Hakone Ropeway Guide: Tickets, Views and Tips for 2026
TripToJapan.com Editorial Team
Jun 23, 2026
Contents
TripToJapan.com Editorial Team
The Hakone Ropeway covers 4 kilometers of volcanic terrain between Sounzan and Togendai, with views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the steaming vents of Owakudani along the way. Whether you're on a day trip from Tokyo or spending a few days in Hakone, the ropeway is one of the area's standout experiences.
Below you'll find current ticket prices (adults 2,000 yen one-way), operating hours by season, what you'll see on each segment of the ride, and timing tips for Mt. Fuji views. You'll also get the full Hakone Round Course itinerary so you can plan the ropeway as part of a complete loop through Hakone's top stops, from Owakudani's volcanic vents to the Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise.
Gondolas run frequently, but departures and queues vary with weather, maintenance, visitor volume and operating conditions. Treat the published timetable and station information as the source of truth on the day.
The full journey takes approximately 30 minutes. You must transfer to a new gondola at Owakudani Station, which is a good reason to step out and explore the volcanic area before continuing.
The route has two distinct segments, each with its own scenery:
Sounzan to Owakudani: The gondola climbs steeply over the valley, reaching 130 meters above the valley floor. You'll look down at dense forest and volcanic steam vents as the landscape shifts from green canopy to bare, sulfur-streaked rock.
Owakudani to Togendai: After reboarding at Owakudani, the gondola descends toward Lake Ashi. On clear days, Mt. Fuji fills the horizon ahead. In late afternoon, the lake surface catches the light and glitters below you.
The four stations along the route are:
Sounzan Station (start, transfer from Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
Owakudani Station (required transfer, volcanic sightseeing)
Ubako Station (access to Ubako hot springs)
Togendai Station (end, Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise)
We'll build a costed, pre-planned Japan itinerary you can customise to your taste.
Owakudani Station is a highlight of the Hakone Ropeway. This stop is known for its geothermal activity and the famous black eggs, which are boiled in hot springs and are said to extend life by seven years.
Active steam vents and bubbling sulfur pools give Owakudani its distinctive, sulfur-sharp atmosphere. Owakudani is listed in the Michelin Green Guide with 2 stars, rated as a world-class sightseeing spot. For more background on the area, see the Hakone Ropeway official guide.
The station has facilities, including a restaurant and souvenir shops. You can buy the legendary black eggs at two dedicated shops: Owakudani Kurotamagokan (the main shop near the volcanic vents) and Gokurakuchaya (a tea house with egg sets and views).
The Hakone Free Pass includes the ropeway and other eligible Hakone transport during its validity period. Compare the pass price with the rides and cruise you actually plan to use; it does not automatically save money for every itinerary.
Ticket prices for the full Sounzan to Togendai route:
One-way: Adults 2,000 yen / Children 700 yen
Round-trip: Adults 3,000 yen / Children 1,000 yen
Hakone Free Pass: Covers the ropeway plus cable car, bus, and sightseeing cruise
Operating hours:
February to November: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
December to January: 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM
Service may be suspended for bad weather, volcanic activity, or scheduled maintenance. Credit cards (JCB, VISA, Mastercard, AmEx) and IC cards (PASMO, SUICA) are accepted at all stations.
For those starting at Hakone Yumoto Station, the Hakone Tozan Railway and Hakone Tozan Cable Car provide a scenic route up to Sounzan Station, where the ropeway journey begins.
The Hakone Round Course is a popular sightseeing loop that allows visitors to explore the entire Hakone area. The course typically starts at Hakone Yumoto Station, where you can take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station.
From there, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car takes you to Sounzan Station, where you'll transfer to the Hakone Ropeway. After enjoying the scenic ride to Togendai Station, you can embark on a Lake Ashi cruise aboard the famous pirate ship.
From Togendai, a sightseeing cruise crosses Lake Ashi (approximately 30 minutes) to Moto-Hakone, where a bus completes the return to Hakone Yumoto.
Embark on an exciting journey through the magnificent mountainous town of Hakone.
Check the weather and the operator’s service status before travelling. Visibility can change quickly, and the ropeway may suspend service for weather, volcanic conditions or maintenance. Visit earlier when you want more daylight, but do not promise a short queue.
Each station on the ropeway connects to a separate destination worth planning time around:
Hakone Gora Park: Located near Gora Station, this park is famous for its seasonal flowers, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Ashi: The pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. It's a serene way to relax and take in the natural beauty of Hakone.
Hot Springs: Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, known as "onsen." After your ropeway adventure, consider soaking in a hot spring bath at one of the area's many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).
Experience the enchanting beauty of Hakone with a private tour.
If you're coming from Tokyo, take the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar to Hakone Yumoto Station.
The Odakyu Romancecar reaches Hakone-Yumoto from Shinjuku for a separate fare and reservation. The Hakone Free Pass can cover eligible Hakone transport after you arrive, but the Romancecar limited express surcharge is separate. Confirm the current combination before buying.
