The Romancecar is a limited express train service operated by Odakyu Electric Railway, providing a convenient and scenic route from Tokyo to popular resort destinations like Hakone. It offers comfortable seating, large windows for panoramic views, and various onboard services to enhance your travel experience.

The Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station operates with departures starting at 7 AM on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, and runs until 6 PM in the evening, with one to three trains per hour. The number of trains and types of cars may vary depending on the time of day, so it's a good idea to check the timetable in advance.

The Romancecar requires all seats to be reserved, so in addition to a regular ticket to your destination, you will need a limited express ticket. The one-way fare from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station is 1,270 yen for adults, and the limited express fee is 1,200 yen per adult (for paper tickets).
(These fares are current as of July 2025)

You can purchase Romancecar limited express tickets at ticket machines located outside the ticket gates of Odakyu Line stations, including Shinjuku Station, as well as at dedicated machines on the Romancecar boarding platforms.

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

Here are several convenient ways to reserve and purchase Romancecar tickets and special express tickets.

Online Booking Options
There are two main ways to reserve and purchase tickets online. Both accept credit cards. If you have a smartphone and can access the relevant websites, you can board the Romancecar without needing a printed special express ticket.

・Book via e-Romancecar: No registration required—reserve and pay for tickets right away. You can also reserve online and pay later at ticket machines or ticket booths at any Odakyu Line station.

You can reserve tickets by phone up to 60 minutes before departure. However, seat selection and Saloon Seat reservations are not available. Tickets reserved by phone must be paid for at a ticket booth or machine.

・TEL: 044-299-8200
・Reservation hours: 10 AM – 5 PM

All Romancecar models feature a four-seat-per-row layout, with seats labeled A through D. The views differ depending on which side you sit on, so choosing your seat wisely can enhance your journey.
・From seats A and B, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of rural landscapes and the hot spring townscape around Hakone-Yumoto Station.
・Seats C and D offer vistas of Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa mountain range.

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.

Once at the platform, look at the boarding location for each train, such as "MSE", written on the floor near the platform. Try to search for the train and train number that 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 that 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.

Now, let's take a look at the features of the various Romancecar models currently in operation.

There are four types of Romancecar trains running today, ranging from the EXE (model 30000), which debuted in 1996, to the GSE (model 70000), introduced in 2018. Each model has its own unique exterior and interior design, adding to the charm and appeal of the Romancecar experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What sets the Romancecar apart from other trains is its viewing seats. Aside from this, it has a lot of features not seen in cars, buses, and other trains.

The Romancecar is best known for its scenic viewing seats, which offer panoramic views through large windows. The front-row seats are especially popular, giving passengers a driver’s-eye view of the tracks stretching out ahead.


What makes them even more appealing is that they cost the same as regular seats. However, availability is limited, so be sure to reserve in advance. Note that only the GSE (70000 series) trains are equipped with these special viewing seats.

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 July 2025.)