“A wonderful forest hike with great company ”
A fantastic walk through an area that without Kanae you couldn’t comfortable navigate yourself without experience or knowledge of the area. Kanae was very supportive during the walk, offering cold drinks and towels due to the very hot September weather. She also went out of her way to begin the tour earlier than planned so we could better avoid the hot mid-day. Kanae also accompanied us to a nice café after the walk for some well-needed refreshments, then took us to her son’s favourite ramen bar which is certainly now my favourite too. The hike itself wasn’t too physically challenging provided you have even some basic hiking activity under your belt. The heat was rough, but Kanae’s preparation was invaluable. The iced lychee salt drinks she brought were delicious. She patiently waited with us whilst we enjoyed the many great views and sights or took quick breathers. Thank you for a great hike Kanae!
“Thank you for our tour Yoshi”
We departed Osaka in the morning of this tour, and Yoshi kindly adapted the tour’s schedule to include him guiding us to the correct station for travelling to Kyoto. This was our third consecutive day spent with Yoshi as our guide, and he was just as friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was a particularly hot day, so he allowed us plenty of breaks in the shade with cold drinks. We saw the golden pavilion, bamboo forest, thousand-shrine gate and Gion geisha district. All were really enjoyable despite the oppressive heat, and adapted our tour to finish a little early at our request because of our long hot day. He also went out of his way to arrange a delicious vegetarian monk set lunch at the temple in the bamboo forest area, which was in a Michelin-star tatami-mat floor room. Our time with Yoshi was overall superb. He is a wonderful guide for first-time visitors who my family and I couldn’t recommend more.
“Most unique tour experience ”
We didn't want the typical tourist spots and that's what we got. The day was so fun and informative that it flew by. Akira was an excellent guide and host. He curated a tour just for us. And, we met some wonderful people along the way. Today was special.
Uncover Japan’s secrets and gain travel knowledge with a local private tour guide. Unlock hidden gems, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable journey.
With a tour guide, you can get to the good stuff, like the ethereal Tottori Sand Dunes and quaint Kinosaki Onsen. From enjoying bespoke traditional ryokans, to navigating the busy streets of Osaka, a tailored journey through Japan’s wonders only gets better with a local expert leading the way.
Beyond the big ticket destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, getting a personalized itinerary transforms a simple tour into lifelong memories. Customized by a local guide, your itinerary can feature lesser known sites like the Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, where stunning panoramic views of colorful flowers await.
Yes. Local private tour guides in Japan provide comfort, convenience, information, and organization, especially in a culturally and geographically diverse country.
A Japan tour guide enhances your trip by;
Still undecided? This article might interest you: Hiring A Guide In Japan: Pros & Cons.
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Japan because the weather is warm but not blazing and cool but not freezing.
Of course, March to May is Sakura season, so tourism is high during this time. To escape the crowds, try traveling from December to February. June to August is hot and moist, and May to June is rainy.
Need a full weather breakdown? Check out our Japan Tourism Statistics 2023.
Depending on your destination, Japan tour guides can be hired from 98 USD per group for a Kyoto Highlights Tour to upwards of 397 USD per group for a Customized Tokyo Experience. GoWithGuide's prices vary according to perks, venues, experiences, and included services. Head to the Japan Private Tours page to see our range of private tour costs.
Tokyo is the number one choice for first-time travelers to Japan. It combines the best elements from the 4 major islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu) into one melting pot of culture and creativity. With so much variety, you'll find The Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Ginza Shopping District, and Yomiuriland all in one city.
Tokyo also serves as a base for those who want to travel to nearby destinations like;
Helpful Article: 5 Relaxing Day Trips From Tokyo You Have To Try
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japan Tourism Statistics for a full breakdown of dos & don'ts, potential destinations, travel trends, weather statistics, and much more.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
With a real local of your choice
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So no group tours with strangers