Kanagawa in One Day: Higashi-Ashinoyu bus — Guide Masa

What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe. One of the guests was on their third visit to Japan, while it was the first visit for the other. They had arrived at Narita Airport on a direct flight a few days earlier, stayed in Tokyo for three days, and came to Hakone the previous night. Their trip to Japan was a long one, with plans to continue afterward from Odawara to Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Okinawa, before returning home.

They mentioned, "Last night was the first time we slept on tatami and futon. We slept well and it was lovely." In Hakone, they said they had hoped to see Mount Fuji.

The tour took place under cloudy skies all day, and unfortunately we were unable to see Mount Fuji.

First, we walked from the hotel to the bus stop, then transferred buses to reach the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In the vehicle, I explained the history and characteristics of Hakone. I also explained the origins and current state of the Open-Air Museum, and we strolled slowly through the grounds. One of the guests was fond of Picasso, and they viewed the sculptures with great interest and took many photographs.

From there, we went via Gora and Sounzan, taking the ropeway to Owakudani. I explained the geological origins of Hakone, its history as a hot spring and summer resort area, and an overview and history of Owakudani. There were questions such as, "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it last erupt?" They purchased and tasted the "black eggs," commenting, "The smell of sulfur is incredible."

We then took the ropeway to Togendai Port and boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. Although it was slightly chilly with a bit of light rain, we went up to the top observation deck. We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port, and upon request for lunch, we went to a bakery and restaurant.

Afterward, we walked to Hakone Shrine. The guests made comments such as, "Everywhere in Japan is so clean. There is no litter," "There are no trash cans around," and "The trains are so quiet." They also mentioned, "In Tokyo we stayed in Shinjuku, but it was rather noisy for us."

I saw them off at the bus stop nearest to the hotel, where we parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Hakone on the shores of Lake Ashi, and it is especially famous for its "Peace Torii" gate standing in the water. Founded in the 8th century, the shrine has long been revered by travelers and worshippers, and its forested approach lined with towering cedar trees creates a serene and atmospheric setting.

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Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.