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
- 9:30 Meet at Hotel Genbako Hakone Gora
- 10:00 From Gora Station via Sounzan to Owakudani
- 10:30 Stroll around Owakudani, black eggs
- 11:00 From Owakudani to Togendai
- 12:00 Pirate ship cruising
- 12:40 Visit Hakone Shrine
- 13:15 Lunch at Ashinoko Chaya
- 14:00 Pirate ship to Togendai
- 14:30 From Togendai by bus, get off at Sengoku Kogen
- 14:45 Stroll around Sengokuhara Susuki no Hara (pampas grass field)
- 15:00 From Sengoku Kogen bus stop to Miyaginohara bus stop
- 15:30 Wait for the hotel pickup car at the bus stop and return to the hotel
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report
Although the weather was unfortunately rainy, I believe the guests were able to get a good overview of Hakone by riding a variety of different modes of transportation. From the ropeway, only white mist was visible, and everything around Owakudani was pure white as well. Even so, the guests happily purchased the famous black eggs. When Lake Ashi came into view from the ropeway, they let out a cheer and took many photos, which was a relief. On the pirate ship, too, they filmed a lot of video and thoroughly enjoyed the grandeur of nature. The line at the torii gate of Hakone Shrine was long, so we settled for taking photos from the top of the stairs. This was to save time, since otherwise we would not have been able to make it all the way to Sengokuhara.
For lunch we stopped at a teahouse by the lake. The small side dishes were served buffet-style, so the guests were able to enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes. The main course was grilled beef and salmon with freshly cooked rice. It was delicious. After returning to Togendai, we went to Sengokuhara as requested. The pampas grass had not yet turned a perfect brown, but the guests enjoyed the grassland scenery. There were not many buses heading from there to Gora Station, so we got off at a bus stop along the way and waited for the pickup car. Since it had started to rain, having a car come to pick us up was much appreciated.
The guests were visiting from North America, and they liked Hakone very much, saying that they would like to come back again after visiting Kyoto. The one unfortunate thing was that they left something behind on the bus, and although we made inquiries afterward, it could not be found.
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 | Gora～Gora | 5,000JPY |
| Total | 5,000JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.