Hakone Tozan Railway

Hakone Tozan Railway was established in 1919 and has been operating the train and cable car services for more than 100 years in Hakone. It departs from Odawara Station at an elevation of 14 meters and goes all the way up to Sounzan Station at an elevation of 750 meters. It is known as the only train in Japan which goes up to this height of about 735 meters. As it goes up, it changes directions at each station which is a special way of running a train on steep mountains called switchbacks. The hydrangeas alongside the railway are in full bloom around June and July. Hakone Tozan Railway is called “Hydrangea Train” around this time of the year and many people visit here.

(Source: sotto voceの鉄ブログ)

Hakone Tozan Railway: Train and Cable Car Services

Hakone Tozan Railway operates train services from Odawara to Gora, and cable car services from Gora to Sounzan. It is also connected to Hakone Ropeway at Sounzan so that people can travel further to Lake Ashi, the famous sightseeing spot in Hakone.

Hydrangea Train

Hakone Tozan train is called “Hydrangea Train” in June and July. It runs through the hydrangeas in full bloom and passengers can enjoy seeing them up close. There is a special train run at night to see hydrangeas beautifully lit up. If you visit Hakone around this time of the year, make sure to spare some time for this amazing view.

(Source: ロコログ)

Seasonal scenic beauty

Hakone Tozan train is most famous for the hydrangea season. However, there is enough to enjoy in other seasons as well. You can see cherry blossoms alongside the railway in spring, red and yellow maple leaves adorn the mountain in autumn, and the train runs through snow in winter. Hakone Tozan train offers you the experience to feel the seasons of the mountains.

(Source: 箱根登山鉄道)

Hakone Tozan Cable Car

Hakone Tozan Cable Car runs from Gora station to Sounzan station. It goes up a steep railway in the mountains and even the cable car itself is sloped about 1 meter from the head of the car to the tail. Because of this, it has steps inside the car. Quite unique, eh?

(Source: 滑川スネヲ的多事争論)

Hakone Ropeway

You can take Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan station, the terminal station of Hakone Tozan Cable Car. On the way to Lake Ashi, the famous sightseeing spot of Hakone, you can look down at Owakudani which is a volcanic crater still sending up steam. In addition, you can see Mt. Fuji if you are lucky enough.