Private Hakone Walking Tour: Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine & Open-Air Museum
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers; involves light to moderate walking with some short uphill sections
Overview
Spend a private day in Hakone with a qualified guide: shrine rituals at Hakone Jinja, a cabin cruise on Lake Ashi, the sulfurous drama of Owakudani, and sculptures set into hillside at the Open-Air Museum.
Private Hakone Walking Tour: Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Hakone Shrine & Open-Air Museum
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You step off the Odakyu or Shinkansen and the air changes—crisper, flecked with cedar and the faint iron tang that hints at the volcano beneath. A guide with a national qualification meets you in your Tokyo hotel lobby, folds a map into their palm and leads the group toward the ragged rim of Hakone’s caldera. The day unfolds as a paced walk broken by short rides on local transport, punctuated by lakeside views, steam, and art set into the hills.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Watch volcanic alerts
Owakudani can close or restrict access when sulphur emissions spike; check local advisories the morning of your tour.
Bring cash for boats and snacks
Some smaller vendors and the Lake Ashi cruise take cash only; carry 2–5,000 JPY for flexibility.
Dress in layers
Elevations and weather vary—mornings can be cool while lower lakeside areas warm quickly under sun.
Comfortable footwear
Expect uneven stone paths at the shrine and short, rocky walks around Owakudani and museum grounds.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in higher forested areas)
- various songbirds such as Japanese bush warblers
History
Hakone's caldera formed during eruptions roughly 3,000 years ago; the area has long been a strategic post on routes between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto and a spiritual site centered on Hakone Shrine.
Conservation
Hakone balances heavy visitation with protected forest corridors and regulated onsen use; stay on marked paths and avoid littering to help preserve sensitive geothermal features.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for mixed paved and natural trails around shrines and geothermal areas.
Light waterproof jacket
Springs are changeable; a packable shell keeps you comfortable during drizzles and wind.
spring specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Summer days can be sunny at the lake and museum; protect skin during long outdoor exposure.
summer specific
Cash (yen)
Useful for boat fares, snacks, and small museum purchases where cards aren’t accepted.