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 at Hayakawa 9:00 To Owakudani by ropeway Dense fog, risk of suspension due to strong winds Buy black eggs and take the ropeway to Togendai Board the pirate ship bound for Hakonemachi Port on irregular service at 10:30 10:55 Disembark at Hakonemachi Port To Maruyama Bussan 11:55 By bus from Hakonemachi Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto at 12:45 Transfer buses 13:10 Get off at Hakoneguchi To Odawara Castle 14:25 Hakoneguchi By bus to Odawara Station Assist with purchasing Shinkansen tickets 14:50 Disband Customers go to Kyoto by Kodama at 15:35
Title: What Can You Do in Hakone When Fog Cancels the Views? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report
Due to dense fog and strong winds, the scenery from both the ropeway and the pirate ship was completely obscured. Fortunately, neither service was suspended. However, the guests were delighted by the presentation of traditional secret puzzle boxes. Everyone in the group purchased their own favorite woodcraft items, and one of the guests bought a souvenir to take home. Since the group planned to take an afternoon train to Kyoto, I changed the plan and we headed to Odawara Castle instead. I introduced a samurai armor dressing experience. Some of the guests were thrilled to wear samurai costumes and enjoyed playful sword fighting. Others were very pleased to try on princess costumes, and one of the guests took charge of the photography. Although Mount Fuji was not visible, I was able to offer a wonderful alternative experience instead.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day 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