Hakone Private Full-Day Car Tour: Lake Ashi, Owakudani & Local Hotspots
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — able to do short walks, climb stairs and board boats; mobility concerns should be discussed at booking
Overview
Spend a carefully paced day exploring Hakone’s volcanic valleys, lake viewpoints, and craft-food stops with a local guide. This private car tour covers 5–6 highlights—Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine, and more—while tailoring the route to weather and your interests.
Hakone Private Full-Day Car Tour: Lake Ashi, Owakudani & Local Hotspots
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You step out into a cool morning and your guide is waiting at the hotel lobby with a compact car that promises seven hours of curated travel. The road climbs and the valley opens: Lake Ashi stitches a cold silver across the basin, a vermillion torii floats at its edge, and distant, cloud-punctured Mount Fuji looms like a quiet judge. The tour moves at your pace—photo stops, short walks, and even a detour to a craft brewery if you want it—so the rhythm feels less like a schedule and more like a day designed around the scene.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring small bills and an IC card
Ropeway and sightseeing boat fares are usually extra and some small vendors accept only cash; an IC transit card or 1,000–5,000 yen in small bills keeps things smooth.
Dress in layers
Elevation and coastal lakeside microclimates shift temperature quickly—pack a wind layer and a warmer mid-layer for higher vantage points.
Plan for sulfur at Owakudani
The volcanic valley emits strong sulfur fumes—those with respiratory issues should skip extended exposure or stay in the vehicle.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Stops include short hikes, stairs, and gravel paths—supportive shoes make photo breaks and shrine visits more enjoyable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Waterfowl and migratory ducks on Lake Ashi
- Occasional Japanese macaque sightings in higher forested areas
History
Hakone was a key checkpoint on the Tōkaidō during the Edo period—recreated checkpoint buildings and artifacts explain the region's role controlling travel to Edo.
Conservation
Owakudani’s volcanic environment is fragile; stick to designated paths and follow guide instructions to minimize impact. Support local conservation by using established onsen facilities and avoiding single-use plastics where possible.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes make shrine approaches, short hikes, and uneven paths far more comfortable.
Light, packable layers
Wind and temperature change with elevation—easy to add or remove between stops.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Scenic vistas and Fuji reflections reward a charged camera; consider a small tripod for low-light shots.
IC transit card / small cash
Useful for ropeway, sightseeing boats, souvenir stalls and small eateries that may not accept cards.