Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Half-Day Tour

The Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Half-Day Tour offers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This 3.5-hour adventure blends natural beauty and historical significance, taking participants through serene landscapes and quaint villages along the renowned Tokaido Highway. From stunning views of Mount Fuji to the centuries-old Amasake Tea House, this tour promises a captivating glimpse into Hakone’s storied past – and it’s just the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour hiking tour explores the historical Tokaido Highway in Hakone, showcasing scenic landscapes and cultural highlights.
• The tour includes a 15-minute black cab ride to the trailhead, followed by hiking along the Sukumo River and visiting a wood carving village.
• Participants can experience traditional Japanese tea culture at the 400-year-old Amasake Tea House and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
• The moderate difficulty level of the hike makes it suitable for beginners, with limited transportation costs included within the tour.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, particularly praising the knowledgeable and engaging guide Aki.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Half-day Tour is a 3.5-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the historical Tokaido Highway in the scenic Hakone region.

Priced from $115.14 per person, the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 participants and is conducted in English.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a black cab ride to the trailhead, hiking along the Sukumo River, visiting a wood carving village and a traditional teahouse, and exploring the Old Tokaido Highway with opportunities to see Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a short 15-minute black cab ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the trailhead, where participants commence their hiking journey along the Sukumo River for about an hour.

Next, the group visits the Hakone-Hatajuku wood carving village for a 30-minute exploration. Following this, they head to the Amasake Tea House to enjoy local snacks and tea.

The hike then continues along the Old Tokaido Highway for 45 minutes, leading to a scenic photo stop at Lake Ashi.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Ancient Cedar Avenue and a walk by the Hakone Checkpoint.

Experience and Insights

Hiking along the gentle slopes and cobbled paths of the Hakone Hachiri tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the historical context of the old Tokaido Highway.

Travelers can experience Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, as they trek through the lush landscapes.

The tour also includes a visit to a 400-year-old Amasake Tea House, where visitors can enjoy local snacks and gain insights into traditional Japanese culture.

Throughout the journey, stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi provide scenic backdrops, creating an unforgettable experience.

The moderate difficulty level makes this tour suitable for beginners, allowing everyone to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the Tokaido route.

Transportation and Costs

Although the tour doesn’t include extensive transportation, there are a few costs associated with getting around during the experience.

Participants begin the tour at Hakone-Yumoto Station, and a shared taxi takes them to the trailhead, costing 2,000 yen to be split among the group. Later, a bus fee of less than 400 yen is required to reach the Amasake Tea House.

Visitors should come prepared with the following:

1. Comfortable walking shoes
2. A hat for sun protection
3. A camera to capture the scenic views
4. Sunscreen to protect against UV rays

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Customer Feedback

Customers who have experienced the Hakone Hachiri Hiking Tour have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. Based on a single review, the tour has received a 5/5 overall rating. The reviewer praised the tour guide, Aki, for enhancing the experience.

Metrics	Feedback
Overall Rating	5/5
Guide Praise	Aki received praise for enhancing the experience
Review Highlight	"Aki, the tour guide, received praise for enhancing the experience."

The feedback indicates that the Hakone Hachiri Hiking Tour offers a high-quality experience, with a knowledgeable and engaging guide who helps bring the historical and cultural elements to life.

Exploring the Old Tokaido Highway

Winding through the lush landscapes of Hakone, the historic Tokaido Highway offers hikers a captivating glimpse into Japan’s storied past.

On this tour, participants journey along the ancient route, tracing the footsteps of Edo-era travelers. The experience includes:

1. Exploring well-preserved sections of the old highway, lined with centuries-old cedar trees.
2. Visiting the Hakone-Hatajuku wood carving village, a hub of traditional craftsmanship.
3. Stopping at a 400-year-old Amasake teahouse for a taste of local culture.
4. Enjoying scenic vistas of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, iconic landmarks of the Hakone region.

This immersive hike provides a unique opportunity to connect with Japan’s rich heritage.

Taking in Hakone’s Scenic Beauty

Beyond the historic Tokaido Highway, the Hakone Hachiri hiking tour immerses participants in the region’s stunning natural beauty. Along the trail, explorers traverse gentle slopes and cobbled paths, taking in sweeping vistas of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.

Feature	Detail
Scenic Views	Opportunity to see Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi
Cultural Elements	Learn about Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and enjoy a 400-year-old teahouse experience
Path Difficulty	Suitable for beginners with gentle slopes and cobbled paths
Distance	Approximately 4 km of hiking

The tour blends history, culture, and nature, providing an immersive experience in the heart of Hakone’s natural splendor.

The Guided Hiking Experience

Departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the guided hiking tour whisks participants away in a black cab to the trailhead, kicking off an immersive journey through Hakone’s historic landscapes.

The experience unfolds as follows:

1. Hiking along the picturesque Sukumo River for an hour.
2. Visiting the Hakone-Hatajuku wood carving village to learn about local craftsmanship.
3. Stopping at a 400-year-old Amasake Tea House for traditional snacks and beverages.
4. Hiking the Old Tokaido Highway, offering glimpses of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, before concluding at the Hakone Checkpoint.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide enhances the experience with insights into Edo-era travel and natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. The tour operator offers this hiking experience on both weekdays and weekends, catering to visitors’ schedules. Participants can book the tour for a weekend getaway to explore the historic Tokaido Highway.

Can I Book the Tour for a Group of 10?

Unfortunately, the tour group size is limited to 6 participants. A group of 10 people would not be able to book this tour. The tour operator strictly adheres to the group size limit to ensure an enjoyable and intimate experience for all guests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour has a fixed duration of 3.5 hours and doesn’t offer an option to extend it. The group size is limited to 6 participants, so a group of 10 wouldn’t be possible for this particular tour.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. This allows them to enjoy the scenic hike and tea house experience at their own pace and preference.

Do I Need to Sign Any Waivers Before the Tour?

According to the tour details, participants do not need to sign any waivers before the Hakone Hachiri hiking tour. The tour operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

The Hakone Hachiri: Old Tokaido Highway Hiking Half-Day Tour offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Trekking along the serene Sukumo River, exploring the historic Hakone-Hatajuku village, and savoring local treats at the 400-year-old Amasake Tea House, this moderate hike provides an immersive experience of Hakone’s scenic landscapes and the rich history of the Tokaido Highway.

You can check if your dates are available here: