Hakone , Japan

Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour

Active

(15 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The tour I‘m offering is basically for nature-loving guests. The guests will walk around relatively flat areas as opposed to hiking steep mountains, so the guests can spend more time in appreciating the nature of Hakone with a certified professional nature guide. The nature in Hakone is very unique in its creatures and geological aspects. The guests will meet wild plants of the season some of which are endemic only this part of Japan and the world. Also, the guests will spot resident and migratory wild birds, insects, local fish, and if lucky mammals such as weasels, deer, foxes, raccoon dogs, and so on. During the tour, the guests are suggested to use binoculars that the guide will bring for each guest during the tour as it is very handy to spot creatures and see far-off landscapes for the unique geological features of Hakone.
The tour will stimulate your sense of wonder as the nature in Hakone is much different from whererver you come from. Let's enjoy the nature in Hakone together!

Available options

Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour

What's included

Ticket to Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetland, Binoculars, Introductory Handout

Detailed itinerary

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands hosts 1700 wild plants including 200 marsh plants. Not only royal family member in Japan, but also visitors from famous gardens both in Japan and abroad such as Kew Garden in UK have visited the garden. Guests will meet wild flowers of the season, and other creatures such as insects, fish, and wild birds resident in the garden. After visiting the garden, we will walk to Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field. Total time includes visit to the garden and walk to the pampas field.

Hakone Pampas Grass Field is one of the remaining pampas grass fields in Japan. Japanese used to use pampas grass for roofing the house, feeding livestock.
Guests will get magnificent views of Sengokuhara and surrounding mountains, and silver waves of pampas grass in autumn. Guests wll also spot wild birds. After visiting the pampas field, we will take a short bus ride from the pampas grass field to Hakone Visitor Center. The total time includes bus ride to the visitor center.

Hakone Visitor Center is a 'Must Visit' facility for the nature loving guests from abroad as introductory leaflets and short introductory videos in English are available. The center has a network of trails around the facility.After visiting the center, we will walk on the trails, some of which lead us to Tougendai station where the tour ends. While walking on the trails, the guests will meet wild plants, insects, wild birds, and if lucky, we may spot wild mamals such as deer, wild boars. The total time icludes trail walk to Togendai station.

What's not included

Private transportation

Umbrella, Hiking Shoes (or Sneaker), Bottle of water

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

A bus line bound for the garden is very convenient for the guests. I'ill meet you at the gate of the garden. If you use a bus line bound for Togendai, pls. get off at the bus stop of Sengoku-Annaijo-Mae. The garden is less than 10 minute walk. I'ill meet you at this bus stop if you let me know.

Important notes

湿性花園は入園料が必要です。ゲストが入園するためのチケットはガイドが入園窓口で取得し、ゲストに渡します。入園料はガイド料金の中に含まれています。

About Hakone

Hakone is a renowned onsen (hot spring) town in Japan, famous for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and relaxing hot baths. Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, it offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding nature, making it a perfect getaway from Tokyo.

Top Attractions

Hakone Open-Air Museum

An outdoor museum featuring a variety of sculptures and art installations in a beautiful natural setting.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (¥1,600)

Lake Ashi

A scenic lake formed in the caldera of a volcano, offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.

Nature 1-2 hours Included in the Hakone Free Pass

Owakudani

A volcanic valley known for its sulfur vents, hot springs, and black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (eggs cost ¥500)

Hakone Shrine

A Shinto shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashi, known for its beautiful torii gate and traditional architecture.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Hakone Old Tokaido Road

A historic road that was part of the Tokaido route, featuring traditional buildings, teahouses, and inns.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kurotamago (Black Eggs)

Eggs boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani, turning the shells black and giving the eggs a unique sulfuric flavor.

Snack Contains eggs

Hakone Soba

Buckwheat noodles served with a variety of toppings, often made with local ingredients.

Main Course Vegetarian options available

Onsen Tamago

Eggs cooked in the hot springs, giving them a unique flavor and texture.

Main Course Contains eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Paragliding Onsen (hot spring) bathing Spa treatments Nature walks Temple and shrine visits Traditional craft workshops

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the best time to visit Hakone for its beautiful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. The scenery is breathtaking, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hakone is a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Haneda Airport • 70 km from Hakone
Narita Airport • 150 km from Hakone

By train

Hakone-Yumoto Station, Hakone Station

By bus

Hakone-Yumoto Station

Getting around

Public transport

The train and bus network covers most of Hakone's attractions. The Hakone Tozan Railway is a scenic mountain line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hakone-Yumoto Gora Togendai

Day trips

Kamakura

50 km from Hakone • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a historic town known for its temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great day trip from Hakone for those interested in history and culture.

Yokohama

80 km from Hakone • Full day

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city, offering a mix of urban attractions, cultural sites, and waterfront activities. It's a great day trip for those looking for a change of pace from Hakone's natural beauty.

Fuji Five Lakes

60 km from Hakone • Full day

The Fuji Five Lakes area offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and visiting museums.

Festivals

Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu • November (specific dates vary) Hakone Kamakura Kaido Torch Festival • January (specific dates vary) Hakone Ekiden • January 2nd and 3rd

Pro tips

Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited train, bus, and boat rides within the Hakone area
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of Mount Fuji
Try local specialties like kurotamago (black eggs) and Hakone soba
Respect onsen etiquette and follow proper bathing procedures
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and between indoor and outdoor settings