Moss, Mist, and Mountain Bliss: The Best Nature Walks in Hakone
Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Charlotte
Most visitors come to Hakone for the ropeways, pirate ships, and steaming hot springs, but if you step just a little off the main tourist track, you’ll find something else entirely: quiet nature walks, mossy stone trails, and waterfall hikes that feel a world away from the crowds. I was genuinely surprised by how many domestic Japanese tourists I saw dressed head-to-toe in hiking gear, clearly here for the trails as much as the sightseeing.
And the best part? Many of Hakone’s most beautiful nature walks are surprisingly easy to reach by local bus. You don’t need a car—or even serious hiking boots—to enjoy a peaceful nature escape in Hakone. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll through ancient cedar trees or a more invigorating walk to a hidden waterfall, these trails offer a slower, more grounded side of one of Japan’s most popular destinations.
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Tamadare Falls | Hien Falls (Ring Waterfall)
I would barely consider these waterfalls a “Nature Walk” as they are located behind a hotel in downtown Hakone-Yumoto. At the Ring Waterfalls, you can also enjoy the gardens, ponds, and a small shrine.
Old Tokaido Road (Sukumogawa Nature Exploration Trail)
The Old Tokaido Road Trail is a 3.9-mile (6.27 km) point-to-point trail that connects Sukumogawa to Lake Ashi. Back in the olden days, the Tokaido Road connected the imperial capital of Kyoto with the economic center of Tokyo. You can see a map, and the highlights along the trail in this brochure here.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 3.9 miles (6.27 km)
- Elevation gain: 1,519 ft (463 m)
- Trail type: point to point
- You can access the AllTrails profile for this walk here.
Cedar Avenue
The Cedar Avenue once formed part of the historic Tokaido Route between Tokyo and Kyoto. Today, it’s a mossy trail shaded by over four hundred towering cedar trees, each one more than 400 years old. It’s a lovely way to walk between Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone at the southern edge of Lake Ashi, and less strenuous than hiking the full length of the Old Tokaido Road.
I should mention that if you want to see the part of the Tokaido Road with the cool cobblestones, this is NOT the same as the Cedar Avenue. I was a bit disappointed to find that the Cedar Avenue had no cobblestones.
Hiryu Falls Nature Trail
Hiyu Falls Nature Trail is a short 2.7 mile (~4.3 km) nature walk located midway between Lake Ashi and Hakone-Yumoto. The trailhead is accessed from the bus stop in the town of Hatajuku. While the trail is steep in spots, there is a nice waterfall to see at the end!
Image credit: Σ64
Trail Stats
- Distance: 2.7 miles (4.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 971 ft (296 m)
- Trail type: Out and back
- You can access the AllTrails profile for this waterfall here.
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields
If you’re visiting in late September through early November, don’t miss the pampas grass (susuki) fields near Sengokuhara. The golden plumes sway in the wind like a sea of glittering wheat, and the light just before sunset is magical.
Mt. Kintoki
Looking for a challenge? If you’re craving a proper mountain summit, Mt. Kintoki is a popular moderate-to-strenuous hike in Hakone with multiple opportunities for epic views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The most common trail is about 2 hours each way, starting at Kintoki Shrine. The trail can get steep and muddy in spots, so come prepared with good shoes and water. One nice surprise from this hike is that the summit has tea houses that serve noodles and drinks. You might even spot some locals summiting in full trail-running gear.
I should mention that this hike is not exactly convenient to do if you are arriving by bus, as bus times are not super frequent, so we suggest that you double-check the timetables for your way there and your way back , before starting your hike.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 2.6 miles (4.1 km)
- Elevation: 484 m
- Trail type: Out and back. (There is a longer and more strenuous loop trail if you are looking for a challenge)
- AllTrails Profile
Ready to Plan Your Trip to Hakone?
- Hakone Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go | From when to visit and how to get there to what to pack, this practical guide has all the essential info to make your trip easy and stress-free.
- Hakone Stole My Heart: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary | See how I structured our time across three days—including when to ride the ropeway, where to eat, and how to fit in museums and onsens without rushing.
- Where to Stay in Hakone: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget | Whether you want a lakeside view, a mountain onsen, or a hotel close to the train station, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay (with picks from $ to $$$).
