Question 1

What is the "Invalid Hakone Free Pass from unofficial sellers" scam in Hakone?

Accepted Answer

Touts or third-party sites sell Hakone Free Passes that are expired, the wrong region, or counterfeit, leaving you to pay again for buses, the ropeway, and the cruise. Buy the Hakone Free Pass only from official Odakyu counters (such as Shinjuku) or official machines.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced or non-covered Lake Ashi cruise tickets" scam in Hakone?

Accepted Answer

Touts sell Lake Ashi 'pirate ship' cruise tickets at a markup or for boats not covered by your pass, when the official sightseeing cruise is already included in the Free Pass. Board the official Hakone Sightseeing Cruise from the proper ports; the Free Pass covers it.

Tour & Activity Scams in Hakone

Invalid Hakone Free Pass from unofficial sellers

Overpriced or non-covered Lake Ashi cruise tickets

Experienced a scam here?