Shiga Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Highlight of our trip and most memorable experience ever!”

I can’t express how incredible my experience with our guide, Kanae, was during our private tour exploring my heritage in Japan. I am a sansei (third-generation Japanese American), and my family and I decided to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan. Kanae picked us up at our hotel in Kyoto and drove us to Shiga Prefecture, where we visited the castle ruins connected to my ancestors. She also helped interpret for me at the local historical museum and city hall. Kanae was so kind and generous with her time and knowledge, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with. She tailored our tour exactly to what I had dreamed of and went far beyond our expectations. Our full day with Kanae was the highlight of my trip. I will always be grateful to her for her kindness and for introducing me to the beauty and hospitality of Japan.

“Expand your journey in Japan!”

Japan has so much more to offer than just Tokyo and Kyoto. Step into the countryside and see some amazing places. I had the pleasure of visiting Hikone Castle with an excellent guide Tomoe S. she did some amazing research on some family history that I provided. In addition she reached out to the historian of the museum to assist in my research. Much more than I would have expected from a guide! A short train ride from Kyoto opens up a whole new view of Japan. Hire a dedicated guide like Tomoe to add to your experience. Thank you Tomoe!

Tomoe S.

(166 reviews)

Dear Al, Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. I was really glad to guide you to Hikonejyo Castle which is the representative tourist spot in Shiga, my prefecture. Talking about various things with you on the train was a lot of fun for me, and I was impressed with you, having searched your family history in such detail. I really hope that you will get more information about your family. Thank you very much for giving me such a precious meeting! TOMOE

“Trip to Lake Biwa ”

We had a enjoyable day with Tatsuhiro who took us to Lake Biwako which us the largest lake in Japan. We had an lovely cruise on the Michigan, enjoying a great selection of food for lunch and then entertained by some of the crew with song. We then visited the Arashiyama kimono walk. Thank you Hiro for getting us back to the Kyoto train station to catch the train back to Osaka.

Tatsuhiro N.

(84 reviews)

Hi Shirley-san & John-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. There can be no better reward than receiving such a wonderful review. I hope the tour will remain forever in your memory. Besides giving me the ship ride including the delicious lunch, thank you so much again for telling me about your country and the birds and animals that live there. And for the nice souvenir, too. All is well that ends well. However, it made me feel a bit dismayed when we failed to make it to the same train at Arashiyama station. Enjoy life in the beautiful atmosphere in your country. Regards, Hiro