Hike Japan Heritage Hakone Hachiri With Certified Mountain Guide

Professional guiding and Akihiro was the perfect guide. A lot of knowledge, humor and that combined with the walking and the nature made it to the perfect day in Hakone. Recommended.

A great day out. Aki led us through some of the quieter parts of the Hakone area on the old Tokaido path and his knowledge of the history really brought everything to life. It made us appreciate the walk so much more. There were also opportunities to view Mt. Fuji - an added bonus.

Such a lovely way to see Hakone. Not a difficult hike at all but grippy shoes are a must. Aki is friendly and knowledgeable, and brought us to a tea house with seriously delicious amazake. Definitely a highlight of our trip!

Akihiro was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable. Since I was the only one on the tour we managed to talk a little bit about Japan in general and he was a pleasure to speak with.

A wonderful tour and incredible perspective into the history of the route. A very well co-ordinated tour and nice balance between walking and stops. A must do if you are in Hakone.

Aki was awesome! We felt very taken care of. I was nervous because we have two kids with us, but the hike was very tailored to ensuring we were having a good time and we had plenty of snacks along the way. Some of the most beautiful sites, that we could not have discovered on our own. Highly recommend! (And we received some lovely photos as well - thank you Aki!)

Aki is a very kind and knowledgeable guide. He made it a very unique and special day for us and his deep knowledge of the Tokkaido route and the significance of each place that we were crossing throughout the day made it really special. Another surprise that we were expecting at all was that he brings his own camera and takes pictures for you which he sends to you digitally after the trip. We stopped at a 400 year old tea house where we got to meet the owner and then ate lunch at the best soba place by Lake Ashi. This hike is epic. We walked 20,000 steps but didn’t even notice because it was so beautiful and enjoyable.

We had a great hike on the Tōkaidō Highway with Aki. The scenery combined with Aki’s stories, the tea house stop and museum made history come alive!! Seeing Mt Fuji over Lake Ashi at the end of our hike was a real treat. And thank you Aki for providing walking sticks!!

We had an amazing two-day hiking experience in Hakone with our guide Akihiro. He is a local, he grew up in this area so his knowledge of the region and the trails is truly impressive. He was able to adapt the itinerary perfectly to what we wanted to see and do and made sure we experienced all the places we were interested in. We were also lucky with great weather, which made the whole experience even more special. We were very happy with the entire experience and very appreciated how thoughtfully Akihiro planned and guided our hikes. Highly recommended!

Wonderful guide! Great area knowledge as he grew up locally. Knew all the hidden gems! He took us to a 5th generation wood working workshop and a 13th generation teahouse where we met the owner, what a treat. The weather was good so we ended up having a pic nic with the best curry bread I had in my life (his recommendation). He also took a lot of pictures of us which I was really grateful for because we always forget. He helped us get our Shinkansen tickers for our trip back. Most importantly, great personality and lovely to be around. This is particularly important when spending 8 hours on a mountain with someone you never met.

If you are heading to Hakone, you must make time to do this trail. This is not just a tour… it is a time machine … a nature tour…and the views of Mt Fuji are amazing! Hakone is not only about the Onsens!

This was a wonderful hike on the old Tokaido road connecting Edo to Kyoto. While the modern road is basically a highway, Aki guided us to historic and mountain bits. Highlights were seeing the old tea house and some old prints of Hiroshige's 53 stations on the Tokaido road in what was a tiny museum! We were less lucky with seeing Fuji (just caught a glimpse as it clouds up in the afternoon) but all in all, it was a great day out. We were very well guided by Aki and would be happy to recommend this to anyone. A pleasant and easy hike just an hour out from Tokyo on a genuinely historic stretch.

Our travel agent booked this experience, so going into it I was only aware that we would be hiking the old Tokaido Highway. We had such a wonderful time! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and took us to great spots. Throughout the hike he took fantastic photos of us which he sent for us to download (great quality!!!!!). It was fantastic to see a different side of Japan instead of heavily touristy areas. He was a fantastic guide and host. This experience was very carefully created and it showed.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Aki was a wonderful tour guide with clear communication from the moment we booked. His passion for hiking was evident and he has created a wonderful business from this! He has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the Tokaido trail and Hakone, which really bought it to life for us. He led us to hidden gems and the photos he took on his camera are a fantastic memory of the day! The little touches such as providing a hot drink with a view of Mount Fuji and carrying our lunch bag after our stop at the bakery just highlighted what a fantastic guide and host he is. His kindness and knowledge made for a prefect way to see the area and we can’t wait to come back. Thank you Aki! 🫶

Such a pleasurable way to immerse yourself in Hakone. The hike in the forests, experiencing the historic road and history, was a highlight of our time in Hakone. My favorite part was the stop at the tea house (13th generation of owners)and drinking amasake next to a warm fire, similar to travelers from the Edo period. Akihiro was the perfect guide. His English was easy to understand, and he provided just the right amount of information for us. My husband and I were thankful for a day of immersing ourselves in Hakone without having to navigate it ourselves. We ended the day with a boat ride of the lake and a trip on the ropeways as our means of transport back to Gora.

I tremendously enjoyed my day hike with Aki-San. His wide knowledge of the Tokaido path's history, geography and ecosystems supported me to connect in depth with its legendary Hachiri section, in a very embodied way, connected to nature and almost "re-living" the Edo period together. I really appreciated how Aki-San's expert knowledege of the area helped us to navigate multiple transportation changes seamlessly and spend time in secret, non-touristy spots with the very best views of Fuji-San. Aki-San is very professional and passionate about the Hakone region. I would undoubtedly call on him again for any future guided trip in Japan, and I recommend his services wholeheartedly.

We had an incredible day thanks to Akihiro. We enjoyed an amazing hike and he shared a wealth of knowledge about the historical road we were hiking and the history of Japan. The tea house we visited along the way was such a unique experience and an awesome stop. He went out of his way to make sure we had a great time. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!

A truly wonderful experience! Well planned day and the perfect combination of hiking and history. Our guide was informative, extremely thoughtful, kind (carried my mother’s bag for her) and very flexible in changing plans due to our group’s preferred slower pace. Stopped at a local teahouse which was special. Additionally the pre trip communication was very clear and flawless Highly recommend!

Great day with Akihiro. Perfect mix of hiking and visiting key sites. We learned a lot about Japanese history and the role that the Hakone area played in transit between Kyoto and Edo. Aki was awesome to tour with — very personable, knowledgeable and flexible (it was raining so we made a few adjustments to the itinerary). Highly recommend!!!

Aki was a fantastic guide during our hiking tour. He took his time to explain everthing.We would certainly recommend him and book a hiking tour when we are back in Japan. Xinh and Phong from Belgium

Aki was a fantastic guide! It ended up just being my wife and I, which was a great surprise. He timed out everything perfectly - we hiked, got amazing views of Mt Fuji, visited a local wood shop and tea house, enjoyed soba for lunch, and visited a shrine. Aki even brought his own camera and took many pictures of us throughout the tour. This tour with Aki is an absolute must do if you are in Hakone!

Walking the Hakone Hachiri trail with Aki wasn’t just a hike - it was a journey through centuries of Japanese history. As we traced the ancient stone-paved path that once carried samurai, merchants, and travelers between Edo and Kyoto during the Tokugawa period, Aki brought every step to life with stories that made the past feel present. The Hachiri (eight ri) stretch was historically one of the most challenging sections of the great Tokaido road, where travelers would cross the treacherous mountain passes of Hakone. Aki’s deep knowledge transformed each moss-covered stone and weathered marker into a window to the past, helping us imagine the countless footsteps that had worn these very paths smooth over four centuries ago. What struck me most was Aki’s masterful attention to detail - every rest stop perfectly timed, every viewpoint chosen with care, every historical anecdote shared at just the right moment. The professionalism and genuine warmth made what could have been simply a beautiful walk into something truly transformative. When that magnificent eagle soared overhead as we reached the summit, it felt like nature itself was acknowledging the magic of this ancient route. The varied terrain kept us engaged throughout the day, from gentle forest paths to challenging stone steps, each section revealing new vistas and stories. Aki’s accommodating nature and unwavering support made the experience accessible and enjoyable for our entire group. For anyone visiting Japan, experiencing the Hakone Hachiri trail with Aki is absolutely essential. You’ll walk away not just with stunning memories of Japan’s natural beauty, but with a deep appreciation for the historical threads that connect past and present.

The experience was awsome. The views and the places we visited were amazing. Akihiro's guidance, his explanations and his charm were top

TRUST. This was the highlight of our entire trip to Japan, Aki was a fantastic guide and took care of our every need and answered every question we had. We all loved the sites we visited and enjoyed the historical and cultural information Aki provided along the way. Fantastic memories!

Amazing hiking trip! The guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information with us throughout the trip. It was a great experience and one of the best hiking trips we have done

This was a really great and thorough tour of the area. There was so much interesting detail and context provided for all of the sites we visited and explored. It was also really fun to explore the beautiful nature this area has to offer.

This was a really great tour! Aki is so knowledgeable about the history and area it really was a great tour! Would definitely recommend doing this!

The tour included hiking on quiet trails and then exploring the region by bus and by foot. It was a very rewarding experience. Akihiro was very kind and good natured and knowledgeable about history and nature, and he took us to places we wouldn’t have even know about. We had a fabulous time.

We had fantastic experience at Hakone with Akihiro who has great knowledge of the place and is very flexible in accommodating our needs. He also takes good photos .

The highlight of our trip to Japan was this hike on part of the Old Tokaido Road with our guide, Akihiro-san. He is a certified national guide and fluent in English. His knowledge and experience gave us a remarkable sense of what life was like hundreds of years ago. It was not information overload or touristy in any way, but rather, we were able to hike at our own pace and absorb our surroundings. The weather was rainy and chilly and actually added a magical atmosphere to the hike, especially at the 400 year old tea house rest stop where a fire on the hearth and the 13th generation owner welcomed us. We highly recommend this experience!

Aki was the most amazing tour guide! The hike was 1,000 times better than if we had gone alone because he provided such a rich historical context. It was so wonderful to learn more about Japan and Hakone from him and to see such a beautiful area. He was also very flexible with our plans and was able to pivot last minute to adjust to my injuries. Aki also took wonderful photos on his fancy camera and sent them to us as soon as the tour was complete! We are so grateful we got to experience this day with him!

The views were amazing, even with it being overcast. Aki was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and helpful. The history of the area was fascinating. We got many memorable family pictures along the way, even in the drizzle/light rain. I can only imagine how beautiful it would have been on a clear day! I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.

Akihiro is an awesome guide. The hike was stunning but he makes it interesting and fun. I can't reccomend him enough and the hike through Hakone!!!!

Aki was an amazing tour guide and the walking tour / hike was curated really well. On Aki's tour, we saw and experienced a lot of things we wouldn't have been able to do ourselves, such as the amazake tasting and witnessing a stunning view of Mount Fuji in a very peaceful setting. The hiking parts were nicely paced out; we would hike, have a tea break, hike / walk, have lunch. It never felt strenuous or uncomfortable. We went during late December, and it was only cold when we were in the forest at the highest part of elevation, so maybe 30% of the hike / walking tour. I was a nervous about a winter hike, but the since winter is Japan's dry season, it worked in our favor. The river streams were low and the ground and rocks were dry, so I always felt really. I would consider this a low difficulty and kid-friendly hike. Throughout our hike, Aki took really nice pictures of us and shared fun facts about the history or environment. It was a physically and mentally engaging activity.

It was an incredible experience! Akihiro is friendly, knowledgeable, and great company for the day. I was glad to have this tour which featured a day in nature and some Japanese history, something different from time spent in the bigger cities. It was a real highlight of my trip to Japan.

Aki was knowledgeable, kind, and a wonderful host. He also took many photos of us as a family. The best!!

If you are looking for a unique experience that includes hiking on a historical trail, Old Tokaido Road, consider this great experience with Aki, a talented historian and hiker. Aki is passionate about sharing anecdotes regarding this amazing region. The mist and the rain offered us quiet and stunning views. He started his business Coconuts Hike Japan with a commitment to offering the best of Japanese nature and history with visitors. His command of the English language is a plus. Everything from the teahouse visit (introduction to local seafood and Udon noodles), to the Hakone Checkpoint, to the Mishima Shrine were accompanied by historical background. And, this is the best part. Aki helped us navigate the train and the bus systems. At first, I wondered about taking buses within our day, yet the scenery and relief from some of the hiking enhanced the experience. Since we scheduled the hiking in day 2 of our vacation, the info that he provided made the complex Japanese Rail System much easier for the remainder or our travels in Japan. THIS day will long be remembered.

We had a great day! Walking a spectaculair historic route with a knowledgeable, friendly, flexible guide. Who speaks good English as well.

We had a wonderful time with Akihiro as our guide during Hakone-Hachiri Hike. We decided to do this hike on my birthday and loved every bit of it. Aki ensured that we cover offbeat and unique trails during the hike just like how we wanted it. The bucolic nature walk along the old trail culminated with our feet soaked in a stream that had its source from Mt. Fuji. The water was so cold that our bodies completely cooled down and rejuvenated from the arduous hike that can be quite challenging as the path was an ancient one traversed by Japanese merchants and warriors from days long forgotten. Aki also has a seasoned hand at professional photography as he took excellent photos of my husband and I throughout the trail with his DSLR.

We had a very hood experience. Our guide Akihiro was well versed in the historical aspect of the journey. It was very instructive He was very attentive and spoke fluent English as well as conversational French The hike itself is lovely. Its a moderate hike that can accommodate most people including children Highly recommend it

Akihiro was incredible! I arrived to find the tour was just us two, traveling as a solo college student, and Akihiro and I had a blast. He was attentive, knowledgeable, kind, and took great photos. I would recommend a day with him on any of his tours!

A really good experience on the old Taikado route. Had a good hike with a good tour guide, he shows the best spots. Aki explains also the history and culture of Japan, so you feel the real experience of the country. PS he also makes great pictures of you💪😊

Excellent approach of this road and very good guide who permitted us to take our time and enjoy the travel and different views of the trek

1. The Tour The tour follows a carefully composed route leading through a multitude of different sceneries and places that provide a versatile experience of the Hakone area, its sights, local shops, restaurants, and rich history. We participated in this 8-hour experience as a couple in July 2024. On the day of the trip, the temperature was about 27°C (80.6°F) with 80% humidity. Even though these weather conditions might seem suboptimal for such a long hike, our guide Akihiro made sure to select paths that provided a lot of shade and protection from the sun and heat, making the tour very enjoyable and not overly exhausting at all. Therefore, this tour is absolutely suitable for beginners. This is also due to the fact that some sections of the route are covered by public transport, providing good opportunities to recuperate and fortify for the following walking parts. On top of that, plenty of well-timed breaks to rest, enjoy a local snack, drink, or meal contributed to the overall excellent experience. We began and ended our tour at Hakone Yumoto Station, which was easy to find and conveniently located. Our group consisted of only two people on this day, creating a very personal atmosphere. This was especially due to the fact that hiking tours are not frequently requested during this time of the year. However, as mentioned above, this tour is very well-suited for hot summer days, so there is no need to fear booking it even in hot and humid weather conditions. The hike itself was not overly difficult, with mostly moderate elevation changes and a mix of paved paths and rocky trails. Akihiro was excellent in gauging our fitness level and adjusting the pace accordingly. The tour included numerous breaks, perfectly timed to allow us to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. On a clear day, you are even able to see Mount Fuji during the trip, which adds to the breathtaking views. For anyone considering this tour, we recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes, bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Also, be aware that the costs of public transport, which is (as mentioned above) used for some sections of the tour, are not included in the booking price. This was unproblematic for us since we, like most visitors to Hakone, were in possession of the Hakone Freepass, which eliminates these extra costs. Snacks and meals at local restaurants and shops during the tour are also not included in the booking price, which should be self-explanatory. All in all, this tour is well worth the money and also provides insight into places that usually remain unseen by tourists, making this hike fantastic for experiencing the area in more depth and detail. 2. The Guide Akihiro, a National Certified Tour Guide, is an all-around professional, very friendly, and likable guide with a vast amount of experience, expertise, and knowledge. He took fantastic care of us and made sure that we had a memorable and enjoyable experience by asking and considering our preferences and special interests, thus providing different options for proceeding on the tour. He was happy to answer all of our questions patiently and professionally, making him not only a competent guide but also a great conversation partner throughout our journey through the area, which contributed to the tour being always entertaining and never feeling lengthy or boring. He also shared fascinating cultural and historical insights throughout the hike, enriching our understanding of Hakone. It is also worth mentioning that Akihiro speaks fantastic English, which ensured perfect understanding. On top of all of this, Akihiro took beautiful pictures during the hike, making them available to us for free after the tour (see attached example). He also provided snacks and tea for the breaks we had. Additionally, Akihiro was happy to give numerous recommendations for our stay in Hakone, including food, experiences, and other activities. Booking the tour was straightforward, with clear communication from the start. After the tour, Akihiro promptly sent us the photos he took, which was a wonderful touch that allowed us to relive the experience. Given the quality of the tour and the personalized attention we received, we found this tour to be excellent value for money. 3. Support a Small Business It is also worth noting that Coconuts Hike Japan is a two-person operation, which makes it especially worthwhile to support. The personalized attention and dedication from such a small, passionate team truly enhance the experience and make every effort feel genuine and heartfelt.

Akihiro-san was an outstanding tour guide. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area and its history and made it all fascinating to hear. Highly recommended!

Highly recommend this activity. Aki is a very professional and nice guide. He took care of all the details to make us safe and comfortable during the whole trip. The ancient path and the forest are amazingly beautiful and the air in the mountain just let us get refreshed from city life and busy trip. Aki explained to us the history about the Hachiri road and also the life and tradition in Hakone since ancient times. Everything has been nice and satisfying even though we didn’t have the luck to see mountain fuji due to the weather. Will definitely join other Aki’s activity in the future!

Fantastic experience, beyond expectations. And that’s even with rain and clouds for part of the day: Hiking in the midst of the stunning natural beauty that is the forest region of Hakone, while at the same time not only learning the history but living it, as you walk along an historic trail dating back 400 years. Tea house and little noodle shop were great rest stops and also historic in and of themselves. Brought my 18 year old daughter who normally is not into nature hiking or history and she loved it too. Don’t forget to bring cash for taxi, bus, food, and a small umbrella a good idea just in case. Aki the tour guide is kind, competent and knowledgeable, and knows the area and history like the back of his hand.

Great tour! Our guide was very experienced and a nice person to spend the day with. We enjoyed every part and highly recommend to book this tour.

Wonderful path between the nature. The guide was also very caring an telling the story of how people lived this path many years ago. It is really worth it!!