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

  • 8:30 Hotel Meet Miyagino Bridge 9:00 By bus to Gora Station 9:21 By cable car to Sounzan 10:00 Owakudani 10:35 Togendai 11:25 Pirate Ship 11:50 Hakonemachi Port
  • Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint, Onshi Park, Old Cedar Avenue, Moto-Hakone Lakeside, Hakone Shrine, Red Torii, walking tour without lunch. Upon returning to Moto-Hakone,
  • the customer said they would stroll a bit more on their own and return by taxi, so we disbanded at 14:20

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a very close-knit group visiting from North America who listened attentively to explanations of Japan's history and culture, making for a rewarding and enriching day even in a short time. The timing also coincided with the first snowcap of the season on Mount Fuji, and with excellent weather, it was a wonderful welcome. Onshi Park, with an atmosphere completely different from Osaka which they had visited the previous day, felt distinctly Japanese and the guests thoroughly enjoyed it. A presentation on yosegi marquetry woodwork offered a different perspective on introducing Japan, which the guests also enjoyed, and they purchased souvenirs. The natural beauty of Hakone at Owakudani, the pirate ship, and the cedar avenue was superb, and I believe it made an ideal destination to visit following Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
Total6,000JPY

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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