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

  • 8:00 Meet at Odawara Station. After purchasing the Hakone FREE Pass, take the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto, then Gora, take the cable car to Sounzan, take the cable car from Sounzan to Owakudani, sample the black eggs, take the cable car to Togendai, 11:25 take the pirate ship to Hakonemachi Port, Maruyama Bussan, lunch at Denbei Soba, after sightseeing at the Hakone Checkpoint ruins, took the bus from the checkpoint ruins heading to Odawara Station, but due to road congestion, at the bus driver's suggestion we got off at Ohiradai Station and transferred to the train, arrived at Yumoto at 14:45, arrived at Odawara Station at 15:10, Shinkansen Kodama 16:14, after confirming reserved seats were secured, disbanded at 15:40

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests met me energetically at 8:00. After I explained the route, we purchased the Hakone Free Pass. The guests remarked that the green scenery of Hakone seen from the train was rare and beautiful, different from where they come from in Europe. They felt the same about the views from the ropeway. I had informed them in advance that Mount Fuji would not be visible. On the pirate ship, the guests focused on taking group photos on deck. At the local specialty shop, the guests filmed and enjoyed the demonstration of a traditional puzzle box and purchased it as a souvenir. At the checkpoint, the guests were also intrigued by the jail-cell experience. Since this was a special anniversary trip, I made a handmade celebration board and took a photo. I gave the board to the guests as a keepsake.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
Total5,000JPY

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!!
dummy

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 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 8, 2026
JasonB6980
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiro-san knows Hakone!
Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

Jun 7, 2026
Tourist31988989961
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
Great Day and Tour
Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…