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 two 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 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. (These fares are current as of September 2024.)

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 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.

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 "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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 - 6 PM

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 2024.)