Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Hide

Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Hakone with Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report

Because there was a time constraint (a reservation had been made at Hakone Yuryo for 4:00), it was clear in advance that there would not be enough time for a proper lunch, so I asked the guests to bring simple rice balls and we ate on a bench at the station. In exchange, the itinerary ended up being quite full. From Hakonemachi Port to Hakone Shrine we went via the old Tokaido cedar avenue, and the guests seemed to really enjoy the scenery. Also, at the Peace Torii, many guests take a quick photo after seeing the long line, but this time we were able to wait about an hour to take pictures. From the pirate ship I called Hakone Yuryo to request a change of reservation time, which was pushed back by an hour, and by using a taxi to Amazake Chaya we managed to cover all of the planned places safely, and the guests were very pleased.

On the other hand, this time the guests had initially wanted to walk along the old Tokaido stone-paved road to reach Amazake Chaya. Although I had not recommended it due to time constraints, I went ahead and did a preliminary survey to check how easy the walk was and to confirm the route. Unfortunately, because of that I injured my ankle. As a result, I had to cancel the guiding I had scheduled for a later date. Some of the guests had difficulty walking, and even though I had arranged for the staff at Amazake Chaya to assist, it was very disappointing that I ended up unable to accompany them, which left me with regret.

I would also like to ask [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/): in the case of an injury during a preliminary survey or during an actual tour, how is this covered in terms of workers' compensation and hospital expenses? What is the situation?

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Tour Report by Hide

I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.