Sounzan Station (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sounzan Station?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: School-age children ride the cable car and ropeway like airborne fun rides, enjoy the fenced vista deck and snack lounge, but hot footbath and steep drops mean adults must stay within arm’s reach.
Positives:
- Family Facilities: Station has family toilets and a nursing room with hot-water tap and diaper trash.
- Stroller & Locker Rentals: You can rent strollers at the counter and store bags in coin lockers near the entrance.
- Free Rest Areas: Indoor benches and lounge areas let kids rest between rides.
Challenges:
- Temperature Drop: Higher elevation can feel cold; bring jackets and hats for kids.
- Ride Closures: Ropeway may close in strong winds or fog; check schedule before arrival.
- Footbath Heat: Hot onsen water may be too warm for little feet; supervise young children.
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 kids?
- Family-friendly cable car and ropeway rides through scenic mountain terrain.
- Safe observation deck and footbath to relax with kids.
- Convenient facilities: nursing room, family toilets, stroller rentals.
- Snacks and drinks at Cu-mo Shop keep energy up for young travelers.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for cable car and ropeway rides, deck views, footbath, and snack breaks without rushing the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sounzan Station
Ride the Hakone Tozan Cable Car:
Take the 10-minute ride from Gora to Sounzan through forested slopes.
Tip: Buy round-trip tickets or use the Free Pass for both adults and kids.
Hop on the Hakone Ropeway:
Board a gondola to Ōwakudani for valley steam vents and Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
Tip: Hold younger kids securely and check weather for best visibility.
Relax at the Cu-mo Hakone footbath:
Soak tired feet in warm onsen water on the second-floor deck.
Tip: Bring a small towel and supervise kids to avoid deep water.
Visit the observation deck:
Enjoy 360° views of Hakone’s mountains and Sagami Bay from the fenced platform.
Tip: Get there early to beat crowds and snap family photos.
Grab snacks at Cu-mo Shop:
Share cloud bread and local sweets with drinks from the cafe.
Tip: Try cloud bread and a smoothie; children love dipping into berry yogurt.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sounzan Station
- Use Hakone Free Pass: Cover both cable car and ropeway fares for adults and kids on one ticket.
- Visit Early: Arrive before 10am to avoid queues at ticket counters and popular decks.
- Pack Light: Carry only essentials to move quickly between cable car and ropeway platforms.
- Dress in Layers: Wear removable layers to adjust to changing mountain weather.
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 red and gold foliage, ideal for photos. Winter can be cold and windy—dress in layers and check ropeway times. Spring offers mild weather and cherry blossoms at lower stations.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cable Car round-trip (2 adults + 2 children) | JPY 2,460 |
| Ropeway round-trip (2 adults + 2 children) | JPY 7,500 |
| Cloud bread snacks (4 servings) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 10,960 |
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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