Sight guide · Hakone · Japan
Visiting Hakone Ropeway
The ropeway's gondolas glide from Sōunzan over the steaming Ōwakudani valley to Tōgendai on the shore of Lake Ashi, a ride of roughly half an hour with a change at Ōwakudani.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Hakone Ropeway is an experience in Ōwakudani, Hakone. Allow 30–40 minutes; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Ōwakudani
- Time needed
- 30–40 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- December–February
About Hakone Ropeway
The ropeway's gondolas glide from Sōunzan over the steaming Ōwakudani valley to Tōgendai on the shore of Lake Ashi, a ride of roughly half an hour with a change at Ōwakudani. The stretch over the volcanic vents is the most dramatic, and Mount Fuji is visible on clear days.
Tip: Ride in the morning, when visibility is usually better and queues at Sōunzan are shorter; the ropeway can suspend service in strong winds.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30–40 minutes.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Ōwakudani.
Best time to visit Hakone Ropeway
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- February: 8°C (46°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- January: 7°C (45°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- December: 9°C (48°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 17:26 local time (calculated for Hakone).
When to visit Hakone has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Hakone itinerary visits Hakone Ropeway on day 2, together with Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise and Hakone Shrine.
- No. 3 of the 18 sights in our Hakone things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- A family favourite in Hakone with kids.
Near Hakone Ropeway
Also in Ōwakudani, so you can walk between them:
- Ōwakudani — 1 hour, low cost
If you like Hakone Ropeway
- Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise — Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, 40 minutes
- Hakone Tozan Railway — Hakone-Yumoto, 40 minutes
- Tenzan onsen — Hakone-Yumoto, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Hakone Ropeway
Where to stay in Hakone compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Hakone Ropeway?
Plan 30–40 minutes. With Ōwakudani nearby, it fits a half-day in Ōwakudani.
+Is Hakone Ropeway free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Hakone Ropeway?
December–February, the quietest of the good months. Ride in the morning, when visibility is usually better and queues at Sōunzan are shorter; the ropeway can suspend service in strong winds.
+Do I need to book Hakone Ropeway in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Hakone Ropeway good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Hakone. Hakone is a fun day out for children because the journey itself is the attraction: a zigzagging train, a cable car, a gondola over steaming volcanic vents and a pirate ship across the lake.