Hakone: Full Day Private Tour With English Guide

Hakone, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains of Japan, offers a captivating journey for the curious traveler. This private tour promises an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the region’s natural splendor and cultural gems. From the breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji to the unique culinary delights of Owakudani Valley, the tour promises to leave a lasting impression. With an expert English-speaking guide and seamless transportation, this comprehensive exploration of Hakone’s wonders sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. As the sun casts its warm glow over the serene landscapes, the stage is set for an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Key Points

• A 10-hour private tour of Hakone with pickup and drop-off from hotels or train stations within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
• Highlights include Lake Ashinoko, Motohakone-ko, Hakone Ropeway, Owaku-dani Valley, and Hakone Shrine.
• Includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide/driver, and coverage of parking fees, fuel surcharges, and highway tolls.
• Excludes lunch and admission fees for the Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise, Ropeway, and Hakone Open-Air Museum.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year.

Tour Details

This 10-hour private tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels, apartments, or train stations within Tokyo’s 23 wards, with additional charges for pickup/drop-off outside the 23 wards, from Haneda Airport, or from Yokohama port.

The tour features an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide/driver. All parking fees, fuel surcharges, and highway tolls are included in the price.

However, lunch and admission fees for activities like the Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise, Ropeway, and Hakone Open-Air Museum aren’t covered.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year.

Itinerary

The full-day private tour begins at Lake Ashinoko, where visitors can admire the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji for around an hour.

Afterward, they’ll head to Motohakone-ko for a 30-minute stop before embarking on the Hakone Ropeway, which offers stunning aerial vistas for another 30 minutes.

The tour then continues to the Owaku-dani Valley, where guests can enjoy the unique Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs) for half an hour.

Next, they’ll visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, spending an hour exploring its grounds.

Highlights

Breathtaking views of Mount Fuji await visitors at Lake Ashinoko, where they can admire the iconic peak from the lakeside.

The tour also includes a Pirate Cruise on Lake Ashi, allowing guests to experience the scenic body of water from a unique vantage point.

Plus, visitors can savor the distinctive Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs) from the Owakudani Valley, a local delicacy known for its unique flavor and origins.

The tour culminates with an extensive shopping opportunity at the Gotemba Premium Outlets, which boasts over 200 stores catering to a diverse range of interests and budgets.

Inclusions

The private tour in Hakone includes:

• An air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide/driver.
• Parking fees, fuel surcharges, and highway tolls.

This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience as you explore the picturesque Hakone region. The inclusions of the tour mean you don’t have to worry about the logistical details, allowing you to fully learn about the breathtaking landscapes and cultural attractions.

From the iconic Mount Fuji views at Lake Ashinoko to the unique Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs) at Owakudani Valley, the tour’s inclusions make it a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Exclusions

While the private tour in Hakone includes a range of amenities, there are some exclusions to be aware of. Specifically, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of lunch or entry/admission fees for certain attractions like the Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year of age.

These exclusions are important considerations when booking the tour to ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences. Participants should budget for these additional costs and ensure the tour is a good fit for their travel party.

Pickup and Drop-off

The private tour in Hakone includes pickup and drop-off services, with participants able to be collected from their hotels, apartments, or train stations within Tokyo’s 23 wards. This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

However, there are additional charges for pickup and drop-off outside of the 23 wards, from Haneda Airport, or from Yokohama port. This allows the tour to accommodate a wide range of starting points while maintaining a reasonable price.

Breathtaking Views of Mount Fuji

One of the highlights of the Hakone private tour is the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko. Guests can soak in the serene beauty of Japan’s iconic mountain as they take in the tranquil waters of the lake during the 1-hour stop.

The tour’s strategic planning ensures that visitors maximize their chances of catching clear glimpses of the majestic Mount Fuji, weather permitting.

The tour offers several advantages for witnessing Mount Fuji at its best:

1. The lake’s location provides an ideal vantage point for unobstructed panoramic views of the mountain.
2. Tour guides time the visit to coincide with the best weather conditions for clear visibility.
3. Guests have ample time to take in the scenery and capture stunning photographs.
4. The tour’s private nature allows for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Kuro Tamago and Premium Outlets

What else does the Hakone private tour offer beyond the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji?

Visitors can also explore the unique Kuro Tamago, or black eggs, from the Owakudani Valley, and browse the expansive Gotemba Premium Outlets.

The Owakudani Valley, formed by a volcanic eruption, is known for its natural hot springs and the sulphurous black eggs boiled in the springs. These eggs are a local delicacy and are believed to add years to one’s life.

After indulging in the Kuro Tamago, guests can head to the Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, with over 200 stores offering discounted designer brands.

With ample time allocated, visitors can truly enjoy the diverse experiences Hakone has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, customers can typically customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. Many tour operators allow flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate individual interests and needs, as long as the overall tour duration is not significantly impacted.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the climate can vary between locations visited during the day.

What Is the Cancellation Policy in Case of Bad Weather?

The tour company generally has a flexible cancellation policy for bad weather, allowing customers to reschedule or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to inclement conditions that make the itinerary unsafe or unenjoyable.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks during the tour, but the tour operator does not provide any facilities for preparing or storing them. Bringing your own sustenance is allowed, but not recommended given the tour’s full itinerary.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking throughout, with approximately 2-3 hours of walking total. Guests can expect to walk around each attraction, though the pace is leisurely and there are opportunities to rest.

Recap

This private tour of Hakone offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions.

With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary fees covered, it provides a seamless and memorable experience.

Highlights include breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone Ropeway, Kuro Tamago, Hakone Shrine, and the Gotemba Premium Outlets, making it an ideal way to discover the beauty and charm of this remarkable destination.