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
- 14:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Hakone
- 14:10 Take the hotel car to Sounzan Station of the ropeway
- 14:30 Owakudani – Eat black eggs. After that, descend to Togendai by ropeway.
- 15:50 Board the pirate ship departing from Togendai
- 16:30 Arrive at Motohakone Port
- 16:40 Visit Hakone Shrine
- 17:15 End at the bus stop at Motohakone Port. Introduce taking the 17:18 bus via Kowakudani to return to Gora, and say goodbye.
What's a Private Hakone Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour was originally scheduled to start at 11:00, but it was changed to 12:00 the day before. When I arrived at Gora Station, where the guests' accommodation was located, I received word that they had missed the bullet train and would now arrive at 13:00. Since I had time to spare, I did some research around the station. At 12:30, I took the hotel's car from Gora Station to the hotel (when I asked, the hotel said they would come to pick me up if I gave the name of the guest staying there, which was a great help since it was raining heavily). After that, I waited further in the hotel lobby, and I was finally able to meet the guests at 14:00.
Since check-in looked like it would take some time, we postponed it and hurried to Sounzan Station in the hotel's car. Unfortunately it was raining, but we could see the volcanic steam and mountain surface of Owakudani, which was a relief. The guests were impressed and found it very unique. The group happily shared and enjoyed the black eggs together. Owakudani Station on the ropeway was very quiet, so we were able to descend smoothly to Togendai. The guests had been looking forward to riding the pirate ship, and they were very delighted. The lake was covered in mist, but the cherry blossoms along the shore were very beautiful. We got off at Motohakone Port. Since the guests had reservations for dinner and the spa at the hotel, I checked the time for the return bus and then hurried to Hakone Shrine. The guests told me the misty shrine was very mystical and impressive, so I was glad we visited even though we had to move quickly. We were able to return to the bus stop a few minutes before departure and see them off. It was a hectic tour from the very beginning, but I was relieved that we were able to visit the main sightseeing spots.
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 | Shin-Yurigaoka～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.