Hakone: Relaxing Mountain Trails & Lake Ashi in Style - 5 Days

In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.

Golden Week: Usually between 29 April & 05 May
Obon Period: Mid-August (Between 10th & 20th)
Silver Week: Usually between 18 & 26 September

This walk runs from April to November, and both ends of that window have plenty to recommend them. Spring brings the cherry blossoms, and once the temperature starts climbing from late March you'll find the mountain air still cool and comfortable for walking, even as Tokyo heats up. Autumn is just as popular, with crisp air, good weather and the colours turning through the forest canopy. Summer is warm and humid but still very walkable given how much time you spend under the trees, and a dip in a mountain stream is a welcome reward on a hot afternoon. The walk doesn't run in winter, so plan your trip for spring or autumn if you can, when an evening soak in an outdoor onsen feels especially good after a day on the track.

We organise a Hakone Pass for you, provided on Day 2 and valid for Days 3, 4 and 5, giving you free run of the local transport around Hakone and the trip back to Tokyo at the end of your walk.

Hakone sits around 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo by train, and the same route takes you back again at the end of your walk. Fly into Tokyo, then jump on the train to Hakone. Once your walk wraps up, the Hakone Pass covers your return journey to Tokyo, so you're set for the whole trip on one ticket.

The walking here is moderate, on well-maintained paths throughout. Each day tends to open with a decent stretch of elevation gain, so you'll feel it in the legs early on before the terrain settles. Much of the route runs beneath a forest canopy, which keeps things shaded and pleasant even on warmer days.

For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.