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
- 10:15 meet, depart 10:41 by bus, arrive Sounzan Station 11:10: Hakone Free Pass purchase support, Owakudani by ropeway: descend further to Togendai, 13:15 board pirate ship, disembark at Hakonemachi Port 13:40, Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue, Donburi Chaya, after lunch 16:10 by bus from Checkpoint Ruins to Motohakone Port, board 16:30 hotel shuttle bus and disband 16:25
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a cheerful group visiting from North America. Although their soccer team had lost 3-2, they enjoyed the day so much that they seemed to forget all about it. They were first surprised to find such nature so close to Tokyo, and remarked that it reminded them of home. They were hesitant about the black eggs at first, but after seeing other visitors eating them, they gave it a try and finished them completely. From the boat, they enjoyed the deep green forest scenery. It was their first time seeing Maruyama yosegi marquetry, and they were amazed by the presentation. They purchased some souvenirs and thanked me for introducing them to such fine items. At a donburi tea house, they ordered their Japanese food on the spicy side and finished every bite. At the checkpoint and the cedar avenue, they enjoyed getting a feel for Japan's Edo period.
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 | Sounzan Station～Odawara Station | 6,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Hakone-en / Izuhakone Bus～Sounzan Station Entrance / Izuhakone Bus | 920JPY |
| Total | 6,920JPY | ||
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!!
dummy
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