Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Hiro
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
- 9:00 Meet at hotel. 9:24 By bus to Sounzan. By ropeway to Owakudani. 10:15 By ropeway to Togendai. 10:45 Pirate ship. 11:25 Motohakone Port.
- After strolling along Lake Ashi, by bus to Hakone Checkpoint, Maruyama Bussan, lunch at Donburi Chaya, Hakone Checkpoint, Cedar Avenue, then from in front of Hakone Branch Office, 13:57 by bus getting off at Yunessun. Accompany to the hotel front desk and disband at 14:30

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for a trip. Their cheerfulness brightened the poor weather, which was a relief for me as well. There were few tourists, so the ropeway was essentially private. At Owakudani, visibility was poor due to thick fog, but everyone enjoyed the black eggs. The pirate ship was unusually quiet, so the guests could relax comfortably. At a local products shop, they were not familiar with the marquetry (yosegi-zaiku) woodwork, so their reaction was all the greater, and they enjoyed the presentation with cheers of delight. They bought a secret puzzle box as a souvenir. At a soba restaurant, they finished their soba completely, and they enjoyed my stories about kanji. At the checkpoint and the cedar avenue, the rain actually added to the atmosphere, and they were able to reflect on old Japan. A notable stop on the tour was Owakudani in Hakone. Owakudani is a volcanic valley created by the eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago, and it is known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. One of its most famous attractions is the black eggs (kuro-tamago), which are boiled in the naturally hot spring waters, turning their shells black, and are said to add years to one's life when eaten. On clear days, the area also offers views of Mount Fuji, making it one of Hakone's most popular sightseeing spots.
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 |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kowakien / Izuhakone Bus~Sounzan Station Entrance / Izuhakone Bus | 270JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Motohakone / Izuhakone Bus~Hakone Checkpoint Site / Izuhakone Bus | 220JPY |
| Total | 6,490JPY | ||
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
