Hakone Highlights Tour

Hakone Highlights Tour (10 hours)

The resort town of Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, lush natural beauty, and the view of nearby Mt Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for a break from Tokyo. Check out our extensive Hakone Highlights tour itinerary!

Hakone Highlights tour itinerary

There are several ways to get to Hakone, and depending on the location of your hotel, your guide will recommend the best one. These are the sights you will definitely see during this Hakone Highlights tour:

*Owakudani**: you will take the ropeway to this area that is nicknamed ‘Hell’s Valley’. Much of this area is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers can be experienced. A short walking trail (about ten minutes one way) leads from the ropeway station into the volcanic zone to a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. Here you can purchase eggs, cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are blackened by the sulfur and which are said to prolong one’s life by seven years. Additionally, Owakudani has good views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

*Lake Ashi: this lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the sightseeing boats cruising the lake. Note, however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer and in the early morning and late evening hours. We will board one of the pirate boats and see this beautiful lake, and hopefully catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji.

*Hakone Shrine: this mysterious-looking shrine stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. A path leads from the torii gate in Lake Ashi up a series of steps flanked by lanterns through the forest to the main building of the shrine, which sits peacefully among the tall trees. The shrine is beautiful throughout the year and is particularly breathtaking when shrouded in mist.

These are optional points of interest, which can be included and/or used as a replacement depending on circumstances, your preferences, and tempo:

*The Hakone Open-Air Museum: this is one of the most impressive modern art museums in Japan. It successfully attempts to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds in combination with beautiful views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Besides the sculptures, the Hakone Open-Air Museum features various indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso Collection, consisting of paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramic creations.

*Sengokuhara: these impressive pampas grass fields are especially interesting to see when the wind blows.

*Hiking a part of the old Tokaido road and its associated checkpoint for a historical feel.

*A drop-off at an onsen (hot spring)*** where you can try on a traditional Yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy the sauna and the indoor and outdoor pools. We can recommend a nice onsen for you, and drop you off at the reception desk. The guide will also explain to you how to get back to your hotel after you are finished.

**Please note that Owakudani and the cable car to get there are closed when the volcano is too active

***Please note that entrance to the onsen will not be included in the tour price.

Hakone Private Tour Language

In Hakone we offer private tours in the following language:

*English

More information

Some people ask us why they should book a private guide for Hakone, as the area is quite touristy and not too difficult to navigate. If you want a worry-free experience where you only have to follow the guide and enjoy the surroundings, a private guide who has been to Hakone numerous times is a good investment.

Besides, you can ask them all your burning questions about Japan and Japanese culture in general! Plus, if you are with 3 or more persons, it is often cheaper to do a private tour as opposed to booking a group bus tour.

For more information, inquiries, and bookings you can email us at [email protected] or click the ‘More information’ button