Japan · Scenic
Odakyu's Romancecar services run from Shinjuku directly to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes. Several trainsets, including the GSE 70000 series, carry glass-fronted observation saloons at each end of the train.
Photo: Kznrhsd · CC0
Onboard-led journey.
A short run: the value is what happens aboard.
Why this experience
Hakone is Tokyo's nearest proper mountain escape, and the Romancecar has been the way there since the 1950s. The observation seats behind the driver's cab (which sits above the saloon) are the reason people book this train specifically rather than any train; they go first, and can be reserved online. It is also the cleanest single-seat ride out of central Tokyo into the hills.
Designed train
Interior, material and carriage detail, taken only from the verified record.
GSE seating is standard limited-express reclining seating per the model overview page.
The GSE model has a front-facing observation seating car, described as a Romancecar symbol since 1963.
The observation seats provide forward views through large windows at the front of the train.
Route context
From Shinjuku the Odakyu Odawara Line runs south-west across the Tokyo suburbs and the Sagami plain to Odawara, then continues into the hills to Hakone-Yumoto. Typical journey time is about 85 minutes.
From Shinjuku the Odakyu Odawara Line runs south-west across the Tokyo suburbs and the Sagami plain to Odawara, then continues into the hills to Hakone-Yumoto. Typical journey time is about 85 minutes.
Tokyo to Hakone
Key stops
Shinjuku StationOdawara StationHakone-Yumoto Station
Shinjuku Station
Japan
Odawara Station
Japan
Hakone-Yumoto Station
Japan
Signature moments
Evidence on demand
Route, onboard, season, fit and booking detail remain available without interrupting the feature above. Unknowns stay visible.
1h 25m
From Shinjuku the Odakyu Odawara Line runs south-west across the Tokyo suburbs and the Sagami plain to Odawara, then continues into the hills to Hakone-Yumoto. Typical journey time is about 85 minutes.
Confirm the selected date and any engineering changes with the operator before travel. The route map and verified stops are in the route section above.
Year-round service; verify the selected date and any engineering changes.
Where to sit
Seat-side guidance not yet verified
We have not confirmed a better side for this journey. We would rather say nothing than send you to the wrong window.
Couples
Especially good
Designed seating and quiet interiors make this a journey rather than a transfer.
Rail enthusiasts
Especially good
A distinctive purpose-built trainset with accommodation types worth choosing between.
First-time rail travellers
Good fit
A comfortable, easily booked introduction to travelling by train here.
Families
Good fit
Reserved seating and a short enough run for younger travellers.
Photographers
Large windows and observation space where the trainset provides them.
You cannot just turn up
A reservation is required for this journey.
Our current editorial assessment, for comparing journeys, a considered judgement, not a measurement.
More subjective
Not rated yet: value for money, seat quality, onboard service, slow travel quality, romance, remoteness.
Step-free access and assistance are set out with the practical detail further down rather than reduced to a score.
Prices quoted No fixed published fare recorded. Tickets are sold at operator-set fares that vary by date, service and class; check the operator for the price on your travel date.
Not yet verified: rail pass validity. We leave these blank rather than guess.
Only the operator's website is verified for this service. Timetables, fares and reservations must be found from there. Journey length: 1h 25m. Checked 11 Sep 2026 · Odakyu Electric Railway.
Your next step
Seats are sold by accommodation type and the best ones go early; reserve online or at a station ticket counter. Rail pass coverage varies by operator; check before travelling.
Visit Odakyu Electric Railway's website (opens in a new tab)Only the operator's website is verified for this service. Timetables, fares and reservations must be found from there.
Far by Rail is a discovery guide, not a live timetable or booking service. Confirm times, fares and availability with the operator.
Continue the story
From the same station
The Azusa is JR East's limited express from Shinjuku to Matsumoto along the Chuo Line, using E353 series trains. It takes roughly two and a half hours and is the standard rail approach to the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi and the Kiso valley.
Leaves from the same station at Shinjuku Station; a separate service, not a continuation.
Read the journey →Another journey
Another journey in Japan, offering a different route through the same country.
Journey information is reviewed against published material and maintained as sources change.
Last reviewed 11 Sep 2026.
Official sources
Checked 11 Sep 2026
Checked 11 Sep 2026
Checked 11 Sep 2026