Hakone is a favorite spot for travelers wanting to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty, hot springs, and art without the hassle of navigating busy roads or language barriers. What makes Hakone especially appealing for private driver services is the ability to customize your day—whether you’re chasing views of Mount Fuji, soaking in an onsen, or exploring hidden spots. For example, a full-day private tour lets you design your perfect itinerary at your own pace, avoiding the stress of public transportation or group schedules. Plus, with a dedicated driver, you gain local insights and insider tips that boost your experience, making it more authentic and relaxed.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide highlights the best private driver services in Hakone. Whether you want a flexible day exploring the region’s sights, a scenic trip to Mount Fuji, or seamless airport transfers, these options deliver comfort, convenience, and personalized service. We’ve looked at tours with high ratings, unique itineraries, and positive reviews to help you pick what’s right for your needs.
1. Hakone: Customizable Full Day Tour with Private Transfer
At number 1 on our list, the Hakone: Customizable Full Day Tour with Private Transfer offers a flexible 10-hour experience for $295 per person. This tour is perfect if you want to craft your ideal day in Hakone. Your professional driver will pick you up from your preferred location and take you around at your pace, with no set itinerary. This is ideal for travelers who want freedom—whether you’re craving a peaceful soak at an onsen, a walk along Lake Ashi, or a visit to lesser-known spots.
What sets this tour apart is the customization. You tell your driver what interests you most, and they help you explore at your speed. This flexibility is great for those who dislike rigid schedules or want to squeeze in more than the usual sights. The private car ensures comfort, and the driver handles navigation and language barriers, making your day smooth and stress-free. With lots of positive reviews for flexibility and comfort, it’s a top choice for independent-minded travelers.
Bottom Line: If you want a tailored day without the hassle, this private, customizable tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who value flexibility over a fixed schedule.
2. Hakone Private Customize Tour With English speaking driver
Ranked first with a perfect 5-star rating from just two reviews, the Hakone Private Customize Tour With English speaking driver offers a highly personalized experience. For $382 for up to six people, you get a full 10-hour day exploring Hakone’s highlights like Mt Fuji views, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Shrine. The tour begins with flexible pickup options from Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza, making it ideal if you’re coming from the city.
This tour’s strength is its completely customizable itinerary. You’ll visit iconic sites such as the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Museum of Art, with plenty of time to walk, take photos, or explore local shops. The driver, Malik or DK—both highly praised for their English skills—are eager to tailor the day to your interests. One reviewer mentioned that DK not only made the trip enjoyable but also suggested excellent restaurants and alternate sightseeing spots, enhancing their experience.
Highlights include the picture-perfect views at Lake Ashi, historical sites like the Hakone Shrine, and the Owakudani Valley for its black eggs. The comprehensive itinerary and the personal touches make this tour a winner, especially for small groups or couples.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a fully tailored day with a knowledgeable driver, this tour offers great value and flexibility, especially if you want to cover many highlights comfortably.
3. Mount Fuji one day Customize Tour With English Driver
Number 3 features the Mount Fuji one day Customize Tour With English Driver, priced at $345 for groups up to six. This tour is designed for those eager to see Japan’s iconic peak along with its surrounding scenery. It’s a highly customizable single-day adventure that includes stops at Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, and the Hakone Ropeway.
What makes this tour special is its emphasis on mountain vistas and photographic opportunities. You can tailor the stops to focus on your interests—whether it’s snapping photos from Oishi Park or soaking in the views from the 5th Station. The private car makes the journey comfortable, and the driver’s local knowledge ensures you hit the highlights without wasting time.
Guests who’ve taken this tour praise its flexibility and scenic quality, noting how they enjoyed the combination of natural beauty and cultural sights. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized Mount Fuji experience with the convenience of door-to-door service.
Bottom Line: Best suited for photography fans or those wanting a flexible Mount Fuji trip, this tour provides excellent scenery and tailored stops.
$345 per group up to 6
4. Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Private Departure Transfer
If you’re heading from Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport, the Hakone to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Private Departure Transfer offers a straightforward, comfortable ride for $312.28 per person. You’ll be met at your hotel or designated location and driven directly to the airport, with advance tracking of your flight to ensure timely arrival.
This service is perfect if you value reliability and stress-free travel on your departure day. The driver will handle your luggage and ensure you arrive on time, which is especially important if you have a tight flight schedule. Guests have appreciated the polite and punctual drivers, with one reviewer noting Yu San’s early arrival and professionalism.
The journey takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, making it suitable for those with early flights or who prefer to avoid the chaos of public transport. It’s a practical choice for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer door-to-door service.
Bottom Line: For a worry-free, punctual transfer to the airport, this private service offers comfort and reliability, ideal for busy travelers.
$312.28 per person
5. From Tokyo: Hakone Day Trip with English Speaking Driver
This Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo with English Speaking Driver costs $479 for groups of up to seven. It’s designed for those who want to see Hakone’s highlights in a day, with a focus on Mount Fuji and scenic spots like Kawaguchi Lake and Oshino Hakkai.
However, the reviews are mixed; some travelers found the schedule too tight or were disappointed by weather conditions. Still, if you’re short on time and want to maximize sightseeing with a private driver, it’s a convenient option. The trip includes visits to the 5th Station, offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji, and the iconic Arakura Sengen Shrine’s pagoda, which is perfect for photos.
This tour suits those who prefer a guided experience with a set itinerary but are okay with a potentially fast-paced day. It provides the chance to tick off key sights without navigating trains or buses.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a quick, guided trip from Tokyo but are comfortable with a packed schedule and variable weather.
$479 per group up to 7
6. Hakone Resorts to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) – Departure Transfer
For travelers flying out of Narita Airport, this Hakone to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) – Departure Transfer offers a private, comfortable ride for about $541.53 per person. The driver will meet you at your hotel and take you directly to the airport, tracking your flight to avoid delays.
While no reviews are available yet, the service promises a door-to-door transfer with no hidden charges, ensuring peace of mind on your departure day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, so it’s suitable for those with evening flights or tight schedules.
This service is ideal if you want to avoid the stress of public transportation or crowded buses. With professional drivers and clean cars, it offers a high level of comfort for a long journey.
Bottom Line: If your flight is from Narita and you want a hassle-free ride, this private transfer is worth considering, especially for larger groups or those with lots of luggage.
$541.53 per person
7. Hakone Onsen Hotel Stay with Optional Private Car Transfer
Finally, for the ultimate relaxing experience, the Hakone Onsen Hotel Stay at Hakone Setsugetsuka offers a luxurious overnight in a traditional ryokan. For $1,338 per group (up to two people), you get a comfortable Twin room, daily breakfast, and access to authentic onsen baths. You can also add an optional private car transfer from Tokyo, making your trip seamless.
Staying in Hakone allows you to enjoy the region without rushing, soaking in hot springs, and exploring at a leisurely pace. The hotel’s location makes it easy to visit sights like the Hakone Open-Air Museum or Lake Ashi. Guests appreciate the blend of comfort, traditional Japanese hospitality, and scenic surroundings.
This option is best for those seeking a deep, restful experience and willing to invest in a premium stay. The optional transfer adds convenience for travelers arriving from Tokyo.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a relaxing, immersive Hakone experience with onsen baths and comfort, this hotel stay is an excellent choice, especially with the optional transfer.
$1,338 per group up to 2
How to Choose the Right Private Driver Service in Hakone
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and your interests. For a flexible, personalized day, the full-day customizable tours are ideal. If you want to see Mount Fuji with tailored stops, the Mount Fuji one day tour fits the bill. For airport or train transfers, the door-to-door services ensure a smooth journey, while the hotel stay offers the ultimate relaxation.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons like spring cherry blossom season or autumn foliage. Think about whether you prefer a fixed itinerary or total flexibility, and match your choice accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Hakone offers a range of private driver services that suit various preferences, from highly customizable full-day adventures to efficient airport transfers. For travelers who want to explore at their own pace, tours like the full-day customizable trip or the mountain and Fuji-focused options provide excellent flexibility. If you’re arriving or departing, the private transfer services ensure comfort and punctuality, crucial for busy schedules.
For those seeking to truly unwind, the Hakone Onsen Hotel Stay combines a restful overnight with scenic exploration. No matter your style, booking early guarantees you’ll secure the best options in this beautiful part of Japan.