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

  • 9:00 Meet at hotel. All travel by car. Owakudani. Ropeway (operating between Owakudani and Togendai). Togendai 10:45. Pirate ship. Disembark at Hakonemachi Port. Maruyama Bussan shopping. Hakone Checkpoint ruins. Old Tokaido cedar avenue. Motohakone Port lakeside. Hakone Shrine. Susuki-ga-hara. Choanji Temple. Return to hotel 15:20. Dismissal

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a warm and friendly group. From Owakudani, the overwhelming view of Mount Fuji, along with the scenery full of volcanic activity and natural beauty, was very moving, and everyone enjoyed the famous black eggs. On the pirate ship there was a strong, cold wind, but the guests said they did not find it cold, so we took photos on board. They were impressed by the craftsmanship of the marquetry woodwork and made a high-value purchase. Feeling that stopping for lunch would be a waste of time, we continued without a lunch break. Along the old cedar-lined road and then at Hakone Shrine, we talked about Shinto and Buddhism. Making good use of the car, we went around to the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields and enjoyed the natural scenery, and finally visited Choanji Temple to see the 500 rakan statues. At the guests' request, we skipped lunch and had a full and rewarding day.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainOwakudani~Togendai1,500JPY
Section 2OtherTogendai Port~Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
Total2,700JPY

I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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