Nagano Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Begins with Kurosawa's Dreams. Ends with Wender's Perfect Days.”

Takeshi san is a highly professional tour guide who offers valuable insights to anyone interested in learning about the Japanese way of life and its profound history. Despite having an engineering background all his life, he is able to speak fluently about creative pursuits and films from both Japanese and Western perspectives. One can immediately sense that Takeshi san truly loves Japan, while also providing objective and balanced answers. He is an honest, caring person whose principles embody the core values of harmony and order. Many people will naturally connect with his take on the world and enjoy a soothing, comfortable journey while traveling with him. Thank you again for hosting this great adventure, Takeshi san, and for sharing your perspectives on Buddhism, Shintoism, and the impermanence of all things and beauty. Warm regards, Cieas

“A journey of humanism, compassion, and the little things in life.”

Incredibly kind, deeply responsible, and genuinely patient—to travel and see the world with Yoshiko san and her husband is a true gift. The words above are no hyperbole, nor a social formula. This is the kind of people they are, deep down—two parents who have children of their own and have learned to wholeheartedly care for others. "We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no sunrise finds us where sunset left us. And Almitra the seeress said, Blessed be this day and this place and your spirit that has spoken. And he answered, Was it I who spoke? Was I not also a listener?" (The Prophet, Khalil Gibran) Yoshiko san and her husband showed a way to listen, a memory to carry, and one must be grateful to have their company on such a lonely journey. The nature, the spirit, and the story no one yet knows. Look again. Did one see the white, two-winged messenger in the picture that carries the spirit of those who see it? "Do believe in my very real gratitude. I think you know that this is not just a formula." (Simone Weil, Waiting for God) 本当にありがとうございました。 Sincerely, C.

Yoshiko O.

(2 reviews)

Dear Cieas, Thank you so much for your very kind review comment. It was truly a pleasure to visit Zenkoji Temple, the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, and the Togakushi Shrines with you, and to share so many interesting conversations along the way. Seeing these timeless landscapes together and hearing your impressions and insights made me realize many things as well. The lotus flowers we viewed from the upper stairs of the Sanmon Gate at Zenkoji Temple were especially lovely. The town of Matsushiro made us reflect on the lives of people during the Warring States and Edo periods. The Togakushi mountains revealed their unique shapes and character. I hope that your trip to Nagano Prefecture has inspired you even further and will continue to support your creative work. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your stay in Japan, and much joy in the future. Warm regards, Yoshiko

“Okuhida and Takayama in the rain”

Takeshi did a fantastic job showing us around the Kamikochi and Takayama on a day where the wind and the heavy rain meant we were unable to do the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Takeshi was incredibly flexible in being able to rearrange the schedule for the day to ensure it was an enjoyable time for myself, my brother, and our parents. We ended up getting to spend a bit more time in Takayama than we originally planned for our trip, and Takeshi gave us an education on Japanese sake. All in all - would gladly do another tour with Takeshi the next time we're in the Japanese Alps. Job well done!

Takeshi H.

(75 reviews)

We couldn't get on the Ropeway because of the heavy rain, but I'm glad to hear that you had a good time in Takayama instead.