Hakone: Relaxing Hot Springs and Scenic Lake Cruise

Hakone is a charming destination that blends relaxation and natural beauty. Visitors can unwind in the therapeutic hot springs, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The highlight of the experience is a tranquil cruise on Lake Ashi, where stunning views of Mount Fuji may grace the horizon. This enchanting region promises a memorable escape, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and scenic exploration. There’s more to discover in this captivating corner of Japan.

Key Points

• Explore the Hakone region’s natural beauty with a 10-hour sightseeing tour including a scenic mountain drive, a 45-minute Lake Ashi cruise, and a visit to Owakudani Valley.
• Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour soak at the Tenzan Onsen hot springs, experiencing the region’s therapeutic thermal waters.
• Discover Hakone’s cultural highlights, such as the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street known for its local crafts and delicacies.
• Convenient hotel pickups from central Tokyo locations make the tour accessible for participants.
• The tour is priced at €511.34 for up to 4 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Hakone tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience in the picturesque region known for its hot springs and magnificent views of Mount Fuji.

Priced at €511.34 for a group of up to 4 participants, the 10-hour excursion includes hotel pickup in central Tokyo, visits to natural wonders like Owakudani Valley, and a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi.

Travelers can also explore the charming Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street and indulge in the therapeutic waters of the Tenzan Onsen.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Hakone.

Itinerary Highlights

The Hakone tour begins with hotel pickups from central Tokyo locations, allowing visitors to embark on their scenic journey.

The first stop is Owakudani Valley, where guests can enjoy a 45-minute sightseeing walk amidst the active sulfur vents and natural hot springs.

Next, they’ll board a 45-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, providing stunning views of Mount Fuji, weather permitting.

The tour then visits Hakone Shrine for a 45-minute exploration before heading to Tenzan Onsen, a traditional hot spring resort, for 1.5 hours of relaxation.

Finally, guests can explore the Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street for 30 minutes.

Scenic Experiences

What scenic experiences await visitors on this Hakone tour? The highlight is a scenic drive through the Hakone mountains in a private car. Next, guests can cruise on Lake Ashi with potential views of the iconic Mount Fuji, weather permitting. At Owakudani Valley, they’ll witness the active sulfur vents and natural hot springs. Visitors can even try kuro-tamago, the famous "black eggs" believed to add seven years to one’s life.

Scenic Experience	Duration
Scenic mountain drive	Throughout tour
Lake Ashi cruise	45 minutes
Owakudani Valley visit	45 minutes
Try black eggs	Optional

Onsen Experience and Shopping

After exploring the scenic wonders of Hakone, visitors can enjoy the region’s renowned onsen, or hot spring, experience.

The Tenzan Onsen resort offers both indoor and outdoor thermal baths, providing a chance to unwind and soak in the therapeutic waters.

Alongside the onsen, the Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street showcases local crafts and delicacies.

Visitors can browse shops selling yosegi-zaiku – a type of intricate wood art, as well as indulge in traditional Japanese treats like onsen manju and dango.

This well-rounded experience allows travelers to fully embrace Hakone’s relaxing and cultural offerings.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Hotel Pickup Locations

Five central Tokyo hotel locations serve as pickup points for the Hakone tour.

Travelers can board the private car from their hotel in Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda, Shinjuku, or Chuo. This provides convenience and flexibility for participants, allowing them to easily access the tour from their accommodations in the city center.

The tour itinerary includes:

• Pickup from central Tokyo hotels
• Sightseeing and a 45-minute walk in Owakudani Valley
• 45-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi
• Visit to Hakone Shrine for 45 minutes
• 1.5 hours of relaxation at the Tenzan Onsen hot spring resort
• 30-minute exploration of Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street

Owakudani Valley Exploration

The tour journey continues as participants explore the captivating Owakudani Valley. This volcanic valley is renowned for its active sulfur vents and natural hot springs.

Guests will embark on a 45-minute guided walk, observing the dramatic landscape and the unique phenomenon of "black eggs" – hard-boiled eggs that turn black when cooked in the valley’s sulfurous waters. These eggs are believed to add seven years to one’s life.

The valley’s steaming vents and bubbling pools offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geothermal activity, providing an immersive and educational experience for visitors.

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Next, the tour takes participants on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi.

The scenic lake offers stunning views of the iconic Mount Fuji, weather permitting. Cruising on the lake provides a peaceful and relaxing experience, allowing visitors to take in the natural beauty of the Hakone region.

• The cruise offers panoramic views of the surrounding Hakone mountains.
• Passengers can spot the distinctive Hakone Shrine torii gate reflected in the lake’s waters.
• The Lake Ashi cruise is a highlight of the Hakone tour, providing a serene respite from the day’s activities.

Hakone Shrine and Shopping Street

After the tranquil Lake Ashi cruise, the tour takes visitors to the iconic Hakone Shrine. Situated at the base of Mount Hakone, the shrine is known for its impressive torii gate that appears to float on the waters of Lake Ashinoko. Guests have 45 minutes to explore the shrine grounds, admiring the architecture and taking in the serene atmosphere. Following the shrine visit, the tour moves on to the Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street, where visitors can browse local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. The shopping street offers a glimpse into the traditional culture of the Hakone region.

Hakone Shrine	Description
Torii Gate	Iconic structure that appears to float on Lake Ashinoko
Architecture	Traditional Japanese shrine design
Atmosphere	Peaceful and serene setting

Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street	Description
Local Crafts	Yosegi-zaiku (intarsia wood), onsen manju (steamed buns)
Traditional Snacks	Dango (rice dumplings)
Souvenirs	Wide selection of Hakone-themed items

FAQ

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it includes activities like a 45-minute walk and 1.5 hours at the hot springs. Families with older children who can participate in these activities may find the tour more appropriate.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Guests can adjust the itinerary, activity duration, and explore additional sites based on their interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to personalize the experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size Allowed?

The tour can accommodate up to 4 participants per group, as stated in the pricing information. So the maximum group size allowed is 4 people.

Are Meals Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package doesn’t include any meals. It covers private car transportation, English-speaking driver/guide, entrance fees, and the onsen experience, but food is not provided during the 10-hour tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is a flat €511.34 per group of up to 4 participants, regardless of age or student status.

Sum Up

Hakone’s blend of relaxation and natural beauty makes it an enchanting escape. The restorative hot springs and tranquil lake cruise offer a memorable Japanese experience. Visitors can unwind in the therapeutic waters, admire iconic Mount Fuji, and explore Hakone’s shrines and shopping streets. This region promises a serene retreat amidst Japan’s stunning countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here: