Bio
Akihiro Hoshino has 28 years of fly fishing experience. Born in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture in 1985, Akihiro Hoshino spent his childhood in Nikko, mountain stream fishing and wandering in the mountains. After graduating from university, he worked for a major outdoor manufacturer, then returned to Nikko City and became involved in outdoor education for children as an instructor. After that, he joined Nikko City Hall for 10 years, where he was in charge of promoting tourist attractions in Nikko. During this time, both at work and in his private life, he reaffirmed the appeal of Nikko as a destination for nature escapes and outdoor sports activities. In 2020, he founded Ametsuchi with his wife Yukari Hoshino, a competing skyrunner, to enrich people’s lives through outdoor sports.
Message
I specialize in fly fishing and tenkara fishing, a traditional Japanese form of fishing. Experiences are held at Yunoko Lake and Yugawa River in Nikko, the birthplace of fly fishing in Japan. It is a sacred place to fly fishing enthusiasts because British merchant Thomas Glover released brook trout into Yunoko and Yugawa in 1902, thus introducing fly fishing to Japan. For tenkara fishing, we will go to beautiful mountain streams in Nikko. Both of these activities are quite challenging to begin on your own, but I have extensive experience guiding beginners. We will guide you one group per day and provide all equipment so you don't have to worry. We will help you make your first fly fishing or tenkara fishing debut with us!
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
The moment I caught my first sculpin fish in the mountain stream that ran behind my house as a child. The excitement of suddenly being connected to life with a single fishing line was a pivotal experience, and it has led me to my current work.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
It's our hometown, our work place, our school, our playground. It’s one of the things we should all protect above all else.
Q: What has nature taught you?
There are things that can be accomplished with inspiration, frustration, and passion. And yet there are things that are only available now, so we need to be humble, to share with our peers, and be grateful.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
We want you to experience the beautiful nature of Nikko through outdoor sports and leave with unforgettable memories. We hope you leave with a piece of Nikko in your heart.
