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
- 10:10 Meet. From Gora Station by train at 10:40. Hakone Open-Air Museum. After eating breakfast substitute meal at convenience store, 11:40 Hakone Open-Air Museum. After strolling, train from Hakone Open-Air Museum at 13:46. Cable car from Gora. Ropeway from Sounzan. There was an announcement about the possibility of the ropeway being suspended due to a thunder warning. Went almost directly to Togendai. 15:10 pirate ship. 15:35 disembark at Hakonemachi Port. After a light meal, Maruyama Bussan. After the presentation, shopping.
- 16:46 by bus from Sekisho-ato. 17:35 Hakone-Yumoto. Got off and dispersed at Onsenba-iriguchi. The customer said they would move to a hotel near Haneda tonight and return home tomorrow.
What Is a Private Day Trip to Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Open-Air Museum, Ropeway, and Lake Ashi
As it was the final day of the group's trip to Japan, I planned the tour so they could return home feeling satisfied. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, some of the guests became completely absorbed in the jungle gym, and the group had a hard time getting them to move on. They also thoroughly enjoyed the foot bath. Since the ropeway looked likely to be suspended due to a thunderstorm warning, we kept it brief, but the group cheered at the natural scenery. On the pirate ship, everyone went up to the top deck, and I was a little worried someone might get lost. The presentation at the local shop was met with applause and cheers of delight. The guests bought a variety of souvenirs. Although the tour ran to seven and a half hours, we carried it out with almost no wasted time and had a pleasant day. In the photo, a building happens to appear in the background simply because it was near the bus stop; the actual accommodation was a Hotel.
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 | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
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