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

  • 9:30 Meet at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu→10:00 Stroll around Sengokuhara Choanji Temple→11:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum→12:30 Lunch at Gora Iseriki→14:00 Pirate Ship from Motohakone Port→14:25 Togendai Port→Ropeway→Owakudani→15:30 Farewell at Kowakien Ten-yu

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The first stop was Choanji, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone. The guests watched with keen interest the approximately 300 stone statues of the Five Hundred Rakan, the disciples of Buddha, placed throughout the temple grounds. The temple also features a bell, a Jizo hall, and a cemetery, making it an ideal place to convey Japanese Buddhist culture. Next we headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests love art and flowers, and although it was a season with few blossoms, they were delighted by the camellias blooming in the garden. For lunch we visited a recommended small restaurant called Iseriki, where they savored fresh local fish that had just been landed at Odawara Port. They cheered at the view of Mount Fuji seen from the ropeway and Owakudani, bringing a fulfilling day in Hakone to a close.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherMotohakone Port~Togendai Port1,700JPY
Section 2OtherTogendai~Owakudani2,000JPY
Total3,700JPY

My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

Sep 25, 2026
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Great Mt. Fuji experience!
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