Hakone, enjoy the wonderful natural beauty and fine museums!
Joined 2024
Hakone is one of the national parks of Japan, which is less than 100 miles away from Tokyo. So, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations for a lot of foreign travelers. Since it has been very popular among Japanese people, it has become much busier and more crowded than before. Yet, it is absolutely the king of resort place for a lot of travelers.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel or Ryokan you are staying
- Although it is not far from Tokyo, it is very difficult to go sightseeing in Hakone just 6 or 7 hours as a day trip. I recommend you to stay and be picked up at a hotel or ryokan (Japanese style inn).
Hakone Open Air museum
This museum is highly evaluated and recommended by a lot of foreign travelers. In a huge area, a lot of sculptures are placed here and there, you can even tough each of the sculpture. Every sculpture is well managed and you will see them being polished by staff. There is a pavilion named "PICASSO PAVILION" in the museum, where you can fully enjoy a lot of collections by Pablo Picasso. There are also many sculptures by Henry Moore by England and fine works by not only Europeans but Japanese artists.
Togendai port: Viking Style Cruise ship ride.
This is one of the most popular activities in Hakone. The Viking Style Cruise ships depart 2 times every hour from 09:00 - 15:00, but it is always crowded. On the lake "ASHI", you can observe the fine view of the lakeside and could see Mt. Fuji weather permitting on the ship.
Ropeway ride to OWAKUDANI mountain.
OWAKUDANI is still a volcanic mountain. You can see smoke coming out of the slope of the mountain from the gondola lift to the summit. You will also smell strong sulfur coming into your nose. In 2015, there is a small explosion and affected the trees surrounding the mountain. You can confirm them on the gondola, too. On top of OWAKUDANI mountain, you can appreciate the fine view of Mt. FUJI weather permitting. Black egg, which is boiled in hot spring water of this mountain, is a local food. It is said that if you eat one black egg, you can live 7 years longer. So, eat as many eggs as possible if you want to live longer here.
Hakone Shrine
This shrine's TORII gate (orange gate standing on the shore of the lake) is famous for people who want to take pictures under it. If you want to take photos under the gate, we should come early, say 09:00 in the morning in less crowded time.
Hakone shrine's guardian deity is a dragon, and in the precinct of the shrine, you see another shrine named "KUZURYU" shrine, meaning "a dragon with nine heads. In SHINTO, which is one of our indigenous religions, there are several shrine buildings. Here in Hakone shrine, a long dragon for Hakone shrine and a dragon with nine heads live in a harmony, which is considered valuable in Japanese society.
Ending Point
Your accommodation such as hotels or ryokans.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
･Guide fee
･Private car (TOYOTA Corolla Cross SUV) *up to 3 persons
･7 seaters taxi up to 5 persons
･Gas fee
･Toll fee
･Food (lunch, snacks, and drinks)
･Admission fee (Hakone Openair Museum: 2,000 JPY per person)
･Ropeway and Viking Cruise Ship fee (4,000 JPY per person)
Tour Important Information
･This tour is done in my private car.
･This tour's cost includes guide fee, gas, parking, and toll fee.
･If you want to start the tour from HAKONE YUMOTO station or JR ODAWARA station, you need to pay extra charge.
Important message from the supplier
I am a full time guide serving in my local
area Shimizu port in Shizuoka, Mt. Fuji region, Hakone, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Tokyo. If you want me to guide you in other places, I will be happy to guide you.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yasuhiro M.
I used to teach English at a high school and now provide guide service to English speaking people as a freelancer during weekends and holidays. I’m confident in fluency in English and have guided more than 70 tours last year in Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji region, and my local city Shizuoka (Shimizu). I can guide other places such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kanazawa, Takayama, and other places if guests want to.
Reviews
Jessica H.
“Es war ein schöner Tag, aber es wäre netter gewesen gleich ehrlich zu sein ”
Wir hatten eine Mount Fuji Fototour gebucht. Natürlich kann niemand das Wetter beeinflussen, aber Ehrlichkeit wäre wünschenswert gewesen - das hätte Zeit gespart. Denn schon am Morgen war klar, das wir den Mount nicht sehen werden. Dennoch hieß es, wir werden mal sehen wenn wir weiterfahren haben wir vielleicht Glück. Wir sind dann Stunden lang von Spot zu Spit gefahren, das war für alle Beteiligten unangenehm. Ehrlichkeit wäre besser gewesen, dann hätten wir die Tour nicht gemacht und Zeut gespart. Dennoch war er sehr nett, aber die Aussage im sommer sähe man den Mount nunmal nicht weil es zu warm ist, war wissentlich nicht korrekt. Das Ist vermutlich japanische Philosophie, aber ich mag Offenheit und Ehrlichkeit. Vier Tage später bei 36° habe ich den Mount gesehen.
Yasuhiro M.
Hi Jessica, Thank you for your review and let me say about the weather conditions around Mt. Fuji. It’s more difficult to see the mountain in summer than in winter, because the vapor from the ocean comes out in the air in the south side of the mountain but we sometimes see it on the north side, because it is cooler than the south side. I am not dishonest nor told you a lie. We rarely see it shortly in the cloud in the evening. I hope you would understand these occasions and hopefully come back to Shimizu in late autumn or in winter, when we have more chances to see the mountain clearly. Regards, Yasuhiro Mochizuki
Mark N.
“Incredible Day at Mt. Fuji, Shiraito Waterfalls, and Lake Tanuki!”
Our family of four — my wife and I, along with our 10 and 13-year-old daughters — recently had the privilege of experiencing an unforgettable private tour with Yasuhiro M., affectionately known as “Motchee,” while visiting Japan on a cruise. From start to finish, the day was truly exceptional and a highlight of our trip! Motchee arrived 30 minutes early at the Shimizu port to greet us with a warm smile. He was incredibly knowledgeable, not just about Mt. Fuji and the surrounding sights, but also about Japanese culture, traditions, and daily life. He patiently answered all our questions — and even tailored his explanations in a way that kept our daughters engaged and curious. The itinerary was beautifully crafted, taking us from the peaceful Shiraito Waterfalls, to the tranquil Lake Tanuki, the spiritually rich Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and the fascinating and modern Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center. Along the way, Motchee shared insights and stories that brought each location to life — far beyond what we could’ve experienced on our own or through a large group tour. What truly stood out was his flexibility and attentiveness. On a hot afternoon, he graciously made time for an unscheduled stop so the kids could cool off with ice cream — a small gesture that made a big impression. His driving was extremely safe and conscientious, giving us peace of mind throughout the day. We made it back to the cruise ship with plenty of time to spare! He If you’re a family looking to avoid the crowds and impersonality of cruise line bus tours, we wholeheartedly recommend Motchee’s private tour. His kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail made us feel like honored guests rather than tourists. He even took family photos at each location and shared them with us - so we can always remember the majesty of Mt. Fuji and this incredible tour. Domo arigatou gozai, Motchee!!!!! — Mark N and family
Yasuhiro M.
Hi Mark, Thank you for such a wonderful review. I cannot express my gratitude for your reply. Your daughters are very charming as well as good mannered. I admire your attitude towards your daughters. I hope you will come back to Japan soon. I’m willing to guide you anywhere you want to go in Japan. Regards, Yasuhiro Mochizuki
Micha S.
“Hakone day tour ”
We had an amazing day in Hakone guided by Mr Motchee. He has a very pleasant personality and his english is flawless as he has been teaching english for many years . Mr Yashiro is also very flexible with his time which is really nice . He was very accomodating to our group of 8 people . We highly recommend him .
Yasuhiro M.
Thank you for such a lovely comment and I appreciate it. I hope to guide you again soon. Regards, Yasuhiro Mochizuki
$692/ per group
