Hakone FreePass: is it worth it in 2026?

If you're planning a trip to Hakone and have done a little research (maybe even read our other Hakone posts linked at the bottom of the page for you!), you've probably heard about the Odakyu Hakone FreePass and are possibly wondering if it's something you need for your trip. As repeat visitors to Hakone, we know all the ins and outs of getting to and getting around Hakone, so here's our guide to the Hakone FreePass, whether or not it's worth it, what's included and where to get it.

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*Any prices quoted below are subject to change

What is the Hakone FreePass exactly?

The Hakone FreePass is a special 2 or 3-day saver ticket issued by the Odakyu company. It covers train travel on Odakyu trains between Tokyo (Shinjuku or Yoyogi) and Hakone as well as public transport within Hakone and discounts in 70+ facilities.

What does the Hakone FreePass include?

The Hakone FreePass includes return travel on the Odakyu line between Tokyo and Hakone and transport on most buses and trains within Hakone. The iconic pirate ship lake cruises and the Hakone Ropeway and cable car are also included and you can even travel as far as Gotemba and its famous outlet shopping centre on the Hakone Free Pass. The pass also grants discounts in lots of tourist attractions, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Are buses included in the Hakone FreePass?

Buses in the Hakone area are included (e.g. buses between Odawara and Motohakone). Odakyu highway buses between Gotemba and Hakone are also included but passengers with reservations take priority and a 1000 yen surcharge is applicable if you want to take the highway bus between Tokyo and Gotemba.

What's the difference between the Hakone FreePass and Suica?

You can use your Suica card on all transport in Hakone and also for the journey between Tokyo and Hakone but it won't save you any money. Suica is merely a way of paying for regular tickets, whereas the Hakone FreePass is a special discount fare ticket for transport and attractions.

Where can I buy the Hakone FreePass?

You can buy the pass on the Odakyu website, at the Odakyu station in Shinjuku or on the Klook ticket service. Japanese passport holders unfortunately aren't eligible to buy the ticket.

How much is the Hakone FreePass?

A two-day ticket is currently around 7100 yen for adults and 1600 yen for children (between the ages of 4 and 11; under 4s are free when travelling with a paying adult). A three-day ticket is around 7500 yen for adults and 1850 yen for children.

Is the Hakone FreePass worth it?

If you are travelling to Hakone on the Odakyu line and using only public transport when you get there, the Hakone FreePass is almost certainly not only worth it, but will save you money. As well as transport being covered, the FreePass also grants you savings of 100- 650 yen on over 70 facilities and tourist attractions, which also adds up. If you are going to be in Hakone for 2-3 days, we would definitely say that the Hakone FreePass is worth it.

Is the Hakone FreePass worth it for a day trip from Tokyo?

The Hakone FreePass is only available in 2- or 3-day versions: there is no 1-day ticket. However, if you are travelling down from Tokyo on the Odakyu line and doing the classic Hakone loop (see our one-day Hakone day trip itinerary), you'll break even with the Hakone FreePass and probably even make some small savings. The regular train will cost around 2000 return, the bus from Odawara to Hakone around 1500 yen, the pirate ship 1700 one way, the ropeway 2000 yen, the cable car, 400 yen and the return journey from Gora to Odawara around 700 yen. With those trips alone, you'll more than cover the costs of the Hakone FreePass, even in one day.

Is the Odakyu Romancecar included in the Hakone FreePass?

The Hakone FreePass does not include use of the Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto but the other Odakyu Express trains are covered. The difference between the Romancecar and the regular express trains is that the Romancecar continues on to Hakone-Yumoto rather than terminating in Odawara and you get reserved seating in the Romancecar. If this is an absolute must for you, you can purchase a Romancecar supplementary ticket for 1200 yen each way (600 yen for children).

Can I visit Mount Fuji using the Hakone FreePass?

If you're lucky and have good, clear weather, you will have lovely views of Mount Fuji from Hakone without having to travel any further to the Fuji 5-Lakes area, for example. If you are determined to go further north to Fujikawaguchiko, a special 3-day Fuji-Hakone ticket is available for around 11000 yen (3600 yen for children), allowing travel throughout a wider area.

Can I use the Hakone FreePass for the Shinkansen?

No, the Hakone FreePass can only be used on Odakyu lines between Tokyo and Hakone and within the Hakone area.

Need more information for planning your trip to Hakone? Check out our other Hakone posts:

• Our hub post is your quick and easy intro guide to Hakone

• Wondering if you're going to need a car for Hakone? Our Hakone transportation guide sets out all of the public transport options

• With so much to see and do in Hakone, staying overnight is always a good idea but accommodation is very spread out. Our Hakone accommodation guide explains where the best spots to stay are.

• Just in case you're undecided: here's why we think a trip to Hakone is definitely worth it but why some visitors may want to save it for next time.

• Wondering when to visit Hakone? Our post on the best time to go to Hakone will help you decide.

• Only got one day to spare? Check out our one-day itinerary for a day trip to Hakone to Tokyo

• One of the highlights in Hakone, read our guide to the Hakone Open-Air Museum to decide if you should include a visit on your trip to Hakone

• And don't miss our guide to the best things to see and do in Hakone, whatever the season.

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