Soun-zan Station: A Must-Visit Mountain Hub with Breathtaking Views and Free Footbaths

The Verdict

Soun-zan Station is more than just a transit point—it’s a destination in itself. This beautifully renovated mountain station at 757 meters elevation offers stunning panoramic views of Gora town and the Hakone outer mountains, plus a popular free footbath where you can soak your feet while enjoying the scenery. As the terminal station for the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and starting point for the Hakone Ropeway, it’s an essential stop on any Hakone journey. The station’s elegant design featuring yosegi-zaiku (Hakone marquetry) patterns, souvenir shops, and observation deck make it worth spending 30-45 minutes here. Pro tip from a local: During hydrangea season, the cable car route transforms into a magical purple corridor, and the fascinating switchback mechanism of the train is an engineering marvel worth experiencing!

Tourist Quick Check

Why Locals Love It

Soun-zan Station underwent a complete renovation in 2021, transforming it into a stylish mountain retreat that perfectly blends functionality with aesthetics. The second floor features cu-mo Hakone, a chic souvenir shop and drink stand, alongside the star attraction: a semi-circular free footbath with spectacular views. On clear days, you can see all the way to Sagami Bay while warming your tired feet.

The observation deck provides unobstructed views of the cable car route and the surrounding mountains. Sharp-eyed visitors can spot the large character “大” (dai) on Mount Myojogatake—similar to Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi, this is lit on fire during the Obon festival on August 16th. The station also features a yellow gondola near the ropeway platform, which is actually a maintenance vehicle that makes for great photo opportunities.

What makes this station special is its unique sloped platform for the cable car—the entire station floor is tilted, and even the train interior has stepped levels, creating a truly unusual experience you won’t find in most railway stations. The engineering is fascinating to observe, especially during the switchback sections of the route.

Key Highlights

• Free Footbath with Panoramic Views: Soak your feet at 757m elevation while overlooking Gora town and the Hakone mountains—completely free and incredibly relaxing
• Observation Deck: Stunning viewpoint offering vistas of the cable car route, outer mountains, and on clear days, Sagami Bay in the distance
• Unique Sloped Platform: Experience the fascinating tilted station design where both the floor and cable car interior are stepped to accommodate the steep mountain gradient
• cu-mo Hakone Shop: Browse local Hakone souvenirs and grab drinks in a beautifully designed space featuring yosegi-zaiku marquetry patterns
• Yellow Maintenance Gondola: Photo opportunity with the work gondola displayed near the ropeway platform
• Strategic Transit Hub: Perfect connection point between Hakone Tozan Cable Car (to/from Gora) and Hakone Ropeway (to Owakudani and Lake Ashi)
• Hydrangea Season Magic: June-July transforms the cable car route into a purple wonderland with blooming hydrangeas lining the tracks

Honest Warnings

• Footbath Wait Times: The free footbath is extremely popular and often has long queues. Seats tend to empty when cable cars depart, so timing your visit with departures can help. Be patient if you want to experience it.
• Weather-Dependent Views: The spectacular scenery is only visible on clear days. Fog, snow, or rain can completely obscure the view, leaving you staring at white mist. Check weather forecasts before planning to spend time at the observation deck.
• Cable Car Queues: Expect lines for the cable car, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Arriving early morning or later in the day can help avoid the worst crowds. The earliest and latest departures typically have shorter waits.
• Limited Seating: While the station is spacious, seating areas can fill up quickly during busy periods. If you’re planning to rest here between connections, arrive with time to spare.
• Steep Platform: The dramatically sloped platform is unique but can be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Take extra care when walking on the inclined surfaces.
• Temperature Changes: At 757m elevation, it’s noticeably cooler than lower Hakone areas. Bring a jacket even in summer, especially if planning to use the outdoor footbath.
• No Major Food Options: Only a drink stand is available—no substantial meals. Eat before arriving or plan to dine at your next destination.