Saitama Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Long term Tokyo resident I have been exploring the backstreets of Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 15 years. I can speak and read Japanese, so I am in a unique position to offer you an insight as to what makes things tick! I love history, culture and particularly old downtown tokyo areas away from the neon signs and crowds of people. Let me help you find a more interesting and real Tokyo for you! : )

Hideaki M.

4.81 / 5

(47 reviews)

Hello! I’m Hideaki. Just call me “Mura” or “Mura-san”. “San” means “Mr.” or "Ms." in Japanese. I have a national tour guide license in English. I have guided for 201 days (576 guests) in 2023, 170 days (501 guests) in 2019 and 149 days (455 guests) in 2018. I have experiences to live in the following cities on business. - Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Four years - Nantong (China) One and half years, - Jakarta (Indonesia) One and half years - Baton Rouge (Louisiana, USA) Two years. My hobbies are playing golf, listening classical music and watching football. My basic policy as a tour guide is to entertain my guests with my best hospitality. I really like to see my guests smiling. I myself also enjoy chatting with my guest about not only a general explanation about Japanese culture and history but everything based on my experiences and hobbies. Let’s enjoy a wonderful tour in Japan !

Yuka S.

4.89 / 5

(37 reviews)

Hi, I'm Yuka. Welcome to Japan. As a national-licensed guide for about 20 years, I have visited lots of sightseeing places. I'm interested in history, nature, art, music, architecture. I'd like to take you to wonderful places such as old temples and shrines, modern cities, and beautiful areas in Japan. Please feel free to contact me and consult me about your planning itinerary and food restriction. Your interest will give you incredible experiences.

Tomoko H.

4.94 / 5

(160 reviews)

Hi everyone! Hearty welcome to Japan. I’m Tomoko. I am an English-speaking licensed tour guide, and a registered nurse as well. “Fun Discovering Experience Walking like a Local!” – F-D-E-W-L! That’s what I suggest. 【Experiences】 My work history is as follows. 1) high school teacher ---12 years 2) nurse--8 years + 2 years as operational manager for Kamakura city vaccination team (during COVID period) 3) tourism related jobs such as tour conducting, guiding, and backyard supporting---10 years As a tour conductor, I’ve visited about 20 foreign countries (possibly yours?) as well as countless number of towns and villages in Japan. I’ve enjoyed these jobs while being a mother. Through these experiences with lots of people from different backgrounds, I've found it a great pleasure to share the joy of learning and experiencing something new! 【Guiding Areas】 <Basic> Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Fuji, Yokohama, Nikko, and other neighboring areas from Tokyo I’m a specialist in Tokyo and Kamakura as I have lived and enjoyed walking a lot in those cities for decades. To be honest, even after all my years here, I still enjoy exploring like a tourist as Tokyo is such an enormous city with great diversity and is constantly changing. Kamakura is a historical small city with nice beaches and hills and lots of hidden spots of beauty. Almost every time I go out, I feel I’m still making new discoveries. That’s why I cannot stop exploring. I would take you to some neighboring areas like Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko, and Mt. Fuji area (Lake Kawaguchiko), etc. <Based on Requests > *if my transportation & accommodation are covered Nagoya, Kyoto, Nagano(Nagano city, Snow Monkey park, Kisoji trail, etc.), Hida (Takayama, Shirakawa-go), Kanazawa, Oita, Yamagata, Akita, etc. My original family is from Nagoya, so I know their culture and even their language(dialect) well. Later in my life, I have lived in Oita, Kyushu(far south west of Tokyo) for nearly 10 years and traveled a lot in Kyushu. I love traveling Tohoku, the northern Japan area, too. I’ve planned and enjoyed visiting many of those local areas in the north, too. So, I could share those experiences with you even while having tours in Tokyo or online. 【Personality and others】 - I love meeting people, listening and talking to them. - I'm friendly and caring, I hope:) - I love nature and enjoy hiking and skiing. - I love seasonal flowers and good local food. - You will see a lot about Japanese culture, nature, and lifestyle with me. What has made you decide to come to Japan, by the way? Is it its scenic beauties, exotic culture, history, food, anime, or what else? Is it your business that has brought (or will bring) you here? Let me have a clue and customize your tour. I will make the best tour suggestion for you. Why don’t you contact me now? I’m looking forward to seeing you soon! Thank you! Arigato-gozaimas!

Fumiko I.

4.84 / 5

(31 reviews)

Hello! I'm Fumiko, a licensed national tourist guide. I love Japanese culture such as Japanese way of arranging flowers, calligraphy, origami or folding paper, and wearing yukata. If you would like to experience these kinds of things Japanese, I can arrange for you. I'm good on Japanese history, too. I'd like to show you around Tokyo and other places with their historical backgrouds, if you like. As I had worked for a travel agency for a long time, I can help you travel smoothly and I'd like to meet your request as much as possible. I often guide Asakusa, Ueno, East Garden of Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, Ryogoku, Yanesen, Meiji Jingu , Harajuku and so on.

Yumi I.

(37 reviews)

I have lived in Tokyo for a long time, and I like Tokyo and really enjoy the life of Tokyo. I love eating, shopping and cooking, so Tokyo is one of most exciting places in Japan for me!! I think, not only for me and Japanese people, but also foreign tourists. I want to give you unforgettable memories in Japan. My top priority is to help you discover, enjoy, experience and feel Japanese culture, gourmet and life with the heart of Japanese hospitality. I’m interested in cross-cultural exchange. Let’s talk a lot about anything you want to know and try to do in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing you the tour.

Yo O.

4.86 / 5

(7 reviews)

Hello, please call me Yo. I have been working for senior high schools teaching Japanese history. I have traveled almost all over Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa. My research field is Canada and I have been to many places in Canada several times. I love outdoor activities like skiing, trekking and cycling and so on. My favorite ski areas are Shiga-height and Hakuba. I can arrange your ski tours in winter and trekking in summer season there.

Kenji K.

(7 reviews)

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Hello, I was born in 1956 in Horoshima and have lived in Tokyo for over 40 years. I have a license of “National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter”. I love outdoor activities, especially fishing and golf. I have been to CANADA for 6 months as a bank trainee and have worked for 5 years in the US at the age of my 30s. It is my pleasure to show you around in Japan. As you know, there are four seasons in Japan and you can enjoy the nature of each season. Especially in spring time, cherry blossoms in full bloom welcome you. Japan is a safe country, meals are very delicious, and you can explore Japanese great history at the spiritual places of shrines and temples. Please contact me. You are assured to have an enjoyable and memorial trip. I'm looking forward to having wonderful time with you. See you!

New Saitama Tour Guides

Atsuhiro M.

Hello, I am Atsuhiro, national licensed English tour guide and interpreter. I have extensive knowledge of Japanese history and culture, as well as a wealth of knowledge about flowers, plants, and agriculture. I have long experience working in official organizations related to agriculture and plants, including the United Nations and the Japanese government. If you are interested in Japanese gardens, my knowledge of plants will surely satisfy your interest. Japan has four seasons, then we can enjoy beautiful scenery no matter when you visit. I will guide you anywhere in Japan according to your request. on a field in beautiful country side, in a market, in a lecture room. Of course, we can enjoy to visit many tourist spots, like Sensoji temple, Imperial palace, Tsukiji fish market and so on. It is my pleasure to support you to create your happiest memory in Japan. I am very happy to be with you for assisting your job and trip here in Japan Why don't you to travel to this wonderful Japan with me? I am very looking forward to meeting you soon here in Japan.

Melody S.

Hello! Welcome to my page and hopefully soon, Akihabara! I’ｍ a government licensed tour guide with profound knowledge of Japanese culture, history and geography. I was born in a suburb area and grew up in Tokyo. I studied abroad in the US and UK, and met great people from all over the world. I was an IT engineer and a manager of a maid cafe in Akihabara. Although I know many spots in Tokyo, Akihabara, the very special Otaku mecca, is my home. I lived in Akihabara nearly 10 years to become a genuine Otaku! Interests - Maid cafes and Pop idols - Anime and Comics - IT and Electronics - Socializing and Eating

Moses gerizim C.

Do you love traveling and doing outdoor activities? or You just want to chill and explore the busy yet fun places in Central Tokyo. Name what you want and I will help you out to make that idea come true. I cater mountain hiking activities and personalized city tours fitted just for your needs. Japan has many things to offer depending on what you want to do. Nature and outdoor activities, food exploration, cultural immersion, nightlife fun, technology and innovation, and many more. With my stay here in Japan. I've been into the exploration of the Japanese Alps. I've been to Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tsukuba, Mt. Jinba, Mt. Takao, Mt. Nokogiriyama, Mt. Otake, Mt. Mitake, Mt. Kagenobu and Mt. Shiroyama. On the other hand, the busy central Tokyo gives you fun and excitement specifically the places of Shinjuku and Shibuya if you want nightlife fun. If you want to travel to the countryside I can make an itinerary and cater car tours because I have a Japanese Drivers License. With all these glimpses of me and what I can passionately offer, I am looking forward to talking with you soon and being part of your journey and memorable experience as you explore Japan.

Johanna S.

Hola a todos. Soy Johanna, de Nicaragua. Estoy viviendo en Japon desde hace ya algún tiempo, 22 años. He vivido muchas experiencias inolvidables aquí y por eso decidí trabajar en el área de turismo, para poder compartir mis conocimientos con ustedes. Mis tours son personalizados, y generalmente en carro porque considero que se puede ver mucho en poco tiempo y al final del tour el cliente no se sentira muy cansado. Pero también puede hacer tours caminando por medio tiempo en áreas especificas. Tambien si el cliente lo desea ofrezco tours de un dia fuera de la capital por ejemplo a Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko y la Montaña de Fuji. En mis tours los cliente aprenderán la historia antigua y moderna Japonesa, la cultura, las costumbres, la gastronomía, la tecnología, religión, los sitios turísticos mas populares, y sobre todo el dia a dia que se vive en Japon. Mi meta e interés unico es la satisfacción al cliente y que se sienta feliz de haber visitado Japon. Diganme lo que quieren hacer en Japon, donde quieren visitar que desean comer? Comprar? Les aseguro que este país tiene mucho que ofrecerles y desearan volver no una vez, sino muchas veces mas. Vengan, los espero en Japon, vamos a redescubrir Japon juntos. Hello everyone. I'm Johanna, from Nicaragua. I have been living in Japan for some time now, 22 years. I have lived many unforgettable experiences here and that's why I decided to work in the tourism space. My tours are personalized, and generally by car or also half-a-day walking tours in specific areas. Also, I offer one day trips outside the capital for example to Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko and Fuji. On my tours clients will learn about ancient and modern Japanese history, culture, customs, food, technology, religion, and above all the everyday life in Japan. Tell me what you want to do in Japan, where you want to visit, what you want to eat? I assure you that this country has a lot to offer you and you will want to come back not once, but many more times.

Miki K.

(1 reviews)

Hello, my name is Miki. I have lived in the United States, China, and Taiwan, and I love travel. There are many fun places to visit near Tokyo. I can ask your request to go and the things what you want to do, then create an original plan for you! From famous tourist destination to local places, I will help you discover a new side of Japan, whether it's your first time or a repeat visitor. Enjoy your trip!

Koichi O.

Nice to meet you. I am Koichi. History and culture attract me. So, I have enjoyed making a communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I can arrange your tour based on you request and curiosity. It will be original for you in the world. For example, if you are interested in bonsai, I can take you to Bonsai village. Because I have learned it for seven years. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

Samantha L.

(2 reviews)

Come explore Tokyo with me, a true-blue Japan lover and avid world traveler! Hi, I am Samantha from Singapore and it is nice to meet you! Having lived here for 13 years, I love Japan very much and still view it with a perspective of playfulness, curiosity, and amazement. There are always new places to discover and have fun. My guide experience began with private tours for family and friends who have visited me throughout all these years. I am excited to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Japan to you too. I love meeting and connecting with new people. I have been to several countries and my most recent experience was a 1 month solo trip to Eastern Europe. I also took the opportunity to volunteer at a Romanian dog shelter. Despite being abused, their affection for humans remains and touched me deeply. Kindness not only can be extended to humans but also to animals, an integral part of our planet. As a global traveler, I understand how nerve-racking it can be to visit a new place. I have been fortunate to meet warm and kind locals on my travels. I want to extend to you this same warmth and kindness. I will be your guide to navigate the sprawling spaces, experience the wonders of Japan, and be your friend away from home. My aim is to create a warm and welcoming space for you to immerse, learn, and relax here. Let me take you on a fascinating journey of discovery, knowledge, and interactions! Together, we will explore and create unforgettable memories of your trip here! ** Feel free to contact me for a one-of-a-kind customized tour. I am happy to work out the details with you. 你好！我是萨曼莎。我来自新加坡，在日本生活了 13 年。这些年来，我一直有家人和朋友来日本。我喜欢带他们游览日本。作为一名环游世界的旅行者，我喜欢结识新朋友并与他们建立联系。我理解在一个陌生的地方，对语言和文化知之甚少或一无所知是多么令人伤脑筋。在我的所有旅行中，我很幸运能够遇到热情友善的当地人。他们欢迎我来到他们的国家并教我他们的文化。同样，我想为您创造一个温暖而温馨的空间，让您在日本沉浸、学习和享受。我对展示这个国家之美的热情促使我创建了这些旅游项目。我真的很高兴与您分享它们！让我带您踏上一段奇妙的发现、知识和互动之旅！我们将一起探索并为您的旅行留下难忘的回忆！如有任何疑问，请随时与我联系。我可以根据您的喜好、时间和需求量身定制行程。

Junko Y.

(2 reviews)

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Hi there! I'm Junko, a government licensed tour guide and interpreter. I was born and bred in the Tokyo area. I can customize my tour or ceate a tour any way you like, so please send me a message if you are interested. I have spent a year as a graduate student in the US, and traveled in several countries. I've made friends with non-Japanese people throughout my life, and I have a pretty good knowledge of what they want to know. I love goofy jokes and having fun. I will do my best to make our clients' stay in Japan a wonderful one.

Popular Saitama Private Tours

Kawagoe Town Day Excursion from Tokyo with Private guide

8 hours

Explore a town of history retaining the culture and aroma of Edo, so called "Koedo(Little Edo)" Kawagoe With a Private Guide. Kawagoe is a town located in Saitama prefecture, about 50km northeast of Tokyo and a town retaining old atmosphere of Edo, Taisho and Showa period (16th to 20th century). It takes just about 30 min from Tokyo by train and is the perfect place for a day excursion to experience a contrasting change from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Visit to Bonsai Village in Saitama

3 hours 30 min

As I am living in a walk distance from Bonsai Village, I can guide you very effectively. Bonsai Village is located In Saitama City. It takes about one hour from the center of Tokyo by rail. At present day, there are five nurseries of Bonsai and The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. Each of the nurseries has their own characteristics you may enjoy. Some have lady-favorite Bonsai, and some has large size Bonsai. You may buy vessels and tools specialized in Bonsai nursing. You could even buy Bonsai itself( you need some complicated procedures to export them). Bonsai village is within only 15 minute by foot. You can enjoy walking in quiet town(village) by only one hour trip from the downtown of Tokyo. 　The museum has about 150 Bonsai. Some of them are 1000-2000 years old and you can also observe the staff caring them at a short distance. The museum also has three typical TOKONOMA (caves) with best suited Bonsai. There are English brochures which is very simple and volunteer guides with little foreign language efficiency.

Amusement Town Koedo Kawagoe !

3 hours

Enjoy your half day or full day in Koedo Kawagoe which has Edo period atmosphere. It's just 30 minutes away from Tokyo by train.

Kawagoe Old Town - 7hrs

This tour showcases well-preserved traditional architecture featuring clay-wall warehouses. Kitain Temple has buildings which were relocated from Edo Castle. These are the only surviving buildings of the ancient Edo Castle in Japan. Let's walk in the 350-year-old Shogun rooms! How can we resist the tempting local sweets and sweet potato snacks!? The tour offers you a lot of photo opps and is perfect all ages. Come to Kawagoe! I'd love to show you around!

Visiting a few of 34 temples pilgrimage in Chichibu area

Do you want a spiritual and hiking experience in one day? Chichibu is famous for the pilgrimage of Buddhism in Japan. Surrounded by low mountains, 34 temples are dispersed in the city. If you want to visit all the temples, it will take 3days. As your guide, I will be able to walk or run with you for 7 or 8 hours in a day including eating lunch and taking Spa! You can refresh yourself after the pilgrimage and a long walk.

Kamakura—Visit all popular spots in Kamakura and Enoshima

7 hours 30 min

This is the trip to visit all popular sight-seeing spots and have local snacks in Kamakura in a day. We will visit the most popular spots, not only Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine and Great Buddha temple, Kotokuin but also Hase temple from which you can command panoramic sea view of Sagami bay. Kamakura is the center city of Japan in medieval age and a historical town in Kanagawa prefecture which is known as “the Kyoto of Kanto region”. It’s a very popular tourist destination from both Japanese and

For Children and Railway fans ! Tour to The Railway Museum

5 hours

The Railway Museum in Omiya city (about one hour by train from Tokyo) is a very popular for children and railways fans in Japan. It's a wonderful facility to enjoy the exhibitions of many formerly actually used trains in Japan.

Bonsai sightseeing and Kawagoe small-Edo tour in Saitama

View All Saitama Private Tours

9 hours

This tour include Omiya Bonsai museum & village where several types of Bonsai are displayed in both inside the museum & outside garden and Kawagoe tour spots with nostalgic atmosphere of ancient Edo-Era such as Kura-machi street , Kawagoe-castle and Hikawa-Shrines which are both located in Saitama. You can enjoy Japanese traditional atmosphere and craftsman skill.

New Saitama Private Tours

[Kawagoe Private Tour] Hikawa shrine, Castle (Ticket inc.) & Kimono with certified Japanese guide

6 hours

Experience Kawagoe's historical Kurazukuri no Machi which is Edo period warehouse, Kawagoe Castle, Hikawa Shrine and enjoy traditional Japanese food, "Unagi" and Sweet potato snacks and cakes which is must-try in Kawagoe. You can also try wearing Kimono and walk in the city, and take memorable photos in old city view!

Kawagoe - Old Edo Era Time Slip

5 hours

Experience the feel of old Japan only 30 minutes north of Tokyo. Famed for it's Edo period vibe, this nostalgic town is lined with many old Edo period buildings and is a great one day trip from Tokyo. Experience a different side of the city! Snacks and traditional crafts shops line the streets and you can feel the old nostalgia of a by-gone era. Popular with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy Kawagoe with an experienced local guide from the UK.

Kawagoe Highlights tour! Historic streets with Nice snack walks.

Kawagoe is easily accessible from Tokyo, and is a town where you can tour historic old streets and temples, see traditional Japanese craft souvenirs, and enjoy Japanese food and local snacks! (English and Chinese)

Kawagoe Little Edo Private Tour

Kawagoe, called Little Edo, was a merchant town that is now home to a wealth of architecture and designs. One of the symbolic structures in Kawagoe is the tall Clock Bell Tower (Toki-no Kane) that dates back over 400 years. We will enjoy strolling around the town steeped in the tradition of Edo, such as fire proof Storehouses that are still beautifully preserved in the town center

¡Tour de un día de Koedo en Kawagoe y el museo de Arte de Bonsái de Omiya en Saitama!

Visitaremos Koedo en Kawagoe, ciudad con el ambiente tradicional de Edo Tokio y el museo de Arte de Bonsái de Omiya en la Ciudad de Saitama el que es el primer museo nacional en el mundo creado el 2010, para transmitir la cultura del arte de Bonsái en general.

Koedo In Kawagoe, one-day tour

Kawagoe is located in the north part of Tokyo. It is only 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo. Kawagoe has good access and it is a very convenient tourist spot. Kawagoe is a town of history retaining the culture and aroma of Edo period 400 years ago. Why not visit the temples and learn about historical heritage, and fill up on Japanese food at an authentic Japanese restaurant?

Day Trips from Saitama

Tokyo

Yokohama

Yamanashi

Tochigi

Chiba

Gunma

Saitama Tour Reviews

Natalia D.

5 / 5

May 10, 2023

Customized tour to the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (G-Cans)

4 hours

Customized

May 10, 2023

“Excellent experience!”

Mr Nobu is a wonderful and highly recommended guide! He's very client-oriented and helpful. Everything went so smoothly - from discussing and organizing a private tour to G-Cans to the actual tour. We're very thankful and hope we have a chance to organize something together again!

Nobu S.

(89 reviews)

Thank you very much for your review. I am glad to know that you were happy and enjoyed the tour. G-Cans tour is a bit special tour but would be interesting for people who like it. Looking forward to talk with you again! Nobu

Stefano U.

5 / 5

Apr 27, 2023

Kawagoe Town Day Excursion from Tokyo with Private guide

8 hours

Apr 27, 2023

“A relaxed and fascinating walk in the past with Sachimi-san”

I was eager to explore the outskirts of Tokyo. I chose Sachimi-san because her tour was specifically focused on Kawagoe, an area where different past architectures merge: Edo, Meiji, Tasho, Showa. Sachimi could help me with the logistics. We could visit Kitain temple, where I was lucky enough to assist to a burning ritual and sutra chant, and then Hikawa, a shrine with a playful atmosphere. With her, I had the most delicious unagi I ever had in my trip (I am picky about unagi!). We strolled around in the joyful Kurazukuri street which is abundant of vintage shops, that I love. We visited a brewery, a really old soy factory...so many things, but I never felt any rush. Sachimi-san was always flexible and could easily read my interests. Time really flew! I hope to walk again in those streets in the future. If so, will be again with Sachimi-san.

Sachimi K.

(26 reviews)

Hi, Stefano-san, Thank you so much for such nice words! It was really a joy to walk the lovely town and I am glad you liked and saw a lot there. The lunch was also really good! I hope you will come back to Japan, then let's explore another off-the-beaten old atmosphere area! Thank you again. Please take care!

Ram C.

5 / 5

Apr 16, 2023

Bonsai village tour