Hokkaido Private Tour Guides

Pamela J.

5 / 5

Apr 20, 2026

Driving to Lake Shikotsu and Hot spring, Ainu culture center

Apr 20, 2026

Hokkaido

8 hours

Customized

“Amazing Natural Splendor ”

Kumiko arrived on time and we began our trip to Lake Shikotsu. The scenery was very nice on the way up, however the lake was gorgeous. Walking around with Kumiko I appreciated her knowledge of the area as a local. We had a delicious kokanee salmon lunch at a very local place where kids were fishing and catching fish right in front of us. It brought back good memories of my childhood. My visit to the local Onsen was a unique treat, again, extremely authentic and local in a unique outdoor setting. We ended the day with a visit to the Sapporo Ainu cultural promotion center, an interest of mine since arriving to Hokkaido. The cultural museum is so well done! They encourage touching and hands-on exploration of many exhibits, making it a wonderful interactive experience. Kumiko is so fun to be with. She takes joy in sharing her love of all things Hokkaido and her history that has encouraged her to take on the tour guide/teacher role. Highly recommend her!

Kumiko N.

(25 reviews)

Dear Pamela San Thank you for your kind review for the each tour And I am sorry my reply for the first one was sent in the middle of the writing because accidentally I pressed the button. I am so impressed you remember all destinations we visited during the tours in details , which makes me so happy. The second day was like our happy holiday to enjoy the beautiful lakeside and just relax in the Pure nature. You seemed to blend into the fantastic Hokkaido landscape so naturally,as if absorbing its natural power. It reminded me somehow of your hometown,Colorado,and it gave me a very special feeling(^^). Sharing amazing scenery and experience in the local hot spring with the finest quality, I think we could make the best memories together! Thank you again for your generousity and kindness to make me relax and positive all the time . And please remember the taste of Hokkaido scallops and surf clam of your favorite! With many thanks Kumiko

“A Day out in Nature”

Reiko was waiting for us at the ship pier with a warm smile on a glorious sunny morning. She took us in her car to the Crane reserve where we saw these beautiful birds and on to a walk through the wetlands where we encountered several deer - but luckily no bears! Shel described the creation of the wetlands and told us about the wildlife, including bears which we didn't know inhabited this region. She then took us to the Kushiro fish market and helped us make a sashimi rice bowl, selecting from the wide variety of fish and seafood on offer. Delicious! When the vending machine did not have any non-sugar beverages she kindly went to a nearby store to get us Coke Zero. We ended our day with another view of the wetlands and the river. Reiko was delightful to be with, conversation flowed easily.. And she surprised us with a gift of beautiful origami cranes and stunning earrings of cranes that she had crafted herself. They will be a treasured memory of Kushiro and Reiko.

Reiko M.

(4 reviews)

Because of the other tour after that I am sorry for the late replay to Marilyn’s review which is way beyond my expectations. I am so flattered! Marilyn’s couple were so knowledgeable on many places of the world and of course Japanese and our culture as they are experts on traveling. Although they have traveled a lot, they are very smart not wasting money but earned and saved enough money so that they can enjoy traveling around the world after their retirement, that’s how they enjoy their life now. I was so amazed to know they well in exercise in their home gym. to be able to go on traveling and Ihe is a deep philosopher practicing meditation every day. With this nice couple I was so happy to be able to share great time on the tour

“Amazing Van service ”

The vans were really clean and nice. Drivers were friendly and helpful too. Very highly recommended.

GoSmart Japan

(2 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the clean and comfortable van, and that our drivers were friendly and helpful. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again on another trip in Japan!