Hakone Tozan Railway

Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan's oldest mountain railway, is one of the most recommended attractions in Hakone area. The small trains wind themselves through a narrow, densely wooded valley over lots of bridges and tunnels, stopping at tiny stations along the way and changing directions at three switchbacks. 

The Hakone Tozan Line contains two sections. The lower section from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto is used by Odakyu trains from central Tokyo like ordinary trains. Far more spectacular is the upper section from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, which is served by the small mountain trains. At Gora, many travelers transfer to the cablecar for Lake Ashi. 

The 35 minute train ride from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora is especially outstanding in June and July when thousands of hydrangea are in bloom along the tracks and are illuminated during the evenings. The flowers are usually best around the beginning of July and can be seen from the trains and around the stations.