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
- Cloudy weather so Mt. Fuji was not visible, and additionally strong winds put the ropeway and pirate ship in a suspended/cancelled state. After consulting with the guests and the driver, we decided on the following.
- 8:00 meet, 8:30 Hakone Shrine, Red Torii Gate, headed directly to Lake Yamanaka, 10:30 viewed the magnificent scenery of Mt. Fuji at Lake Yamanaka, 12:00 returned to Hakone-machi, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue, Maruyama Bussan, 13:30 from Hakone-machi via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. Since the guests said they would go to their hotel in Ikebukuro, I assisted with purchasing the 14:48 Romancecar tickets and, after explaining how to get there, we parted at 14:10.
- dismissed
Title: What Is a Private Fuji and Hakone Day Tour Like from a Licensed Guide? A Japan Guide Agency Report
As noted in the tour route, the day involved a rather unconventional sequence of movements, but everything proceeded smoothly through constant coordination between the guests and the driver. Thanks to the early start, photographing the red torii gate, which normally takes nearly two hours, was completed in just fifteen minutes. At Lake Yamanaka, a perfectly clear Mount Fuji greeted us, and the guests were delighted to finally see the long-awaited Mount Fuji, taking many photographs. The yosegi marquetry presentation at the local shop drew applause and photos, and the guests also purchased souvenirs. As they had an interest in Japanese history, the Hakone Checkpoint ruins and the cedar avenue were ideal spots. Having traveled through Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Takayama, I imagine the guests were tired, but they remained very energetic, and we all enjoyed a pleasant time together.
Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide
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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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
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 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 us to the area of Hakone – leading us on a great tour of several requested destinations. We were lucky to see Mt. Fuji at the top of the ropeway, had a fun ride on a pirate ship on Lake Ashi, enjoyed a fantastic lunch at a local restaurant, and picked up some great souvenirs at a puzzle-box store which have wowed our family and friends. One of the great things that Hiro did throughout the day was to educate and amuse us with numerous pictures, stories, and lessons from his backpack. It felt like Hiro-san was part of our family that day and we can’t imagine having tried to experience Hakone’s great sites without him.
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…
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 visiting the beautiful gardens and shrines. Hiro was a great guide. Having him guide us made the day stress free and much more enjoyable. It was interesting learning about Japan and the culture. I would definitely recommend this tour and visiting Kamakura.