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

  • 9:50 Gin'yu Meet 10:15 By bus from Miyanoshita Station in front of Gin'yu Togendai 11:25 Pirate Ship 11:50 Hakone-machi Port Maruyama Bussan Sekisho Entrance 13:00 Hakone-machi Port Light Meal 13:35 By bus via Ninotaira Entrance On foot 14:10 Hakone Open-Air Museum 15:40 From the Open-Air Museum By train Disband at Miyanoshita Station 15:50

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, the Open-Air Museum, and Yosegi Woodwork

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since a clear view of Mount Fuji could not be guaranteed, I mentioned this at the outset and turned it into a lighthearted joke. As the guests had expressed interest in the pirate ship, the Open-Air Museum, and woodwork, I planned the route accordingly. From the pirate ship on Lake Ashi, I was able to introduce autumn foliage at its peak, likely quite different from what they were used to back home, and the timing was excellent. At Maruyama, the presentation on yosegi marquetry woodwork was met with applause and cheers. The guests made various purchases, including a "magic box." At the checkpoint, they cheered at the entrance. At the Open-Air Museum, they took photographs so carefully that I began to wonder whether it would take a great deal of time.

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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