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
- 10:00 Depart from Yaeikan
- 10:38-11:05 Hakone Tozan Bus (Hakone-Yumoto – Hakone Checkpoint)
- 11:10-14:00 Hakone Checkpoint
- 14:00-14:30 Walking
- 14:30-15:45 Hakone Shrine
- 15:45-16:00 Walking
- 16:05-16:35 Hakone Tozan Bus (Moto-Hakone – Hakone-Yumoto)
- 16:40 Disband at Hakone-Yumoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at Yaeikan and ended at 16:40. The day ran to 6 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Hakone Tozan Bus (Hakone-Yumoto – Hakone Checkpoint) at 10:38, Hakone Checkpoint at 11:10, Walking at 14:00, Hakone Shrine at 14:30, Walking at 15:45 and Hakone Tozan Bus (Moto-Hakone – Hakone-Yumoto) at 16:05.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakone-Yumoto to Hakone Checkpoint by bus (1,080JPY); Moto-Hakone to Hakone-Yumoto by bus (1,080JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 2,160JPY per person.
What Is a Walking Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi
It was drizzling at first, but the rain stopped in the afternoon, making it comfortable weather for a walk. The guests had been staying in Hakone since the previous day, so on the day before they had explored places accessible by transport, such as Owakudani and Lake Ashi, on their own, and on the day of the tour I guided them along a walking route. Although they mentioned some concern about their legs and stamina, in the end they walked the entire route without using taxis or other transport. From their experience the previous day, they had already become familiar with how to use the Hakone Free Pass, and they even taught me things such as "the express bus is faster and you can get a seat." The treasure museum at Hakone Shrine was a hidden gem and was very well received, though I had a hard time interpreting since there were no English signs or English-language pamphlets.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Hakone-Yumoto～Hakone Checkpoint | 1,080JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Moto-Hakone～Hakone-Yumoto | 1,080JPY |
| Total | 2,160JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kanagawa tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Yaeikan at 10:00, and the tour finished at Hakone-Yumoto at 16:40.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:40.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hakone Tozan Bus (Hakone-Yumoto – Hakone Checkpoint), Hakone Checkpoint, Walking, Hakone Shrine, Walking and Hakone Tozan Bus (Moto-Hakone – Hakone-Yumoto).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,160JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Ichiro is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Having taught at a national university with many international students, I have experience in intercultural communications. I hope you can enjoy my talk on Japanese culture and history. I am a novice as a guide, but having traveled around the world, I think I know what foreign travelers expect of a tour guide. One of the most impressive tour guides I have met is a lady in Chennai who told me everything about the Indian culture and history – from Hindu gods to how the British brought ice from North America to Madras and kept it all through the summer for their cold drinks. I hope to become an impressive guide like her.
Oct 20, 2025
GlobeTrotting155867
Hakone tour
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible…
Oct 20, 2025
GlobeTrotting155867
Hakone tour
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible to ensure we had a bespoke tour. We
planned ahead and on the day it went very smoothly. Ichiro was very knowledgeable, kind
and looked after us well- we highly recommend him!
Mar 19, 2025
Kpldcols
Time well spent in Hakone
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable,…
Mar 19, 2025
Kpldcols
Time well spent in Hakone
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, and was a pleasure to be with for six hours. Prior to our arrival in Japan, Ichiro contacted us and learned about our interests. He then tailored our tour accordingly. We highly recommend him as a guide in Hakone.