Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
Overview
This is a wonderful tour for those that want to see some nature on a trip to Japan. With easy access to Tokyo, this is a perfect add-on to see a different part of Japan. Embark on a captivating three-day journey through Hakone, where each day unfolds with cultural discoveries and scenic hikes.
The first day commences with a picturesque route via the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara, leading to a Ryokan in Gora, where you can savour a traditional Japanese accommodation option. The day's highlights include visits to the Hakone Museum of Art, an ascent to the active volcano Sounzan, a ropeway ride over Owakudani's volcanic crater, and a serene cruise across Lake Ashinoko.
Your second day offers a 12km hiking adventure, exploring Chisuji Falls, Hawk's Nest summit, Flying Dragon Falls, and the Old Tokaido Foot Highway.
The third day continues the exploration, beginning at Hakone Shrine and leading through cedar-lined paths to Yamanaka Castle ruins. The journey concludes with a return to Tokyo or onward to Kyoto, encapsulating a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty in the heart of Hakone.
Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour Overview
This is a wonderful tour for those that want to see some nature on a trip to Japan. With easy access to Tokyo, this is a perfect add-on to see a different part of Japan. Embark on a captivating three-day journey through Hakone, where each day unfolds with cultural discoveries and scenic hikes.
The first day commences with a picturesque route via the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara, leading to a Ryokan in Gora, where you can savour a traditional Japanese accommodation option. The day's highlights include visits to the Hakone Museum of Art, an ascent to the active volcano Sounzan, a ropeway ride over Owakudani's volcanic crater, and a serene cruise across Lake Ashinoko.
Your second day offers a 12km hiking adventure, exploring Chisuji Falls, Hawk's Nest summit, Flying Dragon Falls, and the Old Tokaido Foot Highway.
The third day continues the exploration, beginning at Hakone Shrine and leading through cedar-lined paths to Yamanaka Castle ruins. The journey concludes with a return to Tokyo or onward to Kyoto, encapsulating a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty in the heart of Hakone.
Enjoy the cultural discoveries such as visiting the Hakone Museum of Art and cultural sites like Hakone Shrine, Yamanaka Castle ruins, and Mishima Skywalk.
Embark on scenic hikes to see the natural wonders such as Chisuji Falls, Hawk's Nest summit, Flying Dragon Falls, the active volcano Sounzan.
Enjoy a serene cruise across Lake Ashinoko, a picturesque experience that adds a touch of tranquility and natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in the unique experience of staying in a traditional Ryokan in Gora, appreciating the tranquility of the natural surroundings and hot springs.
Trip map for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
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Itinerary for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
Arrival, Hakone Museum of Art and other activities
On Day 1, make your own travel arrangements to depart from Tokyo Station on Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama #713 at 09:27, reaching Odawara Station by 10:00. Look for your guide at the station exit and use a local train to reach Gora, followed by a short walk to your ryokan. Drop off your luggage at the ryokan around noon and return to Gora cable car station for a light lunch at a nearby cafe. Explore the Hakone Museum of Art, offering a succinct overview of Japanese culture spanning 6,000 years, complete with a tea house. Take a cable car to the top of the Sounzan active volcano and a ropeway across the active volcanic crater Owakudani. Enjoy a brief cruise across crater Lake Ashinoko to Moto Hakone and choose your return mode—bus, train, or a walk to Gora. Arrive at Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka Ryokan around 5 pm for a two-night stay. Have dinner and relax in the ryokan's hot springs.
Hike to Chisuji Falls and the Old Tokaido Foot Highway
On Day 2 in Hakone, start with breakfast at your ryokan. Expect a total walking distance of around 12 km. At 8:00 am, meet your guide in the lobby of Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka, ready for a hike. Walk approximately 30 minutes from your accommodation to the hike's starting point in Kowakudani. Grab sandwiches and snacks from a convenience store for a picnic lunch on the trail. By 8:30 am, reach Chisuji Falls, with a one-hour ascent to the summit of Hawk’s Nest, passing Flying Dragon Falls, and enjoying a riverside picnic. Take a bus to the starting point of the afternoon hike, the Old Tokaido Foot Highway (Hakone Hachiri). This 3 km uphill and downhill hike lets you ascend the concave slope of Hakone volcano before descending into Hakone caldera. Along the way, visit Amazake Teahouse, serving Tokaido walkers for 13 generations. Buses and trains will take you back to your Gora accommodation, arriving around 5:30 pm, where you will stay at Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka ryokan.
Hike to Yamanaka Castle ruins and Mishima Skywalk
On Day 3, commence your exploration at 8:00 am by meeting your guide in the lobby of Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka for a hike. Send your larger luggage to Hakone Yumoto for convenience. Take a bus or train to the starting point of today's hike, the renowned Hakone Shrine with its iconic red torii gates on the lake. Purchase sandwiches and snacks en route for a trailside picnic. Traverse the Old Tokaido Highway, enveloped by a cedar avenue boasting towering 400-year-old cedars, passing by Hakone Checkpoint and continuing the journey to Yamanaka Castle ruins and Mishima Skywalk. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the route. Utilize local buses and trains to reach Yumoto, retrieve your larger luggage, and then take a train to Odawara. Make your own arrangements for the Shinkansen back to Tokyo or onwards to Kyoto.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only and the prices depend on the size of your group.
- Group of 2-3: $1,675USD per person
- Group of 4-5: $1,275USD per person
- Group of 6-7: $1,150USD per person
- Group of 8: $1,075USD per person
Please note that this tour is not available on these dates: Jan 1~10, April 1~May10, August 10~20, October 1~November 10.
What’s included for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
Meals
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included via public transport throughout the tour (as a Hakone Freepass), however, you are in charge of getting to the meeting point on the first day and departing arrangements after tour concludes on the last day.
Also included
- Guiding services
- Excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Local transportation during the tour
- Tea at Amazake Teahouse
Not Included
- Transportation outside of itinerary, such as flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrade
- Upgrade accommodation to local ryokan
Accommodation for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
This tour is based in traditional ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn or guesthouse that typically features a distinctive and immersive experience. Ryokans often showcase traditional Japanese architecture, furnishings, and hospitality, providing guests with a glimpse into Japanese culture and customs. Some common features of ryokans include tatami-matted rooms, sliding doors (fusuma), communal baths (onsen), and traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour
How hard is the Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. The routes are relatively easy and suitable for the beginners, however, you should feel comfortable walking around 12 km daily.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour?
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover activities listed in this tour. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Hakone to start this tour?
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama #713 from Tokyo Station at 09:27 and get off at Atami Station at 10:10 to start your tour.
Is the Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Hakone Hiking and Culture Tour end?
The tour ends in Hakone.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Japan?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Japan?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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