Kanagawa: Hotel Nanpuso & Motohakone Port — Guide Masa

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Before coming to Hakone, they had a two-week trip in Japan: they arrived in Tokyo and stayed there, then visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, and recently traveled from Osaka by Shinkansen via Odawara to Hakone.

The day before, since the weather was rainy, they had taken a day trip from their Hakone hotel to Shibuya in Tokyo.

Their wishes for the day were clear: "We really wanted to see Mount Fuji from Hakone," and "Today we would like to visit the main spots in Hakone."

It did not rain, but the clouds were thick, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji.

The guests appeared about 20 minutes after our promised 10:00 meeting time, missed one shuttle bus from the hotel to Hakone-Yumoto Station, and took the next shuttle bus to Hakone-Yumoto.

Also, as soon as we met, one of them said, "We thought this was going to be a tour by taxi?" I explained that they had chosen a tour using public transportation, and they were able to understand and accept this.

First, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the origins and current state of the Open-Air Museum. One of the guests loves art, so they viewed the sculptures with great enthusiasm and took many photos. They also wanted to try the "foot bath." At the shop, they purchased postcards as souvenirs.

After this, we headed to Owakudani via Gora and Sounzan. Although it was sunny, clouds were hanging over the area, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. I explained the origins of Hakone and an overview and the history of Owakudani. There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it erupt?" They purchased and tasted the "black eggs," commenting, "The smell of sulfur is incredible."

Then, we took the ropeway to Togendai Port. Without much waiting, we boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. Although it was a little chilly, we went up to the top observation deck. They said, "It's a beautiful lake and feels wonderful." There were also questions such as "Can you swim here?" "What kind of fish are there?" and "Does it freeze in winter?"

We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port. They requested lunch, and after looking around at various places, they eventually decided on a soba restaurant. However, everyone ordered katsudon or tendon.

After this, we walked to Hakone Shrine. I explained the history of Hakone Shrine, as well as the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. They worshipped at the main hall, and I explained the manner of worship. The torii gate on the lake had a long line of people waiting to take photos, so they took pictures from the side. They asked, "Why do people want to line up like this just to take a photo?"

They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are clean. There is no trash lying around," "Everyone is so polite," and "Kyoto left a strong impression on us."

We took the Hakone Tozan Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto Station and parted ways.

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

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.