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

  • 9:00 Hotel meet 9:10 Daigatake By bus to Togendai 9:30 Pirate Ship 10:10 Arrive at Motohakone Port Lake Ashi shore Mt. Fuji 10:40 By bus to Hakone Checkpoint Maruyama Bussan present shopping 11:20 From the checkpoint by bus via Yunessun 12:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum 13:21 From the museum by bus to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum 14:45 From the same museum by bus to Daigatake 15:05 Dismissal Guests walk to the hotel.

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and the Open-Air Museum

Because one of the guests was uncomfortable with heights and could not take the ropeway, the plan was changed on the spot to travel by sightseeing cruise from Togendai. This turned out to be a great decision, as Mount Fuji, which had not been visible at the start, gradually came into view along the way and could be seen perfectly at Motohakone Port. The guests were deeply moved. At Maruyama Bussan, they encountered a "karakuri box," a Japanese puzzle box, and were amazed by it and made a purchase. They had wished to visit the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, but since the weather was good, I also guided them to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests had to eat light convenience store meals while standing, so I think it was quite a demanding schedule. They are returning to North America tomorrow, and they kindly told me that out of their entire trip, today was the best day.

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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