Is the Romancecar included in Hakone Free Pass?

No. The pass covers the base fare only. You must purchase a separate Limited Express ticket to ride the Romancecar.

Does Hakone Free Pass cover the Pirate Ship?

Yes, unlimited rides on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship) are included.

Is Hakone Free Pass worth it in 2026?

Yes. A round trip on the standard Hakone Loop now costs over 8,500 JPY. The 2-Day Pass from Shinjuku costs 7,100 JPY, saving you money and the hassle of buying tickets.

Hakone Free Pass Guide: The Only Ticket You Need for Mt. Fuji & Onsen (2026)

Table of Contents

Hakone Free Pass Guide: The Only Ticket You Need for Mt. Fuji & Onsen (2026)
1. ⚠️ Don't Wait Until You Land!
Quick Verdict: The "Must-Have" Pass
1. 🏆 Hakone Free Pass (2 or 3 Days)
The Math: Does it pay off?
What is included? (Unlimited Rides)
Perfect Itinerary: The "Golden Loop"
1. 🏃 Day 1: The Loop
2. 🎨 Day 2: Museums & Return
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Final Verdict

Hakone Free Pass Guide: The Only Ticket You Need for Mt. Fuji & Onsen (2026)

⚠️ Don’t Wait Until You Land!

You need Internet for maps, and a Suica for Tokyo subways before reaching Hakone.

📱 Get Best eSIM 🐧 Get Welcome Suica

Are you planning a side trip from Tokyo to see Mt. Fuji and Onsen in Hakone?

Hakone transportation is complicated. You have to take trains, cable cars, ropeways, boats, and buses. Buying tickets for each ride is a nightmare (and expensive).

Stop! Don’t buy single tickets. The “Hakone Free Pass” covers EVERYTHING. It is the only pass you need for the “Hakone Loop”.

Quick Verdict: The “Must-Have” Pass

🏆 Hakone Free Pass (2 or 3 Days)

The Key to the Golden Course (Round Trip from Shinjuku included).

✅ Best Price

Revised 2026 Price

✅ 8 Transportations

Train, Bus, Boat, Ropeway included

👉 Check Pass on Klook

*Instant Confirmation & Mobile QR Code

The Math: Does it pay off?

Hakone is expensive if you pay for each ride. Let’s calculate the cost for the standard “Hakone Loop” (Golden Course) with the 2026 price update.

Transport (Round Trip)	Cost (No Pass)	Verdict
Train (Shinjuku⇔Hakone)	~2,540 JPY	–
The Loop (Ropeway, Boat, etc.)	~6,000 JPY	Very Expensive
Total Cost	~8,540 JPY	❌ Hassle
Hakone Free Pass (2 Days)	7,100 JPY	✅ WINNER

💰 YOU SAVE: ~1,400 JPY!

(Plus: No need to buy tickets at every station!)

What is included? (Unlimited Rides)

The best part is “Convenience”. You can hop on and off these 8 transportations freely:

🚄 Odakyu Line: Round trip from Shinjuku (West Exit) to Odawara.
🚞 Hakone Tozan Train: The zigzag mountain train.
🚠 Hakone Cable Car & Ropeway: See the volcanic valley (Owakudani).
🏴‍☠️ Pirate Ship (Sightseeing Cruise): Cruise on Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji view.
🚌 Hakone Tozan Bus: Access to museums and Onsen.

⚠️ Important Bus Warning: The pass covers “Hakone Tozan Bus” (Orange/Red logo). It does NOT cover “Izuhakone Bus” (Green/Smile logo). Be careful!

Perfect Itinerary: The “Golden Loop”

Here is the standard route to enjoy Hakone efficiently.

🏃 Day 1: The Loop

Morning: Start from Shinjuku (Tokyo) ➡ Hakone-Yumoto. Take the mountain train to Gora.
Afternoon: Ropeway to Owakudani (Eat Black Eggs!). Pirate Ship across Lake Ashi.
Evening: Stay at a Ryokan (Hot Spring Hotel).

👉 Read Detailed Hakone Guide

🎨 Day 2: Museums & Return

Visit the Open Air Museum or go shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets (Bus covered!). Return to Shinjuku.

👉 Back to Tokyo Guide

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

🚄 Q1: Is “Romancecar” included?

NO. The pass covers the “Base Fare”. You must pay a surcharge (~1,150 JPY) separately to ride the Limited Express Romancecar.

📱 Q2: How to use it?

If you buy on Klook, it’s a Digital Pass. Just show the QR code on your phone to the staff. No exchange needed!

🗻 Q3: Can I see Mt. Fuji?

YES! On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the Ropeway and the Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi.

📅 Q4: 2 Days or 3 Days?

If you are staying overnight, buy the 2-Day Pass. If you plan to visit Gotemba Outlet or relax more, get the 3-Day Pass.

🎟️ Q5: What if I have JR Pass?

JR Pass only gets you to “Odawara station”. From there, buy the “Hakone Area Only” version of this pass (6,000 JPY) at Odawara Station.

👶 Q6: Child Price?

Ages 6-11 are approx. 1,600 JPY. Children under 6 are usually free on transport (no seat).

Final Verdict

💡 Pro Tip: Mountain signal is weak.

Take a Screenshot of your QR code before you go! If you lose internet, you can’t show your ticket.

👉 Secure Your Hakone Pass

*(Free cancellation available before activation)