Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide May
November, 2024
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
- 1. 12:00 Meet up ＠Hakone Kowakien Tenyu (The meeting time was pushed back by one hour due to circumstances)
- 2. 12:05～12:15 By bus to the front of the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- 3. 12:15～14:15 ＠Hakone Open-Air Museum
- 4. 14:15～14:45 By bus from Ninotaira to Owakudani
- 5. 15:00～16:00 ＠Owakudani
- 6. 16:00～16:25 ＠By Hakone Ropeway to Togendai
- 7. 16:25～17:00 By route bus (transfer at Miyagino) to Gora Station
- 8. 17:00～18:00 Pottery experience ＠Gora Pottery Studio
- 9. 18:00～18:15 By taxi to Hotel Kowakien Tenyu
- 10. 18:30 Dismiss ＠Hotel Kowakien Tenyu
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour with a Pottery Experience Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. The booking came through a travel agency, and since I had received guest information in advance, the tour proceeded smoothly on the day. However, at departure they suddenly expressed a wish to try a Japanese pottery experience. Same-day reservations were difficult, but one workshop in Gora was able to accommodate them, so I booked a slot there for 17:00. The guests were very taken with the first stop, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and stayed for more than two hours, which made the rest of the itinerary tight, but we managed to make it in time for the 17:00 pottery session. One of the guests enjoys pottery as a hobby and skillfully made a hand-pinched vase (they arranged to have it shipped to their home country). Upon returning to the Hotel, I presented a pair of Mount Fuji sake cups as a wedding gift, and the guests were delighted! As noted in their review, I believe they were very satisfied.
This private Hakone day tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.
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 | Bus | Hakone Kowakien Tenyu～Front of the Hakone Open-Air Museum | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Ninotaira Iriguchi～Owakudani | 540JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Owakudani～Togendai | 1,500JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Togendai～Miyaginobashi | 780JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Miyaginobashi～Gora Station | 200JPY |
| Total | 3,250JPY | ||
Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.
Jul 16, 2026
fernandorM8865OM
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We had a great time. Our guide Meiji “May” made our day memorable. Excellent sites and great food, May is very knowledgeable of the sites, has very good English and had very nice details during the tour. Ahh and he has all the nice spots for pictures identified. The restaurant he took us for lunch was excellent, we tried an amazing hoto udon.
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912courtneyp
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May was a great tour guide.…
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Great family guide
May was a great tour guide. First day in Tokyo, and he helped design our day, hitting the main highlights. He also introduced us to an awesome ramen spot. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful. Really enjoyed our tour. Thank you, May!
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
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We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 Recommend
We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide, May! He was friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, making every stop interesting with fascinating stories and local insights. His enthusiasm for Tokyo was contagious, and he really helped us curate this tour to fit our interests and make it our own.
The tour was well organized and included a great mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that we never would have discovered on our own. May also shared excellent recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and things to do after the tour, which made the rest of our stay even better. He even remembered that we were celebrating our honeymoon and helped us celebrate in a very memorable way, making the tour that much more special.
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Tokyo, and we highly recommend this tour—especially if you’re lucky enough to have May as your guide. Thank you, May, for such a memorable experience!
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
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May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide. He remained engaged throughout the
tour and keep us well supplied with small treats!