Temple Forest Walk & Onsen in Hakone from Odawara

Walk among 500-year-old cedars with a guide trained in forest bathing

A six-hour forest bathing journey from Odawara combines slow-paced walking through a cedar forest surrounding a historic temple, lunch at a local chaya, and time in an onsen. A Shinrin-yoku facilitator leads sensory practices (noticing bark, rustling leaves, forest scents and light) at an unhurried pace. Train fare, lunch and onsen admission are paid separately on the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Forest walk, lunch, and onsen visit

• Meet at Odawara Station
• Travel by train to forest area
• Stroll in cedar forest and temple
• Practice slow breathing and sensory exercises
• Have lunch at local temple chaya
• Enjoy healing onsen in the mountain
• Return to Odawara Station

The Experience

Daiyuzan temple sits among centuries-old cedars in the Hakone forest, and this walk is built around noticing what surrounds you rather than covering distance. Your Shinrin-yoku facilitator guides slow breathing and sensory invitations throughout the morning: you pause to feel bark textures, listen to rustling leaves, inhale forest aromas and watch how light shifts through the canopy. The pace is deliberate, with time to stand still and take in the surroundings instead of moving from one viewpoint to the next.

After the forest walk, you have lunch at a chaya (a small tea house in the forest area), where the kitchen serves Japanese lunch and confectionery that locals favor. The day ends at an onsen in the mountain, where you soak in healing water before returning to Odawara Station. Your guide speaks English, French, Chinese or Japanese depending on the departure you book.

The journey starts and ends at Odawara Station. Train fare to the forest area, lunch and onsen admission are separate payments you make during the tour, not included in the Viator price.

What’s included

Shinrin-yoku facilitator leading the forest walk with sensory practices and slow breathing guidance

Days and timesDaily · 09:00

Ages10 to 70 years · Under 10 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “3rd Floor, in front of Beck's Coffee”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Coconuts Hike Japan

Is this one for you?Six hours leaves room for the rest of your day in the region, but not for other major activities. Plan this as your main outing and arrive at Odawara Station ready to depart by train.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, Chinese and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What does a Shinrin-yoku facilitator actually do during the walk?

A Shinrin-yoku facilitator leads slow breathing and sensory practices designed to deepen your awareness of the forest. You'll pause to notice bark textures, listen to rustling leaves, smell forest aromas and observe how light changes through the canopy. The focus is on noticing rather than hiking distance.

How old are the cedar trees in the temple forest?

The temple forest contains cedars over 500 years old, with some trees reaching more than 600 years. The temple itself, Daiyuzan, stands among these centuries-old trees.

What's included in the price and what do I pay separately?

The Viator price covers the Shinrin-yoku facilitator and your guide. Train fare from Odawara to the forest area, lunch at the chaya and onsen admission are paid separately during the tour.

Can I do this walk if I'm not very fit?

Yes, the activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The pace is unhurried and built around pausing and taking in surroundings rather than strenuous hiking.