1-Day Trip: Hakone Area + Gotemba Premium Outlets

Nestled in the picturesque Hakone region, this one-day excursion promises a perfect blend of natural wonders and shopping delights. Visitors will embark on a captivating journey, exploring the volcanic Owakudani Valley, soaring above the landscape on the iconic Hakone Ropeway, and seeing the serenity of Hakone Shrine. As they bask in the tranquility of Lake Ashi and marvel at the world-class outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they’ll uncover a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural heritage. But the day’s adventure doesn’t end there; a shopping spree at the renowned Gotemba Premium Outlets awaits, offering an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in a diverse range of international designer labels and local brands at exceptional prices.

Key Points

• A 1-day private tour that explores the natural beauty of the Hakone area and provides an opportunity to shop at the Gotemba Premium Outlets.
• Visit the volcanic Owakudani Valley, take the iconic Hakone Ropeway, and explore the serene Hakone Shrine.
• Enjoy a relaxing break at the scenic Lake Ashi and immerse in the world-renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum.
• Experience the Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan’s largest premium outlet mall, offering exceptional bargains on international designer labels and local brands.
• Customizable itinerary with private transportation and hotel pickup in Tokyo for a seamless and immersive sightseeing experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 1-day private tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque Hakone area and the renowned Gotemba Premium Outlets, providing an immersive experience in both natural beauty and shopping.

Starting with a hotel pickup in Tokyo, the tour takes guests to the Owakudani Valley, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour and shopping.

Next, they’ll ride the famous Hakone Ropeway, explore the Hakone Shrine, and take in the serene views of Lake Ashi.

The tour then visits the Hakone Open-Air Museum before heading to the Gotemba Premium Outlets for free time to indulge in shopping.

With a customizable itinerary and private transportation, this tour ensures a seamless and personalized experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour commences with a visit to the Owakudani Valley, where guests embark on a guided tour and enjoy browsing the shops.

Next, they’ll experience the Hakone Ropeway, which offers stunning views during the 50-minute journey.

At the Hakone Shrine, visitors can explore the peaceful grounds and take a self-guided tour.

After a break at Lake Ashi, the group will visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where they can stroll through the exhibits and snap photos.

The final stop is the Gotemba Premium Outlets, where guests can indulge in some retail therapy during the 1.5-hour free time.

Throughout the day, the English-speaking driver ensures a seamless and customizable experience.

Owakudani Valley Visit

After hotel pickup, the group travels to the Owakudani Valley, where they embark on a guided tour and explore the unique sights and shops in this volcanic area.

The valley is known for its volcanic activity, which has created a surreal landscape of bubbling hot springs, sulfurous fumes, and charcoal-colored eggs.

During the tour, visitors can:

• Visit the observation decks for panoramic views of the valley and the distant Mt. Fuji
• Sample the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the natural hot springs and said to add years to one’s life
• Browse the local shops for souvenirs and specialty items, such as Owakudani black tea and other volcanic-themed products.

The Owakudani experience offers a glimpse into Japan’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and a chance to take in the region’s natural wonders.

Hakone Ropeway Experience

Following the guided tour of the Owakudani Valley, the group boards the Hakone Ropeway, an iconic aerial cable car system that carries visitors up and over the rugged volcanic terrain of the Hakone region.

This thrilling, 50-minute journey offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and, on clear days, the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance.

As the ropeway glides smoothly along the suspended cables, the group can take in the stunning natural scenery and snap photos of the picturesque landscapes below.

This unique transportation experience is a highlight of the tour, providing an elevated perspective and memorable sightseeing opportunity in the heart of the Hakone area.

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Hakone Shrine Exploration

Upon completing the awe-inspiring Hakone Ropeway experience, the group embarks on a guided exploration of the serene Hakone Shrine, a prominent Shinto shrine nestled at the base of Mount Hakone.

This intriguing visit offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual heritage. The group wanders through the iconic vermilion torii gates, taking in the tranquil ambiance and admiring the shrine’s elegant architecture.

They discover:

• The centuries-old history of the shrine, which dates back to the 8th century
• The significance of the main shrine building, a National Treasure of Japan
• The opportunity to cleanse their hands and souls at the symbolic purification fountain

This immersive experience at the Hakone Shrine leaves the group with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

Lake Ashi Breaktime

The group takes a well-deserved break at the stunning Lake Ashi, marveling at its serene waters and the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji in the distance.

They soak in the peaceful atmosphere, savoring the tranquil moment and the breathtaking scenery.

Some wander along the lakeside, snapping photos of the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine reflected in the mirror-like surface.

Others simply sit and gaze out at the landscape, letting the serenity of the place wash over them.

After an hour of free time, the group reluctantly prepares to move on, eager to explore the next stop on their Hakone adventure.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

After their relaxing break at Lake Ashi, the group eagerly makes their way to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, one of the highlights of their Hakone adventure.

This world-renowned outdoor museum showcases a stunning collection of modern sculptures and artwork, nestled amidst the picturesque natural landscape of the Hakone region.

The visitors are captivated by the museum’s highlights, which include:

• The Picasso Pavilion, displaying several captivating sculptures by the renowned artist
• The numerous Miro sculptures, seamlessly blending with the surrounding greenery
• The grand ‘Wave’ sculpture, a towering metal piece that dominates the museum’s central plaza

With ample time to explore the museum’s serene grounds, the group thoroughly enjoys this unique cultural experience in the heart of the Hakone countryside.

Gotemba Premium Outlets

With their Hakone sightseeing completed, the group eagerly transitions to the next highlight of their day – exploring the renowned Gotemba Premium Outlets.

This sprawling shopping mecca, Japan’s largest premium outlet mall, promises an unparalleled retail therapy experience, drawing visitors from near and far with its impressive array of high-end brands and remarkable discounts.

Spanning over 1.8 million square meters, the outlet center boasts more than 210 stores, featuring an eclectic mix of international designer labels, local Japanese brands, and a diverse range of products from apparel and accessories to homeware and electronics.

Visitors can expect to find exceptional bargains, with savings of up to 65% off retail prices, making it an irresistible destination for savvy shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Extended or Customized Further?

The tour can be extended or customized further, as the itinerary is described as "customizable." Guests can add or remove activities based on their preferences and interests within the 10-hour duration of the tour.

Is There Any Additional Cost for Baby Seats?

Baby seats are optional and provided at no additional cost. The tour’s inclusion details state that baby seats are available upon request, indicating they are covered within the overall tour price.

Do the Guides Provide Information in Other Languages?

The tour’s English-speaking driver provides guided tours and information during the trip. However, the tour does not offer guides or information in other languages beyond English.

Is There Flexibility to Adjust the Time Spent at Each Location?

Yes, the tour is customizable, so there is flexibility to adjust the time spent at each location. The driver can modify the itinerary based on your’ preferences and interests during the 10-hour tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tour?

The tour provider offers discounts for larger group sizes. They also have package deals that combine the Hakone tour with other popular attractions or activities in the area, providing additional savings. Guests should inquire about available discounts and package options when booking the tour.

Recap

This one-day private tour of the Hakone area offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and shopping delights.

Visitors can explore the volcanic Owakudani Valley, soar above the landscape on the iconic Hakone Ropeway, and discover the serene Hakone Shrine.

The tranquil Lake Ashi and the world-class outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum add to the experience.

The Gotemba Premium Outlets provide an exceptional shopping opportunity with a diverse range of international designer labels and local brands.

You can check if your dates are available here: