Japan Private Car Tours

“Unique, relaxing, off the beaten track experience ”

If you are looking for fresh air, warm hospitality, an opportunity to learn about family life in a small Japanese mountain village and to see how rice is grown, this is the tour for you. We loved learning how the rice fields are watered, walking in the family’s beautiful Japanese garden, visiting the beautiful and peaceful village shrine where harvest celebrations are held and walking in the quiet forest near their home. It was such a lovely antidote to the crowds in the city. Naomi and her family were so kind to us and she was so patient in answering our many questions about life and culture in Japan. Naomi speaks fluent English. I highly recommend this tour. It has been a clear highlight of our trip to Japan.

Naomi K.

(5 reviews)

Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to me and my family. We were also so happy to welcome such wonderful guests into our home and village. Your curiosity, kindness, and respect for our lifestyle made the day very special for us too. I really enjoyed sharing our rice fields, local shrine, forest paths, and everyday family life with you. I’m especially glad that you felt the peaceful atmosphere of our mountain village after the busy cities in Japan. That balance between nature, family, and tradition is something I deeply treasure, so it made me very happy to share it with you. Thank you as well for your many thoughtful questions and warm conversations throughout the tour. Hosting you was honestly one of the highlights for me too. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan is filled with many more wonderful memories, and you are always welcome back to our village anytime.

“A great Initial D experience!”

Andy was a pleasure to be with and was very knowledgeable about the tour, taking the time to drive us to the fictional delivery driver's home course along with the other loactions they feature on the show. He was also very communicative prior to the tour to ensure we knew when and where to meet up with him. I highly recommend taking this tour for the diehard Initial D fan.

“Amazing Azumino with the best company!”

I was planning to visit Azumino after my hike & stay in Kamikochi / Matsumoto, and while the city is nearby, navigating the area is time-consuming just by taking public transport. So I was so glad to have met Yoshiko san, during my first time ever using Gowithguide! She was very friendly, kind, communicative, and was able to adapt to my requests and interests. For instance, when I mentioned that I loved nature and museums (Azumino has an Art Line!), she recommended the best place for viewing the Northern Alps and gave advice on planning our route better. We were blessed with the best weather, and I learned many new things thanks to this tour, including the significance of the local gods Dosojin -- very apt for a drive around the area! Apart from taking me to places where i've always wanted to go, she also took me to have soft serve at a local farm, which was the best activity to do after a hot day. Although it was a short half day trip, I felt like I made a friend in Yoshiko san and her equally kind & attentive husband who kindly drove us around on that day. As a solo female traveler, traveling with a reliable guide like Yoshiko made me feel safe and taken care of. I look forward to meeting the both of them again during my next trips to Nagano, and would happily introduce them to my friends visiting the area!

Yoshiko O.

(1 reviews)

Dear Sue, Thank you so much for going with me in Azumino and for your kind comments. I am very glad that, with such fine weather, we were able to enjoy the panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps, and that both Chihiro Museum Azumino and the spacious Chihiro Park fascinated you. As it was a hot day, we enjoyed delicious ice cream together at the crowded Northern Alps Dairy Farm Shop at the end of the trip. Seeing you appreciate the nature and culture of Azumino made me happy as well, and I am grateful to have been part of your journey. Thank you again for your warm encouragement. I hope the nature and peaceful atmosphere of Azumino refreshed you, and I wish you all the very best for the future. I look forward to welcoming you again in Nagano. Warm regards, Yoshiko