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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Meet 8:51 Depart Miyagino-bashi bus stop Gora Station 9:21 Take the cable car to Sounzan then take the ropeway to Owakudani ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate ship 11:10 Hakonemachi Port Maruyama Bussan sightseeing shopping Donburi Chaya lunch Hakone Checkpoint 12:56 Take the bus to Motohakone Port after visiting Hakone Shrine move to Hakonemachi Port to secure seats 14:45 Take the bus via Yunessun 15:15 15:30 Gora Station request hotel shuttle pickup and 15:35 disband
What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family visiting Hakone. When I introduced the traditional puzzle boxes, they mentioned that their guide in Tokyo had told them Hakone had such things, and the group was delighted, saying they had really wanted to visit. Unfortunately, at Owakudani the summit of Mount Fuji was only faintly visible for a moment before it became hidden by clouds. Since it was crowded today, there was an announcement advising visitors to move through the itinerary a little earlier, so we took the pirate ship down earlier than planned. It was also full, but we enjoyed the scenery out on the open deck. At Maruyama Bussan, the president gave a presentation, which delighted everyone, and they did a lot of shopping. At Hakone Shrine, I talked about Shinto, Buddhism, and how these relate to our daily life, which may have served as a little preparation for their upcoming visit to Kyoto.
Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
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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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it