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
- 9:00 Meet at Hotel. The shuttle car from the inn to the station was all out and they said they couldn't call a taxi either, so we walk down the slope toward the station.
- 9:16 Board the cable car and ropeway
- 10:00 Owakudani. Buy black eggs
- 10:25 Take the ropeway and head to Togendai
- 10:45 Board the pirate ship
- 11:30 Arrive at Motohakone Port
- 11:40〜12:15 Lunch. Fukao soba
- 12:20〜13:20 Hakone Shrine
- 13:30〜 Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum by bus
- Get off at Ninotaira and walk 10 minutes
- 14:00 Disband at the entrance of the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine
The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan in May and had already toured several areas, with Hakone being their final destination. Their wish was to spend the day at a relaxed pace. Since the shuttle car from their accommodation could not reach Gora Station, we walked about ten minutes up a steep slope to reach the station, which was quite demanding. As it was still before ten in the morning, there were no crowds, and we boarded the cable car and ropeway smoothly. They were moved by the magnificent views from the ropeway. When the summit of Mount Fuji became visible from Owakudani, they were delighted and took many photos. At Owakudani they purchased the famous black eggs. Afterward, we descended by ropeway to Togendai and enjoyed a pirate ship cruise. The weather was fine, and the fresh greenery around the lake was beautiful. After arriving at Moto-Hakone Port, we had a soba lunch at a soba restaurant. Since it was still before noon, we were able to enter without waiting. At Hakone Shrine, they were amazed by the size of the cedar forest. They were able to experience a solemnity different from the temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara. They were already well acquainted with the torii gate, ema plaques, and komainu, so no explanation was needed. Because the itinerary progressed earlier than originally planned, I suggested visiting Onshi Park before heading to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, but as they did not wish to walk any further, we took a bus to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. We parted ways at the entrance of the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
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 | Shin-Yurigaoka～Hakone-Yumoto | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.