The ancient hot spring town of Hakone packs several excellent guided experiences worth your time and money. My five favorite tours showcase the region’s highlights with expert local insight.
The full-day private tour stands out for covering all major sights efficiently in 8 hours. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Adventure Tour, perfect for experiencing Hakone’s volcanic landscapes and mountain trails. The Heritage Hachiri walking tour, led by certified guides, connects you with centuries-old hiking paths. At Odawara Castle, the Ninja & Samurai Tour brings Japanese history to life through engaging demonstrations. For flexibility, custom private tours let you set the pace and priorities.
Let’s look at these standout tours in detail.
Key Points
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Hakone offers a variety of guided tours, including a comprehensive 8-hour private tour, an 11-hour adventure tour, and a guided hike through the Hachiri heritage trail.
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The tours provide a range of experiences, such as visits to local attractions, culture, and hands-on activities like ninja and samurai training.
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The tours are highly rated by past participants, who praise the exceptional service, knowledgeable guides, and value for money.
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The tours cater to diverse travelers, including families and individuals with varying mobility levels, ensuring a personalized and accessible experience.
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The tours combine sightseeing with educational elements, enhancing the overall appreciation of Hakone’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and cultural traditions.
Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
Although the Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the Hakone area, the experience can be tailored to suit your specific interests.
With a maximum group size of 7 passengers, this private walking tour allows you to choose 3-4 sites to visit, including local attractions, art museums, and food experiences like sampling the famous black boiled eggs.
Your English-speaking guide will provide personalized recommendations to enhance your journey, and you can explore at your own pace.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.
While not recommended for those with certain health conditions, the tour receives excellent reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable and accommodating guides.
At a price starting from $190.32 per person, the Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour is a flexible and customizable way to discover the highlights of this picturesque region.
Read our full review: Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Hakone Adventure Tour (With English/Japanese Speaking Guide)
The Hakone Adventure Tour offers a comprehensive and personalized experience for up to four people, eliminating the need to navigate Tokyo’s subway system and deal with rush hour crowds. Priced from $1,078.40 per group, this 11-hour tour provides pickup from anywhere in Tokyo and the convenience of an English or Japanese-speaking guide.
Highlights include a visit to the volcanic Owakudani valley, a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, and exploration of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
The tour includes hotel pickup, tolls, gas, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and tips, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of the reserve now and pay later option, as well as the peace of mind of a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an art lover, the Hakone Adventure Tour offers an immersive and personalized experience in this captivating region.
Read our full review: Hakone Adventure Tour (With English/Japanese Speaking Guide) Review
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Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri With Certified Mountain Guide
For those seeking a more immersive and adventurous experience in Hakone, the Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with Certified Mountain Guide offers a captivating alternative to the Hakone Adventure Tour. Rated 5.0 from 29 reviews, this guided hike takes visitors on a journey through Japan’s heritage trails, led by a nationally certified mountain guide.
The tour includes a packed lunch, transportation, and snacks along the way, making it a convenient and well-rounded offering. Catering to a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour promises a personalized and intimate experience.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the hike is suitable for moderately fit individuals. Notably, the tour starts at Hakone-Yumoto Station and ends at Mishima Station, offering the flexibility to continue your journey by Shinkansen.
With its positive reviews and comprehensive inclusions, the Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri with Certified Mountain Guide is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and memorable Hakone experience.
Read our full review: Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri With Certified Mountain Guide Review
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Odawara: Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle
This guided tour of Odawara Castle offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the fascinating history and traditions of ninja and samurai culture.
Priced at $141.09 per person, the 2.5-hour tour takes guests through the Samurai Museum, Odawara Castle grounds, and the Ninja Museum for hands-on ninja training.
Highlights include seeing authentic samurai artifacts, learning about the Hojo clan’s history, and practicing with real ninja tools like shuriken and swords under the guidance of a ninja expert.
With a 5/5 rating from 18 reviews, travelers praise the tour’s engaging content and accommodating staff, even on short notice.
The tour includes all entry tickets and ninja attire, meeting at the Odawara Castle Ninja Centre.
Explore the seasonal beauty of Odawara Castle Park while enjoying the captivating world of Japan’s legendary warriors.
Read our full review: Odawara: Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle Review
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Custom Private Tour in Hakone With a Certified Local Guide
Travelers seeking a personalized exploration of Hakone’s natural wonders and cultural gems can opt for a custom private tour led by a certified local guide. This highly-rated 76-review tour promises an immersive experience in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, known for its hot springs resorts.
The tour includes visits to iconic attractions like the Hakone Shrine, the Hakone Yosegi Zaiku crafts village, and a traditional Japanese ‘kominka’ house.
Travelers have the freedom to customize the itinerary based on their interests and capabilities, with options for activities like the Hakone Ropeway cable car ride and a riverside soak in a local ‘onsen’.
The tour provides hotel or railway pickup/drop-off, beverages at a local teahouse, lunch, private transportation, a Hakone Freepass, and local bus fares.
With a maximum of 8 people per booking, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Knowledgeable, friendly guides have consistently received praise from travelers for their expertise and ability to tailor the tour to individual preferences.
Read our full review: Custom Private Tour in Hakone With a Certified Local Guide Review
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Hakone: Full Day Private Tour With English Guide
Exploring Hakone’s natural splendor and cultural richness becomes an immersive journey with the Guided Hakone Private Tour (Green Number Plate). Priced from $41,687 for up to 5 participants, this 10-hour tour offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Departing from hotels or apartments within Tokyo’s 23 wards, the tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Shrine, and Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Travelers can also opt for a pirate cruise on Lake Ashi or a Hakone Ropeway ride for aerial views. Knowledgeable English-speaking guides provide insightful commentary, while air-conditioned private transportation ensures a comfortable experience.
With a 5/5 rating from previous travelers, this tour promises scenic beauty, culture, and memorable photo opportunities throughout Hakone.
Read our full review: Hakone: Full Day Private Tour With English Guide Review
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Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
Although the Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers a shorter duration compared to the full-day option, it still provides an opportunity to discover Hakone’s renowned natural beauty and cultural highlights.
With the flexibility to choose 3-4 locations based on personal interests, travelers can curate their experience. The tour’s mobility allows for public transportation or local taxis, though a private vehicle can be arranged in advance.
Regardless of the transportation, a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide will offer insights and recommendations tailored to individual preferences. Past participants have praised the guides’ expertise, clear communication, and efficient navigation through the sites.
While the 6-hour timeframe may not be sufficient to see everything, proper preparation, such as purchasing a Hakone Free Pass, and managing expectations can lead to a fulfilling introduction to this stunning region.
With high reviews and a badge of excellence, this tour is an excellent option for those seeking a personalized, guided experience in Hakone.
Read our full review: Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Highlight of Hakone: Private Tour With a Certified National Guide
What better way to discover the highlights of Hakone than with a private tour led by a certified national guide? This tour offers just that, providing visitors with a personalized experience to explore the best of Hakone.
With a focus on the region’s top attractions, the tour is led by an English-fluent guide who’s certified by the national government.
The tour includes private transportation and lunch, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to see the sights. Visitors can expect to visit popular landmarks and take in breathtaking views, all while learning about the area’s rich history and culture.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, and infant seats are available for families.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on reviews, this private tour is a must-consider option for those looking to make the most of their time in Hakone.
Confirmation is provided at booking, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Read our full review: Highlight of Hakone: Private Tour With a Certified National Guide Review
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The Sum Up
Hakone offers a variety of guided tours, from private tours with government-licensed guides to adventure tours with English/Japanese-speaking guides. Whether you want to hike the Hachiri trail, explore Odawara Castle, or customize your own tour, there’s an option to suit your interests. With knowledgeable guides, you can discover the highlights of this beautiful region and have an unforgettable experience.