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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Meet 8:24 Hakone-Yumoto Station mountain railway To the Hakone Open-Air Museum After sightseeing and a light meal, 10:15 by train to Gora Station 10:31 by cable car to Sounzan, by ropeway to Owakudani After sightseeing, 11:20 by ropeway to Togendai 12:00 pirate ship 12:40 Moto-Hakone 13:15 by bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto, stopping by Hotel Kajikaso to pick up luggage 14:34 by train to Odawara Station 15:50 Shinkansen Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office 16:07 assistance purchasing tickets to Kyoto After that, disband at Odawara Station at 15:20
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report
Although I assume there may have been some miscommunication between the guests and the travel agency, it seems the background — where the accommodation lacked a private bath and the additional night was cancelled, prompting a sudden decision to head to Kyoto today — had left them somewhat unsettled. Nevertheless, the guests stayed cheerful and accompanied me warmly throughout. Unfortunately, due to rain and fog, visibility was poor, and I felt sorry that we could not fully enjoy the scenery of Hakone. I was concerned about whether we could secure reserved seats on the bullet train during this busy season, as I wanted to avoid having them stand for the journey, so I was relieved when we managed to secure them. At the same time, we were also able to reserve seats for the trip to Hiroshima, and we parted ways with my sincere hope that the guests would enjoy the rest of their travels.
Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Odawara Station～Odawara Station | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
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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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it