Hakone, located not far from Odawara Castle, is a town famous for its hot springs, autumn scenery and views of Mount Fuji. Just an hour and a half by train from Tokyo. Hakone also offers volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, art museums, pirate ships and a rich history.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Tokyo (23 wards)
- I will pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo (23 wards).
Shinjuku station
We will take the train at Shinjuku Station.
Odawara Castle
We will visit the magnificent Odawara Castle.
Hakone Shrine
We will visit the Hakone Shinto Shrine which is located not far from the shore of Lake Ashinoko and its famous red Tori located in the lake.
Lake Ashinoko Cruise
We will take a pirate ship to cross the lake and go to Togendai Station. In good weather it is possible to see Mount Fuji during the crossing of the lake. From there we will take the cable cars (with a view of Mount Fuji in good weather) to go to the crater of the volcano at Owakudani Station.
Owakudani Caldera
Owakudani is a volcanic valley that was formed nearly 3000 years ago. It is now an important tourist spot where you can observe volcanic activity up close and taste the local specialty: the black egg.
Onsen Hakone Yuryo
Relax in one of the most beautiful onsen in Hakone. Served by the water of the volcano with healing properties and it has a magnificent view of the lush nature of Hakone.
Way back to your hotel
I will take you to your hotel in Hakone or I will take you to the station to take the train for your hotel in Tokyo. The Romance car leaves from Hakone-Yumoto station while the regular Odakyu train and the Shinkansen leave from Odawara station.
Ending Point
Your hotel in Hakone or Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
English speaking guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Hakone or at the Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara station if you go back to Tokyo or other destinations.
The Hakone free pass (6100 yen) for you and your guide.
Meals and drinks for you and your guide (1300 yen).
The supplement for the Romancecar option (1270 yen each way) per person for you and your guide.
The entrance ticket for the onsen (1700/2000 yen) per person for you and your guide.
If you wish to take the Shinkansen from or to Tokyo Station there will be a supplement of 3900 ¥ only for you (to Tokyo station) and for you and your guide (departure from Tokyo station to Odawara).
In case of traffic perturbation on the train or bus the time of the different stops will change.
Hello !
My name is Virginie, I am French and I have been living in Tokyo for 4 years. I love Japan, its food and its culture but above all I love Tokyo! I will take you to the best places in Tokyo ! The hidden gems as well as all the must see places ! The traditional Tokyo as well as the futuristic parts of the city ! I can’t wait to meet you !!
“New Year's in Tokyo”
Wow! We spent two days with Virginie in Tokyo, doing her Must-See Tour on day one and the Ueno Tour on day two. The time spent with Virginie ended up being critical to the success of our trip - because we had no idea what we were getting into by landing in Tokyo on New Year's Eve. It is an incredibly busy time to visit Japan, full of tourists and locals alike visiting shrines, temples and shopping districts. Virginie met us at the hotel each morning (it's super helpful to use the hotel as the meeting point, when you're jet lagged and still trying to figure out the basics). We walked all over the city with her. At times visiting places packed with crowds, such as Asakusa where locals were making their New Year's Day visit, and other times in the quiet of the neighborhoods between subway stops. We weren't on a strict timetable with Virginie, so if something caught our attention there was always time to stop and explore (like a small local cemetery that was along our route, or a shop that we knew our kids would love, or getting a stamp added to our shrine book). Virginie helped us buy day passes for the subway, taught us about Japanese customs and history as we walked, took us to a great ramen spot tucked in Tokyo Station for lunch (seriously tucked away, that place is a maze, thank goodness she knew where to go), and gave us tips to make the most of our time in Tokyo. One tiny highlight that paid off in spades later...she told us where to go for an amazing view of the city later in our trip, as it was closed for the New Years holiday (from an observation deck near Tokyo Dome). We went back to the building on our own later, as our very last stop before leaving for the airport...and we were rewarded with an incredible view of Mount Fuji!! We would never have known about the observation deck without Virginie's guidance. Spend the day with Virginie, you will see and learn so much.
Virginie B.
Dear Heather, Thank you very much for your warm comment. I love your picture by the way thank you! Seeing Mount Fuji is always surprising and amazing :) I am glad you could come back! Yes, everything was so packed in Asakusa during Hatsumode period but we managed to see Senso-ji and we were really lucky to find a good ramen place inside Tokyo station during New year's day ! Thank you again for everything! I Hope to see you again in Tokyo! Virginie
“Sweeet day with Virginie ”
Verginie accepted our family of 4 last minute and was very accommodating We did the Hakone tour But sadly our morning romanc train had was canceled coz of some accident which caused us a couple of hours of delay (out of anyone’s hands) which made us try to rush a bit in all activities Virginie took us everywhere and explained all questions and sights odawara castle was nice and we were lucky with good views of Mount Fuji too And the highlight at the end was relaxing in the onsen a very proper one which isn’t crowded. She guided us through everything she is very sweet. And was patient with our two teens. And she stayed with us even. Past her hours. My advice for travelers is always try to plan to get out earlier for a tour which is full day out of town Thanks Virginie for everything :)
Virginie B.
Dear Dina, Thank you for your kind review. It was a great pleasure for me to take you and your family to visit Odawara and Hakone! Even if there was a delay, you have been super patient and always cheerful! It was a really memorable day and we were blessed with amazing views of Mont Fuji! I hope that you will come back to Japan and we can meet again! Thank you! Virginie
“Toured Tokyo and the metropolitan areas”
Virginie, was prompt, professional but also was very warm and personal on our tour and demonstrated the exact knowledge that met our hopes and expectations and beyond. So long as you are polite and respectful she will answer all questions honestly and directly even if they are answers you may not want to hear but should to get to know the real Tokyo positively and negatively. We loved that. She is a fast walker which is a good thing so you can see as much as you can in your allotted time but slowed down at our request and was happy to oblige. If you have a larger group of 5 or more like we did she will also take the time to repeat information to others who may be dispersed because of the crowds so everyone gets to equally hear all information. That is a really big plus and added value for your tour members. All in all, 5+ stars. Thank you Virginie for making our tour and trip more special than it otherwise would have been. P.S. I think I called her Virginia and her name is Virginie. She did not correct me but please get her name right :-) Regards, Scott
Virginie B.
Dear Scott, Thank you for your warm review. I am happy that you enjoyed the tour. No problem you can call Virginie or Virginia :) I like both. I really enjoyed showing you around Tokyo too! Thank you for making this tour special as well! Virginie
$193/ per group