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
- 10:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Hakone Kamigora
- 10:20 – 10:35 Sounzan → Owakudani (Travel: Hakone Ropeway)
- 10:35 – 11:15 Stay at Owakudani (Photo taking, buying black eggs, etc.)
- 11:20 – 11:55 Owakudani → Togendai (Travel: Hakone Ropeway)
- 12:40 – 13:05 Togendai → Hakonemachi Port (Travel: Pirate Ship)
- 13:15 – 14:00 Lunch at Tatsumi
- 14:15 – 14:18 Hakonemachi Port → Moto-Hakone Port (Travel: Hakone Tozan Bus)
- 14:30 – 15:40 Stay at Hakone Shrine
- 15:58 – 16:14 Moto-Hakone Port → Kowakudani (Travel: Hakone Tozan Bus)
- 16:28 – 16:34 Kowakudani → Gora (Travel: Hakone Tozan Railway)
- 17:00 Disband at Hyatt Regency Hakone
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group who came to Japan from North America, a very pleasant and close-knit group, and it was clear they were enjoying the tour, which kept me feeling happy throughout to the very end.
During the preliminary discussions, there was a request to have ramen for lunch, but I had explained that while Hakone is famous for soba, ramen is not something to expect there. On the day, however, we did end up going for ramen.
The shop that served the ramen was a bit disappointing, so as a point of reflection I would like to take this into account for future tours.
At Hakone Shrine, everyone drew omikuji fortunes, and I translated and conveyed the main parts of the results, which they seemed to greatly enjoy, and it went very well.
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 | Train | Sounzan～Owakudani | 1,500JPY |
| Section 2 | Ferry | Togendai Port～Hakonemachi Port | 2,000JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Hakonemachi Port～Moto-Hakone Port | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Moto-Hakone Port～Kowakudani | 650JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Kowakudani～Gora | 160JPY |
| Total | 4,510JPY | ||
I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.
May 31, 2026
Carol_S
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great way to start a trip
Hidecki reached out a couple of…
May 31, 2026
Carol_S
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great way to start a trip
Hidecki reached out a couple of days to ask what landmarks we wanted to see, and then
came up with a great itinerary. Hidecki was an amazing guide, he was brilliant in imparting
the history of the areas. Cannot thank him enough. This was a great way to start our trip.
May 7, 2026
Alain_V
Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Belle visite
Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…
May 7, 2026
Alain_V
Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Belle visite
Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis de découvrir Yokohama. Toujours
bien présent pour parfaire nos demandes.
素晴らしい訪問でした。
横浜を案内してくれたガイドのIdeakiさんには大変感謝しています。私たちの要望にしっかり応えてくれ、常にきめ細やかに対応してくれました。
Apr 16, 2026
Julia_S
Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
We enjoyed our…
Apr 16, 2026
Julia_S
Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
We enjoyed our tour because of the outstanding guide we had. Hide, our guide, contacted us in advance to determine what we wanted to see and do. Because we wanted a special lunch, he sent links for three restaurants that fit our criteria so we could select which would be best for us. He easily adjusted our itinerary if we wanted to spend a little more time somewhere or make a quick stop to buy a snack or souvenir. He gave great explanations of what sights we were visiting.
Mar 25, 2026
Jeff_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Short tour of a huge city
Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…
Mar 25, 2026
Jeff_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Short tour of a huge city
Hideiki obviously wanted to give us the best experience possible, asking many questions
about our interests and priorities.