Kanagawa in One Day: Miyanoshita & Chokoku-no-Mori — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America and South America. This was a 9-day trip to Japan. They had arrived at Narita Airport, and after staying in Tokyo for a few days, they came to Hakone today. After one night in Hakone, they planned to continue to Kyoto and Osaka from tomorrow, then return to Tokyo and fly home separately. This evening, another member of the group was scheduled to arrive from South America and join them in Hakone.

The guests' request was, "Today we would like to visit the main spots in Hakone."

The guests' arrival was somewhat delayed, but we met at their Hotel. It was a tour in light rain.

First, we headed from Miyanoshita Station to Owakudani via Sounzan.

I explained "the origins of Hakone" and "an overview and history of Owakudani." The guests sampled the "black eggs."

There were questions such as, "When were the volcanic groups of Hakone formed?" "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?"

We transferred by ropeway to Togendai. After waiting a little, we boarded the "pirate ship." Even in less-than-ideal weather, it was full of tourists.

We stayed on the upper deck the whole time and took many commemorative photos.

There were questions such as, "How deep is Lake Ashi? What is the water temperature?" "Can you swim in it?" "Can you fish there?"

We disembarked at Hakone-Moto machi Port and went to Hakone Shrine.

I explained "the history of Hakone Shrine."

Regarding the torii gate on the lake, there was a question: "Why are so many people lining up to take photos?"

After this, we transferred by the Hakone Tozan Bus and the Hakone Tozan Railway to the "Hakone Open-Air Museum."

First, we had lunch at a restaurant in the grounds. Since the guests said, "We've grown a little tired of Japanese food," everyone ordered pizza.

By this time, the rain had stopped and the sunshine had returned. We took a careful walk around the entire grounds.

I explained the origins of the "Hakone Open-Air Museum." The guests said, "Hakone is more relaxing and pleasant than Tokyo."

There were also comments such as, "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are so orderly," "There is no litter on the ground," and "Everyone is so polite."

I saw them off at Miyanoshita Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.