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
- 8:20 Meet 8:47 From Koen-shita by Cable Car 9:05 Sounzan Ropeway Owakudani 10:00 Owakudani Nature Trail Entry 10:40 Finish 10:50 By Ropeway to Togendai 11:25 Pirate Ship 12:05 Motohakone Port Lakeside of Lake Ashi Hakone Shrine Red Torii Gate By Bus Arrive at Hakone Checkpoint Ruins at 13:05 Donburi Chaya Lunch
- Maruyama Bussan Yosegi Woodwork After visiting Hakone Checkpoint 14:54 Bus from Hakonemachi Port Further 15:33 By Bus from Yunessun 15:40 Guests get off and disband at Hakone Open-Air Museum Bus Stop
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum
The guests were a very cheerful group visiting Japan. At their request, I made an advance reservation for the Owakudani Natural Trail, which I also joined for the first time. The trail guide happened to be a very knowledgeable expert, and the guided walk was both fun and educational. As on the previous day, we were miraculously blessed with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, and the guests took many photos. It was the same at the marquetry (yosegi zaiku) shop, where after a presentation the guests did a lot of shopping. At a donburi restaurant, we talked about kanji, Shinto, and the shoguns while they finished their meals completely. Afterward, since the guests said they would head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum on their own, I rode the bus with them to the relevant station and we parted ways there.
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 | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
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