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 10:30 Take the hotel shuttle car to Sounzan By ropeway to Owakudani Return to Sounzan Via Gora 13:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum After strolling 15:25 Board the hotel shuttle car at the Open-Air Museum Disband The guests themselves return to the hotel (since the shuttle car stops at Gora Station, expected to arrive at the hotel around 16:00) Wait for the 16:30 hired car To Odawara Station.

What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour to Owakudani and the Open-Air Museum Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests had explored the ropeway, the pirate ship, and a shrine on their own the previous day, but had passed by Owakudani, so today they requested a round trip to Owakudani along with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which I arranged. Perhaps thanks to that, an almost perfect view of Mount Fuji was waiting from Owakudani, drawing loud cheers. They also tried the black eggs. Next, at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, one of the guests had a special interest in the exhibits. The rest of the group became completely relaxed and lively throughout the grounds. One of the guests, who at first struggled to keep up and seemed discouraged, ended up leading the way toward the end, running around as if it were a playground rather than a museum.

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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