Walk in the footsteps of Edo-period travelers on the scenic and culturally rich Hakone Hachiri section of the Old Tokaido Highway. Led by a nationally certified mountain guide, this full-day hiking tour takes you through tea houses, historic checkpoints, and forested stone paths with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.

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Highlights

Hike one of Japan’s most important ancient roads, the Old Tokaido Highway, once the main route between Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo)
Visit the Amasake Chaya, a 400-year-old teahouse serving traditional sweet rice drink “amasake”
Admire panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and ancient cedar forests (weather permitting)
Discover Edo-period history with insights from a licensed Japan Mountain Guide
Walk through the historic Hakone Checkpoint, once used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to control movement
Enjoy peaceful countryside, historic ruins, and charming towns like Hatajuku and Mishima

Full Description

Step off the beaten path and experience a different side of Japan—one that blends nature, tradition, and travel history. On this 8-hour guided hike, you’ll walk along portions of the Hakone Hachiri, the mountainous stretch of the Old Tokaido Highway, a vital trade and communication route from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Your day begins at Hakone-Yumoto Station, from where you’ll take a short shared taxi ride to the trailhead. The journey follows part of the 32km Hachiri stretch—named after the old Japanese unit of measurement, where “hachi” means eight and “ri” equals roughly 4km.

You’ll pass rivers, cobbled hiking trails, preserved waystations, and moss-covered stone steps. Along the way:

Sukumo River: Enjoy serene forest scenery along the old highway route.
Hatajuku: A small village known for its traditional wooden parquetry (Yosegi-zaiku) shops.
Amasake Tea House: Pause for rest and rejuvenation at this 400-year-old teahouse with deep historical significance, enjoying warm amasake and light snacks (optional, at your own expense).
Lake Ashi & Ancient Cedar Avenue: Walk beside this postcard-perfect lake and along a scenic forest trail lined with 400-year-old cedar trees, historically planted for travelers’ protection.
Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho): See how the Tokugawa Shogunate controlled border crossings during the Edo period.
Yamanaka Castle Ruins (Optional): After lunch, travel by bus to explore what remains of a once-powerful stronghold near the Hakone Pass.
Mishima Taisha Shrine (Optional): A majestic Shinto shrine in Mishima with deep roots in Japanese mythology.
Genbei River Walk (Optional): A hidden nature gem in the town of Mishima, where fresh spring water flows through a tranquil canal surrounded by greenery.

The hiking route is around 8km and designed for beginners, with gentle slopes and well-maintained paths. Steeper sections are bypassed using local buses.

Itinerary Overview

Meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station
Taxi to trailhead (15 mins)
Hike from Sukumo River to Hatajuku (1 hour)
Short bus ride to Amasake Tea House (30 mins break)
Hike cobblestone section of Old Tokaido (45 mins)
Lake Ashi, Cedar Avenue, Hakone Checkpoint (1.5 hours total)
Lunch (optional, not included)
Bus to secret viewpoint & Mishima area
Visit Mishima Shrine or Genbei River (optional)
Tour ends at Mishima Station or Odawara Station (~16:00)

Pricing

From ¥23,400 per person
Group size: Small groups only (usually under 10 participants)

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Includes

Certified Japan Mountain Guide (National license with wilderness first aid certification)
Guided hiking tour (approx. 8km)
Transportation during the tour (shared taxi and local buses)
Flexible route and pace depending on group fitness and weather

Not Included

Lunch (available at local restaurants near Lake Ashi)
Amasake and snacks at the tea house (optional, extra fee)
Return Shinkansen fare (Mishima to Odawara: ~¥3,000, 15 minutes)

Meeting Point

Hakone-Yumoto Station (ticket gate area)
Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

Look for your guide at the ticket gate at 9:00 AM. Be on time, as group transportation departs shortly after.

Tour Ending Options

Mishima Station (convenient for Shinkansen onward travel)
Odawara Station (returning to Hakone or Tokyo)

Important Information

This tour is suitable for beginners with moderate fitness
Please wear hiking-appropriate clothing and footwear
Weather can change rapidly in the mountains—bring a light jacket or rainwear
In case of heavy rain, the route may be adjusted for safety

Reviews

“It was an incredible experience! Akihiro was friendly, knowledgeable, and great company for the day. I was glad to have this tour which featured a day in nature and a lot of Japanese history. A real highlight of my trip to Japan.”

“Great hike, great nature and history. The guide explained the culture and made sure we got to the best viewpoints. He even took great photos for us along the way!”

“Aki was an outstanding guide—adaptable, well-versed in the history of the old road, and made adjustments when the weather turned. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to escape the city.”

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