Hakone Discovery

Why choose this activity?

• Get away from Tokyo for a day and explore Hakone’s volcanic landscapes, lakes, and mountains with a knowledgeable guide who helps you make sense of the region’s unique geography and history.
• Discover Hakone’s cultural highlights, from historic routes and shrines to traditional viewpoints, while learning stories that reveal the area’s deep connection to nature and travel in Japan.
• Enjoy a balanced and scenic day trip combining culture, nature, and relaxation, with iconic views, fresh mountain air, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the city.

A must-see nature stop between Tokyo and Kyoto

With its majestic view of Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of Japan's must-sees. A veritable artistic volcano with several museums, surrounded by nature. Hakone has always been a major stop on the ancient Tokaido route, which hikers still follow today. Its views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji inspired the greatest Japanese artists, such as Hiroshige.

This artistic tradition is preserved in the many museums in the area, including the Narukawa Museum, a treasure trove of Japanese art which offers a splendid view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi-no-ko in good weather. Another prime spot for overlooking the lake is Onshi-kôen Park, accessible via the old Tôkaidô road lined with century-old cedars. Your guide can arrange a mini-cruise on the lake from Hakone-machi village to Togendai.

Hakone, a spa town dotted with onsen

Hakone has the most famous onsen in Japan. Spending the night there is a unique experience. The entire ancient crater of Hakone is a haven of greenery and biodiversity, served by the Tozan Alpine Railway. Depending on the season, the area becomes a huge flower garden or a park with bright red leaves. The landscapes are reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's films.

If you want to be convinced, take the cable car to Sounzan with your guide, passing over the geyser fields of Ôwakudani, then the funicular to the village of Gôra. From there, take the mountain train to Hakone-Yumoto ("Hakone-the-springs"), its Tamadare waterfall and its traditional crafts. A breath of fresh air is guaranteed.

A flexible, personalised guided tour

As part of our discovery days, your guide will prepare the best itinerary for you, although we also offer the possibility of contacting your guide beforehand if you have specific requests (dietary restrictions, parts of the program you would like to discuss, etc.). You will also have lunch with your guide in a restaurant along the way, recommended by your guide, according to your preferences.

Additional Information

Included: 

- private guide

- guide's transportation, lunch and entrance fees

- Romancecar express seat reservation (round trip) for the train between Tokyo and Hakone

NOT included:

- your lunch

- temple and park entries for yourself

- local transportation

- basic train fare between Tokyo and Hakone

Meeting point: Your hotel or accommodation

Meeting time: 8 a.m.

Note about the train:

In Japan, express trains such as the Romancecar require two separate tickets: a basic train fare, and an express seat reservation.This tour includes the express seat reservation, but the basic train fare must be purchased separately.

To make it easier we recommend that you purchase a Hakone free pass which not only includes the basic fare but also all means of transportation in the area (including ropeway and cruise). We recommend that you purchase a Hakone free pass in order to have unlimited access to all means of transportation in Hakone.

Cancellation policy:

• Up to 7 days before: 0%.
• Between 7 days before and 17:00 of the previous day: 50%.
• After 17:00 of the previous day and same day: 100%.