Regional Routes › Hakone

Narita Airport to Hakone | Travel Guide (Route, Time & First Night)

First Night ✓

For: Travelers wanting to include Hakone onsen in their itinerary; those arriving at Narita and heading straight to Hakone the same day

In a nutshell

Take the N'EX to Shinagawa, the Kodama Shinkansen to Odawara, then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto. About 3 hours total, ¥6,500–9,000. Send heavy luggage ahead to your ryokan via courier service.

Narita Airport → Hakone: Access Summary

Total Time
~3 hours
Transfers
2
Route
Narita Airport → Shinagawa (N'EX, ~80 min) → Odawara (Kodama Shinkansen, ~35 min) → Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone Tozan Railway, ~15 min)
Est. Cost
~¥6,500–9,000 (N'EX + Shinkansen + Hakone Tozan Railway)
Luggage
Send via courier (Yamato/Sagawa) to your ryokan for next-day delivery. Ryokans are accustomed to receiving luggage.

First Night Tip: Even arriving at Narita in the afternoon, you can check in to a Hakone ryokan by 18:00. A hot spring inn is perfect for recovering from a long flight.

Route & Steps

  1. Step 1 Board the N'EX at Narita Airport

    Take the JR Narita Express (N'EX) from Terminal 1 or 2 to Shinagawa (~80 min). All seats reserved — buy your ticket at a machine or in advance.

    💡 Use the 'N'EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket' (¥5,200 round-trip) for a big discount. Combinable with JR Pass.

  2. Step 2 Transfer at Shinagawa to Tokaido Shinkansen

    Take the Kodama Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Odawara (~35 min). Unreserved seats are usually available. Important: Nozomi and Hikari do not stop at Odawara — always take Kodama.

    💡 JR Pass holders can use the Shinkansen here (not Nozomi/Mizuho).

  3. Step 3 Transfer at Odawara to Hakone Tozan Railway

    From Odawara Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto (~15 min). IC cards accepted. Hakone-Yumoto is the hub for most ryokans and sightseeing.

  4. Step 4 Check in at your ryokan

    If you sent luggage by courier, check with the front desk. If you arrive early, leave your bags and explore first. Buy the Hakone Free Pass after check-in for easy sightseeing.

Important Notes

  • Make sure to take Kodama — Nozomi and Hikari skip Odawara.
  • For heavy luggage, use the courier desk at Narita Airport. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on for the first day.
  • Hakone is very crowded on weekends, holidays, and in autumn foliage season (Oct–Nov). Book early.
  • The Hakone Ropeway may close due to weather or volcanic activity.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way from Narita to Hakone?

The cheapest route involves Keisei/Toei lines toward Yokohama then to Odawara, but involves many transfers and is awkward with luggage. The price difference is only a few hundred yen, so N'EX + Shinkansen is far more practical.

Can I go from Narita to Hakone without staying overnight in Tokyo?

Yes. You can check in to a Hakone ryokan on the same day you arrive at Narita. Arriving in the morning or midday, you can reach Hakone-Yumoto around 15:00–16:00.

What is the Hakone Free Pass?

An Odakyu all-inclusive pass for transportation in the Hakone area (mountain railway, ropeway, cruise, etc.). Available from Odawara as a shorter-range version.

Can I travel to Hakone with heavy luggage?

Yes. Use the courier service at Narita Airport (Yamato/Sagawa) to deliver luggage to your ryokan the next day, so you can travel hands-free.