When you take a day trip to Hakone, riding the aerial gondola is a must-do adventure. It offers a thrilling birds-eye view of smoking volcanic valleys and majestic mountains. However, this famous attraction hides some truly surprising secrets. Let us look into the fascinating history and world records of the famous Hakone Ropeway.
Today, thousands of international travelers enjoy the stunning views from the gondola. However, the volcanic valley below looked very different in the past. For centuries, local people called this area “Odaigoku” or “Great Hell.” The bare ground, thick sulfur smoke, and boiling water created a scary landscape.
The name changed dramatically in 1873 due to a royal visit. Emperor Meiji and the Empress decided to visit Hakone for a relaxing retreat. Consequently, local officials faced a big problem. They realized that welcoming the Emperor to a place called “Hell” was deeply disrespectful. Therefore, they quickly renamed the valley “Owakudani,” which means the Great Boiling Valley!
Decades after losing its scary name, the valley became home to a world-class attraction. The modern ropeway transformed how people explore the mountains. In fact, it became so popular that it made international history.
In 2009, the Guinness World Records officially recognized the Hakone Ropeway. It won the title for the highest number of annual passengers in the gondola and lift category. Remarkably, it broke its own world record just two years later. In 2011, the ropeway carried an incredible 2,225,379 passengers in a single year! Today, it remains one of the most successful and loved aerial rides on the planet.
Want to ride this world-record aerial gondola?
Gliding over a former “hell” on a world-record-breaking ride is an unforgettable experience. However, planning the transfers between trains, buses, and ropeway stations in Hakone can be stressful for international travelers.
Fortunately, our JGL premium bus tours make your journey completely seamless. We take you straight from central Tokyo to Hakone. Furthermore, we handle all the ticketing and logistics for you. You can simply relax in our comfortable bus, hop onto the legendary Hakone Ropeway, and enjoy the breathtaking volcanic scenery. Click below to check our availability and book your stress-free adventure today!
Visit our official tour page to reserve your exciting day trip from Tokyo.
