Hakone Ropeway
箱根ロープウェイ
An aerial ropeway roughly 4 km long connecting Sounzan and Togendai stations. It links four stations, including Owakudani and Ubako along the way, at roughly one-minute intervals, and riding it end to end offers about 30 minutes of aerial sightseeing. Between Sounzan and Owakudani, passengers look down on the rugged crater-floor landscape below, while between Owakudani and Togendai, a grand panorama of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi unfolds — making the Hakone Ropeway itself one of the highlights of a Hakone visit. Combined with the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, visitors can complete a loop from Hakone-Yumoto to the shores of Lake Ashi using only public transportation. Service may be suspended in strong winds, so checking operating status in advance is recommended.
Four stations, about 30 minutes of aerial panorama
The line connects four stations — Sounzan, Owakudani, Ubako, and Togendai — with each segment taking about 8-10 minutes and departures roughly every minute. From Sounzan to Owakudani, passengers look down into the barren crater-floor valley, while from Owakudani to Togendai, Mount Fuji appears to the right and Lake Ashi lies below — letting riders enjoy two distinctly different faces of Hakone on a single line.
The new ROPESTER gondolas
Recently introduced new gondolas feature large windows and barrier-free design, making the views even more comfortable to enjoy. Sounzan Station now also houses the observation facility "cu-mo Hakone," with an attached cafe, a popular rest stop before or after riding the ropeway.
Operating status and connections
Gora Station and Sounzan Station are connected by the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and by combining the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, visitors can circle from Hakone-Yumoto to the shores of Lake Ashi using only public transportation. Service may be suspended during strong winds (30 m/s or more), bad weather, or inspections, so checking operating information on the official site before visiting is recommended.
Seasonal Highlights
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The air turns crisp, and on many days you can see Mount Fuji sharply.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30 minutes one way for the full Sounzan-Togendai route
- Crowd levels
- Lines can form to board during the autumn-leaf season or when Owakudani is crowded
- Best time to visit
- Morning on a clear, windless day
| Address | Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Sounzan Station) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-17:00 (until 16:15 in December-January; varies by season and weather), departing roughly every minute |
| Admission | Sounzan-Togendai: adults ¥1,550 one way, ¥2,800 round trip (varies by section) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 5 min walk from Gora Station (About 10 minutes by Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station)
- 0 min walk from Owakudani Station (About 8 minutes from Sounzan Station)
- 0 min walk from Togendai Station (About 9 minutes from Owakudani Station, arriving at the shore of Lake Ashi)