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
- 10:10 Hotel meet 10:45 Hotel shuttle to Odawara Station, then 11:15 By bus to Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, arrive 12:20, lunch at Donburi Chaya, Maruyama Bussan, then 13:15 From Hakonemachi Port by pirate ship, arrive Togendai 14:25, by ropeway to Owakudani at 15:00, 15:30 From Owakudani by bus to Odawara Station, arrive 16:30, accompany and guide to the Hilton-bound shuttle bus stop, disperse at 16:45 (Customers return to Hilton Odawara by shuttle bus at 17:15)
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani and Lake Ashi
The guests were a group visiting from North America, and the atmosphere was very relaxed and pleasant. Since we were not able to start at 9:00 as planned, I had them hurry a little along the way to make sure they could catch the last shuttle bus from Odawara at 17:15, so it may have felt somewhat rushed. However, in the end, Mount Fuji appeared at Owakudani, though a bit hazy, which was a great help. The guests had their cameras ready and waited to photograph Mount Fuji from the moment they boarded the ropeway. Being fans of Japanese food, they happily finished their meal at a donburi restaurant. They were also amazed by Maruyama yosegi marquetry, which they experienced for the first time, and did various shopping. On the boat, they thoroughly enjoyed the scenery surrounded by greenery from the deck.
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 | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
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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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