Follow the path once walked by monks seeking stillness — through cedars that were already ancient when Edo was young, ending the way Hakone always has: in the water.
Who this is for
For regular walkers. The ground rises gradually, the stone steps are uneven and worn, and there is real effort involved — though nowhere near the demands of a mountain hike. If you walk for pleasure and can manage stairs without concern, this walk is within reach.
What we actually do
We begin at Odawara Station and make our way into temple forest. The cedars here are around six hundred years old; standing beneath them tends to end conversation on its own. We climb slowly, pausing where the forest asks us to. There is sensory work, silence, and time simply to stand among trees that have outlived thirty generations of visitors.
Why the monks came here
The people who first walked these paths were not sightseeing. They were seeking stillness deliberately, and they chose this forest for it. Six centuries later the trees are larger, the practice is called something else, and the reason is exactly the same.
Then, the onsen
After the forest and temple, we pause for lunch and then guests may choose to visit a healing onsen. The warm water and unhurried time offer a gentle way to close the day. Lunch and onsen admission are paid separately, so you can choose what suits you.
Practical notes
Wear shoes with grip — the stone steps are slick when wet. Bring water and a layer, and a small towel for the onsen if you have a favourite (rentals are available). Swimwear is not worn in a healing onsen; if you have tattoos, mention it when booking, as some onsen restrict them. This walk moves through an old temple forest, where centuries-old cedars, hillside paths and a nearby hot spring shape the day.
Booking is handled by our parent company, Coconuts Hike Japan — always the best available price.
