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
- 10:45 Meet at Odawara Station
- 11:06 Dep. Odawara by Train
- 11:20 Arr. Hakone-Yumoto, Leave luggages to Baggage Delivery Service for sending them to the Hotel
- 11:36 Dep. Haknoe-Yumoto by Mountain Train
- 12:32 Dep. Gora by Cable Car
- 13:00 Dep. Sounzan by Ropeway
- 13:20 Arr. Owakudani
- Lunch at Owakudani Eki Shokudo
- Hakone Geomuseum
- 14:30 Dep. Owakudani by Ropeway
- 15:10 Dep. Togendai by Sightseeing Ship
- 15:50 Arr. Motohakone
- Hakone Shirine
- 17:00 End Tour at the Bus stop for The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Pickup was originally planned at a hotel near Odawara Station, but we were able to meet at Odawara Station itself, allowing for an early start. Since the guests wished to leave their luggage, I arranged for the carry service at Hakone-Yumoto Station to deliver it to their accommodation near Lake Ashi.
To reach Sounzan Station for the ropeway, we used the mountain railway and cable car, enjoying the mountain scenery and the hydrangeas that were beginning to bloom along the way. At Owakudani, Mount Fuji was unfortunately not visible, but we were able to take our time, including a visit to the Geo Museum. All members of the group followed a vegetarian diet, and they were delighted with the delicious "bean and vegetable tomato curry" available at the Owakudani Station restaurant. On the pirate ship, we disembarked at Motohakone Port via Hakonemachi Port, and the boat became much less crowded on the Hakonemachi Port to Motohakone Port section, allowing us to relax.
From Motohakone Port to Hakone Shrine, we walked along the lake. Here as well, many people were lined up waiting their turn to take photos at the Peace Torii Gate, but the shrine grounds themselves were quiet and uncrowded, which the guests seemed to enjoy very much.
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 | Odawara Station～Hakone-Yumoto Station | 5,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Hakone-Yumoto Station～Gora Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Gora Station～Sounzan Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Sounzan～Owakudani | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Owakudani～Togendai | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Togendai～Motohakone Port | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Free Pass | Motohakone Port～Odawara Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
Hello there,
I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Oct 8, 2025
Denise_M
Great tour of Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…
Oct 8, 2025
Denise_M
Great tour of Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned a great deal and we saw a lot. We
traveled all over the city
Jun 30, 2025
Iguana74
Customized Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…
Jun 30, 2025
Iguana74
Customized Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent. Harry, our tour guide, customized our
experience based on what we told him we wanted to do and see in such a short period of
time. He was insightful, communicative, and made the afternoon unforgettable.
May 12, 2025
Tonya_G
Would do it again.
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…
May 12, 2025
Tonya_G
Would do it again.
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Our guide, Harry, did an excellent job of showing us around Tokyo. He helped us navigate the train and subway systems. Had an excellent Japanese lunch and stopped at good local shopping venues. Harry also arranged which order we should do things in since I didn’t know how far apart the attractions we wanted to see were from each other. No way we could have navigated on our own, very pleased, highly recommend.
Mar 22, 2025
Lauren_P
We had a great time on…
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great time…
Mar 22, 2025
Lauren_P
We had a great time on…
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great time on this tour. Our guide was excellent. The itinerary he picked out was
perfect. He also help us navigate the area expertly. We had a great time!