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. 09:00 Meet up @Gora Hanaogi
- 2. 09:20 Travel: Ropeway
- 3. 09:40 Stay @Owakudani
- 4. 10:10 Travel: Ropeway
- 5. 10:45 Stay @Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
- 6. 11:40 Stay @Hakone Shrine
- 7. 13:30 Lunch @La Terrazza Ashinoko
- 8. 14:15 Travel: Bus
- 9. 14:50 Disband @Hakone-Yumoto Station
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Owakudani to Motohakone
The guests' accommodation was directly connected to Sounzan Station by a dedicated elevator, so there was no need to worry about shuttle services, which made things very convenient. Thanks to this, we made smooth progress to Motohakone Port. In recent Hakone tours, many guests give up on lining up after seeing the queue in front of the Peace Torii Gate, but this time it was still before noon and the line was relatively short, so the guests wished to take photos in front of the gate. Even though it was less crowded than usual, the wait still took more than 40 minutes. As is always the case, whether or not the guests wish to take photos here makes a big difference to how the rest of the day proceeds. I had assumed I would see the guests off at the hotel in Sounzan at the end, but since they said they wanted to do some shopping around Hakone-Yumoto Station, I explained how to return to the hotel by train 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 | Sounzan Station～Owakudani Station | 5,000JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Owakudani Station～Togendai Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Togendai Port～Motohakone Port | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | 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.