Hakone’s guided tours offer excellent value for curious travelers and history buffs. The top options are practical and well-organized, with knowledgeable English-speaking guides who know their stuff.
I especially love the private 6-8 hour tours – they’re flexible and you can customize stops to match your interests. The 11-hour adventure tour, while longer, provides the most complete experience, nicely balancing cultural sites with natural wonders.
For efficiency-minded travelers, the day trips from Tokyo are smartly organized, hitting Lake Ashi and Owakudani valley without feeling rushed. History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the heritage hiking tours along ancient paths, while the Odawara Castle tour offers an authentic glimpse into Japan’s samurai past.
Let’s explore the best tour options for your Hakone adventure.
Key Points
- Hakone 6 Hour and 8 Hour Private Tours offer customizable itineraries, traditional food tasting, and local craft experiences with highly-rated government-licensed guides.
- Hakone Adventure Tour is an 11-hour immersive experience that includes a visit to Owakudani valley, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and exploration of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- The Tokyo: Hakone & Mt Fuji Area Tour provides a 10-hour guided experience with a buffet lunch, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway.
- The Hike Japan Heritage Tour offers a guided hike showcasing historical trails and scenic landscapes, with stops at tea houses and noodle shops.
- The Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour is a 2.5-hour experience at Odawara Castle, including a visit to the Samurai Museum and an immersive ninja training session.
Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
The Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide offers an immersive exploration of Hakone’s natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Featuring licensed local guides with extensive knowledge, the tour showcases Hakone’s scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and unique attractions. Guests can customize their itinerary, selecting 3-4 locations for personalized visits, including Gora station, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shinto shrine.
On clear days, the tour provides opportunities to see the iconic Mt. Fuji, along with activities like gondola rides and pirate ship cruises across Lake Ashi.
Guides receive high praise for their flexibility, clear communication, and personalized adjustments, enhancing the overall experience.
With an average rating of 4.9 out of 153 reviews, the tour is consistently rated as memorable and enjoyable, offering a relaxing yet informative journey.
Priced at $164.06 per person, the tour provides a convenient and customizable experience, utilizing public transportation and accommodating private vehicle arrangements with advanced notice.
Unique experiences, such as traditional food tasting and local crafts, further enrich the tour, making it a standout option for exploring Hakone’s natural and cultural highlights.
Read our full review: Hakone 6 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Hakone Adventure Tour (With English/Japanese Speaking Guide)
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Hakone’s natural wonders and cultural gems, the Hakone Adventure Tour provides an immersive 11-hour experience led by knowledgeable guides fluent in both English and Japanese.
Priced at €1,026.71 for up to 4 participants, the tour includes hotel pickup, tolls, gas, Wi-Fi, and bottled water.
Highlights include a visit to the volcanic Owakudani valley to try the famous black eggs, a cruise on Lake Ashi with breathtaking Mt. Fuji views, and exploration of the Hakone Open-Air Museum’s outdoor sculptures.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and features a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers can reserve their spot without immediate payment, and benefit from personalized attention in a private group setting.
Whether a nature enthusiast or art lover, the Hakone Adventure Tour offers a seamless way to discover the region’s stunning landscapes and cultural attractions.
Read our full review: Hakone Adventure Tour (With English/Japanese Speaking Guide) Review
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Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
For those seeking a more customized Hakone experience, the Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers a personalized exploration of the region’s top attractions.
This 8-hour guided tour allows travelers to curate their own itinerary, choosing 3-4 sites from a predefined list. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, government-licensed guide, the tour showcases Hakone’s stunning views, cultural experiences, and local cuisine.
Participants can expect transportation by boat, cable car, and ropeway, as well as visits to historical sites and immersion in the area’s renowned onsen culture.
With an average rating of 4.9 based on 54 reviews, the guides are praised for their expertise, flexibility, and English proficiency. Tour pricing starts at $190.32 per person, with options for private vehicle transfers and customized experiences.
Whether seeking a half-day or full-day tour, this private guide-led excursion provides a comprehensive and tailored introduction to the beauty and traditions of Hakone.
Read our full review: Hakone 8 Hour Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Tokyo: Hakone & Mt Fuji Area Guided Tour With Buffet Lunch
Exploring the picturesque Hakone and Mt. Fuji area on this guided tour is an ideal way to make the most of your time. This 10-hour excursion offers convenient pickup and a chance to enjoy a buffet lunch, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
With a rating of 4.1 from 603 reviews, this tour provides a good balance of sightseeing and leisure. Highlights include a cruise on Lake Ashi, a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, and a visit to the volcanic Owakudani valley.
Along the way, your guide will provide insights into the region’s natural wonders and cultural significance.
The tour’s $98 per person price point makes it an accessible option, and the group size flexibility caters to a variety of travel preferences.
Read our full review: Tokyo: Hakone & Mt Fuji Area Guided Tour With Buffet Lunch Review
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Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri With Certified Mountain Guide
Hikers seeking a more immersive experience in Hakone’s natural wonders can embark on the Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri tour. With the product code 398316P4, this guided adventure showcases the region’s historical trails and scenic landscapes.
According to verified reviews, the tour’s certified mountain guide, Aki, is praised for their extensive knowledge and warm hospitality.
The 5-star rated experience takes travelers on a nature immersion hike through Hakone’s lush forests, with stops at tea houses and noodle shops along the way. Travelers can capture memorable moments with the encouragement to share photos on the Viator platform.
The Viator Help Centre is available for any booking or service inquiries, and the FAQs address common traveler concerns.
Priced at $157.50 per person, the tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, though the non-refundable policy on cancellations should be noted.
Read our full review: Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri With Certified Mountain Guide Review
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Hakone: Full Day Private Tour With English Guide
If you’re planning a day of discovery in the scenic Hakone region, the Guided Hakone Private Tour with an English-speaking guide offers a comprehensive and customizable experience.
Priced from €39688 for a group of up to 5 participants, this 10-hour tour includes pickup from hotels or apartments within Tokyo’s 23 wards, as well as a range of highlights like Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Shrine, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
The itinerary also features a relaxing boat cruise and aerial views from the Hakone Ropeway, plus free time for shopping at the Gotemba Premium Outlets.
With an expert guide to lead the way, travelers can enjoy the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Customization is available, and additional fees apply for pickups outside the 23 wards or from Haneda Airport and Yokohama Port.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic highlights of this private tour.
Read our full review: Hakone: Full Day Private Tour With English Guide Review
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Odawara: Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle
Visitors seeking to enjoy Japan’s rich samurai and ninja heritage can embark on the Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle. Priced from Kč3,373 per person, this 2.5-hour English-guided experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and culture of these legendary figures.
The tour begins at the Odawara Castle Park, where participants meet their guide at the Ninja Centre. They’ll then visit the Samurai Museum to view authentic armor, helmets, and swords, followed by a tour of Odawara Castle itself.
The highlight, however, is the immersive ninja training session at the Ninja Museum, where participants learn techniques of breathing, meditation, and movement, and practice with authentic ninja tools.
With a 5/5 rating based on 18 reviews, this tour is praised for its engaging activities and knowledgeable instruction. Travelers can explore the seasonal beauty of Odawara Castle Park and take home a unique, hands-on experience of Japan’s captivating samurai and ninja legacy.
Read our full review: Odawara: Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hakone?
The best time to visit Hakone is typically spring or autumn. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, including the iconic Mount Fuji and the scenic Ashinoko Lake.
Are Guided Tours Wheelchair-Accessible?
Many guided tours in Hakone offer wheelchair-accessible options. Visitors should check with tour companies to ensure the specific tour they’re interested in can accommodate their mobility needs. Accessibility varies, so it’s best to inquire ahead of time.
Do Tours Include Transportation to and From Hakone?
Many guided tours in Hakone include transportation to and from the destination, making it convenient for visitors. The availability and details of transportation services can vary between different tour providers, so it’s best to check with each one.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for Private Tours?
Yes, many private tours in Hakone allow you to customize the itinerary to fit your interests and schedule. This flexibility lets you make the most of your time in the area.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Guided Tours?
Most private guided tours don’t have age restrictions, allowing families with children to participate. However, some activities or routes may have minimum age requirements for safety reasons. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
The Sum Up
Hakone offers a variety of guided tours, catering to different interests and durations. From private tours with licensed guides to adventure tours and hikes, visitors can explore the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in Ninja and Samurai history or seeking a comprehensive Hakone experience, there are multiple options to choose from to make the most of your time in this picturesque destination.