Discover Hakone and beyond

We believe the best journeys begin with local people, living traditions, and landscapes that carry stories. From Hakone to the sacred landscapes of Mount Fuji, we reveal a deeper side of Japan.

Why Explore Hakone?

We believe the most meaningful journeys begin with people, places, and stories that cannot be found in a guidebook.

Private Journeys

Every experience begins with a conversation.

We design each private journey around your interests, creating meaningful encounters with local people, landscapes, and traditions. Every journey receives our full attention, with each guide leading only one group per day.

Travel With a Local

We believe the most memorable journeys are shaped by the people you meet.

Our Japanese guides share the landscapes, traditions, and stories that have shaped their lives. Rather than simply showing you the sights, they help you experience Japan through local eyes.

A Deeper Kind of Adventure

Adventure is not always about going farther or doing something extreme.

Sometimes it begins by slowing down, walking old paths, listening to local stories, and seeing a familiar landscape in a new way.

Through nature, history, and cultural encounters, we invite you to experience Japan more deeply.

Meet the People Behind Explore Hakone

We believe the best journeys begin with people.

Behind every experience is a team of passionate Japanese guides and local partners who are dedicated to sharing the culture, history, and landscapes they know and love.

Our Expertise

Every guide we work with is selected for their professionalism, deep local knowledge, and passion for creating meaningful experiences.
Depending on the journey, tours are led by nationally licensed guide interpreters, certified trekking guides, or other carefully selected local experts.

Expert Local Guides

Our guides are selected for their professionalism, deep local knowledge, and ability to create meaningful experiences. Many also hold Japan's National Guide Interpreter License, demonstrating advanced language ability and extensive knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and geography.

Certified Nature & Trekking Guides

Our certified trekking guides are trained by the Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) to lead guests safely through Japan's mountains while sharing the natural and cultural stories of the landscape.

Wilderness First Aid

Exploring nature should be inspiring—not worrying. Some of our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), helping ensure your adventure is both memorable and safe.

Responsible Adventure Travel

As a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), we are committed to responsible tourism that protects nature, supports local communities, and creates lasting value for the places we visit.

Leave No Trace

The places we love deserve our respect. As an official member of Leave No Trace Japan, we follow internationally recognized principles that help protect nature while allowing guests to experience it responsibly.

Together, these standards reflect our commitment to creating journeys that are authentic, safe, and responsible
for both our guests and the places we call home.

Our Commitment

Protecting the places that make every journey possible.

Protecting What Matters

We believe great journeys should leave lasting memories—not lasting impacts. By working closely with local communities, protecting cultural heritage, and caring for the natural environment, we strive to ensure that the places we love can be enjoyed for generations to come.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Partners Who Share Our Vision

We collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to responsible travel, authentic experiences, and protecting the places we love.

GOLDWIN
Explore Hakone proudly serves as a Goldwin Ambassador, working together to promote responsible outdoor experiences and inspire people to connect with nature.
ATTA
As a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), we are committed to responsible tourism and international best practices in adventure travel.
HAKONE UNITED
A community of local guides and organizations working together to protect Hakone's nature, culture, and future. We are proud to be part of this initiative.
Leave No Trace Japan
As an official Leave No Trace Japan member, we follow internationally recognized outdoor ethics to help protect the places we explore.
Hikes in Japan
Recognized by Hikes in Japan for offering authentic hiking experiences that connect travelers with Japan's landscapes and culture.
サステナブルな旅アワード
Sustainable Tourism Award
Recipient of the Special Prize at the 2023 Sustainable Tourism Awards, presented by the Japan Tourism Agency, recognizing our commitment to responsible and community-based tourism.