Hakone Private Two Day Tour from Tokyo with Overnight Stay in Ryokan

Exploring Hakone in Comfort: A Two-Day Private Tour from Tokyo

If you’re craving a taste of Japan’s natural beauty and traditional hospitality without the hassle of planning, this Hakone Private Two Day Tour from Tokyo offers a compelling package. For around $533 per person, you’ll spend two days exploring Hakone’s iconic sights—Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, and the Open-Air Museum—with the added luxury of an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan. The tour is designed to balance guided sightseeing with free time for you to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for travelers who want both structure and flexibility.

What we especially love about this experience is how it takes away the stress of transportation logistics—your guide handles transfers and tickets—so you can focus on soaking up the scenery and culture. We also appreciate the chance to stay overnight in a Japanese inn, where you’ll sleep on tatami mats and wake up to a traditional breakfast, truly experiencing Japanese hospitality firsthand.

However, one consideration is that, while the tour includes many highlights, optional activities—like riding additional ropeways or visiting certain museums—cost extra. This means you can customize your trip but should budget accordingly if you want to indulge in more experiences.

This tour suits those who want a well-organized, immersive introduction to Hakone, especially travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and authentic accommodations.

Key Points

• All-in-one convenience: Includes transportation, guided sightseeing, and a ryokan stay, reducing planning hassles.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Kazuo-San make navigating Hakone’s highlights easy and informative.
• Quality accommodation: Stay overnight in a traditional Japanese inn, experiencing local culture and hospitality.
• Flexible exploration: Day two allows independent free time to explore at your own pace.
• Stunning scenery: Visit iconic sights like Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, and Gora Park with breathtaking views.
• Optional extras: Many additional activities available for extra cost, allowing customization.

A Detailed Look at the Hakone Two-Day Tour Experience

The Journey Begins in Tokyo

Starting early at Shinjuku Station at 7:30 am, we’re picked up by our guide who sets a friendly tone for the two days ahead. Your guide, like Kazuo-San, is not only knowledgeable but eager to share insights into Hakone’s history and natural wonders. We take advantage of the Hakone Free Pass, which covers all internal transport, including buses, mountain trains, and cable cars. For travelers, this all-in-one ticket is a huge bonus—it means no fuss trying to buy individual tickets, saving both time and money.

Day 1: A Full Day of Hakone Highlights

Lake Ashinoko (Ashinoko Lake)

Our first stop is the scenic Lake Ashi, an area famous for its views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. This crater lake offers postcard-worthy vistas, especially from the shores where you might spot the iconic pirate ships cruising the water. The reviews highlight how lucky some travelers get with the weather—one guest recalls a “spectacular view of Mount Fuji,” which makes the experience all the more memorable.

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

Next, we hop onto the Hakone Ropeway, which is a funicular that whisks you over the volcanic landscape of the Wakudani area. The aerial lift provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and, if you’re fortunate, a perfect sighting of Mount Fuji. The ropeway is not only practical but a memorable part of the day, and it’s free with your pass. Many travelers appreciate how the guide explains the volcanic activity and local geology, making it educational as well as scenic.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

After the ropeway ride, we visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan’s first outdoor sculpture park. Here, over a thousand works of art—by Picasso, Henry Moore, and others—are displayed in a natural setting. Visitors often comment on how this museum blends art and nature seamlessly, providing a calming yet stimulating environment. The reviews mention that “the sculptures are fantastic,” and it’s a highlight for art lovers and families alike.

Hakone Shrine & Gora Park

The afternoon includes a visit to the Hakone Shrine, nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi. This atmospheric shrine offers a tranquil spot for reflection, with red torii gates seemingly floating on the water. Later, we stroll through Gora Park, a French-style landscaped gardens with fountains, a rose garden, and a charming tea house. These stops deliver a gentle, picturesque end to the day.

Hakone Hot Spring Shrine & Hakone Sekisho

Further into the day, you’ll experience Hakone’s history at the Hakone Sekisho, a well-preserved checkpoint from the Edo period, with original gates, a prison, and lookout tower. This gives insight into Japan’s historical routes and defenses. The Hot Spring Shrine adds a spiritual element, celebrating Hakone’s long-standing reputation as a hot spring resort.

The Overnight in a Ryokan

In the evening, you check into a traditional ryokan, where tatami mats and futons replace typical hotel beds. Guests often find this experience charming and authentic—one reviewer mentioned that “you sleep on futons on the tatami floor, which is a real taste of Japanese culture.” A breakfast the next morning features classic Japanese dishes, setting you up for the day ahead.

Day 2: Flexibility and Personal Exploration

The second day is designed for you to explore independently after a guided morning. You might take the Owakudani Ropeway for views of volcanic activity or cruise Lake Ashi again. Optional activities, such as visiting the Hakone Museum of Photography or riding the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway, are available for extra fees, allowing you to tailor your experience.

By midday, you’ll meet your guide again to head back to Tokyo, completing your journey with easy transportation arrangements. Many travelers appreciate how this flexible schedule lets them savor Hakone’s atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

This tour combines guided convenience with authentic experiences. For the price, you get all transportation within Hakone, a comprehensive itinerary, and a chance to stay overnight in a Japanese inn. Many reviews highlight how guides like Kazuo-San make navigating Hakone’s complex transportation network simple and enjoyable. The inclusion of an overnight stay is a real bonus—it’s the only way to truly soak in Hakone’s peaceful morning and evening ambiance.

The optional activities provide opportunities for further adventure if your budget and interests allow, making this tour customizable. The Hakone Free Pass is a smart investment, covering all your rides and giving you flexibility on your own day.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience best suits travelers who value guided insights and want to see the best of Hakone without the stress of planning every detail. It’s perfect for those who enjoy art, nature, and history, and are excited to stay overnight in a traditional Japanese setting. If you’re traveling with family or in a small group, the personalized nature and included transport make it a smooth option. However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer a more independent trip, you might want to consider building a DIY schedule.

Final Thoughts

This Hakone tour offers a thoughtful way to experience Japan’s scenic heartland beyond Tokyo. The combination of guided sightseeing, flexible free time, and authentic ryokan lodging makes it ideal for travelers who want to get a well-rounded introduction to Hakone’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The knowledgeable guide and smooth transportation make it especially appealing, while the inclusion of a traditional inn adds a special touch of Japan’s hospitality.

While optional activities are extra, the core itinerary covers many of Hakone’s highlights, ensuring you won’t miss out on the region’s most iconic sights. Whether it’s the stunning views of Mount Fuji, the art in the open-air museum, or the serenity of a shrine on Lake Ashi, this tour offers a memorable, enriching experience.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, well-organized way to explore Hakone with a taste of authentic Japan, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

Is transportation within Hakone included?
Yes, all transportation within Hakone—buses, mountain trains, and cable cars—is covered by the Hakone Free Pass included in the tour.

What’s the accommodation like?
You’ll stay overnight in a traditional Japanese ryokan, with tatami floors and futon bedding. It’s an authentic experience, and breakfast is included.

Can I customize optional activities?
Yes, optional activities like riding additional ropeways or visiting specific museums are available at extra costs, enabling you to personalize your visit.

What should I bring for this tour?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as you’ll be outdoors and on transportation. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially since it involves a manageable pace, guided explanations, and the chance to stay in a family-friendly ryokan.

What if I want to extend my stay in Hakone?
While the tour includes only one night in a ryokan, you can arrange additional nights directly with the accommodation. The guide can often assist with recommendations.

In summary, this private Hakone tour balances guided exposure to Japan’s scenic and cultural highlights with personal freedom, all wrapped in a charming, authentic lodging experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, it offers a memorable way to discover Hakone’s quiet beauty and lively art scene—without the stress of planning every detail yourself.