A unique new way to explore and enjoy nature in Hakone/HAKONATURE
Hakone is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of Japan as well as the local culture interwoven with history. Many visitors also come to Hakone hoping to exercise, explore, and enjoy activities in nature. Let’s introduce "HAKONATURE", a new program that offers a variety of activities with the theme of "nature experience."
Hakone has plenty of famous hiking and trekking spots, with local guides hosting various nature activities. You can enjoy experiential tours that involve walking along historical paths, running on forest trails and mountain trails, or simply strolling in nature, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With HAKONENATURE, you can spend time actually seeing and walking, getting close to nature, touching history, and experiencing Hakone. It offers a unique nature experience different from regular sightseeing trips, which can be safely and securely enjoyed with an English-speaking guide.
Feel Hakone’s nature and history with the Old Tokaido Road Tour/ Hakone Hachiri -Walking the Ancient Path
The "Hakone Hachiri," a Japan Heritage site, is a part of the old Tokaido Road built by the first shogun during the Edo Period (17th-19th century), stretching approximately 32 km from Odawara-juku to Mishima-juku. For more than 400 years, this road was used by a great number of people, from feudal lords to merchants and pilgrims. Located at an altitude of 800 meters, the Hakone Hachiri was considered the most challenging part of the Tokaido. To help travelers passing through, cedar trees were planted to lessen the rain and wind, and stone paving was laid to prevent mud in the rain.
The tour starts in the morning after gathering at the Hakone Yumoto Station. The first step is taking the bus to Motohakone-ko on the shores of Lake Ashi. From there, you will walk along the ancient cedar avenue with a history of 400 years towards Hakone Checkpoint. Here, a reenactment of the real life conditions of the checkpoint which all the past travelers had to pass through awaits. After the checkpoint, the tour continues on to Onshi-Hakone Park. If the weather permits, there will be a light lunch break in the beautiful park where you can view Mt. Fuji. Then, you will walk on the stones of the Old Tokaido Road towards “Amazake-chaya”, a teahouse with a history of 400 years.
Here you can enjoy amazake (non-alcoholic fermented sweet rice drink) made using the same techniques from centuries ago.
This tour is your chance to explore the rich local culture, history, and nature all together with a registered guide at your side. Reservations are easily done via the official homepage. Follow the footsteps of the ancient travelers and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese nature as well as history.
A comfortable and useful base as a start for your activity/HAKONATURE BASE
HAKONATURE BASE is an outdoor activities hub in Hakone Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone, to help visitors enjoy Hakone's nature even more. This base serves as the center for hosting events and exploring Hakone’s natural surroundings.
In addition to getting various important information from the counter inside, you can make your preparations for activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, and trail running here before or after going out. There are coin lockers that make it easy to use this place as your starting point. The facilities also include showers. After cleaning up, you can rest while enjoying some drinks such as coffee or beer at the café lounge.
Scheduled tours by nature guides, workshops, and other events are also held, so make sure to stop by HAKONATURE BASE when you are in the Hakone Yumoto area.
Get your gear before and after your outdoor activity/THE NORTH FACE Hakone
Inside HAKONATURE BASE, the global brand and a leader in the outdoor scene "THE NORTH FACE” has its first store in the Hakone area. The shop offers a wide range of wear and activity gear for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in Hakone. Don't miss out on the store-exclusive items. You can purchase items before your activities and get advice on necessary gear from the knowledgeable store staff.
Have your fill of Hakone’s craft beer and grilled dishes/GORA BREWERY PUBLIC HOUSE
GORA BREWERY PUBLIC HOUSE is a popular brewery from Gora that is next to HAKONATURE BASE, becoming a new landmark in Hakone Yumoto. The brewery uses 100% natural Hakone water to craft its beer, which can be enjoyed on-site. The cuisine includes the brewery's signature grilled dishes from "GORA BREWERY & GRILL," as well as a variety of other menu items such as oven-baked pizza made by a chef trained in Naples, who takes special care in preparing the dough. After engaging in activities, you can relax at the base, enjoy a craft beer, and savor the grilled dishes.
