Gifu Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

(8 reviews)

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.

Kazuhiko G.

4.74 / 5

(159 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!!

Tatsuya I.

My name is Tatsuya Ito. I am living in Nagoya city, Aichi, Japan. I am a national licensed guide interpreter (English). I can also speak Chinese (Basic level). I have been guiding Nagoya Castle as a volunteer guide for 6 years. I want to take you to many Japanese beautiful places. I like to travel by train. If you are interested in train travel in Japan, I can introduce nice places to visit with local train.

Maki T.

(1 reviews)

Hello I am Maki. I am a national licensed tour guide (English and French). I live in Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture. I have visited over 30 countries and people there warmly welcomed me, so it would be my pleasure to welcome foreign visitors. Nagoya is a city of history and industry. I worked for Toyota and I guide you based on my experiences during my time at Toyota. Furthermore, as a mother of two children, I would be glad to welcome families with young children as well. I’d love to make your trip meaningful and unforgettable. Please feel free to contact with me anytime. I’m looking forward to meeting you in this wonderful country of Japan! Si vous souhaitez que je vous guide en français, je le ferai volontiers. À très bientôt!

Sumiyo T.

Bonjour Mesdames et Messieurs, Je m’appelle Sumiyo et suis guide-interprète diplômée. C’est avec joie que je vous accueille dans ma ville natale de NAKATSUGAWA située à l’extrémité des Alpes centrales du Japon dans la préfecture de Gifu où je suis revenue après avoir enseigné à l’Université de Kagoshima. Or j’ai souvent éprouvé ici le regret de voir que les touristes se contentaient de suivre uniquement les informations de notoriété publique. Afin de rendre le chaleureux accueil que j’avais reçu en France lors de mes études de philosophie durant environ six ans, ainsi que dans d’autres pays que j’ai visités, je me suis sentie appelée à modifier cette situation. Avant d’aller à MAGOME, je vous conseille de descendre du bus un peu avant à la 44 e ville étape : à OCHIAI pour faire des expériences palpitantes et inoubliables. Ensuite selon votre choix, je vous accompagnerai à MAGOME et TSUMAGO, afin de découvrir leurs sites historiques et littéraires. Je serai heureuse de pouvoir partager et approfondir avec vous vos impressions et vos expériences. C’est avec impatience que j’attends votre venue ! A bientôt !

Norman B.

Good day, everyone! I am Norman. I live in Japan since 2006 and currently residing in Gifu ken. My passions are playing competitive sports and traveling around famous and historical tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’ll be more than happy to assist you especially here in Nagoya, Aichi ken/Gifu ken/Shiga ken and Kyoto. Let’s make your journey unforgettable.

Yuriko S.

4.93 / 5

(42 reviews)

I am Yuriko from Japan. Now I'm an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I also work as a kimono, Japanese traditional costume dresser. If you are interested in kimono, I'll dress you kimono. I have a certificate of a tour guide. I sometimes guide some foreigners around Nagoya castle, Gifu castle and so on. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu, Nagoya, Kyoto, central Japan!! Let's enjoy Japan sightseeing with wearing kimono with me!! I would like to guide you around central Japan. See you soon!!!^o^

Saki K.

(58 reviews)

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Hi! Thank you for checking my profile, I'm Saki. If you are interested in discovering the Central Japan area, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Nagano please leave it on me! I was born in Aichi prefecture where Nagoya is located in. It's a shame many tourists skip our Central area on their itinerary as it's not known well as destination for tourist. However, I'm proud of my region where you can experience Japanese people local life and beauty of hidden nature. If you are a little bit tired with the touristic places please visit my region. I'll take you calm and tranquil nature places, tasting our traditional cuisine and experiencing local people's real life. As my husband is from USA, I have many experiences to take my foreign family and friends my favorite places. It was my pleasure they loved where I presented and discovered different side of Japan. I'd like to help making your trip unforgettable and full of new experiences. I'm really looking forward to presenting you our Central region and seeing you. Thank you for reading my profile, see you soon! ※If you need the guide to be conducted in Spanish, I can attend in Spanish too. Si necesita que la guía se haga en español, estoy disponible en español también.

New Gifu Tour Guides

Roy K.

(2 reviews)

I am Roy, who had been stationed in the United States for 11 years and experienced the business trips to more than 40 countries all over the world. My home town Nagoya has many amazing places to visit such as Atsuta shrine, Nagoya castle and Osu Kannon temples in the large shopping district. I will let you have unforgettable time in Nagoya area as a Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I look forward to showing you around and talking about Japanese old and new culture and history.

Yae K.

Hi! I'm Yae. I'm your future guide in Nagoya. a National qualified English Tour Guide. I also have the tourism management qualification and know well about the tour industry. I had been working for Japan Air Lines and traveled a lot. This time I want to entertain you as a tour guide. As Nagoya Castle and Sakae area used to be my daily walking course, I know where to visit, season to season. So my tour will be very special to you! I can offer a home visit tour in Nagoya or in Nagano, beautiful local mountainous town. I am ready to meet your request and can organize your tour up to Kyoto or Osaka if you like. I hope to see you soon!

William P.

4.67 / 5

(3 reviews)

I was born and raised in the USA, but have lived and worked in Japan for more than half my life. I am a naturalized citizen, and have made my home in Hida Takayama for more than ten years now. Pairing the knowledge of a local with the perspective of an outsider, my tours focus on places and insights that nobody else will show you. In addition to standard tours, I do night-time tours, nature walks, and sake-tasting tours (with my experience as a brewery worker, I am an expert on all things sake).

Yoko T.

(15 reviews)

Hi! I am Yoko, a friendly regional Licensed Guide Interpreter. This area is my home! This is why I've been sharing beauties of this prefecture with my guests from around the world. This area is great fun: local, historical, culturally important, sometimes mysterious and beautiful! If you are already in love with Japan, then let me personalize your experience here. Visit the best places, venues, spots and locations with me. You will enjoy neighborhood full of hidden local treasures. I am a mother of two girls. I'd be happy to welcome families and I can arrange a tour depending on your situation. Please feel free to ask me any. I also translate and teach English. And I am a host of an Internet radio show. I like meeting people and all these experiences allow me to be good at communicating as a guide. I look forward to exploring this beautiful culture with you. Thank you!

Koki N.

(10 reviews)

Hello! My name is Koki. I'm English speakinig tour guide living in Gifu city. I already visited more than 60 nations so far. I can speak some Manderin & Cantonese too. Let's enjoy real Japanese culture & history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samurai history, Kimono culture, local traditional festival, temple,shrine,Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake. If you would like to more understand Japanese castle, I can attend you and teach you about how appreciation point of Japanese castle and garden with beautiful meal and sweets. Let's travel with me!

Nobuyuki S.

(6 reviews)

Coucou. Je suis Nobuyuki. Appelez-moi Nobu. Je suis né à Gifu au centre du Japon et travaille à Kyoto depuis 11 ans. Je suis aussi gérant de la maison de vacances le long de fleuve Kamogawa, et maître de conférences à temps partiel de l'Université. J'ai obtenu le diplôme Master tourisme et environnement à l'Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines et guide de nombreux chercheurs francophones en tant que guide touristique français comme guide national. Pourquoi j'ai choisi le métier d'un guide touristique? Parce que mes collègues francophones étaient vraiment gentils lorsque j'ai travaillé en France, au Sénégal et au Gabon comme chercheur. Alors je voudrais retourner la faveur aux gens francophones. Je peux guider non seulement des sites historiques populaires, mais aussi la vie locale à Kyoto, notamment izakaya(bar traditionnel japonais), sento(bain public), pique-nique à fleuve Kamogawa inclus petit déjeuner etc... Je vous propose de partager ce que je sais sur le moderne et la tradition à Kyoto. Je vous assure que je ferai de mon mieux pour votre excellent souvenir à Kyoto. À bientôt.

Mao M.

4.58 / 5

(12 reviews)

Hi! I'm Mao. My home town is Takayama and I like here a lot! I’d like to show you! I love meeting friends, chatting, travel around, play sports, drinking and go to my favorite restaurants. I'll offer more local sightseeing spots,eateries,cafes,bars and leisure facility and also I'm familiar with suburban area. I have an experience of living in BC, Canada and then taught Japanese and culture for kids in a school. After that, I have been working at a hostel in Takayama. I like to meet people and to know new things for me. Feel free to contact me!

Michiko N.

(19 reviews)

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Hello, I am Michiko , the same name of Japanese ex-Empress. I am a government certified tour guide. I have lived in Nagoya ( located between Tokyo and Osaka) for 35 years since I got married. I worked for JAL as a flight attendant in my 20's. After retiring JAL, I have taught English and Mathematics to junior and senior high school students for 20 years. I love traveling very much both domestically and abroad and enjoy walking around each city and talking with local people so that I can find out the way how to they live and think about their life. It's quite a fun for me. I also love hiking and mountain climbing in spring, summer and autumn, and skiing in winter. In the countryside of Japan there still remain those farming and fishery villages where people have been rooted in their land and community, living the way handed down from generation to generation. You can also enjoy the original Japanese landscape there. Why don't you get out of the hustle and bustle of your busy life and have a rest rich in nature in the rural Japan enjoying beautiful scenery and local food. I'm waiting for you!

Popular Gifu Private Tours

Seki City Highlights (Swords & Knives)

3 hours

Day 1 in Takayama, Day 2 ... there are guests who would also like to explore other places from Takayama as a day trip. I'd love to help you plan & realize such an excursion. It's a 1.5 hour Highway Bus ride from Takayama. Seki is one of the top-quality cutlery producers in the world and historically blessed with its perfect surrounding for making samurai swords with a history of over 700 years.

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.

Discover Authentic Japan in Tsumago & Magome, Nakasendo

9 hours

You hike an old highway Nakasendo walking through two posttowns. Strolling around the most famous traditional post towns, Magome & Tsumago, takes you back to nostalgic Japan. The moment you enter these towns along Nakasendo highway, 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.

Magome-Tsumago Nakasendo Hike One-day Private Tour

The Nakasen-do, or Central Mountain Road, is one of the five highways that connect between Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. You can walk and experience the atmosphere of a way old travelers passed, Probably it is one of THE things to do in Japan. I will accompany you for exploration of beauty and nature from Japan's old times.

KANAZAWA ITINERARY (A Day Trip From Kanazawa) Shirakawago 4H

4 hours

If you are staying at a hotel in Kanazawa, why not explore Shirakawa-go (with UNESCO recognition) with a popular guide in a day trip? It is a 4-hour private tour. I can meet you at Shirakawago Bus Terminal and start the tour at eleven. You can take a bus from Kanazawa arriving at Shirakawago at around 10.00 am (Nohi Bus) and return with a bus leaving Shirakawago for Kanazawa at 3.10 pm. (as of January 16, 2023) Lookout point Farm House Museum Lunch Deaibashi Bridge Photo spots

Cormorant fishing viewing on the Nagaragawa River

9 hours

Gifu Castle standing on the Mt.Kinka provides visitors with nice panoramic views day and night. You also enjoy watching a traditional unique event Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River while eating dinner in a viewing boat. Sir Charlie Chaplin visited Gifu twice to enjoy this unique traditional event. Besides, a photogenic street Kawara-machi and the Great Buddha statue in Shoboji-temple move you so much.

Best Choice for one-day Takayama tour

7 hours 30 min

Takayama is a small city in a mountainous area. The tour includes some healing spots in addition to popular highlights like Miyagawa Morning Market, Higashiyama Walking, Old Town and Hida-Furukawa. I'm sure you’ll be able to see why Takayama mesmerizes tourists so much through this tour.

Takayama Half day Private tour based on your requests

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4 hours

・Three or four places where you would like to go in Takayama, Gifu ・For ideas of places to go, please see the images or the highlights .

New Gifu Private Tours

One day customized tour in Takayama

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 la chute d’eau et nous intéresserons à des endroits charmants tels qu’un temple légendaire, des statues, des stèles, un autre temple où la foi perdure etc.

FROM$36/ per person

Sumiyo T.

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$62/ per person

Sumiyo T.

Petite promenade et Teinture à l’indigo à OCHIAI sur la route de NAKASENDO (6)

3 hours 30 min

Dans la ville étape OCHIAI avant la randonnées à MAGOME-TSUMAGO vous pourrez expérimenter la teinture à l’indigo et le mini-concert de piano des chants ayant pour thème les quatre saisons du Japon . Vous connaîtrez aussi l’histoire de la route de NAKASENDO qui rappelle les défilés des samouraïs, leur mode de vie et en particulier le défilé d’une princesse mémorable avec des épisodes.

FROM$31/ per person

Sumiyo T.

One-day fishing adventure tour in Gifu, Nagara river system

9 hours

Specialist fishing equipment is rent and full one-to-one support is offered by ayu and mountain stream fishing experts. In the Nagara River system, one of the three clearest streams in Japan, you can enjoy fishing for Ayu sweetfish in summer and amago in spring and autumn. You can barbecue the fish you catch on the riverbanks or have them cooked for you at a local restaurant.

One day customized tour in The Battle filed of Sekigahara

Let's travel together to the site of the last decisive battle of the Warring States Period, some 450 years ago, and feel the hot blood of the generals together. Visit historical point, The point of decisive battle site place and encampment in Sekigahara, The eastern & western army site Tokugawa Ieyasu, Ishida Mitsunari, Shima Sakon, Otani Yoshitsugu, Kobayakawa Hideaki, Hosokawa Tadaoki, Ii Naomasa, Kuroda Nagamasa, Fukushima Masanori so on. & Gifu Sekigahara Kosenjoh Memorial hall.

Gifu city highlights ~ 5 hours day tour

5 hours

In the late of 16th century, Gifu was the center of Japan's battle-era history. Gifu has many sightseeing spots like Gifu castle, statue of a big Buddha, Nagara river, shrine and so on. A golden samurai statue (Oda Nobunaga) welcomes you at the JR Gifu Station. Let me show you the attraction of this Gifu city area. Gifu is close to Nagoya, it takes only 20minutes from Nagoya by JR line. This tour is suited for the tourist who come to Gifu city for the first time.

FROM$116/ per group

Naomichi T.

Takayama Full-day Private Tour (6 hours)

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6 hours

You can visit the old town area in Takayama with a friendly, Hida area Government-licensed Guide Interpreter. Walk around "Miyagawa Morning Market", where you can find locally grown foods and handcrafts. Koi (carp) fish welcome you. Experience the feel of "Takayama Festival" at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. Skilled artisans’ works, traditional structures seen in Takayama old town are must-see, too. Also why not try talking to locals? Your guide is more than happy to help you.

Popular Gifu Private Cars

Gifu Hida Takayama Onsen area to Narita Airport Transfer

Depart from Haneda airport, and deliver to any Onsen hotel in Hida Takayama. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Gifu Hida Takayama Onsen area to Haneda Airport Transfer

6 hours

Depart from Haneda airport, and deliver to any Onsen hotel in Hida Takayama. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Day Trips from Gifu

Kanazawa

Nagano

Takayama

Nagoya

Gifu Tour Reviews

Dmitry T.

5 / 5

Apr 18, 2024

Walking tour in Seki city

6 hours 30 min

Apr 18, 2024

“Incredible tours!”

Thank you very much Akiko san for the wonderful excursions! We planned our tours with her for many months. She solved all our questions and problems. She helped us with the purchase of bus tickets and organized tours to factories for us, booked lunches in restaurants. We spent 2 weeks in Japan but had the strongest impressions during these two days. Akiko san is an excellent guide and a wonderful person. Thank you very much! Dmitry and Victoria

Akiko W.

(8 reviews)

Thank you so much for your great feedback, Dmitry san , Victoria san. It was so nice and enjoyable to accompany you. You are such wonderful and nice guests. You visited many interesting places in Japan and experienced a lot . In Gifu prefecture, Sakura was in full bloom in Shirakwago(amazing!) and I was so honored to hear your saying ' Seki City is so impressive!' I am very happy to hear both of you enjoyed the tour for two days. I am really looking forward to seeing you in Gifu again ! Let me say this again, 'Thank you so much for everything and please take care.'

Stanley S.

5 / 5

Apr 16, 2024

An exploring and hiking tour in the Kiso valley for two days

2 days

Customized

Apr 16, 2024

“Very kind and proactive guide!”

Michiko guided us hiking from Magome to Tsumago and sightseeing at Kiso Fukushima. She was very patient with the slow hiking members and took good care of them. She was very friendly and interacted well with everyone. She also helped us call the lunch place in advance so that everything is ready just when we arrive.

Michiko N.

(19 reviews)

Dear Stanley, Thank you so much for your highly evaluating me this time. I’m so glad to know that you are pleased with my work during the tour. I really had a terrific time with such wonderful people like you and your tour members. I appreciate your support and consideration. Thanks a lot. Best regards, Michiko

Connie H.

5 / 5

Apr 13, 2024

Gujo Hachiman walking tour