Private tour in Izu Akira K
4.8
(31) reviews
7 hours
1
7 hours
1
Akira K.
4.8
Guide rating
186
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello, Hajimemashite! ("Nice to meet you" in Japanese) My name is Akira (Arti) and I would like to be your tour guide when you decide to visit my home country, Japan. First of all, I would like to thank you for looking at my pages. I have been working as a nationally licensed tour guide in Japan since 2010 and JGA class-A guide. I have guided more than 500 groups, working more than 130 days a year. I am a 75 year old male, living in Yokohama suburbs adjacent to Tokyo with my wife. I lived in the USA, Spain and Germany experiencing the local life, culture, language and negotiations. My hobby is riding motorcycles (KTM and Vespa scooters) so I hope to find riders among you travelers too. I travel throughout Japan, not only in guide business, but also on my bikes. My "Around Japan" journey is on its 10th lap and I have been visiting different places and routes every time. That is how I accumulated all the local information which helps me a lot as a guide. I can take you to non tourism places such as various factory tours, utilizing my electrical and mechanical engineering back ground. I have also been a railroad fan since 12 yrs old which helps me to take around travelers to local railroad lines in beautiful sceneries. I lived in the United States for 8 years with my family and have visited 45 countries in the world on business and for pleasure so I understand the people and cultures of many other countries. I recently finished my 6 month Spanish training in Valencia, Spain so I can guide in Spanish, too. My other interest areas are the biology, entomology, linguistics, paleontology and electronics. I am a back alley food gourmet, and of course, I love drinking sake at local back alley taverns, too. So, just email me about your interest in Japan! I will give you various suggestions when you decide to select Japan for your travel destination. I am more than happy to customize your trip for you, too. I am available for multiple days depending on my availability. I own a national license in English speaking guide, itinerary management and an unlimited class motorcycle rider's license. I have been trained in a Japanese and American travel agencies as a guide. I have a master's degree in physics and electronics. I do not drive travelers but need to use publicly available transportation measures. I do not guide underaged persons nor wheel chaired person alone unless accompanied by his/her family due to the local regulations.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Akira K.
Visit Hakone to prospect Mt. Fuji from distance over Ashinoko lake (when in good condition), touch the cool air on the lake cruising, and explore the ancient Edo time (1600 to1868) Tokaido highway (Route 1). Stop by at the Hakone Marquetry atelier and see the master craftsman's demo in front of your very eyes, communicating with him. Enjoy local soba (buck wheat) noodles or fried lake smelt. You also enjoy the variety of transportation, the mountain rail with switch back climbing, the ropeway up to along the park, the gondola over the smoking volcanic valley and see majestic Mt. Fuji in a distance, enjoy lake cruise, walk through the ancient Route 1, and bus ride through old villages making stop at the marquetry atelier (the products can be purchased here). All these will make your trip unforgettable.
We had a wonderful time with Arti in our Hakone walking tour, his knowledge of the area and its history made it more interesting. The customization of the itinerary based on where we were staying and what we were doing after the tour was very helpful and convenient for us. Even with customization, we covered everything we would have covered in the original itinerary offered. Would highly recommend using Arti as a guide.
We’ve been using tours by locals for 10 years, and “Arti” is among the best guides we have ever had. His knowledge of Japanese history and culture were top notch, and his language proficiency made him very easy to follow. Akira is a true Renaissance man, with knowledge across many areas. Those who listen carefully will learn not only about their tour, but a little about life from this citizen of the world. I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Very great tour of Hakone! We managed to get a lot done in one day and it was great to have Akira as our tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about Hakone and Japan in general! Would highly recommend
Wonderful tour and fantastic guide.
Arti put together a nice tour of Hakone. We visited the major sites, including the ropeway, Lake Ashi, and a Yosegi demonstration. He was very knowledgeable about the area and navigated expertly. He incorporated history of the region as well as overall Japanese history. We were lucky enough to see Fuji, even though it is rare at this time of year
Arti is great, very knowledgeable and great English
-9:00: Meet your guide at Odawara station bullet train ticket gate. -Mountain rail to Gora, then cable car to Sounzan. -Ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley, then to Togendai to the lake cruise to Sekisho Ato. -Walk through cedar shaded old highway Route 1 -Soba noodle lunch or to your choice. -Taxi or bus down to Hatajuku for Hakone Wood Work shop for the master craftsman's demonstration -Brief stop at stone paved ancient route 1 (optional) and Amazake Chaya, the rest house for ancient travelers, if time allows. -Continue taxi/bus ride to Yumoto station, then back to Odawara by 5:00. Which train to take from Odawara will be suggested depending on your hotel location in Tokyo. If you stay overnight in Hakone, my suggestions and recommendations are available. As an option, Onsen hot spring can be arranged with sacrifice of one of above visiting spots.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Two day Hakone Free Pass is sold at 6000jpy per person which covers all the transportation except taxi. This will save some small money and skip ticket buying at the stations. Mountain rail, cable car, ropeway gondola, route bus, lake cruise or taxi. A chauffeured vehicle can be arranged as an option by your specific request.
Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan
Any pre-agreed spot through the prior email communications.
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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
7 hours
1
7 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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