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
- 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.
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful…
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful guide. So knowledgable and friendly. He turned a rainy day into a great experience! We had so much fun at the sites we visited and would highly recommend him to anyone who would like to have some help navigating all of the things you can do in Tokyo. If you are even considering a guide, book a tour with him right now!
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best…
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best tour and the best tour guide ever (thank you Sam!!)! I cannot recommend this for anyone who is in Tokyo. Today was our first full day in Tokyo and we started at 9am with Sam who kindly picked us up at our hotel and reviewed our customized plan for our day. It was more than perfect.
Sam – we simply cannot thank you enough for making today a special memory for us. We hope to see you again soon!!
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!! He communicated well throughout the process and was extremely personable. He went above and beyond to meet our every wish. This was a wonderful introduction to Tokyo!!
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was a pleasure touring Tokyo with him.