Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Hiro
February, 2025
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:30 Meet at Odawara Station. 9:46 Depart Odawara Station on the Tozan Line. Arrive at Gora Station at 10:49. 11:08 Depart the same station by cable car, arriving at Sounzan at 11:49. Take the ropeway to Owakudani. Since the section from Owakudani to Togendai is closed for maintenance, take a substitute bus to Togendai. 12:45 Take the pirate ship and disembark at Hakonemachi Port. Shopping for puzzle boxes and lunch at the Checkpoint ruins. Stroll along the cedar avenue and sightseeing at Hakone Shrine. 16:18 Take the bus departing from Motohakone Port and get off at Yunessun. Guests will head to Ten-yu on their own, and disband at 4:30.
What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Hakone Shrine Torii Gate
For the guests, the main highlight of visiting Hakone was making a special proposal at the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine. Knowing this in advance, I arranged the route so that we would visit the red torii gate last, allowing for a dramatic proposal at the very end of the trip. This spot is always crowded, and visitors often take a long time posing for photos, which can make the wait feel long. As expected, it did take some time, but there was a wonderful proposal, and the long line of other visitors applauded. I was so focused on taking photos with their camera that I unfortunately forgot to take any with my own. Afterward, I used a board I had made myself for them to add their signatures, and we took a celebratory photo.
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 | Free Pass | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
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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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it