Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hakone, Japan
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See the best of Hakone’s natural beauty by foot in this private walking tour. Unlike traditional tours, you can customize the experience to your interests and visit only the sites that you’re interested in. Whether you’re a nature lover, art fan, or keen to try local foods, your private guide will help you plan a day that fits your needs.
- Pick 3 to 4 places to visit in your personalized tour
- Choose from multiple morning start times for flexibility
- Get local recommendations of places to visit in Hakone from your guide
- Skip the crowds of a group tour and explore at your own pace
What's Included
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Hakone
- Customizable itinerary (6h: 3–4 sites, 8h: 4–5 sites)
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Hakone Freepass
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
This private tour is a walking day tour with meet up in Hakone. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
Itinerary
1
Lake Ashinoko
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Hakone Shrine
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Hakone Ropeway
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Owaku-dani Valley
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Pola Museum of Art
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
7
Okada Museum of Art
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
8
Sengokuhara
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
9
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
10
Hakone Museum of Art
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
11
Choanji Temple
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
12
Hakone Shisseikaen
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
13
Gora Park
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
14
Dollhouse Museum Hakone
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
15
Narukawa Art Museum
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
16
Owakudani Nature Research Trail
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 262 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Hannah_L, Jul 2026
This is the perfect tour to experience the best of Hakone. Our guide, Hiro, was incredibly communicative beforehand and made sure we were able to visit all the places on our list. It was especially nice to experience Hakone from a local's perspective and explore places we wouldn't have found on our own. We were also lucky enough to have incredible views of Mount Fuji throughout the day from several different vantage points.
I would recommend this tour to anyone, and if you get Hiro as your guide, you're in for a treat. We had the best time with him and shared plenty of laughs.
Jordy_A, Jun 2026
Good and informative. We went to a few unique places and our guide was accommodating. Favorite was the temple as off the beaten path.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for taking part in this Hakone tour. We were lucky that we could see Mt. Fuji on the Lake Ashi boat. This tour was an impressive, memorable tour. It is my great pleasure to have received such a nice reveiw. Thank you. Please have a good time! K.T.
Paul_S, Jun 2026
The Hakone area is absolutely beautiful and there is a lot to see so it was great to have an excellent guide (Hiro) who was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Hiro was able to shepherd us around using public transit very effectively. Highlights included black eggs, superb view of Mt. Fuji, a short boat ride on Lake Ashinoko, and an incredible Azalea garden at Hotel de Yama.
Amy_W, Jun 2026
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Shuji was an excellent guide and made the whole day very. fun and informative.
Elizabeth_h, May 2026
Very organized, easy to get around with guide using public transit (that was part of the fun)…beautiful sites to see
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for joining my Hakone tour!
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed not only Hakone’s stunning natural beauty, but also the exciting bus rides along its winding mountain roads.
Thank you again for your kind review. I truly appreciate your feedback and am so glad that you had a memorable experience.
I hope you had a safe journey back home to your country. Wishing you and your lovely family happiness, good health, and many wonderful adventures in the years ahead.
Best regards,
Yumiko
Mara_L, May 2026
Hiro was absolutely amazing! Even though it wasn’t the best day to see Mt. Fuji, Hiro took us around the Hakone loop and showed us everything! He was very knowledgeable about japanese history and even gave us our own japanese language lesson at the soba noodle place he took us to. I cannot recommend Hiro and this tour enough!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your heartful review comment. I also could have a wonderful day with you two
Please come to Hakone next time with your whole family.
We Hakone would like to welcome you next with perfect Mt Fuji if possible.
Hiro
Dima_H, May 2026
It is once in a lifetime experience in all levels. Our Guide, Mr. Hiro made the tour unforgettable with his kind hospitality and by explaining every details. The view was spectacular and hard to explain. We love every minute. thank you Mr. Hiro
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your heartful review comment. I also could have a wondrful day with you wonderful couple.
I 'm also very happy that you enjoyed Hakone 's fresh greenery and Japanese culture.
Please come again , we Hakoen always would like to welcome you with perfect Mt Fuji if possible.
- Hiro
Kevin_L, May 2026
Leo is great guide, easy to understand and knows the area and history well.
Overall, we had a very fulfilling day and if afforded more time, would book another trip
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you very much for review, Kevin! I was so happy that you were very curious about many things in Hakone and Japan, and also got impressed how active you were because both of you walked fast even at the end of the day. Wish meet you again someday!
- LEO
Jacqueline_B, Apr 2026
Very educational, great way to see the highlights of Hakone. Yoshi was a fantastic guide, friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Would highly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Batten, Jacqueline
How are you doing today ? I hope you are well.
I think that you are enjoying your daily life in your country.
Thanks for your message to Viator review about the tour in Hakone on Apr.29(Wed.).
I'm very happy to hear that.
I hope you have a lot of memories in Japan
and I look forward to seeing both of you again in Tokyo.
Take care of yourself, especially between seasons.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
Yoshihiro "Yoshi" Shimizu
Neille_Q, Apr 2026
We had a beautiful day with our guide, Hiro, who was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Japan. It was interesting to learn about the Japanese customs and the significance of th temples and shrines. Hiro also had the experience to know all of the ins and outs of navigating the areas to avoid the crowds. It was an unforgettable and beautiful tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
THank you for your heartful review comment.
I could have a wonderful & enjoyable day with you discussing Japanese history and culture.
Also thank you for your cooperation in avoiding congestion when taking our seats.
Please come again , next we Hakone wold like to welcome you with perfect Mt Fuji.
Hiro
David_P, Apr 2026
Our tour of Hakone was a highlight of the trip, thanks to Yoshi’s expertise. He provided great historical context at the Hakone Checkpoint and the shrine that we wouldn't have known otherwise. The itinerary is well-balanced between the nature views at Owakudani and the more cultural stops. Having a nationally licensed guide like Yoshi made the day very smooth, and he was able to tailor the pace to our interests. Excellent service and well worth the booking.
Response from Host, May 2026
I'm quite happy to hear your kind and heartful comment, which I sincerely appreciated. I also really enjoyed the tour with you. Hakone mountains show us a different scene from season to season respectively. So, please come and enjoy here once again in the near future. See you soon.
- Yoshi
Anzhelika_M, Apr 2026
Mr Hiro was amazing! So many good and fun stories. He was so efficient and we were able to see everything we planned and even stop for a delicious lunch. Highly recommend this tour to everyone who wants to make their Hakone visit memorable
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your heartful review comment.
I also could have a wonderful day with you wonderful couple.
This time we Hakone could welcome you with new fresh green leaves with Mt Fuji
Please come again in Autumn ,next we would like to welcome you with red & yellow colored leaves
with Mt Fuji if possible.
Hiro
Maitreya_P, Apr 2026
Despite the challenges of seriously inclement weather and very heavy rain when the itinerary was impossible to implement Izumi our guide found other ways to share the spirit of Hakone
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review.
Although the weather on the day of the tour was unfortunate, we sincerely appreciate your participation.
We look forward to your next visit to Japan.
Japan Guide Agency
Lindsey_W, Apr 2026
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met us at our hotel in Hakone and took us clockwise to tour all the sites. He was informative and taught us a lot. Our group was two adults and a 14 year old. We saw Mt Fuji from the rope way, but unfortunately the pirate ship was canceled because of high wind. We would absolutely use Atsushi again for this tour, or any other tour he provides.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
I am very happy to know that you enjoyed the tour. Hakone is located in a mountainous area and is very much influenced by the weather. However, we were incredibly lucky to avoid any trouble during your stay. When you have a chance to come back to Japan, I would be happy to be your guide again and share pleasant times with your family.
- Atsushi
Quinn_T, Apr 2026
Our guide, Leo, did his best to salvage our visit to Hakone on a very stormy day. He was cheerful and attentive, able to pivot quickly when the gondola was closed due to high winds and other obstacles presented. Thank you, Leo!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We appreciate your kind feedback and our guides do too! We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with your guide. We look forward to your next visit to Japan!
Japan Guide Agency
Stacy_A, Mar 2026
Great experience - it was so much more efficient and rewarding than it would have been, should we have done it in our own. Kaz took us to a wonderful private restaurant for an extraordinary meal at a more than reasonable price. We also visited the tea house in Gora Park, where we were serve a cup of matcha and a sweet in the traditional setting.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
I had a great time that day, too. It seemed like you were having a good time chatting with the couple from Australia while we waited for the cable car for about an hour. The sashimi at the restaurant was delicious, and if the shrimp in the bouillabaisse had been a little easier to peel, it would have been perfect. Chef Naoko was also very pleased. If you ever have the chance to visit again, I’d love to show you around the Mount Fuji area. Thank you very much.
- Kaz
Kelly_S, Mar 2026
Great area to explore. Good to have a guide navigate you around and explain what you are seeing. Kaz was great!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much. Naoko, the female chef at the restaurant, also said that she enjoyed speaking French with you. Also, with the sky completely covered in clouds, only the area around Mount Fuji cleared, allowing it to show its face, which was a small miracle for me as well.
Kaz
Nilesh_S, Mar 2026
We were really disappointed with this tour. It felt very overpriced for what was offered — we only visited four places, and overall it didn’t feel like good value for money.
To make matters worse, transport wasn’t even included, so we had to pay our own way to get there. In hindsight, this is something we could have easily organised ourselves for a fraction of the price.
Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend this tour based on our experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your review! The tour clearly states to "Pick 3 to 4 places to visit in your personalized tour" and that "Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses" are not included. You review will help other customers that have not fully read the tour description understand what they are purchasing. We hope for the best for your time in Japan! Japan Guide Agency
Maripaz_T, Jan 2026
It is a great experience to travel Hakone through Kate’s eyes! We truly enjoyed the places she brought us to, and she knows her way around
Response from Host, Jan 2026
I am so glad that this tour was enjoyable. Thank you for writing nice review.
K.T.
Jacob_F, Jan 2026
Our guide Yumi was extremely knowledgeable about the surroundings areas, and explained the history and culture of each place we visited in great detail. She was friendly and kind; it was a fantastic experience and we cannot recommend it enough!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your heartwarming message on the Hakone tour. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour on that day. You were so lucky to be able to see Mt. Fuji from at the beginning of the new year. 2026 must be a lucky year for you. Please come to Japan once again. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
- YUMI
Lisa_P, Jan 2026
This was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Japan. The Mount Fuji/Hakone tour was beautifully paced and filled with unforgettable moments.
We began the tour with a visit to the Hakone outdoor museum that included Picasso originals. Next, we had a traditional Japanese lunch followed by a cruise across Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) on the famous Hakone Pirate Ship. We also visited the Hakone Shrine which was beautifully set in the mountains and felt peaceful and special.
Lastly, we took the Hakone Ropeway gondola which was a true standout especially when our guide Taka casually said, “Maybe we’ll be able to see Mount Fuji, 50/50 chance with this weather,” just before we reached the top. The timing was perfect. Mount Fuji appeared in full grandeur, with almost no cloud cover, and it was absolutely breathtaking!
What truly made the day exceptional was Taka himself. His deep knowledge of the area, great sense of humor, and genuine patience and interest in us elevated the entire experience. He made everything feel relaxed, informative, and fun, and you could tell he truly loves sharing this region.
An incredible mix of nature, culture, and expert guiding. Highly recommended. This tour is not to be missed.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks for your great review! It is so delightful to know you have enjoyed the Hakone tour even if it was sometimes cloudy. We were lucky that we could see perfect Mt.Fuji in the afternoon.
Sushi for lunch at the fish market the day after must be nice and kind sheff. Thanks.
- Taka
Lisa_C, Dec 2025
Excellent tour guide, fast paced tour and alot of walking with very crowded use of public transport.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comment.
We apologize if the fast pace of the tour caused any fatigue.
As this is a walking tour, transportation during the tour was basically on foot and Hakone is a very popular tourist destination, so public transportation may have been quite crowded.
Despite this, we sincerely appreciate you joining our tour.
Japan Guide Agency
Miralisa_R, Nov 2025
We had an amazing time with our guide Kumiko aka “Kate.” She was super fantastic and everything a guide should be! Kumiko made me want to book more tours in the future. She was very organized and made it a priority that we got on that bus or got on that boat or ropeway. She can move fast, my husband and I had to really move our legs to keep up. I appreciate all of the effort she put into the tour. She taught us everything we needed to know about the places we visited. During downtimes she educated us about Japanese culture. If I could, I’d rate her 11/10.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I recieved great pleasure from your wonderful comment. Thank you so much. I am very happy to hear that you had a good time on this tour. When you visit Japan again, I might be able to see you again. K.T.
Gina_S, Nov 2025
Hakone is a magical place. We really enjoyed our tour guide Hiro. This was a highlight of our time in Japan.
The Hakone Air Museum and Lake Ashinoko
ship ride were both great options.
VIsiting the Hakone Shrine was amazing.
Hiro is a japanese treasure, we really enjoyed his tour and learned a lot about Japan's history and learned some japanese along the way. Had a japanese experience we will treasure for a lifetime.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your heartful review comment. I also could have a wonderful day with you wonderful party and nice cooperation.
I 'm also grateful for your listening to my story about Japanese culture and history.
Please come again, next we Hakone would like to welcome you with perfect Mt Fuji instead of Autumn colored leaves.
- Hiro
Valentina_R, Nov 2025
We were unlucky with the weather and our guide Yumi had to find an alternative. She was very proactive, creative and genuinely cared about us having the best experience. She achieved that 👏 thank you!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your heartwarming message on the Hakone tour. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour on that day. There were many accidents as the strong wind. Cancel
of the Ropeway. We have to change our plan and wait in line to take the bus. But you were very cooperative to change our destination to Sengoku area. Thanks again. I could enjoy the Hakone tour with your wonderful family.
Please come to Japan once again. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
YUMI😊
Cecilia_P, Nov 2025
This tour is an excellent way to see much of Hakone’s sites with a great guide to explain what you are looking at. Our guide was friendly, professional and eager for us to enjoy ourselves.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks for your great review! I've also very much enjoyed the Hakone tour with you, thank you. I believe you could see and enjoyed the Hakone Samurai Parade the next day. I missed it because I went to seeing the Tokyo Mobility Show which was held in Tokyo as I'm an automobile lover, sorry.
- Taka
Jegadisan_S, Nov 2025
Hakone is truly beautiful. From the shrine, to the lake, Mount Fuji and Owakudani. Truly a sight to behold. The raw natural beauty is breathtaking. Yoshi was a great guide that explained all the various elements and their significance.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for joining the Kamakura tour and for writing such a wonderful comment. I appreciate your kindness.
I had a great time with you in Kamakura. Thank you so much. All the best.
-Sami
Thomas_B, Oct 2025
Yoshii was amazing!! He took us all around Hakone. To the open air museum, up the ropeway, to enjoy some black eggs and more. He was so kind and knowledgeable about Japan’s rich history. We hit some travel delays during our way back to the Shinkansen and Yoshii helped us move our reservations to a later time, helped us with our luggage, and dealt with the logistics of getting our luggage at our hotel.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your nice review.
I wish you will visit Japan more frequently and enjoy not only history and culture but also beautiful nature in countryside.
Thank you and best regards.
Yoshii Kenichi
Greg_K, Oct 2025
We had an excellent guide, Kate for our 6 hour private tour. Hakone is a brilliant place to visit and Kate took us to all of the main spots, using all forms of transport. Kate had the tour very well planned out and spoke very good English. Hint - she likes ice cream!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I am so glad that I could receive your nice comment, and you had a good time on this tour. I hope that the rest of your stay in Japan will be wonderful. Thank you so much! K.T.
Manohar_S, Oct 2025
Very scenic and beautiful trip... Mr Toshi San was a very well educated and friendly guide... he took us to all the most beautiful and scenic places.. he also was very helpful person and made sure we had a good vegetarian lunch
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I am very glad that you enjoyed Hakone despite of the drizzle and the suspention of the ropeway operation. Maybe rainy weather is not so bad for Hakone. I also enjoyed your company and a vegetable curry at the Owakudani restaurant. Thank you very much.
Toshi
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