About this experience
The Hakone region is one of the three parts that make up the national park called Fuji-Hakone-Izu. This is one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo. On the tour, you will get a view of the legendary Mount Fuji, visit famous thermal springs, explore local museums and shrines, and witness volcanic activity.
What to Expect
National Park Highlights
Fuji-Hakone-Izu is located just 30 kilometers from Japan's main mountain, offering fantastic views of Mount Fuji. Here, you will see amazingly beautiful natural landscapes formed by volcanic activity, consisting of mountain ranges covered in forests, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes. In Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley), you can witness volcanic activity - sulfur steam clouds, the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and the sound of steam escaping from crevices. Additionally, the park is known for its local thermal waters, consistently ranked among the top ten in Japan.
Getting to Know the Area
From Tokyo, we will travel to Hakone Yumoto station and start exploring the region. You will visit the checkpoint museum - a former checkpoint on the old trail, walk through its surviving part, and visit the Hakone Shrine. After that, you will embark on a short boat trip on the lake, followed by a cable car ride up to a height of 1044 meters, where volcanic activity can be observed. On the descent, you will visit one of the local small hotels and immerse yourself in thermal waters (on some days, visiting the springs is impossible if it is a sanitary day).
All Types of Local Transport
The trip is conducted using public transportation (train). While moving around the Hakone region, we will use various types of transport: bus, boat, cable car, funicular, and local train. This way, you will be able to see the area from different perspectives and enjoy many beautiful views along the way.
Trip Specifics
Despite its popularity, a trip to Hakone is quite tricky - it fully depends on the weather. Overcast skies, clouds, rain - and Mount Fuji is completely hidden (usually a 50/50 chance to see the mountain. In winter, when the air is dry and clear, the chances of seeing it are significantly higher). It is impossible to predict visibility in this area in advance, and unfortunately, there are no guarantees regarding anything related to Mount Fuji. However, the program is interesting not only for the views of the mountain, so weather whims should not affect your overall impression of the excursion.
Organizational Details
- Expenses for transport and entrance tickets are paid separately by travelers and for the guide and are not included in the tour price
- Transportation and entrance ticket expenses range from 10000¥ to 12000¥ per person (adult). The exact cost depends on the type of transport we will use. With a JR pass, expenses are reduced to 6000¥.
- Please note that during tours in Japan, guides usually do not use microphones (or radio guide). This is due to cultural peculiarities and technical conditions. Please consider this when booking the tour to avoid possible inconveniences.
- Lunch cost - starting from 1000¥ per person
