Questions Regarding the Purchase of Hakone Free Pass
If you’re planning a trip to Hakone, you’re likely considering the benefits of the Hakone Free Pass. This handy pass offers unlimited use of various modes of transportation in the Hakone area,
making it a popular choice for travelers. However, you might have specific questions about how it fits into your travel plans. In this blog post, I will address two common queries related to the purchase of the Hakone Free Pass, particularly for those traveling from Omotesando to Hakone Yumoto and back to Shinjuku.
Question 1: Should I Purchase the Hakone Free Pass with or without the Odakyu Train Ticket?
When considering the Hakone Free Pass, the first question arises: should you opt for the version that includes the Odakyu train ticket or the one designed for local use? For your outbound trip, you’re starting from Omotesando, which means you’ll need to consider how the pass complements your journey. The Hakone Free Pass with the Odakyu train ticket included offers you a seamless travel experience from the start of your trip. Since you’re already using the Romancecar express train, which is operated by Odakyu, it would be more convenient to purchase the pass that includes the train ticket. This allows you to travel directly to Hakone Yumoto without the need to worry about additional fare payments. Moreover, once you arrive in Hakone, the pass will cover various local transportation options such as buses, cable cars, and even some attractions. This all-in-one ticket can save you both time and money, especially if you’re planning to explore multiple sites in Hakone during your two-day stay.
Question 2: Can I Use My PASMO Card for the Outbound Trip?
Your second question deals with the outbound trip logistics using a PASMO card. You mentioned that you plan to board the Romancecar from the Chiyoda Line platform without exiting the ticket gate at Omotesando Station. This method is indeed efficient, but there are a few details to clarify. Since you’ve reserved a Romancecar express ticket via the emot app, you will need to ensure that your PASMO card is charged and ready for use on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line to reach Omotesando Station. Upon arriving at Hakone Yumoto, you won’t need to present your PASMO card for additional payment to exit the station, as the Romancecar ticket covers your fare. In this case, you can simply board the Romancecar with your reserved ticket and enjoy the scenic ride to Hakone. Once you arrive at Hakone Yumoto, you can exit the station without any further payments since your ticket is already accounted for.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Hakone can be an enriching experience, filled with stunning landscapes, hot springs, and cultural attractions. By purchasing the Hakone Free Pass that includes the Odakyu train ticket, you can streamline your journey and enjoy the various transportation options available in the area. Additionally, using your PASMO card for local travel to Omotesando makes for a smooth start to your adventure. I hope this clarifies your questions about the Hakone Free Pass and helps you plan your trip with confidence. Enjoy your travel to Hakone and all the beautiful experiences that await you!
