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. 09:25 Meet up@Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE
- 2. 09:40 Stay@Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
- 3. 10:15 Transfer: Private Vehicle
- 4. 10:25 Stay@Owakudani
- 5. 11:10 Transfer: Ropeway
- 6. 11:35 Transfer: Private Vehicle
- 7. 12:10 Lunch@Hatsuhana Soba
- 8. 12:55 Stay@Hakone-Yumoto
- 9. 13:45 Transfer: Private Vehicle
- 10. 14:15 Stay@Hakone Shrine
- 11. 15:15 Transfer: Private Vehicle
- 12. 15:20 Disband@Rakuten STAY FUJIMI TERRACE
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Owakudani
The meeting-point hotel appeared to allow only guests inside, but the guests came to the parking area before the scheduled time, so we were able to meet up without any trouble. I had been told in advance that one of the guests could not walk long distances, and another member of the group constantly used a cane and seemed to find walking difficult. This time the guests had arranged a vehicle themselves, which was a great help. When there were sections where we had to walk, I made sure not to let too much distance open up within the group. Because the hotel was right next to Motohakone Port, we were able to board the first pirate ship of the day and I could guide everyone with plenty of time to spare. However, the group turned out to love shopping more than I expected, and we spent quite a lot of time at the souvenir shops in Hakone-Yumoto and Owakudani. On a normal tour without a vehicle, managing the schedule might have been a challenge. For lunch I chose a popular soba restaurant, and we were able to get a table without much of a wait. To let the guests enjoy the views, we took the pirate ship on Lake Ashi and rode the ropeway between Owakudani Station and Sounzan Station. I have attached the receipts for the pirate ship and the ropeway.
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 | Ferry | Motohakone Port～Togendai Port | 1,200JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Owakudani Station～Sounzan Station | 1,500JPY |
| Total | 2,700JPY | ||
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.