About Us

GoWithGuide is Your Marketplace for Customizable Private Tours

Founded in Japan in 2013

About GoWithGuide

GoWithGuide is a marketplace for private tours where you can customize your itinerary by directly messaging guides and private car tour suppliers even before purchasing a tour. Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2013, we continue to provide the best travel experiences around the world by matching local guides and travelers.

For those who want to make the most of your trip

Don’t miss the must-see sights, savor the local cuisines, and do it all efficiently and safely. With a private tour that allows you to customize your itinerary, you can truly enjoy your trip to the fullest.

GoWithGuide is Your Marketplace for Customizable Private Tours.

2013

Founded in Japan

17,907

Total reviews to date

Countries with Guides

2,150

Registered Guides

Our Story

Feb 2013

Founder Naoaki Hashimoto establishes Travelience Co., Ltd.

Mar 2013

We begin offering group tours in Tokyo

Apr 2014

We launch TripleLights, a private tour marketplace matching travelers to Japan with local tour guides (later rebrand as GoWithGuide)

Feb 2017

We begin to offer Private Car Tours as products

Jun 2020

We begin international expansion of local tour guide matching services beyond Japan

Jun 2020

We launch online experiences in response to COVID-19

Jan 2021

We rebrand “Triple Lights” to “GoWithGuide

Sep 2023

We receive the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Awards

Why Book with Us?

Find Caring and Professional Tour Guides Easily

All guides listed on our platform are reliable professionals who have passed our rigorous interview and screening process. Furthermore, we regularly review our guides to ensure that your needs and preferences are continuously satisfied.

All Tours are Customizable

Each tour can be tailored to suit your specific needs and preferences! Start by reaching out to your favorite guides and work together to create your ideal itinerary.

Reduce the Hassle of Planning a Trip

Planning a trip can be more challenging and time-consuming than you think. With a guide who is knowledgeable about the local area, you can ease the burdens of trip planning.

All Tours Are Private

Enjoy eating whatever you‘re in the mood for that day and get instant answers to your questions from your guide on the spot. Take your time for pictures or slow down to see as much as you want. A private tour is all about adjusting to meet your pace and satisfying your curiosity.

Got Questions? Speak with a Real Person

Both our guides and our customer support team at GoWithGuide are committed to answering your questions with personalized attention, 24/7, every day of the year.

Get to Know Our Guides Through Their Profile Videos

Get to know our guide‘s personality, knowledge, and language skills by watching their self-introduction video before purchasing a tour. Once you find a guide you like, you can message them and learn more about their qualities through their responses, giving you a peace of mind before making a purchase.

Private Tours Are a Cost-effective Choice

Our pricing usually covers the whole tour, not per individual, making it a better value for groups of two or more compared to a bus tour. Plus, you‘ll enjoy the privacy of a personalized tour experience.

Our Attentive Customer Support Team

We‘re dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience with our guides. Our team is here to assist with any questions or issues you may have, providing prompt, friendly, and clear support. Don‘t hesitate to Contact Us!

A Day with GoWithGuide’s Private Tour Guide

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Naoaki Hashimoto

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Naoaki Hashimoto is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of GoWithGuide (Travelience, Inc.) and sets the vision and strategy for the company. Born in Tokyo in 1979, Naoaki graduated from Waseda University in 2002.

He began his career at Accenture and later moved to Recruit Co., Ltd., where he took on a role in the sales department of major travel booking sites. In 2012, Naoaki traveled to 30 countries over nine months, which inspired him to launch Travelience Inc. in 2013. He is also a member of the committee for National Government Licensed Guides at the Japan Tourism Agency.

Naoaki‘s passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries, including an overland journey from Tokyo to Africa during his student years. He has been featured in magazines, has written articles for travel media, and has appeared on various TV and radio channels.