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
- 09:30 Gora Park
- 10:30 Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House
- 11:30 Tea ceremony experience at the park's Hakuun-do
- 13:00 Okada Museum of Art
- 14:15 Lunch at Yunessun
- 15:00 Disband at Gora Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Gora Park at 09:30, Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House at 10:30 and Okada Museum of Art at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakone-Yumoto to Gora by Free Pass (5,000JPY); Gora Station to Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa (900JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 5,900JPY per person.
What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. The tour on the day and the guests' reactions On the day of the tour, a heavy rain warning was issued from the morning, and both the ropeway and the pirate ship were suspended from their first departures. By the afternoon, all forms of transportation except buses had also stopped operating. The hotel concierge, the guests, and the guide discussed the situation together and chose activities that could be enjoyed indoors to carry out the tour. At the glassblowing experience in Gora Park, the group enjoyed choosing their own designs and colors. The tea house in the same park was also empty of other visitors due to the heavy rain, so it became a private space just for us, where they could freely take photos and enjoy matcha and the atmosphere. At the Okada Museum of Art, the guests were moved by the pottery from before the common era, and were able to learn in depth how culture and art that came from China were nurtured into Japanese art. The heavy rain was very unfortunate, but by constantly consulting with the guests, I was able to make sure they still enjoyed the experience, and they wrote a highly favorable review right away.
2. Requests to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Hotels in Hakone offer pickup services, but some hotels only provide pickup after 9:20. In such cases, if the hotel is far from the nearest station, a taxi is necessary, and it is a little difficult for the guide to cover this cost. Especially in a situation like this time, with a heavy rain warning in effect, it was not possible to walk long distances, so I would appreciate your consideration. Also, after seeing the guests off, since all forms of transportation except buses had stopped operating, I had to wait in line at the bus stop for two hours in the heavy rain. Furthermore, as the amount of rainfall exceeded the regulated level and there was a risk of landslides, the Odakyu Line also switched to slow operation, and it took four and a half hours to get home. In such cases, would it be possible to receive some kind of assistance (for example, an additional allowance)? I would appreciate your consideration.
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 | Hakone-Yumoto～Gora | 5,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Gora Station～Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa | 900JPY |
| Total | 5,900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Gora Park, Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House and Okada Museum of Art.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 5,900JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Toru is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
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robert_s
Fantastic experience!
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We had a tour booked with Toru yesterday. He was extremely prompt and detailed with the meeting spot well in advance and he was precisely on time at 450 am to meet us at the designated site. He was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and easy to interact with. He took us to have sushi after the auction and then we took a bus to the outer Tsukiji market and we saw all the things that we typically like to explore at markets. Toru we would recommend as a superb guide, without reservation, and in the highest possible terms. Great morning!
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
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Ask for Toru!
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Our travel date for this tour came during Silver Week so sites were definitely crowded, but our guide, Toru, created an itinerary that allowed us to see the places we wanted to experience in an enjoyable way. We had no problems communicating with Toru during the lead up to the trip and he was so considerate of our wishes. Toru also shared a wealth of information about Japan and the spots we visited. The personal attention on this tour was such a welcomed change from the packed bus tours we had been on with our cruise excursions and the cost wasn’t any different! Thank you, Toru, for a wonderful, enlightening experience in Tokyo!
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
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An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
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Outstanding experience at the Toyosu tuna auction with Toru as our guide! From the start, Toru was incredibly clear with his instructions, making sure we arrived at exactly the right spots at the right times and giving us all the accurate details we needed to take part in the first-floor viewing lottery. As an English speaker, I really appreciated how easy he made the whole process — navigating the auction logistics on your own could be confusing, but Toru unlocked the full experience for us.
After the auction, we sat down for a sushi breakfast where we got to try every part of the tuna. It was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had, and having Toru explain each piece as we went made it so much more than just a meal — it was a genuine education in tuna and how the market works. His knowledge of Toyosu (and Tsukiji, which we explored together afterward) was clearly deep and came from real passion for the subject.
Toru was kind, patient, and generous with his expertise the entire time. This tour ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants a real, insider look at the tuna auction and market culture. Five stars, without hesitation.
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Victor_G
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All the temples and shrines were fantastic. Our guide Toru, was excellent, very knowledgeable and his love of Japanese culture shone through.