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
- 10:30 Meet at Odawara Station 10:50 Depart Odawara by mountain train, via Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, arrive Sounzan 12:14 Ropeway, at Owakudani Ropeway arrive Togendai 13:55 By pirate ship 14:20 Disembark at Hakonemachi Port Lunch at Donburi Chaya Maruyama Bussan Watch marquetry (yosegi) presentation 15:36 By bus from Sekisho-ato (checkpoint ruins), get off at Hakone-Yumoto
- Depart this station 16:36 By train, arrive Odawara Station Accompany to the Shinkansen ticket counter and disband at 16:55
A Private Day Tour of Hakone: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You? A Guide's Report
One of the guests was feeling slightly unwell with a cold, so we purchased cough medicine at a convenience store. Since the group was hoping to see Mount Fuji, I explained at the outset that it would be difficult today, but we set off saying that we would take routes where there was a possibility of seeing it. The group enjoyed shopping and had a great time at Owakudani. The guests mentioned that their home region in Asia is very green and reminded them of Hakone. On the pirate ship, they thoroughly enjoyed the scenery from on board. Lunch was at a donburi restaurant, and because it was rather late, there were fewer other customers, which may have worked in our favor. When one of the guests wanted an omelet, which was not on the menu, the owner kindly made one specially. The guests were also interested in the Japanese language and asked me what "ikigai" (a reason for living) means, which I found quite challenging to explain.
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