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
- Meet at 11:00. Depart Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus at 11:10, arrive at Moto-Hakone at 11:40. Visit Hakone Shrine, the shore of Lake Ashi, the Tokaido cedar avenue, and the Hakone Checkpoint ruins on foot. At 13:00, lunch at Donburi Chaya (Maruyama Bussan). At 14:25, take the pirate ship from Hakonemachi Port. At 15:05, take the ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani, then take the ropeway to Sounzan Station. At 16:30, take the cable car to Gora Station. Disband in front of the hotel at 16:50.
What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests enjoyed a pleasant trip together. After reviewing the difference between shrines and temples, we visited Hakone Shrine, and when we returned to the shores of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji miraculously appeared. We stayed for a while and were able to capture almost the entire view of the mountain, and I was grateful for this rare moment, which deeply moved the guests. We passed through the cedar avenue and the ruins of the Hakone Checkpoint on foot, allowing them to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period and the samurai era. The marquetry (yosegi) presentation at Maruyama was as impressive as always, and they purchased some souvenirs. At a donburi restaurant, they savored tempura soba while listening to my talk about kanji. We finished with the classic pirate ship and the ropeway, and at Owakudani they enjoyed the magnificent nature, including the famous black eggs, bringing the tour to a close.
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