Discover Hakone's Best Walking Tours: Top Trails, Guided Hikes, and Cultural Experiences
Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations, famous for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Its excellent accessibility from Tokyo, Japan's capital, is one of the reasons why it attracts tourists from both within Japan and abroad.
While being close to urban areas, Hakone offers its unique natural landscapes, including Lake Ashi (a caldera lake formed by the Hakone Volcano) and Owakudani, where you can still observe white volcanic fumes rising from the ground.
Hakone not only allows you to experience Mt. Fuji and its natural beauty but also features various tourist attractions, including historical sites that flourished as transportation routes between Tokyo and the former capital, Kyoto.
In this article, we'll introduce excellent value-for-money bus tours where you can enjoy these Hakone attractions with a guide.
Looking Forward to Hakone Walking Tours 2025: Japan's Top Tourist Destination Offers Comprehensive Walking Tours
Hakone, which is easily accessible from Tokyo and blessed with unique natural features, is gaining attention for its various guided tours that allow visitors to experience Hakone's nature and culture while visiting major tourist spots.
The tours' popularity stems from their convenience - first-time visitors to Hakone can enjoy sightseeing smoothly without getting lost on public transportation. Additionally, tours led by Hakone experts allow visitors to learn more deeply about Hakone's history and culture while sightseeing.
Be sure to check out the tours below that cover not only Mt. Fuji, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi, but also other attractive tourist destinations such as shrines and art museums.
Hakone in 1 Day
Source:Official website
Hakone in 1 Day is a guided tour that lets you select and enjoy several tourist attractions in Hakone, including major sightseeing spots like Owakudani and Hakone Shrine. As part of the upcoming Hakone walking tours 2025 program, this experience has been carefully curated for visitors.
On clear days, one of the most appealing aspects is the magnificent view of Mount Fuji - Japan's highest and most famous mountain - visible from both the Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise ships.
With knowledgeable guides who are experts on Hakone, the tour helps you efficiently experience your desired spots in Hakone within a short time frame.
This tour also offers an optional visit to Hakone's renowned hot springs. If you plan to use the hot springs, please remember to bring towels and a change of clothes.
・Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station
・Tour area: Hakone area
・Start time: Adjustable upon reservation
5 Recommended Hiking Tours to Enjoy Nature Around Hakone - Perfect for Trail Enthusiasts!
Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with Certified Mountain Guide
Source:Viator
The Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with certified mountain guide is a tour that explores the Hakone Hachiri, a historic transportation route that flourished about 400 years ago, while experiencing Hakone's nature and culture. "Hachiri" is a Japanese unit of length equivalent to approximately 32km, and this tour covers about 8km of the route. This historic trail will be featured prominently in the Hakone walking tours 2025 celebration.
One of the tour's highlights is visiting historic sites where travelers once stopped, including traditional teahouses and the Hakone Checkpoint, where travel permits were issued in the past.
Additionally, professional guides provide detailed explanations about Hakone Hachiri's history, allowing you to learn more about Hakone's history and culture than you would on a self-guided visit.
Since this tour includes approximately 8km of hiking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
・Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station
・Tour area: From Hakone-Yumoto Station through Hakone area to Mishima Station
・Start time: From 9:00
Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour
Source:Viator
The Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour, anticipated to be a highlight of Hakone walking tours 2025, offers an experience combining mountain climbing along Hakone's outer rim (somma) followed by Japanese cuisine and hot springs.
During this tour, you can enjoy seasonal natural scenery and spectacular Hakone views including Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani Valley.
As Hakone is surrounded by magnificent nature, it can be challenging for beginners to locate scenic spots like Mount Fuji and Owakudani on their own. This tour includes a professional guide who will show you the best viewpoints.
This tour is recommended for relatively fit individuals as it involves about 8-9 km of hiking, including a 90-minute climb to the summit of Hakone's outer rim. After hiking, you can rejuvenate with delicious Japanese food and Hakone's renowned high-quality hot springs.
・Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station
・Tour area: Hakone-Yumoto Station ~ Hakone Area ~ Hakone-Yumoto Station or Togendai Station
・Start time: 8:30~
Half Day Forest Bathing in Hakone Geopark
Source:Viator
The Half Day Forest Bathing in Hakone Geopark, a perfect addition to Hakone walking tours 2025, is a half-day tour exploring Hakone's nature and culture, including historic cobblestone paths and the 400-year-old Amazake-chaya Tea House.
On clear days, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Fuji from along Lake Ashi, which is a highlight of the tour.
At the historic Amazake-chaya, you can taste amazake, a traditional Japanese fermented beverage. Amazake is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink, making it suitable for children and non-drinkers.
While Hakone has many attractive tourist spots that might be difficult for beginners to cover even in a full day, this tour allows you to enjoy Hakone efficiently in half a day with an experienced guide leading you to the key attractions.
As this tour involves hiking through Hakone's forests, please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for weather conditions.
・Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station
・Tour area: Hakone-Yumoto Station ~ Hakone Area ~ Ends at Lake Ashi (Motohakone)
・Start time: 9:00~ or 12:30~
Hike Hakone Hachiri
Source: Viator
Hike Hakone Hachiri is a 12km hiking tour along the Hakone Hachiri section of the Tokaido, the historic route connecting Tokyo and the former capital, Kyoto. As one of the premier Hakone walking tours 2025 has to offer, this experience promises an authentic journey through history.
On this tour, you can experience spots where travelers of the past once visited, including the Amazake Chaya (sweet sake tea house), Hakone Checkpoint, and a magnificent row of 400-year-old ancient cedar trees. Other attractive highlights include the view of Mount Fuji from the Yamanaka Castle Ruins, built during the warring states period, and lunch by Lake Ashi with its iconic floating red torii gate.
The "Hakone Hachiri" has been designated as Japan Heritage, recognized for its importance in preserving Japanese culture and traditions. This guided tour, led by Hakone experts, offers a unique opportunity to explore these historic sites while learning about their rich history.
Why not join Hike Hakone Hachiri and experience what it was like to be a traveler on this route approximately 400 years ago?
- Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station or Odawara Station
- Tour area: Hakone-Yumoto Station or Odawara Station ~ Hakone area ~ Mishima Station
- Start time: From 8:30
Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour
Source: Viator
The Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Hakone's natural beauty. As part of the enhanced Hakone walking tours 2025 collection, this tour invites you to discover unique wild plants in the distinctive natural environment created by the Hakone volcano.
This tour's highlights include visits to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, home to approximately 1,700 species of wildlife, and the stunning Sengokuhara silver grass grassland, where golden Japanese silver grass stretches as far as the eye can see.
While offering a full experience of Hakone's nature, the tour takes only about 3.5 hours, making it perfect for visitors with limited time.
The Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour features relatively flat hiking trails, making it suitable for families with children.
- Meeting point: Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
- Tour area: Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands ~ Hakone Sengokuhara area ~ Togendai Station
- Start time: From 9:00
Private Tours Recommended for Families and Those Who Want to Enjoy at Their Own Pace
For families and those who wish to enjoy Hakone walking tours at their leisure, several private tour options are available as we approach 2025.
Hakone, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, offers numerous attractive sightseeing spots. The advantage of private tours is that you can focus on visiting the spots that interest you most. Additionally, private tours allow families with children to enjoy at their own comfortable pace.
Since each tour has different highlights and customizable points, please check the details below.
Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Source: Viator
The Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide is a customizable private tour where you can choose your preferred attractions from Hakone's many sightseeing spots.
You can create an itinerary selecting 3-4 locations from Hakone's representative attractions, such as the spectacular view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley with its active volcanic white smoke, and various art museums.
With so many attractive spots in Hakone, it's challenging to experience everything in one trip. This tour allows you to efficiently enjoy Hakone by focusing on must-visit locations in your personalized itinerary.
Since this tour is planned according to your preferred spots, please consult thoroughly with your assigned guide after booking to ensure an unforgettable Hakone experience.
- Meeting point: Accommodations in Hakone Town, Yugawara Town, Odawara City, or Manazuru Town
- Tour area: Hakone area
- Start times: 9:00~, 9:30~, 10:00~, 10:30~, 11:00~
Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide
Source: Viator
The Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide is a private tour focusing on spots with Mount Fuji views, such as Lake Ashi and Onshi Hakone Park, along with other premier Hakone attractions.
At Hakone Hachiri, you can experience Hakone's 400-year-old culture through spots like Amazake-chaya teahouse and the cedar-lined path that was planted to provide shade for travelers. On clear weather days, you can enjoy quintessential Hakone views of the red torii gate floating on Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background.
This tour offers an optional private open-air bath experience. Having private family time in the bath is a special privilege of private tours. The private bath allows foreign visitors who may be unfamiliar with onsen culture to enjoy the experience without worry.
After enjoying Hakone sightseeing, relax in the hot springs created by Hakone's volcanic activity.
- Meeting point: Hakone-Yumoto Station or accommodations in Hakone Town, Yugawara Town, Odawara City, or Manazuru Town
- Tour area: Hakone area
- Start time: 9:00~
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Private Tour with English Speaking Guide (Departing from Tokyo)
Source: Viator
The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Private Tour with English Speaking Guide is an exclusive tour that takes you to the most spectacular viewpoints in Yamanashi Prefecture and Hakone town, both renowned for their stunning views of Mt. Fuji. As we look forward to Hakone walking tours 2025, this tour offers a perfect preview of the region's most breathtaking locations.
For instance, Arakurayama Sengen Park has gained immense popularity among international visitors for its quintessentially Japanese landscape, where the majestic conical shape of Mt. Fuji harmoniously blends with a Five-storied pagoda. On clear days, you're guaranteed to capture photo-worthy scenes that look straight out of a painting.
This tour includes transportation from Tokyo, eliminating any concerns about arranging public transport. Beyond Mt. Fuji, the itinerary covers Hakone's major attractions, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the sightseeing experience.
Since the journey from Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture takes at least two hours one way, please ensure you're well-rested before participating in the tour.
- Meeting Point: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
- Tour Area: Tokyo City Center → Yamanashi/Hakone Area → Tokyo City Center
- Start Times: 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30
