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Private Hakone - one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Hakone Shrine has been a protector of Hakone. Its Torii Gate on the lake shore.

Pirate boat on Lake Ashi

Hakone Ropeway gives you impressive sight, especially around Owakudani.

Black egg-shaped Kitty will welcome you.

Hakone Private Tour - Owakudani Valley is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes coming out. Enjoy black boiled egg, which is said to give you 7 years longevity each.

Owakudani Valley is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes coming out. Enjoy black boiled egg, which is said to give you 7 years longevity each.

Try black egg!

What's these? Let's find out at Owakudani.

Tozan Train (Mountain Tram) will take you to deep nature. Enjoyable throughout the year.

Cable Car can go up steep slope of mountain between Sounzan and Gora. Very pretty in hydrangea season.

Refer to the map for understanding the location.

(Option A) Hakone Open-air Museum : Incredibly uni

(Option A) Hakone Open-air Museum : Kids love playful art works.

(Option B) Gora park. There are a lot of beautiful parks and museums in Hakone.

(Option B) Hakone Art Museum boasts beautiful moss garden besides its art work displays.

(Option C) Hakone Checkpoint shows old barrier station on the main highway called Tokaido during Samurai period.

(Option C) Old cedar promenade

Hakone is so mountainous that we're not so surprised by white-out by fog there.

[Car Option] Amazake chaya

[Car Option] Try sweet sake (no alcohol)

【My Family Car is available with Photo Option ]

【Car OPTION】Spacious 7 seater van

Private Hakone - one day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Day Trip

Joined 2019

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Hakone

Japanese (Native), English

11 hours

Private tour (only you and Kaori S.)

Up to 4 people

Private day trip to Hakone only for your group, starting from Tokyo. Surrounded by great nature with Mt.Fuji view, lots of museums and hot springs, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations as a break from Tokyo. By using ”Odakyu Hakone Freepass”, we can enjoy various types of transportations such as Ropeway, Lake Ashi Boat Cruise, cable cars and Tozan Train(mountain tram) to get around.

Car Option is recommended for smooth travel. Ending could be your accommodation in Hakone.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

07:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards or Shinjuku station

- I'll meet you at your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards. Or, Shinjuku station to take a train to Hakone. Following itinerary is【Basic Plan】by Romance Car with Hakone Freepass.

08:30 AM

Take Hakone Romance Car (1h45m)

Take Romance Car train from Shinjuku station :

8:31 Shinjuku to 10:18 Hakone-yumoto.

*All reserved seats rapid train.

10:20 AM

Hakone sightseeing

Hakone sightseeing is basically loop route. How to get around depends. You can rely on me to take either of clockwise or counterclockwise.

--- Basic itinerary to visit --- *Lunch flexible

- Hakone Tozan Train

- Cable car via Gora

- Ropeway via Owakudani

- Owakudani (Volcanic activity and eat black shelled eggs)

- Togendai (pier of boat cruise / ropeway station / restaurant)

- Pirate Boat Cruise on Ashi Lake

- Moto-Hakone (Lake shore area)

- Back to Hakone-yumoto

Important

Hakone is a very popular destination for both Japanese and overseas travelers. It gets crowded even on weekdays at peak season.

So, when we do counterclockwise, we want to take a taxi from Hakone-yumoto to Hakone Shrine (20-30min, approx. 6,000JPY/taxi up to 4 people) . Same with reverse (from Ashi Lake area to back to Hakone-yumoto station), as local buses are often awfully packed on this route.

05:00 PM

Take Romance Car from Hakone-yumoto to Shinjuku (1h30m)

Flexible time: Take Romance Car from Hakone-yumoto to Shinjuku. Ex. 17:02 Hakone-yumoto - 18:28 Shinjuku

06:30 PM

Back to Tokyo

I'll take you back to your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards, or we can end at Shinjuku Station for your dinner afterwards.

*End could be your hotel in Hakone area. Or, Odawara station end would be convenient for travelers heading to Kyoto after Hakone. Tour price would be the same, as guide goes back to Tokyo anyways. Let me know in advance.

(Option) Hakone Open Air Museum （Sculptures, Picasso Gallery, Foot-bath）

Open air museum with its nature as back drop. The most unique, loved spot in Hakone. *open year round

Admission (online) : Adult :1800 yen, University/High School Students: 1,400 yen, Jr. High/Elementary School Students: 600 yen

Free for Guide with a national license when accompanying you.

(Option) Hakone Art Museum + Gora Park

For art & garden lovers,

- Hakone Art Museum (Art with beautiful moss garden. Green Tea. )

- Gora Park（French-style garden and traditional Japanese Tea Garden)

*Closed on Thursdays

Admission :Hakone Art Museum : Adult 800 yen, High school/college students 400 yen, Children up to junior high school : Free of charge, Seniors aged over 65 :700yen

Gora Park is free of charge with Hakone Freepass holders

(Option) Hakone Checkpoint & Yosegi craftsman's shop

For history & culture enthusiasts,

Hakone Checkpoint

Admission : Hakone Checkpoint : Adult 400 yen, Child 150 yen with Hakone Freepass

Yosegi craftsman's shop - Yosegi is inlaid box, which is local special craft in Hakone.

(Option) Amasake Chaya tea house (Only when by Car Option)

One of my favorite places in Hakone, but access is limited due to its location and poor local public transportation. We visit only when we use hired car or my car option.

Amazake-chaya Tea House was founded 400 years ago. Their architecture of thatched roof still retains Samurai period atmosphere. Daimyo (feudal lords) took a rest at this type of rest house which served amazake to get re-charged when they traveled between Tokyo called Edo and their home town.

Amazake (sweet rice wine) is made with a recipe that has remained unchanged since opening. Also, their soft Mochi (rice cakes) is so nice to try.

Ending Point

At your hotel in Tokyo 23 wards or Shinjuku Station. Or, your accommodation in Hakone or Odawara Station for Shinaksen to Kyoto upon your request.

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

What‘s included

guide fee, hotel meet-up, send-off in Tokyo

What‘s not included

transportation fee (you and guide), food and drink (you and guide), admission (you and guide) *showed on itinerary above

[ Major transportation fees on tour day ]

【Basic Plan】By Romance Car total : Adult : 9,500 yen, Child : 2,800 yen

Details: Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku (Valid for 2 days・All inclusive ticket ) : Adult 7,100 yen, Child 1,600 yen

Romance Car Express charge : (Adult 1,200 yen, Child 600 yen) × round trip

---------------------------------------------------------------

【Shinkansen Plan】

With JR-pass : Adult 6,000 yen, Child 1,600 yen.

Without JR-pass : Adult 13,560 yen, Child 5,400 yen.

Details : With JR-pass, Shinkansen 0 yen +Hakone Freepass from Odawara

Details : Without JR-pass, Shinkansen (Tokyo - Odawara)

Adult 3,810yen × round trip = 7,620 yen,

Child 1,900 yen × round trip= 3,800 yen

+Hakone Freepass from Odawara (Valid for 2 days・All inclusive ticket ) : Adult 6,000 yen / Child 1,600 yen

---------------------------------------------------------------

【 Private Car Option from/to Tokyo 】

Car Tour Fee 160,000JPY

- My Family Car (Toyota Alphard 7 seater) : Only available with Photo Option with my husband, who is a professional photographer, as a driver. Can assure the best experience with the best flexibleness. I'm happy to send you a proposal of Mt.Fuji by my car (including fuel, toll fees, parking for a whole day from Tokyo). Feel free to contact me for availability of car.

Tour Important Information

- Important【Volcanic gas warning for people with diseases.】

Owakudani is a popular tourist site with volcanic activities. But for those people who have Heart diseases, Asthma, Respiratory diseases and other health prpblems are not supposed to use ropeway between Ubako and Sounzan (including Owakudani) . If your group have someone with health problems, please let me know in advance. I'll make a plan without visiting gas area.

- In case of extremely bad weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, storm, foggy and snow, the ropeways and Ashi Lake Boat Cruise might either be suspended or unable to operate as scheduled. Please understand that we'll take alternative transportations instead.

- We can enjoy the view of Mt.Fuji from many places in Hakone if the weather permits. Visibility is higher in winter time.

This tour is only available on Weekdays to escape from congestion in Hakone.

Important message from the supplier

NOT AVAILABLE for next spring season (March to April 2027). Sorry for inconvenience.

- Kindly make an inquiry only for open days on my Calendar.

- I offer tours UP TO 4 people.

- I'm Tokyo based. If you like to start/end outside Tokyo 23 wards, kindly cover my transportation fee and accommodation fee (if need).

- For Mt.Fuji / Hakone, refer to the map of location on my gallery.

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 2019

Kaori S.

4.98 / 5

(128 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kaori S.

Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively.

I love travel both international and domestic. I myself love travel freely. That's how I love helping individual travelers like you. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love and sharing my seasonal favorites.

I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request.

・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY

・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY

・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour

I often spend multiple days with the same group to accommodate itinerary for multi days by including my seasonal favorites.

I often do Mt.Fuji or Hakone tour. In many cases, the locations are mixed up between Mt.Fuji Five Lakes area and Hakone area, which are not the same place. Please refer to the map I uploaded on gallery to check the sites you are interested in. Also my blogs will help your understanding both areas - "The location difference of Mt.Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes) and Hakone".

As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. But more than that, I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see you soon!

Reviews

Alexei M.

5 / 5

Sep 20, 2026

Sep 9th, 2026 : Private Mt.Fuji by Car from Tokyo for Alexei-san & Irina-san

Sep 20, 2026

Mount Fuji

12 hours

Customized

“10 star experience! if you only do one thing - do the.”

If we could give 10 stars, we would. The Mt Fuji trip with Kaori (and her husband Ichiro) was the highlight of my wife and mine trip to Japan. When booking, I asked Kaori for very specific trip, and she tailored the day trip for us. Despite the weather (torrential rains), it turned out to be the best experience. The most important part – this did not feel like a tour – it felt like a couple showing another couple the place where they live (Kaori is from Mt. Fuji area) and giving us a personal view of their world.

Kaori S.

Thank you so much for your heartwarming and wonderful comments. My husband Ichiro and I are delighted to hear you felt time with us more than a tour. That is what we exactly value most on our car trip - personal tie as person to person. We were so happy to be able to help each of you fulfill your dreams. Standing on Mt.Fuji for Irina-san, and Ice cave for you. A photo of us all together on Mt.Fuji 5th station in the heavy rain is a memory we will never forget. We recently made your local dish you introduced us and loved it!! We appreciate this wonderful encounter with you. Big hugs, Kaori and Ichiro

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Private Kamakura - One day trip from Tokyo with Kaori

Sep 14, 2026

Kamakura

9 hours

“Kaori's Kamakura Tour Was Pure Magic — Don't Miss the Lantern Festival!”

We booked an 8-hour private tour to Kamakura with Kaori and it was hands down one of the best days of our trip! She took us to see the Great Buddha, which was even more impressive in person, then on to Hasedera Temple for some gorgeous views. One of our favorite stops was Houkoku-ji Temple — sitting in the bamboo grove sipping matcha was such a peaceful, magical experience. We took our time exploring everything without ever feeling rushed, and Kaori's knowledge of the history and culture made every stop so much richer. The best part? We stayed out until after dark to catch the Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival, and it was absolutely stunning — definitely a highlight we wouldn't have known about without her. Such a perfect mix of history, culture, food, and a little bit of magic. Highly recommend Kaori and this tour if you're headed to Kamakura!

Kaori S.

Thank you for writing a wonderful review on my Kamakura tour. Great to hear you enjoyed whole day in Kamakura, including Toro lantern festival in Enoshima island. Kamakura itself has a lot to appreciate in great nature near the ocean. Full of samurai history and Zen culture. Enoshima’s seasonal lit-up event is one of my favorites. I appreciate you gave me the opportunity to share this wonderful experience together. As evening falls, every site of island has become impressive with calm lantern light. Thank you for choosing me your guide for two days. Hope to see you again in the future. Big hugs, Kaori

Renee K.

5 / 5

Sep 14, 2026

Extension from Half Day to Full Day on Aug 28, 2026

Sep 14, 2026

Tokyo

Customized

“WELL PLANNED AND SAW SO MUCH”

Had such a great time exploring Tokyo with our guide, Kaori! She gave us a awesome overview of the city and clearly knew her stuff — history, culture, little details you'd never pick up on your own. We went to Asakusa and checked out some beautiful temples and shrines, wandered through Yanaka (such a cool, low-key neighborhood), strolled down Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs, and grabbed some amazing street food at Tsukiji Outer Market. Through it all she was so much fun to be around — funny, easy to talk to, and just genuinely smart about the city. Kaori made the whole day feel effortless. Highly recommend her if you're visiting Tokyo!

Kaori S.

Dear Renee san, thank you very much for taking your time to give me such a warm review. Your recommendation means a lot to me. So happy to hear you felt effortless during the tour with me. It is my pleasure to show around Tokyo with good navigation so that visitors can explore more of Tokyo on their own without any concern. Thanks to your extension from half day to full day in advance, we really did a lot in a day in shopping, eating, and strolling around! Hope to see you again in the future! Big hugs, Kaori  