Tour guide in Hakone Yuko A.

Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan! My name is Yuko, and I’ll be your guide today around Hakone, Odawara, and Atami. I was born in Tokyo, but I’ve always loved exploring new places. I began my career working as a cruise staff member and then tour escort, traveling to many beautiful destinations and meeting wonderful people from around the world. I also spent couple of years living in the United States, which gave me valuable international experience and a deeper understanding of what travelers look for when visiting Japan. Later, I worked for over 30 years with a major American airline as a flight attendant and customer service agent, where I learned the true meaning of hospitality and communication across cultures. After many years of working and traveling, I decided to settle down — and I chose Odawara, a charming castle town (Jōkamachi), known for its rich history and friendly local atmosphere. From the moment I arrived, I completely fell in love with this area — the peaceful streets, kind people, mountains, and nearby hot springs. Since moving to Odawara, I’ve been working at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a beautiful place where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. The museum features works by artists from around the world, including Picasso, and being surrounded by such creativity has deepened my love for this region. Today, I’m so happy to share with you the beauty, history, and spirit of Japanese culture through Hakone, Odawara, and Atami. I hope you’ll enjoy not just the famous sights, but also the small, heartwarming moments that make this part of Japan so special. I also offer customized themed experiences, such as art tours, shrine and temple visits, and hands-on workshops like making traditional Japanese sweets or kamaboko (fish cakes). Let’s relax, have fun, and enjoy a wonderful journey together! *** Please kindly be sure to send me a message before making a reservation. *** I can arrange a car with a driver so you can travel comfortably and safely.