Nagano Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hello!My name is Chinami. I have a national licence as a tour guide. I know well not only the nature of Mt Fuji area, but also history of Mt Fuji as a world cultural heritage site.I like to talk with people from all aver the world.So I want to have great time with you and enjoy local meals, wine, and so on. Let's share a wonderful moment in Japan!

Kanami E.

I am a guide specialized in horse riding tour in Nagano area. By joining my horse riding tour, you can walk with a horse in a beautiful forest in quiet rural area, where you can see seasonal flowers and beautiful views. I am happy to take you to Soba restaurant where many locals love.

Keiichi S.

(9 reviews)

Hello! My name is Keiichi. Please call me Kei. I was born and raised in Joetsu City, located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Joetsu was the former capital city of Echigo Province until the mid 19th century. It has a lot of historic sites and scenic spots, and most of all good people. I love my city very much. I worked for the Joetsu City office for over thirty years. During my time there, I was in charge of international relations for about ten years. After retiring from the office, I began working as a licensed tour guide. I am very excited to introduce my city to people all over the world.

Tetsuya T.

4.78 / 5

(9 reviews)

Hello, Everyone. I am a National Licensed Guide Interpreter for English. It is my pleasure of introducing what I am doing as the guide to you. I can offer the following services through my career and experience: a) Tour Guide - Nagoya, Takayama, Ise, Nara and Kyoto areas. b) Plant Tour Guide - Metal, Casting, Automobile, Chemical and Machinery c) Interpreter for Business and Basic Engineering Meetings d) Bicycle or Mountaineering Guide Tour I am 62 years old now but quite healthy. I love bicycle ride and go on cycling for 70-100 km/day every weekend. That is why I have included bicycle ride tour in the above selections. Sorry, due to present working conditions of my primary job, I can only offer you weekend tour, but I am planning to expand available date and tour into more attractive ones in the next year. Check my present tour first ! It's your choice to wait until the next year or to take a chance now. I am sure I will not disappoint you.

Takeshi H.

(50 reviews)

Hello! My name is Takeshi. I am a National Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. I was born in Tokyo. I worked for Canon for more than 30 years including a 5-year assignment to the U.S. office. Before joining Canon, I received a master's degree in engineering in the United States. After retiring from the company, I began working as a volunteer guide for foreign visitors in Kamakura and Yokohama for a while. However, I became fascinated by the beautiful nature of Nagano prefecture and decided to move here to the Yatsugatake Mountains, 1000m above sea level in Nagano a few years ago. Since then I go out to look at the breathtaking mountains, lakes, and shrines every day. I would like to guide you to these special sites and also share with you the Japanese culture in my guided tours. I am flexible and can customize the tour based on the customer's request. I am also a Certified Travel Service Administrator. My hobby is Aikido and I hold the 2nd Dan black belt. Hope to see you soon.

Kgs N.

3.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

We, KGS, are a group of English-speaking tour guides based in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture. We send English-speaking tour guides to private groups. We provide various guiding services based on customers' requests. We can guide Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture as well as some places outside Nagano. Karuizawa is one of the most famous mountain resorts in Japan at the height of 1000 meters and within easy access from Tokyo. It takes only 60 to 70 minutes by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Karuizawa is an ideal place as a resort with everything you expect --- stunning nature including waterfalls, mountains and forests, a ski resort, a famous Prince outlet mall, cozy small and large hotels, hot springs, very good restaurants and cafes, museums, sport facilities, historic buildings, parks, and more! We are also delighted to guide other places in Nagano. Nagano, known as the venue of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and for the Japanese Alps, has many attractive destinations including Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Obuse and more, while providing interesting experiences such as soba noodle making lessons, skiing lessons, sake / beer / wine brewery visit, fruit picking, hiking, cycling, etc. We have some fixed plans, but if you wish to make your own trip, just ask for customized plans. We hope you will have a lot of fun with our friendly and knowledgeable local guides in Japan's beautiful highland area. *Please note our guides include both men and women with various ages. Whoever serves you, your guide will try his/her best to make your time in Japan special and comfortable.

Emi F.

(6 reviews)

Nice to meet you. I am a national government certified guide interpreter, Emi. I just started this business under the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, I had worked for more than 30 years as a teacher. Nagano is a cozy city surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. I enjoy strolling around its center, driving in the countryside, visiting some beautiful spots such as Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi highlands, Matsumoto Castle and so on. I also enjoy local dishes with fresh ingredients. I'd like to introduce our lifestyle to you as well as historical places and nature. According to your expectations, I will make your tour tailor-made, not ready-made!

Seiko T.

4.98 / 5

(88 reviews)

View All Nagano Tour Guides

Hello! I am Seiko, National Licensed Guide since 2007. I was born and raised in Kurashiki (Okayama pref.), spent my college days in Kyoto, lived in Osaka for more than 15 years and recently moved to a city near Nagano (guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc during peak season). I studied in Wisconsin, USA and worked as a translator/interpreter, market researcher, and executive assistant for global companies for many years where I enjoyed spending a precious time with people from different backgrounds and cultures and broaden my world and horizons. I myself am a traveler for life, been to more than 30 countries and all the prefectures in Japan, and always excited to help my clients with their planning. I am also a hiker, kayaker, scuba diver, and snowboarder enjoying myself mostly outdoors in every season. Besides city tours in Osaka and Kyoto, my tours can stretch to introducing local food and drinks, sake/beer brewery visit, visiting less-touristy areas, excursions to enjoy the nature such as walking/hiking tours, baseball games, tours for kids, onsen day-out, and more! Let's have a fun time and unique experience with me! Important Notes before booking: 1. Please check availability with me, even for open dates, before booking! 2. Transportation fee, entrance fee, and lunch/dinner for you and guide during the tour are NOT INCLUDED in the guide fee and to be paid at each site. Please bring enough cash to separately pay them during the tour. (Licensed guides get free admission at temples/shrines/castles and most tourist attractions, except for some facilities like aquarium, zoo, amusement parks, etc.) 3. Please let me know IN ADVANCE if anyone in your group has any physical challenge and/or food allergies. Thank you!

New Nagano Tour Guides

Fumi M.

Born and bred in Tokyo I am still living in the suburbs of Tokyo. I spent several years in the U.S. and the UK and wanted to show international visitors around Japan in return for the hospitality I had received in foreign countries. After coming back from the UK, I obtained the qualification of the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I can guide guests to every corner of Tokyo including areas off the beaten track. As a history fan I can tell you a historical episode behind the scenes. From a local perspective I can explain how we Japanese are getting along. Since I have science and technology backgrounds, I can give you a tour of scientific or technical things as well..

Kouhei N.

(7 reviews)

Hello, I'm Kouhei, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I'm originally from Tokyo, but since I love outdoor activities and wanted to live in a place surrounded by abundant nature, I moved to here in Nagano in 2015. I have traveled a lot of places in Japan and eventually decided to live in Nagano. Nagano prefecture is sometimes described as "a roof of Japan" since most of its part are covered with high mountain range. Because of that, the area gets lots of snow every winter. It makes the place's nature and culture different from other areas in Japan. I am also a Mountain Trekking guide and a Cycling Guide as well as English translator guide.. I want to guide you to super beautiful yet lesser known places! I am very flexible, so please let me know your requests for the guided tour. Let's explore the "Hidden Gem" of Japan together :) (for example) Walking Tour : Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Obuse Town,etc Mountain Hiking: Beginners to Intermediates (Northern Alps, Yatsugatake, etc) Cycling Tours : Beginners to Intermediates (North Nagano Area), E Bikes tour available. Other Specials :Snow Monkey, Picking Wild Vegetables and Cooking Tempura together, Night Cherry Blossom Viewing, Visiting Sake Winery, Snow Shoeing in National Park, etc

Yumiko M.

(41 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yumiko, nationally certified English-speaking tour guide. I live in Yamanashi Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo and the home of Mt. Fuji. I myself love to travel, find something interesting, eat local good food, and have wonderful experience!! I'd like to make your tour enjoyable and memorable. Mt. Fuji area including the Fuji Five Lakes has many nice spots you must visit. Walking tour in Aokigahara Forest is my favorite. Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko is also fun! Visit to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine will inspire you with holy feeling. Quick tour & tasting at Sake brewery are popular as well. Let's enjoy together!! I guide you not only around Yamanashi Prefecure, but also Nagano, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Hakone, and Kamakura. For example, as for Nagano, I guide you to Snow Monkey, Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino, Nakasendo, and so on. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Yumiko

Yuji K.

4.95 / 5

(37 reviews)

I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter living in Yamanashi Prefecture. My name is Yuji. The area of Mt. Fuji is actually part of Yamanashi Prefecture. Tourists to Mt. Fuji area are not necessarily aware of that. Mt. Fuji as the highest mountain in Japan is on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. In Yamanashi sit the 2nd highest mountain, Mt. Kitadake and the 3rd highest mountain of Mt. Ainodake. Yamanashi faces no sea and capital city of Kofu is in the basin area. I grew up in Yamanashi until high school and then I studied and worked in Tokyo Metropolitan area. I came back to Yamanashi at the end of 2002. During my working days for companies including Harley-Davidson Japan, I had sharpened my English and communication skills. I had some opportunities to escort executives or employees of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and I have vaguely been thinking how rewarding it is to guide people. Now I have clear prospect about guiding. After I came back to Yamanashi, I have also developed further enthusiasm about hiking in mountains and exploring the nature. If you are interested in any special type of hiking such as hiking to see snow capped Mt. Fuji, I will be the perfect fit to arrange. I have many hiking experiences including several times to Mt. Fuji, 2nd highest Kitadake and many more mountains in Yamanashi, Mt. Fuji Area. Due to my strong interest about people from different background and different culture, I love to meet people. I am flexible and act flexible.This will be my basis about being in this field. I look forward to meeting a lot of people through my guiding. I have developed my tour plans listed but I can make your dreams come true through any other planning as well. I can explore things with you, hike with you, and even climb Mt. Fuji with you. Please contact me to find more and what I can offer. I will respond quickly.　I am learning Halal things now. In the summer of Mt. Fuji climbing season of 2018, I worked as a guide from Yoshida Trail, and anybody who would like to climb Mt. Fuji are welcome but up to 3-4 as max . number. Thank you for your time.

Popular Nagano Private Tours

Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

8 hours

The park provides us a rare opportunity for us to watch the Macaque up close and observe their fascinating behavior. During winter the monkeys enjoy bathing in the hot spring. The history of Zenkoji temple started in 642 and it does not belong to any religious sect. Legend says that Zenkoji's golden triad was the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan. After taking a walk in Nakamise street, you can enjoy Sake tasting if you like.

Snow Monkey and Hokusai One day tour to Nagano

10 hours

Today Japanese monkeys of Jigokudani Onsen became so famous that many foreign visitors eagerly want to visit to see. In Jigokudani (literally meaning is Hell Valley) monkeys take bath in open-air Onsen(Hot spring) in particular during winter season. Visitors can reach there in 3 hours by taking bullet trains and Nagano Dentetsu railway from Tokyo. Near the snow monkey park, there is a old town of Obuse. Obuse is famous for the works of Hokusai Katsushika. In 1840's Hokusai visited Obuse in his 80's years old and stay there for several years. There is the museum of Hokusai and his patron's housing. You can have lunch in Obuse. There are some restaurants and confectionery shops and Sake breweries. You could have chances to Sake tasting. If you want, you could visit the temple whose ceiling paint is the largest and last work by Hokusai and his daughter. As the temple is located at outskirt of Obuse, you need to take taxi. Leaving Tokyo station at 7:20 in the morning, you would arrive at the park around 10:30. You will have enough time to watch monkeys' life. You will enjoy seeing not only the snow monkeys but the beautiful landscape of Central Japan Mountain. You could be back to your hotel by around 19:00 in Tokyo.

Matsumoto Castle and Daio Wasabi Farm in Nagano

8 hours 30 min

Matsumoto castle which was built in 1593-94. The 5 roofed, six story tower castle is the oldest in existence in Japan. It is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Daio Wasabi Farm is situated amongst the picturesque valleys of central Japan’s famous Alps region. It is known as the largest farm of Wasabi (horseradish) in Japan and noted for its picturesque beauty and long history. The tour starts at Matsumoto station and we will visit these places by train or taxi.

Customized Tour in Karuizawa

Our professional guide will take you to the places that you wish to visit in Karuizawa and nearby areas. We are local guides and do our best to talk about our areas with our warm hearts! Shiraito Waterfall, Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Churches, Soba making experience, Karuizawa Old Town Areas, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Karuizawa's History Road, Mt. Asama Magma Stone Park are just some of the popular places. I hope you will have a lot of fun

Togakushi Snowshoe Hiking Tour

6 hours 30 min

The mountains of the north Nagano are covered with deep snow during the winter. The pond freezes, all the shrubs are buried under the snow, and the trees wear beautiful white robes. The sound of footsteps and breathing of ourselves as we step on the snow in silence, and the footprints of rabbits and foxes that remain on the snow surface. In winter, when bushes are covered with snow, you can freely walk around the forest, and you can also get to the forest of giant trees,

Nagano Town Walk

How about strolling around Nagano city center with your guide? The local guide will take you to some spots worth visiting and tell you interesting stories on each spot. According to your interests and curiosities, the guide will be flexible and resourceful for your exploration of the town.

Train Trip to Snow Monkey Park

6 hours 30 min

Jigokutani Yaen Koen, so-called the Snow Monkey Park, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagano. If you are lucky, you will see some monkeys bathing in the hot spring. The natural trail is often frozen and slippery in winter season. From May to November, reaching the place is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys?

A Day Tour for Snow Monkey and Obuse Town

View All Nagano Private Tours

8 hours

You will go to Snow Monkey Park and see how wild monkeys live and seem relaxed without minding human beings watching them. There are also some lovely places to visit from Nagano City, such as Obuse Town and Suzaka City. Especially, Obuse is a small but pleasant town where Hokusai, the ukiyoe artist known for "The Great Wave," lived in his later years. Entering the Museum, learning about his life, and eating delicious chestnut sweets will surely bring back good memories.

New Nagano Private Tours

Nozawa Onsen: Hot Springs and Ski Resorts

Nozawa Onsen is a cosy village back in the mountains. You will experience the local people's life styles, local speciality foods, and clean air and lush greenery. Please enjoy everything in Nozawa!!

Horse Trekking and Eat at Hidden Restaurant

3 hours 30 min

This tour includes horse trekking and lunch in Karuizawa area, where you can relax in beautiful nature away from the city. Horse trekking is for very first beginners to experienced riders. Just let me know what your level is! I will be taking many photos for you during the tour and send them to you later. Later for lunch, you can try Nagano Soba noodle or Tempura in my recommended restaurant(favorite place among local people!), or you can just tell me what you would like to eat.

FROM$65/ per group

Kanami E.

Silk reeling and femented culture in Suzaka

Suzaka is the compact city where silk manufacturing flourished from the 19C to the early 20C. Silk was exported via Yokoyama to the US, where many ladies wore silk stockings. You will stroll the streets with the warehouses, visit a miso and soy sauce brewery, and Japanese sake retailer. You will notice how much Japanese people have been familiar with fermented products. You also visit a wealthy merchant's house which has been there since the Edo period. Please contact their lives in old days.

Spring Flowers in Nagano

This is the customized tour in which you enjoy beautiful flowers blooming one after another in the countryside of Nagano. You will see the marriage of beautiful mountains and pretty spring flowers.

Sacred forests and shrines in Togakushi

Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.

Serene and Eternal hometown, Iiyama

7 hours

How about trying the local train and exploring the northern part of Nagano? A trip to Iiyama must be an unforgettable experience for you. The lake Hokuryu is a heart-shaped serene lake in a deep forest. You'll enjoy taxi driving along the Chikuma river, where you'll find many photogenic landscapes. Visiting a doll museum or some temples in Iiyama will also soothe your mind.

Quiet samurai town, Matsushiro

Matsushiro is a quiet castle town 10km away from the center of Nagano. The town used to be the domain of the Sanada clan. In Matsushiro, you see the castle remains, the residence of the Sanada clan (castle lords), middle-class samurai houses, a school for samurai children and Sanada treasures museum. You will enjoy walking around the cosy town, breathing fresh air.

Hokusai works and chestnut tree alleys in Obuse

View All Nagano Private Tours

6 hours 30 min

A world-famous ukiyoe painter Hokusai (1760-1849) stayed in Obuse and made his works in his later years. In Obuse Hokusai Museum, you can enjoy not only his ukiyoe woodblock printings but also his original handwritings you cannot see elsewhere. Obuse is well-known for its chestnuts. There are many chestnut trees and a variety of foods with chestnuts. Why don't you try one of them?

Popular Nagano Private Cars

☆Karuizawa Day Tour with a Private Car

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

☆Karuizawa Day Tour with a Private Car

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

Nagano Hakuba Village to Tokyo Haneda Airport Transfer

Depart from Haneda Airport or Tokyo, and deliver to any ski resort hotel in Hakuba Village. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo city.

Nagano Hakuba Village to Narita Airport Transfer

Depart from Narita airport, and deliver to any ski resort hotel in Hakuba Village. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Nagano Shiga Kogen area to Narita Airport Transfer

Depart from Narita airport, and deliver to any ski resort hotel in Shiga Kogen area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Nagano Nozawa Onsen Village to Narita Airport Transfer

Depart from Narita airport, and deliver to any ski resort hotel in Nozawa Onsen Village. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Narita Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Nagano Nozawa Onsen Village to Haneda Airport Transfer

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

Nagano Shiga Kogen area to Haneda Airport Transfer

Depart from Haneda airport, and deliver to any ski resort hotel in Shiga Kogen area. Or, pick you up back to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Pick-up and drop-off service at any time

Day Trips from Nagano

Yamanashi

Takayama

Niigata

Toyama

Gunma

Nagano Tour Reviews

Dan S.

5 / 5

Apr 6, 2024

Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

8 hours

Apr 6, 2024

“The most gorgeous man and guide ever”

Such a gentleman who went above and beyond for our family, even going so far as to arrange luggage pick up with our hotel so we didn’t have to walk around with our bags. His tour was also excellent, giving us enough time to see everything and he was so incredibly knowledgeable when answering our questions. We really loved the snow monkeys and it was Takeshi who spotted the first one! Thank you for the best day of our trip so far!

Takeshi H.

(50 reviews)

Thank you for your review. I was glad that everything went smoothly as planned. The photo is very nice.

Tyler C.

5 / 5

Mar 30, 2024

Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Mar 30, 2024

“Fantastic Tour”

Takeshi was a great host... good communicator and very friendly and helpful during the tour. Great english speaker!

Takeshi H.

(50 reviews)

Thank you for your review. I'm glad everything went good according to plan.

Miriam H.

5 / 5

Mar 25, 2024

A Day Tour for Snow Monkey and Obuse Town