Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

July, 2024

This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 09:00 Meet up @Gora Hanaogi
  • 2. 09:20 Travel: Ropeway
  • 3. 09:40 Stay @Owakudani
  • 4. 10:10 Travel: Ropeway
  • 5. 10:45 Stay @Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
  • 6. 11:40 Stay @Hakone Shrine
  • 7. 13:30 Lunch @La Terrazza Ashinoko
  • 8. 14:15 Travel: Bus
  • 9. 14:50 Disband @Hakone-Yumoto Station

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Owakudani to Motohakone

The guests' accommodation was directly connected to Sounzan Station by a dedicated elevator, so there was no need to worry about shuttle services, which made things very convenient. Thanks to this, we made smooth progress to Motohakone Port. In recent Hakone tours, many guests give up on lining up after seeing the queue in front of the Peace Torii Gate, but this time it was still before noon and the line was relatively short, so the guests wished to take photos in front of the gate. Even though it was less crowded than usual, the wait still took more than 40 minutes. As is always the case, whether or not the guests wish to take photos here makes a big difference to how the rest of the day proceeds. I had assumed I would see the guests off at the hotel in Sounzan at the end, but since they said they wanted to do some shopping around Hakone-Yumoto Station, I explained how to return to the hotel by train and then we parted ways.

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Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassSounzan Station～Owakudani Station5,000JPY
Section 2Free PassOwakudani Station～Togendai Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassTogendai Port～Motohakone Port0JPY
Section 4Free PassMotohakone Port Bus Stop～Hakone-Yumoto Station Bus Stop0JPY
Total5,000JPY

Tour Report by Sam

Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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