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
- 09:30 Gora Park
- 10:30 Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House
- 11:30 Tea ceremony experience at the park's Hakuun-do
- 13:00 Okada Museum of Art
- 14:15 Lunch at Yunessun
- 15:00 Disband at Gora Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Gora Park at 09:30, Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House at 10:30 and Okada Museum of Art at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakone-Yumoto to Gora by Free Pass (5,000JPY); Gora Station to Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa (900JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 5,900JPY per person.
What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. The tour on the day and the guests' reactions On the day of the tour, a heavy rain warning was issued from the morning, and both the ropeway and the pirate ship were suspended from their first departures. By the afternoon, all forms of transportation except buses had also stopped operating. The hotel concierge, the guests, and the guide discussed the situation together and chose activities that could be enjoyed indoors to carry out the tour. At the glassblowing experience in Gora Park, the group enjoyed choosing their own designs and colors. The tea house in the same park was also empty of other visitors due to the heavy rain, so it became a private space just for us, where they could freely take photos and enjoy matcha and the atmosphere. At the Okada Museum of Art, the guests were moved by the pottery from before the common era, and were able to learn in depth how culture and art that came from China were nurtured into Japanese art. The heavy rain was very unfortunate, but by constantly consulting with the guests, I was able to make sure they still enjoyed the experience, and they wrote a highly favorable review right away.
2. Requests to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Hotels in Hakone offer pickup services, but some hotels only provide pickup after 9:20. In such cases, if the hotel is far from the nearest station, a taxi is necessary, and it is a little difficult for the guide to cover this cost. Especially in a situation like this time, with a heavy rain warning in effect, it was not possible to walk long distances, so I would appreciate your consideration. Also, after seeing the guests off, since all forms of transportation except buses had stopped operating, I had to wait in line at the bus stop for two hours in the heavy rain. Furthermore, as the amount of rainfall exceeded the regulated level and there was a risk of landslides, the Odakyu Line also switched to slow operation, and it took four and a half hours to get home. In such cases, would it be possible to receive some kind of assistance (for example, an additional allowance)? I would appreciate your consideration.
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 | Hakone-Yumoto～Gora | 5,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Gora Station～Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa | 900JPY |
| Total | 5,900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Gora Park, Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House and Okada Museum of Art.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 5,900JPY 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?
Toru 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.
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru…
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru was an AMAZING host and tour guide. He went above and beyond with communication prior, during, and after to make sure my Son and I had an incredible experience. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and catered the tour to what we wanted as well. The sushi breakfast was unreal! Learning all about both Toyosu and Tsukiji markets was an experience we will never forget. 10 out of 10 for sure!!
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
This was our first time visiting a fish market, and from the time we booked the experience, Toru-san has been amazing. He helped us get to Toyosu market, where the tuna auction takes place, at the right time to get the best views and explained everything about how the auction works and made sure we didn’t miss anything. (You will need a knowledgeable tour guide because everything happens so fast and you might miss it!) We learned so much during such a short time about how the delicious tuna you eat at a sushi restaurant ends up in front of you. After the auction Toru-san took us to Okame, a great sushi restaurant, where we got to experience delicious sushi breakfast. Our next stop was Tsukiji market, and again we got to try all sorts of food and learn more about the market and got to meet some of the vendors. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. If you are interested in cooking, Japanese cuisine, or know someone home, this tour will give you the opportunity to do some shopping for unique souvenirs.
We had to get to Toyosu market before 5 am, and while you might think it’s too early, but why not do something fun and delicious with your jetlag? It was so worth it and I’m glad we chose to spend our first morning in Tokyo with Toru-san. The other advantage of being so early was that the market was not as crowded and we got to enjoy our time without having to wait in line.
Thank you, Toru-san!
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
The tour was great. We got to learn a lot about sushi and really enjoyed our time in the
market as well.
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was…
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was a fantastic guide and made our experience one to remember. He picked us up
from the hotel and clearly knew how to be there early to get a good view. He also took us to
a delicious sushi place thereafter which the whole family enjoyed.