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

  • 8:00 Meet 8:24 Hakone-Yumoto Station mountain railway  To the Hakone Open-Air Museum After sightseeing and a light meal, 10:15 by train to Gora Station 10:31 by cable car to Sounzan, by ropeway to Owakudani  After sightseeing, 11:20 by ropeway to Togendai 12:00 pirate ship 12:40 Moto-Hakone  13:15 by bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto, stopping by Hotel Kajikaso to pick up luggage 14:34 by train to Odawara Station 15:50 Shinkansen Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office 16:07 assistance purchasing tickets to Kyoto After that, disband at Odawara Station at 15:20

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report

Although I assume there may have been some miscommunication between the guests and the travel agency, it seems the background — where the accommodation lacked a private bath and the additional night was cancelled, prompting a sudden decision to head to Kyoto today — had left them somewhat unsettled. Nevertheless, the guests stayed cheerful and accompanied me warmly throughout. Unfortunately, due to rain and fog, visibility was poor, and I felt sorry that we could not fully enjoy the scenery of Hakone. I was concerned about whether we could secure reserved seats on the bullet train during this busy season, as I wanted to avoid having them stand for the journey, so I was relieved when we managed to secure them. At the same time, we were also able to reserve seats for the trip to Hiroshima, and we parted ways with my sincere hope that the guests would enjoy the rest of their travels.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
Total6,000JPY

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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