In the 17th century, the Old Tokkaido Road was built to link the capital of Kyoto and the growing metropolis of Edo (now Tokyo). Samurais, princes, and peasants walked side by side on this long cobblestone highway, leaving behind tales and legends that have made this road a key element of the culture of the era. Walk back into the Edo Period on this well-trodden stretch of history as it winds through the magnificent natural scenery of Hakone.
Programme Details
Meet a local guide and begin the walk along the Old Tokkaido Road, the historic highway whose cobblestone and dirt path still winds through Hakone. During the hike, the guide will tell stories of the travellers who once passed along the route and why this highway was a modern marvel of its time.
Pass through magnificent natural scenery, including lush forest, clam marshland, and dynamic rocky outcrops. Mt Fuji is also visible across Lake Ashi on clear days. The hike itself is not difficult, but expect approximately 6 hours of walking on a 6.5 km route with a 900 meter elevation change.
After about an hour of hiking, arrive in Hatajuku, a small village known as the birthplace of Hakone’s traditional woodworking craft, yosegi zaiku. This delicate art is created by assembling precisely cut pieces of natural wood into intricate geometric patterns, often seen on decorative boxes and everyday items. Take a break here for a casual lunch at a local soba noodle restaurant.
Continue hiking onward to reach Amazake Chaya, a historic roadside teahouse that has been serving weary travellers for over 400 years. Enjoy a short rest with traditional amazake and local sweets in this atmospheric setting before resuming the walk.
The final stretch of the hike leads toward Lake Ashi, passing through the scenic Cedar Avenue and on to the Hakone Checkpoint, a former military gateway that once guarded the approach to Edo. Learn about its role in controlling travel along the Tōkaidō before concluding the hike.
Part ways with the guide and return to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- Tour is not available in August
- This tour is only available for guests 10 years old and above.
- Tour may be cancelled in case of extreme weather.
- This is a full day trek and should be treated as such. Guests should prepare a backpack, appropriate hiking clothes, extra rain gear, hiking boots (no sneakers), water bottle (at least 1 liter), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, etc. The guide may not have extra supplies and provisions for guests who are not prepared.
- Depending on conditions and guest preference, some sections may be shortened using local transport.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerYou might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner
Get in touch
Our sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Director - UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Amanda Pilar
Director of Sales - Americas & ANZSales
Maya Caspary
Sales Manager - Germany, Austria, SwitzerlandEXO Sales Team
Vicky Sampson
EXO Sales Team
Rubby Alvarez
Sales Manager - Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Nick Ghosh
Chief Commercial OfficerEXO Sales Team
Alex Shaw
Sales Manager - Northern EuropeEXO Sales Team
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager - German MarketEXO Sales Team
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
