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
- 8:45 Meet at Tenyu. Take the Izuhakone Bus to Sounzan Station Entrance. From Sounzan take the ropeway. Owakudani. From Owakudani take the ropeway to Togendai. 10:45 Pirate Ship. Disembark at Hakonemachi.
- Maruyama Bussan Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry). Hakone Checkpoint Ruins. Lunch at Denbei Soba. Take the bus to Motohakone. Hakone Shrine. Take the bus and get off at Yunessun. 15:30 Disband at Tenyu.
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. One of the guests was interested in the Japanese language, so I explained kanji, hiragana, and katakana, and introduced some simple everyday example sentences I had prepared myself, and we had an enjoyable time. The guests were impressed by the explanation of the yosegi marquetry and puzzle boxes at a local shop, and made quite a substantial purchase. Both guests were also interested in food, and they enjoyed ramen and rice bowl dishes—which they also eat back home—at a local eatery in Hakone, seated on the tatami. At Hakone Shrine, I explained Shinto, Buddhism, and the Japanese way of life, which helped deepen their understanding.
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 | Bus | Tenyu～Sounzan Station Entrance | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,220JPY | ||
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