Sounzan Station (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Sounzan Station?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers enjoy the panoramic deck, quiet lounge seats with USB charging, and easy ropeway links, so they can linger or move on freely without coordination worries.
Positives:
- Seamless Transfers: Cable car and ropeway share the same station building—no extra walk between lines.
- Free Amenities: Enjoy complimentary USB charging, lounge seating, and footbath without extra fees.
Challenges:
- Weather-Dependent Views: Fog or rain can block views—check forecasts and aim for clear days.
- Early Closing Times: Footbath ends at 16:00 and ropeway at 16:45 (winter hours may vary)—plan accordingly.
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 solo trip?
- Seamless cable car–ropeway transfer under one roof
- Free USB charging, lounge seating, and hot footbath
- Panoramic views of Owakudani steam vents and Mt. Fuji
- Local snacks and unique souvenirs at Cu-mo Shop
- Easy solo exploration with clear signage and seating
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for the cable car and ropeway rides, a footbath break, deck views, and a snack at Cu-mo Shop.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Sounzan Station
Ride the Hakone Ropeway:
Board at Sounzan for a 30 min journey over steaming Owakudani valley to Togendai.
Tip: Sit on the right side for best views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Relax on the Observation Deck:
Step onto the open‐air deck on 2F lounge for panoramic views of Gora town and Sagami Bay.
Tip: Visit around sunrise or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
Soak in the Footbath:
Dip your feet in Gora Onsen water at the free footbath near the deck.
Tip: Bring a small towel from your daypack to dry off afterward.
Use the Charging Station:
Charge your phone or camera at the USB station near the elevator on 2F.
Tip: Carry your own cable to avoid borrowing or waiting.
Grab a Snack at Cu-mo Shop:
Try cloud bread or a New Bell smoothie before or after your ride.
Tip: Order early (10:00–11:00) to avoid the midday queue.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sounzan Station
- Buy a Hakone Free Pass: Save on cable car and ropeway fares if you plan additional Hakone travel.
- Arrive at Opening: Get to Sounzan by 9:00 to avoid crowds and catch the first ropeway departure.
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 shows vivid red and gold foliage from the ropeway. Winter mornings bring clearer skies but chilly deck winds—bring layers. Spring wildflowers dot the cable car route. Summer haze clears by mid-morning—aim for first rides.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Hakone Tozan Cable Car (round-trip) | JPY 820 |
| Hakone Ropeway (round-trip) | JPY 2,500 |
| Snack at Cu-mo Shop | JPY 500 |
| Small souvenir from shop | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,320 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Sounzan Station (Hakone)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities