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 9:14 Take the Izuhakone Bus to Sounzan, take the ropeway to Owakudani, take the ropeway to Togendai, 10:45 Take the pirate ship, 11:25 Disembark at Motohakone, visit Hakone Shrine, take the bus to the Hakone Checkpoint ruins, shopping after the Maruyama Bussan presentation, 13:00 Lunch at Donburi Chaya, visit the checkpoint ruins, stroll along the old Tokaido cedar avenue, around 14:20 take the Izuhakone Bus from in front of Onshi Park and get off at Yunessun, after introducing the location of the Okada Museum of Art, return to the hotel, 15:20 Disband
Can You Visit Hakone on a Private Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Local Crafts
The guests were a friendly and intellectually curious group. In the morning Mount Fuji was clearly visible, but in the afternoon it suddenly disappeared behind the clouds, and the guests were delighted that their timing had been so good. They had a strong interest in the Japanese language and Japanese culture, and listened attentively as I introduced kanji characters, the legends of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, and how Shinto, Buddhism, and daily life in Japan are connected. The presentation on the historic traditional craft of Yosegi marquetry at Maruyama Bussan was met with applause and great delight, and the guests purchased many souvenirs. Since they would be returning to Tokyo in the evening the next day and asked for recommendations on sightseeing in Hakone, I introduced the nearby Okada Museum of Art along with the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
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 | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
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