Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto Station — Guide Masa

What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Owakudani to Lake Ashi

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was their first trip to Japan. This trip was a stay of about two weeks in Japan. They arrived at Narita Airport several days ago, spent a few days in Tokyo, and then came to Hakone last night. After this, they would stay one more night in Hakone tonight, then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto tomorrow. They planned to sightsee in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Okinawa, and then return to Tokyo before flying home. They expressed a wish to "visit Japan's old culture and rural towns," and said that "Tokyo is crowded and too busy."

Due to bad weather since last night, the tour took place under mostly cloudy skies (with occasional light rain). Notices had been posted stating that the "ropeway may suspend operation" and that the "Hakone pirate ship is suspended due to heavy fog."

First, we went from the Hotel to Gora Station via Hakone-Yumoto Station. Then we continued to Owakudani via Sounzan (at this point, the Hakone Ropeway was operating). I explained the "formation of Hakone" and "an overview and history of Owakudani." There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it last erupt?" They purchased and tasted the "black eggs," commenting that "the smell of sulfur is incredible."

(At this point, there was an announcement that the "Hakone pirate ship" was "suspended.") With no other choice, we returned to Sounzan Station and Gora Station and headed to the "Hakone Open-Air Museum." (The guests had strongly wished to board the pirate ship.) Transferring on the Hakone Tozan Railway, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained "the origins and current state of the Open-Air Museum." We slowly walked around the grounds. They purchased a "towel" as a souvenir at the shop. They commented, "It is a very calm and beautiful garden," and "Some of the works on display can also be seen in other museums in Europe."

We took the Hakone Tozan Bus to Motohakone Port. As they wanted lunch first, we went to "Bakery & Table." They sat down and had a leisurely lunch. They said, "This is the first time we have eaten bread since coming to Japan, and it is very delicious."

After this, we went to Hakone Shrine. I explained "the history of Hakone Shrine." After paying respects at the main hall, we took commemorative photos from the side in front of the torii gate on the lake.

When we returned to Motohakone Port, they spotted the "Hakone sightseeing boat" running and said, "We really want to board that boat." Upon checking, there was a plan for "about a 40-minute cruise around the lake." They requested, "We want to ride this boat and go around Lake Ashi." I agreed, saw them off as they boarded, and we parted ways. (Originally, we had planned to visit Amazake-chaya after this.)

They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are clean. There is no trash on the ground," and "Everyone is polite," adding, "But for me personally, Hakone suits me better than Tokyo."

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Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.