GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Is it better to have a tour guide in Japan?

Amy Dodgson

by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Amy Dodgson

Last updated : Apr 28, 20224 min read

Travel Tips

Japan is become increasingly foreigner friendly as the years go by but there is still a lack of English skills that can make getting around a little more difficult. So it is worth using a local tour guide who can help you have the best experience in Japan. Not only can a local guide help you with language but they can introduce you to local spots only Japanese people know and give you the detailed history of Japan's historic locations. 

Get a local's perspective on their beloved city and find out why your private guide is so passionate about living in Japan. With our professional and certified tour guides, you will be able to find a tour that suits your travel needs. 

Just check out these reasons below as to why you should book a tour with  GoWithGuide

  • Video presentation from the guides. Easily select the guide you like the most by watching their exclusive profile videos!
  • It's more affordable than it seems. Our pricing is often per tour (not per person), so if your group is 2 or more, you'll probably pay less than if you took a bus tour.
  • Every tour is customizable. Every tour can be customized to your time, needs and preferences! Simply confirm your booking and contact the guide to make the changes. There is no risk and you have free cancellation with a 100% refund guarantee!
  • Go at your own pac. Take your time for pictures or slow down to see as much as you want. With your private guide, your tour is flexible.
  • Enjoy Japan with a local guide. With intimate access to places off the beaten paths, you can have a more in-depth experience not seen on bus tours.
  • All tours are private. Enjoy a deeper learning experience as your guide will be 100% focused on you and the people traveling with you.
  • Questions? Talk to a REAL person. We have a superior customer support team who are ready to help you with any questions you may have!

Recommended tours

One Day Trip to Kamakura

blog imageExplore this historic city next to Tokyo with an experienced local. 

Kamakura is a very popular tourist destination and has a lot of temples, shrines and historical places. Sometimes the city is called the Kyoto of eastern Japan. 

Highlights

  • Hokoku-ji temple
  • Hase-dera temple
  • Kotoku-in temple (The Great Buddha)

Best Spots of Tokyo

blog image

Let out friendly tour guide Riko show you the best that Tokyo has to offer. 

Highlights

  • Tsukiji Fish Market: Intriguing the Outer market (Excluding Tuna auction)
  • Tokyo Tower: Breathtaking city view of Tokyo [or Tokyo City View, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory, Tokyo Sky Tree]
  • Asakusa: Historic Sensoji Temple, Hustle-bustle Nakamise Street
  • Meiji-Jingu Shrine: Serene Shinto Shrine
  • Harajuku: Mecca of teenage-fashionistas, Takeshita Street
  • Shibuya: Scramble crossing, Hachi-ko Statue, Depachika (amazing food hall of a department store)

Customizable Tokyo Tour

blog imageWant to travel around Tokyo but don't want to get lost and don't want to miss out? Then this is the tour for you. This is a customizable private tour just for you. 

Highlights

  • Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
  • Asakusa and Sensoji-temple
  • Shinjuku

Kyoto's Most Popular Spots

blog imageThis is a private tour of Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots. It is also the most popular tour in Kyoto. 

Highlights

  • Kinkakuji Temple
  • Ryo-anji Temple
  • Nijyo-jo castle
  • Sanjyu-sangendo temple
  • Nishiki Market

Osaka Minami Gastronomic Tour

blog imageThis tour is great for those who want to save their time in Osaka. See all the best sights in Osaka with this private, locally guided tour of Osaka.

Highlights

  • Namba Yasaka Shrine
  • Doguyasuji
  • Kuromon Market
  • Dotombori River Walking
  • Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
  • Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku Tower)

Written by Amy Dodgson

blog writer avatar

GoWithGuide’s writers are passionate travel specialists sharing unique tips and essential information for global explorers.

Kanagawa Tour Guide - Yuki K.

Yuki K.

4.78 / 5
(365 reviews)
Japan

I was born and grew up in Yokohama. I used to work in Tokyo for more than 20 years. I became the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English in 2013. At first, I had attended a volunteer group which provided a tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens until 2015. I guided more than fifty times in the garden as a volunteer and studied about Japanese history and culture. Based on this experience, I became a tour guide of this online site in 2015. Since then, I have guided more than 500 tours in Tokyo as well as Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nikko, etc., while improving my tours. My tours are very flexible and I always do my best to customize them according to the interests of my guests. I studied about the places and will provide you knowledge to appreciate them more deeply than just visiting there by yourself or a member of group tours. I like foods and I know many restaurants which provide typical Japanese lunch with reasonable price without waiting too long. Therefore, I am sure that I can provide you the best tours customized to your interests. It will be my great pleasure to help you to enjoy your stay in Japan. So please be my guest!!                                                                                                                                 

Kyoto Tour Guide - Hiroshi Y.

Hiroshi Y.

4.67 / 5
(325 reviews)
Japan

Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .                                                                                                                                 

Tokyo Tour Guide - Akira N.

Akira N.

4.94 / 5
(318 reviews)
Japan

Hello, My name is Akira. I am certified national guide interpreter. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years. I love walking in the city with no particular plan finding trasures in the streets such as nice ramen noodle restaurants, cafes, funny billboards, and most of all, narrow alleys that remind me of good old days. I will help you enjoying the days in the city fully and making your vist memorable one. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.                                                                                                                                 

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