Kanagawa: Narukawa Art Museum & Disband at the hotel — Guide Mike

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Using a Free Pass

The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had a strong interest in Japan and asked a wide range of questions — about administration, religion, daily customs, the education system, housing prices, and, going further back in time, the feudal domain system, the daimyo, the shogun, and much more. Whenever something caught their eye while I was answering, they would become absorbed in taking photos, so our conversation was often interrupted midway. Using a free pass, they enjoyed the various forms of transportation, and things went well through the Narukawa Art Museum and Owakudani, but a problem arose at the last stop, the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Even with the free pass discount, they balked at the admission fee of 1,900 yen per person and turned back at the gate. They even said, "The admission fee should be included in the tour price. You, as the guide, must be holding the money," which briefly created a tense atmosphere. Afterward we returned to the hotel and spent about an hour chatting, which allowed us to warm up to each other, and the tour ended without further issue.

Regarding this matter, the guests said they would file a complaint with their agency, and I replied that I would report it to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) through this report.

Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Mike

I have worked in the automotive industry for 44 years including 30 years with sales responsibility for the global car manufacturers. And I have lived in the U.S. for 20 years as permanent resident. I am quite familiar with communication in English with foreigners. I am confident not only to satisfy you but also to exceed your expectation with deep knowledge of Japan, especially for its culture based on the long history. There are many sightseers musts in Japan and I look forward to guiding you for beautiful sights, historic relics, and modern day-to-day life of the people here.