Sounzan Station (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Sounzan Station?
What makes it 76% Baby-Friendly: Infants are welcome thanks to a nursing room, elevator access, stroller rental, and wide toilets, yet the open deck can be windy and ropeway stroller rules vary, so check with staff before boarding.
Positives:
- Accessible Facilities: Elevator access and barrier-free toilets accommodate strollers easily.
- Baby-Friendly Amenities: Nursing room, baby chairs, and diaper bins are free to use.
- Scenic Family Rides: Cable car and ropeway offer gentle, stroller-friendly journeys.
Challenges:
- Fog and Low Clouds: Mountain mist can block views—check weather forecast.
- Hot Footbath Warning: Footbath water is too hot for infants—avoid this area with a baby.
- Stroller Restrictions: Ropeway policies on strollers vary—confirm before travel.
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 with baby?
- Gentle cable car ride through forest ideal for strollers.
- Elevator-accessible deck with panoramic valley and lake views.
- Private nursing room with hot-water tap ensures easy feeding.
- Stroller-friendly gondolas on the ropeway (confirm ahead).
- Rest area benches and baby chairs for quick breaks.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows the family to enjoy cable car, ropeway rides and feeding breaks without rushing
Baby-Friendly Activities in Sounzan Station
Hakone Tozan Cable Car ride:
Take the 10-minute cable car from Gora to Sounzan through forested slopes.
Tip: Bring the stroller or baby carrier; board at the front car for more space.
Observation Deck:
Enjoy valley and lake views from the free deck on the 2nd floor.
Tip: Use the elevator with stroller; go early for clear views.
Nursing Room visit:
Use the private room on the 1st floor for feeding and diaper changes.
Tip: Bring formula or milk; the hot-water tap makes bottles easy.
Hakone Ropeway journey:
Ride the gondola from Sounzan to Owakudani for volcanic scenery.
Tip: Confirm stroller policy at the ticket counter before boarding.
Relax in the Lounge:
Sit on wood benches in the Cu-mo Hakone area for a snack break.
Tip: Buy a drink or small snack at the shop to share.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sounzan Station
- Use the Hakone Free Pass: Cover both cable car and ropeway fares to save money.
- Visit Early: Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and get better views.
- Pack Light Snacks: Buy small treats at Cu-mo shop and take breaks on the benches.
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 brings colorful foliage visible from cable car and deck; winter mornings are misty—go after 10 AM; summer remains cool but bring sun hats.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hakone Tozan Cable Car (round-trip) | JPY 820 |
| Hakone Ropeway (round-trip) | JPY 2,500 |
| Postcard & stamp | JPY 200 |
| Coin locker | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,720 |
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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