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
- 8:50 Meet, then walk to Hakone-Yumoto/Sounzan 9:15 Ropeway, Owakudani 10:10 From Owakudani by ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate Ship 11:25 Moto-Hakone, Lakeside of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, from Moto-Hakone by bus 12:15 Hakone Checkpoint, visit and shopping at Maruyama Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry) shop, lunch at Donburi Chaya, stop by Hakone Checkpoint entrance, from Hakonemachi Port at 14:15 by bus, Yunessun, arrive 14:45, Hotel, request pickup vehicle, boarding complete
What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from a Government-Licensed Guide? A Tour Report
Some of the guests had visited Japan several times before. To avoid the Saturday crowds, we moved the start time from 10:00 to 9:00, which allowed the tour to progress smoothly without unnecessary waiting. At Owakudani, while enjoying the black eggs, we made good use of our time until Mount Fuji gradually revealed its full form, and I was kindly praised for a "good job." For the pirate ship, we took premium seats and fully enjoyed the view of Mount Fuji. At Hakone Shrine, I added some explanation about Buddhism and Shinto, which I believe served as helpful preparation for their upcoming visit to Kyoto. Some of the guests mentioned having previously obtained a secret puzzle box in Tokyo, and at Maruyama they watched the presentation with great interest. At the donburi teahouse, the soba was delicious, and they took photos of the soba-making demonstration that happened to be taking place at just the right moment.
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 | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
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