The steepest railway in Japan, a mountain cog line that climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora through a series of three switchbacks, reversing direction twice to gain the altitude. The 15 km journey takes about 40 minutes and passes through cedar forest, past mountain streams and waterfalls, and — in the right season — through tunnels of hydrangea blooms. The 1,000 hydrangea plants along the track are one of the best train window views in Japan in June.
The switchback system dates from the line's opening in 1919. The older wooden carriages used on the line are charming relics. Covered by the Hakone Free Pass.