Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Hiro
January, 2026
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet at the hotel. First, head to Hakone Shrine. 10:15 Pirate Ship from Moto-Hakone. 10:40 Togendai. Light meal at a cafe, then take the ropeway to Owakudani. From Owakudani, take the ropeway substitute bus to Sounzan. 12:32 Cable car from Sounzan. From Gora, take the 12:52 mountain train. 13:00 Enter the Hakone Open-Air Museum. After strolling through the museum, including a light meal at the cafe inside, 14:31 bus (after transferring at Kowakien) 15:00 arrive at Moto-Hakone. Disband. (After free time, the customers will have dinner nearby and return to the hotel next door: we introduced Hakone Terrace nearby for dinner)
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Hakone on the final stop of their trip in Japan before returning to North America the next day. On the day of the tour, I received word that it was a birthday for one of the group, so I quickly made a celebration board and took a photo for them against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Fuji. At Hakone Shrine, we reviewed the proper way to worship and reconfirmed the differences between shrines and temples. At Owakudani, they enjoyed the stunning natural beauty, views of Mount Fuji, and the famous black eggs. Due to maintenance work, the section between Owakudani and Sounzan was served by a substitute bus, but this too was part of the fun. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the harmony between nature and art was wonderful, and they also experienced the foot bath, which I believe made for a lovely memory. They were a close and friendly group.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it