Kanagawa: Hakone Shrine & Hakone Open-Air Museum — Guide Atsushi
September, 2026
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
- 8:30 Meet at the hotel
- 10:00 Hakone Shrine
- 11:30 From Motohakone Port to Togendai by pirate ship
- 13:00 Owakudani
- 14:00 Gora Park
- 16:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. They had finally realized a long-cherished dream of traveling to Japan. After several nights in Tokyo, they were staying in Hakone, and on the first day they enjoyed a fully Japanese atmosphere at a fine ryokan. The previous day it had rained all day and they were unable to go out, so they spent the entire day relaxing in the open-air baths many times. Today it was also raining from the morning, so there was concern about whether the tour could go ahead, but under changeable weather we somehow managed to carry it out.
First, we went straight to Hakone Shrine, and since it was early in the morning the precincts were quiet. When I explained about Shinto as an ancient tradition, the influence it had on Japanese culture, and how to worship, the guests seemed deeply impressed and performed the worship carefully. After Hakone they planned to visit Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, and other areas, and they were pleased that this would be helpful as a reference when visiting temples and shrines later.
Because of the wind and fog the pirate ship was also suspended, but we waited for it to resume and then headed to Owakudani via Togendai. However, here too, due to thick fog and strong winds, we had to cut things short early. After enjoying the rose garden and the French garden at Gora Park, we then went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, as one of the guests is fond of art, and there we concluded the tour.
Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Hello and welcome to Tokyo!
I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.
I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
Aug 18, 2026
Heather_C
Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…
Aug 18, 2026
Heather_C
Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A great experience / Atsushi was incredibly knowledgeable and we had a brilliant tour with him. Really well organised – went out of his way to advise and help us. The tour was bespoke to us and the use of our limited time in Tokyo was perfect. Would do it again and with our guide.
Aug 8, 2026
victoriahD2588SK
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
An action packed visit to Hakone!
Atsushi was an…
Aug 8, 2026
victoriahD2588SK
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
An action packed visit to Hakone!
Atsushi was an excellent guide and took us on a fully organised trip all around Hakone. He was very articulate and explained every place visited in much detail. Be ready to walk lots. It was a pleasure to meet him and hear about the area. Thank you.
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time…
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time visit to Tokyo. Our guide Atsushi took great care to acclimate us with navigating through busy train stations efficiently with a group of eight family members. Along the way and at each site he explained various cultural practices and associated histories that made the tour very immersive and enjoyable. We will highly recommend Atsushi and Viator to our family and friends for future tours.
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and friendly tour guide. His knowledge allowed us to explore and get to the historical significance of the various locations we visited. His explanations were simple but comprehensive. The six hours flew by and included some off-the-beaten opportunities including coffee at a very austere but memorable location near the fish market. I would highly recommend him as well as this tour for anyone with limited time in Tokyo wanting see as much as possible