Sounzan Station (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Sounzan Station?
What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples get romantic mountain-and-bay vistas, a two-person footbath soak, cute shared snacks, and a postcard mailbox, making the stop a scenic, memorable pause on the Hakone loop.
Positives:
- Scenic Transfers: Sounzan Station connects the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and Ropeway for smooth mountain travel.
- Relaxing Amenities: Free deck and footbath let couples share quiet moments without extra cost.
Challenges:
- Limited Footbath Space: The footbath seats fill quickly on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.
- Weather-Dependent Views: Cloud cover can hide Mt Fuji and distant bay views, so check the forecast before visiting.
What is Sounzan Station?
- A mountain transport hub where the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gora meets the Hakone Ropeway to Ōwakudani
- Situated at 767 meters on Mount Soun’s slopes, it transitions rail travellers from steep gauge tracks to aerial gondolas
- A modern station complex with open-air platforms and timber-accented architecture integrated into the volcanic landscape
What is so special about Sounzan Station for couple trip?
- Panoramic mountain and bay vistas from the open-air deck.
- Shared hot spring footbath for two at no extra charge.
- Scenic ropeway ride with opportunities to spot Mt Fuji.
- Fun keepsake: send a postcard from the giant mailbox.
- Local snacks and drinks to share at Cu-mo Hakone cafe.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for photos, a shared footbath, snacks and ropeway tickets without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Sounzan Station
Observation Deck:
Walk onto the open-air deck on level 2 at Cu-mo Hakone for panoramic views of Gora town, the surrounding peaks and, on clear days, Sagami Bay.
Tip: Go after 9:00 when it's less crowded. Bring a light jacket; it can be breezy at height.
Shared Footbath:
Soak your feet together in warm Gora Onsen water at the footbath near the deck.
Tip: Arrive before 16:00 when it closes. Keep a small towel to dry your feet.
Hakone Ropeway Ride:
Board the ropeway at Sounzan for a 30-minute journey to Ōwakudani, watching the valley and distant peaks change with altitude.
Tip: Use a Hakone Free Pass to skip ticket lines and save on fares. Sit on the right side for better Mt Fuji views.
Giant Mailbox Postcard:
Buy an original postcard and drop it in the 4 m white mailbox for a memorable keepsake.
Tip: Stamp cost is included (200 ¥ domestic, +10 ¥ overseas). Write and mail it right after you buy.
Local Snacks at Cu-mo Shop:
Share cloud bread (kumopan), a New Bell smoothie or premium coffee at the on-site cafe.
Tip: Order by 10:30 to avoid mid-day queues. Try the limited-edition seasonal sweets.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sounzan Station
- Visit Weekday Mornings: Less crowd and better views. Aim for just after 9:00 opening.
- Use Hakone Free Pass: Includes ropeway fare and cable car, offering cost savings and fast-track boarding.
- Pack Light: Locker fees apply; carry only essentials to skip storage costs and save time.
Reviews of Sounzan Station
Nguyen Lam Vuong
Nice station and the end of the ropeway. You can have free foot-bath in hot water here. The view is beautiful. Can take the cable car down to Gora station.
S L Chong
We were at this station after taking the funicular train from Gora Station. We got on board the cable car which goes up to the Hakone area. The view is scenic and we could see the volcano with sulphur mines from the cable car.
Ran Alexander
Sounzan Station's ropeway offered a breathtaking, snowy panorama, a rare March spectacle. The world transformed into a white wonderland, the normally verdant slopes blanketed in pristine snow. The aerial view revealed a landscape of frosted trees and snow-covered peaks, a serene and majestic sight. The ropeway ascended through the silent, snow-laden air, offering a unique perspective on this unexp...
D C
Better station to start off with with free parking. Limited parking so come early or later. If u go to Kuwadani station, there will be jam going to carpark as it’s the main geothermal attraction and u will be stuck if u didn’t check google maps
Alex Orchilles
Awesome cable car that gets you from one side of the mountain to the other. Beautiful views all around, definitely recommend it if you're in town.
When is the best time to visit Sounzan Station (Hakone, Japan)?
Autumn paints the surrounding maples in red, enhancing views from the deck. In winter mornings, clear skies often reveal Mt Fuji.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hakone Ropeway round-trip tickets (2) | JPY 5,000 |
| Cloud bread (kumopan) | JPY 250 |
| New Bell smoothies (2) | JPY 1,500 |
| Postcard and domestic stamp | JPY 200 |
| Premium coffees (2) | JPY 920 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,870 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Sounzan Station
Address: Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
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