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

  • 9:40 Hotel meet, take the hotel shuttle service to Gora Station. 10:18 Take the cable car to Sounzan, take the ropeway to Owakudani, take the ropeway to Togendai. 12:00 Pirate ship, arrive at Moto-Hakone at 12:45. After sightseeing at Hakone Shrine, take the bus from Moto-Hakone to the Checkpoint ruins. 14:10 Lunch at Donburi Chaya. 14:50 Shopping at Maruyama Bussan. 15:30 Bus from Hakone Port. 16:13 Take the train from Kowakidani Station to Gora Station. Request the hotel shuttle. 16:30 Confirm boarding and disband.

What's a Private Hakone Day Tour with Mount Fuji Views Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, a very cheerful and wonderful family. Although Mount Fuji had seemed hopeless earlier, the summit became slightly visible at Owakudani, which delighted them greatly. On the pirate ship, they remarked that the scenery resembled a lake back home, and they thoroughly enjoyed the views. The Japanese food at a donburi restaurant was very well received. The mood grew even brighter and more lively over the meal. Riding that energy, everyone enjoyed the presentation at a local products shop and purchased a variety of items. Learning that one of the guests would soon have a birthday, I made a celebration board as a small gesture.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
Total5,000JPY

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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