2025.06.11
Ten Topis：”🚃 The Hydrangea Train — A Ride You Can’t Miss This Season!”
Every year from mid-June to mid-July, tens of thousands of hydrangeas bloom along the Hakone Tozan Railway, earning it the nickname “Hydrangea Train.” Thanks to the 400 m elevation difference along the line, you can enjoy a unique visual journey as the flowers bloom progressively from the lowlands to the mountaintops—what locals call the “elevation magic.”
🌸 Daytime Views: A Colorful Tunnel of Flowers
From Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, the train passes through lush greenery and colorful hydrangea blossoms that feel like a tunnel of petals.
Especially between Ōhiradai and Miyanoshita, the flowers grow close to the windows, creating a powerful and immersive view—perfect for photos!
🌙 Nighttime Magic: The Illuminated Yoru no Ajisai-go
From June 14 (Sat) to June 30 (Mon), 2025, special night lighting transforms the hydrangeas into glowing blooms.
The reserved-seat train Yoru no Ajisai-go (Night Hydrangea Train) slows down or stops at key spots like Miyanoshita and Tonosawa for photo ops.
Passengers also receive a free limited-edition fan and enjoy onboard commentary and ambient lighting.
🗻 Elevation-Based Viewing Guide
Station Best Viewing Time Highlights
Hakone-Yumoto Mid–Late June Earliest blooms, great access from Tokyo
Ōhiradai–Miyanoshita Late June–Early July Close-up hydrangeas through the window
Chōkoku-no-Mori–Gōra Early–Mid July Late blooms at high elevation, lasting beauty
📸 Imatetsu Highlights
Front & rear car views: Perfect for photos and videos of the steep gradients and switchbacks—especially thrilling in manual operation zones.
Sunset-to-Night Train Experience: The Allegra train offers a smooth transition from golden-hour colors to a glowing garden of light.
Beyond the Tracks: After arriving at Gōra, enjoy Hakone Gōra Park with hydrangea flower basins and themed drinks at the garden café.
🧭 Recommended Day Trip Plan
Start in the morning at Hakone-Yumoto
Take the daytime Hydrangea Train to explore Ōhiradai and Miyanoshita
Stop at Gōra to visit the park and relax at a café
End your journey with the Yoru no Ajisai-go for a romantic night ride
Return via Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara
🚄 Access Tip: Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku + Hakone Freepass for easy connections.
✅ Imatetsu Summary
🌿 Over 10,000 hydrangeas line the tracks—a unique seasonal combo of flowers and trains
🌄 The “elevation magic” lets you enjoy blooms over a full month
🎟️ Yoru no Ajisai-go offers a memorable night train experience
📷 Countless photo ops—from tight curves to flower tunnels and glowing lights
Even under the rainy skies, this floral train ride is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Don’t miss this limited-time journey—perfect for rail fans, flower lovers, and day-trippers alike. Tag your trip with #Imatetsu!
🔗 Reference Link
