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

  • 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.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station0JPY
Total0JPY

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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