Instead of the typical tourist destinations that everyone goes to, you will visit relatively quiet places to avoid the crowds. You have lunch at a reserved restaurant near Lake Ashi without waiting in line. The starting point cannot be changed in this tour. However, you can choose Hakone-Yumoto station as the ending point. If you would like to visit the highlights in Hakone, please check another tour in my tour list. You will find a right tour for you.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
In front of the elevator on the Hakone-Otome EXIT side of JR Gotemba station
- Gotemba station has two EXITs, Mt. Fuji EXIT and Hakone-Otome EXIT. I will be waiting for you in front of the elevator on the Hakone-Otome EXIT side, which is on the ground level. Please refer to the photo.
Take a bus from Gotemba station to Hakone-Sengoku
You purchase Hakone Free Pass at the Tourist Information near Gotemba station before getting on a bus.
Choan-ji Temple, famous for its 500 arhats (stone statues)
Built in 1658, Choan-ji Temple is famous for its 500 rakan (enlightened desciples) statues. Each statue has its own facial expression, so no two are exactly alike. You can find those statues here and there in the garden, in the forest, even in the pond. Please enjoy the scenery of the four seasons at this temple.
Lunch at a restaurant in a well-known hotel near Lake Ashi
You have a buffet style lunch at a restaurant. If time permits, you can walk by the lake.
Ride Komagatake Ropeway and Visit Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine
During a seven-minute ropeway ride, you can see Lake Ashi spreading out below and beautiful Mount Fuji beyond the mountains. On a clear day, Suruga Bay, Sagami Bay and Izu Oshima Island can be seen from the top of the mountain. You take a stroll and visit Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.
Visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine
Built on the edge of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is one of the popular tourist destinations. According to legend, this Shinto shrine was founded in 757. You also visit Kuzuryu Shrine, which honors the nine-headed dragon deity known as the protector of Lake Ashi.
Board a Pirate Ship and Enjoy Cruising on Lake Ashi
It is a 25-minute cruise from Motohakone Port to Togendai Port. During the cruise, passengers can see the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Take a bus bound for Gotemba
If you choose Hakone-Yumoto station as Ending Point, I will guide you to the station. Please let me know about it in advance.
Ending Point
JR Gotemba station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
- Hakone Free Pass (for you and your guide) 5,000 yen per person
- the fare for Komagatake Ropeway (for you and your guide) 1,620 yen per person (This is a discounted rate for Hakone Free Pass holders)
- lunch at a restaurant (for you) about 4,500 yen per person
- food and drink
* The meeting point is JR Gotemba station. It cannot be changed. However, if you would like to go to Odawara station to take JR Line or Odakyu Line after the tour, please let me know in advance. Your guide will take you to Hakone-Yumoto station to catch the train to Odawara station.
* Before getting on a bus, please purchase Hakone Free Pass for you and your guide. It makes your trip efficient and economical.
* Hakone Free Pass includes transportation fee for Odakyu Bus, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, Sightseeing Cruise, Moutain Train, etc.
* Please note that the fare for Komagatake Ropeway is not included in the free pass. Please buy tickets for you and your guide.
* The operations of ropeway, cruise ship and other transportation might be suspended due to strong wind or bad weather. Please let me talk with you about the itinerary in that case.
* Hakone is a very popular sightseeing spot and always crowded with tourists. Please note that the itinerary may change slightly. Let me discuss it with you in that case.
* Reservation is required for lunch at a restaurant. Let me make sure if there are any tables available before you book this tour.
* Please send a message to confirm my availability before booking.
* yen=Japanese yen
Hello, I am Yumiko, a government licensed tour guide. I was born and raised in Aichi prefecture. I have lived in Gotemba City at the foot of Mt. Fuji for over 35 years since I moved from Tokyo. Needless to say, Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan. It shows many faces depending on the seasons and time of the day. Many tourists visit here to see Mt. Fuji from home and abroad every year.
Gotemba is located halfway between Hakone and Fuji five lakes area. And it is easily accessible from Tokyo. You can come to Gotemba from Shinjuku in Tokyo by Odakyu highway bus or Odakyu limited express train without any transfers. Please visit attractive sightseeing spots in Gotemba, such as Chichibunomiya Memorial Park, Tokino Sumika and Gotemba Premium Outlets, the biggest outlet mall in Japan.
I love eating, chatting, traveling abroad and meeting people. And I enjoy tea ceremony and ballroom dancing.
I would be happy if I could show you around Gotemba and Hakone area. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!
Christine B.
“Trip of our dreams”
Yumiko was so kind and patient with our group. She was always so helpful and answered any questions we had. She brought the sunshine and we had a great day. Would highly recommend using her services while in Hakone.
Yumiko K.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your warm message. I was lucky and happy, because everyone was so nice to me. I have posted your photos on my tour page. It will be a pleasant memory for me too! I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable trip during your stay in Japan. Sunshine Yumiko
$254/ per group