Private Hakone Sightseeing Tour: Lake Ashi, Ōwakudani & Hakone Shrine in One Day
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers of average fitness—most movement involves short walks and stairs; no long hikes required.
Overview
Escape Tokyo for a day with a private English‑speaking chauffeur who stitches Hakone’s top sights — Lake Ashi, Ōwakudani, Hakone Shrine and the Open‑Air Museum — into one efficient, scenic loop. Read on for what to expect, local context and practical tips to make the most of your ten‑hour visit.
Private Hakone Sightseeing Tour: Lake Ashi, Ōwakudani & Hakone Shrine in One Day
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You step out of your Tokyo hotel before dawn and the city’s roar shrinks behind you as the road unspools toward Hakone. Ninety kilometers and roughly 90–120 minutes of highway later, the air sharpens — cooler, mineral-tinged — and the slopes of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park begin to rise. On this private, full‑day tour with an English‑speaking chauffeur, the landscape does the guiding: mist lifting off Lake Ashinoko, sulfur steam knitting the horizon at Ōwakudani, and cedar trunks darkening the approaches to Hakone Shrine.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early for clear Mt. Fuji views
Visibility is best on crisp mornings—reserve an early pickup and check the weather forecast to improve your chances of seeing Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi or the ropeway.
Carry small change
Some attractions, snack stalls and the kuro‑tamago vendors accept cash only—bring ¥2,000–¥5,000 for entry fees, snacks and souvenirs.
Wear sturdy shoes
Paths around shrines, viewpoints and the open‑air museum are uneven; closed‑toe walking shoes make short hikes and stairs far more comfortable.
Layer for sulfur and wind
Ōwakudani sits around 1,000 m elevation and can be markedly cooler and windier—bring a light windbreaker even if Tokyo is warm.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Waterfowl and migratory ducks on Lake Ashi
- Birds of prey such as black kites soaring over the caldera
History
Hakone sits within the Fuji‑Hakone‑Izu National Park and formed around volcanic activity; Lake Ashi is a caldera lake created after Mount Hakone’s eruptions and the area has been a pilgrimage and leisure destination for centuries.
Conservation
Visitor pressure can strain trails and fragile geothermal zones—stay on designated paths, don’t feed wildlife, and support local businesses that follow sustainable practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction for shrine paths, museum grounds and short stair climbs.
Light windbreaker or rain shell
Useful for sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations like Ōwakudani.
winter specific
Portable phone charger
Ensures your camera and phone stay powered through a long photo‑heavy day.
Cash (small bills/coins)
Handy for kuro‑tamago, small vendors and places that may not accept cards.