Train Tickets from Hakone (Odawara) to Tokyo
Getting from Hakone to Tokyo by Train (via Odwara)
The journey from Hakone to Tokyo is a popular route for both visitors and locals. Many people choose to take this trip as Hakone is one of the top day trip destinations from Tokyo. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to experience the efficiency of the high-speed Japan bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Despite the relatively short travel time, the landscapes and atmospheres between Hakone and Tokyo are quite different. Tokyo, being a bustling international megacity, stands in contrast to Hakone's natural beauty and cultural significance.
As you travel along this central and well-traveled route, the Shinkansen whisks you through the urban scenery of the Kanto region, passing through Odawara and the Tokyo suburbs before arriving in the heart of Tokyo. However, please note that the Shinkansen only operates between Odawara and Tokyo. To reach Odawara from Hakone, such as Hakone-Yumoto or Gora, you have several options, including express or local trains, as well as buses. These transportation options include lines are not operated by JR, which operates much of the train network in Japan, but by Odakyu (or by Hakone Tozan, which is a part of Odakyu).
More information about your journey to Tokyo
Upon arrival, Tokyo Station serves as the entrance to Japan's bustling capital, a stark contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of Hakone. From the lively and iconic neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the glitz and glamour of Roppongi or Ginza, and even the haven for pop culture enthusiasts, Akihabara, Tokyo offers a myriad of experiences that attract thousands of visitors each year. Amidst the neon lights of Kabukicho and the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo's dynamic downtown districts, you'll also find traditional gardens, historic temples, and shrines that provide moments of serenity, revealing Tokyo's ability to cater to everyone's interests.
Whether you're a fan of pop culture, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking an urban escape, the journey from Hakone to Tokyo by train seamlessly combines modern travel convenience with the timeless charm of Japan's cultural heritage. Moreover, as Tokyo serves as the central hub of Japan's transportation network, it also acts as a gateway to numerous other regional treasures. From the picturesque shores of Chiba Prefecture to the majestic Japanese Alps, the popular day trip destination of Nikko with its breathtaking natural landscapes, or the traditional and preserved Tohoku region, Tokyo opens the door to a world of exploration and discovery.
The Tokaido Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Bookings with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator taking you from Odawara to Tokyo.
Advantages of taking the train from Hakone to Tokyo
How to book your Hakone to Tokyo train tickets?
Shinkansen Information
To reach Tokyo from Hakone, you can embark on a delightful journey aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen, starting from Odawara. This leg of the trip spans around 80 kilometers (45 miles) between Odawara and Tokyo, taking approximately 35 minutes on average. As you traverse the Tokyo suburbs, you'll be seamlessly transported into the heart of the city. Departing from Odawara Station, the trains bound for Tokyo arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, both serving as gateways to the bustling Japanese capital. When traveling from Odawara to Tokyo, you have the choice between two types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari and Kodama.
To reach Odawara from the various Hakone stations, you have several convenient options at your disposal. One of the swiftest routes is to board the Odakyu Romancecar, which will whisk you away from Hakone-Yumoto station to Odawara in a mere 14 minutes! Alternatively, there are also buses available that can swiftly transport you from the central Hakone station. If you find yourself in Gora and wish to make your way to Hakone-Yumoto first, fear not! Simply hop on the Hakone Tozan train, and within approximately 30 minutes, you'll descend from Gora while relishing the breathtaking scenery along the way. Moreover, if you're coming from a more distant location, such as the shores of Lake Ashi, you can reach Gora station by taking the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani or directly from Lake Ashi. This scenic train ride promises a delightful sightseeing experience.
Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to help you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
More information about the exchange process, conditions and validity of train tickets here
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced child fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 bookings, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region?
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan?
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Odawara Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Tokyo, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting, and Japan's mesmerizing capital is now yours to explore.
Modification and Cancellation
Order cancellation
Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.
For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.
Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.
Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.
These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.
Order modification
If you want to modify:
- Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:
Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.
You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.
Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
- Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:
Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
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If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train passes issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Hakone to Tokyo (via Odawara) route.
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