Explore Hakone: Top 10 Scenic Bus Tours for an Unforgettable Japanese Adventure
Hakone, shaped by volcanic activity over many years, is a hot spring region rich in natural features including mountains and lakes. Located about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, it has become a popular destination for those seeking an easily accessible hot spring getaway.
Due to the close proximity between Hakone and Mt. Fuji, it's recommended to visit both locations together. Immerse yourself in the power of nature as you take in the scenery of verdant Hakone and the majestic Mt. Fuji.
In this article, we'll introduce bus tours for Hakone tours 2025 around Hakone and Mt. Fuji areas, accompanied by English-proficient guides. All tours offer excellent value for money, ensuring a satisfying travel experience.
Bus Tours Are Recommended for an Easy and Cost-Effective Way to Enjoy the Hakone Area!
While you can reach Hakone and Mt. Fuji areas by bullet train, using highway buses allows for a more economical travel experience.
If you plan to use public transportation independently, you'll need to research various information. Bus tours have predetermined transportation and destinations, making them ideal for first-time visitors to Hakone to enjoy their tour with peace of mind.
Leave the schedule management to the guides and drivers, and savor relaxing moments amid the vast natural surroundings.
3 Recommended Day Bus Tours to Fully Enjoy Hakone with Round-Trip Transportation from Tokyo
We'll introduce bus tours heading to Hakone and Mt. Fuji from Tokyo. Spend time connecting with nature and experiencing moments of relaxation.
FANTASTIC FUJI & HAKONE 1 Day Bus Tour
Source:Official website
Join us on a bus tour exploring Mount Fuji, designated as a World Heritage Site in 2013 and Japan's most iconic mountain, along with Hakone, a region blessed with magnificent natural landscapes.
Visit an elevation of approximately 2,300m and witness the majestic Mount Fuji towering before you, along with spectacular views of Owakudani, a massive valley formed by volcanic activity around 3,000 years ago. At Owakudani, ride the ropeway to observe the dynamic scenery of steam vents and sulfur emissions. The experience will give you an exciting sense of adventure.
The tour concludes with a cruise on Lake Ashinoko in Hakone. This comprehensive tour allows you to fully appreciate the stunning views of both Mount Fuji and Hakone. Please note that tour contents may change depending on weather conditions, as Mount Fuji's weather can be unpredictable. You can optionally choose to return by bullet train.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Matsuya Ginza (In front of Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit A13) or the "LOVE" statue in front of "i-Land tower" in Shinjuku
Tour areas: Mount Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashinoko, Owakudani
Start time: 7:20 am (Ginza) • 7:50 am (Shinjuku)
Mt. Fuji 5th Station and Hakone Day Tour from Tokyo
This tour features round-trip highway bus transportation, visiting the same destinations as the previous tour: Mt. Fuji 5th station, Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Ropeway, and Owakudani. This Hakone tours 2025 option is perfect for those who have extra time and wish to enjoy the scenery during transit at a more relaxed pace.
If Mount Fuji's weather is unfavorable, the tour will visit "Oshino Hakkai," a World Heritage site. Here, you'll find eight beautiful ponds fed by Mount Fuji's spring water. This bus tour ensures satisfaction even on rainy days.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Shinjuku Center Building
Tour areas: Mount Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashinoko, Owakudani
Start time: 7:30 am
Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo
Source: Viator
This tour plan includes a bus ride to the destination and a bullet train return journey. At Mt. Fuji's 5th station, you'll feel the natural power of the majestic mountain, and aboard the cruise ship "Sorakaze," you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. As part of the exciting Hakone tours 2025 season, this experience promises to be unforgettable.
During lunch time, you'll enjoy a performance of Japanese taiko drumming, one of Japan's traditional arts. Vegetarian and Muslim-friendly meal options are available upon request at the time of booking.
The tour concludes with a ropeway ride to Mt. Komagatake's summit, where you'll be moved by the vermillion shrine and natural panoramic views.
Previous participants have praised the tour, commenting that "It was an excellent tour with detailed historical background information about every location we visited."
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Keio Plaza Hotel Main Building Third floor JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office・Marunouchi Kajibashi Parking
Tour area: Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, Mt. Komagatake, Hakone National Park
Start time: 8:10am (Keio Plaza Hotel Main Building 3rd floor JTB Sunrise Tours Office)・8:35am (Marunouchi Kajibashi Parking Lot)
Private Tours Recommended for Families and Those Who Want to Enjoy at Their Own Pace
Private tours are ideal for travelers with small children or small groups of friends who want to enjoy their time without rushing. The biggest advantage is the ability to customize your itinerary and communicate your preferences directly to the guide.
Various tour options are available, including meeting at the location or traveling from Tokyo in a private vehicle. Spend quality time with local staff who are fluent in English and knowledgeable about tourist attractions.
5 Stress-free Private Tours with Flexible Itineraries
Here are five small-group private tours where you can freely choose your sightseeing spots.
Tours Departing from Hakone
Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Source: Viator
This 6-hour tour begins with meeting your guide in Hakone. After booking, they'll create a customized itinerary based on your preferences, perfect for experiencing Hakone tours 2025.
You can visit natural attractions like Lake Ashi and Owakudani, or explore Hakone's numerous art museums, including the Hakone Open Air Museum and Pola Museum of Art. Share your interests with your guide and enjoy a fulfilling 6-hour journey.
The guides are fluent in English and highly knowledgeable about tourist sites. Many participants have praised their guides' precise scheduling abilities. Let these experienced local guides help you make the most of your Hakone visit.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Optional
Tour area: Choose 3-4 locations (Lake Ashi・Hakone Shrine・Hakone Ropeway・Owakudani・Pola Museum of Art・Okada Museum of Art・Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland・Hakone Glass Forest Museum・Hakone Museum of Art・Choanji Temple・Hakone Wetland Flower Garden・Gora Park・Hakone Dollhouse Museum・Hakone Lake Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum)
Start time: Optional (9:00・9:30・10:00・10:30・11:00)
Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide
Source: Viator
Looking ahead to Hakone tours 2025, this tour offers more than just famous tourist spots like Owakudani and Lake Ashi. You can visit historical locations including a 400-year-old teahouse and a cedar tree avenue nearly 300 years old. The tour also includes visits to Hakone Shrine, known for its iconic red torii gate standing over water, and Onshi Hakone Park, which served as a summer retreat for the Imperial family from 1868 to 1912.
At Hakone Amazake Chaya, you can try amazake (sweet rice drink) made using traditional methods. This slightly sweet beverage will help relieve your travel fatigue. The building itself maintains its traditional architecture, offering a precious experience of stepping back in time.
Optionally, you can enjoy a hot spring bath located along the riverside. Ending your journey with a relaxing bath is highly recommended.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Hakone Yumoto Station or optional location
Tour areas: Owakudani, Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise, Motohakone old road cedar trees, Onshi Hakone Park, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Amazake Chaya
Start time: 9:00
Hakone Full-Day Private Tour
Source: Viator
As part of the exciting Hakone tours 2025 lineup, this tour covers Hakone's major attractions. The tour price includes the Hakone Free Pass, allowing you to enjoy Hakone's scenery while traveling on public transportation used by local residents.
Hakone Shrine, with its red torii gate standing over Lake Ashi's waters, enshrines deities of traffic safety and good fortune. Take time to pray for safe travels and enjoy the shrine's sacred atmosphere.
On Lake Ashi, formed by the Hakone volcano approximately 3,000 years ago, I recommend taking a boat ride to enjoy the views from the water. The vast lake and mountain scenery will soothe your soul.
The tour is guided by an English-proficient guide with extensive knowledge of tourist spots. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Hakone who prefer avoiding large group travel.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Hakone Yumoto Station
Tour areas: Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Hakone Open-Air Museum
Start times: Optional (9:00, 10:00, or 11:00)
Tours Departing from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Private Tour with English Speaking Guide
Source: Viator
Looking ahead to Hakone tours 2025, this private tour from Tokyo covers both Mt. Fuji and Hakone. All transportation costs are included in the tour price, so you won't have to worry about any additional charges later.
You can choose your preferred spots to visit with an English-proficient guide. My recommendation is "Arakurayama Sengen Park," where you'll be overwhelmed by the stunning view of a red five-story pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background.
At Lake Kawaguchi, the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, you can witness the beautiful reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water's surface. Enjoy uniquely Japanese scenery while viewing Mt. Fuji from various angles.
In Hakone, the tour covers major spots including Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine. The guide will adjust the schedule when you want to take photos or need breaks, allowing you to enjoy the tour at a relaxed pace.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo Otemachi
Tour areas: Arakurayama Sengen Park, Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani
Start time: Optional (7:30, 8:00, 8:30)
Private Car Tour to Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone Lake Ashi
Source: Viator
This private tour explores tourist destinations including Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Odawara. A private vehicle will pick you up at your designated location in Tokyo, eliminating the need to use public transportation.
The tour begins at Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji with the five-story pagoda. Afterward, you can visit over 30 tourist spots around Mt. Fuji and Hakone, including all-you-can-eat local specialty restaurants. Share your preferences and desired locations with the guide to enjoy the tour freely within the scheduled time.
My recommendation is "Saiko healing village Nemba." You can experience local craft-making and shopping inside traditional Japanese houses. A pleasant aspect of this tour is that the vehicle is exclusively yours, allowing you to travel while maintaining privacy.
<Tour Details>
Meeting point: Can be designated anywhere within Tokyo
Tour areas: Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace, Saiko healing village Nemba, Kawaguchiko Music and Forest Museum, Ide Brewery, Saiko Bat Hole, Yamanashi Gem Museum, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine, Odawara Castle, Mishima Skywalk, etc.
Start time: Optional (7:00, 7:30, 8:00)
