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
- 12:00 Hakone Shrine
- 13;30 Hakone Pirate Ship
- 14:50 Owakudani
- 17:50 To Odawara Station via Gora
- 18:10 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:30 at Odawara Station and ended at 18:10. The day ran to 7 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Hakone Shrine at 12:00, Owakudani at 14:50 and To Odawara Station via Gora at 17:50.
Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Hakone from Odawara? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Hakone was the final stop of their long trip in Japan. We were originally scheduled to meet at Odawara Station at 10:00, but they missed their train at Tokyo Station, so the tour started 30 minutes late. We first headed to Hakone Shrine, where I explained the differences between shrines and temples, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the differences in how people worship. They said it was very educational, as they had gained new knowledge they had not learned on their tour so far. The weather was good, and the children were delighted by the pirate ship, and they seemed excited to see something in Japan that they had never seen before. At Owakudani, they were able to buy the "black eggs" they had been interested in, and they also bought several souvenirs and enjoyed their time there. Finally, I saw them off at Odawara Station, helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets, and accompanied them to the platform to end the tour.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello and welcome to Tokyo!
I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.
I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
Aug 18, 2026
Heather_C
Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…
Aug 18, 2026
Heather_C
Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A great experience / Atsushi was incredibly knowledgeable and we had a brilliant tour with him. Really well organised – went out of his way to advise and help us. The tour was bespoke to us and the use of our limited time in Tokyo was perfect. Would do it again and with our guide.
Aug 8, 2026
victoriahD2588SK
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
An action packed visit to Hakone!
Atsushi was an…
Aug 8, 2026
victoriahD2588SK
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
An action packed visit to Hakone!
Atsushi was an excellent guide and took us on a fully organised trip all around Hakone. He was very articulate and explained every place visited in much detail. Be ready to walk lots. It was a pleasure to meet him and hear about the area. Thank you.
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time…
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time visit to Tokyo. Our guide Atsushi took great care to acclimate us with navigating through busy train stations efficiently with a group of eight family members. Along the way and at each site he explained various cultural practices and associated histories that made the tour very immersive and enjoyable. We will highly recommend Atsushi and Viator to our family and friends for future tours.
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and friendly tour guide. His knowledge allowed us to explore and get to the historical significance of the various locations we visited. His explanations were simple but comprehensive. The six hours flew by and included some off-the-beaten opportunities including coffee at a very austere but memorable location near the fish market. I would highly recommend him as well as this tour for anyone with limited time in Tokyo wanting see as much as possible