Tokyo Feature

Many places in Hakone accept the Hakone Free Pass. It's valid for three days and is issued by the privately owned Odakyu Railways. The pass covers the train fare to Hakone and allows you to use any mode of transportation including the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Hakone Cruise Boat. In addition to transportation, Free Pass holders get discounts at museums such as the Hakone Museum of Art, restaurants, and shops. The list of participants is pretty extensive and it always changes, so it's a good idea to check out the Web site for a complete list of participating companies and terms and conditions.

The Hakone Free Pass (¥5,500) and the Fuji-Hakone Free Pass (¥7,200) can be purchased at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center (03/5321-7887 www.odakyu-group.co.jp) inside JR Shinjuku Station, near the West Exit, or by credit card over the phone. Allow a couple of days for delivery to your hotel. If you have a JR Pass, it's cheaper to take a Kodama Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara and buy the Hakone Free Pass there (¥4,130) for travel within the Hakone region only.