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
- 9:20 Meet 9:41 Bus Ryuguden, get off at Kojiri From Togendai take the ropeway to Owakudani Via Sounzan Gora Mountain train 12:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum 12:45 By taxi to Hakone Shrine Arrive 13:05 By the same taxi to Hakone-machi Lunch at Hotoriya 13:15-14:00 On foot to Maruyama Bussan 14:45 By taxi to Hotel Arrive 14:55 15:10 By shuttle bus to Odawara Station Arrive 15:57 16:07 Assist boarding onto the Hikari bound for Kyoto and disperse at the ticket gate 16:02
What Is a Full-Day Private Hakone Tour Like Using Taxis? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests requested to see as many sights as possible, even if it meant making full use of taxis. In the end, after visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum and taking photos at the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, we continued by taxi to a lakeside shop at Hakonemachi Port, and then took another taxi from a local products company to the Hotel. Ultimately, the guests used a shuttle bus arranged in advance by the Hotel to travel to Odawara, but since the timing felt tight, I rode along with them. As expected, we arrived at the station's large bus parking area only eight minutes before the Hikari departure. Since there was no staff to guide them on their own, I believe they probably missed the train. Nevertheless, they enjoyed the entire itinerary, and they were especially impressed by the presentation at the local products company, where they purchased souvenirs. The taxi from the local products company was kindly arranged with the help of the company's president, which was a great assistance.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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