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Hakone Through Local Eyes: Nature, Culture & People
Discover a deeper side of Hakone on this 3-day, 2-night journey through nature, local flavors, history, and encounters with the people who call the region home.
Meet a local sake brewer, explore Hakone with an activity guide who grew up in the area, and hear stories from the 13th-generation owner of an amazake teahouse dating back to the Edo period. Through these local encounters, experience the nature, flavors, and history of Hakone and its surroundings—and discover stories and ways of life that go beyond the region’s well-known sights.
Tour Overview
This private tour includes two nights in Hakone, offering a relaxed way to experience the region’s nature, local flavors, and history through encounters with local people.
On Day 1, visit Seto Shuzo for a tasting of locally brewed sake before continuing to an onsen ryokan in Hakone. On Day 2, explore Hakone’s natural surroundings by mountain bike or on foot with an activity guide who grew up in the area. Enjoy a hamburger made with locally raised Sagami beef for lunch, then return to the ryokan in the afternoon for time to relax and enjoy the onsen at your own pace.
On the final day, visit Owakudani and cruise across Lake Ashi before stopping at Amazake Chaya, a historic teahouse that has welcomed travelers since the Edo period. Meet its 13th-generation owner and hear stories of the old Tokaido road and the traditions that have been passed down through generations at the teahouse.
Tour Location
Approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo by private vehicle
Who is this for？
- Travelers who want to discover a deeper side of Hakone through encounters with local people, beyond the classic sights
- Those who enjoy meeting people with deep roots in the local community
- Travelers who enjoy nature through moderate activities such as mountain biking and walking
- Those interested in local flavors and the culture and stories behind theｍ
Tour Facts
- Length of Trip: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Pickup: Hotel in Tokyo (around 12:00 PM on Day 1)
- Drop-off: Odawara Station (around 12:30 PM on Day 3)
- Physical Activity: Moderate*
- Style: Private Tour
- Guide: English-speaking guide or English-speaking driver
- Capacity: Approximately 2–10 guests
- Transportation: Private Vehicle & Public Transportation (Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
- Nights: 2 Nights in the Gora Area of Hakone
- Accommodation: An upscale onsen ryokan with guest rooms featuring private open-air baths (subject to availability）
- Best Season: Year-round
*Day 2 includes a mountain biking or walking tour. The activity can be adjusted according to guests’ preferences and fitness levels.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 | Discover Local Sake and Journey to Hakone
Begin your journey at a local sake brewery. Visit Seto Shuzo, where you can sample a selection of sake while hearing stories from the brewer. Then continue to Hakone, check in at your onsen ryokan, and enjoy a relaxing first evening.
A small sake brewery rooted in the local community, where visitors can discover the stories and craftsmanship behind its sake.
Taste a selection of locally brewed sake while learning about the flavors and craftsmanship from the people who make it.
Day 2 | Explore Hakone’s Nature with a Local Guide
Explore Hakone by mountain bike or on foot with an activity guide who grew up in the area. Discover the natural surroundings and local highlights through the eyes of someone who knows Hakone well. For lunch, enjoy a hamburger made with locally raised Soshu beef, then return to your ryokan in the early afternoon for time to relax at your own pace.
Discover Hakone’s natural surroundings by mountain bike with a guide who grew up in the area.
Enjoy a hearty burger made with locally raised Soshu beef—a taste of the region after your morning adventure.
Day 3 | Lake Ashi and Stories Along the Old Tokaido Road
Visit Owakudani before cruising across Lake Ashi in a special cabin. End your journey at Amazake Chaya, a historic teahouse that has welcomed travelers along the old Tokaido road since the Edo period. Hear stories from its 13th-generation owner about the teahouse and the historic road, and enjoy amazake just as travelers did centuries ago.
Enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi aboard the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, with access to a special cabin for a more relaxing journey across the lake.
A historic teahouse that has welcomed travelers since the Edo period. Meet the 13th-generation owner and discover stories of the old Tokaido road while enjoying traditional amazake.
Suggested Accommodation
In Hakone, stay at an upscale onsen ryokan where every guest room features a private open-air bath. Sake from Seto Shuzo, visited on the first day of the journey, is also available at the ryokan, offering the opportunity to enjoy it alongside dinner. Relax and unwind with Hakone’s hot springs, cuisine, and locally brewed sake.
Please note that sake from Seto Shuzo and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the ryokan are not included in the tour price.
