Hakone's Summer Tradition: Special Train to Enjoy Illuminated Hydrangeas to Operate Again This Year! Reserved Seat 'Night Hydrangea Train' to Run from Saturday, June 13

Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Hidehiro Mizukami) will operate the special reserved seat train 'Night Hydrangea Train' from Saturday, June 13, 2026, to Tuesday, June 30, 2026. In conjunction with the operation of the 'Night Hydrangea Train,' hydrangea illuminations along the Hakone Tozan Line will be held from Friday, June 12. During this season, the Hakone Tozan Railway is affectionately known as the 'Hydrangea Train' because hydrangeas bloom profusely along the line, allowing passengers to enjoy them so closely that they almost touch the train windows. The 'Night Hydrangea Train' is a special reserved seat train where you can enjoy the illuminated hydrangeas blooming along the line. The train will repeatedly slow down and stop at scenic spots, allowing you to leisurely admire the hydrangeas from the dimly lit interior. During stops at Miyanoshita Station or Tōnosawa Station, you will have the opportunity to alight the train and take photos with the hydrangeas and the train in the background. This year, compared to last year, the number of lights has been increased in some areas, allowing you to enjoy the hydrangeas even more from the train windows. Details of the 'Night Hydrangea Train' and the hydrangea illuminations are as follows: View from the 'Night Hydrangea Train' window (image) 1. About the Reserved Seat Train 'Night Hydrangea Train' (1) Operating Period: Saturday, June 13, 2026 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (2) Operating Section: Hakone-Yumoto Station – Gōra Station *No boarding or alighting at intermediate stations. (3) Operating Vehicle: Allegra train (4) Operating Times (5) Seat Ticket Sales Start Date and Time: From 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (6) How to Purchase Seat Tickets: Reservations and purchases are accepted on the internet sales site. Please check the tourist information site 'Hakone Navi' (https://www.hakonenavi.jp/topic/16436/) for details. *Phone reservations are not accepted. (7) Seat Fare: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen (one way) *A separate basic fare is required for boarding. (8) Enjoyments of the 'Night Hydrangea Train' ① For trains bound for Gōra, a photo opportunity is provided at 'Miyanoshita Station'; for trains bound for Hakone-Yumoto, at 'Tōnosawa Station'. ② In illuminated sections, the train's interior lights will be dimmed, and the train will slow down or stop, allowing you to leisurely admire the hydrangeas. ③ As a souvenir, an original Hydrangea Train fan will be presented. 2. About Hydrangea Illuminations (1) Period: Friday, June 12, 2026 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (2) Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM 3. Characteristics of Hydrangeas Along the Tozan Railway Line The Hakone Tozan Railway has an altitude difference of over 400 meters from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gōra Station, and the best viewing period for hydrangeas gradually shifts from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gōra Station, making the viewing season long. To allow everyone using the Tozan Railway to enjoy the hydrangeas along the line, staff meticulously maintain them throughout the year. In recent years, efforts such as measures against deer damage and planting new varieties of hydrangeas are carried out daily to preserve the beautiful scenery. History of the Hakone Hydrangea Train Around 1973: Railway staff voluntarily began planting hydrangeas. 1976: 'Line Beautification Committee,' a volunteer organization by railway staff, was established. Around 1985: Many plantings along the line were developed, and the name 'Hydrangea Train' became generally established. 1994: Illumination and reserved seat train 'Night Hydrangea Train' began operation. 2010: Received the '1st Kanagawa Tourism Grand Prize (Tourism Promotion Category)' from Kanagawa Prefecture. 4. Inquiries Odakyu Hakone Co., Ltd. Railway Department TEL. 0465-32-6823 (Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)