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
- 9:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel Mizu no Oto Move by taxi to Sounzan Station
- 9:30-10:30 Take the ropeway to Owakudani After sightseeing, head to Togendai
- 10:30-12:50 Move by bus to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum & sightseeing
- 12:50-14:40 Move by bus to the Hakone Open-Air Museum & sightseeing
- 15:00 Return to the hotel on foot End
What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were experienced travelers who had visited Japan several times before. The weather forecast had not looked very promising, but luckily we were able to see Mount Fuji and even enjoyed some sunshine, making it a wonderful day. Perhaps because we went early, we avoided the long lines at Owakudani and were able to enjoy the black eggs and black soft-serve ice cream. At the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, the guests enjoyed a weekly mini concert featuring the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and the beautiful sight of glass sparkling in the sunlight. We changed the planned lunch to something lighter at their request (a croissant at the Hakone Glass Forest Museum and a hot dog at the Hakone Open-Air Museum), and I think being able to change plans according to the guests' mood at the moment is one of the great things about private travel. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the guests enjoyed the Picasso Pavilion and other works in a picnic-like atmosphere. It was a happy day being able to experience and share the charm of Hakone together.
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 | Other | Sounzan～Togendai | 1,500JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Togendai～Hyoseki / Hakone Glass Forest Mae | 580JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Hakone Glass Forest～Hakone Open-Air Museum | 470JPY |
| Total | 2,550JPY | ||
Hi, I’m Naho – your friendly, English-speaking guide in Japan!
With over 10 years of experience as a licensed guide and more than 30 years living in the Tokyo area, I’m passionate about helping travelers of all ages enjoy Japan in a fun, meaningful, and stress-free way.
Whether you’re into ancient temples, seasonal nature, local street food, or modern pop culture, I’ll design a private tour that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing not just the famous sights, but also lesser-known hidden gems and local tips that make your trip truly special.
Traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids? I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience and unforgettable memories for you in this amazing country.
Let’s explore Japan together — I can’t wait to meet you!
May 27, 2026
Chris T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo with Naho!
We had a great time exploring the in…
May 27, 2026
Chris T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo with Naho!
We had a great time exploring the in intimate streets of Tokyo’s east side with Naho. She
took us to parts of Tokyo we would have never seen, we went shopping together, visited a
local shrine and got get information about customs, culture and life in Japan.
Apr 24, 2026
Megaso1970
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour
The tour was nicely planned and Naho is very nice and friendly.
Apr 9, 2026
B4204QCcarolc
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Once in a lifetime experience!
I want to express are…
Apr 9, 2026
B4204QCcarolc
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Once in a lifetime experience!
I want to express are appreciation for our tour guide Nahoko and our chauffeur Sabiti. We had a wonderful experience and learned so much about the Japanese culture. Nahoko was full of information and we could tell she enjoyed sharing her knowledge. She was very attentive to my needs as I am healing from a recent broken leg . We were still able to see all the sights we requested and more. We would highly recommend using both Nahoko and Sabiti if you want a once in a life time experience. Thank you for everything .
Carol and Randy Christiansen
Oct 12, 2025
Dee R
Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide…
Oct 12, 2025
Dee R
Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Naho did a wonderful job getting us to Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping, Nezu torii gates. We stopped for conveyor belt sushi for lunch, which was very enjoyable. Last stop was Rikugien Gardens for a beautiful relaxing end of the tour. We highly recommend Nado. She listened to our shopping needs and helped us locate them. She was friendly and knowledgeable and did a great job taking us on trains, buses, and taxi