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

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 rou
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
Kanpai from the coziest izakaya

Kanpai from the coziest izakaya

 A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine

A peaceful moment at Kanda Shrine

 Flying high for Children's Day!

Flying high for Children's Day!

 New friendships over late-night ramen

New friendships over late-night ramen

Shared plates, shared smiles

Shared plates, shared smiles

 Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide

Takeshita Street, where quirky fashion, sweet treats, and pop culture collide

History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

History meets gold at Ueno Toshogu Shrine

From navigating to sharing hidden stops

From navigating to sharing hidden stops

Press start on an Akihabara adventure!

Press start on an Akihabara adventure!

Night out, Tokyo-style

Night out, Tokyo-style

Neon Nights, New Friends

Neon Nights, New Friends

Layover Magic at Tokyo Station

Layover Magic at Tokyo Station

Quirky Café Moments

Quirky Café Moments

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What travelers think of this experience

Samir Apr 2025

We did a day trip to Hakone and Fuji with our guide Mari. What a wonderful experience! We met Mari at the Shinjuku station just west of our hotel, and hopped on the 2 hour train to Fuji. Visitors to Fuji don't always see the peak but we knew we had a good chance as it was a bright sunshine filled day. Mari seated us on the right of the train and on the ride up, Fuji burst into view in all its glory. We then transferred to a special railcar that climbs the mountain switchbacks to Hakone. We were there mid April and cherry blossoms in Tokyo were starting to fade, but at the higher altitude and cooler temps of Hakone they were in full bloom! We took a break and Mari walked us around some cherry blossom stands near the Hakone station, then next, a short ride up the steep hill on a funicular. At the top we disembark to transfer to cable car gondola for the final ascent to Fuji - Mari knew just where to stand and sit for the best views - and mid way along the Ropeway, Fuji appeared from behind a ridgeline - huge and snow covered. The ropeway ends at a large viewing station - we spent awhile walking around, admiring the unobstructed views of Fuji and taking plenty of pics. Despite the warm temps of Tokyo, and the sun, at Hakone it was cool and very windy - so if you are going be prepared and bring down jackets or raincoats against the wind. The winds built up to point that the Ropeway was shut down, resulting in a huge line for busses - but with Mari's help, we called a cab and got back home at a reasonable time. A great day with lots of memories.

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Samir Apr 2025

Mari was wonderful. She escorted us from Tokyo to Hakone/ Fuji (which we would never have been able to figure out on our own ). The views were stunning. We had a bit of a glitch in that high winds caused a shutdown of the Ropeway down. Mari was able to figure out a way for us to get back without standing in the long line. After the tour she even helped us flag a taxi and directed the driver how to get to the dinner restaurant we reserved.

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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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