Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Thank you for the amazing time at Yokohama!!”

Engaging Kota-san as our private driver-guide at Yokohama was of the best decision of our Yokohama trip! Yokohama was our very first stop in Japan, and I had a wishlist of places I wanted to see. I was not sure if we could realistically fit everything into one day, but Kota-san made it happen seamlessly. Right from the start, he was incredibly responsive and patient. He listened to what we wanted and worked together to fine-tune our itinerary. He also accommodated our request to start later in the afternoon so we could catch Yokohama's daytime charm as well as its stunning night views. On top of that, he went out of his way to book a dinner reservation for us at Hotenkaku Tenshimpo in Chinatown before the tour, which we very much appreciated. Despite our ambitious list, everything was planned so efficiently that we checked off every single spot within seven hours: Iseyama Kotaijingu Shrine, Bashamichi Street, the Red Brick Warehouse, Motomachi, Yamashita Park, Chinatown, Marine Tower, and gorgeous views as he drove us across the Yokohama Bay Bridge. Amazingly, it never felt rushed. We had plenty of time to take photos, explore, and soak in the atmosphere. Kota-san guided us through great walking routes and scenic spots we never would have found on our own. He was also remarkably thoughtful with photos, spotting beautiful backdrops before we even noticed them. Some of my favorite photos from the entire trip were taken by him. More than just a guide, Kota-san was fantastic company. Conversation flowed easily, and the cultural exchanges made the day feel personal, like exploring with a knowledgeable local friend rather than just a tour. It truly set the tone for the rest of our journey. I would definitely recommend Kota-San if anyone is looking for guided tours in Yokohama! Thank you for all the amazing memories at Yokohama! 本当にありがとうございました!

“Una Tokyo più vera ”

Simone è stata la parte più bella della nostra giornata a Tokyo. Nonostante il caldo intenso di quel pomeriggio abbia reso il percorso più impegnativo del previsto, si è mostrato estremamente flessibile e attento, adattandosi senza problemi alle nostre esigenze dell’ultimo momento — con particolare gentilezza e pazienza verso mio padre, a cui ha dedicato attenzione speciale per tutto il tour. Ma quello che ha reso davvero speciale l’esperienza è stato Shimokitazawa: un quartiere che non conoscevamo e che quasi certamente non avremmo mai scoperto da soli, lontano dai percorsi turistici classici. Simone ce l’ha raccontato con una passione autentica, mostrandoci una Tokyo diversa — più vera, più vissuta — che ha completamente cambiato la nostra percezione della città. Consigliamo Simone senza riserve a chiunque voglia vivere Tokyo con una guida che unisce competenza, sensibilità e una conoscenza profonda dei suoi angoli meno battuti.

Simone M.

(10 reviews)

Grazie di cuore per queste parole splendide. Sapere di avervi fatto scoprire la vera anima di Shimokitazawa — e di aver reso la giornata piacevole per tuo padre nonostante il caldo — è la soddisfazione più grande. Un caro saluto a tutti voi e a presto per nuove esplorazioni!

“Private tour by car full day @ 37c°”

Akira is a knowledgable; professional and entertaining guide. Today it was 37°C 70%+ humidity it was a hot day Glad that we had private car, a good big save Toyota 7 seater with aircon available for our party of 2!. Akira is very flexible we took the standard tour but changed one of the sites which we were happy about because of the relentless heat. 4 sites: Arashimaya bamboo Forrest, Kinkaku-ji golden temple, Sanjsangen-do temple 1001 boedha, (my favourite) Fushimi inari shrine (Tori gates) Style: Story telling with history timeline and logic! Akira has fast knowledge of Kioto and not just some historical facts but the whole day was setup with a certain logic thus creating a complete story with start middle and end. Which explains the relation between the use of land (farm), control (hierarchy), influence of different religions (powers) and connecting the place you visit I suggest to watch last Samurai and Shogun on Netflix you will understand more the struggles ways and how this society is formed. Language? Good english with a American style, able to convers easily not only tell and explain but very interactive ! Can adapt easily on the whises and level of guests. Although his speach pace is fast he can change, sometimes its just a lot of volume but he is caused by enthousiast am. Of course fluent Japanese Locol? Yes very much a local guy living between Osaka and Kioto. So for lunch try local food ask him a good Ramen restaurant Go local! We ate amazing ramen! Atmosfere: Good friendly helpful and flexible! Making a good comfortable tour. Worthwihle? Yes yes yes yes We only had one day so Akira helped us to make it most out it. The sites were very nice and your not only visiting them but also learning and understanding it will give context! Driving? Save and with good manners can easily navigate and knows his way around Improvements? @Akira, get your own “Tory gate” mate, it will, help your businesses.

Akira F.

(78 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I feel truly lucky to have met you both in Kyoto. And rather than saying that I’m knowledgeable, I have to say I was equally impressed by your own knowledge and understanding of Japanese history. Although you may have visited Japan many times before, I truly hope that after this experience, you have gained an even deeper understanding of Japan’s fascinating history and culture. I also really appreciate all the meaningful photos you took while I was explaining everything. I absolutely love them, and I’m very happy to share them online so that more people can see them. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely hope we’ll have another opportunity to meet again in the future. Thank you!