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 Ryuguden. Reconsidered the plan due to bad weather
- Moved by taxi because of the rain
- 9:50〜10:50 Hakone Shrine
- 11:20〜11:40 Bus ride (Motohakone Port → Ninotaira Entrance)
- 11:50〜14:10 Hakone Open-Air Museum (including lunch at the restaurant inside)
- Since the bus wait time was long, moved to Hakone-en by taxi
- 15:00〜15:10 Komagatake Ropeway, outbound trip
- 15:10〜15:40 Visited Komagatake Mototsumiya Shrine
- 15:40〜15:50 Komagatake Ropeway, return trip
- 16:00 Disbanded at Hakone-en
What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, and Komagatake
The guests came from North America. I had coordinated the itinerary in detail with the group beforehand, centering the route around the Open-Air Museum. The original plan was to do the ropeway and cruise first, but since it was raining in the morning, we went to Hakone Shrine first. Fortunately, by the time we arrived at the museum the weather had cleared, and we were able to view the artworks in bright sunshine. We had planned to take a bus from the nearest stop to the museum, "Ninotaira-iriguchi," but since the guests wanted to save time, we called a car via a taxi app and headed to Hakone-en. When we arrived at Hakone-en, the summit of Komagatake was covered in clouds, so I suggested a Lake Ashi cruise, but the guests wished to ride the ropeway, so we headed up to the summit. Unfortunately it was completely white with fog, but we walked to Motomiya and offered prayers. The guests said it was a very special experience. Afterward I suggested a Lake Ashi cruise on a boat, but the guests said they were tired and wished to return to their accommodation, so we parted ways there. Since Hakone-en and Ryuguden are right next to each other, they walked back.
A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashi, founded in the 8th century and long revered by travelers and warriors for protection and safe passage. It is especially famous for its "Heiwa no Torii," a vermilion gate that stands in the waters of Lake Ashi and offers a striking view, particularly on clear days when Mount Fuji can be seen in the background. The shrine's wooded approach, lined with tall cedar trees and stone lanterns, creates a serene and atmospheric setting that many visitors find memorable.
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 | Shin-Yurigaoka～Hakone-Yumoto | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.