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
- 9:45 Meet at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa 10:20 Hakone Open-Air Museum 13:15 Arrive at Owakudani 13:30 Light meal 14:45 Togendai 15:10 Board pirate ship 15:40 Hakonemachi Port 15:55 Board bus 16:30 Arrive at Kowakidani Station Dismissal
What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report
As mentioned at the outset, the tour was originally scheduled to start at 9:00, but because the transfer from Yokohama took time, it began at 9:45; since I had informed them in advance, there was no particular problem and it turned out to be an enjoyable tour. The guests were a group visiting from North America. They liked the first spot, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, far more than I had expected, showing interest in every exhibit and trying everything that could be experienced hands-on (the maze, the underground exhibits, the children's play area, shaved ice, and so on). They had no interest in eating proper meals; for lunch, one was satisfied with a single steamed pork bun and the other with a single hot dog. When we arrived at Owakudani, they did not know about the black eggs, so I told them about them, and they immediately bought and ate some — they were curious and full of initiative. For the Lake Ashi cruise, I upgraded their seats to first class, which made it comfortable and delighted them greatly. By the time the boat arrived at Hakonemachi Port, our time was up and we were not able to go as far as Hakone Shrine, but I saw them off by bus to Kowakudani Station and we parted ways. It was a very rich and fulfilling tour with no wasted time.
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 | Kami-Gora～Chokoku-no-Mori | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
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Great tour, Shinji was great, they…
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they are flexible throughout the day. The transportation was
nice and clean and more than enough room for our family of 7.
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
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Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
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Mr. Shinji is so nice and patient. The tour was incredible and a great cultural experience. The
entire family enjoyed the tour.
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
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Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
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Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! What a memorable day. This tour was the
perfect way to get oriented to the city.
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to…
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to read my entire post, let me say if you are going to Hakone, consider hiring Shinji. He is marvelous!
We went to Hakone, a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan. With our guide Shinji we visited the Hakone open air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Japan, and took the Lake Ashi Cruise. Shinji’s knowledge about the sites, trains, cable cars, cruise, history, culture and languages (Japanese and English) made for a most efficient and memorable experience. Lastly, Shinji was very patient, as our getting to Hakone took more time than we expected, and adaptable, as we made the necessary adjustments to visit every relevant site we had hoped for. Great trip with a great guide!