Private tour in Izu Anthony Stephen E

America Opens Up Japan at Shimoda

4.7

(3) reviews

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Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
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1

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Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Anthony Stephen E.

5.0

Guide rating

84

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Tours delivered

7 hrs

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Hi, I'm Tony. Yokoso (welcome) to Japan, where I have lived for a decade. I specialize in walking and hiking tours of the Hakone region, a beautiful, geologically active, national park also including Mount Fuji. Originally a forester by profession, you will see some of my tours involve light trekking. As we walk, I like to help you experience our wild flora and fauna. Our region is tectonically active and includes Izu Geopark, Hakone Geopark, and of course Japan's iconic active volcano Mount Fuji. Enjoy learning about this active earth. Japanese history is a personal interest as I find a little appreciation of it helps in understanding today's Japan and its unique people. Experience Hakone region's pivotal role in Japan's history over the last 5 centuries (starting from Clavell's "Shogun") and local cultural activities. I live in Atami, a cute seaside hot spring resort just 45 minutes from Tokyo station by bullet train, and close to Hakone. Born in Fiji and educated in New Zealand, I have worked in tourism for nearly 3 decades all around Asia/Pacific. I decided to settle in Atami because this region is the most picturesque and interesting place I have experienced. As well as guiding tours I consult to the Shizuoka Prefectural Government on local tourism development, which has given me lots of ideas for experiences that enable you to touch grass-roots Japan. Your participation in these programs will also enrich our local rural communities. Booking my tours on this TBL platform confirms your agreement to your travel contract being INTERNET based as per Japan Travel Law. Just saying that, to keep your experience authentically Japanese, I don't take tips, but thanks anyway for your concern. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 (highest) Pass Japanese Law prohibits guides from driving, so many of my tours use our excellent public transport system, often including Japan's iconic bullet train zooming along the base of Mt Fuji (visible weather permitting). My tours are low carbon.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Anthony Stephen E.

Overview of your Izu tour

For American history buffs, let me share with you this fascinating story of the birth of the US/Japan relationship. Our tour sets out from the popular sea-side hot spring resort of Atami at the northern end of Izu Peninsula to spend the day in Shimoda immersed in the original sites and scenes. Mid-19th century US Navy's Admiral Perry forced a negotiation at Shimoda for Japan to open up to the US and other western powers. Perry failed to secure a trade agreement as part of this initial encounter however, so New York academic Townsend Harris was sent to reside in Shimoda for several years to fine-tune the US/Japan treaty. Harris thereby became Japan's first resident foreign diplomat (Consul General). Our tour follows the footprints of these US pioneers. Can also do as a day trip from Tokyo if you don't mind getting up early, catch Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama #705 departing Tokyo Station 07:27 your arrangement.

Your Izu tour itinerary

-Meet in your Atami hotel lobby at 08:00, or at Atami Station at 08:15. -We'll catch the local seaside train departing Atami 08:26, nice views of the Pacific and the Izu Islands has we chug southwards, reaching Shimoda at 09:57 -Taxi to Gyokusenji Temple, gifted by Japan to Townsend Harris to be the American Consulate and first diplomatic mission ever in Japan. Sense Harris's intelligent negotiating skills, personal stress, and sincere compassion for Japan -We'll stroll back along the pretty port-side to an early lunch at Shimoda Burger. This local icon has created a delicious burger using fresh seafood straight from the ocean in front of us, great coffee too -After lunch we walk the famous Perry Road which has been maintained much as it was 160 years ago -Enter Ryosenji Temple, where the resident Buddhist monk will show us ancient cross-cultural art works and make a short presentation in the same room where Perry forced his treaty -Finish at Shimoda Kaikoku Museum, train Shimoda/Atami 16:02/17:30

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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

Izukyu train Atami/Shimoda return, taxi Shimoda Station to Gyokusenji Temple, walking for the duration (about 2.5 miles walking total for the day)

What's included
Other: Gratuity is included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admissions (JPY2,000 per person)
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Atami, Shizuoka, Japan

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Religious Sites
History
Tour reference number
817930
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity level
Light
4.7

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Izu

3 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Atami best suited for?

This private tour in Atami is perfect for American history buffs and those interested in the US/Japan relationship. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Anthony Stephen E. for deeper insights into the historical events that shaped the interactions between these two nations.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Atami be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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