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
- 10:00 Meeting at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu 10:40 Hakone Checkpoint (including Onshi Park and museum) 12:00 Hakone Shrine (Torii of Peace) 15:00 Lunch and friendly chat 16:00 Disperse at the dining hall
What Is a Private Rainy-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. They had rented a car in Tokyo the previous day and drove themselves during the tour. At the Hakone Checkpoint area, we first took our time enjoying the scenery at Onshi Park. Unfortunately it was rainy and Mount Fuji was not visible, but the guests were very satisfied with the natural scenery. They carefully viewed the exhibits at both the Checkpoint Museum and the Checkpoint itself. At Hakone Shrine, we lined up for the first time to take photos at the Peace Torii Gate, waiting about 20 minutes for our turn. By then it was already past 14:00, and we searched for a place to have lunch, but most restaurants had already closed. We finally reached a soba restaurant near Gora and enjoyed the meal. In addition to the main soba dish, they ordered several à la carte items and some drinks, and we enjoyed the food and conversation to our hearts' content for over an hour. The guests were sociable and talkative throughout, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere. It turned out to be a very unusual route for a Hakone tour, but I believe it was a very elegant day for the guests. It was a special day for me as well.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they…
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they are flexible throughout the day. The transportation was
nice and clean and more than enough room for our family of 7.
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
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LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
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Mr. Shinji is so nice and patient. The tour was incredible and a great cultural experience. The
entire family enjoyed the tour.
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
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Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! What a memorable day. This tour was the
perfect way to get oriented to the city.
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to…
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to read my entire post, let me say if you are going to Hakone, consider hiring Shinji. He is marvelous!
We went to Hakone, a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan. With our guide Shinji we visited the Hakone open air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Japan, and took the Lake Ashi Cruise. Shinji’s knowledge about the sites, trains, cable cars, cruise, history, culture and languages (Japanese and English) made for a most efficient and memorable experience. Lastly, Shinji was very patient, as our getting to Hakone took more time than we expected, and adaptable, as we made the necessary adjustments to visit every relevant site we had hoped for. Great trip with a great guide!