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Booking, Seats, and Travel Between Shinjuku and Hakone‑Yumoto

How to Book and Ride the Odakyu Romancecar

The Odakyu Romancecar is a limited express connecting Shinjuku and Hakone‑Yumoto with reserved seating and a smooth, direct ride. For first-time visitors, booking and boarding can feel complex—two tickets are required (a Base Fare and a Limited Express ticket), and the train model depends on the departure time.

This official guide explains how to book through EMot Online Tickets, how seats and train types work, four simple steps to board, recommended times, and key tips so you can travel with confidence.

What Is the Romancecar?

The Romancecar is a limited express train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway.

  • Direct service from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (no transfers required)
  • Travel time: approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
  • A limited express surcharge ticket is required in addition to the base fare
  • All seats are reserved, so you are guaranteed a seat
  • Easy travel even with large luggage

 

For an overview of the Romancecar service, see the Romancecar introduction page.

 

Why international travelers especially appreciate the Romancecar

✔ All‑reserved seating with spacious, comfortable seats
✔ One of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel between Shinjuku and Hakone‑Yumoto
✔ Scenic views along the route
✔ No transfers required

 

 

Seat Types and Train Models

Which Romancecar should you take?

There are currently four Romancecar train models in service.

Each model features a distinct design and interior, and the operating timetable assigns a model to each scheduled departure. If you wish to ride a specific model, please select a departure where that model is scheduled.
Note: Train models are subject to change without prior notice due to operational reasons.

① GSE (Type 70000)｜The newest Romancecar with observation seats

  • The latest and most modern Romancecar
  • Observation seats with panoramic front views in the leading car
  • High ceilings and large windows create an open, spacious atmosphere
  • The most popular choice for sightseeing trips
  • Luggage spaces available near the doors of most cars
    (except Car No. 4)
GSE (Type 70000): Observation Seats
GSE (Type 70000): Luggage spaces

② MSE (Type 60000)｜Versatile model with subway through-service

  • Operates through both the Odakyu Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
  • Direct trains from Kita-Senju / Otemachi areas to Hakone
    ・Weekdays: 1 round trip
    ・Weekends & holidays: 2 round trips
  • Calm, refined interior using wood and mixed materials
  • No observation seats
MSE (Type 60000):Interior with wood-accented materials
Romancecar MSE operating on the Shinjuku–Gotemba route, gateway to Mount Fuji

③ EXEα (Type 30000, renovated)｜Upgraded comfort with a refined interior

 

  • Renovated version of the standard EXE model
  • Improved seat materials and interior design
  • Luggage space available
    • Between Cars 3 & 4
    • Next to seats 15C and 15D in Car 5
  • No observation seats

 

 

EXEα (Type 30000): Refined interior and seats
EXEα (Type 30000): Luggage space

④ EXE (Type 30000)｜A practical model for both commuting and sightseeing

  • No observation seats
  • Luggage space available between Cars 3 & 4
  • Seats designed to reduce fatigue, originally intended for commuter use
  • Calm color scheme and spacious interior

Learn more about the Romancecar service

How Do You Choose a Train Model?

With the Romancecar, you select a departure time—not a train model.

For example:

  • 10:00 departure → GSE
  • 11:00 departure → EXE
  • 13:00 departure → MSE

Each departure time has a pre‑assigned train model determined by the timetable.

How to Check the Train Model

  1. Access the Romancecar reservation page on EMot Online Tickets.
  2. Select your travel date, departure station, and arrival station.
  3. The results will show the departure times, seat availability, and train model
    (e.g., GSE, EXE, MSE).

Note: EXE and EXEα are not shown separately.

Check the scheduled train models on EMot Online Tickets

💡What to Know Before Choosing Observation Seats

  • Observation seats are only available on GSE (Type 70000)
  • There are only 16 seats total (4 rows × 4 seats)
  • They often sell out immediately after sales open
  • Even during online booking, seats may sell out while payment is being processed

Ticket Types and How to Purchase

To ride the Romancecar, two types of tickets are required:

🎫 Two Ticket Types

① Base Fare Ticket
  • Standard fare (Shinjuku → Hakone‑Yumoto)
  • Suica / PASMO accepted
  • Hakone Freepass (from Shinjuku) covers this section

＋

② Limited Express Ticket
  • Romancecar surcharge ticket
  • All‑reserved / required to board
  • No standing; full trains cannot accept more passengers

↓
To board the Romancecar:
Base Fare Ticket + Limited Express Ticket
Both tickets are required

How to Buy the Limited Express Ticket

💡 Online Purchase (Recommended)

  • Pay in advance by credit card
  • No need to line up at the station
  • Choose your seat in advance
  • Available in English, Chinese, and Korean
* If you purchase before arriving in Japan, you can go straight to the train on the day of travel.
🟦 Station Ticket Counters / Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers
  • Recommended for those who prefer in‑person assistance
  • Useful if you want to ask questions before purchasing

Business hours vary by location. 
Please check the website for opening hours.
🟨 Station Ticket Machines
  • Available from the first to last train of the day
  • Convenient if you want to buy tickets outside counter hours

⚠ Important Notes When Buying at the Station

  • Morning and evening Romancecar services may sell out even on weekdays
  • Ticket counters can be crowded, and waiting times may occur
  • For guaranteed seating, online purchase is strongly recommended

Check seat availability on EMot Online Tickets

Four Easy Steps: How to Ride the Romancecar with Confidence

Even if it’s your first time, following these four steps will make your Romancecar journey smooth and stress‑free.

Step 1｜Prepare Your Limited Express Ticket

To ride the Romancecar, a Limited Express ticket is required.
We recommend purchasing it online in advance for a smoother experience.
Note: A Base Fare ticket (IC card, paper ticket, or rail pass such as the Hakone Freepass) is also required and must be prepared separately.

Step 2｜Pass Through the Ticket Gates

Proceed through the ticket gates according to the ticket you are using.

How to use the ticket gates (by ticket type)

IC card (Suica / PASMO, etc.)
→ Use an IC card–compatible automatic gate

QR code (EMot Online Tickets)
→ Use the dedicated QR code reader near a staffed ticket gate

💡 One-point tip for QR code users
QR codes may not be readable at standard automatic gates. If unsure, ask a station staff member.


*Photos are for reference only. Installation locations may vary by station.

Paper ticket

→ Use an automatic gate that accepts paper tickets

Step 3｜Check the Platform

Follow the station signage to locate the Romancecar platform (track number),
then proceed to the indicated platform.

 

Step 4｜Go to Your Assigned Car and Seat

Before sitting down, check two key points:

① Car Number
・Check the platform signs
・Move to the designated boarding position for your car

② Seat Number

・Sit in your assigned seat
　(There are no non‑reserved seats on the Romancecar.)

Once seated, relax and enjoy the ride until your destination.
Please avoid placing luggage on empty seats; passengers may board at intermediate stations.

Relax in your reserved seat and enjoy the scenery outside the window.
With clear steps from reservation to boarding, the Romancecar offers peace of mind even for first‑time trips to Hakone.
Book in advance through EMot Online Tickets, and please see the FAQ for details.

Book through EMot Online Tickets

View FAQ

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