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
- 09:05 Meet the guests at Hakone-Yumoto Station and help them purchase the Hakone Free Pass.
- 09:25 Take the bus to Hakone Checkpoint ruins.
- 10:05~10:50 Tour the Hakone Checkpoint.
- 10:50~11:25 Walk through the old Tokaido cedar avenue and Moto-Hakone Port to Hakone Shrine.
- 11:25~11:55 Visit Hakone Shrine.
- 11:55~12:45 Return to Moto-Hakone Port and spend time in the area, such as taking out bread for lunch.
- 12:45~13:10 Board the pirate ship to Togendai Port.
- 13:15~13:40 Take the ropeway to Owakudani.
- 13:40~14:05 Stroll around Owakudani.
- 14:10~14:50 Take the ropeway to Sounzan, then the cable car to Koen-shimo, to the Japanese tea cafe "Chaseki".
- 14:50~15:35 Have tea at "Chaseki".
- 15:53 Take the train departing from Gora to Hakone-Yumoto.
- 16:31 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station and disband.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The weather was excellent, and all the transportation ran smoothly with minimal waiting time, making for a comfortable trip. The air was especially clear, and Mount Fuji remained crisp and beautiful even into the afternoon, which delighted the guests.
On the bus to the Hakone Checkpoint, one of the guests experienced mild motion sickness, but recovered while touring the checkpoint. The guests seemed interested in history and asked me many questions enthusiastically at the checkpoint and at Hakone Shrine. At the pirate ship, the ropeway, and Owakudani, they enjoyed the scenery. At the tea house, they were able to enjoy Japanese tea through three infusions, allowing them to compare the flavors, and they were satisfied that it was an interesting experience.
At the entrance of the tea house, one of the guests tripped on a step and fell to one knee. It was a startling moment, but fortunately it did not result in anything serious. I keenly felt that I need to say "mind the step" frequently to the guests. (This may also have been related to the earlier motion sickness on the Hakone bus.)
As another reflection, I thought that whether walking (public transportation) or traveling by car is preferable depends on various conditions such as the weather, timing, and location. (Hakone Shrine, Owakudani, and other areas seemed to have heavy traffic congestion for cars.)
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 | Hakone-Yumoto Station～Hakone Checkpoint ruins | 6,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Pirate Ship Moto-Hakone Port～Togendai Port | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Hakone Ropeway Togendai～Owakudani | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Hakone Ropeway Owakudani～Sounzan | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Hakone Cable Car Sounzan～Koen-shimo | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Gora～Hakone-Yumoto | 0JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no need for us to do all the advance planning.
We had Mr. Toshihisa as a guide for a day in Hakone. We might have been able to do the route ourselves but it was great to have a day with no planning, it was all done ahead of time by Toshi. We got an early start to avoid spending too much time in queues, which was great. Toshi is very knowledgeable and shared many explanations, stories and anecdotes with us, which was most appreciated. The Hakone FreePass made it very easy to navigate all of the various styles of transportation – highly recommended. Overall for us, this was a great experience.
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a beautiful tour of places I would not have found on
my own.
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi San was a very well educated and friendly guide…
he took us to all the most beautiful and scenic places.. he also was very helpful person and
made sure we had a good vegetarian lunch
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are…
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are all 70+ with 1 guest using a walker, and the guide was very
accommodating and flexible to our restrictions. Guide was knowledgeable and interesting.
Excellent English. Very good at helping us navigate the trains and subway.