Hakone Ropeway

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the Swiss-made glass gondolas for uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Hakone mountains and Lake Ashi.

• Step out at Owakudani Station to witness active volcanic fumaroles and try the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

• Keep your camera ready for spectacular, unobstructed views of Mount Fuji as you glide between Sounzan and Togendai stations.

Hidden Gems

• The ropeway is divided into two sections meeting at Owakudani, and the second leg towards Togendai offers the absolute best, least crowded angles of Mount Fuji reflecting on Lake Ashi.

• Visit during the brief window right after opening at 9:00 AM to experience the misty, ethereal morning fog rolling through the volcanic valleys before the crowds arrive.

• Look closely at the gondola windows, which are specially designed with anti-reflective coating to ensure your photos of the volcanic landscape remain crystal clear.

What Makes it Special

• Fully barrier-free Swiss-engineered cabins and stations ensure a seamless and comfortable journey for wheelchair users and families with strollers.

• The unique two-stage ropeway system allows you to break your journey at Owakudani to explore one of Japan's most active and accessible volcanic zones.

• Your round-trip ticket is valid for two consecutive days, giving you the flexibility to ride again if Mount Fuji is hiding behind the clouds on your first attempt.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Early mornings right after the 9:00 AM opening offer the clearest skies and the highest chance of seeing Mount Fuji before afternoon clouds roll in. Autumn from late October to November is spectacular for vibrant foliage, while winter provides crisp, snow-capped views of the mountains with fewer crowds.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Position yourself in the center of the gondola and use a polarizing filter to cut through the glare on the glass windows for crisp landscape shots.

• The descent from Owakudani down to Togendai provides the most dramatic, unobstructed framing of Mount Fuji rising directly behind Lake Ashi.

• Capture the striking contrast of the white volcanic steam against the dark, rugged rocks at Owakudani during the soft, diffused light of the mid-morning.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When boarding and exiting the gondola, it is polite to wait for all passengers to disembark before stepping inside, and keep your voice low to respect the peaceful atmosphere. If you purchase the famous black eggs at Owakudani, be sure to dispose of the shells in the designated bins to help preserve the natural volcanic environment.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Hakone Autumn Leaves Festival in November transforms the ropeway route into a vibrant canopy of red and gold, making it one of the best aerial foliage viewing spots in Japan.

• During the winter months, the crisp, cold air creates the famous Diamond Fuji phenomenon, where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mount Fuji on select clear days.

• New Year's Day features special early morning operations for hatsuhinode, allowing passengers to watch the first sunrise of the year from high above the clouds.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay strictly on the marked pedestrian paths at Owakudani, as the volcanic ground can be unstable and the steam vents emit extremely hot, toxic sulfur gases.

• Keep your hands and arms inside the gondola at all times while the cabin is in motion, and hold onto the handrails when boarding or exiting.

• If you have respiratory issues, be aware that the strong sulfur odor at Owakudani can be irritating, and consider wearing a mask or limiting your time outdoors at the station.