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
- 11:00 Meet at Yoshiike Ryokan
- 11:45 Take the bus toward Motohakone Port
- 12:50〜13:40 Hakone Shrine
- 14:00 Board the pirate ship
- 14:25 Arrive at Togendai
- Lunch at the "View Restaurant" at Togendai Station
- 15:30 Take the ropeway
- 15:50 Owakudani, eat black eggs
- 16:20 Take the ropeway
- 16:46 Take the cable car departing from Sounzan
- 17:08 Take the mountain train departing from Gora Station
- 17:48 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto, disband
Title: What's a Private Rainy-Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Owakudani
The guests were a group from North America. We started the tour right on time, but a problem came up at the station. Four of the guests had their own free passes loaded onto their smartphones, which was fine. One of the younger guests had a pass shared onto another guest's smartphone. However, this was not accepted on the Odakyu line, and we were told that the principle of one ticket per person had to be observed. As a result, they had to purchase a new paper free pass for 1,500 yen. One of the guests was a little upset, asking whether this meant a young child was expected to carry a smartphone. I felt sorry about the situation.
Once we boarded the bus, everyone changed their mood and we passed the time cheerfully talking about the trip. It was raining, so there were few people and the bus was not crowded. At Hakone Shrine we offered a prayer, and the guests wrote their individual wishes on ema votive plaques and dedicated them. They fully enjoyed the solemn atmosphere. The Peace Torii had no line, so we took a commemorative photo from the front. We rode the pirate ship and transferred at Togendai, then had a meal at a view restaurant. We also tried a Japanese restaurant near Koshiri, but at 14:30 everything was already closed. After the meal, we took the ropeway to Owakudani. The wind was quite strong and the temperature was 10°C, so it was cold. After taking photos, we quickly bought souvenirs and black eggs and hurried back down.
Because of the bad weather this time, there was a possibility that the ropeway and pirate ship would be canceled, so we headed to Lake Ashi first by bus. Fortunately both were running, which was a relief, but it was rainy and cold, and we could not see Mount Fuji, which was a shame. The guests were respectful of Japanese culture and customs.
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 | Shin-Yurigaoka～Hakone-Yumoto | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.