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

  • 10:00 meet: Itinerary meeting Afterwards travel by car 10:25 Hakone Open-Air Museum After strolling, depart at 12:05 for Hakone Shrine, arrive 12:30 Worship and red torii gate 13:20 Checkpoint ruins Donburi Chaya lunch, stop at Maruyama Bussan for shopping, depart 14:10 for Togendai 14:45 by ropeway to Owakudani 15:05 After strolling, by ropeway arrive at Sounzan at 15:35, go to hotel by car, disperse at 15:45

What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like on a Cloudy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Hakone. Since the weather was poor, I let them know at the outset that Mount Fuji would not be visible, and we set off based on their wishes. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the group showed great interest in Yayoi Kusama's sunflower work, which made me keenly aware of how much more I have to learn. At the red torii gate, some of the guests struck various poses for photos, clearly having looked forward to the moment. The Magic Box at Maruyama seemed to be something they had never heard of, and my presentation surprised them. One of the guests had originally hoped to try the black eggs, so we made Owakudani our final stop, where that wish came true and the egg was eaten with great delight. Everyone loved Japanese food, and they happily finished their sushi, udon, and soba.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
Total6,000JPY

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!!
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