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
- 10:55 Hakone-Yumoto, MEET at the lobby of Hotel, tour begins
- 11:10 Board the Hakone Tozan Bus to Hakonemachi Port
- 11:40 Stroll around Lake Ashi and take photos
- 11:50 Visit the Hakone Checkpoint
- 12:20 Stroll along the cedar avenue and Lake Ashi shore
- 12:50 Lunch at a convenience store
- 13:25 Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise
- 13:50 Arrive at Togendai
- 14:20 Board the ropeway
- 14:40 Arrive at Owakudani, stroll around Owakudani, black eggs, take photos of Mt. Fuji
- 15:40 Board the ropeway
- 15:50 To Sounzan Station
- 16:00 Hakone Cable Car, Hakone Tozan Railway
- 16:50 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, see off to the hotel
What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today was a Sunday during the year-end holiday season, so attractions such as the sightseeing cruise and the ropeway were crowded and involved some waiting times. However, by using the reverse Hakone loop route, we were able to complete the tour as planned.
The weather was perfectly clear that day, and the guests were able to fully enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
For lunch, the guests wished to save as much time as possible, so they purchased light snacks at a convenience store during the wait for the sightseeing cruise. Although this was sightseeing during the cold winter season, the guests were looking forward to dinner and a private open-air hot spring bath after the tour, so we stayed active for the full duration of the tour and the guests thoroughly enjoyed winter in Hakone.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hi I am Yosh, very nice to meet you!
I am a tour guide around Tokyo and surrounding areas including Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji area with qualification of nationwide professional tour guiding.
I have been practicing Japanese martial arts, Karate and Aikido, from my childhood and I teach kids and beginners at Dojo school as an instructor.
From my background I am especially into a tour guiding about Samurai, Sumo and Zen style temples deeply related with Japanese martial arts.
I was born, raised and live in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture for over 50 years, so I am familiar with Tokyo capital area and I can arrange the free choice tour for you based on your taste and interest.
I also want you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and Sake at traditional or modern restaurants as part of Japanese precious culture experience.
I really like my profession of tour guide because I am always shared with happy emotion of the guests through the tour.
I am really look forward to seeing you soon!
Yosh
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our…
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our host Yosh while in Tokyo. Yosh took the time to develop our tour based on our interests. He provided history and background to all the places we visited, seamlessly guided through the route. Highly recommend his professional services. It was the perfect tour to start our visit to Japan
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful…
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful Japanese gardens and seeing a temple. Our guide
was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend.
Sep 12, 2025
Cynthia_H
Yosh Yash is an excellent…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yosh is an excellent guide. I had…
Sep 12, 2025
Cynthia_H
Yosh Yash is an excellent…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yosh is an excellent guide. I had a wonderful tour of the city and an excellent overview of navigating the metro. It was great to learn from Yosh much about the history of the sites we visited as well as some history of Japan as a whole .I would highly recommend having Yosh guide anyone on a tour of the city of Tokyo.