We had a wonderful nine day tour of Japan with Elie guiding the way. He took care of all the details,helped us with the planning, secured our accommodations and provided transport to all our sights... See more
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My whole experience was fantastic from the start. Booking is very easy on their website. My tour guide Evan was amazing at explaining and teaching me all about Japanese culture and traditions. The mos... See more
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10 out of 10. Highest rating possible for our boy Evan who took us on the day long Hakone tour. Didn't see Mt. Fuji (out of our control, cause clouds) but it didn't matter because the rest of the trip... See more
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Luca was great to spend the day with, a friendly, good humoured, respectful and knowledge young man. There were some unexpected road closures and things outside of his control that he kept us informed... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
At Haven, we transform the timeless essence of Japan into an intimate journey of discovery. Inspired by the authenticity of ryokans and the serenity of onsens, we craft exclusive, culturally rich travel experiences that invite you to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure and minimalist elegance of Japan. Each of our curated experiences reflects a deep appreciation of Japanese Omotenashi—the art of selfless hospitality that anticipates your needs without expectation of reward. We offer retreats not just to places of breathtaking beauty but into realms of peace and relaxation. Discover a new way to travel with Haven, where your journey through Japan becomes a personal sanctuary. We provide more than just a holiday—we create a haven of cultural enrichment and peaceful repose.
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Tokyo, Japan
- contact@havenjapan.com
- havenjapan.com
4.9
Excellent
118 reviews
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5 star rating is not enough with todays…
5 star rating is not enough with todays day trip to Nikko together with our Canadian guide. Foreign by looks but a true Japanese by heart. Me and my daughters had so much fun the whole trip, if not with what Elie suggested before our trip we might ended up to Hakone again. Thumbs up to Havenjapan....👍
23 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Leo,
Thank you for such a kind message. I’m very happy to hear that your day in Nikko was such a fun and memorable one for you and your daughters. I’m glad the suggestion to explore this part of Japan brought something new and different to your trip, and your words of encouragement truly mean a lot to us.
Kind regards,
Elie
One of the best days ever
It’s always been on my bucket list to drive a Skyline R34 GTR through the beautiful roads of Hakone — and Haven Japan made that dream come true!
From the start, Elie was amazing. I asked if it was possible to join one of their guided tours but drive my own car instead of being a passenger, and without hesitation, he arranged a stunning R34 Skyline for me. The experience was beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
On top of that, I wanted to propose to my girlfriend during the trip, and Elie went above and beyond to help me find the perfect spot.
Our guide, Evan, was fantastic, super friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. He showed us so many scenic spots and amazing roads that made the day even more memorable. To finish it all off, we got to visit the legendary Daikoku PA car meet, an absolute dream come true for any car enthusiast!
We had so much fun, and it truly was one of the best experiences of our lives. Thank you, Elie and Evan for making this special day so perfect. Highly recommend to anyone who loves cars, Japan, or just unforgettable adventures!
(She said yes btw)
18 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Robbie,
Thank you for sharing this, despite the ordeal it took to have it published. We often lose reviews to Trustpilot AI carelessness, and it's a shame ... I don’t often say this about reviews, but yours truly moved me. Helping turn a long-held dream into a real day on the roads of Hakone, and being trusted with something as meaningful as a proposal, is something I’ll never take lightly. Arranging the R34, finding the right moment and place, and seeing everything come together so naturally was a real privilege.
Evan will be deeply touched by your words. He has a special way of blending passion, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm, and I’m glad the roads, the views, and even Daikoku PA became part of such an unforgettable story. And of course… hearing that she said yes makes this all the more special.
Thank you again for your trust, your kindness, and for letting us be part of such an important chapter in your lives.
Kind regards,
Elie
Day Trip to Nikko
We had such a great experience on our day tour to Nikko. Evan, our tour guide and driver, was super friendly and knowledgeable. We talked all day about Japan, its culture and the ways of life. It was an added touch to hear about Evan’s personal experiences as an expat. When we arrived in Nikko a lot of lunch spots were closed due to the weather (it was snowing) but this didn’t bother us, Evan more than made up for it by keeping us entertained all day. Would definitely book with Haven Japan again.
15 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Craig,
Thank you for sharing this lovely reflection on your day in Nikko. Snowy weather always changes the rhythm of a visit, and I’m glad it became part of the atmosphere rather than a limitation. Evan knows how to blend history, daily life, and his own experience in Japan. Nikko has a quiet depth, especially in winter, and I’m happy you were able to enjoy it at an unhurried pace despite the conditions. Thank you for your trust and your kind recommendation.
Kind regards,
Elie
World Class Tour!
10 out of 10. Highest rating possible for our boy Evan who took us on the day long Hakone tour. Didn't see Mt. Fuji (out of our control, cause clouds) but it didn't matter because the rest of the trip was filled with real conversations on the nature of Canada, Japan, and life. History, spirituality, and onsen provided by a AAA guide. Will be recommending to all our pals who come through Japan. PS the Haven Japan Website is Legendary.
14 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Aryn,
Thank you for your review. Even when Mt. Fuji stays hidden, days like the one you describe are exactly why we do what we do. I’m really glad that the conversations, the exchanges about culture, nature, and life itself, became as meaningful as the places you visited. Evan has a rare ability to create that kind of space, where the experience feels genuine rather than scripted.
Kind regards,
Elie
MUST BOOK IF YOU WANT TO SEE HAKONE
We had the pleasure of having Evan as our tour guide and driver. Would strongly recommend him if you’re a tourist traveling from the west! Very educational but very fun and hospitable!! Would come back to Japan again just to hang out with Evan!
4 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your review. I have to admit, reading that you would come back to Japan just to spend more time with Evan made me laugh (in a very positive way). He has a rare way of blending knowledge, warmth, and humor so the day feels effortless rather than guided.
I’m glad the experience felt both educational and genuinely fun. That balance is exactly what we aim for, especially for travelers discovering Japan from afar. Thank you again for the recommendation; it means a lot to us.
Kind regards,
Elie
Wonderful guide and experience
Communication with Ellie was easy and prompt. The guide Evan brought positive energy, curiosity and kindness, and made sure my 13yo son and I had fun! I requested a tailored driving route that took us from Mt Oyama to Hakone, and nothing was too much trouble for Evan. He made it work beautifully. It was so relaxing to have someone take care of us, it felt more like we were traveling with a friend. Worth every cent, according to my son 😊 would definitely be happy to go with them again when I come back to Japan in the future! Thank you Evan and Ellie!
29 November 2025
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Joanne,
Thank you for such a thoughtful message. I’m glad the planning felt easy from the start, and that the day itself unfolded in a relaxed and joyful way. Evan has a wonderful instinct for adapting on the spot, and it’s lovely to hear how naturally the route from Mt Oyama to Hakone came together.
What you wrote about the day feeling like time spent with a friend resonates deeply with how we hope our journeys feel. Knowing your son felt it was worth every cent made me smile; that’s a compliment Evan and I will remember.
Kind regards,
Elie
Luca - Hakone and Mt Fuji views
Luca was great to spend the day with, a friendly, good humoured, respectful and knowledge young man. There were some unexpected road closures and things outside of his control that he kept us informed about and readjusted plans on the go for us. Though weather conditions weren’t right for Mt Fuji (which we knew was a potential before booking) it was still a beautiful drive and Hakone was breathtaking. Cannot thank Luca enough for such a great day ❤️ Would recommend this tour to anyone looking to have a day trip out from the chaos of Tokyo to see some other places. Can’t wait to come back and will certainly be seeking out Luca again for his guiding.
18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Brooke,
Thank you so much for sharing this heartfelt review. I’m really glad to hear that your day with Lucas felt relaxed, well cared for, and enjoyable despite the unexpected changes along the way. Situations like road closures are never ideal, but his calm communication and ability to adapt the plan smoothly are exactly what we value in our guides.
Even when Mt. Fuji chooses to stay hidden, Hakone often reveals its own quiet beauty, through the drive, the landscapes, and the sense of stepping away from the pace of Tokyo. It’s wonderful to know that this came through and that the experience still felt meaningful and refreshing.
Kind regards,
Elie
Day trip to Hakone
We did a day trip to Hakone to see views of Fuji and get some time at a onsen. Cyril was our driver and he was incredible! He came to our bnb in Ginza and picked us up, on time, and made sure we had everything we needed. He was pleasant to talk to and taught us so much about Japanese culture. You arent just paying for a ride, you are paying for a tour guide who knows all the good spots for picture taking and less crowds. The van was extremely clean and cozy. We took a few naps but here and there. Cyril also stopped along the route anytime we needed to use the restroom. Super good time, super great driver, cozy van, amazing vibes, ect. I HIGHLY recommend Haven Japan for a daytrip.
20 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for sharing such a vivid account of your day in Hakone. I’m really glad to hear that the experience felt comfortable, unhurried, and genuinely enriching from the moment Cyril picked you up in Ginza. He has a very thoughtful way of guiding.
I especially appreciate your words about the difference between simply being driven and being guided. Helping guests avoid crowds, find the right viewpoints, and feel at ease enough to relax, is very much part of our philosophy. I’ll be sure to pass your kind feedback on to Cyril, he’ll be touched by it.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation.
Kind regards,
Elie
We had a great day from Tokyo to hakone…
We had a great day from Tokyo to hakone with Dominic. Picked us up right on time in a comfortable van and drove us to various stopping points to see Mt Fuji, which was visible all day. Because it was a holiday weekend he took care to avoid most of the crowds and was flexible enough to swing by the open air museum (highly recommend) and drop us at the Odawara Station for a train to Kyoto. We also had a lovely lunch. Dominic was an interesting and fun companion. Highly recommend this company. Communication was great throughout.
24 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Barbara,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience. I’m delighted to hear that your day from Tokyo to Hakone unfolded so smoothly, especially on a busy holiday weekend. Dominic is very attentive to timing and flow, and it’s wonderful to know that his choices helped you enjoy clear views of Mt. Fuji while avoiding the crowds.
I’m also glad the flexibility of the day, from the Open-Air Museum to your onward connection to Kyoto, made the journey feel effortless. Hearing that the lunch, the conversations, and the overall communication added to the pleasure of the day truly means a lot to us. Thank you for your trust and your recommendation.
Kind regards,
Elie
Chilled tour
Our tour guide Lucas was great and considerate. We had a relaxing day. We were able to stroll through hidden gems that we won’t be able to find on our own. Lucas was attentive on what we want to do. We had a blast. I would definitely recommend people to book the tour since Lucas tailored it to our interests for the whole day.
15 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Carol,
Thank you for your lovely message. I’m very glad to hear that your day with Lucas felt calm and unhurried, the way Hakone should be experienced. He has a real talent for finding those quiet corners and adjusting the pace to what each guest enjoys, and it’s wonderful to know the hidden spots he chose became such a highlight for you. I really appreciate your recommendation.
Kind regards,
Elie
Elie surpassed my expectations!
Elie surpassed my expectations! Courteous, intelligent, extremely knowledgeable and a down to earth genuine person. Our day with him as our tour guide was one of the best on our trip. If I make plans to return to Japan I will not hesitate to use Haven’s expertise.
30 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Lisa,
Thank you very much for such kind words. I’m truly grateful that the day we spent together left such a strong impression. Guiding becomes easy when the company is warm and curious, and I’m glad that came through in the experience.
It means a lot to hear you would choose Haven again on a future trip; that trust is something I never take lightly.
Kind regards,
Elie
Excellent 9 day tour with Elie
We had a wonderful nine day tour of Japan with Elie guiding the way. He took care of all the details,helped us with the planning, secured our accommodations and provided transport to all our sightseeing.
He made sure we were well taken care of the whole time and took the worry away of how we would negotiate in a country where we don’t speak the language and have never been before. From Tokyo to Kyoto and all our trips in between we saw amazing sights, peaceful gardens, wonderous shrines and ate delicious food. Thank Elie for showing us beautiful Japan in a way we could never have done by ourselves!
7 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Anne,
Thank you truly for such a generous and thoughtful review. Spending these nine days together across Japan is something I will also remember fondly. It was a pleasure to accompany you from the energy of Tokyo to the calm of Hakone, the deep spirituality of Nikko, the timeless beauty of Kyoto and Nara. Each region has its own character, and seeing you enjoy the contrasts and transitions between them was a real joy.
I’m glad the planning and logistics lifted the stress of traveling in a new country. My goal is always to let you simply enjoy the flow of each day, knowing that everything, accommodations, transport, visits, timing, has been taken care of quietly in the background. It means a lot to hear that this helped you feel at ease throughout the journey.
The moments we shared in the gardens, shrines, small local restaurants, and hidden corners along the way are the essence of why I love guiding. Japan reveals itself slowly, through details, textures, silences, and encounters, and I’m grateful you embraced all of that with such openness and curiosity. Your attention, kindness, and genuine interest made guiding you a pleasure from the first day to the last.
Thank you again for your trust, your company, and your warm words. I’m very happy that the trip felt complete and meaningful for you, and that you could experience Japan in a way that felt both comfortable and personal.
Kind regards,
Elie
A great way to view Mt Fuji and experience Hakone
This tour was a great way to see Hakone and view Mt Fuji as a day trip. It was a nice change of pace to step away from the city for a day to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and environment. The tour itself was highly customizable and Lucas was a fantastic tour guide, who helped provide recommendations and orientation on places to see and visit even when the weather took a turn for the worse. I particularly enjoyed stops at a relaxing tea house, a Coffee House with a scenic view of lake Ashinoko, and a castle in Hakone. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a day trip out of Tokyo to see Hakone and surrounding areas.
22 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Stephen,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience in such detail. I’m very glad to hear that the day offered you a gentler rhythm compared to Tokyo, and that Hakone’s calmer atmosphere came through even with the change in weather. Lucas will be very happy to know that his suggestions and flexibility helped you make the most of the day. He has a real talent for finding the right balance between peaceful spots, cultural sites, and those small moments that make a place memorable.
Your description of the tea house, the coffee house overlooking Lake Ashinoko, and the castle captures beautifully what we aim to share with our guests, quiet corners, local touches, and a sense of connection to the region. I truly appreciate your recommendation and the time you took to write this.
Kind regards,
Elie
Haven customized my tour and delivered an amazing experience .....
My whole experience was fantastic from the start. Booking is very easy on their website. My tour guide Evan was amazing at explaining and teaching me all about Japanese culture and traditions. The most incredible thing was that they were able to customize the tour on the fly making it seem seamless throughput the day. Great company, great tour guide, can't wait to book my next adventure!
29 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Armando,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share this experience. I am really glad to hear that everything felt smooth for you, from the booking on the website to the rhythm of the day itself. Evan truly enjoys sharing Japanese culture in a clear and approachable way, and it is wonderful to know that his explanations helped you connect more deeply with the places you visited.
I am especially happy that the adjustments we made throughout the day felt natural and seamless on your side. For us, tailoring the itinerary in real time to how you feel, your energy, and your interests is a very important part of what Haven is about. Knowing that this came across so clearly is very meaningful.
Thank you again for your trust and your kind words about both the company and Evan.
Kind regards,
Elie
Awesome guide
Awesome guide. And the spots were nice. All day just flew away with Evan.
Thank you for such a good day
25 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Elina,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day with Evan and that the time passed so quickly, always a good sign of a pleasant journey. It’s wonderful to know the places and atmosphere left you with such good memories.
Kind regards,
Elie
Haven Happiness
We were so happy to choose Haven for a private tour for our party of 4. From the night before to the end of our tour day, we were treated as if we were royalty. Haven's car was clean and extremely comfortable. Our tour companion, Lenny, was knowledgeable and articulate. He paid attention to our interests and fashioned our tour to meet our interests. His perspectives in explaining each site we visited allowed us to learn the best perspectives with each location. We were also grateful to Elie who helped with planning our tour. His responses to our emails were prompt and easy to understand. We appreciated his suggestions that really made our tour experience memorable. Haven is a young company that has every indication of growing with a reputation that surpasses the large tour companies. We were so grateful that we chose Haven for our day trip. Not one regret. Just alot of appreciation for a superb experience.
16 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Karen,
Your message truly means a lot, thank you. I’m so happy to know that your day with Lenny felt so special and that both the comfort of the journey and the balance of visits matched your expectations. Lenny takes great care in shaping each experience with insight and attention, and I’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. It was also a pleasure assisting with the planning and making sure every detail came together smoothly. I deeply appreciate your trust and your encouragement for our young company. Messages like yours inspire us to keep refining every journey we create.
Kind regards,
Elie
Our tour with Ahmed was incredible and…
Our tour with Ahmed was incredible and went far beyond our expectations. It truly felt like exploring Hakone with a friend who knew all the hidden gems. Ahmed was extremely knowledgable, friendly, and answered all of our questions along the way. We were lucky enough to catch a stunning view of Mount Fuji that day and ended the experience with a relaxing visit to the onsen. I highly recommend booking with HavenJapan. I can't wait to return to Japan and take friends on this tour! Thank you for everything!
17 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Mauricio,
Thank you for sharing such wonderful words. I’m truly glad to hear that your day in Hakone felt effortless and filled with discovery, and that Ahmed’s care and knowledge made it all the more memorable. Catching a clear view of Mount Fuji is always a gift, and I’m delighted you could finish the day in such calm at the onsen. It means a lot to know the experience stayed with you, we’d be happy to welcome your friends when you return to Japan.
Kind regards,
Elie
Fabulous, jam-packed, authentic experience
We had Evan as our wonderful tour guide. Despite a very cloudy/foggy day, we had a blast seeing sites in Hakone and up on the viewing areas on the mountain roads. He kept the conversation flowing, and focused not only on history but on items or sites of interest to our family. He took us to hidden gems, and the tour included not only the Hakone shrine, but also stepping through time on a part of the preserved centuries old Tokaido Road and the military gate in Hakone, a tea house, and then we rounded out the day with a traditional onsen and lovely dinner. An unforgettable experience.
16 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. I’m delighted that, even with the misty weather, you could still feel the magic of Hakone, from its quiet historical paths to the charm of the old Tokaido Road and the peaceful onsen at the end of the day. Evan will be very happy to know that his stories, attention, and thoughtful pacing made the experience so meaningful for your family.
Kind regards,
Elie
Day tour to Hakone, mt Fuji, onsen
We had one day tour with Lenny - very professional and communicative guide from France! We visited Hakone, mount Fuji and soaked for couple of hours in amazing onsen.
Great time-management, good insights, flexibility, friendliness and lot’s of interesting conversations - is what we experienced with Lenny.
Everything was very well organized.
We highly recommend this agency.
6 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Lia,
Thank you very much for your kind words and your referral; it means a lot. I’m delighted to know your day with Lenny went so smoothly and that his balance of knowledge, flexibility, and warmth made the experience enjoyable. It sounds like you embraced the spirit of Hakone perfectly, a day of discovery, conversation, and calm.
Kind regards,
Elie
A must book!
Very well put together private tour. They stop at numerous breathtaking locations, including a lookout point and multiple stops in Hakone including an incredible shrine. We speak English and were very happy with Evan who was extremely knowledgeable articulating the history of the locations.
Near the end of the tour we visited an Onsen that was very beautiful and relaxing. If this is a trip you are planning I would recommend paying the extra for a private room otherwise men and women are separated and bathing suits are not permitted. That said there was zero interest from anyone other than relaxing. The on site restaurant was phenomenal. We had the gyoza(best I’ve ever had), salmon and pork cutlet.
Very reasonably priced and highly recommend!
14 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Havenjapan
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed exploring Hakone with Evan and that the mix of scenery, culture, and onsen relaxation felt so well balanced. It’s great to hear you discovered the comfort of a private bath and even found some new favorite dishes along the way. I hope it will inspire the people browsing through the reviews!
Kind regards,
Elie
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