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Riding the Odakyu Romancecar: Enjoy Japan's Spectacular Scenery in Style

Riding the Odakyu Romancecar: Enjoy Japan's Spectacular Scenery in Style

Last updated: 19 October 2023

The Odakyu Romancecar is a convenient transportation mode to visit resorts like Hakone, two hours away from Tokyo. The viewing seats in the cars offer a beautiful view of the scenery. To make your trip enjoyable, know the features of the Romancecar and how to board one.

Table of Contents
  1. Travel to Hakone on a Romancecar!
  2. How to buy a Romancecar ticket
  3. Boarding the Romancecar at the station
  4. Each of the 5 Romancecars have different features!
  5. Features Unique to the Romancecar

Travel to Hakone on a Romancecar!

The Romancecar runs from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station from 7 AM to 6 PM, with 1 to 2 trains operating every hour. The number of trains and the type of car may vary depending on the time of the day, so it's best to check the schedule beforehand to confirm the details.

These are the Romancecars currently in service. We will talk about the features of each car later in this article.
These are the Romancecars currently in service. We will talk about the features of each car later in this article.

Romancecars only have reserved seats, so you need a special express ticket aside from the ticket to your destination. The fare from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station is 1,270 yen per adult and the special express fare is 1,200 yen per adult. (These fares are as of October 2023.)

How to buy a Romancecar ticket

Aside from the Shinjuku Station, you can also buy the Romancecar special express ticket from the ticket machine located outside the ticket date in each station along Odakyu Line, and from the special express ticket machine located at the boarding platform of the Romancecar.

The special express ticket machines outside the ticket gate. They are located next to the ticket booth.
The special express ticket machines outside the ticket gate. They are located next to the ticket booth.
The special express ticket machines located at the boarding platform of Romancecar
The special express ticket machines located at the boarding platform of Romancecar

You can also reserve special express tickets via internet or telephone 1 month before the boarding date. It’s best to reserve tickets beforehand if you have decided your boarding date and time.

Boarding the Romancecar at the station

After purchasing a ticket and a special express ticket, go through the automatic ticket gate and head to the Romancecar boarding platform.

You can only go through the ticket gate with a ticket. So, you will have to purchase a special express ticket at a ticket machine at the platform or inside the car later.

As you go through the ticket gate, the information on Romancecar scheduled for departure is displayed on the electronic bulletin board, so be sure to check the name of your train and platform.

When taking a Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, the boarding area is usually the 2nd or 3rd platform located on the ground floor of Odakyu Railway Shinjuku Station.

①列車・車形 (Train/Type) ②出発時刻 (Schedule) ③号車・座席番号 (Car no. / Seat no.)
①列車・車形 (Train/Type) ②出発時刻 (Schedule) ③号車・座席番号 (Car no. / Seat no.)

Once at the platform, look at the boarding location for each train, such as "VSE", written on the floor near the platform. Try to search for the train and train number the matches your special express ticket. Wait in line at the designated boarding location until the Romancecar arrives.

Once the Romancecar arrives, be sure to check the train name. People often mistake trains the depart before or after their train, so be careful.

Once you get on, look for the seat bearing the seat number on the special express ticket and take a seat. Now, you can enjoy your trip in comfort.

Each of the 5 Romancecars have different features!

Let's take a closer look at the features of each Romancecar that is currently in service. There are five Romancecars in operation, starting from the EXE model which was launched in 1996 to the GSE model introduced in 2018. Each train has a unique appearance, which is one of the distinctive qualities of the Romancecar.

To experience a dynamic view, opt for the newest GSE (70000 model) train

To experience a dynamic view, opt for the newest GSE (70000 model) train

This latest vehicle uses a large pane of glass as its front window and has 1-meter-high continuous windows on its sides. This train allows you to enjoy a dynamic view.

This train has spacious seats with a table and outlet. It was designed to reduce vehicle vibration, making the trip easier. It also has limited content, such as the map of the current area, a live stream of the viewing camera, and original videos. The train is equipped with Wi-Fi.

VSE (50000 model) is designed for people to enjoy their trip

VSE (50000 model) is designed for people to enjoy their trip

There is no window frame on the windshield of the viewing seats installed at the end of Car 1 and Car 10, so that you can enjoy the open scenery in a spacious view.

It's designed for people to enjoy the scenery, so the seats are facing the window. Aside from this, it's also designed to reduce fatigue from sitting for long periods.

(*Ed. Note: Two of the three VSE (Type 50000) ended their regular service on March 11, 2022, and September 24, 2023. The remaining one train is scheduled to retire in December 2023.)

Board the MSE (60000 model) on the subway

Board the MSE (60000 model) on the subway

The Romancecar that goes through the Tokyo Metro Subway Chiyoda Line sports a calm interior equipped with LED lighting and wine-red carpet.

The train's comfortable seats come with stylish tables. It also has umbrella holders which keep the area around the seats clean and comfortable.

EXEα (30000 model) equipped with large storage space

EXEα (30000 model) equipped with large storage space

The train's interior is an elegant space featuring a natural design with beige seats and indirect lighting. The comfortable seats are equipped with hooks and umbrella holders. They also have dedicated storage space for suitcases.

EXE (30000 model) used by many commuters and students

EXE (30000 model) used by many commuters and students

This Romancecar is popular for sightseeing and as a commuter express. This model has the largest number of seats and is used by many commuting workers and students. It has a comfortable interior featuring stately spacious seats.

Features Unique to the Romancecar

What sets the Romancecar from other trains is its viewing seats. Aside from this, it has a lot of features not seen in cars, buses and other trains. We will now introduce the features of the Romancecar which will rev up your trip to Hakone.

Enjoy the impressive scenery from the viewing seats

Enjoy the impressive scenery from the viewing seats

The Romancecar is best known for its viewing seats from which you can enjoy the scenery through a large window. From the front window, which allows you to feel like the train's driver, the impressive view of the tracks spreads out in front of you.

Moreover, it is popular with a lot of people because it costs the same as a regular seat. The seats are limited so be sure to reserve the seats ahead of time. In addition, only GSE (70000 model) have viewing seats.

Reserve and buy online

Lastly, we a list of various ways you can reserve and buy a Romancecar ticket and a special express ticket.

There are two ways to reserve and buy tickets on the internet. Both methods accept credit card as a form of payment. If you have a smartphone that can log in to their websites, you can ride the romance car even without being issued a special express ticket.

You don’t have to register, so you can immediately reserve and buy tickets. You can also reserve tickets on the internet and pay for them at the ticket machine in each station of the Odakyu Line and at ticket booths.

Reserve by phone

You can reserve tickets by phone 60 minutes before the departure of the train. You cannot choose your seat or reserve Saloon Seats. The ticket reserved through telephone call will be paid at the ticket booth or ticket machine.

Reserve through an operator
・TEL No.: 044 (299) 8200
・Reservation time: 10 AM - 5 PM

Reserve and buy tickets at the ticket booth or ticket machine

At major stations on the Odakyu Line, there are ticket booths where you can purchase tickets and special express tickets. These tickets can also be purchased at ticket machines located in each station. You can also purchase special express tickets booked on the Internet, etc. at the ticket booth or ticket machine.

Experience an adventure unique to the Odakyu Romancecar and have a wonderful trip to Hakone.

(This article was originally published in September 2019 and updated in October 2023.)

Written by:

Yoko

Yoko

After working as a grand hostess and web director, became an independent writer in 2013. She writes extensively, focusing on love, family issues, and Japanese culture. Airports and military bases are her comfort spots.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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