Hakone Free Pass price set to increase from October 2025
Odakyu Electric Railway has announced that it will be increasing the price of its popular Hakone Free Pass.
The Hakone Free Pass is a special ticket designed for tourists who want to explore the scenic Hakone region, a popular getaway known for its hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and unique transportation network.
The pass includes a discounted round-trip ticket from any Odakyu Line departure station (such as Shinjuku in Tokyo) to Odawara Station, which serves as the gateway to Hakone.
It also provides unlimited use of eight different types of public transport operated by Odakyu within the Hakone area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Ropeway, and Hakone Pirate Ship, allowing visitors to experience the “Hakone Golden Course” or “Hakone Loop”, popular circular sightseeing routes.
Under the new pricing structure, the adult price for the Hakone Free Pass will increase by 1,000 yen, and the child price by 500 yen.
This increase will apply universally, regardless of the departure station, the validity period (two or three days), or the ticket format (paper or digital).
For example, an adult two-day pass departing from Shinjuku Station, currently priced at 6,100 yen, will rise to 7,100 yen.
A three-day pass from Shinjuku will increase from 6,500 yen to 7,500 yen.
Similar increases will also affect the “Hakone Free Pass ‘Hako Ticket’ Plus”, which includes additional perks such as facility usage, as well as other passes exclusively for foreign tourists, including the “Fuji-Hakone Pass” and “Hakone-Kamakura Pass”.
The price increases directly correspond to fare revisions being implemented for key transportation services within the Hakone area.
The Hakone Ropeway, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic landscape of Owakudani and Lake Ashi, will see its adult one-way fare increase by 500 yen to 2,000 yen (flat rate for all sections), and its round-trip fare by 500 yen to 3,000 yen.
Child fares for the ropeway will also increase by 200 yen.
The Hakone Pirate Ship, a popular sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, will also raise its fares.
A one-way adult trip between Togendai and Hakone-machi/Motohakone Port will increase from 1,200 yen to 1,700 yen, and a one-way trip between Hakone-machi and Motohakone Port will go from 420 yen to 600 yen.
The “Owakudani Ticket”, which covers specific sections of the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and Hakone Ropeway, will also be revised.
The adult fare for travel from Shinjuku Station will be 6,480 yen, and from Odawara Station, it will be 5,000 yen.
The Hakone Ropeway section covered by the “Owakudani Ticket” will be expanded from Sounzan to Owakudani so that it now covers the entire line.
Odakyu attributes these necessary fare revisions to the impact of rising prices, particularly for fuel and maintenance, and the ongoing challenge of labor shortages that affect operational costs.
Japan has been experiencing a persistent labor crunch across various sectors, including hospitality and transportation, which necessitates adjustments in wages and operational strategies.
The company has stated these revisions are crucial for maintaining investment in facilities to enhance safety and the overall appeal of the Hakone tourism experience, ensuring stable business operations into the future.
The price changes for all affected tickets are scheduled to take effect on October 1st, 2025.
Odakyu has clarified that tickets purchased before this revision date will remain valid at their original price, even if used after October 1st.
This provides a grace period for travelers who may have already planned and booked their trips to Hakone.
Source: Official Website
Images: © Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd / Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd
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