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
- 8:55 Meet at hotel 9:28 Gora Station By cable car to Sounzan 9:40 Then by ropeway to Owakudani 10:10 By ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate ship Motohakone Port 11:25 Lake Ashi shore Hakone Shrine By bus 12:30 To Hakone Checkpoint Lunch at Donburi Chaya Maruyama Bussan Checkpoint entrance Stroll 14:15 By bus from Hakonemachi Port Via Ninotaira 15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum 16:00 From the Open-Air Museum By train to Gora Station 16:05 Disband at the station
What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a warm and close group visiting from Europe. I researched online and created a congratulatory board in their language, which was very well received. Because of the poor weather, I had thought the long-awaited view of Mount Fuji would not be possible, but although it was hazy, we managed to see it and the guests took many photos, which was a relief. The Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms were already over, and they had been disappointed in Tokyo, but in Hakone the botan cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and they took many photos there as well. At Hakone Shrine, I talked about Shinto and Buddhism as background knowledge for their upcoming visit to Kyoto. They were surprised by the presentation at a local products shop and bought some souvenirs. At a rice bowl restaurant, they enjoyed Japanese cuisine, and we spent a delightful day together.
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