Hakone tours

Things to do in Hakone

Hakone, Japan, welcomes you to a retreat where the mountains seem to meet the sky and the hot springs provide a soothing invitation. This peaceful enclave carries with it a sense of deep-rooted tradition. Your guide will transform your time in Hakone into a personal discovery of this scenic region. Picture yourself on a private tour that bypasses the usual queues at the well-known Hakone Open-Air Museum, or perhaps meandering along the historic Tokaido Road. A culinary tour in Hakone offers you the chance to indulge in kaiseki cuisine, complemented by local sake, each dish presenting a subtle harmony of tastes. With your guide, find hidden paths and relax in onsen baths, where the gentle steam and quiet let you truly engage with Hakone’s calming essence. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Hakone. Explore Hakone your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Hakone tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Hakone for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Join your guide at the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field to spot songbirds and seasonal butterflies, then take a quiet Lake Ashi cruise to watch for herons along the shore. You can also visit the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands to see native plants and dragonflies up close. Food and Drink tours: Try hot spring-cooked black eggs at Owakudani and compare handmade soba at a family-run shop in Moto-Hakone. Your guide can also stop at the historic Amazake-chaya on the old Tokaido for sweet rice drink and grilled mochi, then arrange a sake or craft beer tasting at a local brewery in nearby Odawara. Hiking tours: Walk the stone-paved Old Tokaido from Hakone Checkpoint to Hatajuku with a visit to a yosegi marquetry workshop, or climb Mount Kintoki for Fuji views on clear days. Private hiking tours can be set to easy lake loops or half-day summits, with quick route changes if a ropeway or trail is closed. Hakone is easy to move around using the Hakone Tozan Railway, local buses, the ropeway, and lake boats, but sights are spread out and transfers can take time. If you want fewer changes, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation between villages, trailheads, and viewpoints. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Hakone inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Hakone with a private walking tour, where a knowledgeable local can customize your experience through its unique neighborhoods. Having a local by your side ensures you get the most out of your visit. - Hakone Yumoto: As the gateway to Hakone, this area is perfect for families and multi-generational groups. You'll find a variety of hot springs and traditional inns where you can unwind. The main street is lined with shops offering local crafts and sweets. - Gora: This hillside neighborhood is ideal for cultural tourists interested in art and nature. Home to the Hakone Museum of Art and beautiful gardens, it offers a serene experience. The cable cars and scenic views make it a must-visit for those interested in photography. - Lake Ashi: With its stunning views of Mount Fuji, this area is perfect for those seeking meaningful connections with nature. Cruises on the lake and the surrounding trails offer plenty of opportunities for exploration. It's an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Day trip ideas from Hakone You’re close to the coast, castles, and Fuji views, so mix in a few easy day trips to nearby cities and outdoor spots that match your pace. - Kamakura: Walk temple-lined hillsides, see the Great Buddha, and pair quiet gardens with a simple noodle lunch; if you like Zen history, shrines, and easy hikes between sights, your tour can lean into that. - Yokohama: Glide between the waterfront in Minato Mirai, Sankeien Garden, and Chinatown for a laid-back food crawl; good for modern city energy, harbour views, and neighbourhood photography, usually about 75 to 90 minutes from Hakone by train. - Fuji Five Lakes: Stop around Lake Kawaguchi for Mount Fuji views, lakeside paths, and small museums or craft studios; great if you want nature, light walks, and scenic photo stops without a long climb. - Odawara: Climb Odawara Castle, browse the fish market, and sample local pickles and sweets; close to Hakone, it suits short history-focused day trips with time left for an onsen soak back in the mountains. - Atami: Follow a seaside promenade, visit a hillside shrine, and enjoy ocean views with easy train access; if coastlines, casual seafood, and warm springs sound right, this is a simple out-and-back. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Hakone most travellers miss.