Private tour in Izu Anthony Stephen E
5.0
(26) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Anthony Stephen E.
5.0
Guide rating
85
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Allow me to guide and interpret for you a personalized tour of Hakone, one of the highlight destinations of any visit to Japan Hakone is an ancient caldera, about 15 miles in diameter, these days with a very low level eruption ongoing in Owakudani crater. We will fly right across the mouth of this active crater on the ropeway (not recommended for visitors with respiratory or heart disorders) Another mini crater within Hakone caldera is Lake Ashinoko which is about half a mile deep. We will cross this lake that never freezes, because of volcanic hot spring water gushing up from its depths, using Hakone's famous pirate ship. Mt Fuji views, weather permitting Enjoy strolling a short section of the Old Tokaido Foot Highway, that has connected Japan's main centers of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for centuries. Towering 400 year-old Japanese Cedars line both sides of the Highway At Amazake Teahouse allow me to interpret your chat with the 13th generation managing Yamamoto family. Let's have fun exploring together.
A wonderful, informative tour with a very knowledgeable guide who knew well the history, botany and geology of the area. It was great to be shown this area by a native English speaker. Nothing was lost in translation, and we were able to ask our questions knowing they were fully understood. We highly recommend touring with Tony!
Tony was a great tour guide! We were to reserve a taxi to take us to the Gora station, but I let him know in advance that this might be a problem. He came up with another solution that worked perfectly. He advised us in advance to get the Hakone Free Pass which was very easy to do. During our hike, he would stop and explain various things (and allow us to catch our breath). The picnic at the lake with the delicious food from the bakery was very enjoyable. Having the tea house owner come and chat with us was a highlight. The entire day was a success and everyone in our group enjoyed it immensely.
We were so happy with the time we spent with Tony in Hakone. Although a native Kiwi, he is as Japanese as they get in terms of knowledge, language, and love of the country and its people. But, as a native English speaker, he was VERY easy to understand and explained things to us about the Japanese language that we hadn’t been able to understand from guides whose second language was English. We took the bullet train from Yokohama to Odawara, where Tony met us as we walked off the train. He was very helpful in helping us with the whole process and shepherded us through the rest of the day as we traveled through beautiful landscapes by train, cable car, gondola, and pirate ship. He thoughtfully carried umbrellas for us all day, though, gratefully, we didn’t need them. Seeing the volcano, Mt. Fuji and walking through the ancient forest to the 400 year old tea house were highlights.
We really enjoyed our time with Tony. He was very knowledgeable about all things Japan, after living here for 20 years. Tony was kind, flexible when our plans needed to change and was a lovely conversationalist and guide. Hope our paths cross again soon!
We had an awesome time. Our tour guide Tony was informative, accommodating, and supportive for any requests. Tony met all of our needs plus went above and beyond to make our love of Japanese history come to life. Tony is a great guide. Thank you so much Marge & Max.
Tony was wonderful with 8 of us visiting from India. He gave plenty of time , took us to the right places , guided us flawlessly , strongly recommend him for the area , thanks a lot Tony
8.30am Meet me lobby of your Hakone hotel, briefing and walk to nearest bus stop -Cable car up to the top of Souunzan active volcano and ropeway across active volcanic crater Owakudani -Cruise across Lake Ashinoko, walk through Hakone Checkpoint, along Cedar Avenue to MotoHakone, picnic lunch by the Lake (buy our supplies at the convenience store), -Bus up to Amazake Chaya teahouse (currently in its 13th generation of management) for traditional Japanese refreshments, bus back down forest clad Old Tokaido Highway to Lake Ashinoko (Motohakone). -Bus back to your Hakone hotel. Involves about 1. 5 miles of walking for the day, mostly along Old Tokaido Highway - please wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip and bring a parka in case of rain.
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.
All public - local buses, cable car, ropeway, cruise, walking
Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I will meet you lobby of your Hakone hotel
English
JapaneseWho is this private tour in Hakone best suited for?
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Hakone 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?
What languages is this tour offered in?
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
8 hours
1
8 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!
How it works