Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Yumoto & Moto-Hakone Port — Guide Masa

Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was a 12-day trip to Japan. After staying in Tokyo, they traveled to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then returned to Tokyo. Today was a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone. They planned to spend one more day in Tokyo and then fly home the day after next. They mentioned it was their first time in Hakone and that they wanted to see Mount Fuji.

The foot of Hakone was under clear skies, but the mountaintop was covered with clouds and strong winds. There was an announcement that the Hakone Ropeway might suspend operations during the tour. Unfortunately, we were not able to see Mount Fuji.

We met at Hakone-Yumoto Station and set off. In the vehicle, I explained the history and features of Hakone. From Gora Station, we went via Sounzan to Owakudani. There were long lines of international tourists and Japanese group travelers waiting to board the cable car, and we waited more than 30 minutes. I explained the formation of Hakone, its history as a hot spring and summer resort, and an overview and history of Owakudani. There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it erupt?" They purchased and tasted the "black eggs."

Next, we took the ropeway to Togendai Port. Without much waiting, we boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, though here too there was a very long line before boarding. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. In a light drizzle and rather chilly air, we went up to the top observation deck.

We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port. The guests requested lunch, so we went to a bakery and café. After that, we walked to Hakone Shrine. There were questions about the history of Hakone Shrine and about Shinto. They very much wanted to take a commemorative photo in front of the torii gate on the lake, so we waited in line for about 50 minutes to take the photo. Afterward, we took the Hakone Tozan Bus to Hakone-Yumoto.

The guests commented that everywhere in Japan the towns are clean with no litter, that Tokyo is very crowded, and that Hakone has lots of greenery and feels calming. I was reminded once again how crowded Hakone is in autumn. We parted ways at Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.