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
- 10:10 Meet at the hotel
- 11:00 Hakone Shrine
- 12;40 From Hakonemachi Port to Togendai by pirate ship
- 13:20 Owakudani
- 14:20 Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
- 15:00 Gora Park
- 16:00 Tour ends at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:10 at hotel and ended at 16:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Hakone Shrine at 11:00, Owakudani at 13:20, Hakone Venetian Glass Museum at 14:20 and Gora Park at 15:00.
Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like When the Ropeway Is Closed? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although they had been to Japan several times for work, it was their first time in Hakone. This time, their wish to stay at a Japanese-style ryokan was fulfilled during their stay in Hakone.
Just before we were about to take the ropeway from Owakudani, the service was suspended, so we quickly changed our plans and headed to Hakone Shrine.
They had already visited several shrines and temples in Tokyo, but when I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and the influence each has had on Japanese culture, they were delighted, saying it helped them understand the behavior and actions of Japanese people. We were fortunate with the weather when we boarded the pirate ship, and although unfortunately we could not see Mount Fuji, they seemed to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone.
Since one of the guests was interested in glasswork, I took them to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, and they were surprised to find such artworks in an unexpected place.
Finally, we headed to Gora Park, where the roses were just beginning to bloom, and they enjoyed the beauty of its French-style formal garden.
Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Hello and welcome to Tokyo!
I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.
I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time…
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time visit to Tokyo. Our guide Atsushi took great care to acclimate us with navigating through busy train stations efficiently with a group of eight family members. Along the way and at each site he explained various cultural practices and associated histories that made the tour very immersive and enjoyable. We will highly recommend Atsushi and Viator to our family and friends for future tours.
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and friendly tour guide. His knowledge allowed us to explore and get to the historical significance of the various locations we visited. His explanations were simple but comprehensive. The six hours flew by and included some off-the-beaten opportunities including coffee at a very austere but memorable location near the fish market. I would highly recommend him as well as this tour for anyone with limited time in Tokyo wanting see as much as possible
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had…
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had an amazing knowledge of culture and attractions!
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon walk! We also navigated through the Shinjuku station
which was no walk in the park! Thank you to Atsushi!
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met us at our hotel in Hakone and took us clockwise to tour all the sites. He was informative and taught us a lot. Our group was two adults and a 14 year old. We saw Mt Fuji from the rope way, but unfortunately the pirate ship was canceled because of high wind. We would absolutely use Atsushi again for this tour, or any other tour he provides.