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
- 1. 09:55 Meet up @ Kowakidani Station
- 2. 10:10 Travel: Train, Cable Car, Ropeway
- 3. 10:55 Stay @ Owakudani
- 4. 11:25 Travel: Ropeway
- 5. 12:00 Stay @ Lake Ashi (Board the Pirate Ship)
- 6. 12:50 Lunch @ Kinuhiki no Sato
- 7. 13:45 Stay @ Hakone Shrine
- 8. 14:55 Travel: Bus
- 9. 15:35 Disband @ Hakone-Yumoto Station
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report
I had exchanged emails many times with the guests beforehand, which made everything very smooth. When asked about the hotel's pickup service, I explained that some hotels cannot arrange it before 10:00, so I suggested delaying the tour start time by one hour to 10:00. Also, since including myself the total came to seven people and two cars would be needed, I changed the meeting point to Kowakidani Station. The guests arrived at the station early, which gave us plenty of time to spare.
Unfortunately, the weather at Owakudani was terrible, with not only rain but also strong wind. Even so, thanks to the cheerful group, the tour proceeded enjoyably from start to finish. At Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine, the guests seemed to enjoy the mystical scenery in the rain. The meal at Kinuhiki no Sato was also well received.
At the end, I explained at Hakone-Yumoto Station how to return to the hotel by the mountain railway, and then we parted ways.
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 | Kowakidani Station～Gora Station | 5,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Gora Station～Sounzan Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Sounzan Station～Owakudani Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Owakudani Station～Togendai Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Togendai Port～Motohakone Port | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Motohakone Port Bus Stop～Hakone-Yumoto Station Bus Stop | 0JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations