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
- 10:00 Hotel meet-up
- 11:00 Hakone Shrine
- 12:10 Pirate Ship Motohakone～Togendai
- 13:00 Owakudani
- 14:00 Sounzan
- 14:30 Gora
- 15:30 Odawara Station
- 16:00 End at Shinkansen exit
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Bad Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report
The pirate ship was suspended from the first departure due to heavy fog, so after meeting the guests, we reconsidered the plan. After coordinating the guests' wishes with the available transportation, we first headed to Hakone Shrine. Luckily, while we were viewing the main hall and the torii gate, the pirate ship resumed operation, and we were able to travel from Moto-Hakone to Togendai as originally planned. At Owakudani as well, the strong wind briefly parted the clouds, and during that moment we were able to clearly see the large Mount Fuji and take photos. It was the first time even for me to see it so clearly in such bad weather, and I was truly moved. This time, guiding the guests to their reserved bullet train was the top priority. For that reason, we arrived at Odawara Station early, and during the free time we were able to show the guests items in the station building such as food products and skincare goods that they had asked about during the tour. It had been raining ever since they came to Japan and there seemed to be many disappointing moments, but I was glad they enjoyed themselves. A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi, founded over 1,200 years ago and long revered by travelers and warriors alike. It is especially famous for its "Peace Torii" gate, which stands in the water of the lake and offers striking views, often set against Mount Fuji on clear days.
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 | Other | Togendai～Sounzan | 2,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sounzan～Odawara | 1,200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Hakone-Yumoto Station／Hakone Tozan Bus～Motohakone Port／Hakone Tozan Bus | 1,210JPY |
| Total | 4,410JPY | ||
Hi, I’m Naho – your friendly, English-speaking guide in Japan!
With over 10 years of experience as a licensed guide and more than 30 years living in the Tokyo area, I’m passionate about helping travelers of all ages enjoy Japan in a fun, meaningful, and stress-free way.
Whether you’re into ancient temples, seasonal nature, local street food, or modern pop culture, I’ll design a private tour that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing not just the famous sights, but also lesser-known hidden gems and local tips that make your trip truly special.
Traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids? I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience and unforgettable memories for you in this amazing country.
Let’s explore Japan together — I can’t wait to meet you!
May 27, 2026
Chris T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo with Naho!
We had a great time exploring the in…
May 27, 2026
Chris T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo with Naho!
We had a great time exploring the in intimate streets of Tokyo’s east side with Naho. She
took us to parts of Tokyo we would have never seen, we went shopping together, visited a
local shrine and got get information about customs, culture and life in Japan.
Apr 24, 2026
Megaso1970
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour
The tour was nicely planned and Naho is very nice and friendly.
Apr 9, 2026
B4204QCcarolc
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Once in a lifetime experience!
I want to express are…
Apr 9, 2026
B4204QCcarolc
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Once in a lifetime experience!
I want to express are appreciation for our tour guide Nahoko and our chauffeur Sabiti. We had a wonderful experience and learned so much about the Japanese culture. Nahoko was full of information and we could tell she enjoyed sharing her knowledge. She was very attentive to my needs as I am healing from a recent broken leg . We were still able to see all the sights we requested and more. We would highly recommend using both Nahoko and Sabiti if you want a once in a life time experience. Thank you for everything .
Carol and Randy Christiansen
Oct 12, 2025
Dee R
Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide…
Oct 12, 2025
Dee R
Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Naho did a wonderful job getting us to Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping, Nezu torii gates. We stopped for conveyor belt sushi for lunch, which was very enjoyable. Last stop was Rikugien Gardens for a beautiful relaxing end of the tour. We highly recommend Nado. She listened to our shopping needs and helped us locate them. She was friendly and knowledgeable and did a great job taking us on trains, buses, and taxi