Japan’s Hakone Tozan Railway: A quintessential mountain railway offering breathtaking natural scenery
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Nestled between Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, Hakone is a national park that the Japanese take pride in and an internationally renowned tourist destination. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Tokyo or a longer vacation...
Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin
Hakone Tozan Railway train running through snowy terrain. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
The route from Odawara to Gora is only 15 kilometers long, yet the journey takes 53 minutes. Some might think the speed is too slow, but there’s a reason for that. From Odakyu’s Hakone-Yumoto Station, the track remains relatively gentle, but starting at Hakone-Yumoto, it enters a steep slope zone. Records show this mountain railway has the steepest gradient in all of Japan, which is why, instead of relying on travelers’ legs, the hardworking cable car can’t go very fast.
The Hakone Tozan Railway runs between Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto, and Gora. The train sways back and forth in a “Z” formation as it climbs uphill along the mountain terrain, offering beautiful views shaded by trees and picturesque scenery with expansive vistas. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Due to early development in the Hakone area, when this mountain railway opened in 1919, it was the only alpine train in all of Japan. To adapt to the mountainous terrain, some sections follow a “Z”-shaped route, somewhat similar to Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway. However, while the Alishan train charms with its retro steam locomotive style, the Hakone Tozan Railway allows passengers to leisurely enjoy the mountain scenery in comfort. Beyond its transportation function, the Hakone Tozan Railway also treats riders to a sea of hydrangeas in full bloom in early summer—making the ride itself a visual delight.
Surrounded by mountains, Hakone turns crimson red in autumn, showcasing a uniquely vibrant charm. In the fall, taking the mountain railway lets you see the maple leaves clustering along the Hakone-Yumoto Valley, and the serene and austere Soun Temple is beautifully adorned with red foliage. Gora is also a famous spot for autumn leaves, with the moss garden at the Hakone Open-Air Museum being an absolute highlight. Pairing this with a relaxing hot spring stay allows you to admire the red leaves from the baths—an experience that’s nothing short of 100% romantic.
Besides the mountain railway, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car runs directly from Gora to Sounzan in just nine minutes, stopping at four stations along the way—Park-eki-mae, Park, Chūgōra, and Jōgōra. Essentially, this cable car relies on the pull of thick, heavy cables rather than the diesel or electric power of the car itself. Additionally, due to the extremely steep mountain walls, regular train cars cannot operate here, so the cabins are designed in a stepped formation to ensure smooth travel.
Conductor’s final check before departure. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
If you think about it, the design of this train perfectly embodies the spirit of “man conquering nature”: since the slope is too steep for roads, they pull the cars up with steel cables; and since square train cars can’t hug the mountain path, the cars are designed in a trapezoidal shape. Because of this, the cable line (completed in 1921) built back in Japan’s Taisho era preserves a unique mode of transport and adds even more enjoyment to travel in Hakone.
Upon arriving at Sounzan, it’s recommended to transfer to the ropeway to Togendai. The highlight here is enjoying the stunning view of Lake Ashi from above, as well as passing by the steaming Owakudani Valley. The ropeway transforms your travel perspective from flat to three-dimensional, giving you a 360-degree panoramic view. This route flies right over the mountainside by Lake Ashi, allowing you to take in the lake and mountain scenery in all directions. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Essentially, the ropeway is a mini gondola, with each cabin seating only 3–5 people (some cable systems carry over 100 people per trip), so you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong side and missing out on the scenery.
Once you reach Togendai, the beautiful Lake Ashi comes into full view. It’s the most popular attraction in Hakone, not only because you can gaze at Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji from afar, but also because of its enchanting blend of mountain and water scenery.
Ropeway connecting Sounzan and Togendai. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Lake Ashi offers two types of cruise boats: a double-decker white yacht and the ever-popular pirate ship. The idea of turning a simple boat ride into a personified, story-driven experience really showcases the Japanese knack for business ingenuity.
The pirate ship is a sightseeing attraction in itself. Aside from its unique, colorful design that draws countless visitors for photos, the vividly crafted pirate figures aboard are also popular photo spots. No need for pirates to go treasure hunting—this ship is the treasure. Once onboard, both adults and kids are kept busy. Some scramble for the best seats to fully appreciate the surrounding landscape, others climb all over to make sure they see every corner, while many head straight to the top deck to pose with the pirate captain for a memorable keepsake photo.
【info】
Company: Hakone Tozan Railway Co., Ltd.
Railway Line: Odawara – Hakonebashi – Fudōmae – Iriuda – Hakone-Yumoto – Tōnosawa Signal – Ōwakudani – Deyama Signal – Kami-no-ue Signal – Miyagino-shita – Owakudani – Hakone Open-Air Museum – Gora
Cable Line: Gora – Park-eki-mae – Park – Chūgōra – Jōgōra – Sounzan
Schedule: Railway Line: 2–6 trains per hour; Cable Line: 1–3 trains per hour. First train from Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto departs at 5:33 AM, last train at 11:24 PM; first train from Hakone-Yumoto → Gora departs at 5:50 AM, last train at 11:09 PM; first train from Gora → Sounzan departs at 7:41 AM, last train at 7:05 PM. First train from Sounzan → Gora departs at 7:41 AM, last train at 7:05 PM; first train from Gora → Hakone-Yumoto departs at 5:23 AM, last train at 10:41 PM; first train from Hakone-Yumoto → Odawara departs at 5:26 AM, last train at 11:17 PM.
Note: Actual departure times vary by season and weekday. Please check the official website for details.
Fare: Railway Line: Odawara to Gora – ¥650; Cable Line: Gora to Sounzan – ¥410
Rolling Stock: MoHa 1/MoHa 2 series, 1000 series/2000 series; Ke 1000 series/00 series
Route: Railway Line, Cable Line
● Extended Reading:
Arakawa Tram Line: A Century of Tokyo Streetcars
http://goo.gl/V7mVMm
Sculptures by Lake Ashi and the popular pirate ship. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-38921
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines