Hakone One-day Highlight Tour by a chartered van (additional fees)

We had a great time going to Hakone and Makiko was great! It was me, my sister, and 13 year old daughter and she was able to cater to all of us. Makiko's English was excellent, we had no trouble with communication. We had requested to do just 2 parts of the tour, the ropeway and the open air museum, but not the boat ride. Makiko gave us many options of other things we could add if we wanted, but we ended up spending longer at these 2 places. She was very knowledgeabout about Hakone, the museum, and the ropeway area, so could answer all of our questions. She suggested a local udon place for lunch that was great! While she usually does not have children on her tours as she does more tours during the year than the summer, she had a lot of patience for the things my daughter wanted to do so she had a great time as well! I would highly recommend hiring Makiko as a guide for Hakone!

We can’t recommend Makiko enough! She is incredibly knowledgeable about Hakone and Tokyo. She brought us to an amazing hidden gem for lunch and taught us so many things about local traditions. Makiko made the day exceptional for the kids and adults alike. She worked seamlessly with the driver so that he was always ready and waiting. I can’t imagine exploring Hakone without Makiko. You won’t be disappointed! She also gave us a lot of valuable tips for the rest of our visit.

Arthur S.United States

Thank you Makiko for taking us around Hakone. You made a rainy day very simple and easy for us by moving things around! And you are 100% right - in Hakone must have a car to get around! We enjoyed all the highlights but I did not expect to really love Open Air Museum and Picasso pavilion.

Makiko has a terrific understanding of Japanese culture and helped us understand it completely. She is both flexible and punctual and makes all arrangements to maximize your time and enhance your experience while touring all the important sites. Would be good if you know your interests ahead of time as then she can better direct you. She was so flexible that she switched out our days so that we had the pictures perfect day for Hakone. Saw Mt Fuji in all its glory. Had we stuck to the schedule would have been a washout

Makiko speaks great English and is a very accomplished person, an expert in sake and Japanese flower arrangement. She found alternative indoor activities since it was raining our first day and even took us to the train station to straighten out issues we were having with train tickets, greatly relieving our stress. She knew just where to go for early cherry blossom blooming, and her driver escorted us to a dinner cruise that evening. The following day she arranged a private driver to Hakone and knew just where to go to circumvent the massive crowds trying to get on the Lake Ashi cruise during Sakura, and made our trip to Hakone most enjoyable. Makiko is very personable and accommodating in making sure you get to do those things most important to you. I felt that she was genuinely interested in us. HIghly recommend.

This was our second tour with Makiko, and it was another great experience. She customized the day for us and provided a very memorable time. We highly recommend any tour with Makiko; you will not be disappointed!