Hakone Tozan Line, Mountain railway in Hakone, Japan
The Hakone Tozan Line is a mountain railway in Hakone connecting Odawara Station with Gora Station over 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) through forested mountains. The route climbs more than 445 meters (1,460 feet) and crosses narrow valleys and gorges, stopping at six intermediate stations.
Construction of the route finished in 1919, making it Japan's first electrified mountain railway for passenger service. Engineers used techniques from the Swiss Alps to manage the steep slope sections.
The railway takes its name from Mount Hakone and the word Tozan, which literally means mountain climbing and describes the steep route. Passengers often share seats with hikers and hot spring visitors heading to resorts at higher elevations.
Trains run every 15 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto, and the full journey to Gora takes 40 minutes. Seats on the right side often provide better views of the valleys during the climb.
The route uses three switchbacks to handle the steep grade, requiring trains to reverse direction during the ascent. Drivers change their position from front to back of the train at each switchback point.
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