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
- ■ Tour Route
- 1. 08:40 Meet @ Gora Karaku
- 2. 09:30 @ Owakudani
- 3. 10:45 @ Togendai Port
- 4. 11:10 @ Hakonemachi Port
- 5. 11:20 @ Maruyama Bussan
- 6. 11:40 @ Hakone Checkpoint
- 7. 12:15 @ Cedar Avenue
- 8. 12:35 @ Old Highway
- 9. 13:30 @ Amazake Chaya
- 10. 14:30 @ Hakone Shrine
- 11. 15:00 End at Hakone Shrine
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine
■ Guest reactions and impressions
1. 08:40 Meeting at Hotel The guests enjoyed the cable car and the ropeway. 2. 09:30 at Owakudani The guests were moved by the formation of Hakone and its "breathing earth." Mount Fuji was clearly visible, so we were lucky. They tried the black eggs. 3. 10:45 at Togendai Port The guests enjoyed the scenery of Lake Ashi mostly from the upper deck. 4. 11:10 at Hakonemachi Port 5. 11:20 at a local shop I asked for a five-minute explanation, after which the guests carefully looked over the items and made a purchase of about 50,000 yen, which was arranged for delivery to their hotel on the final day. 6. 11:40 at the Hakone Checkpoint The guests toured each exhibit with great interest. 7. 12:15 at the cedar avenue The guests seemed to enjoy reflecting on the people of the Edo period. They were impressed by how magnificent and beautiful the cedar trees were. 8. 12:35 at the old highway The guests were moved by the cobblestone road and the wisdom of people in the past. The guests mentioned that they enjoy running and are physically fit, so I felt confident, but I checked the pace along the way as we proceeded. 9. 13:30 at the Amazake Chaya The guests were delighted, saying both the amazake and the chikara-mochi were delicious. From in front of the Amazake Chaya, we took a bus to the front of Hakone Shrine. 10. 14:30 at Hakone Shrine The guests said it was beautiful and took many photos. 11. 15:00 Ending at Hakone Shrine After that, we walked along the lakeside together and parted ways on the bus from Hakonemachi Port toward Kowakidani.
When confirming the itinerary in the morning, the guests said that rather than taking a leisurely lunch, they wanted to visit all the places they had hoped to see, and that a light bite at the Amazake Chaya would be enough. At the end, the guests were pleased, saying that everything was well organized and that they were able to visit all the places they wanted, and that it was very enjoyable, and they gave me a gift.
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～Hakone | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Yuka. I’d be happy to be your guide in Japan.
Travel has always been an important part of my life. In my twenties, I studied in Canada and later traveled in North America, Asia, New Zealand, and Europe. During those trips, I was deeply touched by the kindness of people I met. Those experiences inspired me to become a guide.
Seeing different cultures also helped me appreciate Japan in a new way, and now I enjoy sharing the country I love with visitors.
I mainly guide in Tokyo and nearby areas such as Hakone.
I’m a mother of two sons, so I also like introducing Japan from a local, everyday perspective—not only the beautiful side, but real life in Japan as well.
I respect the culture each guest brings and hope we can enjoy discovering Japan together.
I look forward to meeting you.