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
- 6:45 Hotel departure – Meet at <Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo>
- Departure from hotel (vehicle)
- 8:45 Arrive at Hakonemachi Port (vehicle)
- *Vehicle moves to Owakudani parking lot
- Guests stroll around the area (ticket booth opens at 9:10)
- 9:30 Pirate Ship departs Hakonemachi
- 10:05 Pirate Ship arrives at Togendai
- 10:30 Ropeway departs Togendai
- 10:40 Ropeway arrives at Owakudani
- Stroll around Owakudani
- 11:30 Enter Owakudani Nature Research Path
- 12:20 Departure from Owakudani parking lot (vehicle)
- 12:30 Arrive at Restaurant Loire (520 Kowakudani, Hakonemachi, 0460-82-4720)
- Lunch
- 13:15 Departure from Restaurant Loire (vehicle)
- View the exterior of the Hakone Open-Air Museum from the vehicle
- 13:25 Departure from Hakone Open-Air Museum (vehicle)
- 15:15 Arrive at hotel (Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo) (vehicle)
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Open-Air Museum
Although Mount Fuji was not visible, this was a first visit to Japan for the guests, and the tour was highly satisfying — they were delighted by the lush greenery and beautiful nature seen from the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise and the ropeway, as well as by being able to experience volcanic activity firsthand. By the time we reached the final stop, the "Hakone Open-Air Museum," the guests had already enjoyed Hakone so thoroughly that they were content just to see it from the outside. For the sightseeing cruise, I lined up first at the ticket counter on my own so that the guests could sit in the front row of the special cabin and feel like a navigator. From prior communication with the guests, I understood that some of them were of school age, so we decided to combine the enjoyment of nature's beauty and grandeur with an educational element, and I made an early advance reservation for the Owakudani Nature Study Trail. The guests also kindly agreed to the promotional use of their group photos.
When we returned to the Hotel, the guests told me they would write a review, but perhaps because this tour was not booked through Tripadvisor, there was no mention of reviews in the tour summary, and the tour introduction web page had no "Write a Review" section. As a result, I was unable to provide guidance on how to write a review. How should I handle this situation?
Click here for more details: Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo by Car with Licensed Guide
I have inherited the spirit of Samurai, the soul of Japan.
I am not usually bringing Samurai Sword, nor wearing Samurai Jacket, but always holding Samurai Spirit.
Therefore, I devote myself to the guest, and my ultimate goal is to entertain the guest.
My name is Hiroshi Morita, but I guarantee I am worth being called “HERO”.
Born and raised in Tokyo, I am well versed in all of Tokyo’s famous sights, from popular tourist spots to beautiful, little-known gems. I have a qualification of Certified Domestic Travel Service Supervisor, which allows me to customize tours to meet your specific needs.
My strong point is knowledge about Japanese history and topography. I can add something more to the cultural assets and scenic beauty in Japan.
I am an amateur singer with a piano, and I have a YouTube channel.
Please check my channel by reading this QR code to get to know me before the tour.
I am also a Certified Member Analyst of the Securities Analyst Association in Japan, so I can cover a wide range of topics.
I will do my best to make the tour enjoyable.
Jul 9, 2026
David_Y
Great Experience. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
the guide customized the tour to our…
Jul 9, 2026
David_Y
Great Experience. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
the guide customized the tour to our requirements. Hiroshi was a great Guide. we will use him again.!!!!!!!!
May 12, 2026
B696UVstevew
An Excellent day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day in Tokyo visiting many…
May 12, 2026
B696UVstevew
An Excellent day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day in Tokyo visiting many wonderful attractions.
Our guide, Hiroshi, was great, very professional informative and good to get along with.
Overall, well worth it and we highly recommend Hiroshi.
May 6, 2026
KRISTIN_S
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiroshi (Hero) was…
Hiroshi (Hero) was absolutely incredible, he gave us a…
May 6, 2026
KRISTIN_S
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiroshi (Hero) was…
Hiroshi (Hero) was absolutely incredible, he gave us a great tour of some really interesting spots in Tokyo, such as Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku. He was so kind and was really flexible with anything we needed at any time. He took us to a great restaurant and knew exactly where to go all the time. Thank you Hero!
May 3, 2026
Joyce_G
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Fun and informative walking tour!
Hiroshi was wonderful. He was…
May 3, 2026
Joyce_G
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Fun and informative walking tour!
Hiroshi was wonderful. He was very informative and took us all over Tokyo. This was by foot and train, but we saw a lot. On top of things, he took a 1 hour train from Tokyo to come pick us up at our hotel In Yokohama and then we took the train back to Tokyo. He was attentive to every need and was willing to show us whatever we wanted to see. I woukd highly recommend.