
Hakone Private Tour Guides
Contact a private tour guide to plan your Hakone itinerary and Book Online.
Popular Hakone Tour Guides
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74976/80170797-0bd6-4d11-b054-a4f7d71bd4da.png)
Yumiko O.
Hello, my name is Yumiko, and I am a licensed tour guide based in Japan. It is my pleasure to share the beauty of Japan with travelers from all over the world. I have guided many visitors through Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, and other famous destinations, as well as hidden gems that only locals know. My goal is always to create a tour that is not only informative but also enjoyable and personalized to your interests. With a warm and flexible guiding style, I love helping guests discover Japan’s traditions, history, and everyday life. Whether you are interested in temples and shrines, delicious local food, or simply strolling through charming streets, I will do my best to make your time in Japan unforgettable. I am excited to announce that I have started offering tours in Odawara! Odawara is a historic castle town located just an hour from Tokyo, famous for its impressive Odawara Castle, beautiful views of both the sea and mountains, and its role as the gateway to Hakone. In addition to exploring the castle and tasting local specialties such as fresh seafood and kamaboko (fish cakes), you can also enjoy many Instagram-worthy spots, from the scenic coastline to charming traditional houses that give a glimpse of Japan’s past. Odawara is still less crowded compared to other popular destinations, so it’s a great time to visit. I look forward to welcoming you and creating wonderful memories together!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/7030/291e1e6c-72f0-488b-90d5-64bb8c0ce291.png)
Kaneo U.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for more than 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama. I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/7038/9d38e961-111e-46e9-8b51-c78b5f910bd7.png)
Yoshi S.
Hello, I'm Yoshi!! I started my second career as a tour guide after retiring from the Japanese computer company I had worked for about 40 years. I was born in Asakusa and grew up in down town in Tokyo. I’m married with two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. I've experienced guiding international visitors in Tokyo and other famous sightseeing spots as a guide for several years. I will be so happy to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. Look forward to joining my tour!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/27755/88495.jpg)
Koichiro Y.
Hello! I’m Koichiro. Please call me “Yamasan”. It derives from my family name and my friends call me so. I worked for a machinery company as a project manager and engineer for mechanical and electrical construction projects both domestic and overseas for over 35 years. I recall my first overseas project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when I was 26, and the second was in Singapore. I visited many countries for surveys, meetings, commissioning, project handing over, and so on. In 2014 at the age of 60, I decided to retire from the company and live the expected further 30 years of life with a new career and experiences. I, then, studied translation and guide interpretation. I passed the national examination for licensed guides (English) in 2015 and registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in February 2016. Until now, I have been guiding many beautiful guests mainly to popular sightseeing spots such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Omote-Sando, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree, and also cultural experiences of Origami making, Furoshiki wrapping, and Sushi cooking. I am happy that I can freely arrange a customized tour together with you, or can propose my tours to you. I want to show you some parts of daily Tokyo life and introduce you to Bunkyo City which is located in the heart of Tokyo, just north of Chiyoda City where the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station are. The city is Tokyo’s typical residential and academic area where I was born, grew up, and live a happy life now. Now, we can tour around the world but have not yet overcome COVID-19 completely. Recently, the number of passengers wearing masks on public transportation in Tokyo reduced to some 25% but we should mind about it still. Please carry your mask to wear it where or when necessary (December 2024, Yamasan).
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/51315/2b69eeb8-efcc-4017-bb3e-a30aff11461f.png)
Melody S.
Hi! I’m a nationally licensed tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and geography. I was born in a suburb and raised in Tokyo, which gives me both a local and metropolitan perspective on Japan. I studied abroad in the US and the UK, where I met wonderful people from all over the world and developed a truly global mindset. Before becoming a full-time guide, I worked as an IT engineer, hotel receptionist, and manager of a maid cafe—experiences that help me connect naturally with travelers from many different backgrounds. 【Interests】 -Maid cafes and pop idols -Manga and anime -Art and architecture -Hot springs and public baths -Socializing and exploring great food 【Certifications】 -National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter -General Certified Travel Supervisor -Domestic Certified Travel Supervisor I am based in Tokyo but will happily arrange a tour only for your group, in area Kawagoe, Saitama, Hakone, Kamakura, Narita, Nikko, Shizuoka, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Chiba, Tochigi, Kyoto, etc. Please contact me!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/92661/ba55bf3a-445d-4f75-b656-f4fff67b2c75.png)
Dai O.
Hello! I'm Dai, born and raised in Tokyo, offering a private tour! Flexible itinerary for any ages :) I also help you improve your itinerary with my suggestions for free during your trip. I do love superb foods, music(guitar), Kawaii stuff, cultural exchanges and languages. I would not only help you also become your friend in Japan! Feel free to contact me and let me hear your questions. I used to living in Australia before and traveling over 20 countries. I have been working as tour guide and interpreter in Tokyo. I would like to show you many hidden gems so that I want to make your trip more memorable! :)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/425/87267.jpg)
Yuki K.
I was born and grew up in Yokohama. I used to work in Tokyo for more than 20 years. I became the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English in 2013. At first, I had attended a volunteer group which provided a tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens until 2015. I guided more than fifty times in the garden as a volunteer and studied about Japanese history and culture. Based on this experience, I became a tour guide of this online site in 2015. Since then, I have guided more than 500 tours in Tokyo as well as Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nikko, etc., while improving my tours. My tours are very flexible and I always do my best to customize them according to the interests of my guests. I studied about the places and will provide you knowledge to appreciate them deeper than just visiting there by yourself or a member of big group tours. I like foods and I know many restaurants which provide typical Japanese lunch with reasonable price without waiting too long. Therefore, I am sure that I can provide you the best tours customized to your interests. It will be my great pleasure to help you to enjoy your stay in Japan. So please be my guest!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9942/48325.jpg)
Shoji K.
Hi! Welcome to Japan. My name is Shoji Kitamura, a licensed English-speaking tour guide. Please call me Shoji that is the same sound as a sliding screen made of wood and paper you may have seen in a traditional Japanese room. I was born and raised in Yokohama next to Tokyo but lived for work in several beautiful and historical cities such as Nikko, Hiroshima, and Ise which have world heritage sites and/or national park. I fully enjoyed the nature, culture and lives in each city where I lived. I retired after 36 years with a national research institute of fisheries in 2016. During my career, I visited 5 continents except Antarctica, more than 20 nations for attending international scientific conferences, conducting collaborative research or teaching some technologies, etc. In Japan, I often took foreign scientists and government officers sightseeing. I had great times in these opportunities. Such experiences made me decide to become a licensed English-speaking guide interpreter after retirement to introduce Japanese nature, culture, foods, etc. properly to many tourists coming to Japan from all over the world. For more than 20 years I’ve been living in Nikko, which is located about 150km north of Tokyo, and designated as a World Heritage site and a National Park. If you consider a day trip from Tokyo, I strongly recommend coming to Nikko by 2-hour train ride from Tokyo. I am looking forward to showing you around in this historical and beautiful town. Besides Nikko, I can also guide you in Yokohama, my home town, and in neighboring city such as Tokyo and Kamakura.
New Hakone Tour Guides
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/109396/605745be-b13c-4b6b-b400-932651562ce7.png)
Nicolas M.
Hello! I am a French guide who has been living in Japan for over 26 years. I am passionate about Japanese history, culture, traditions and everyday life. My goal is not only to show you famous landmarks, but also to help you understand the stories, customs and way of thinking that make Japan so unique. I have more than one hundreds days of experience as a guide. If you wish a tour but which is not already in my created tours, in my area , I can create one according to your demands. I speak French, Japanese and English, which allows me to communicate easily with both visitors and local people. I offer private tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, all regions in Kanto like Kawaguchiko, unknown places with a wonderful view of Mont Fuji from Shuzenji, Yokohama and the beautiful coastal town of Hayama. Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning to discover hidden places, I will adapt each tour to your interests and pace. Before becoming a full-time guide, I worked as a French chef and pastry chef in Japan for many years. This experience has given me a deep appreciation of Japanese craftsmanship, hospitality and attention to detail. I enjoy sharing history, local stories, food culture and practical insights that you won’t always find in guidebooks. I look forward to helping you create unforgettable memories during your trip to Japan!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/108137/ec63213f-0c29-4221-9f3e-2999dbcb5164.png)
Mark K.
I have been a fan of Japan since a very young age and decided to study International Business so I could experience living here for a year. I came back for more many times and decided I want to live here as long as I can. After spending 3-4 years in Tokyo it was only natural for me to share this wonderful place with other people!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/103365/46901e9b-f4ef-49ac-8734-94bc33753e03.png)
Masa O.
I spent many years in the automotive industry and international consulting, including extensive time living and working in the United States. While I am very comfortable hosting business executives, I truly love sharing the "heart of Japan" with families and senior travelers. I enjoy making my tours feel like a walk with a knowledgeable friend—whether we are discussing the latest design trends or the deep history of a hidden temple. My goal is to bridge the gap between cultures with a smile, ensuring that every guest, from busy professionals to curious grandkids, feels welcome and inspired.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/92661/ba55bf3a-445d-4f75-b656-f4fff67b2c75.png)
Dai O.
Hello! I'm Dai, born and raised in Tokyo, offering a private tour! Flexible itinerary for any ages :) I also help you improve your itinerary with my suggestions for free during your trip. I do love superb foods, music(guitar), Kawaii stuff, cultural exchanges and languages. I would not only help you also become your friend in Japan! Feel free to contact me and let me hear your questions. I used to living in Australia before and traveling over 20 countries. I have been working as tour guide and interpreter in Tokyo. I would like to show you many hidden gems so that I want to make your trip more memorable! :)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/79707/e58b0a73-9ccb-4f37-b0c3-db41932bd9ed.png)
Yuki N.
I grew up in Kanagawa, and have lived in Tokyo, Kobe, Shizuoka, Shikoku and Shonan area in Japan. I have also lived and worked in the US at a Japanese international company. I have a lot of experiences to communicate with US people through my job. I understand what foreign people want to experience in Japan! I will be able to take you anywhere, anything you want. I hope to be a good friends with you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74976/80170797-0bd6-4d11-b054-a4f7d71bd4da.png)
Yumiko O.
Hello, my name is Yumiko, and I am a licensed tour guide based in Japan. It is my pleasure to share the beauty of Japan with travelers from all over the world. I have guided many visitors through Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, and other famous destinations, as well as hidden gems that only locals know. My goal is always to create a tour that is not only informative but also enjoyable and personalized to your interests. With a warm and flexible guiding style, I love helping guests discover Japan’s traditions, history, and everyday life. Whether you are interested in temples and shrines, delicious local food, or simply strolling through charming streets, I will do my best to make your time in Japan unforgettable. I am excited to announce that I have started offering tours in Odawara! Odawara is a historic castle town located just an hour from Tokyo, famous for its impressive Odawara Castle, beautiful views of both the sea and mountains, and its role as the gateway to Hakone. In addition to exploring the castle and tasting local specialties such as fresh seafood and kamaboko (fish cakes), you can also enjoy many Instagram-worthy spots, from the scenic coastline to charming traditional houses that give a glimpse of Japan’s past. Odawara is still less crowded compared to other popular destinations, so it’s a great time to visit. I look forward to welcoming you and creating wonderful memories together!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/71159/c094d332-78cc-466b-afc0-31006acdae51.png)
Erol M.
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent my career working closely with international guests. After retiring as a hotel executive, I chose to become a tour guide so I could share Japan in a more personal and meaningful way. I especially enjoy telling the history of Yokohama, Japan’s first foreign settlement, and explaining how it shaped modern Japan through culture, trade, and daily life. Drawing on my background in hospitality, I customize each tour to meet your interests, pace, and travel style, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience tailored just for you.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/67202/23bcc87b-bbe6-48fb-8555-ca111a711556.png)
Yuki I.
Hallo, ich bin Yuki. Geboren und aufgewachsen in Japan, später nach Deutschland gezogen. Zwischen 1998 und 2021 habe ich in Deutschland gelebt und dort die beste Zeit meines Lebens verbracht. Deutschland ist für mich sozusagen meine zweite Heimat mit vielen schönen Erinnerungen. Als erfahrene Simultandolmetscherin für Deutsch und Japanisch (seit 16 Jahren) bewege ich mich ständig zwischen zwei Kulturen. Deshalb freue ich mich umso mehr, Ihnen nun mein Heimatland in Ihrer Sprache näherbringen zu können. Das Schöne an einer persönlichen Guide-Tour ist, dass sie ganz nach Ihren Wünschen gestaltet werden kann. Zögern Sie also nicht, mir Ihre Wünsche mitzuteilen! Und noch etwas: Entschuldigen Sie, wenn ich manchmal ein wenig Schwäbisch spreche – den Grund erfahren Sie während meiner Tour! -------------------------------------------------------------- I was born and raised in Japan and later moved to Germany. From 1998 to 2021, I lived in Germany. For me, Germany is like a second home, full of wonderful memories. As an experienced simultaneous interpreter for German/Japanese (for 16 years) and English/Japanese (for 5 years) , I am constantly moving between cultures. That’s why I’m even more excited to introduce you to my home country—in your language! The great thing about a private guided tour is that it can be tailored to your preferences. So please don’t hesitate to let me know what you’d like to see and experience! I’m looking forward to guiding you on my tour!
Hakone Tour Reviews
Jean V.
“Driver for Hakone and Fuji Motorsports”
Our driver was on time, very friendly, and had a very nice car for our family of four. Although he did not speak English, we communicated without problem using Google translate. We were very appreciative of our driver.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/7351/137710.jpg)
TR Taxi
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We will share your comments with our local team in Hakone. We are sure the driver will be very happy to hear your kind words. We hope to welcome you again on your next trip to Japan!
Haejin B.
“Hakone Highlights with Tomoko”
Tomoko is an excellent guide. Not only did she know how the navigate the buses, trains, cable cars, and ferniculars in Hakone so that our one after there was not wasted waiting for transportation, she helped us fix a major issue. We had bought the Hakone Free Pass, but for the wrong dates, so she got on the phone with the company and came to a solution which we would never have imagined. At the same time while was ushering us onto various forms of transportation. She was very knowledgeable about the museums and the history of Hakone. OVERALL EXCELLENT.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10819/65393.jpg)
Tomoko H.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Haejin. There were a few unexpected happenings, but it was a very fun and enjoyable day. In Hakone, depending on the weather, cable cars and sightseeing boats may be suspended, or unexpected crowds can make it take a long time to board cable cars or buses—there are always unexpected things happening , so I try to stay attentive. Hower, this time, things got a little more complicated due to a mistake by the staff at Shinjuku Station, but I’m glad it was resolved in the end, and I learned a valuable lesson from the experience:) Thank you again for your patience and your spirit to have fun.- Tomoko
Nicola S.
“We had an amazing day exploring Hakone with Kaneo, whose knowledgeable, thoughtful, and fun guidance made a seamless itinerary of the ropeway, black eggs, soba, Hakone Shrine, the Open-Air Museum, and stunning views even better.”
We had an absolutely fantastic day exploring the Hakone area with Kaneo as our guide. From start to finish, the itinerary was packed with unforgettable experiences, and everything ran seamlessly. Some of the highlights included riding the ropeway, eating the famous black eggs at the volcanic valley, enjoying delicious soba noodles, visiting the beautiful Hakone Shrine, relaxing with coffee while taking in a fabulous view, and exploring the incredible Open-Air Museum. One of the best parts was experiencing every mode of transport Hakone has to offer, which made the day even more fun and memorable. Kaneo was the perfect guide—knowledgeable, polite, funny, and incredibly thoughtful throughout the day. He shared fascinating insights about the area, answered all our questions, and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. He also turned out to be an excellent photographer, capturing so many wonderful memories for us along the way. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend Kaneo to anyone visiting Hakone. Thank you for making our day such a special and unforgettable experience!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/7030/291e1e6c-72f0-488b-90d5-64bb8c0ce291.png)
Kaneo U.
Thank you for good and elaborating review. I feel so happy to know you really enjoyed my guide. I also enjoyed myself by spending time with you and your so smart son. I hope we can meet again someday in the future.
All Tours Customizable
Start By Messaging Your Guide
100% Private Tours
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
Quality Assured Guides
Screened and Verified via Interviews
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2107/86155.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/4354/83451.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/4362/83453.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/4357/83456.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2104/57322.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2085/83459.jpg)