strong winds brought by the high elevation and frequent volcanic activity.
※ East Japan Railway Culture Foundation, "Impact of Railways on Japanese Society & Culture The Tokaido—Scenes from Edo to Meiji Eras" ※ Hakone Ropeway Co., Ltd., "～50th Anniversary of the opening of all lines～"
Main Role of the Ropeway
Hakone Ropeway serves an important role in cultivating and maintaining Hakone as a prime tourist spot. It mainly functions as the primary mode of transportation to access higher points of interest in Hakone. Aside from that, it has also become a tourist destination in of itself. Travelling via the Ropeway allows for panoramic over the hills and trees views that cannot be achieved by regular land transport means.
A Ropeway Recognized by Guinness Book of World Records
In 2010, Hakone Ropeway received Guinness Book of World Records recognition as the “Busiest Gondola Lift” with a total passenger count of 2,064,241 for the year 2009.
※ Hakone Ropeway, "Hakone Ropeway’s renewal of the Guinness World Record"
Writer's Pick
What to expect along Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Ropeway isn’t just a means to transportation, it also offers spectacular views of Hakone and Fuji and a route to great experiences. Check out these Instagram-worthy sceneries and fun things you can do thanks to the Hakone Ropeway:
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Spectacular view of Japan’s peak icon Mount Fuji
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Steaming sulphuric vents of Jigokudani
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Sparkling view of Lake Ashinoko
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Panoramic landscape sighting of mountainous ridges
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Relaxing soak in natural hot springs
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Dining on local delicacies
Activities at Each Station
From the healing magic and black eggs of Hakone's onsens, to steaming vents from hell, each station in Hakone has different surprises waiting for you to try. Here’s what you can enjoy at each station:
Sounzan Station
Sounzan Station is the first terminal on Hakone Ropeway from west Hakone. Make sure to stop by and visit the rest area, Cu-Mo on the station’s 2nd floor.
At Cu-Mo, you can rejuvenate yourself with a nice hot foot bath whilst you enjoy the birds eye view of resort town Gora and Mt. Hakone’s crater. There are also shops where you can grab some Cu-Mo original souvenir items and snacks like milk-based popcorn, baked cacao cookies, chocolate ice-cream, Hakone Ropeway noodles, Hakone Ropeway edition crayons, and more.
Did I mention their cafe? Cu-Mo’s famous cloud-themed food and drink are the highlights here. Introducing “Newbell” and “Kumo-pan”; the former is a smoothie that looks like fluffy clouds in a cup, the latter is a fluffy steamed muffin or cake made with cream. FYI, kumo means cloud and pan means bread in japanese, so this pastry is literally called cloud bread!
As you move on to Owakudani Station, enjoy the overlooking view of Owakudani, a vast valley obscured by billowing white smoke. If the weather permits, you may even catch a glimpse of Sagami Bay.
※ Hakone Ropeway Co., Ltd., "Introduction of station: Sounzan Station" ※ Hakone Ropeway, "cu-mo Hakone"
Owakudani Station
Your arrival in Owakudani Station will be greeted by the scent of sulphur and rising white smoke from Hakone’s very own Jigokudani aka Hell Valley. Jigokudani’s scenery is interesting, instead of the usual greenery and flowers, Hell Valley depicts a desolate wasteland unlike a dystopian landscape with withered trees, craggy stones, red mountains and clay rocks.
Owakudani Station also offers shops and dining areas on its 2nd Floor. Here, you can enjoy Owakudani Curry and Kuro-tamago (Black Eggs). On days with fine weather, a view of Mt. Fuji with its snowy peak can be enjoyed from Owakudani. As you head towards Togendai, you can also catch a view of Lake Ashi.
Tamago Chaya
A little away from Owakudani Station, adjacent to Jigokudani, is a small shop offering Kuro-tamago. These eggs are boiled in a hot spring pond. Chemical reaction from the hydrogen sulfide in the water turns the eggs black. There is also a resting area where you can eat your eggs whilst enjoying the view. There is a belief that eating these eggs will provide longevity.
※ Hakone Ropeway Co., Ltd., "The Charm of Owakudani" ※ Hakone Ropeway Co., Ltd., "Introduction of station: Owakudani Station"
Ubako Station
The next stop on Hakone Ropeway is Ubako Station. This area is famous for having an onsen town, Ubako Onsen which is one of Hakone's 17 onsens. It also offers hiking paths. Take a relaxing dip in one of the many hot springs offered at onsen resorts and ryokans.
※Hakone Ropeway, "Introduction of station: Ubako Station"
Togendai Station
The final stop on Hakone Ropeway if you’re coming from the east, or alternatively the first station if you’re coming from the west, is Togendai Station. Togendai Station is located beside Lake Ashi, it also provides easy access to public transportation around Hakone.
As you descend, you will get a great view of Lake Ashi. Visit the Togendai View Restaurant located in the station for a romantic meal with Lake Ashi as your background.
※Hakone Ropeway Co., Ltd., "Introduction of station: Togendai Station"
Other Places to Visit Nearby
There's still a lot to discover in Hakone other than places you can visit along Hakone Ropeway. Without further ado, here they are:
Lake Ashinoko
Lake Ashinoko, more commonly referred to as Lake Ashi, is a caldera lake formed by the eruption of Mt. Hakone. It is now a popular tourist destination famous for its clear blue waters, and picturesque sight of Mt. Fuji reflected on its surface.
There are plenty of things to do on and around the lake including taking a lake cruise, relaxing at Ashinoko Spa Village, visiting Hakone Sekisho and Hakone Shrine amongst others. If you visit at the right time, you can also experience events like the Ashinoko Kosui Festival in summer, and the Hakone Ekiden Relay Race.
Become a Pirate
There’s no better way to experience Lake Ashi than a leisurely cruise. But what's better than a plain old boat? A pirate ship, of course! Royal II, Queen Ashinoko, and Victory; there are 3 models of pirate ships available.
Access: Beside Lake Ashinoko and Togendai Station
Standard Ticket Price: 2,200 yen (Round Trip)
※Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, "Pirate ships"
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Jinja is an ancient Shinto shrine whose history can be traced back to the year 757. Along the path towards the shrine are ancient cedar trees more than 600 years old. Not only do they provide cool shading, they provide atmosphere to the solemn sanctuary. The natural forest at the back of the shrine has been designated as a Kanagawa Prefecture Natural Monument, so take the opportunity to have a look.
The Shrine’s highlight is its red torii, “Torii of Peace” at Lake Ashi’s shore. The view of the vermillion torii with the lake and Mt. Fuji as its backdrop is an irreplaceable and priceless memory.
Access: Southeast of Lake Ashi. 16-mins by car.
※Ministry of the Environment, "Hakone-jinja Shrine"
Narukawa Art Museum
About 5-mins drive away from Hakone Jinja is Narukawa Art Museum. We have Japanese art collector Minoru Narukawa to thank for the opening of this museum in the late 1980s. The museum boasts a huge collection of both traditional and modern Japanese art, rotating exhibitions, permanent exhibition for Chinese relics, a garden, and a souvenir shop.
There is also a panorama lounge with a view of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, and Hakone Jinja’s famous Heiwa-no-torii. You can also enjoy the museum cafe’s seasonal dishes with Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi view.
Access: 3-mins walk from Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Dock and Moto Hakone Quay
Entrance Fee: 1,300 yen (Adult)
Hakone Sekisho
A recreation of Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint from the Edo period. Sekisho were highway checkpoints to control traffic and to perform security checks for weapon smuggling and runaway women. Hakone was the largest checkpoint amongst 53 others. Located at the south bank of Lake Ashi, Hakone Sekisho offers visitors an insight into how Sekisho looked like and operated in those days.
Access:
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16-mins walk from Narukawa Art Museum
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5-mins walk from Hakonemachi-ko Bus Station
Entrance Fee: 500 yen (Adult)
Helpful Information
Tickets Prices
The ropeway offers individual fare for both child and adult, and here it is:
※ Hakone Ropeway, "Hours and fares"
TIP
Get the Hakone Pirate Ship and Ropeway 1-day Pass for only 4,000 yen for unlimited travel in a day. With this pass, you can also receive discounts from selected stores.
※ Hakone Guide, “Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and Hakone Ropeway 1-day Pass”
Service Hours
Hakone Ropeway operates daily from 9:00 to 17:00, except for winter months when operation stops at 16:15.
Hakone Ropeway operates as early as 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. However, service hours depend on the weather condition, and it may be adjusted accordingly.
※ Hakone Ropeway, "Hours and fares"
Access to Hakone Ropeway
From Tokyo
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station. From Odawara Station, you have 2 options:
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To reach Togendai Station, take a bus to Hakone Lake Hotel-mae Bus Stop (箱根レイクホテル前). Togendai Station is only 2-mins walk from the bus stop.
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To reach Sounzan Station, take a bus to Sounzan Station Entrance Bus Stop (早雲山駅入口).
TIP
Get the Hakone Freepass for 5,700 yen which includes unlimited travel on Hakone Ropeway, selected city buses, pirate ship, Tozan cable car/rails, and discounts from selected stores. It’s valid for only 2 days so do some calculations to make sure it’s worth getting.
※ Hakone Guide, “Hakone Freepass”
Summary
The Hakone Ropeway isn't just a simple transportation but a gateway to Hakone's various attractions. Each of Hakone Ropeway's stations offer different activities, views, and delicacies which are Hakone's pride. From the steaming hell valley of Owakudani to the pirate ships of Lake Ashinoko, there's so much for you to see and experience thanks to the Hakone Ropeway.
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