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

  • 8:50 Meet on foot Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins Onshi Park Hakone Old Highway Cedar Avenue Motohakone Port shore then 10:30 by bus via Ninotaira on foot 11:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum (including cafe) 13:31 by bus via Kowakien 14:00 Hakonemachi Port (introduction of tomorrow's boat dock) then return to Maruyama Bussan for shopping
  • 14:45 Disband near Hotel

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

After having to give up on an earlier trip due to COVID, the guests were finally able to realize their long-awaited visit to Japan, and since Hakone (today and tomorrow) was to be the final part of their trip, I proceeded flexibly so that it would not end on a disappointing note. For tomorrow, I recommended the easily accessible pirate ship, the ropeway, and Owakudani, which they could enjoy on their own, and today we followed the course described above. In contrast to the bustle of Kyoto and Osaka, they were able to fully enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of the autumn foliage, quite different from where they usually live. Since we entered the local products shop right after it opened, we had the place to ourselves and enjoyed the presentation, and they bought a puzzle box, deciding it would make a perfect souvenir. In the dance photo taken of the group and me, you can clearly see how short my legs are. As it was a special anniversary for the guests, I made a congratulatory board for them.

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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