ITINERARY
Experience Landscapes with Unique Volcanic Terrain in Hakone, Where History and Culture Come Alive
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Among the many highlights of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone stands out as an area rich in long-standing history and culture. Immerse yourself in history along the Hakone Hachiri route of the Old Tokaido Way, where stone-paved roads and a former checkpoint site preserve Japan's unique cultural heritage. Venture deep into the diverse natural environments shaped by volcanic terrain, such as Lake Ashinoko, the wetlands of Sengokuhara, and moss-covered forests. In this place where nature and culture have been intertwined since long ago, take a journey to rediscover the meaning of sustainable tourism.
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore historic sites dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) along the Hakone Hachiri route, a designated Japan Heritage Site.
- Visit Hakone's distinctive natural settings, including Sengokuhara Forest, Lake Ashinoko, and the summit of Mount Komagatake.
- Discover Hakone's diverse charms, from retro townscapes and dramatic gorges to moss-covered forest paths.
Experience the culture of Japan's old highway and Hakone's natural beauty along the Japan Heritage-designated Hakone Hachiri route
From Odawara Station, take a train or bus to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Enjoy a hike along the Japan Heritage-designated Hakone Hachiri route, imagining the samurai that once walked it during the Edo period. The walk to the Hakone Checkpoint is about five and a half hours, taking you past stone paving laid during the Edo period, towering cedar trees on both sides of the road, Hatajuku (the birthplace of Hakone's traditional yosegi-zaiku marquetry), Amasake Chaya (a teahouse that has served travelers for over 400 years), the shores of Lake Ashinoko, and Onshi-Hakone Park, which encompasses the former site of the Hakone Palace.
Afterward, visit the Moto-Hakone area along Lake Ashinoko, which offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji, as well as Hakone-jinja Shrine. Then enjoy a cruise on the lake to Togendai Port before heading to your accommodation.
Enjoy outdoor activities and take in the summit scenery of Mount Komagatake, shaped by volcanic activity
On day 2, join the 360° Pure Forest Hakone Outdoor Cruising Tour. Explore the pristine forests of Sengokuhara in Hakone and the shores of Lake Ashinoko by mountain bike or on foot. The tour departs from and returns to the Hakone Visitor Center and takes approximately two and a half to three hours.
In the afternoon, take the Komagatake Ropeway up to the summit of Mount Komagatake. From the top, enjoy views of the mountain's distinctive terrain, shaped over many years by volcanic activity.
Walk through a quiet, moss-covered forest and experience a different side of Hakone
On day 3, gather in Miyanoshita, a hot spring town on the slopes of Mount Hakone. Join a walking tour along quiet paths through a moss-covered gorge. As you stroll through Miyanoshita's historic, retro townscape, you will gradually find yourself surrounded by natural beauty.
In this "moss paradise," created by the area's humid climate and dramatic gorge terrain, use a magnifying glass to observe the intricate, microscopic world of moss. Along the way, you will also learn about local history, culture, and regional specialties, while enjoying the serene natural atmosphere of the forest.
The day concludes by traveling to Gora to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you can enjoy a space in which nature and works of art exist in harmony.