Maskay guide

How can you travel between Lake Ashi and Owakudani without missing connections?

A practical guide to comparing routes and places in Japan, with useful details for planning a visit.

Maskay editorial team Updated

In Hakone, the landscape changes in height and texture within a few stops: steam rises above the mountain at Owakudani, while Lake Ashi appears at the end of the ropeway. The route works as a chain of transport—train, cable car, ropeway and boat—and the order matters because wind or fog can disrupt a connection.

From Gora, take the cable car to Sounzan, where the ropeway begins. It passes Owakudani and Ubako before reaching Togendai on the lake’s northern shore. From the air, visitors see volcanic terrain; from the water, the mountain profile and shrines. On a clear day, Mount Fuji may appear from both sections, but the view is never guaranteed.

A logical sequence is Sounzan–Owakudani–Togendai, followed by a boat to Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi. Leave time to get off at Owakudani, see the valley and reboard; the Togendai station and pier are connected. Check the final timetables before buying a pass: some cover the ropeway and cruise, but supplements and premium seats may be excluded.

The key is to check same-day notices. The ropeway can stop for wind, maintenance or volcanic conditions, and boats also adjust departures for weather. If a section is interrupted, buses connect different areas, though the journey may take longer. Start early, confirm the direction of travel and keep a road alternative in mind before relying on the last service.

Profiles of the recommended places: Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station · Hakone Pirate Ship Togendai Port

Bottom line

Check official conditions and timetables on the day; connections and access can vary by season and weather.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

01
Scenic ropeway and access to a volcanic area

Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station

1300 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

4.4 /5 1,167 reviews

Hakone’s ropeway is more than a transfer between mountains: from the cabin, visitors see vegetation give way to the volcanic terrain of Owakudani. The line links Sounzan with Togendai and stops at Owakudani and Ubako; the valley opens beneath the gondolas, and clear days can bring views of Lake Ashi

Why it made the selection

A section of Hakone’s sightseeing loop crossing Owakudani and linking Sounzan with Togendai, with views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji on clear days.

Hours: February–November: boarding 9:00 am–5:00 pm; December–January: 9:00 am–4:15 pm. The final section may finish earlier than the listed closing time. Service can stop for wind, weather, volcanic gas or maintenance; check daily notices. Verified: October 12, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
02
Lake sightseeing boat port

Hakone Pirate Ship Togendai Port

164 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

4.3 /5 8,868 reviews

At the northern end of Lake Ashi, Togendai is the link between Hakone’s sightseeing boat and ropeway. Vessels with open decks and indoor lounges cross the lake towards Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone. The ship designed like a galleon is part of the area’s tourist scenery, but it is more than a photo st

Why it made the selection

Board at Togendai for a Lake Ashi cruise connecting the ropeway with Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi.

Hours: Departures vary by season and port; check the official timetable for your date. Wind and other conditions can affect service. Routes connect Togendai, Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone. Verified: October 12, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station ↗ Primary source Hakone Navi / Odakyu Hakone official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station ↗ Primary source Kanagawa Prefectural Park Association · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Hakone Pirate Ship Togendai Port ↗ Primary source Hakone Navi / Odakyu Hakone official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website ↗ Primary source Hakone Navi official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website ↗ Primary source Hakone Navi official site · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Google review summary for exact Owakudani station listing ↗ Secondary source Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Google 4.4/5 from 1,167 reviews; checked 2026-10-12.

  7. Google review summary for exact Togendai port ↗ Secondary source Wanderlog reproducing Google · Accessed October 12, 2026

    Exact Hakone Pirate Ship Togendai Port listing reproduces Google 4.3/5 from 8,868 reviews; checked 2026-10-12.

Keep exploring

Related questions