Hakone Komagatake Ropeway Complete Guide | Spectacular Aerial Stroll and Mountain Summit Enjoyment
The “Hakone Komagatake Ropeway,” one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hakone tourism, offers an aerial stroll connecting Hakone Garden on the shores of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mount Komagatake at an elevation of 1,356 meters in approximately 7 minutes. It provides a 360-degree grand panorama where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Outer Rim Mountains, as well as the opportunity to visit Hakone Motomiya, known as a power spot.
This article provides detailed information useful for actual visits, from basic information such as business hours and fares for the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, to how to enjoy the mountain summit, nearby tourist spots, and access methods.
About Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is utilized by many tourists as the only means of transportation to the summit of Mount Komagatake, the central volcanic cone of the Hakone caldera. This ropeway, which spans 1,783 meters (approximately 1,800 meters) and connects the summit in approximately 7 minutes one way, is located within a national park and provides a valuable experience of enjoying Hakone’s nature from the sky.
Characteristics of Mount Komagatake
Mount Komagatake is a mountain with an elevation of 1,356 meters, making it the second-highest mountain in Hakone. The summit features gently sloping grassland, with alpine plants displaying seasonal colors throughout the year. Located in the center of the Hakone caldera, it offers a 360-degree open view, making it an ideal location to understand Hakone’s topography in three dimensions.
2025 Renewal “Hakone Komagatake Ashinosora”
On April 25, 2025, the mountain summit observation plaza reopened as “Hakone Komagatake Ashinosora.” The summit station and observation deck have been newly renovated, providing an even more comfortable environment for enjoying the spectacular scenery. The views from the observation plaza have become even more attractive, drawing attention as a new highlight of Hakone tourism.
Basic Information for Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Business Hours
- Regular business hours: 9:00–16:30 (last ascent 16:00, last descent 16:30)
- Travel time: Approximately 7 minutes one way
- Operating interval: Approximately 15–20 minute intervals (varies depending on crowding)
※Business hours may change depending on the season and weather. The ropeway may suspend operations during strong winds or bad weather, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Fares
- Adults (middle school students and above): Round trip 2,200 yen, one way 1,400 yen
- Children (ages 4–elementary school): Round trip 1,100 yen, one way 700 yen
- Age 3 and under: Free
※Fares may be subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Address and Contact Information
- Address: 〒250-0522 Hakone Town, Ashigara Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture, Motohakonecho 139 (within Hakone Garden)
- Telephone: 0460-83-1151
- Operator: Prince Hotels
Access Method
Access by Train and Bus
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Izu Hakone Bus “Hakone Garden bound” for approximately 65 minutes, get off at “Hakone Garden”
- Hakone Tozan Bus “Momote Gondola bound” to “Momote Gondola,” then transfer to Izu Hakone Bus for approximately 15 minutes
- From Odawara Station
- Izu Hakone Bus “Hakone Garden bound” for approximately 80 minutes, get off at “Hakone Garden”
- From Momote Gondola
- Izu Hakone Bus for approximately 15 minutes, get off at “Hakone Garden”
- From Motohakoneko Port
- Izu Hakone Bus for approximately 25 minutes, get off at “Hakone Garden”
Access by Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway
- Approximately 50 minutes from Odawara-Nishi IC on the Odawara-Atsugi Road
- Approximately 50 minutes from Numazu IC on the Tomei Expressway
Parking Information
Hakone Garden is equipped with a free parking lot.
- Capacity: Approximately 300 vehicles
- Operating hours: Follows Hakone Garden’s business hours
- Charge: Free
※Expect crowding on holidays and during tourist seasons. We recommend arriving early.
Attractions of Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
7-Minute Aerial Stroll
Once aboard the ropeway, you can enjoy watching Lake Ashi and the Hakone mountains gradually recede below. As altitude increases, the view widens, and the full scope of the Hakone Outer Rim Mountains comes into view. The 7-minute experience of feeling the colors of alpine plants and the changing natural scenery by season up close truly qualifies as an aerial stroll.
The gondola has a capacity of 18 people and provides nearly 360-degree visibility through large windows. On clear days, you may be able to spot Mount Fuji from the moment of ascent.
360-Degree Grand Panorama Spectacular View
The view from Mount Komagatake’s summit is Hakone’s unique 360-degree panoramic view.
Northwest Direction
- Mount Fuji: You can see the full profile of the majestic Mount Fuji. The mountain’s form is particularly striking and beautiful early in the morning or on clear winter days
- Southern Alps: Beyond Mount Fuji, the mountains of the Southern Alps line up
Below
- Lake Ashi: The entire Lake Ashi spreads out like a miniature garden. The view shows different expressions depending on the time of day, such as the color of the water’s surface and the wake of tour boats
- Hakone Outer Rim Mountains: The topography of the outer rim mountains surrounding the Hakone caldera becomes understandable at a glance
- Hakone’s Full Panorama: You can overlook various Hakone tourist spots including the smoke from Owakudani, the forest of Hakone Shrine, and the town of Hakone
South Direction
- Suruga Bay: On clear days, you can see the coastline all the way to Suruga Bay
- Izu Peninsula: You can confirm the mountains of the Izu Peninsula lining up
- Izu Islands: On favorable conditions, you can view the Izu Islands such as Oshima
East Direction
- Sagami Bay: The coastline from Sagami Bay to the Shonan coast spreads out
- Yokohama Landmark Tower: On days with clean air, Yokohama’s Landmark Tower can be seen
- Tokyo Skytree: On exceptionally favorable days, the distant Tokyo Skytree can be seen
- Boso Peninsula: The Boso Peninsula can also be viewed across Tokyo Bay
Scenery of All Seasons
Mount Komagatake’s summit displays different faces depending on the season.
Spring (March–May)
- Alpine plants begin to sprout, and fresh greenery is beautiful
- The contrast between snow-covered Mount Fuji and fresh greenery is magnificent
- The air is clear, and there are many days with far-reaching views
Summer (June–August)
- The summit grassland is covered in green, and alpine plants bloom
- Early morning sea of clouds sometimes occurs
- While summer vacation season is crowded, the refreshing breeze is pleasant
Autumn (September–November)
- Autumn colors paint the mountain slopes, one of the most beautiful seasons
- The air is clear, and there are more days with crisp distant views
- The scenery is spectacular, combined with the autumn colors around Lake Ashi
Winter (December–February)
- Mount Fuji’s snowy appearance is most beautiful this season
- The air is extremely clear, allowing far-reaching views
- While the cold is severe, the scenery on winter clear days is exceptional
- The summit experiences strong winds, making cold-weather measures essential
How to Enjoy the Summit
Hakone Motomiya (Hakone Shrine Okumiya)
Located approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Mount Komagatake’s summit is “Hakone Motomiya (Motomiya),” the rear shrine of Hakone Shrine.
History of Hakone Motomiya
Hakone Motomiya is the sacred place where Hakone Shrine originated. It is said to have been founded in the first year of Jingokeun (767 CE) by the Buddhist priest Mankan. After the Hakone Shrine main sanctuary relocated to the foothills as the lower shrine, this location has continued to attract believers as the rear shrine.
Appeal as a Power Spot
Hakone Motomiya is known as a powerful power spot, attracting many worshippers.
- Sacred atmosphere: The shrine hall perched on a mountain at 1,356 meters elevation is surrounded by an austere and sacred air
- Good fortune and luck: It is said to offer benefits for favorable relationships and fortune
- Umakourishi Stone: A sacred stone in the grounds where deities are said to descend
Worship Points
- It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the ropeway summit station via a well-maintained forest path
- The mountain summit often experiences strong winds, so attention is needed to prevent items like hats from blowing away
- In winter, there is a possibility of snow and ice, so caution is advised underfoot
Summit Observation Plaza “Hakone Komagatake Ashinosora”
The newly renovated summit observation plaza that opened in April 2025 features facilities for enjoying the spectacular scenery more comfortably.
Observation Deck
The newly constructed observation deck allows you to enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view. Explanation signs are also installed at each direction for the scenery visible, making it easier even for first-time visitors to understand which mountains or buildings are visible.
Rest Area
Benches and a roof-covered rest area are provided, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. It is recommended to spend some time relaxing while feeling the fresh breeze of the summit.
Photography Spots
Mount Komagatake’s summit is one of Hakone’s signature photography spots.
Recommended Photo Locations
- Collaboration of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi: From the north-west direction, you can capture both Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi in the same frame
- Hakone Motomiya and Mount Fuji: A composition combining the shrine hall of Hakone Motomiya with Mount Fuji has a mystical atmosphere
- Ropeway Gondola and Scenery: Photography including ascending and descending gondolas as foreground is popular
- 360-Degree Panorama: Using a smartphone’s panorama function allows you to record the summit’s full landscape
Photography Tips
- Early morning is best: The air is clear, and there’s a high probability that Mount Fuji will be clearly visible
- Pay attention to backlighting: Consider the sun’s position when selecting your shooting direction
- Incorporate seasonal elements: Including seasonal elements like autumn colors or snowy landscapes makes the photo more impressive
- Wind precautions: The summit experiences strong winds, so securely anchor tripods when using them
Precautions When Using Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Clothing and Items
Clothing
- Cold-weather measures: The summit is 5–10 degrees cooler than the foothills and winds are strong, so bring a jacket regardless of season
- Comfortable walking shoes: Since the worship of Hakone Motomiya involves walking a forest path, sneakers or other comfortable shoes are recommended
- Hat: A hat is useful for sun and wind protection, but one with a string is safer to prevent it from blowing away
Items
- Camera: Essential for recording the spectacular scenery
- Beverages: While there is a vending machine at the summit, it is reassuring to bring water
- Sunscreen: At high altitude with strong ultraviolet rays, especially necessary in summer
Weather-Related Closures
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway may suspend operations in the following cases for safety reasons.
- Strong wind: There may be suspension if wind speeds exceed 15 m/s
- Thunderstorm: The ropeway closes if there is danger of lightning strikes
- Heavy fog: Operations may be suspended if visibility is poor
- Snowfall or freezing: Operations may be suspended during winter bad weather
We strongly recommend checking the operating status on the official website or by telephone before visiting.
Crowded Periods and Avoidance Methods
Crowded Periods
- Golden Week: One of the most congested periods of the year
- Summer vacation period: Particularly crowded before and after the Obon holiday
- Autumn color season (late October–early November): Bustling with tourists viewing autumn leaves
- Weekends and holidays: Generally more crowded than weekdays throughout the year
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Early morning use: The time right after opening (9:00–10:00) is relatively uncrowded
- Weekday visits: If possible, weekday use is recommended
- Choose clear weather days: Cloudy or rainy days experience less crowding, though scenery may not be expected
Enjoying the Hakone Garden Area
Besides the ropeway, Hakone Garden, where the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is located, has various facilities and is an area where you can enjoy yourself all day.
Hakone Garden Aquarium
Japan’s highest-elevation marine aquarium.
- Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:20)
- Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, children 750 yen
- Highlights: Baikal seal show, marine section, freshwater section, and more
- Feature: Displays that take advantage of the Lake Ashi-shore location
The Prince Hakone Ashinoko
A resort hotel adjacent to Hakone Garden.
- Lodging: Elegant stays in rooms with views of Lake Ashi
- Day-use bathing: There are hot spring facilities that non-guests can use (confirmation required)
- Restaurant: Dining is available at the lakeside restaurant
Hakone Garden Shopping Plaza
A shopping area where you can purchase Hakone souvenirs and specialty products.
- Souvenirs: Hakone marquetry, hot spring buns, black eggs, and more
- Local specialties: Hakone beer, Hakone sweets, and more
- Light meals: Light meals available for takeout
Recommended Nearby Tourist Spots
We introduce nearby tourist spots worth visiting when you come to Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
Hakone Shrine (Main Sanctuary)
- Location: Hakone Town, Motohakonecho 80-1
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Hakone Garden, approximately 15 minutes by bus
- Feature: A major power spot in the Kanto region on the shores of Lake Ashi. The torii gate on the lake is famous
- Worship time: Grounds open freely (treasure hall 9:00–16:00)
After worshipping at Hakone Motomiya, also visiting the main sanctuary completes the visits to both shrines of Hakone Shrine.
Kuzu Shrine Main Sanctuary
- Location: Hakone Town, Motohakonecho, Fusegasawa (Lake Ashi shore)
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes walk from Hakone Garden, or by tour boat
- Feature: A shrine originating from the dragon legend of Lake Ashi. Popular as a power spot for matchmaking among women
- Worship: Monthly rituals are held on the 13th, and worship boats operate
Owakudani
- Location: Hakone Town, Sengokuhara
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Hakone Garden
- Feature: Spectacular scenery with volcanic smoke rising from Mount Hakone. Black eggs, a local specialty, are said to extend life by 7 years if you eat one
- Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
Lake Ashi Tour Boat
- Boarding points: Hakone Garden Port, Motohakoneko Port, Momote Gondola Port, and others
- Fares: Varies by section (Hakone Garden to Motohakoneko Port: approximately 1,200 yen per adult)
- Feature: Cruise Lake Ashi by pirate ship or tour boat. You can view Mount Fuji and Hakone’s mountains from the lake
Hakone Barrier
- Location: Hakone Town, Hakone 1-chome
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hakone Garden
- Feature: A historical spot recreating an Edo-period barrier. You can learn in detail about how it was
- Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (16:30 from December–February)
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, children 250 yen
Narukawa Museum of Art
- Location: Hakone Town, Motohakonecho 570
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Hakone Garden
- Feature: Exhibitions focused on contemporary Japanese painting. The views of Lake Ashi from the observation lounge are also wonderful
- Opening hours: 9:00–17:00
- Admission: Adults 1,300 yen, university and high school students 900 yen, elementary and junior high school children 600 yen
Recommended Nearby Gourmet Spots
We introduce dining spots around Hakone Garden.
Nanakamado (Within Hakone Garden)
- Location: Within Hakone Garden Shopping Plaza
- Menu: Soba, udon, curry, and other light meals
- Feature: A dining establishment where you can stop by casually before and after using the ropeway
- Price range: Approximately 800–1,500 yen
Lounge Yamaboushi (The Prince Hakone Ashinoko 1F)
- Location: The Prince Hakone Ashinoko, 1st floor
- Menu: Lunch sets, cake sets, light meals
- Feature: Enjoy an elegant tea time while overlooking Lake Ashi
- Business hours: 10:00–17:00 (last order 16:30)
- Price range: Approximately 1,500–3,000 yen
Restaurants on the Lake Ashi Shore
Restaurants where you can dine while enjoying views of Lake Ashi are scattered within 10–15 minutes by car from Hakone Garden.
- Motohakonecho area: Lakeside cafes and restaurants are abundant
- Momote Gondola area: Dining establishments are available around the tour boat boarding area
- Hakone Town area: Many traditional soba shops and Japanese restaurants
Hakone Specialty Cuisine
Must-taste local dishes when visiting Hakone:
- Hakone soba: Soba made with Hakone’s clear water
- Black egg: A specialty of Owakudani. Boiled eggs turned black by sulfurous hot springs
- Hakone beer: Known as a pioneer of local beer, it’s Hakone’s craft beer
- Hot spring bun: A standard souvenir sold throughout Hakone
- Marquetry: Not food, but a famous traditional craft of Hakone
Hotels and Accommodations Near Hakone Garden
We introduce recommended accommodations near Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
The Prince Hakone Ashinoko
- Feature: A resort hotel adjacent to Hakone Garden. Within walking distance of the ropeway boarding point, convenient for early morning use
- Rooms: Rooms with Lake Ashi views are popular
- Hot spring: You can enjoy hot springs from its own source
- Rate: 1 night with 2 meals from 20,000 yen (varies by season)
Hakone Prince Hotel
- Feature: A resort hotel on the shores of Lake Ashi
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Hakone Garden
- Facilities: Restaurants, hot springs, spa, and more, fully equipped
- Rate: 1 night with 2 meals from 25,000 yen
Inns in the Motohakonecho Area
The Motohakonecho area, 10–15 minutes by car from Hakone Garden, has numerous traditional inns.
- Ryuguuden Honkan: A luxury inn on the shores of Lake Ashi
- Hotel Yamano: A classic hotel famous as a site of azaleas
- Hotel Hanatsukien: Enjoy Lake Ashi at reasonable prices
Hot Spring Inns in the Hakone-Yumoto Area
Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone, has numerous hot spring inns. It is approximately 30 minutes by car or 60 minutes by bus from Hakone Garden.
- Tenshouen: A large hotel whose day-use hot spring is also popular
- Yoshiikekan: A traditional inn featuring extensive Japanese gardens
- Hotel Okada: A hot spring resort with 5 hot spring sources
Recommended Model Courses
We propose one-day tourist model courses centered on Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.
Day Trip Course (By Car)
9:00 Arrive at Hakone Garden, park at the parking lot
9:15 Board Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
9:30 Arrive at Mount Komagatake summit, enjoy the view
10:00 Worship at Hakone Motomiya
10:30 Photography at the summit observation plaza
11:00 Descend by ropeway
11:30 Visit the Hakone Garden Aquarium
13:00 Lunch within Hakone Garden or nearby
14:00 Travel by car to Motohakonecho (approximately 10 minutes)
14:15 Worship at Hakone Shrine main sanctuary
15:00 Lake Ashi tour boat cruise (approximately 30 minutes)
16:00 Visit the Hakone Barrier
17:00 Purchase souvenirs before heading home
1 Night 2-Day Course (By Public Transportation)
Day 1
10:00 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station
10:30 Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora
11:30 Stroll through Gora Park
12:30 Lunch around Gora
14:00 Visit Owakudani
15:30 Bus to Hakone Garden
16:00 Arrive at Hakone Garden, check in
17:00 Hot spring at the hotel
18:00 Dinner
Day 2
7:00 Breakfast
8:30 Check out
9:00 Board Hakone Komagatake Ropeway (early morning with less crowd)
9:15 Enjoy the spectacular scenery at Mount Komagatake summit
10:00 Worship at Hakone Motomiya
11:00 Descend
11:30 Visit the Hakone Garden Aquarium
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Bus to Motohakonecho
14:30 Worship at Hakone Shrine main sanctuary
15:30 Lake Ashi tour boat
16:30 Bus to Hakone-Yumoto
17:30 Purchase souvenirs in Hakone-Yumoto
18:00 Head home
History of Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway opened in 1963 (Showa 38). For over 60 years since then, it has served as the only means of access to Mount Komagatake’s summit, being utilized by numerous tourists. Since its opening, it has been a popular scenic spot from which one can see Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi at a glance, playing an important role in Hakone tourism. The April 2025 renewal as “Ashinosora” marks a significant turning point toward a new era.
Conclusion: Experience Spectacular Views at Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway invites you to a 1,356-meter mountain summit via a mere 7-minute aerial stroll, offering a 360-degree grand panorama. Beyond the spectacular views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Outer Rim Mountains, you can worship at the power spot Hakone Motomiya and experience the changing natural scenery throughout the seasons—new discoveries await with each visit.
The April 2025 reopening as “Hakone Komagatake Ashinosora” has created an even more comfortable environment for enjoying spectacular scenery, becoming a new attraction for Hakone tourism. Combined with Hakone Garden’s aquarium and shopping, as well as nearby tourist spots like Hakone Shrine and Owakudani, you can create a fulfilling Hakone trip.
Since this is a weather-dependent spot, be sure to check operating conditions before visiting and choose a clear day. Using the ropeway during the early morning when it’s uncrowded may allow you to monopolize the spectacular scenery in clear air.
When visiting Hakone, please enjoy an aerial stroll on Hakone Komagatake Ropeway and experience the spectacular views from the summit and the power of Hakone Motomiya.
