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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 11:00 Meet at Odawara Station
- 11:30 Hakone-Yumoto Station. Purchase a Free Pass. Use the Carry Service to arrange for your suitcase to be delivered to the hotel by courier.
- 12:10 Take the bus bound for Moto-Hakone Port
- 13:00 Arrive at Moto-Hakone Port
- Lunch "Kinuhiki no Sato"
- 14:00 Hakone Shrine
- 15:10 Pirate Ship, Moto-Hakone Port ~ Togendai
- 16:00 Owakudani, Black Eggs
- 17:00 Gora
- Contact your accommodation to arrange a pickup car, then disband
What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Odawara to Owakudani
The guests visited Japan from North America. They arrived in Odawara from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Since they had brought a suitcase and a backpack, I introduced them to the luggage carry service at Hakone-Yumoto Station, which they used. This is a service that delivers luggage to the hotel, so it is very convenient. Traveling light, we took a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Motohakone Port. The ride along the winding road took about 40 minutes. As it began to rain, we bought umbrellas at a Seven-Eleven near the stop where we got off. Before starting our sightseeing, we went to a soba restaurant, where they ordered katsudon and tendon. They ate neatly using chopsticks. We visited Hakone Shrine to pray, and they purchased two omamori charms. Afterward, we headed to the lakeside torii gate, but there was a long line, so we returned to the port without waiting. We boarded the pirate ship and, via Togendai, arrived at Owakudani. Although it was drizzling lightly, the steaming ground was clearly visible, which was fortunate. It was their first time seeing volcanic activity, and they found it very interesting and fascinating. Upon reaching Gora, I arranged a pickup car and we parted ways. Despite the unfortunate weather, I was relieved that they enjoyed Hakone.
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 | Hakone-Yumoto～Hakone-Yumoto | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
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.