Sight guide · Hakone · Japan
Visiting Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan's best-known mountain railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gōra on steep gradients, reversing direction at three switchbacks as it zigzags up the forested valley.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: まも, Public domain
Quick answer
Hakone Tozan Railway is an experience in Hakone-Yumoto, Hakone. Allow 40 minutes; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Hakone-Yumoto
- Time needed
- 40 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, views and photo spot
- Best months
- December–February
About Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan's best-known mountain railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gōra on steep gradients, reversing direction at three switchbacks as it zigzags up the forested valley. In early summer the line is lined with hydrangeas, and trains cross a high iron bridge over the Hayakawa gorge.
Tip: Stand at the front or back window to watch the driver and conductor swap ends at each switchback.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 40 minutes.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway onsen town by the station, with souvenir streets and riverside ryokan.
Best time to visit Hakone Tozan Railway
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 Tozan Railway on day 3, together with Tenzan onsen and Old Tōkaidō road and cedar avenue.
- No. 6 of the 18 sights in our Hakone things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in Hakone with kids.
Near Hakone Tozan Railway
Also in Hakone-Yumoto, so you can walk between them:
- Tenzan onsen — 1.5–2 hours, low cost
If you like Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Ropeway — Ōwakudani, 30–40 minutes
- Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise — Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, 40 minutes
Staying near Hakone Tozan Railway
Stay in Hakone-Yumoto ($$) to walk here: the gateway onsen town by the station, with souvenir streets and riverside ryokan. All areas to stay in Hakone.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Hakone Tozan Railway?
Plan 40 minutes. With Tenzan onsen nearby, it fits a half-day in Hakone-Yumoto.
+Is Hakone Tozan Railway free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Hakone Tozan Railway?
December–February, the quietest of the good months. Stand at the front or back window to watch the driver and conductor swap ends at each switchback.
+Do I need to book Hakone Tozan Railway in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Hakone Tozan Railway 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.