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Trains & railways

Hakone Tozan Railway

箱根登山鉄道

Odawara / Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, Hakone · near Hakone-Yumoto Station (change from the Odakyu line)

Hakone Tozan Railway in Odawara / Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, Hakone. Japan's oldest mountain railway zig-zags up steep slopes through three switchbacks, where the driver and conductor swap ends, crossing bridges and tunnels; hydrangeas brush the windows in June.

Why children love it: Japan's oldest mountain railway zig-zags up steep slopes through three switchbacks, where the driver and conductor swap ends, crossing bridges and tunnels; hydrangeas brush the windows in June.

Honest drawbacks: It is slow and can be standing-room-only in peak hydrangea season and on holiday weekends.

Best for
Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
Time to allow
1.5h
Opening hours
Frequent daytime mountain services between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora; consult the current timetable.
Price
Pay per ride, or ride freely with a Hakone Freepass, which also covers the ropeway, cable car and pirate ship. Check current fares on the operator's site.
Booking
Usually walk-in
English
★★★☆☆
Indoor / weather
indoor · rainy-day ok

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