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

  • 10:10 Meet at the hotel. Take the hotel shuttle car to Sounzan. Take the ropeway to Owakudani. Enjoy the black eggs. Take the ropeway to Togendai. 11:25 Take the pirate ship to Hakonemachi Port.
  • Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint. After strolling around the shops, via Onshi Park and the old cedar avenue, to Motohakone Port. After viewing a distant view of the Hakone Shrine red torii gate from the shore of Lake Ashi, the guests
  • took a taxi from Hakonemachi Port back to the Hyatt. 15:15 Dismissed.

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Although some of the guests seemed a little tired, perhaps from the long journey, the group set off in good spirits. They also tried the famous black eggs. The group thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of Hakone, which is completely different from where they come from in North America. A cruise on Lake Ashi was especially high on their wish list. They also enjoyed the historically rich side of Hakone, including a marquetry secret box from a local shop, the Hakone Checkpoint site, Onshi Park, and the old cedar avenue.

At a shop near the checkpoint, they were allowed to draw and hold a replica sword, experiencing the atmosphere of a samurai. At the marquetry shop, the group took a photo together with the shop owner, which I believe made for a wonderful memory. I introduced the correct stroke order for writing kanji, and one of the guests wrote kanji quite well. Prioritizing the safety and comfort of the guests, they avoided the crowded bus from Motohakone and returned by taxi.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
Total5,000JPY

I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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