The Hakone Ropeway, which is an enclosed gondola, runs between Sōunzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) and Tōgendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashi), with stops at Ōwakudani and Ubako stations on the way. This was one of the most scenic gondola lifts I've been on. The ropeway's modern gondolas fit around a dozen people each and depart every minute, so you don't have to wait long. Traveling the full length of the ropeway (approx 1.5km) takes around 30 minutes. The most impressive feature is when you soar over the active, sulfuric hot springs of the Ōwakudani valley. On a good day you can even see Mount Fuji, unfortunately not the day that we were there. A transfer of gondolas is necessary at Ōwakudani, but no transfer is needed at Ubako. The ropeway is open between 9:00am and 4:45pm (but is closed during inclement weather). It will cost you ¥1,500 for a one-way trip and ¥2,500 for a round trip. The ropeway however is fully covered if you purchase a Hakone Free Pass. I thoroughly recommend the experience.

We were lucky with the weather and had reasonably good views of Mt. Fuji after disembarking from the cable car. The ropeway ride itself is mildly exciting, and passes over steaming sulpher vents on the way to the top. If the weather is cloudy, however, I would strongly recommend to skip the cablecar to the top; you won't see anything to warrant the expense.

We were lucky to visit Hakone during 2 perfectly clear days in mid April. The gondola AKA Ropeway was enjoying full visitor attendance when we reached the top around 2pm on our first day. We also enjoyed it more, early in the morning when it was much less crowded, we had the gondola to ourselves and more enjoyable! We enjoyed the trip twice because we purchased the Hakone & Kamakura 3 day pass from the Odakyu Site-seeing Centre. Worked out perfectly for us. On our clear days, we were graced with views of Mt Fuji, the sulfer craters and clear skies. Blessed we were! If the weather if fair, this is a must visit while in Hakone!

It was an option offered by the bus driver to take the Hakone Ropeway as there was quite heavy traffic building up as we were heading up the hill. It was on our own dime but we jumped at the chance. The ride was uneventful but the views were great. We recommend it if given the chance or opportunity.

The set up to get on and off with the Hakone Pass is very well done. the cars are clean and the staff are good at organizing people on and off the cars, On a good day it would be a great ride with plenty of views. Unfortunately for us the day we went it was not just over cast but the clouds were all around us so we just went through clouds with nothing to see at all.

Because it was going to rain the next day, we rushed over to the ropeway to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji (just barely but the best view of our entire stay). Thought it was a roundtrip ride so I didn't take as many pictures of the lake. The other family in our carriage was nice enough to take out photos and we did the same for them. The scenery was unique -- the steam rising from the ground, the sulphur smell but we didn't get to the black eggs. We stayed on the tram. It was a very scene ride.

Cloudy and rainy weather made it impossible to view anything but also meant it wasn’t crowded. They are efficient in getting people on and I never had to wait. Lots of signage so easy to follow. I enjoyed the concept of the loop. When you get in, sit by the window facing the views for best photos. If you sit in the middle or opposite side you won’t get as good of pictures.

The trip was fun. But on our day we lucked out as it was so cloudy and misty. Visibility was only metres. No views of Fuji and we could only smell the steam vents. We got the Hakone free pass which was worth it for travelling around the region.

Lovely views over the lake, unfortunately Mount Fuji was in cloud. It was really cold and windy at the top but it was worth being out there for the views of the sulphur mountain. There is a museum up there too which is quite interesting. Also a lovely little shop which has reasonably priced gifts.