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
- 9:00 Hotel meet 9:24 Train from Hakone-Yumoto 10:00 Sculpture Forest Sightseeing at The Hakone Open-Air Museum 12:01 Bus from The Hakone Open-Air Museum Via Kowakien 12:45 Hakone Checkpoint Site
- Lunch at Donburi Chaya Shopping for gifts at Maruyama Bussan Checkpoint Site Entrance Bus to Moto-Hakone Port 14:40 Pirate Ship Togendai 15:05 Bus Arrive at Onsenba Entrance 15:50 Dismissal in front of the nearby hotel
Title: What Can You See on a Private Hakone Day Tour Without the Ropeway? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a cheerful group who kept the day full of laughter. Since one of the guests preferred to avoid the ropeway, the itinerary was focused on the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a marquetry crafts shop, and the sightseeing pirate ship. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the group enjoyed the foot bath together, and I took photos of the whole group at various spots. At a rice-bowl teahouse, they had a delicious meal and took a photo together with the staff. During the meal, I gave a simple introduction to some basic Japanese phrases, which made the conversation lively. The presentation of traditional marquetry woodwork was a novelty they greatly enjoyed, and they also did some shopping. On the pirate ship, everyone stayed out on deck and took in the natural scenery of Lake Ashi. When we arrived back at Togendai on the way home, the ropeway happened to be out of service due to a mechanical failure.
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