Odakyu Romance Car Guide – Kanagawa 2026
Overview
Location and Routes
The Romance Car operates on the Odakyu Odawara Line and Enoshima Line, connecting Shinjuku Station to major destinations in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Main Routes
Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
- Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
- Distance: 82.5 km
- Stops: Major stations including Machida, Hon-Atsugi, and Odawara
- Best for: Hot spring resorts, mountain scenery
Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima
- Duration: Approximately 65 minutes
- Distance: 50.0 km
- Stops: Direct service with limited stops
- Best for: Beach access, Enoshima Island, aquarium
Shinjuku to Odawara
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
- Distance: 82.5 km
- Stops: Express service with limited stops
- Best for: Odawara Castle, gateway to Hakone
Seasonal Variations
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom views along the route
- Increased service during hanami season
- Popular for day trips to Hakone Summer (June-August)
- Beach-bound passengers to Enoshima
- Extra services during Obon holidays
- Air conditioning essential
Autumn (September-November)
- Fall foliage viewing from train windows
- Comfortable temperatures for travel
- Popular for Hakone hot springs
Winter (December-February)
- Clear views of Mount Fuji on sunny days
- Fewer crowds, easier reservations
- Cozy onboard atmosphere
Train Types and Features
GSE (70000 Series) – Graceful Super Express
The GSE is the newest Romance Car, featuring a panoramic front view and modern design. Key Features:
- Capacity: 468 seats across 6 cars
- Length: 100 meters
- Speed: Up to 110 km/h
- Special Feature: Panoramic front observation seats (first car)
Onboard Amenities:
- Reclining seats with leg rests
- AC power outlets at every seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms in cars 2, 4, and 6
- Vending machines for drinks Best For:
- Scenic views (front observation seats)
- Comfortable long-distance travel
- Photography enthusiasts
MSE (60000 Series) – Multi Super Express
The MSE offers through-service to Tokyo Metro lines, convenient for passengers from central Tokyo. Key Features:
- Capacity: 402 seats across 6 cars
- Length: 100 meters
- Speed: Up to 110 km/h
- Special Feature: Direct access to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Onboard Amenities:
- Reclining seats with tray tables
- AC power outlets at window seats
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restrooms in cars 2 and 5
- Luggage storage areas Best For:
- Passengers from Tokyo Metro lines
- Business travelers
- Convenient transfers
VSE (50000 Series) – Vista Super Express (Retired)
The VSE was the iconic double-decker Romance Car, retired in 2022 but fondly remembered. Historical Note:
- Service Period: 1996-2022
- Special Feature: Double-decker observation car
- Legacy: Inspired current GSE design
Reservation Methods
Online Reservation
Odakyu Official Website:
- Visit the Odakyu Romance Car reservation page
- Select departure station, destination, and date
- Choose train type and departure time
- Select seats from the seat map
- Complete payment with credit card Payment Methods:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX)
- Some foreign-issued cards accepted
- Payment confirmation via email
Advance Booking:
- Reservations open 1 month in advance
- Popular dates fill quickly (weekends, holidays)
- Same-day reservations possible if seats available
Station Counter Reservation
Major Stations:
- Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center)
- Machida Station
- Hon-Atsugi Station
- Odawara Station Process:
- Visit the ticket counter or vending machine
- Request Romance Car tickets
- Specify train type, date, and time
- Pay with cash or card
- Receive printed tickets Language Support:
- English-speaking staff at Shinjuku
- Multilingual vending machines
- Translation apps recommended
Vending Machine Reservation
Available At:
- All major Odakyu stations
- Some convenience stores Process:
- Select “Limited Express” on screen
- Choose English language
- Select route and date
- Choose seats from display
- Insert payment
- Collect tickets
Pricing and Tickets
Base Fare + Limited Express Fee
Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto:
- Base Fare: 1,140 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,230 yen
- Total: 2,370 yen (one way)
Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima:
- Base Fare: 970 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,030 yen
- Total: 2,000 yen (one way)
Shinjuku to Odawara:
- Base Fare: 1,140 yen
- Limited Express Fee: 1,230 yen
- Total: 2,370 yen (one way)
Discount Passes
*Hakone Free PaPass
- Includes round-trip Romance Car from Shinjuku
- Unlimited transport in Hakone area
- Discounts at attractions and restaurants
- Price: 6,100 yen (2 days), 6,500 yen (3 days)
Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass:
- Includes round-trip Romance Car from Shinjuku
- Unlimited transport in Enoshima/Kamakura
- Discounts at temples and shops
- Price: 3,000 yen (1 day)
Odakyu Rail Pass (for foreign visitors):
- Discounted Romance Car tickets
- Available at travel agencies abroad
- Valid for 14 days from purchase
Onboard Experience
Seating Comfort
Seat Specifications:
- Width: 460 mm (wider than regular trains)
- Pitch: 1,000 mm (generous legroom)
- Recline: Up to 15 degrees
- Features: Headrests, armrests, tray tables
Seat Types:
- Standard Seats: Comfortable reclining seats
- Observation Seats: Front-row panoramic views (GSE only)
- Group Seats: Some cars have facing seats
Other Accessibility Features:
- Priority seating for elderly and disabled
- Visual and audio announcements
- Braille signage in trains
Luggage Storage
Onboard Storage:
- Overhead racks for small bags
- Luggage areas at car ends
- Maximum 2 large bags per passenger
- No additional fee for luggage
Size Limits:
- Large bags: Up to 160 cm total dimensions
- Small bags: Fit in overhead racks
- Oversized items: Contact Odakyu in advance
Tips
From my own visits, the advice that saved me the most time was simple: arrive before the peak hours, download an offline map before you leave the station, and build in a backup plan for rainy weather. Many spots in Kanagawa get busy by mid-morning, so an early start usually means shorter queues and better photos.
Conclusion
exploring Kanagawa can be as relaxed or as packed as you want it to be, and I have found that the best visits leave room for both planning and spontaneity. During my visit I went with a rough plan and found that leaving room to wander made the trip far more memorable. Use this guide to sort out the logistics in advance, then let the day surprise you — Kanagawa rewards travelers who stay curious.