2024 Hakone Free Pass in Japan: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
It is on our bucket list to view Mt. Fuji right before our eyes. So, on our Japan spring trip, we went on a day trip to Hakone, a mountain town famous for its hot springs and astounding Mt. Fuji views. If you’d like to do the same, the first thing you need to secure is the Hakone Free Pass.
|
Tip: Buy your Hakone Freepass on Klook ahead. This already includes round-trip train tickets from Shinjuku to Odawara, unlimited transport rides within Hakone, and exclusive discounts on Hakone facilities. |
Here’s everything you need to know about the Hakone Free Pass, from its price and where to buy to frequently asked questions.
What is a Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone Free Pass is a special pass that allows you to enjoy unlimited rides on the different modes of transportation in Hakone including the Hakone Tozan Line, Hakone Ropeway, and Lake Ashi Cruise, among others. On top of that, you also get special discounts and privileges to over 70 facilities including top Hakone attractions, hot spring resorts, and shops.
What is included in the Hakone Freepass?
The Hakone Freepass allows you to enjoy the following:
1. Unlimited rides on Hakone transportation
Hop aboard all these 8 different modes of transport in Hakone without limit:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Hakone Tozan Bus in designated areas
- Odakyu Highway Bus in designated areas
- Tokai Bus in designated areas
- Kanko Shisetsu-Meguri Bus (Tourist Attraction Sightseeing Bus)
2. Discounts to Hakone attractions and facilities
You can also enjoy exclusive discounts on these Hakone attractions and facilities:
Sightseeing
- Hakone Gora Park
- Mishima Skywalk
- Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Culture and Heritage
- The Hakone Open Air Museum
- Hakone-jinja shrine
- Odawara Castle
Hot Spring Resorts
- Hakone Yuryo
- Kappa-Tengoku
- Fujihakkei no Yu
Shopping and Dining
- Gotemba Premium Outlets®
- Owakudani-eki Shokudo
- Hakone Cafe
*Visit Hakone Tourism’s official website for the complete list of participating facilities.
3. Round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line
The Hakone Free Pass also entitles you to one round-trip train ticket on the Odakyu Line from the departing station to Odawara Station. But there’s no limit if you get off midway.
What is NOT included in the Hakone Free Pass?
The pass does not include the following:
- Limited Express Romancecar
- Hakone Regular Sightseeing Bus
- Izu-Hakone Bus
- Seibu Line / Sotetsu Line + few highway buses
How much is a Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone Free Pass cost depends on the chosen departing station, validity, and age group. See the latest Hakone free pass price list below:
Hakone Free Pass prices 2024
| Depart from | 2 Day Pass | 3 Day Pass | ||
| Adult | Child (6-11 yrs old) | Adult | Child (6-11 yrs old) | |
| Shinjuku | ¥6,100 | ¥1,100 | ¥6,500 | ¥1,350 |
| Machida | ¥5,820 | ¥1,100 | ¥6,220 | ¥1,350 |
| Fujisawa | ¥6,050 | ¥1,100 | ¥6,450 | ¥1,350 |
| Odawara | ¥5,000 | ¥1,100 | ¥5,400 | ¥1,350 |
Notes:
- Kids below 6 years old are free for this activity.
- Hakone Free Pass prices above are accurate as of publication date. Check Hakone Tourism’s official website before your trip for the latest rates and information.
Where to buy a Hakone Free Pass?
You can buy your Hakone Free Pass from the following:
Option 1: Klook (online)
Hakone Freepass
- Price: ¥6,100 (Hakone 2 Day Pass); ¥6,500 (Hakone 3 Day Pass)
- Nice feature: Free cancelation before redemption
- Pick-up location: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center of Shinjuku West and Odawara Station
Option 2: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center (on-site)
If you are unable to purchase your Hakone Freepass online, you may go to any Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in the following locations:
- Shinjuku West
- Odawara Station
- Hakone-Yumoto Station
Option 3: Ticket vending machines
You may also buy from ticket vending machines located at Odakyu Line stations. Aside from cash, you can pay using your Japan IC card (Suica, Pasmo) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB).
Option 4: EMot Online Tickets
Go to EMot Online Tickets to purchase digital tickets using your smartphone only. Do note that it is not available on personal computers and tablets.
*Visit Hakone Tourism’s official website for more options on where to buy your pass.
Hakone Free Pass frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How can I use the Hakone Free Pass?
The Hakone Free Pass is just like a regular ticket. To use it, just show your pass to the staff or bus driver when boarding. You may also scan the QR code for ticket counters with QR code readers.
2. Is Hakone Freepass included in JR Pass?
No, the Hakone Freepass is not included in the JR Pass. However, you can use your JR Pass to ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara Station. From there, you need to buy a separate ticket to ride the Hakone Tozan Line.
3. Do I need to buy a pass before my Hakone trip?
It is best to buy your Hakone Freepass at least a day before your intended travel date so you still have enough time to plan accordingly. But you may still buy it on the same day as you wish.
4. Can I share my pass with another person?
No, each person should hold one pass.
5. Does the Hakone Freepass expire?
Yes, the pass expires after its validity period. If you bought the 2-day pass, it expires after the second day. The same goes for the 3-day pass, which expires after the third consecutive day.
6. Can I request a refund?
When transport services are suspended due to bad weather, you may request a refund at the Odakyu Sightseeing Services Centers. Do note that you are only eligible if you have not boarded the suspended transport services.
7. Can foreigners buy a Hakone Freepass?
Yes, both locals and foreigners can buy it online or from service centers and ticket vending machines of Odakyu Line stations.
8. Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it?
Definitely! It is worth it, especially if you will DIY your day trip to Hakone from Tokyo like we did. If you pay all the tickets separately, it will cost you more than buying the pass itself.
We hope we covered everything you need to know about the Hakone Free Pass in Japan. Have a safe and fun trip in Hakone!
Excited to plan your Japan trip? You may want to read our other articles:
Guides:
Transport & connectivity: