Kanagawa: Owakudani & Choanji Temple — Guide Leo
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
- 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
- 10:15 Board Cable Car @ Gora Station
- 10:40 Owakudani
- 12:00 Board Pirate Ship @ Togendai
- 12:30 Lunch @ Taisho
- 14:00 Maruyama Bussan
- 15:00 Hakone Shrine
- 16:15 Choanji Temple
- 17:30 Disperse @ Hotel
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body: The guests were visitors from Europe. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side, and the tour began with rain forecast for the entire day. However, since they had grown tired of the crowds in Tokyo up to the previous day, they responded very positively to the quietness of the Hakone area itself, saying it was "very peaceful and calming," and enjoyed it thoroughly. At both Owakudani and the Lake Ashi cruise, the scenery was almost completely obscured, but they listened attentively to explanations about the history of volcanic formation. They were very satisfied with a seafood lunch, and were impressed by yosegi marquetry woodwork, purchasing a great deal. The last place we visited, Choan-ji Temple, delighted them especially, and they thanked me, saying, "Thank you for bringing us here." Despite the poor weather, I feel it turned out to be a good day. A notable stop on the tour was the Lake Ashi cruise in Hakone. Lake Ashi is a scenic crater lake formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, and it is one of the most iconic spots in the Hakone area. On clear days, the lake offers views of Mount Fuji, and sightseeing cruise boats, including replica pirate ships, carry visitors across the water while passing the vermilion torii gate of Hakone Shrine that stands at the lakeshore.
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 | Kowakudani～Motohakone Port | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.
I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.
With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!
Sep 23, 2026
MarouschkaV3
Go Leo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Leo is the best guide we have…
Sep 23, 2026
MarouschkaV3
Go Leo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Leo is the best guide we have had! Knows many good places, very flexible in changing routes, and knows how to adjust to our pacing. He is a very nice guy with a very calm presence.
Aug 16, 2026
El_Hombre_Aleman
Great day, thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted…
Aug 16, 2026
El_Hombre_Aleman
Great day, thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted is in advance to hear what we‘d like to See and do and matched his suggestions perfectly! We spend a lovely day exploring with the friendly, knowledgeable, and kind young man. We feel lucky to have him as our Guide!
Aug 6, 2026
antoinemC9893MM
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
Nous sommes particulièrement ravis…
Aug 6, 2026
antoinemC9893MM
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
Nous sommes particulièrement ravis de cette journée d’excursion autour d’Hakone et du Mont-Fuji avec notre guide Ryosuke. Le programme et le rythme étaient parfaitement adaptés à nos attentes, Ryosuke nous a permis de vivre une excellente expérience en famille, ses explications se sont révélées intéressantes et précises, le choix des lieux à visiter, des points de vue et les endroits où effectuer des pauses nous ont beaucoup plu !
Jul 30, 2026
BrianBurnette
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Memories
We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…
Jul 30, 2026
BrianBurnette
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Memories
We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our guide, was very knowledgeable regarding the culture and history of each site we visited. And for lunch he found a delicious authentic Ramen counter restaurant. It was a really nice day with great memories.