Day Trips & Local Escapes • 10 hours 4.9 (8)

Hakone Heaven: A pilgrimage to Japan’s peak

Explore the iconic hot-springs town of Hakone, discover postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji and spectacular scenery, and relax in a traditional onsen

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Take the Romancecar train from Tokyo to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone
  • See some of the most famous views of Mount Fuji from across Lake Ashinoko (weather permitting)
  • Ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car and take in magical views of Mount Fuji
  • Board the Hakone sightseeing pirate boat and cruise around Lake Ashinoko - spot the red torii gate!
  • Explore a different part of Japan with your host and see what life is like outside the capital city
  • Try a traditional onsen (hot spring) - these range from gender-separated onsen where you’ll be completely naked, to more modern, mixed ones where you can keep your clothes on - it’s your call!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

10 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
10 hours with a host
Return tickets to Hakone from Tokyo via the Romancecar train. (This trip is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. If you would like to take a longer route via trains covered by this pass please get in touch for a new quote.)
Hakone freepass which covers the cable car, ropeway and sightseeing cruise in Hakone
Walking experience

What’s not included

Food & drinks
Transportation not mentioned above
Tickets to attractions including any onsen
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Shinjuku Tourist Information Center, located close to JR Shinjuku Station South East Exit.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

One of Japan’s three sacred mountains, the snow-capped Mount Fuji, is striking from all angles. You’ll get the chance to see it from across the shimmering waters of Lake Ashinoko and from remote locations only accessible via the enchanting Hakone Ropeway, which you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy if you’d like.

Discover why Mount Fuji has a special place in Japanese culture through your host’s wealth of local, generational knowledge - you can’t get that in a guidebook, can you? The region’s lush greenery will give you all the tranquility you crave, granting you some much-needed rest from the perpetual motion of Tokyo, but if you’re truly desperate to unwind, why not bare it all at a traditional onsen hot spring? No peeking!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Rachel, Jul 2024

Nobu took us to Hakone from Tokyo for a day trip. He went above and beyond on every level. Flexibility with our kids, kept us on track with time and thanks to his superb planning we managed to do all the items on our wishlist plus more! Definitely one of the best guides we’ve ever had!

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Melissa, Dec 2023

Steven showed us all the sites on our day trip to Hakone and was truly a pleasure to spend time with. He also gave us some additional recommendations on things to do, places to go and eat in the Tokyo area. We would highly recommend him!!

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Marguerite, Nov 2023

Really fun day!

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Marguerite, Nov 2023

She was fantastic! We changed the tour to be a Tokyo tour instead of Hakone per my request, and she was a lovely guide. Very knowledgeable and really friendly, and she took me all over to great spots I never would have found on my own. I was so impressed! I would recommend her gladly!

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Liem, Apr 2023

Very knowledgeable and friendly. Besides the tour program, he provided some great recommendations for places to eat and even helped me secure a reservation for a restaurant in the next city I’m visiting. He also replied to messages promptly. You will be in good hands.

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Edward, Feb 2018

This personalized tour was an excellent experience. Our guide Noriko was great and even suggested we changed the tour date so we could have good weather. She was so knowledgeable and gave us great insights into Japanese way of life. She was also able to accommodate all our family needs and experience the wonderful site of Mt Fuji from extraordinary places around this area. Arigato!

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