Travel conditions
Travel planning and operation
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Tour participants are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver-guide
If you leave the group midway through the tour, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic, weather, holidays, and crowds conditions and unforeseen circumstances
For smaller groups, a small vehicle with a driver-guide will be used. Please be aware that this is a shared ride service; other guests will be traveling with you, and stopping at places not included in the itinerary is not allowed
Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur on weekends and national holidays, and the driver-guide will adjust the itinerary according to the situation. Please be prepared for this before booking.
According to Japanese law, a driver may work up to 10 hours. To ensure the driver's safety and stable driving, the itinerary may be adjusted according to actual conditions, including shortening sightseeing time or canceling some stops. We apologize for this. These adjustments are not grounds for requesting a refund, and we sincerely hope for your understanding and support.
The Tokyo Station and Shinjuku departures use different vehicles, so your pick-up and drop-off locations must be the same and cannot be changed.
If the Hakone Ropeway (Owakudani Station – Togendai Station section) is suspended, the guide will adjust according to the day's road conditions. Plans when arriving early: ① take the pirate ship first, then the ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station; or ② take the ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station, then the boat after coming down.
Located on the shores of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is famous for its iconic torii gate in the water, the 'Peace Torii,' which is an excellent photo spot. The main shrine building enshrines Hakone-Ōkami, where you can pray for good fortune and romantic relationships. Additionally, the path leading to the main shrine is lined with ancient trees, creating a solemn and tranquil atmosphere, offering a taste of Japan's traditional shrine culture. Strolling along the lake offers a blend of nature and history.
The Hakone and Mount Fuji area offers different charms throughout the year. Spring (March-May) is ideal for cherry blossom viewing with pleasant weather. Summer (June-August) provides cool lake views and lush green mountains, perfect for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) is the prime season for autumn foliage, with hillsides ablaze in picturesque reds and oranges. Winter (December-February) offers the chance to see Mount Fuji covered in snow, creating a spectacular scene. It's advisable to avoid the rainy season to ensure good visibility.
Kuzuryu Shrine primarily enshrines the guardian deity of Hakone, 'Kuzuryu-Ōkami,' renowned for prayers for good fortune, financial prosperity, and romantic relationships. The 'Shingu' is located next to Hakone Shrine, making it convenient to visit. The 'Hongu' is nestled deep within the forest on the shores of Lake Ashi, exuding a more mysterious and solemn atmosphere, with a monthly festival held on the 13th. Many visitors take 'Ryujin water' home, which is said to bring good luck and is a unique local shrine custom.
From Tokyo, you can take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, or a sightseeing cruise. If you choose the bus, you can alight at Moto-Hakone Port and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the shrine. Driving is also an option, but consider parking convenience. Participating in a day trip tour from Tokyo usually includes transportation, offering a more convenient and relaxed travel experience.
Oshino Hakkai is famous for its eight crystal-clear springs, formed from melted snow of Mount Fuji filtered through the earth. Each pond has its own unique name and legend, such as 'Okama Pond' and 'Choshi Pond.' Here, you can admire the pastoral landscape where Mount Fuji, the ponds, thatched-roof houses, and water wheels interweave, and taste the sweet spring water. It's also a popular spot for photographing Mount Fuji, blending natural and cultural charm.
On the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, you can admire Hakone's natural scenery from various angles on the lake. On clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji is reflected in the water, creating the beautiful 'inverted Fuji' view. Along the way, you'll also see the torii gate of Hakone Shrine in the water, lush green mountains, and lakeside villas. This water journey combines beautiful natural landscapes with the unique design of the ship, offering a delightful sightseeing experience and one of the best ways to appreciate Hakone's lake and mountain vistas.
Riding the Owakudani Ropeway offers a panoramic view of Owakudani's volcanic activity, including steaming sulfur vents and rugged terrain. On clear days, you can also see Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi in the distance. Owakudani's specialty, 'black eggs,' are boiled in the geothermal hot springs, causing their shells to turn black due to a reaction with sulfur. It's said that eating one can prolong life by seven years, making it a unique experience and souvenir not to be missed when visiting Owakudani.
The best times to photograph Mount Fuji and swans at Shirahama Beach in Lake Yamanaka are typically early morning or late evening. The lake surface is calmer in the morning, allowing for clear reflections of Mount Fuji, and the light is soft. In the evening, you can capture Mount Fuji and swans bathed in the glow of sunset, creating a romantic scene. In winter, Mount Fuji covered in snow combined with swans resting by the lake forms a classic picturesque view, sought after by many photography enthusiasts, offering beautiful scenery year-round.