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Hike Hakone Hachiri: Explore Ancient Tokaido Highway and Experience Japanese Heritage
5.0
28 Ratings
Odawara
Embark on a captivating journey along the ancient Tokaido Highway in Hakone Hachiri. Discover historic teahouses, majestic cedar trees, and breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. Immerse yourself in Japanese heritage with our knowledgeable guide.
Embark on a captivating journey along the ancient Tokaido Highway in Hakone Hachiri. Discover historic teahouses, majestic cedar trees, and breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. Immerse yourself in Japanese heritage with our knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Amasake Tea House - Mr Yamamoto is the thirteenth generation manager of Amasake Chaya Teahouse. Together with his family, including potential 14th generation managers son and daughter, their quaint little establishment serves thirsty Tokaido travellers with the sweet, warm, amasake their family has been serving for four centuries. Due to the…
- Amasake Tea House - Mr Yamamoto is the thirteenth generation manager of Amasake Chaya Teahouse. Together with his family, including potential 14th generation managers son and daughter, their quaint little establishment serves thirsty Tokaido travellers with the sweet, warm, amasake their family has been serving for four centuries. Due to the lightweight construction of the teahouse, there have been many versions of the building over the centuries, on both sides of the road. The current structure was refurbished to traditional style in 2009
- Lake Ashinoko - Lunch by Lake Ashi, a 700m deep crater lake with red tori gates in the water
- Cedar Trees of Hakone Old Road - Cedar Avenue Hakone. Four centuries ago exactly, the second Edo Period Shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada, ordered the planting of sugi (Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) along both sides of Tokaido to shade travellers as they made their way around the shoreline of Lake Ashinoko towards Hakone Checkpoint. 420 of these magnificant specimens remain, towering straight, fat, and proud into the Hakone sky along Cedar Avenue.
- Hakone Sekisho and Hakone Sekisho Museum - Tokaido had checkpoints at various intervals to ensure that travellers were bonefide and to protect the Shogun in the capital, Edo. Hakone was the closest checkpoint to Edo, so was one of the most severely policed. Perched between the waters of Lake Ashinoko and the steep mountainous terrain of Hakone, Tokaido travellers had no alternative but to submit to inspection.
- Yamanaka Castle Ruins - Back to 1590. Hojo’s western boundary is protected by Yamanaka Castle, literally meaning “castle in the mddle of the mountain”. The site is true to its name, but despite impressive earthworks to create defences accentuating the site’s naturally steep terrain, Yamanaka Castle is quick to fall to the might of the force from the west on its way along Tokaido eastwards to surround Odawara. A visit to the castle ruins today is rewarded with spectacular views from its highest point of Mt Fuji, weather permitting.
- Tokaido Odawara Shuku - Hike a 12km stretch of the Old Tokaido Foot Highway between Odawara and Mishima now preserved as a Japan Heritage Area
- Mishima - Walk along Genbegawa World Water Heritage Area
What's Included
- Guide fee
- Guide fee
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Hike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather…
Hike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) from Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and more. Hakone Hachiri has been declared a Japan Heritage Area. Allow our guide to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural heritage of this ancient route.
Location
Odawara Station
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(28 Ratings)
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Jimbz7741yw
Jul 30, 2024
Hakone crater, gateway to Tokyo for hundreds of years — as guided by Tony into the lay of the land and culture - We were a family of 5 Americans, from the young and fit to me pushing 80. Tony — with his Kiwi accent, fluency in Japanese and obvious love of the culture and history there — was the perfect guide, most flexible and accommodating. He’d have us all together for the woodcraft shops and historic sites like the old crater lake Shogunal barrier and checkpoint. But after canvassing the group, he’d take the most avid hikers down the steep parts, after telling the rest of us what bus stop to get off, and how to walk to the best local tea house in which to rest and await their arrival. As a history prof for 50 years I’d read about the old Tokaido and the history that played out along it, but the quiet stretches still lined with massive firs — planted along it 400 years ago — and just the lay of the land as the road climbed up to the rim and then down into the massive old caldera that is the heart of Hakone, were like something out of Tolkien. Our single favorite day in Japan, even including our time in Kyoto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristina_r
Jul 27, 2024
Amazing hike in nature! - The hike was beautiful, with waterfalls and huge trees! Exactly the workout we wanted away from the crowds of tourist! Tony was funny and very experienced! I highly recommend him!!
Review provided by Viator
Dana_q
Jun 11, 2024
Best 7 mile hike ever!! - Tony was an excellent guide. I HIGHLY recommend him! His knowledge of history is on point and he made the hike absolutely the best!! Prepare yourself for fantastic views, a history lesson, and so many memories on this trip!! I will advise this hike every time!!! 5/5 stars for Tony!!!
Review provided by Viator
Marccastro0731
Jun 7, 2024
Great tour experience - The itenirary was well.constructed . We weren't rushed and had enough time to see explore and eat . He had incredible knowledge of the area and was very kind and accomodating . Must get him when you visit hakone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryryken
Jun 1, 2024
Family hike along Tokaido Road and Lake Ashi - Our family hike along the historic Tokaido Road and around Lake Ashi in Hakone was an unforgettable adventure that perfectly balanced challenge and enjoyment. The ancient Tokaido Road, once a vital route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, offered a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rich history. We felt transported back in time as we walked through lush forests and encountered traditional teahouses along the way.
Adding to our experience was our exceptional guide, Tony. He provided unwavering support throughout the hike and enriched our journey with his insightful anecdotes about Hakone's history. His stories brought the historical sites to life, making each step even more meaningful. Tony’s knowledge of the area’s culture and past was impressive, and he always knew the best spots for photo opportunities and rest breaks.
The trail's varying terrain kept us engaged and excited. We navigated steep inclines and rocky paths, which added a thrilling sense of achievement once conquered. Yet, these challenges were interspersed with more gentle, scenic stretches that allowed us to catch our breath and take in the breathtaking surroundings.
Lake Ashi itself was a stunning highlight. The serene waters, framed by the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance, provided numerous picturesque spots for rest and reflection. Our kids loved spotting the colorful boats and waving to friendly locals.
The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and the physical challenge made this hike an enriching experience for our entire family. With Tony’s guidance, the hike was both educational and fun, testing our endurance but rewarding us with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. We highly recommend this hike for families looking to blend adventure with cultural exploration.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexiapple
Feb 9, 2024
Awesome hike with awesome guide ! - Two thumbs up! Tony was an enthusiastic guide with a treasure trove of knowledge about the history of the area! Took the effort to bring us to 500 year old tea house, and brought along equipment to prevent us from falling! Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aislah
Jan 4, 2024
Sublime, serene beauty - To begin, Tony was the consummate guide/host for our first/second day in Japan. He provided us with very clear directions on how to 'find' him, and was able to quickly and easily transport us from the middle of Tokyo to Hakone Hachiri. We travelled on the shinkansen to Odawara, then transferred to Hakone-Yumoto station. From here we took a taxi to Amazake-chaya Tea House, founded 400 years ago, where we drank a rice wine tea whose recipe has not changed since the tea house opened. The tea house is still being operated by the original family who established it. Here we encountered the pre-industrial, rural culture of an olderJapan. The ancient pathway through the not so ancient, but nonetheless beautiful Cedar forests, which had been planted post WW2, were cool, green and sublime. Tony is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese language and culture, added to which he is a gifted raconteur. We had to carefully watch our step on the ancient cobbles and Tony taught us how to do this safely, by walking between the cobbles, not on them. The introduction to the Japanese language was done with skill and humour and we enjoyed our first tentative steps at decoding the written signs on the way. Tony's depiction of Japanese life and culture laid the foundation in orientating our direction for the rest of our Japanese sojourn - in short he is an excellent cultural guide. Importantly, we got to stretch our legs, and breathe deeply the fresh air of the Hakone, Hachiri hike, and to take in the sheer beauty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soniab751
Jan 3, 2024
Good way to see outside Tokyo - Tony provided a great trip, very informative, could answer every “tricky”question about Japanese culture, customs, history. Super friendly and helpful. The trip itself is a great antidote to the big city experience - you get to see and hear about provincial life, the countryside and history. Highly recommended !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chriscx1392fh
Dec 14, 2023
Wonderful day in Hakone countryside - Tony was a fantastic guide and host , making our experience both wonderfully enjoyable and educational (Tony is fluent Japanese / English speaker)........the morning tea at Masters inn was beautiful, walking the ancient road between Tokyo and Kyoto through an old growth forest delightful, and views of Mt Fuji spectacular. Can highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborahhb2766et
Nov 23, 2023
Wonderful day walk from Tokyo - This was a wonderful day out of Tokyo city and was so special it authenticity transported our group back to another time. Our guide, Tony, was so knowledgeable and had many stories to tell about the history and people that walked this beautiful and ancient trail we were on.
The walking was broken by short bus and train rides which had been carefully planned to match my nearly 70 year old fitness level!
Morning tea was in a magical forest inn that had been handed down through many generations of the same family, lunch was beside beautiful Lake Hakone and it was very exciting to see Mt Fuji.
I highly recommend this tour to visitors to Japan and plan to return myself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor