Hakone Zen Walking Tour Following 1,000 Years Of Footsteps

Between fulfilling my roles at home and at work every day, I’d started to feel like I wasn’t quite making eye contact with the person looking back at me in the mirror. I couldn’t really explain it, but I felt like I needed to step away from my everyday routine, spend some time in nature, and reconnect with myself. That’s when I came across this tour and decided to give it a try. And my hunch was right and I had a great time! Although the tour is only 2.5 hours long, I really appreciated how thoughtfully it was structured. We started by introducing ourselves and sharing what brought us there, followed by some gentle yoga and meditation to quiet our minds. Then we visited a shrine before finally entering the historic forest. Each step felt like a natural transition, gradually helping us slow down and get into the right frame of mind to turn our attention inward. Once in the forest, our guide introduced us to Zen walking—how to place our feet, where to focus our attention, and the mindset behind it. Nothing too rigid or complicated. From there, we simply walked at our own pace. As I focused on the sensations of the earth and stones beneath my feet, an interesting thought came to me: I’d always assumed I was supporting my own body, but wasn’t the ground actually supporting me? For a moment, I felt less like someone walking through nature and more like someone being held by it, as part of its natural harmony. It was fascinating to experience how a simple physical sensation could shift my entire perspective. Sometimes, apparently, the body figures things out before the mind does. In the woods, we laid out our mats and stretched out on the forest floor for some forest bathing. And oh my goodness, that felt amazing. My mind became incredibly quiet and clear, yet somehow I felt completely full at the same time. It was as if I’d become one of the trees growing in the forest. Honestly, I could have stayed right there all day… Toward the end of the tour, we had a lovely little session to share reflections with the group. I really enjoyed both expressing my own thoughts and hearing what everyone else’s thoughts from the experience. And to top it all off, after the tour, I stopped by a nearby hot spring for a day-use soak and enjoyed yet another gift from nature. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be any more relaxed, the hot spring proved me wrong. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day of reconnecting with nature—and with myself.

I had an interesting experience of mountain hiking incorporating Zen to calm my mind! First, we did stretching and meditation on the rooftop deck, and after the members introduced themselves, we all went outside. After learning about the history of Hakone Onsen at Kumano Shrine and paying my respects, I started hiking. Although the mountain path was unexpectedly steep and stepped from the beginning, because it was Zen walking, a style where I walked slowly while feeling the sensation of the soles of my feet, I proceeded while becoming aware of my body's condition and habits. As I climbed higher, instead of the sounds of roads and the city, I could hear the voices of birds, the wind, the babbling of the river, and the occasional sound of acorns falling, and gradually I was able to focus on myself. After that, I experienced walking the mountain path one by one with intervals, and it was very good. Since I often walk with someone when I go out, I realized that I was unconsciously conforming to others, and I felt the pleasantness of walking and feeling at my own pace. Also, I was able to enjoy the freedom of having various thoughts come and go within the sense of security of not being completely alone in a group. Although it was only a small part of the hiking trail heading towards Lake Ashi, the intensity of the exercise was just right, and the meditation time at the rest stop was incredibly healing with the sound of the wind, the sunlight filtering through the trees, the smell of the mountains, and the feeling of the tree I leaned against. We returned to the starting point, discussed our impressions, and dispersed, but afterward, a few people who became friends went to a day trip hot spring and returned. I think it's a program that can maximize the utilization of Hakone Yumoto as a tourist resource, combining nature and hot springs. The guide also naturally picked up on the individuality of the members and supported them, so the atmosphere was always pleasant. This time, I experienced the program that is planned for foreigners at a monitor price, but I would be happy if you could offer various programs not only for foreigners but also for domestic audiences. Thank you for a fulfilling day!

It was a wonderful experience!! I have come to Hakone Yumoto several times, but I experienced a completely different side of it. I can't believe there's such a beautiful, nature-rich place this close to the station. I usually hike alone, but the mountains without anyone can sometimes be scary. This time, I was able to walk with a good distance from everyone participating, which made me feel safe and very comfortable. We took a break in our favorite spots along the way, and lying down and looking at the sky was the best time. Thank you very much!

I have enjoyed nature and greenery with my eyes and engaged in inner dialogue, but through the Zen tour, by feeling it with my body and facing myself, I was able to learn about my thoughts and unknown emotions, and the walking in the mountains healed both my mind and body. The guide was also friendly and easy to talk to, and I enjoyed it.

The hike was harder than I expected, but it was fun. What I realized through walking meditation is that I have a habit of rushing toward my goals. Rather than enjoying the scenery and being present, I was steadily aiming for the destination. To and fro. I realized that's how it is in everyday life too. I thought it would be necessary to stop and feel the present moment. Chatting with the guide, Kohei-san, is also one of the joys. Thank you very much.

Away from the busy daily life, in the nature of Hakone Face myself. What I am currently looking for, my thought patterns, and what comes to mind It was a very luxurious time where I could quietly pay attention to the movements of my heart that usually pass by. Thank you very much.

When people were in front and behind, and in the pattern where there were no people in front or behind with space between, I walked and found that it felt more comfortable when there were no people. The break at the summit was very relaxing. Since you have to walk on a rather mountainous path, I do not recommend it for people with bad knees. Also, I recommend leaving your smartphone at the inn. I feel like I can concentrate better if I don't feel the weight of my smartphone.

Sounds or sensations that we deliberately choose not to listen to or not to notice in daily life It was a time when I consciously walked while trying to feel nature. By walking while feeling the skin and bones of the back, I can try to find patterns that overlap with my own way of life. It was a profound and good time, learning how much there is to learn from nature. I am grateful to the navigator who maintains each pace and margin. Thank you for the good time.

This time, there were about six women, and everyone participated individually. Chance encounters are nice too. After lightly preparing my mind and body, I will introduce myself, visit the shrine, and then do Zen walking. Since the instructor was wearing zori, I also took off my shoes and walked in my socks. I walk at my own pace, feeling the sensation of the earth from the soles of my feet. At the finish line, spread out a mat in your favorite spot and meditate. Finally, we shared what we felt with everyone. It was a fulfilling time.

You can calm your mind while facing nature. I was able to spend a pleasant time, as the moderate trekking allowed me to exercise while enjoying nature, balancing both my mind and body. I was able to participate with peace of mind even alone. Thank you very much.

It was good to have an opportunity for introspection with the theme of meditation. I have never meditated much before, but I was able to relax and feel nature slowly, and I discovered things I hadn't noticed. You can have an experience with friends or alone, along with the nature of Hakone.

I had time to quietly face myself while returning to nature. In confronting myself, I noticed my own patterns, and I could also see how I perceive things in communication with others. I received insights from various perspectives in both time spent with myself and time spent with others. Thank you for the valuable experience.

It was my first time participating, and I had a wonderful time ✨️ After meditating in an open space to center your mind, walking meditation will begin. Everyone participating had a pleasant atmosphere, and I felt comfortable enjoying it even by myself ☺️ It was my first time doing walking meditation, and walking through the forest while being mindful of the sensation in my feet and meditating in nature was a very fresh and strange feeling. Because they respect each person's pace, I can enjoy Zen and the forest at my own pace. I think the ability to actually walk the paths that Minamoto no Yoritomo walked is a unique charm of this tour ✨️ Since I'll be walking on mountain paths, it would be reassuring to have comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent spray. It was a course that even beginners could walk without difficulty. Since you'll be sweating moderately, stopping by a day-trip hot spring after the tour is also recommended ♨️ It was a precious experience where I could take my time and face myself in nature, which was different from usual. Thank you for the wonderful time ✨️

It was my first experience with walking meditation. My mind became very calm while meditating amidst the nature and history of Hakone. When I'm in the wind and nature, my mind and body relax. It was a wonderful experience! Thank you very much. I want to participate again if I have an experience like this.