Description
A historic source of inspiration for artists around the world and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Mount Fuji is the highlight of this exciting day tour through the stunning scenery of the famous Hakone region; throughout your tour, you’ll find Mount Fuji providing a dramatic backdrop to the breathtaking natural beauty of this unique area. Starting your day with an exhilarating cable car ride over the Owakudani Valley on the Hakone Ropeway, a sky gondola where you’ll get a unique perspective of the steaming sulphur springs and luscious landscape of this area, you’ll enjoy a short stop in Owakudani itself before heading down to Lake Ashi. Heading out onto the serene waters on a boat tour, with Mount Fuji looming in the distance, you’ll have the chance to see the Hakone Shrine and learn more about the spiritual importance of this region. Then, to make your trip back to Tokyo even more memorable and round out the tour, you’ll take a ride on the famous Shinkansen: Japan’s high-speed bullet train. A nation balancing tradition and natural beauty with advanced engineering and cutting-edge technology, this marvel of modern engineering will give you an insight into the other side of Japan and perfectly compliments the rest of this rewarding experience.
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Things to do
Hakone Ropeway Sky Gondola Tour
Connecting Sounzan with Togendai via the stunning Owakudani Valley, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, and a unique perspective on the luscious landscape littered with hot springs surrounding the mountain, on this scenic cable car ride.
Views of Mount Fuji
Marvel at this iconic landmark from the skies over the Owakudani Valley as you experience the Hakone Ropeway and from the serene waters of Lake Ashi as you cruise through this crater lake, both offering awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji and the stunning scenery surrounding it.
Owakudani Valley & Hot Springs
High in Japan’s Hakone region, Owakudani Valley is a remarkable area formed over 3,000 years ago; characterised by a unique blend of rugged terrain and bubbling hot springs, this otherworldly landscape is as beautiful as it is intriguing.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Famed for its serene beauty and scenic views of Mount Fuji, this 3,000 year-old caldera-born lake is surrounded by luscious mountainscapes and home to historic sites like the Hakone Shrine, whose iconic red torii gate sits on the water’s edge.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
A true marvel of modern engineering, you’ll get glimpses of Japan’s scenic countryside as you relish in the modern comforts and efficiency of this world-famous high-speed railway from Odawara Station back to Tokyo proper.
Things to know
Dietary Restrictions
Where meals are provided, you will be served traditional regional cuisine – which is likely to include dashi (a soup stock) and shellfish alongside either a fish or meat dish. This will mean that the only alternative meal option available (where meals are provided) will be a vegetarian option and other dietary restrictions will be difficult for Japanese restaurants to meet.
If this does not agree with your dietary restrictions, your tour guide will be able to suggest alternatives (where available), but any additional food purchased will be at your own expense.
Views of Mount Fuji
- Clear views of Mount Fuji, both from Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi, are subject to the weather conditions; low cloud cover and fog can partially or fully obscure views of the mountain
- Attractions and activities are dependent on weather conditions; bad weather may cause closures, itinerary changes, and cancellations – even while en route
- Order of tour content subject to change depending on traffic conditions (i.e. bullet train journey may be first instead of last)
Group Travel Requirements
- All guests must travel with the tour group through each itinerary item for the duration of the tour
In addition to this, due to the distance travelled and destinations visited on the Hakone Ropeway, it will be difficult for any individuals to skip the sky gondola on the tour. You will also not be allowed to stay on the bus/coach provided at any point.
Wheelchair Accessibility
- A qualified carer / attendant must be present together with the wheelchair user and take care of everything; tour guides and drivers are not qualified to offer assistance
- Any wheelchairs must be foldable to be loaded onto the bus/coach provided; motorised wheelchairs and scooters are not supported or allowed
- Wheelchair users must be able to embark and disembark the bus/coach provided without assistance; restaurant visits are also on the first floor, so must be able to go up and down stairs
- Wheelchair users and their companions will need to be able to maintain the pace of the group throughout the tour in order to keep to the tight schedule and avoid missing any experiences highlighted in the itinerary
It’s also worth noting that even if you agree to the above conditions when booking a cruise with this tour package, local tour operators may refuse your participation on the day if it’s judged that your situation is not suitable for the attractions and activities on the tour.
Insurance
If you choose to travel to Japan, it’s recommended that you research your destinations and ensure you get appropriate travel insurance for the itinerary outlined, planned activities, and any medical expenses you may require in an emergency.
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, particularly in larger cities and metropolitan areas. However, there are some areas where credit cards are not as widely accepted – for example, in some smaller shops, in rural areas, and at some tourist attractions. Therefore, it’s advisable to be prepared beforehand with some cash. Post Offices, convenience stores (i.e. 7-Eleven stores), and JP Post Banks are the main places where you’ll find cash machines that accept some foreign credit cards during business hours.
Medicine
It’s illegal to possess or use some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s anti-stimulant laws. With ignorance of the law not a viable defence, you should check the medication bans prior to booking if you’re on medication.