Shiga Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Shiga, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Shiga Tour Guides
Koichi W.
4.96 / 5
(72 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Kanae O.
5.00 / 5
(39 reviews)
Japan
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years. Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city. Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Japan
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(44 reviews)
Japan
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
New Shiga Tour Guides
Norman B.
Japan
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.
Eco H.
5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan
Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 7 years, and now he hopes to share with you all he has learned of this wonderful city and the surrounding area. Recent graduate with a background in Japanese history and religion, he is now a professor a university in nearby Kobe city. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting the delightful sites. Throughout his time in Kyoto he has been working as a guide for numerous organisations, including guiding around Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto, and has provided many with a unique view of the city.
Yuta I.
5.00 / 5
(35 reviews)
Japan
Hi everyone! My name is Yuta! Thanks for checking out my profile. I've been living in Kyoto for over 4 years, and I love exploring and sharing the city's amazing history and culture with people from all over the world. During university, I spent over a year traveling around Europe, which helped me become fluent in English and German. I studied at the University of Leipzig in Germany and got great experience through an internship there. My wife is German, so I'm always in an international environment, learning about different cultures. Besides guiding tours, I'm also a social media influencer with over 10,000 Instagram followers. I love sharing interesting content about Japanese and German life, connecting with people globally, and showing off the beauty of Kyoto. I offer custom tours for individuals and groups, making sure each experience is unique and special. With my deep knowledge of Kyoto's historical sites and architecture, I'll make your visit to Japan's ancient capital fun and enlightening. During our tour, I'll share cool historical insights and stories about the places we visit, helping you understand Japan's past and its connection to the present. I'm friendly and attentive, so I'll make sure you have a great time in Japan! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about your trip to Japan! Hope to see you soon on one of my tours.
Taka M.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Japan
My name is Taka. I was born and grew up in Koka City, Japan, where the world famous Koka Ninja’s birthplace is. Koka City is just one hour away from JR Kyoto station by train. As a matter of fact, I am a descendant of Ninja/local Samurai. My family name represents the most powerful Ninja/local Samurai clan among the Koka’s 53 Ninja clans. There are twin Castles of my ancestors in my neighborhood. When I was a college student, I was interested in foreign languages and cultures, and I studied abroad at a university in Ohio, USA as an exchange student for one year. After graduating from a Japanese college with a BA in English, I worked for a prefectural government for 31 years, and I made an early retirement in March 2023. During my service to the government, I was chosen as a Visiting Official in Michigan, USA, which is a sister state of my prefecture, and I stayed there for 2 years as the government’s representative. I have totally 3 years of living experience in the USA, and am able to speak English now. Since I am retired from the government, I decided to start a new career as a Ninja tour guide for foreign travelers in my hometown. There are Ninja House, over 180 medieval Ninja related castles, shrines, temples, Ninja’s training mountains, and more in Koka, however no one had done the tour guide for foreigners until now. As I am able to speak English, I thought I should start a new job as a Ninja tour guide, and would like to contribute to my hometown Koka.
Popular Shiga Private Tours
Tour of Ishiyama-dera Temple
Shiga
4 hours
(Highlights) This temple is popular not only among pilgrims and dedicated Buddhists but also among ordinary citizens. It is well-known as the place where a 12th -century woman writer Murasaki-shikibu worked on the manuscript of her masterpiece "Genji-monogatari (tale of Genji)". People visit the temple to pray for the safe childbirth, peace in the family and happy marriages. It is also the place where people can enjoy viewing the beautiful harvest moon known as "Ishiyama-no-syugetsu (moonlight over the temple of Ishiyama-dera) in mid-September. Not only Buddhist rituals but also jazz concerts and other festive events are held at that time. In mid-August, in addition, a magnificent fireworks show can be seen in the nearby river bank accompanied by as many as 3,000 candles lit in line in the same bank a bit away and "Bon" dancing" is performed by visitors each year. The 900-year-old temple is the attractive place surrounded by natural beauties throughout the year: plum blossoms in winter, cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in early summer and colored leaves in the fall. ( How to visit the temple and enjoy) After you go through the main gate, walk to the admission-collecting booth, where you are asked to pay 500 yen. They will give you a leaflet explainig about the temple in its entirety.Then, go up the steep hill and you will reach the "Hondo" main hall, which houses the magnificent "Go-honzon-sama", or " Kannon-sama", the Goddess of mercy, which is the principal icon of the temple. There you have to pay another 300 yen, then you can step in to the sacred hall, where the huge image sits. You have to take your shoes off beforehand. Taking a photo is not allowed there. You can sit on the chair before the image and offer a prayer. Afterward, walk on the path that leads you to whatever places or buildings there are in the compound. You will never get lost, since there are signboards everywhere directing your way and the path is simple. One hour will be enough for the tour of the entire temple. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 500 yen ( plus 300 yen for entering the "Hondo" main hall). You can also take a private railway train ride for almost the same fare.
FROM$170/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto
Shiga
4 hours
Hikone City is only an hour away from Kyoto by train and faces the largest lake in Japan. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and its castle town are located there. There are also some old temples and shrines nearby. You feel like you have slipped back into the Edo Period ( about 200~400 years ago). This is a half-day tour where you can learn about Japan's medieval period.
FROM$133/ per group
Kazuhiko G.
4.78 / 5
(190 reviews)
The villages of Kouga Ninja and Shigaraki pottery
Shiga
8 hours
Koka city is one of the two most famous districts for Ninja as well as Iga city. The Ninja house was built about 300 years ago .It displays some gears and weapons actually used by Ninja allowing you to have experience intelligence and crafty skills. Shigaraki pottery has a long history and famous for its cute raccoon dog "Tanuki" There are many genuine Sake breweries in Shiga
FROM$160/ per group
Mana F.
4.87 / 5
(97 reviews)
Experiencing Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony
Shiga
2 hours
You can experience real traditional Japanese tea ceremony privately. I will pick you up at Otsu jr station or Hamaotsu Krishna station. Please feel relaxed to contact me.
FROM$67/ per group
Toshiyo O.
4.69 / 5
(253 reviews)
New Shiga Private Tours
National Treasure Hikone Castle & Oda Nobunaga's Ambition "Ruins of Azuchi Castle" Tour
Shiga
8 hours 30 min
Hikone Castle is a valuable castle that retains its original appearance from the Edo period, including the national treasure keep and four turrets and stables designated as important cultural assets. Why not visit this famous castle, which has been carved out of time over the past 400 years, while also enjoying the view of Lake Biwa?
FROM$267/ per group
Koki N.
5.00 / 5
(16 reviews)
Let's enjoy Lake Biwa cruise and National Treasure Castle!
Shiga
7 hours
Hikone Castle is one of the five National Treasure castles. The castle is on the hilltop and you can see beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa and castle town. Beside the castle, there is a beautiful Japanese garden, named "Genkyu-en". If you like, you enjoy a cup of green tea with Japanese sweet. After lunch at the castle town, let's enjoy cruise to a small sacred island, Chikubu-jima. In the sacred island, there are a famous temple and a National Treasure shrine. I'm sure you like it!!
FROM$267/ per group
Yuriko S.
4.95 / 5
(55 reviews)
Shiga nature tour
Shiga
8 hours
Shiga prefecture is next to Kyoto prefecture. There is the biggest lake, the lake of Biwa. And you can see many beautiful mountains and clear streams. I will guide small hiking to a beautiful waterfall (30 min up, 30 min down) I can also show you Shiga sightseeing spots!
FROM$333/ per group
Hero I.
4.92 / 5
(49 reviews)
Tour of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple
Shiga
5 hours
(Highlights) More than 1,200 years have passed since the Reverend Dengyo-daishi Saicho settled in Mt. Hieizan. It is called the Mother Mountain of the Japanese Buddhist world, since it trained and gave birth to many noted priests like Honen, Eisai, Shinran, Dogen and Nichiren. Hieizan Enryaku-ji-Temple, registered in the World Cultural Heritage Sites list, consists of many magnificent buildings and lies on the top of Mt.Hiei which is some 800 meters high above the sea level. The temple precincts are made up of three districts: Toto (East district), Seito (West district) and Yokogawa district. The area is so wide and slopes are so steep that you have to be dressed in clothes for a mountain climbing and be ready for a hard physical exercise. However, once you are in the temple enclosure, you will be amazed at the dozens of magnificent buildings built with exquisite techniques. (How to enjoy) You can see the beautiful scenery from a cable car as it goes up the mountain. After reaching the temple area, enjoy having a look at the splendid structures and strolling on the paths. Especially at Konponchudo hall, you can immerse yourself in the mythical world of Buddhism. It is difficult to explain what the temple is all about in its entirety in this column; just visit and see. (Others) The JR train fare from Kyoto to Otsu is 240 yen and the Keihan Railway train fare from Hama-Otsu to Sakamoto is 240 yen. You have to walk about one kilometer from JR Otsu station to Keihan Railway Hama-Otsu station. The cable-car charge is 860 yen for one-way, 11-minute ride and the temple entrance fee is 700 yen.
FROM$136/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Shiga Tour Reviews
C
Charlene E.
5 / 5
Mar 26, 2025
“Kyoto and surroundings”
We did two tours with Nori. One by foot and the other by car. Both ere excellent. Nori is very knowledgeable and spoke very well english. I highly recommend Nori as a guide.
A
Amanda C.
5 / 5
Mar 10, 2025
“Review on day trip in Shiga region (Lake Biwa)”
My best friend and myself were lucky enough to secure kanae to be our guide. She was very friendly and did a great itinerary with little notice. Despite weather was not the best, we had a great time visiting hikone castle and walked around local town, in addition we were taken to shinmachi area with preserved and restored old house. We were lucky to be able to view exhibition of dolls for “girls festival”. She also took us to la Collina bakery as a surprise. It was like a futuristic building. She was very kind, professional and considerate. We had a great time discussing different interesting facts and challenges within Japan. She was kind enough to give us tips of places to visit the following day and we ended up going to a special exhibition featuring lights and shadows of flowers and butterflies. We would definitely ask for her again if we ever want to visit this area again.
Kanae O.
Amanda, thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure guiding both of you through Hikone and Ohmi-Hachiman, despite the weather. I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour. It’s great to hear that my recommendation helped you for the beautiful light and shadow exhibition the next day. I’d be delighted to guide you again if you return—there’s always more to explore!
P
Petar D.
5 / 5
Nov 14, 2024
“Beautiful trip in the countryside near Kyoto”
I had an amazing two days with Nori as guide. First day was in Kyoto and it was nice to know the place and some of the shrines in it. The countryside trip on the second day was quite amazing for a guy like me who know a little bit about Japanese history. Nori is very well prepared guide so he can help you really get into the atmosphere and also get some deeper knowledge about Japanese culture.He is also easy to communicate with and a nice company.Thank for the nice trips , see you next time I'm in Japan!
Nori I.
Thanks for your comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy the last two days. It was also a nice surprise about you knowing so much about Japan and its history. Almost everywhere we went you knew something about the place. It makes me more motivated to communicate regarding those places. Like I said and you saw there are so many amazing hidden places in this area just outside Kyoto. I really hope you can come back and we explore some other places together. Have a safe rest of the trip! If you need any help from my side, please let me know anytime!
Shiga Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Shiga or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Shiga has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Shiga tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Shiga, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
Latest Shiga Articles
Things To Do
8 Amazing Shiga Sightseeing Spots
Shiga, Japan
Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, Koka Ninja Village, the birthplace of ninja, Hikone Castle, a National Treasure, with impressive views, and finally a boat ride through the waterways of Shiga. If you are planning a trip to Japan, and are in and around the...
Luke Kinsella
Apr 28, 2022
Things To Do
Take a tour of Hikone Castle
Shiga, Japan
During the period of the revolution in Japan known as the Meiji Restoration in 1868, most of the castles in the country were destroyed. They were considered as unwanted reminders of the feudal past. Hikone Castle, too, was on the list for demolition. Howe...
Mieke Aarsman
Jul 03, 2024
All Tours Customizable
Start By Messaging Your Guide
100% Private Tours
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
Quality Assured Guides
Screened and Verified via Interviews
Connect with a Tour Guide in Shiga
Chat with the best tour guides in Shiga. Get a free itinerary and plan your private tour today.
Book a Customizable Shiga Private Tour
Browse Shiga tour itineraries by our local professionals and book your favorite Shiga tour.
