Hakone , Japan

Hike Hakone Hachiri

Active

(42 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) from Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and more. Hakone Hachiri has been declared a Japan Heritage Area. Allow our guide to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural heritage of this ancient route.

Available options

Hike Hakone Hachiri

What's included

Guide fee

Detailed itinerary

Mr Yamamoto is the thirteenth generation manager of Amasake Chaya Teahouse. Together with his family, including potential 14th generation managers son and daughter, their quaint little establishment serves thirsty Tokaido travellers with the sweet, warm, amasake their family has been serving for four centuries. Due to the lightweight construction of the teahouse, there have been many versions of the building over the centuries, on both sides of the road. The current structure was refurbished to traditional style in 2009 – the thatched roof doesn’t use a single nail. Be sure also to check out their small museum with original feudal period Tokaido artifacts.

Stop 2

Lunch by Lake Ashi, a 700m deep crater lake with red tori gates in the water

Cedar Avenue Hakone. Four centuries ago exactly, the second Edo Period Shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada, ordered the planting of sugi (Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) along both sides of Tokaido to shade travellers as they made their way around the shoreline of Lake Ashinoko towards Hakone Checkpoint. 420 of these magnificant specimens remain, towering straight, fat, and proud into the Hakone sky along Cedar Avenue.

Tokaido had checkpoints at various intervals to ensure that travellers were bonefide and to protect the Shogun in the capital, Edo. Hakone was the closest checkpoint to Edo, so was one of the most severely policed. Perched between the waters of Lake Ashinoko and the steep mountainous terrain of Hakone, Tokaido travellers had no alternative but to submit to inspection.

Back to 1590. Hojo’s western boundary is protected by Yamanaka Castle, literally meaning “castle in the mddle of the mountain”. The site is true to its name, but despite impressive earthworks to create defences accentuating the site’s naturally steep terrain, Yamanaka Castle is quick to fall to the might of the force from the west on its way along Tokaido eastwards to surround Odawara. A visit to the castle ruins today is rewarded with spectacular views from its highest point of Mt Fuji, weather permitting.

Hike a 12km stretch of the Old Tokaido Foot Highway between Odawara and Mishima now preserved as a Japan Heritage Area

Walk along Genbegawa World Water Heritage Area

What's not included

Lunch

Coffee and/or Tea

Air-conditioned vehicle

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

37 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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