HAKONE JAPAN > THINGS TO DO > ACTIVITIES > OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES > Hakone Guide Association (HGA)

Hakone Guide Association (HGA)

Explore Hakone with a Licensed Local Expert
Private English-Guided Tours by Hakone Guide Association (HGA)

① Introduction
Discover Hakone beyond the guidebooks with a nationally licensed English-speaking guide who specializes exclusively in Hakone.
All tours are led by Government-Certiﬁed Guides (National Government Licensed Guide Interpreters of Japan), ensuring the highest professional standards and accurate cultural interpretation.
This private 6- or 8-hour tailor-made experience weaves together Hakone’s dramatic volcanic landscape,
sacred shrines, historic stone-paved highways, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting).
Unlike large bus tours from Tokyo, your experience is fully personalized and led by Hakone specialists
with extensive expertise in the region’s geology, history, and living culture.

② Highlights
• Explore the active volcanic valley of Owakudani
• Visit Lake Ashi, enjoy a scenic pirate ship cruise, and see the lakeside torii gate of Hakone Shrine
• Walk a preserved section of the stone-paved Old Tokaido Road
• Optional visit to a 400-year-old teahouse to taste traditional amazake
• Discover how Hakone’s volcanic energy shaped its hot spring culture

③ Why Choose Us?
• All guides are nationally licensed (Government Certiﬁed)
• Hakone specialists ‒ not general Tokyo-based guides
• Flexible pace with fully customized itineraries
• In-depth interpretation of volcanoes, spirituality, and history
• Ideal for culturally curious travelers seeking depth over speed

④ Pricing
Private tours from ¥45,000 (6 hours)
Please contact us for detailed pricing based on your group size and tour duration.

⑤ How to Request a Guide
To request a private English-speaking guide, please email us with the following information:
Your name
Email address
Country of residence
Preferred tour date
Preferred time and duration (e.g., 6 or 8 hours)
Number of guests (including children and ages, if applicable)
Accommodation in Hakone (if any)
Your itinerary before and after Hakone (optional)
Interests (e.g., nature, history, food, culture)

⑥ Contact
For inquiries and bookings, please contact us at:
hakone_guide@googlegroups.com
We will get back to you shortly to arrange your personalized experience.

The Best of Hakone

Discover things to do and activities in the Hakone area. Hakone has attractions for a day visit or an overnight stay to make your visit to Japan a memorable one.

Hakone Hachiri

Visiting Japan Heritage

Tenzan Hot Springs

A wonderful day use onsen in Hakone for those looking for a traditional and refined atmosphere.

Hakone Summer Events

Enjoy the Festivities and Fun

Winter Illumnations in Hakone

Celebrate the festive time of year with beautiful winter illuminations throughout the Hakone area. There are different museums and locations where you can see the wonderful lights during the winter season.

Sengoku Golf Course

Autumn Spots in Hakone

When autumn arrives in Hakone, the mountain air turns crisp, the lakes grow still, and the forests ignite with brilliant hues of red, gold, and amber. From late October through November, this popular onsen resort town transforms into one of Japan’s most stunning autumn destinations.