【TRAVEL Q&A】From Shinjuku to Hakone Hot Spring via Odakyu “Romancecar” Line!

14.February.2018 | FEATURES / SPOT

Hakone, Kanagawa is one of the most popular “onsen” (hot spring) towns in Japan. The area is popular among both Japanese people and tourists from foreign countries since it is close to Tokyo and has many sightseeing spots such as Ahinoko (lake), Owakudani (valley) and Hakone Chokoku no Mori Museum.

 

There are several ways to go to Hakone but I recommend using the “Odakyu Romancecar” (limited express train) run by Odakyu Dentestu which departs from Tokyo. It takes about an hour and 40 minutes and you can go to Hakone direct. In this article, I will inform you of how to ride on the “Odakyu Romancecar” to go to Hakone.

 

1: How to ride Odakyu Romancecar?

Let’s get tickets first. The tickets you must buy are “Joshaken (normal fare)” and “tokkyuken (limited express surcharge).” The “Joshaken” is an Odakyu Dentetsu limited ticket and the fare differs according to the station that you will get off at. “Tokkyuken” is a ticket you must buy when riding on a limited express train which means you must buy this ticket in addition to the “joshaken.” There are three ways to buy these tickets.

 

1) Making a reservation/purchasing the ticket via the Internet

2) Making a reservation/purchasing the ticket at a ticket counter/ticket vending machine

3) Making a reservation on the telephone.

 

Making a reservation by telephone is not recommendable for those of you from foreign countries since English-speaking staff are not available.

 

PC0I9A9745_TP_V4 copy

2: How to but a ticket via the Internet?

Using e-Romancecar is recommended when using the Internet to buy a ticket. As a matter of course, you can use a credit card on this web site. You can ride the Romancecar by just by handing out the printed sheet or showing the screen of your smart phone to the staff at the ticket counter. If you are planning to just make a reservation (not paying the fare) on the web site, you must pay the fare by using the ticket vending machine or at the ticket counter before getting on the Romancecar. It is recommended that you buy your ticket beforehand if the date that you are going to Hakone is decided.

 

 

PAS00172_TP_V4 copy

3: How to buy a ticket/make a reservation via the ticket counter at the station?

The ticket counter is normally open from 6:30 to 21:00. The ticket vending machines can be used any time (except for when the trains are not running) but credit cards cannot be used. You can purchase tickets for up to 8 persons at once using the vending machine. So, those of you who are planning to go to Hakone with a group of more than 9 people you must purchase your tickets at the ticket counter.

 

 

PPW_suijyoukigatachinoboruoowakudani_TP_V4 (1) copy

4: Let’s get on to the Romancecar!

Now let’s learn how to get on a Romancecar. There are several types of Romancecars available – MES (Type 6000), VSE (Type 50000), EXE (Type 30000) and LSE (Type 7000). The fares for all types are the same. You can eat a limited-“bento” (box lunch) if you make a reservation 3 days (AM) before you ride the Romancecar.

 

Why not experience a ride on the “Romancecar” and enjoy the hot springs in Hakone. Wishing you a pleasant trip! MMN will introduce to you many kinds of “Q&As in Japan.”

 

If you have any questions, feel free to send a message to MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s FB account!

https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Hirosaki and Hakodate to Begin Winter Tourism Campaign with Snow Miku Starting December 2022

    26.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.

     

    [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project

    ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku

    ・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023

    ・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas

     

    ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event

    Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!

    ・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
                        Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)

     

    ■Snow Miku Photo Spot

    Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. 

    ・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
                            JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)

    ■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App

    A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!

    ・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka  Information Center,

                             Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

          (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,

    Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

     

    ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video 

    The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!

    ・On Air: December 1, 2022~

    ・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)

     

    ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. 

    A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!

    ・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities

     

    ■Snow Miku Filters Using AR

    When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.

    ・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

  • Japan’s Largest Sake Event TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL to be Held in Shinjuku in October

    22.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square.

     

    The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. 

     

    Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website.

     

    Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!

  • Dev-c Group from VTuber Project VEE Debuts with Huge Ad in Shinjuku

    07.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    To celebrate the debut of Dev-c, the new VTuber unit from VEE, a giant ad has appeared in Shinjuku Station! Fans should head to the Promenade connecting Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku 3-come from September 5 until September 11 to catch a glimpse of these new talents!

    The ad shows Uriyone, Anew Uparu, Cotonoha, Luminous Sweet, and Aomiya Yozuri strolling down a Tokyo street.

     

    Spread out behind them are images of the members of Dev-a and Dev-b, who previously debuted.

     

    VEE has managed to bring together some incredible talents so far. On the right side, fans will see Dev-c’s key visual and a message from VEE to fans, so if you’re near Shinjuku, be sure to check it out!

  • Halloween Afternoon Tea Featuring AR Technology Coming to Shinjuku

    23.August.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    From September 1 until October 31, the District Brasserie, Bar, and Lounge at the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo will be offering a spooky Halloween-themed afternoon tea set. The tasty treats won’t be the only scary thing on the plate–the event will incorporate AR technology! By holding up your phone, you’ll be able to see monsters moving around on your plate.

    The goodies will also be available for take-out, making them perfect for souvenirs or at-home Halloween parties! Nine types of Halloween sweets, six small dishes, and two tea sachets will be included. Why not spend Halloween in a more elegant way in 2022?

  • Tokyo Station Hotel to Offer Accommodation Plan in Conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition

    04.August.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Starting on October 8, Tokyo Station Gallery will begin the 150th Anniversary of Railway in Japan Exhibition. To celebrate the opening of the event, Tokyo Station Hotel will begin offering a special lodging plan which includes a special ticket for entry starting September 15. 

     

    2022 marks the 15th anniversary of Japan’s first railroad. The exhibition will look back at the history of railroads from their inception in 1872 to the present day, and will also feature modern and contemporary Japanese art.

     

    Over 150 works will be on display, from oil paintings to photographs. The exhibition will also include Kawanabe Kyosai’s Jigoku Gokuraku Meguri-zu and Utagawa Hiroshige’s masterwork Steam Train Running Along the Shore at Yokohama. The train headmark was designed by Katsuhiko Hibino in 2021.

     

    The accommodation plan will include a special tour held on the morning of check-out day before the gallery opens to the public. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition in depth while listening to explanations by the curators who planned the exhibition. After the tour, visitors can enjoy the exhibition again. The special ticket features Utagawa Hiroshige’s painting Steam Train Running Along the Shore at Yokohama and is perfect as a souvenir.

    Enjoy a rare moment surrounded by the historic architecture of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi Station Building and immerse yourself in the history of the railroad.

  • Private Jet Package Now Available in Toyama Offering Spectacular View of Tateyama Mountains

    22.June.2022 | SPOT

    Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.

     

    Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.

    Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.

     

    After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.

    Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.

    Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!

  • Airbnb Reveals Top 10 Most Popular Summer Destinations in Japan

    08.June.2022 | SPOT

    Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?

     

    Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!

     

    Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)

    This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!

    A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)

    Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.

    Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)

    There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!

    Coastal Cabin (Chiba)

    You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.

    An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)

    Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!

  • Stuffed Animal Pickles the Frog Inspires Limited Time Collaboration Cafe in Shinjuku

    30.May.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Have you ever heard of Pickles the Frog? The adorable plush has become popular enough to inspire his own collaboration cafe in Shinjuku from May 25 until June 6! A special menu will be available at Brilliant Cafe located on the 11th floor of the Odakyu Department Store.

    Green Curry Plate

    Birthday Cake Plate

    Fruit Tea Soda Float

     

    As part of Pickle the Frog’s birthday celebration, the cafe will feature a limited menu of three delectable items. Why not come celebrate Pickle’s special day on June 1? 

     

    A pop-up shop will also be opened soon, so keep an eye out!

  • Izu, the Setting for Laid-Back Camp, Now Offering Travel Plans

    24.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.

    Original Stickers

     

    The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.

     

    Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.


    Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.

  • Cat Illustration Series mofusand Inspires Themed Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka

    18.May.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.

     

    Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)

    Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)

     

    Menu

    Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate

    Grilled Vegetable Curry

    Nyanko Burger

    Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta

    Taiyaki

    Nyanko Parfait

    Black Cat Pancake

     

    Nyan Lime Nata de Coco

    Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float

    Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea

     

    Merchandise

    Sticker

    Clear Folder

     

     

    All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork!

     

    ©mofusand

  • EMOCAL, a Project to Support Japanese Regions, Releases Music Using Local Sound Samples

    14.May.2022 | MUSIC / SPOT

    The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!

     


    EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.



    Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.

     

    Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu

    Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0

     

    Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren

    Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6

     

     

    Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill

    Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7

     

    Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu

    Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.

    ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0

  • Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet to Open at Shinjuku Odakyu for the First Time

    21.April.2022 | FASHION / MOVIE / SPOT

    From April 13 until April 25, fans of Disney Pixar will want to visit the first floor of the Odakyu Department store in Shinjuku! The Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be selling a large collection of items featuring popular characters from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, and more!

     

    A wide variety of PIXAR goods such as bags, towels, mugs, stationery, and apparel will be available, and the Disney Friend of Nature Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be held simultaneously, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly Disney items.

     

    PIXAR FEST POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

    [Exclusive Event Item] IC Card Case: ¥2,310 

    [Event Exclusive Item] Drawstring Bag: ¥660 *On sale April 16

    [Event Exclusive Item] Random Pin Collection (12 varieties): ¥440 each

    Purchase Bonus: Tote Bag

    Purchase Bonus: Acrylic Coaster

    Starting April 13, guests spending ¥6,600 (including tax) or more at the venue will receive one special tote bag while supplies last! Starting April 23, guests spending ¥2,750 (including tax) will receive a Toy Story acrylic coaster.

     

    Disney FRIEND OF NATURE POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

    [Event Exclusive Item] Mug Made from Recycled Goods “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥2,310

    [Event Exclusive Item] Eco Bag “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥3,190 *On sale April 15

     

    Be sure to visit the pop-up shop to grab some exclusive merch while you can!

     

    ©Disney/Pixar
    ©Disney

RANKING

  • DAILY
  • MONTHLY

FOLLOW US