Hakone Tozan Railway - Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, Japan
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S5280ft
N 35° 15.045 E 139° 02.879
54S E 322408 N 3902597
This train is a favorite of many railfans. It climbs 527 meters in 15 kilometers with three switchbacks, numerous tunnels and even more bridges. Some of the curves are so tight that water is sprayed on the wheels to reduce friction with the rails.
Waymark Code: WM35VD
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Date Posted: 02/15/2008
Views: 126
This scenic mountain railway is one of 5 modes of transportaion around the Hakone area that is covered by the basic 2 day Hakone free pass. To get to the Hakone area, you must first get to Odawara. You can take the Kodama or some Hikari Shinkansen (local bullet train) or Odakyu railway from Tokyo's Shinjuku station (included in the premium Hakone free pass).
Included in the Hakone Free Pass are:
-Odakyu railway from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
-A scenic railway that switchbacks from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora.
-An inclined railway that rises up from Gora to Sounzan
-A cablecar or ropeway that offers a spectacular view from Souzan to Togendai on Lake Ashi
-A scenic boat from Togendai to Hakonemachi or Moto-Hakone
-A bus back to Odawara Station
Some prefer the reverse trip better because the bus is less crowded and less delayed by traffic in the morning. I prefer the trip up by train because of the switchback train and morning views.
Once in the Hakone region, there are numerous hot springs baths (onsen) and other sights to visit and you can stay at a traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan).
There are many different Hakone free passes available, depending upon age, your starting point and duration of stay, ranging from 1,000 to 5,500 Japanese Yen (
visit link)
Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.