Hike Hakone Hachiri

Fantastic day out with Tony - history, culture, food, geography, geology. 2 mums and 4 x tweens/ teens - Tony was very engaging and we had a great day out,learning so much.

The hike is a truly unique experience. Tony has a great knowledge of the history of the area and takes the time and care to explain as much as he can. From drinking tea and meeting a 13th generation tea master to stopping at shrines and monuments along the way this is truly unforgettable experience. Could not recommend this tour more.

This hike was amazing and Tony was an incredible guide. Tony is knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic in the most friendly way (my daughters described him as “good vibes”). Tony taught us the cultural and ecological history of our hike and the shinto shrines, along with fun things such as how to read Japanese directional signs. We picked him solely based on over 500, 5 star reviews, and the reviews were right! The hike itself is beginner level, but bring good shoes (gym shoes work unless it is raining). My daughter didn’t bring good shoes, and Tony showed her how to place her foot to turn the stones into support instead of hazards, saving our hike. Highly recommended as a day trip from Tokyo. After five days of eating, shopping and site seeing in Tokyo, my 21-27 year old children said this was the best thing they did so far.

We had an amazing time, day trip from Tokyo, highlighted by Mount Fuji view and learning so much about the history of Japan

Tony was an awesome guide and we highly recommend this excursion in Hakone. He was very knowledgeable and we learned so much. The tour was the perfect amount of time and interesting to four teenage boys as well. It was a very authentic Japanese experience, especially visiting the tea house and Tony was very personable.

Awesome hike with Tony as our guide. Very challenging but experience was unforgettable. Tony was such fun to be with to talk the history and culture of the trail from Tokyo to Kyoto and our 15km section out from Hakone was breathtaking. So if you like a challenge, this is the tour for you , though i am told there were easier options with Tony also. 💗🩷🌸cheers, Liz

We had a great day exploring the historic path from Hakone. Tony was an excellent guide. He told so many interesting stories about the history of the road. We are now all inspired and plan to rewatch shogun to relive the history. Thanks Tony!

An amazing hike and beautiful part of Japan! Tony’s personalised and local experience (a fluent Japanese translation) made the experience with 13th generation tea house owner Yamamoto felt very special. Tony was very considerate of the whole family’s capabilities and the 12km hike went very smoothly even in cold, wintry, windy but dry conditions. The trees and bamboo along the old Tokaido certainly lived up to its reputation of providing shelter to travelers. A wonderful experience to end our trip to Japan and would highly recommend Tony and his small group tour to anyone who wants to get out in the open and away from the crowds! 5⭐️++!! Thanks again for sharing this small part of Japan with us!

An amazing hike and beautiful part of Japan! Tony’s personalised and local experience (a fluent Japanese translation) made the experience with 13th generation tea house owner Yamamoto felt very special. Tony was very considerate of the whole family’s capabilities and the 12km hike went very smoothly even in cold, wintry, windy but dry conditions. The trees and bamboo along the old Tokaido certainly lived up to its reputation of providing shelter to travelers. A wonderful experience to end our trip to Japan and would highly recommend Tony and his small group tour to anyone who wants to get out in the open and away from the crowds! 5⭐️++!! Thanks again for sharing this small part of Japan with us!

Going in this hike with Tony was one of the best experiences I had in Japan ! We walked through part of the ancient road between Tokyo and Kyoto ! Having Tony to explain the history around the area was very interesting and helped me understand many things about the culture of Japan ! I would suggest for one to contact Tony for similar experiences ! It’s an area worth discovering ! Going to the tea house as well and meeting Mr Yamamoto made be respect this country even more. Thank you

Absolutely wonderful experience. Amazing combo of history, Fuji views, and forested hikes. I’m so impressed by how knowledgeable Tony was and how seamless the pick up was!

We had a wonderful hike with Tony today. He thoughtfully planned the route based on our hotel’s location and our schedule. We began along the historic Old Tokaido foot highway, visiting several local scenic hotspots. One highlight was when we stopped at a 500-year-old teahouse that has been run by the same family for 13 generations. The walk offered beautiful scenery and a deeper connection to the natural landscape. Tony’s deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture made the experience especially engaging and memorable. This hike is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy something beyond the usual onsen or sushi experiences in Hakone, while gaining a richer appreciation of the area’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

This tour was literally wonderful. Tony was a wealth of information and incredibly personable. He took us along the Tokaido ancient highway, an easy to moderate 3-4 mile hike, along cobblestone / rock paths, to a 13th generation tea house where we met the current owner and his son (a true highlight), and a walk along Lake Ashi to the Hakone Shrine, a picnic on the lake and a concluding visit to the Hakone CheckPoint. Literally a highlight of our trip to Japan.

We hiked part of the Old Tokaidō Road in the Hakone mountains in early October. Tony; the owner/guide met us at our accommodation. Before we started he reviewed our footwear, our gear, and the planned trails for the day. His plan included options which considered weather conditions, our desires, and individual abilities. Very light Intermittent rain kept us cool and comfortable for most of the day. The trails are mostly rocky uneven ground, but are clearly marked (in Japanese) and well maintained. Cellular signal was weak or nothing along several parts of the trail. The scenery is beautiful and the history is fascinating. Without a guide, dealing with parking, bus and train transit schedules, and general wayfinding would have made the day much less enjoyable. Tony took care of everything. We had nothing to worry about except to enjoy the hike and the beauty of the forest.

An amazing day from start to finish. Prompt and clear communication regarding the itinerary and transport to and from the hike. Tony is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the local area, we all came away wanting to know more. The tea house experience at the beginning and cooling our feet at the Genbegwa World Water Heritage area at the end of the day were fantastic bookends to a wonderful day.

Wonderful guide, great history! This was a great day. We went in the rain and Tony was commicative and happy to change things a bit to account for some terrible weather. It was a great day with a moderate hike over stones. Bring sturdy comfy shoes!

We had a fabulous day with Tony! The weather was terrible but we decided to go anyway and didn't regret it! His knowledge of history and the local area was fantastic and we were able to modify the day a bit to account for the rain and wind we had. He even had a couple of pairs of rain shoes for us, and umbrellas, which really helped. He was flexible and super enthusiastic and kind. The tea house experience was truly special and the trail hike was beautiful and magical in the rain.

“Tony was an awesome guide—he really knew the history of the area and even took us to this cool old teahouse where the tea master sang and shared some great stories about the place. Highly recommended!”

This hike was amazing and the guide, Tony, was excellent. We would definitely recommend if planning to visit the Hakone area. The hike itself was rigorous and challenging, which we quite enjoyed. Felt we were able to experience the true beauty and scenery of this area without all the tourists. Tony was knowledgeable and kind, and made sure we had a great experience. We highly recommend!

It was our privilege meeting someone like Tony who passionate about what he does. The information and what we learnt during the day we spent with Tony were worth every stone staircase climbed. Thanks Tony for all the answers to our questions. Highly recommeded to everyone.

If you like to hike Tony will definitely take you on one, but we weren’t ready for the climbs so Tony listened to our comments and tailored our day. Our hike was long enough that we could see the historic path and experience the journey, but he tailored our experience so we could also do the Hakone Ropeway and see the beautiful hydrangeas in bloom along the scenic mountain railway. Toney was very knowledge and personable. This was my favorite experience on our two week trip to Japan. Don’t miss it!

We had a fantastic day hiking with Tony. It was great to learn about the area from a knowledgeable guide. One of the highlights was the visit to the tea house and learning about its history. The nature was beautiful, we saw Mount Fiji and we enjoyed finding out more about Japanese culture along the way. Highly recommend.

A great day out with Tony hiking the Hakone Hachiri! The walk was beautiful. So much history. The 500 yr old teahouse and owner was amazing. Tony was very friendly and knowledgeable and provided great booking and travel instructions. Thanks Tony!

I was fortunate that Tony flipped the walk around so i could start the morning with a rare view of My Fuji reflected in the lake, We visited the tradition tea house along the shogun trail and two beautiful watetfalls in the forest. Tony’s wealth of cultural and ecological knowledge was a highlight . I highly recommend this memorable experience.

Tony was a great guide who answered all our questions in a very entertaining and knowledgable way. My 18 year old son and my 21 year old daughter also enjoyed the hike very much. We especially liked the visit to the tea house a lot and the magnificient views of Mount Fuji. All in all, a very memorable trip - we definitely recommend this Tour!!!

had an amazing dream adventure holiday on this tour! The itinerary was superb, offering a variety of spectacular vistas and different experiences from day to day, from hiking up a volcanic mountain one day, to enjoying rugged spectacular coastline and beaches another day, walking the historical old Samurai Trail and historical Shimoda port town another day. And not to forget, the spectacular Kawasu 7 waterfalls, 400 year old cedar forests, all unforgettable! Apart from hiking in beautiful nature, we were immersed in the history and culture of the area by our very knowledgeable guide, Tony. The beauty of the ryokans with exquisite Japanese gardens and onsens and beautifully presented fresh delicious kaiseki meals made for an unforgettable Japanese experience.

Our adult family very much enjoyed learning the history, culture and natural beauty of the area while trekking along an ancient highway. Our guide, Tony was nothing short of outstanding in his knowledge and his attention to each person in our group.

Tony’s hiking program made my trip to Japan. It is a hiker’s dream 5 days. Each hike was carefully curated to give one a different and unique perspective on Japan’s natural landscapes. I never would have found the accommodations & dinners on my own which were a delightful variety from the beachfront glamping huts to traditional Japanese hotels. It was fantastic. Highly recommend.

Tony, who has lived in the area for many years and is very familiar with the land, the trees, and the culture, led the hike. We never experienced a dull moment. We loved the variety of seafood served at meals and the accommodations arranged, such as a rustic beach house, Ryokens, and a Japanese-style hotel. The countryside was amazing, with lush green forests and mountain views. The tour included spectacular waterfalls, wasabi plants growing in the rivers, a pirate ship on a lake, mountain vistas, and beautiful forests. Tony was a great host and ambassador for the area; he was very friendly and accommodating to everyone’s needs. It was a pleasure to be in an area of Japan where you felt away from the crowds.

I really enjoyed my 5 day experience with Tony's crew. I doubt there is another tour like this in Japan. The tour is a great combination of history, great scenery, easy hiking, varied accommodation and eating like the locals. Tony's local knowledge, generosity and enthusiasm for the Izu Peninsular made the tour a fantastic and memorable experience.

A great 5 days with Tony. We had such an amazing experience, the history of the area (so many important events to Japan happened in this area) was walked. Covered a great variety of walking but highlight were the places we stayed and the variety of meals we had. Truly deep experience of Japan. Tony has lived in this part of Japan for many years so lots of local knowledge too. It fitted what we wanted, at the start of our trip to Japan have an in-depth guided walk. It’s so close to Tokyo and then east to go on from finishing point

We hiked the Hakone Hachiri trail guided by Tony. My husband and I went with our 18 yo son and we all thoroughly enjoyed the entire day. Tony was a pro and you can see how much he loves sharing his craft with his guests. We learned about Japanese history culture and nature. Tony let us set the pace and he scheduled breaks into the hike. We were impressed with the tea house experience and the beauty of the old tokaido road. We will have this lasting memory of Hakone and it was the highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want time in nature and you enjoy hiking and learning about Japan’s rich history, I highly recommend hiking the Hakone Hachiri trail with Tony. It was money well spent and you won’t be disappointed.

Tony was awesome. He made this trip happen for us. Group of 6-10 no problem. He went out of his way to accommodate us, and so did his wife. His knowledge of the history of the trail and Japan made Shogun that much more interesting. Also, he kept to the time schedule. A must do bucket list item checked off. Thank you Tony.

We were a family of 5 Americans, from the young and fit to me pushing 80. Tony — with his Kiwi accent, fluency in Japanese and obvious love of the culture and history there — was the perfect guide, most flexible and accommodating. He’d have us all together for the woodcraft shops and historic sites like the old crater lake Shogunal barrier and checkpoint. But after canvassing the group, he’d take the most avid hikers down the steep parts, after telling the rest of us what bus stop to get off, and how to walk to the best local tea house in which to rest and await their arrival. As a history prof for 50 years I’d read about the old Tokaido and the history that played out along it, but the quiet stretches still lined with massive firs — planted along it 400 years ago — and just the lay of the land as the road climbed up to the rim and then down into the massive old caldera that is the heart of Hakone, were like something out of Tolkien. Our single favorite day in Japan, even including our time in Kyoto.

The hike was beautiful, with waterfalls and huge trees! Exactly the workout we wanted away from the crowds of tourist! Tony was funny and very experienced! I highly recommend him!!

Tony was an excellent guide. I HIGHLY recommend him! His knowledge of history is on point and he made the hike absolutely the best!! Prepare yourself for fantastic views, a history lesson, and so many memories on this trip!! I will advise this hike every time!!! 5/5 stars for Tony!!!

The itenirary was well.constructed . We weren't rushed and had enough time to see explore and eat . He had incredible knowledge of the area and was very kind and accomodating . Must get him when you visit hakone

Our family hike along the historic Tokaido Road and around Lake Ashi in Hakone was an unforgettable adventure that perfectly balanced challenge and enjoyment. The ancient Tokaido Road, once a vital route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto, offered a fascinating glimpse into Japan's rich history. We felt transported back in time as we walked through lush forests and encountered traditional teahouses along the way. Adding to our experience was our exceptional guide, Tony. He provided unwavering support throughout the hike and enriched our journey with his insightful anecdotes about Hakone's history. His stories brought the historical sites to life, making each step even more meaningful. Tony’s knowledge of the area’s culture and past was impressive, and he always knew the best spots for photo opportunities and rest breaks. The trail's varying terrain kept us engaged and excited. We navigated steep inclines and rocky paths, which added a thrilling sense of achievement once conquered. Yet, these challenges were interspersed with more gentle, scenic stretches that allowed us to catch our breath and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Lake Ashi itself was a stunning highlight. The serene waters, framed by the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance, provided numerous picturesque spots for rest and reflection. Our kids loved spotting the colorful boats and waving to friendly locals. The combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and the physical challenge made this hike an enriching experience for our entire family. With Tony’s guidance, the hike was both educational and fun, testing our endurance but rewarding us with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment. We highly recommend this hike for families looking to blend adventure with cultural exploration.

Two thumbs up! Tony was an enthusiastic guide with a treasure trove of knowledge about the history of the area! Took the effort to bring us to 500 year old tea house, and brought along equipment to prevent us from falling! Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

To begin, Tony was the consummate guide/host for our first/second day in Japan. He provided us with very clear directions on how to 'find' him, and was able to quickly and easily transport us from the middle of Tokyo to Hakone Hachiri. We travelled on the shinkansen to Odawara, then transferred to Hakone-Yumoto station. From here we took a taxi to Amazake-chaya Tea House, founded 400 years ago, where we drank a rice wine tea whose recipe has not changed since the tea house opened. The tea house is still being operated by the original family who established it. Here we encountered the pre-industrial, rural culture of an olderJapan. The ancient pathway through the not so ancient, but nonetheless beautiful Cedar forests, which had been planted post WW2, were cool, green and sublime. Tony is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese language and culture, added to which he is a gifted raconteur. We had to carefully watch our step on the ancient cobbles and Tony taught us how to do this safely, by walking between the cobbles, not on them. The introduction to the Japanese language was done with skill and humour and we enjoyed our first tentative steps at decoding the written signs on the way. Tony's depiction of Japanese life and culture laid the foundation in orientating our direction for the rest of our Japanese sojourn - in short he is an excellent cultural guide. Importantly, we got to stretch our legs, and breathe deeply the fresh air of the Hakone, Hachiri hike, and to take in the sheer beauty.

Tony provided a great trip, very informative, could answer every “tricky”question about Japanese culture, customs, history. Super friendly and helpful. The trip itself is a great antidote to the big city experience - you get to see and hear about provincial life, the countryside and history. Highly recommended !

Tony was a fantastic guide and host , making our experience both wonderfully enjoyable and educational (Tony is fluent Japanese / English speaker)........the morning tea at Masters inn was beautiful, walking the ancient road between Tokyo and Kyoto through an old growth forest delightful, and views of Mt Fuji spectacular. Can highly recommend.

This was a wonderful day out of Tokyo city and was so special it authenticity transported our group back to another time. Our guide, Tony, was so knowledgeable and had many stories to tell about the history and people that walked this beautiful and ancient trail we were on. The walking was broken by short bus and train rides which had been carefully planned to match my nearly 70 year old fitness level! Morning tea was in a magical forest inn that had been handed down through many generations of the same family, lunch was beside beautiful Lake Hakone and it was very exciting to see Mt Fuji. I highly recommend this tour to visitors to Japan and plan to return myself.

Great 12-hour-hike up- and downhill at the 600 years old Edo-Kyoto-„Highway“. Tony showed us lovely waterfalls, led us to mountain tops with great views and made us deep dive into the exciting history of Japan. We also learned a lot about Nippon‘s modern life a little Blut about Japanese letters. We highly recommend this tour!

We have many tour guides over the years and Tony is absolutely one of the best. We wanted to walk the old Kyoto -Edo trails. We walked two of these with Tony. Old shimoda trail and the old tokaido trail. Prior to our trip Tony was beyond patient with my questions and planning changes. His suggestions were all excellent. Tony was an absolute pleasure to spend two days with. He is organized, calm and knowledgeable. He has a great sense of humor. He knows this area incredibly well. .. trails, history, transport, hotels . We learned so much from him. I booked him through tours by locals but he has his own travel agency as well. Anything he organizes for you will be great.

Tony is an excellent knowledgeable guide. He knows the hiking paths by heart and used it for our safety and enjoyment. Friendly and fun.

Hiked the Tokaido Highway with Tony on a rainy day, and it was a fantastic experience despite the weather. Tony is a fantastic guide who is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the highway and every little interesting spot along the way, which made it a very educational hike during which one can soak in the environment while also learning about key points of Japanese history. I highly recommend booking this hike to every outdoor lover who loves history and has a day to spare while in Tokyo or in the Hakone/Izu area!

Excellent experience. Tony was our dream hiking guide. He did meticulous planning ahead of the trip, executed well and was able to change adapting to unforeseen circumstances (such as having to re-route to allow me to buy a new pair of hiking shoes in order to continue with the hike). Not only did he know literally everything about the routes, from ancient history to fun fact to good restaurants, he did his job with so much passion and a lot of humour. I look forward to exploring more Hakone hiking routes in future with him.

Tony is full of knowledge about Japanese history, respectful of local culture and people, and knows the routes like the back of his hand. He was flexible and accommodating, happy to suggest changes to the original itinerary as we wished. I highly recommend Hike Hakone to everyone of any hiking level!