Travel to: Hakone

Arriving by Air

Japan's Air Gateways

Narita International Airport (NRT), east of Tokyo, is a main gateway for international flights. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), closer to central Tokyo, serves domestic flights and an increasing number of international routes.

Airport Services

Currency exchange counters and ATMs accepting international cards.
Extensive duty-free shopping areas and restaurants.
Comprehensive tourist information centers.

Getting to Hakone from Airports

From Narita (NRT): The Narita Express (N’EX) goes to Shinjuku or Tokyo Station. From Haneda (HND): The Keikyu Line goes to Shinagawa, then JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku.

Tokyo Connections

N’EX from NRT (60-90 minutes).
Keikyu Line from HND (30-45 minutes to Shinjuku).
From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Romancecar directly to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 85 minutes).

Airline Options

All major international airlines fly into NRT and HND. Domestic carriers like JAL and ANA operate extensive networks within Japan.

Flight Price Seasons

Flight prices fluctuate significantly based on the season. Peak travel times include cherry blossom, autumn foliage, and major Japanese holidays.

Direct Flight Availability

Direct flights are available from numerous major cities worldwide to both NRT and HND, including cities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Air Travel Insights

Booking Insights

Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deal alerts.
Book flights well in advance, especially for peak periods, to secure better rates.

Airport Transit

Airport Limousine Bus offers service to major Tokyo stations.
Use train services for swift connections to Shinjuku.
Compare options using flight search engines like Skyscanner.

Long-Distance Connections

Odakyu Line

Main rail access to Hakone from Tokyo, via the comfortable Romancecar limited express service to Hakone-Yumoto.

Shinkansen to Odawara

For travelers from Kyoto or Osaka, take the bullet train to Odawara Station, then transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway.

Highway Bus

Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus offers direct routes from Shinjuku Station to various points around Lake Ashi.

Land Transportation Within Japan

Hakone's Rail Links

Trains serve as the main mode of long-distance land transportation to Hakone. Odakyu Line is the main rail access from Tokyo.

Train Services

Odakyu Romancecar: direct limited express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto.
JR Tokaido Shinkansen: to Odawara Station from western cities like Kyoto or Osaka.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus options offer supplementary routes, especially from major cities directly to Hakone's lake area.

Direct Bus Options

Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus: direct routes from Shinjuku Station to Lake Ashi points (Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi).

Car Rental Considerations

For those seeking more independence, rental cars are an option. To drive in Japan, an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the 1949 Geneva Convention is needed, obtained in your home country before departure.

Rental & Rules

Present your IDP alongside your home country's valid driver's license.
Driving is on the left side of the road.
Many expressways have tolls, increasing driving costs.

Road Safety in Hakone

Roads in Hakone are generally good but can be winding and steep, especially in mountainous areas. Be aware of potential fog or icy conditions in winter.

Driving Awareness

Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays.
Parking can be expensive and limited at popular attractions.
Car navigation systems may be in Japanese; GPS apps like Google Maps assist.

Important Driving Safety

Drive carefully on narrow, winding roads, especially without sidewalks.
Be mindful of local speed limits and potential reduced visibility from fog in winter.

Anticipate heavy traffic during peak tourist seasons and public holidays.
Monitor weather closely for typhoon season, which could bring heavy rain and strong winds.

Departure Details

Exiting Japan

Japan does not impose a specific exit fee or tax for departing passengers on international flights. The departure process is straightforward.

Airport Process

Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports 2-3 hours before your scheduled international departure.
Allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
Immigration officers review passports and stamp exit.

Departure Facilities

Both Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) airports offer extensive facilities for departing travelers, including lounges, a wide array of dining options, and extensive duty-free shopping.

Local Station Offerings

Hakone-Yumoto station has numerous souvenir shops for last-minute gifts.
Eateries at Hakone-Yumoto provide options for a meal before your journey.

Check-in Process

Complete airline check-in, either online or at the airport counter.

Security Protocol

Proceed through security screening. Be aware of liquid restrictions for carry-on bags.

Immigration Clearance

Pass through immigration control before heading to your departure gate.

Travel Efficiency Note

If returning to Shinjuku by Odakyu Romancecar, reserve your seats in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.

Travel to Hakone