The Hakone Ropeway is a popular way to explore some of Hakone’s most awe-inspiring sights. The aerial lift provides convenient links between the town’s breathtaking viewpoints and geological highlights. Fly high above the volcanic plumes of the Owakudani Valley and peer through the majestic mountain ranges to see the iconic peak of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
A popular place to start is Sōunzan Station. From here, board your 18-passenger gondola and get front-row seats for Hakone’s beautiful panorama. Once you have departed from Sōunzan, your gondola will ascend and bring you high above the sulfuric hot springs, or jigokudani, of the Ōwakudani Valley. Look down on the complex terraces and mining operations of the sulfur fields as you fly through the valley.
Continue onward to Ubako, where you can look for the conical summit of Mount Fuji in the distance if visibility is good and the sun is shining. You’ll see the reflective waters of beautiful Lake Ashinoko, or Lake Ashi for short, below you. This scenic crater lake is fringed by beautiful forests.
Finally, you will reach the terminus at Togendai. This station is situated on the edge of Lake Ashi and provides easy connections to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. From the cruise, you’ll be presented with a showcase of some of Hakone’s most famous sights. Check out the bright-red gateway of the Hakone Shrine on the banks of the river, as well as Mount Fuji in the background.
The Hakone Ropeway journey lasts for approximately 30 minutes, which includes 8 minutes of travel time between the aerial lift’s four stations. Gondolas depart in approximately 1-minute intervals. Access the Hakone Ropeway’s Sounzan Station via the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which connects to Gora.
Purchase individual fares if you have a particular destination in mind or take the complete journey from start to finish. Children under the age of 11 can travel with a discounted fare. You can use your Hakone Free Pass to access the ropeway.
