Shiga Private Tour Guides
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Popular Shiga Tour Guides
Nori I.
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to many other 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!
Koichi W.
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.
I am a nationally licensed tour guide enthusiastic about introducing my hometown, Kyoto, Japan, to tourists and showcasing the finest dining spots, recreational activities, and enjoyable experiences it has to offer. In addition to my role as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I also serve as a tour guide, specializing in food tours, hiking and trekking adventures, and invigorating workout tours, such as jogging. I take great pride in tailoring these experiences to suit the preferences of my guests. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you to the old capital of Japan!
Tomoe S.
Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me. I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto. I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job. I like history and like to visit temples in Nara. My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!! I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country. I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!! Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you. I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!! I'm looking forward to seeing you!! * If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate) Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour. * If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.
Kazuhiko G.
Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!
Taka M.
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.
Yuta I.
Hi, my name is Yuta! I want to show you my city Kyoto and its culture, food and history in a funny way! I can speak English and German. I love travelling myself and especially with the help of a local. So I want to become your local Kyoto friend and show you the city how I see it!
Mana F.
Hello, my name is Mana. I am a National Licensed Tour Guide in English. I was born and raised in Kyoto. I worked for the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters after I graduated from university. I know lots about Kyoto's cultures and festivals . I am good at walking. After I got married, I have been in Shiga for over 30 years. I work for at high school as a part time teacher. I am flexible in Kyoto and Shiga. See you soon!
Shiga Tour Reviews
Erika T.
Azuchi Castle & Gifu Castle Tour on Feb.11 & 12
Customized
“Unique and Unforgettable Experience!”
I'm a foreign exchange student studying Japanese history, so over the break, I really wanted to see some lesser-visited sites from Sengoku-period Japan. Even though the places I visited with Kazuhiko weren't exactly tailored to foreign tourists (there was not a lot of information in English), he was such a knowledgeable guide that I didn't feel like I was missing out at all! Whenever we stopped to take a break, he would draw pictures to explain what we had just seen and explain the concepts behind the architecture. I had such a wonderful experience, and none of it would have been possible without Kazuhiko! He went above and beyond— from planning an itinerary around my interests, translating signs and information to English, providing me with handouts on the history of the places we visited, and even showing me around the next city over! I've been on a lot of tours before, but I can definitively say that I had the best experience with Kazuhiko. 100% recommend!
Kazuhiko G.
(159 reviews)Hello, Thanks for the nice review. I enjoyed it very much as well. Thank you very much !! For me, this was my first time guiding those places and I apologize for my lack of preparation. But I too was glad to learn more about the Warring States period. I hope this tour will be useful for your study. I also hope that this tour will be a memorable one. Thank you very much !! Kazuhiko Goto
Ryan A.
Three Ninja Facilities Complete Electric Biking Private Tour
“The most fun we had while in Kyoto”
We had so much fun riding e-bikes, learning more about Ninjas, seeing how they lives and the trick and weapons they used. We had delicious gelato, lunch, and specialty made coffee! Our kids loved it and had been their favorite thing during our stay in Kyoto. Thanks Taka!
Taka M.
(4 reviews)Thank you for coming to Ninja's hometown of Koka. I had great fun with you and your family too. I have more places I want to show you around. You are always welcome to come to my home. Keep in touch!
“We had the joy of joining Toshiyo for 2 days”
Toshiyo was kind and very accommodating during our two days with her around Kyoto. Some amazing sights and interesting information as we explored this amazing city She helped us navigate the rail system and was very patient with our two children. Her English was a massive help also We highly recommend Toshiyo
Toshiyo O.
(234 reviews)Thank you very much for having me as your guide. I appreciate it and the kind review. I am very happy that you had good days in Kyoto. It was nice meeting your beautiful family. Thank you very much. Toshiyo
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