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
- 11:00 Meet up @ Hyatt Regency Hakone
- 11:30 – 11:45 Ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani
- 11:45 – 12:10 Stay at Owakudani (taking photos, black eggs)
- 12:10 – 12:40 Ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai Port
- 13:15 – 13:55 Pirate ship from Togendai Port to Motohakone Port
- 13:55 – 14:50 Lunch @ Fukao Soba → Bakary & Table
- 14:50 – 15:00 Walk to Hakone Shrine
- 15:00 – 16:00 Stay at Hakone Shrine (taking photos at the Peace Torii)
- 16:00 – 16:10 Walk from Hakone Shrine to Motohakone Port
- 16:18 – 16:53 Motohakone Port to Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone Tozan Bus)
- 17:10 Disband @ Hakone-Yumoto Station
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Local Dining
The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests posts many travel photos on social media, and it was memorable how patiently the group waited in the long line for a photo at the "Peace Torii Gate" without complaint.
Also, contrary to the information I had received during our advance communication (which had been carried out via email and a messaging app), one of the guests turned out to be very particular about food. At the first restaurant, a soba shop, this guest could hardly eat anything, so we stopped by a nearby bakery and purchased a prosciutto sandwich. The guest would only eat it after toasting the prosciutto in a toaster. In situations like this, when Japanese food or raw ingredients cannot be eaten on the day of the tour, I think the Bakery & Cafe by Lake Ashi can be very useful, since guests can warm the bread themselves. Also, since the group planned to leave the hotel the next day and head to Kyoto, after we parted at Hakone-Yumoto Station, I took photos and videos of "how to transfer trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station" and "the route from arriving at Odawara to boarding the Shinkansen," and sent them via the messaging app that same day, which was very much appreciated.
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 | Other | Sounzan Station～Togendai Station | 1,500JPY |
| Section 2 | Ferry | Togendai Port～Motohakone Port | 1,200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Motohakone Port Station～Hakone-Yumoto Station | 1,080JPY |
| Total | 3,780JPY | ||
I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.
May 31, 2026
Carol_S
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great way to start a trip
Hidecki reached out a couple of…
May 31, 2026
Carol_S
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great way to start a trip
Hidecki reached out a couple of days to ask what landmarks we wanted to see, and then
came up with a great itinerary. Hidecki was an amazing guide, he was brilliant in imparting
the history of the areas. Cannot thank him enough. This was a great way to start our trip.
May 7, 2026
Alain_V
Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Belle visite
Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…
May 7, 2026
Alain_V
Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Belle visite
Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis de découvrir Yokohama. Toujours
bien présent pour parfaire nos demandes.
素晴らしい訪問でした。
横浜を案内してくれたガイドのIdeakiさんには大変感謝しています。私たちの要望にしっかり応えてくれ、常にきめ細やかに対応してくれました。
Apr 16, 2026
Julia_S
Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
We enjoyed our…
Apr 16, 2026
Julia_S
Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
We enjoyed our tour because of the outstanding guide we had. Hide, our guide, contacted us in advance to determine what we wanted to see and do. Because we wanted a special lunch, he sent links for three restaurants that fit our criteria so we could select which would be best for us. He easily adjusted our itinerary if we wanted to spend a little more time somewhere or make a quick stop to buy a snack or souvenir. He gave great explanations of what sights we were visiting.
Mar 25, 2026
Jeff_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Short tour of a huge city
Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…
Mar 25, 2026
Jeff_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Short tour of a huge city
Hideiki obviously wanted to give us the best experience possible, asking many questions
about our interests and priorities.