Written by Aarohi Narain
Take a trip into the mountains by moonlight and see Hakone’s famed hydrangeas in full bloom.
What happens?
Every June, hydrangeas flower in layers along the slopes of the Hakone Tozan Railway. During the peak, you can hop on the Night Hydrangea Train — a special evening ride aboard the Allegra car with reserved seats and no stops along the way.
Along the route, sections of the tracks are gently lit, and when the train passes through these glowing areas, the lights inside go dark, and the car slows down. There are photo stops at Miyanoshita and Tonosawa stations, and each passenger receives a limited-edition hydrangea fan as a keepsake.
Regular trains during the same period will also pass through illuminated sections, but only the Night Train slows down to savor the view. The entire ride lasts around 50 minutes.
For a full-day trip itinerary, check out our guide to Hakone.
Schedule 2025
The Hydrangea Train runs from June 14 to June 30.
On weekdays, two trains will depart from Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station at 6:54 p.m. and 8:17 p.m. respectively.
Similarly, on weekends, trains will depart from Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station at 6:51 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. respectively.
Hydrangea illuminations will go from June 13 to 30, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Tickets 2025
The reserved seat fare is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children one-way. You’ll need to pay a separate base fare or use the Hakone Free Pass — the option we recommend when in Hakone.
Reservations open May 14 at 10 a.m. via the official website.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
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Adults:
Advance sales: ¥500
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Children:
Advance sales: ¥250
