Gifu Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hello everyone. I am Tetsuji. I worked as a public servant in the local government for 35 years. I belonged to the department of Redevelopment, Town-Landscaping, Preserving historical areas and Architectural Guidance. (I have a national 1st-class architect license.) I devoted myself to revitalizing the city by making plans and improving infrastructure for citizens. Gifu is located in central Japan near Nagoya. As just being the crossroads of the West and the East, there are many unique attractions that are hard to discover in hectic big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. I had a hand in restoring and preserving some of them throughout my career and want to introduce them to tourists from abroad. That’s why I became a guide-interpreter in Gifu. I also enjoyed traveling around the world. My favorite part of each trip was walking around the city and talking with local residents. Traveling has taught me lots of things during my lifetime. Now, I would like to help others have similar experience in Japan. Shall we enjoy fantastic journey in Gifu?

Yuichi W.

4.61 / 5

(18 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yuichi, an English tour guide in Hokuriku region. If you are thinking about traveling to historical places such as Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama, I am willing to offer a tour. I can bring you to those popular destinations from my base, Toyama city. These are the examples of my tour: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama Takaoka - Gokayama - Shirakawago - Takayama Toyama - Tateyama Kurobe Alipne Route - Omachi (Nagano Pref.) During the tour I like to provide simple explanations about Japanese history, and small tips for using the Japanese language on your request. My interests are food, cooking, sake and wine as well as Japanese novels and movies. It would be possible to add those tastes to our tour including a visit to local wineries, movie scenes, etc... Finally, I will do my best to give you a pleasant stay. Looking forward to seeing you in Hokuriku!

Kazuhiko G.

4.78 / 5

(190 reviews)

Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!

Akiko W.

5.00 / 5

(9 reviews)

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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.

New Gifu Tour Guides

Yoko S.

Hello and Welcome to Japan. I was born and raised in Japan, but grew up in an American environment, receiving an education in both English and Japanese from preschool through high school. For the past 30 years, I’ve lived in Nagoya, a city located between Tokyo and Osaka. Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the 4th largest city in Japan, well-known for being a major hub in manufacturing industries, particularly automobiles and aviation. With over 30 years of experience in global business, I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively to North America, Europe, Mexico, Australia, and various countries across Asia. Along the way, I’ve led many tours and, for the past 10 years, I’ve been exploring the beautiful mountains and many non-touristy locations surrounding Nagoya. These hidden places can be far less touristy, offering the chance to breathe in fresh, clean air and immerse yourself in nature. I’m committed to offering you the most comfortable and personalized tour experience possible. If you have any specific places you would like to visit or a customized itinerary, you’d like me to arrange, please don’t hesitate to let me know. As a licensed driver in Japan, I can legally drive you during your tour if you approve, and my car is fully insured for all passengers. The vehicle used will be the same model shown in the photo for private tours. I look forward to helping you experience the best that Japan has to offer!

Shoten S.

Hello, my name is Shoten, please call me Sho. I was born in a local area in Toyama prefecture. I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. After graduation, I continued to study English at a local English circle. In international activities, I also guided foreign people around Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Gifu Prefecture. After retirement, I work as a guide interpreter and a translator. The Hokuriku region has many sightseeing spots, including beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, and traditional crafts like Takaoka copperware and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism, such as the Kurobe dam and industrial tourism. I look forward to welcoming you to the Hokuriku region.

Hirohiko S.

5.00 / 5

(4 reviews)

Hello! I’m Hiro, and I’m excited to share my love for Japan with travelers worldwide. I have a passion for anime and the peaceful beauty of the Japanese countryside. Born in Japan, I’ve also lived in the U.S. and India, giving me a broad cultural perspective. While I have a reserved and easygoing nature, I enjoy meeting new people and building genuine connections. I’m a car enthusiast and love exploring rural roads, though I’ve also worked in Japan’s bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Whether you want a relaxed countryside tour or to discover hidden gems, I’ll help make your journey memorable. I look forward to guiding you on an unforgettable adventure in Japan!

Serge R.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

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Hi lovely travelers, I'm Serge, originally from the Netherlands, and Japan has been my home for over three decades now. What brought me here initially was love, and that love has kept me rooted in this beautiful country ever since. Along the way, I discovered another love: Japan itself. Following my stint as a radio jockey and TV presenter, where I co-hosted a dedicated program for the Nagoya Grampus soccer team, I transitioned to a behind-the-scenes role as a media fixer for international media outlets. Though my job as media fixer, I've been traveling and working throughout all of Japan, exploring unique places and meeting lots of very interesting people. I would love to share and make you, my dear traveler, experience these places as well. Visiting and getting a tour at Japan's oldest traditional vinegar maker, or experience and taste at a traditional "katsuo bushi" bonito flake maker, or do you prefer to visit some old local shrines or temples. with no-one around you, except for the crickets and trees. Maybe you just want a friend to bring you to your desired locations and interpret and be at your beck and call 24 hours (like I do for the media). If you're looking for flexibility (time, places. transport), you won't find a better match than me. My work as a fixer taught me a valuable lesson: the key to traveling together successfully, lies in a blend of humor, professionalism, and adaptability.

Popular Gifu Private Tours

Discover Authentic Japan in Tsumago & Magome, Nakasendo

9 hours

You hike an old highway Nakasendo strolling through two post-towns. Magome & Tsumago. Strolling around well-preserved popular post towns takes you back to nostalgic Japan. The moment you enter these towns, you will feel as if you are in a time warp back in the Edo period, where local people spend their daily lives as well as welcoming tourists, preserving buildings and the landscape. You also enjoy hiking an old trekking route through mountains.

Takayama 4 Hour Town Walk Tour

4 hours

Let's walk one of the most popular traditional town in Central Japan. Your guide will pick you up at the reception of your hotel and walk with you throughout the old town of Takayama city. There are many traditional Japanese architectures and cultural museums in Takayama. You can also enjoy talking with local store clerks via your guide's translation. And you can optionally drop by some sake breweries, food stalls and have lunch in highly recommended Hida beef restaurant

Walking tour in Seki city

3 hours

About one hour bus ride from Gifu station or Nagoya bus terminal brings you to Seki city area. Seki city is small but very famous for its cutlery. In this tour we visit some museums related to cutlery , a temple, a shrine and Seki terrace where you can shop high quality cutlery.

Art, culture et histoire sur la route de NAKASENSO (1) : Une journée à OCHIAI

7 hours 30 min

Avant la randonnée à MAGOME-TSUMAGO, vous descendrez à OCHIAI pour l’auberge destinée aux samouraïs etc. restée telle quelle, le jardin fleuri d’un temple, entre des rizières en terrasses, le long de la rivière où vous pourrez apprécier le paysage nostalgique d’une estampe de l’époque Edo ainsi que la calligraphie, la cérémonie du thé dans le temple, la teinture à l’indigo. Ma présentation de l’histoire du NAKASENDO avec des épisodes marquants enrichira votre visite.

FROM$80/ per person

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New Gifu Private Tours

Promenade dans la rue de MAGOME et Visite des Musées sur la route de NAKASENDO (9)

3 hours

Avant la randonnée à MAGOME-TSUMAGO, si vous voulez la rendre plus fructueuse, je vous propose la promenade dans la rue de MAGOME avec moi pour mieux connaître ce qui s’est déroulé sur la route de NAKASENDO avec des épisodes marquants. La visite du Musée de TOSON SHIOMAZAKI qui a vécu 3 ans en France et son roman célèbre vous donneront l’occasion de voir combien la France et le Japon étaient de grands partenaires : Napoléon III et les deux derniers shoguns, le dernier samouraï était francais.

FROM$32/ per person

One day customized tour in Takayama

7 hours

Let's enjoy Takayama with me in a 4 seasons. Takayama has a lot of fascinating face and feeling. It's Culture, History, Art, Food, nature etc in Mountainous Culture. I will be able to arrange for your customized tour plan. So, I will work with you to develop a personalized travel plan based on what you would like to do and experience. I'm very looking forward you and enjoy tour with you.

Promenade de MAGOME au sentier pavé d’OCHIAI et Visite des Temples sur la route de NAKASENDO (8)

3 hours 30 min

Le lendemain de vos randonnées à TSUMAGO-MAGOME, nous nous verrons à MAGOME pour une promenade dans un parc panoramique, sur un sentier pavé d’OCHIAI ,au milieu des cyprès, site national qui vous fera revivre les défilés des samouraïs et des princesses. Nous continuerons notre promenade jusqu’à un temple zen en écoutant chanter les oiseaux et une chute d’eau et nous intéresserons à des endroits charmants tels qu’un temple légen-daire, des statues, des stèles, un autre temple où la foi perdure .

FROM$37/ per person

Promenade sur le sentier pavé d’OCHIAI à MAGOME et Visite des Musées sur la route de NAKASENDO (7)

6 hours

Avant les randonnées à MAGOME-TSUMAGO, je vous invite à descendre à OCHIAI pour que nous puissions nous promener tranquillement sur le sentier pavé dans la forêt ,site national, qui vous fera revivre les défilés des samouraïs et des princesses.Continuons notre promenade jusqu’au belvédère de MAGOME en écoutant la chute d’eau et les oiseaux et nous nous intéresserons à des endroits charmants tels qu’un temple légendaire, des statues, des stèles, le musée d’un écrivain étroitement lié à la France

FROM$64/ per person

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Popular Gifu Private Cars

Yoko's Mountain House the traditional Japanese house and enjoy the nature walk

8 hours

Yoko's mountain house is old traditional Japanese house of wood built 100years ago in the mountains with waterfall close by of relaxing place for you to enjoy clean air and fresh mountain water. We will go climb mountain on a short hiking (3-4 hours) where the air is fresh, and the view is awesome. Feel the breath of the past times and enjoy the peace and tranquility of beautiful nature, experience Japan in the most authentic way, through nature and tradition.

FROM$534/ per group

Yoko S.

Day Trips from Gifu

Kanazawa

Nagano

Takayama

Nagoya

Gifu Tour Reviews

Aiko O.

5 / 5

Mar 31, 2025

Discover Authentic Japan in Tsumago & Magome, Nakasendo

Mar 31, 2025

5 hours 30 min

Customized

“Great time with a knowledgeable guide, Tetsuji-san.”

Our Samurai Road trekking tour with Tetsuji-san was a highlight of our trip to Japan. He thoughtfully brought our national flag to the meeting point to make it easy to spot him, and he adjusted the tour schedule flexibly since we had to drive to Ishikawa afterward. It was truly one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had. We highly recommend Tetsuji-san’s tour to anyone! Thank you!

Tetsuji Y.

I feel very honored to have walked through Nakasendo with an experienced couple of traveling Japan. I have immediately noticed that both of you are deeply interested in Japanese culture. Lots of inquiry about Japan inspired me to make an effort to broaden my knowledge and refine guide skills. Thak you for having happy times of life with you. I hopefully meet you and guide other places.

Sachina I.

5 / 5

Mar 30, 2025

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go

Mar 30, 2025

5 hours

Customized

“Beautiful Snowy Shirakawa-go”

I traveled to Shirakawa-go with my elderly parents during the snowy season, so our pace was a bit slower — but Tetsuji was flexible and adjusted to our needs throughout the day, which made the experience very comfortable. Tetsuji was very knowledgeable about the unique attributes of beautiful Shirakawa-go, especially the famed gassho houses. Even as someone living in Japan, I learned a lot and appreciated the insights shared during the tour. He had also arranged lunch at a popular, delicious local restaurant, which was a nice touch given how crowded the area can get. I highly recommend Tetsuji as a guide to Shirakawa-go!

Tetsuji Y.

Thank you for so much applauding words to me. I am very happy that you are satisfied with my tour. I was a little afraid of deep snow might prevent your parents moving comfortably in the village, but both of them were so tough that I completed the tour as planned. I hope that I could welcome all of you in other tourist destinations.

Lori K.

5 / 5

Mar 22, 2025

Let's enjoy City of Water and making handmade "masu" !

Mar 22, 2025