Kawagoe Half-Day Trip from Tokyo — Guide Hiro
October, 2024
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
- 9:00 Tokyu Stay Shinjyuku Meet From Shinjuku 3-chome (Fukutoshin Line) to Hon-Kawagoe Station by taxi (customer's own expense 700 yen) to Kitain Temple and 500 Rakan Statues by bus get off at Otemachi Time Bell Tower Former Yamazaki Family Villa Kurazukuri Street Candy Alley strolling and lunch from Nakacho by bus Kawagoe Station by train accompany to Ikebukuro After that, the customer will return on their own, so we disband at 3:30pm
What Is a Private Kawagoe Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from North America for a one-week trip around the Tokyo area. They chose to visit Kawagoe because of their interest in Japanese history. Kitain Temple, which has deep connections to the Tokugawa family from the Edo period, was a perfect place to introduce the history of Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate, the shoguns, Kawagoe, and "Little Edo," along with the 500 Rakan statues. The former Yamazaki family villa, the Bell of Time, and the warehouse-style townscape were completely different from anything back home, and the guests found them fascinating as they strolled through the area. During a coffee break at a coffee shop, I quickly made a handmade celebration board and presented it to them. A staff member at the coffee shop, learning of the occasion, kindly offered a complimentary drink, and we all enjoyed a delightful moment together. (The photo was taken later at a soba restaurant.)
Click here for more details: Kawagoe Half-Day Trip from Tokyo with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku 3-chome (Fukutoshin Line) near the hotel～Hon-Kawagoe Station | 659JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kitain Temple～Otemachi (near the Time Bell Tower) | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nakacho～Kawagoe Station | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kawagoe Station～Ikebukuro | 481JPY |
| Total | 1,540JPY | ||
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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Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
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Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
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