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 Hyatt Regency Hakone
- 11:15 Sounzan Station
- Board the ropeway
- 11:30 Explore Owakudani, buy black eggs and souvenirs
- 12:50 Owakudani Station
- Board the ropeway
- 13:20 Arrive at Togendai Station
- 13:55 Board the pirate ship
- 14:40 Arrive at Motohakone Port
- 15:00 Lunch "Fukio Soba"
- 16:00 Hakone Shrine
- 16:38 Board the bus from Motohakone Port
- 17:00 Disband at Gora Station
What Is a Full-Day Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were driven from the Hotel to Sounzan by car, which was very close and took only about five minutes. At Sounzan there was a long line for the ropeway, and we waited about 20 minutes. At Owakudani, Mount Fuji was unfortunately not visible, but the bottom of the valley could be seen, and the guests were surprised by the unusual scenery. After that, they enjoyed eating the black eggs and buying souvenirs. There was also about a 20-minute wait at Owakudani. When Lake Ashi came into view from the ropeway, the guests cheered and took many photos. For the pirate ship on Lake Ashi, they chose first class and relaxed comfortably on board. We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port around 3:00, so we hurried into a soba restaurant and had lunch. Since it closes at 3:30, I was glad we made it in time. It usually has a long line, but at that time of day it was fairly empty. We were shown to a tatami room, and the guests were delighted, seeing it as part of the cultural experience. They enjoyed the soba, oyakodon, and katsudon and said they were delicious, which was a relief. At Hakone Shrine, they paid their respects politely, following the proper Shinto etiquette. It was evening with few people, so they were able to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. As they had already been to Kyoto, they understood and respected Japanese culture and customs very well. On the way back, there was a special bus running from Moto-Hakone Port to Gora, so we could go directly to the station. After arriving in Gora, since the guests planned to go to Gora Brewery for a meal, I arranged with the Hotel to have them picked up at 7:30 pm when they would finish, and we parted ways.
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.