Side by side
| Introductory Shinrin-yoku | Immersive Shinrin-yoku at the Lakeshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Meets and finishes | Moto-Hakone Port | Hakone-en |
| Time with the guide | 1.5–2 hours | 3–3.5 hours |
| Starts | 9:00 or 13:00 (9:00 or 12:00 Nov–Mar) | 9:00 or 13:00 (9:00 or 12:00 Nov–Mar) |
| Finishes about | 11:00 / 15:00 (14:00 in winter) | 12:30 / 16:30 (15:30 in winter) |
| Ground | Mostly level, one short gentle slope at the start | Flat, no climbing |
| Included | Guide, mats, tea served after the rest | Guide, mats, tea served after the rest |
| Price | See the walk page for current prices | See the walk page |
| Best for | A first try, families, a short gap in a sightseeing day | People who want time: the quiet usually deepens in the second hour |
| Getting there | Bus from Hakone-Yumoto, 35–40 min, covered by the Hakone Freepass | Bus from Hakone-Yumoto, about 65 min, not covered by the Freepass; or boat from Moto-Hakone |
"Easy" means the ground, not the length. Three hours of slow walking and sitting is still three hours outdoors. Neither walk is step-free throughout; if you use a wheelchair or walking frame, message us and we will describe the ground honestly.
Choose Introductory if…
- you have never done forest bathing and want to see whether it is for you;
- you are building it into a Lake Ashi day with the shrine, lunch and the boat (all within ten minutes of the port);
- you are travelling with children — this is the walk we recommend for families;
- you have a train to catch and need to be done by late morning or mid-afternoon.
Introductory walk details · Check dates and book
Choose Lakeshore if…
- you already know you like being still, or you are tired enough to want it;
- you can give the walk the middle of your day and keep the hours after it loose;
- you want tea by the lake and a long ground rest under the trees;
- you are staying by the lake or in Sengokuhara (we drive home that way and can give you a free lift — tell us when you book so we can confirm space in the car; the same applies to Introductory).
Lakeshore walk details · Check dates and book
Do not go to the wrong pier
Lake Ashi has several bus stops and boat piers. Moto-Hakone Port and Hakone-en are different meeting points around Lake Ashi; a bus "to Lake Ashi" may not stop at the one you need.
- Your booking confirmation names the meeting point. Use that name, not "Lake Ashi".
- For Moto-Hakone: Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto, get off at Moto-Hakone Port (元箱根港).
- For Hakone-en: Izu Hakone Bus from Hakone-Yumoto, get off at Hakone-en (箱根園). Or the sightseeing boat from Moto-Hakone to Hakone-en.
- Arrive ten minutes early. Toilets and coin lockers are at both meeting points; there are none in the forest.
Full routes and fares: Getting to Hakone and the official Moto-Hakone station guide. This page is not a walking route between the two piers.
What happens on both walks
We walk slowly, stop often, and use simple invitations — what can you hear now that you could not hear at the port? There is sitting, and when the ground is dry, lying down and looking up through the trees. Aki serves tea after the rest. He brings a camera and will take a few photos if you would like them; many guests prefer none, and that is fine. Bring water, a warm layer and a rain jacket; light rain does not stop us.
Questions
Is Lakeshore just a longer Introductory? No. Different meeting point, different forest, different pace. Introductory is a taste; Lakeshore is the full session.
Can I do both? Yes — Introductory one day, Lakeshore the next is a good two-day pattern.
Is the Valley walk a third easy option? No. Hakone Valley Walk & Forest Bathing starts with a hard 45–50-minute climb and needs hiking shoes.
Minimum age? None. Children pay the same price.
What if it rains? We walk in light rain; the forest smells stronger. If we cancel for unsafe conditions, you choose a full refund or a new date.
How do I book? On the walk page. Checkout is handled by our parent company, Coconuts Hike Japan — you will see their name on the payment page. Book at least 24 hours ahead. Cancellation terms are in the booking terms.