Running from Hakone-Yumoto Station – in central Hakone – to Gora Station, the Hakone Tozan Railway is an enjoyable 35 minute ride on Japan’s oldest mountain train line. In doing so, the railway provides access to and from the Hakone Ropeway – ascending to Ashinoko via Owakudani.
The earliest service departs Hakone-Yumoto at 05:26 and the latest departs at 23:19. From Gora Station, the earliest service departs at 05:23 and the latest departs at 22:41. Depending on the time of day, there are between three to six services each hour, with multiple stations in between the terminals.
The railway is single track and in door to ascend the steep mountain incline, requires three switchbacks when the train pulls inside a side yard in order to switch tracks and continue onward. Particularly beautiful in June and July when ‘ajisai’ (hydrangeas) line the tracks, and again in late-October to November when the stunning autumn leaves take hold, riding the Hakone Tozan Railway is unique and relaxing experience.