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
- 10:50 Meet up @ Matsuzakaya Main Store
- 11:15 Hakone Open-Air Museum
- 12:20 Owakudani
- 12:50 Hakone Ropeway (Owakudani → Togendai)
- 13:40 Komagatake Ropeway
- 14:30 Lunch @ Hakone-en Hall
- 15:40 Hakone Checkpoint
- 16:10 Onshi Hakone Park
- 17:00 Disband @ Matsuzakaya Main Store
What Is a Private Car Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from North America, and it was their first visit to Japan for all but one of them. After sightseeing in Hakone, they planned to travel on to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other destinations. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they appeared to be impressed by the harmony between the beautiful Hakone scenery and the many sculptures. At Owakudani, they enjoyed eating the famous black eggs. At Komagatake, unfortunately Mount Fuji could not be seen due to the clouds, but they seemed impressed by the beautiful views of Lake Ashi and Sagami Bay. At the Hakone Checkpoint and Onshi Hakone Park, they enjoyed the historic sites and the scenery of Lake Ashi. Since I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied. This tour included a vehicle, so travel between the destinations was by chartered vehicle, except for the ropeway section.
Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Owakudani～Togendai | 1,500JPY |
| Total | 1,500JPY | ||
I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
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Seizo Kamiuto was out…
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Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
Jun 9, 2026
stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。