TORIITravel in Japan
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Hakone Ropeway Closed? Rebuild the Day from Where You Are

If the ropeway stops, first read the official service information to identify the affected section. Sounzan–Owakudani and Owakudani–Ubako–Togendai leave you with different options. Separate reaching Owakudani from getting back to your accommodation. They may no longer belong in the same plan.

Forest and ropeway equipment seen from the Hakone Ropeway

Check the section and any replacement service first

Wind, weather, equipment problems and scheduled maintenance can stop services. A closure does not automatically mean replacement buses are operating. Read the day’s announcement for the route, boarding point and conditions. Even an announced replacement service should not be timed like the normal ride.

Tell station staff your actual destination. Your present station, hotel and reserved return train are more useful than simply saying you want to finish the loop.

A cable car at Gora Station

At Sounzan, keep the return to Gora as an option

If the cable car is operating, you can return towards Gora and use a museum or your accommodation instead. Making it a museum day can be better than waiting indefinitely or concentrating only on another way to Owakudani.

For another route, check that the transport is running and that your ticket covers its operator. The Freepass does not cover every bus company.

At Togendai, compare the lake crossing with the bus route

Togendai is on the Lake Ashi side. If ships are running, crossing to Moto-Hakone or Hakonemachi and taking a bus onward may work. Strong wind can affect boats too, so check the ship service alongside the ropeway.

For a bus towards Yumoto or your hotel, match the route, destination and current operating status. Catching the next departure is only useful if the onward connection works as well.

At Owakudani, follow the station instructions

Owakudani is a volcanic area. Do not substitute a closed walking or hiking path for the ropeway. Follow staff directions for available transport and observe the health and volcanic-gas restrictions.

If dinner or a reserved train is approaching, remove a sightseeing stop and secure the journey back. Refund arrangements depend on the purchase and use of the ticket; keep it and ask the appropriate counter. The evening transport guide is useful when the revised day starts to run late.

Information checked: October 6, 2026.

Official information
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