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

  • 9:00 Hotel meet. 9:24 Hakone-Yumoto Station, mountain train bound for Gora. 10:11 Gora Station, cable car bound for Sounzan, ropeway to Owakudani, ropeway to Togendai.
  • 12:00 Pirate ship. 11:40 Moto-Hakone Port. 6 people visit Hakone Shrine and have lunch, 6 people wait and have lunch. After joining up, 13:55 bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. 14:30 first dismissal.
  • Fujii guide ends. Morikawa accompanies to Odawara Station Hakone Tozan Line station, 15:10 dismissal. Everyone will go to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine

We were initially concerned about the condition of one of the guests, but they turned out to be very well. The tour proceeded with one guide, FUJII, leading at the front and MORIKAWA at the rear. We had almost given up, but then Mount Fuji became visible, which relieved us and delighted the guests, who felt very lucky. The younger members of the group enjoyed being together with the whole family more than seeing Mount Fuji, and they remained lively and cheerful throughout. On the pirate ship, everyone stayed on deck and fully enjoyed the clear blue sky after a long time and the lake surrounded by deep greenery. From Moto-Hakone Port, six guests who wished to go visited Hakone Shrine with guide FUJII. I took charge of the remaining six guests who waited, starting lunch ahead and letting them relax around the table. A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. It is well known for its striking red torii gate that stands in the water, a popular spot for photographs. The shrine has long been revered by travelers and worshippers and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forest and the lake.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
Total6,000JPY

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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