Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
No transfers, no confusion, just one smooth train ride straight to Hakone-Yumoto! The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto is by hopping on the Romancecar, the direct limited express train operated by Odakyu Railway.
Having taken the Romancecar more than five times myself, I’ve finally decided to put together a complete guide for fellow travelers, from what to prepare before your trip and how to book tickets, to insider tips for riding the train and must-know discounts. Everything you need to know, all in one place!
Switch language：繁體中文
Why Take the Odakyu Romancecar? What Makes It So Special?
Feature 1: Just ¥1,150 extra for a direct ride from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
Normally, getting to Hakone-Yumoto involves taking an Odakyu train to Odawara and then transferring to the Hakone Tozan Railway. But with the Romancecar, you can go all the way from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto without changing trains, a huge time-saver.
The entire journey takes just around 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is about 30–45 minutes faster than the route with a transfer at Odawara.
The standard local train fare from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto is ¥1,261, and by simply adding a ¥1,150 reserved seat surcharge, you can enjoy a faster, direct, and more comfortable ride on the Romancecar.
From my own experience, I think this small extra fee is absolutely worth it, not only do you save time, but you also skip the hassle of transferring trains. Totally a win-win!
Feature 2: Oversized Panoramic Windows
Another highlight of the Romancecar is its huge 1-meter-tall panoramic windows by every seat, which make the ride feel more like a sightseeing experience than just a regular commute. On some trains, you can even reserve a panoramic observation seat at the very front or back of the train for the best views.
However, not all Romancecar models have these observation seats, they’re only available on the GSE model, located in cars No. 1 and No. 7. Each car has 4 rows of observation seats, for a total of 16 highly coveted spots. Because of the incredible views, these seats are extremely popular and tend to sell out quickly.
If you’re hoping to grab one of these seats, I highly recommend booking early via the official website. Reserved seat tickets for the Romancecar open up one month in advance, so be sure to plan ahead!
A Fun Little Discovery
On most trains or Shinkansen, the driver’s cabin is at the very front of the train. But the Romancecar has a rather unique design, the driver’s cabin is located above the observation seats!
Once, when I was taking the Romancecar back to Shinjuku from Hakone-Yumoto, I happened to score one of the coveted observation seats. While waiting on the platform, I noticed a staff member unlocking a panel on the ceiling of the train and climbing up into what turned out to be the driver’s cabin. I thought it was just routine maintenance, but once the train departed, I could actually hear the conductor’s voice coming from above my head. That’s when I realized: the cockpit is right above the observation area. Such a cool and quirky design detail!
How to Board the Romancecar from Shinjuku Station
The Romancecar departs from the Odakyu Railway section of Shinjuku Station, not the JR lines!
Shinjuku Station is notoriously complex (basically a maze), so make sure to follow signs for “Odakyu” rather than JR. Give yourself a bit of extra time if it’s your first time navigating the station.
How to Reserve & Buy Tickets for the Odakyu Romancecar
To ride the Odakyu Romancecar, you’ll need two separate tickets:
・A base fare ticket: ¥1,261 (approx. $8.50 USD)
・A limited express reserved seat ticket: ¥1,200 ($8.00 USD) at the counter, or ¥1,150 ($7.70 USD) if booked online
・Total one-way fare: ¥2,461 (approx. $16.20 USD)
Here’s a complete breakdown of each ticket type, how much it costs, where to buy it, and how to get the best deal.
Base Fare Ticket (Jōshaken)
This is the standard fare for all Odakyu trains. From Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, the price is ¥1,261 (about $8.50 USD) whether you take a regular express or the Romancecar (since the distance is the same).
You can purchase or pay the base fare using:
・Odakyu ticket counters
・Ticket vending machines
・IC cards (like Suica or PASMO) at the gate
・Hakone Free Pass QR code (ride for free)
Romancecar Reserved Seat Ticket
This is the limited express seat surcharge, required for riding premium trains like the Romancecar.
・Regular price: ¥1,200 (about $8.00 USD)
・Online price: ¥1,150 (about $7.70 USD)
Since seats are assigned, you must reserve online or in advance at a station. Conductors will check this ticket onboard.
Purchase options:
・Odakyu ticket counters
・Ticket vending machines
・Official Romancecar reservation site (multilingual & very easy to use)
Online Booking Tip
Once you complete your reservation online, you’ll get a confirmation email. Just show this email on your phone when the conductor checks tickets, no paper needed!
⚠️ Even if you hold a Free Pass, the Romancecar reserved seat ticket must be purchased separately.
✔️Odakyu Romancecar Route: Shinjuku ↔ Hakone-Yumoto
Travel Time: 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Route: Shinjuku Station ↔ Hakone-Yumoto Station
Fare:
・Base fare: ¥1,261 (≈ $8.45 USD)
・Limited express surcharge: ¥1,150 (≈ $7.70 USD)
*If you have a Hakone Free Pass, Hakone Kamakura Pass, or Mt. Fuji Hakone Pass, you don’t need to pay the base fare, just purchase the express surcharge ticket (¥1,150).How to purchase tickets:
・Use a Hakone Free Pass or IC card
・Buy at ticket machines in stations (Check official guide)How to reserve a seat:
・Via the Odakyu Romancecar Official Website
・At the Odakyu Travel Service Center
・From ticket machines at the stationOther Info:
・Onboard restrooms available
・Food and drinks allowed
・Full timetable available onlineFirst and last trains:
・First train from Shinjuku: 6:40 AM
・Last train from Hakone-Yumoto: 7:50 PM (or 7:52 PM on holidays)
Hakone Free Pass: Great Value for Sightseeing
Hakone Free Pass
2-day pass: ¥6,100 (approx. $41 USD)
3-day pass: ¥6,500 (approx. $43.50 USD)
Perfect for either a Hakone day trip or an overnight stay from Tokyo.
Available at Odakyu Travel Centers or online via Klook (digital QR code version). Just scan the QR code at gates or show the animated ticket screen, screenshots won’t work.
The pass gives you unlimited rides on:
・Odakyu Railway (Shinjuku – Odawara)
・Hakone Tozan Railway
・Hakone Ropeway (Owakudani)
・Hakone Cable Car
・Pirate Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi
・Hakone Tozan Bus
Even if you only stay one day, the total transportation cost usually exceeds the pass price, making it a great deal.
I recently put together two detailed guides: one comparing the physical and digital versions of the Hakone Free Pass, and another analyzing whether the Hakone Free Pass is really worth it.
If you want to know the cost of each leg of the trip or calculate whether the pass offers good value, be sure to check out the articles below:
[Digital vs. Physical: Which Hakone Free Pass is Better?]
[Is the Hakone Free Pass Worth It? Latest Prices & Analysis]
Hakone Kamakura Pass
The Hakone Kamakura Pass is basically an upgraded version of the regular Hakone Free Pass.
Priced at ¥7,520 (≈ $50) for 3 days, it not only covers all the transport included in the Hakone Free Pass but also gives you unlimited rides on the entire Enoden Line (the charming Enoshima Electric Railway).
This pass is perfect for travelers who plan to visit Hakone, Kamakura, and Enoshima all in the same trip from Tokyo.
Fuji-Hakone Pass (3-Day)
If your itinerary also includes Fujikawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi area near Mt. Fuji), consider getting the Fuji-Hakone Pass for ¥11,100 (≈ $74).
This 3-day pass allows unlimited rides on major transportation across both the Fujikawaguchiko and Hakone sightseeing areas, making it the most comprehensive and cost-effective option for combining both regions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and want to explore Hakone, the Romancecar is hands-down the most convenient and comfortable option. It eliminates the hassle of transfers and lets you simply sit back and enjoy the scenic ride all the way to Hakone-Yumoto.
Pairing it with a Hakone Free Pass or Hakone Kamakura Pass can help you save significantly on transportation costs, giving you more time and energy to focus on exploring the sights.
Next time you’re planning a day trip or overnight getaway from Tokyo, consider adding the Romancecar to your itinerary, it’s a great way to make your journey as relaxing as the destination.
That’s it for now! I hope this guide helps you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to Hakone. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!
Klook.com＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
In an era dominated by viral trends and “clickbait” locations, my true passion lies in exploring hidden corners and regions where information is scarce. I know firsthand how precious detailed, reliable information is when planning a journey. That is why I dedicate countless hours to research and field exploration, to curate these hard-earned insights for fellow travelers like you.
Every article and image on this site represents a significant investment of time and heart. If this content has helped you, the best way to support me is by sharing or reposting this link. I kindly ask that you respect original creators; unauthorized copying or re-uploading is strictly prohibited (all content is protected under DMCA).
Catch my latest travel moments on Instagram: @287.travel
Fuel my next journey: If my guide made your trip smoother, feel free to [Buy Me a Coffee]. Your support keeps this project moving forward!
Thank you for being a part of this community.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
