Kanagawa in One Day: Gora → Sounzan Cable Car — Guide Yumi
September, 2025
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
- 10:00 Meet at the lobby of Hakone Ten-yu
- 10:20 Take the hotel shuttle bus to Gora Station
- 10:48 Gora → Sounzan Cable Car
- Sounzan → Owakudani Ropeway
- 11:30 Sightseeing at Owakudani
- Black eggs, black soft serve ice cream
- 12:20 Owakudani → Togendai Ropeway
- 12:40 Togendai → Motohakone Port Pirate Ship
- 13:40 Lunch "Fukao Soba"
- 15:00 Walk to Hakone Shrine
- Line up at the Peace Torii Gate (40 minutes) and take photos, then worship at the main hall
- 16:30 Wait for the bus to Odawara at Motohakone Port
- 17:00 Disband on the bus
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Golden Route
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since I had received photos and information in advance from a Tokyo guide, I was able to lead the tour with confidence. I made sure to keep the sightseeing and travel at a relaxed pace to suit the group. Seeing Mount Fuji from Owakudani was the highlight of the tour. Even on clear days it is often covered by clouds, so the guests were delighted. This is the so-called Golden Route of Hakone, but the cablecar and buses were crowded, and the waiting times were longer than expected. Since a photo at the Peace Torii Gate was on the group's bucket list, we lined up together and I took photos for them. It was heartwarming that everyone cooperated patiently to make this wish come true. For lunch, Fuka Soba is a traditional soba restaurant by the lakeside. The tatami seating was available, but since the group preferred chairs, we waited for a while. They were impressed by how delicious the soba and shrimp tempura rice bowl were, and I was glad I had brought them there.
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 | Shin-Yurigaoka～Hakone-Yumoto | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.