Hakone Cedar Avenue
Walk beneath ancient cedars on a historic path, a serene stretch of the Old Tokaido Road connecting you to Japan's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Hakone Cedar Avenue
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk beneath ancient cedars on a historic path, a serene stretch of the Old Tokaido Road connecting you to Japan's past.
"A beautiful, peaceful, and calming walk amongst giant cedar trees, rich with history."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestone path can be tricky. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
📜 Understand the History
Knowing the historical context of the Old Tokaido Road enhances the awe-inspiring nature of the walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cedar Avenue
Between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi
Stroll beneath towering, ancient cedar trees on a historic path, feeling the weight of centuries. A truly awe-inspiring and well-maintained walk.
Amasake Tea House
Along the Cedar Avenue
Start your walk here for a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality and a refreshing break before or after your stroll.
Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan
Near the Cedar Avenue
A small museum offering insights into the area's historical significance, complementing your walk with context.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestone path can be tricky. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
📜 Understand the History
Knowing the historical context of the Old Tokaido Road enhances the awe-inspiring nature of the walk.
🔔 Bear Safety Awareness
While rare, bear sightings have been reported. Consider bringing a bell for added safety on the trail.
📱 Utilize Translation Apps
Signposts are frequent but in Japanese. Google Translate can help you understand the historical information.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestone path can be tricky. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
📜 Understand the History
Knowing the historical context of the Old Tokaido Road enhances the awe-inspiring nature of the walk.
🔔 Bear Safety Awareness
While rare, bear sightings have been reported. Consider bringing a bell for added safety on the trail.
📱 Utilize Translation Apps
Signposts are frequent but in Japanese. Google Translate can help you understand the historical information.
⏱️ Allocate Sufficient Time
Though a short walk, allow extra time for translation, photos, and soaking in the atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Hakone Cedar Avenue beautiful, peaceful, and awe-inspiring, especially when appreciating its historical significance. The well-maintained path and towering cedar trees create a serene atmosphere. Some find the walk itself short, and recommend understanding the history to fully appreciate the experience.
"It's beautiful, but more so if you understand the history. Make sure you take Google Translate along the way, so prepare for spending more time to translate and read the sign posts which are at regular intervals."
Daniel Cameron Becker
"Beautiful, peaceful and calming walk. Near to main road. Many tall, big cedar trees. We didn't take the complete walk as we were out of time but recommended if there's time."
c tzehow
"Although it's a short walk, striding amongst these giant ceder trees is an awe inspiring experience. The path is easily accessible from the main road of Hakone. The whole walk is maybe 15 minutes, when walking slowly. The trees are huge, and like all nature places in Japan, the path is super clean, and very well maintained. The easy path is suitable for families with young children, as it's super easy for everyone."
Arbel Rom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Line to Hakone-Yumoto, then transfer to local buses or the Hakone Tozan Railway. The Cedar Avenue is accessible via bus from Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi ports. Many visitors use the Hakone Free Pass for convenient travel on various transport modes. +1
Yes, the Hakone Cedar Avenue is often incorporated into the popular 'Hakone Loop,' a scenic route that includes trains, cable cars, ropeways, and pirate ship cruises. +1
The Cedar Avenue is located between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi. You can reach it by bus from the ropeway's Owakudani station or by taking the pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi to either port.
The avenue is easily accessible from the main road. Starting at the Amasake Tea House and walking towards the lake is a recommended approach.
Public transport in Hakone, including buses and trains, is generally reliable and efficient, especially when using passes like the Hakone Free Pass. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking the Hakone Cedar Avenue itself is free. However, you may need to pay for transportation to reach the area or for entry into nearby attractions like museums.
The Cedar Avenue is an outdoor path and is generally accessible at all times. However, nearby facilities like the Amasake Tea House or museums will have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the Amasake Tea House itself, but you would purchase refreshments or snacks there.
While there isn't a specific pass for the Cedar Avenue, the Hakone Free Pass covers most transportation within the Hakone area, making it convenient to reach the avenue. +1
The Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan is a museum and typically requires an admission fee. Check their official website for current ticket prices and hours.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The actual walk along the Cedar Avenue is quite short, often taking around 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace. However, many visitors spend longer to appreciate the history and surroundings.
Yes, the path is well-maintained and relatively easy, making it suitable for families with young children. The towering trees offer a sense of wonder for all ages.
The path is primarily a cobblestone road, which can be uneven. It's recommended to wear good walking shoes for comfort and stability.
Yes, the Amasake Tea House is located along the avenue, offering refreshments. The Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan museum is also nearby.
This avenue was part of the Old Tokaido Road, a vital route connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. It was a crucial passage for samurai, merchants, and travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the towering cedar trees lining the path. Look for shots that emphasize the scale of the trees and the historic cobblestone road. The Amasake Tea House also offers charming photo opportunities. 
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Golden hour can create stunning visuals.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical and natural areas in Japan to preserve the environment and visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the cedar trees. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
While the Cedar Avenue itself is shaded by trees, views of Mt. Fuji are more commonly seen from other parts of Hakone, such as from Lake Ashi or the Hakone Ropeway on clear days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep little ones engaged by talking about the history of the road and the people who used to travel it. The nearby Amasake Tea House offers a chance for a sweet treat, and the short duration of the walk means it won't tire out younger legs too quickly. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone!
🚶 History Buffs
Take your time to read the signposts (using translation apps if needed) and imagine the samurai, merchants, and travelers who once traversed this route. Visiting the nearby Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan museum can further deepen your understanding of the area's historical significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Old Tokaido Road
The avenue is lined with majestic cedar trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. These towering giants not only provide a beautiful, shaded canopy but also serve as silent witnesses to the history that unfolded here. The well-maintained cobblestone path makes for a pleasant, albeit short, walk, offering a moment of reflection and tranquility away from the bustling modern world.
Understanding the historical context significantly enriches the experience. Knowing that this was a major thoroughfare for figures like samurai and merchants adds a layer of depth to the serene walk. It's a place where history and nature converge, offering a unique glimpse into Japan's feudal era.
Experiencing the Amasake Tea House
The house is known for serving Amasake, a sweet, non-alcoholic rice drink that is both refreshing and historically significant. It's the perfect place to pause, enjoy a local delicacy, and soak in the atmosphere before or after your walk along the ancient path. The ambiance of the tea house complements the historical feel of the Cedar Avenue, making it a delightful stop.
While the walk itself is short, stopping at the Amasake Tea House allows you to extend your experience and connect with the local culture. It's a simple yet memorable part of visiting the Hakone Cedar Avenue, offering a moment of calm and refreshment.
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