Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Coconuts Hike Japan
1. General Questions
Q: Where do your hiking tours take place?
A: Our tours explore the stunning trails of Hakone. Each tour is carefully selected for scenic beauty and cultural highlights.
Q: Are your tours suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! We offer hikes for all fitness levels, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain trails. Please check the difficulty rating on each tour description.
Q: What languages are your tours conducted in?
A: Aki leads English and French tours. Mandarin and Cantonese sessions with Carmen are available by enquiry. Additional experienced local guides or facilitators may support larger groups. Japanese is also available by arrangement.
2. Booking & Payments
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: You can book online through our website, via email, or by phone. Full payment is required to secure your spot.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: Pay online by credit card; supported express payment options are shown at checkout.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel?
If you cancel: cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time (Japan time) for a full refund. One free date change by the same deadline, subject to availability. Less than 24 hours before: no refund and no free date change. No-show: no refund and no rescheduling.
If we cancel for unsafe conditions (typhoon, heavy rain or snow warning, lightning, strong wind, trail closure, volcanic alert): you choose a full refund or a new date.
Bookings made through Airbnb, Viator, GetYourGuide or Klook follow that platform’s policy. Bookings already confirmed before 12 October 2026 keep the terms they were booked under.
Read the full cancellation policy.
3. Tour Preparation
Q: What should I bring on the hike?
Leave large bags out of the forest. See our Hakone luggage forwarding and lockers guide for delivery and station-storage choices.
A: Essential items include:
✔ Sturdy hiking shoes (no sandals/flip-flops)
✔ Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for temperature changes)
✔ At least 1L of water for Traverse tours and 500ml for Hachiri or Valley Walk
✔ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
✔ Small backpack
Q: Do you provide hiking gear?
A: We can lend you trekking poles and rain jackets. (limited availability—request in advance).
Q: Is lunch included?
A: Lunch is not included in the price. Please check the tour details.
4. Safety & Health
Q: Are the hikes dangerous?
A: While our routes are carefully chosen, hiking always carries risks (uneven terrain, weather changes). Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency response .
Q: What if I have a medical condition?
A: Please inform us before booking if you have heart issues, severe allergies, or mobility concerns. We may recommend an easier hike or a private tour.
Q: What happens in bad weather?
Light rain normally goes ahead; bring a raincoat. If we cancel for unsafe conditions (typhoon, heavy rain or snow warning, lightning, strong wind, trail closure, volcanic alert): you choose a full refund or a new date.
5. Logistics in Hakone
Q: Where do we meet?
A: Hachiri, Valley Walk and the regular Caldera tour meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Temple Forest Walk and Onsen meets at Beck’s Coffee at Odawara Station. Introductory Shinrin-yoku meets at Moto-Hakone Port; Lakeshore Shinrin-yoku meets at Hakone-en. Follow the exact meeting instructions in your confirmation.
Q: Can I join if I’m staying in Tokyo?
A: Yes. From Shinjuku, the direct Romancecar takes about 85–90 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto. From Tokyo or Shinagawa, take a Shinkansen that stops at Odawara. Lake Ashi meeting points require onward transport; allow time for transfers and road traffic.
Q: Is transportation included?
A: Transportation is not included in most of our tours. Please check the tour descriptions for details.
6. Special Requests
Q: Can I book a private tour?
A: Yes. Please book ‘Private Guide Custom Tour’ for a private tour for families, photographers or a custom itinerary. Most regular tours may combine compatible bookings into one small group.
Q: Do you offer sunrise/sunset hikes?
A: Sorry, we don’t provide sunrise or sunset hikes.
Q: Are your tours eco-friendly?
A: We follow Leave No Trace principles and support local conservation efforts. Plastic waste is minimized.
More planning help
Hakone hiking safety · Rain and bad weather · Tour difficulty guide · Compare the tours