Summer in Japan brings a unique and romantic experience—the Hydrangea Train. Running during June and July, this train transports passengers through lush tunnels of blooming hydrangeas, creating an unforgettable scenic ride. If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, don’t miss the chance to ride the Hydrangea Train in Hakone. Set aside half a day to experience the magic. The Hakone Tozan Railway offers easy access and is surrounded by several scenic spots.
Hakone Tozan Railway
- Route: Hakone Yumoto Station → Gora Station (Approx. 15 km, rising 500 meters in elevation)
- Travel Time: Around 40 minutes (During summer, trains run every 20-30 minutes)
- Ticket Price: ¥410 for a one-way trip (You can use the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited rides)
- Best Time for Flower Viewing: Mid-June to early July
Hydrangea Viewing Spots
- Miyanoshita Station → The Hakone Sculpture Forest Station: Both sides of the tracks are lined with approximately 10,000 hydrangeas, forming a beautiful hydrangea tunnel stretching several hundred meters.
- Best Seat Choice: When traveling uphill from Hakone Yumoto, sit on the right side for the best view (for downhill, choose the left side).
- Tanzawa Station → Ootplatform Station: Here, the flowers intermingle with the stream and iron bridges, offering a stunning sense of depth.
Unmissable Experiences
- Summer Limited Experience
- Nighttime Illuminated Hydrangeas (Late June to Late July): On select nights, the train operates until 8:00 PM, illuminating the hydrangeas and enhancing the romantic ambiance.
- Slow Speed: During the flower season, the train occasionally slows down, perfect for photos.
Signature Station Stops
- The Hakone Sculpture Forest Station: Step off the train to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum (featuring outdoor art installations and relaxing foot baths).
- Gora Station: Transfer to a cable car to ascend Mount Soun and the Owakudani Valley for stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Tokyo
- Day 2: Tokyo → Hakone Shrine → Lake Ashi → Narukawa Art Museum
- Day 3: Hakone → The Glass Art Museum / Okada Museum of Art → Hakone Tozan Railway
- Day 4: Hakone → Kamakura → Enoshima → Kamakura High School Station → Tokyo
- Day 5: Free day in Tokyo
