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
- 10:38 Arrive at ODAWARA station by Shinkansen
- 10:50 Meet the guide.
- 11:07 Get a train to Hakone-Yumoto.
- 11:21 Arrive at HAKONE YUMOTO (Hakone Luggage Transport Service counter)
- 11:33 Bus to MOTOHAKONE Port.
- 12:05 Arrive at MOTOHAKONE port
- 12:10-12:40 Walking Tour: Enjoy a stroll through the historic Ancient Cedar Avenue. Stop by Hakone Check point.
- 12:40-13:00 Tea break.
- 13:00 – 13:30 Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakonemati → Togendai)
- Lunch: Enjoy your 7-11 snacks while cruising across the lake.
- 13:40-14:00 Transfer: Take HOKANE Ropeway toward OHWAKU-DANI
- 14:05-14:55 OHEAKU-DANI (Enjoy Walking, Taste black egg, Museum visit)
- 15:00-15:45 Transfer to Open air museum
- 15:50-16:50 Hakone Open-Air Museum
- 17:02-17:05 Transfer to Gora
- 17:05 Tour end.
What Is a 6-Hour Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Open-Air Museum
The guests came to Hakone at the end of their stay in Japan, after a 10-day trip that had taken them through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Since they were scheduled to stay overnight in Gora that evening, we went in the reverse of the usual direction and headed to Lake Ashi first. In addition, on that day heavy fog had suspended the sightseeing boat service, so we had to consider changing the itinerary on short notice during the tour. I had proposed using the bus as an alternative, but in the afternoon only the route between Togendai and Hakonemachi Port resumed, so in the end we managed without any major changes to the itinerary. The guests wanted to experience as much as possible within 6 hours, so they enjoyed Lake Ashi, the old Tokaido cedar avenue, the Hakone Checkpoint, the pirate ship, the ropeway, Owakudani, the Owakudani museum, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. They were delighted to have seen so much on the last leg of their trip in Japan. The next day they planned to return to Tokyo and then travel on to Asia.
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～Gora | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal guide, and we had an incredible day. He was so accommodating and willing to change plans to suit our needs. We had the best time and really loved everything he planned for us to do. He’s also a great conversationalist!
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
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Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My family and I really enjoyed our tour of Senso-ji combined with a food tour. He made our trip special.
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
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Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my…
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my mother & thought a walking tour in the heritage areas of Tokyo would be a great introduction on our first day. Our guide Asushi put together an itinerary based on our preferences & to suit the needs of my 83 yr old mother. Asushi was a caring & generous guide who wanted to make the most of our day. We enjoyed hearing about his life, family & faith, giving us a greater understanding of Japanese culture.
Apr 18, 2026
BrightonKennedys
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Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with…
Apr 18, 2026
BrightonKennedys
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with Atsushi, who was very friendly and
knowledgeable. Half a day is only enough to scratch the surface but Atsushi was able to
accommodate and tailor the tour to our interests. Would recommend.