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 writter avatar

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

Gifu Tour Guide - Akiko W.

Akiko W.

5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
Japan

Hello! My name is Akiko from Gifu prefecture. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I like going out with my family, talking with my friends over coffee at a cozy cafe, reading books, baking bread and cake when I have time. I passed the national tour guide test in 2017 and have worked as a guide since then. I have guided in Gifu city, Seki city, Takayama city, Shirakawago , Mino city and Nagoya city. I have lived in Gifu for more than forty years. Gifu prefecture is rich in nature so you can enjoy the rural atmosphere. Gifu city has a beautiful river 'Nagara river' and Mt.Kinka which has Gifu castle on the top. You can go up the mountain on foot or use a ropeway. The view from Gifu castle is so fantastic. At the foot of the mountain , there are many places to visit such as parks, a temple having a big image of Buddha, and a street preserving the historic atmosphere. At Nagara River, you can enjoy seeing a traditional way of fishing ‘cormorant fishing’ which is thought to have started 1300 years ago. Many cafes have unique service called 'morning service' in Gifu along with Aichi In the morning (until about ten thirty or eleven) when you order a cup of tea or coffee, they serve toast and salad ! Near Gifu park , you can find a nice Japanese style cafe where you enjoy good coffee and seeing a Japanese style garden. Seki city is a small city but so famous for its cutlery. At Japanese sword museum in Seki, you can see authentic Japanese swords! Mino city next to Seki city is well known for its hand made Japanese paper 'Hon minoshi' designated as intangible cultural asset by UNESCO . Until recently it was not easy to guide guests because of COVID-19 pandemic; however the situation is getting better. Some strict rules about COVID-19 have been lifted. Please visit Gifu. I am looking forward to seeing you. Please feel free to ask me when you need information about Gifu. Thank you for reading my introduction.                                                                                                                                 

Fukuoka Tour Guide - Kazue I.

Kazue I.

5.00 / 5
(19 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I am Kazue. I am from Fukuoka and live in the central city. I spent almost 20 years traveling around the world as a cabin attendant. Meeting different people, different cultures and eating local food were best things in my career. This experience definitely widened my perspective and will help me in some way when I work as a guide. Since I spent half my life outside of Japan, I noticed our culture and traditions are very unique and became more interested in historical sites in Japan. For my personal life, I am a mom of twins. It is still a hard work but I am enjoying a lot with them. We take them around Kyushu whenever possible for their fun and experience. We all love traveling after all. I am looking forward to showing you around our hometown soon!                                                                                                                                  

Shiga Tour Guide - Koichi W.

Koichi W.

4.95 / 5
(61 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.                                                                                                                                 

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