Shiga Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

(6 reviews)

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.

4.94 / 5

(49 reviews)

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.

(2 reviews)

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.

4.93 / 5

(97 reviews)

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.

Taka M.

(4 reviews)

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.

(10 reviews)

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!

Kazuhiko G.

4.74 / 5

(159 reviews)

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!!

Mana F.

4.85 / 5

(79 reviews)

View All Shiga Tour Guides

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!

New Shiga Tour Guides

Norman B.

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.

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.

Takashi K.

4.50 / 5

(2 reviews)

This is Takashi Kikuchi, a passionate guide, who is so happy to share my favorite spots of the hidden gems with you. I am sure that you've come across so many highlight tours on the website though, my tours are very powerful in unique temples, arraggeing your custom tour, featured with off-the-beaten path experiecne. Also, it's possible to provide you special walking tours upon your needs and budget. (I can make some inexpensive tours too) Don't hesitate to reach out to me! Thank you

Tomoya H.

I was born in Osaka, and grown up under nature loving parent, and spent a lot of time on hiking, fishing, camping and skiing in my youth. I have been guiding trekkers from north to south Japan, as well as oversea trails. Even when I'm not at work, enjoy trekking trails in Rokko area which is just by the door. I'm a JMGA (Japan Mountaineering Guides Association) certificated Trekking Guide (stage II), and you'll be enjoying the trail without any issues and worries with me.

Kenji O.

(6 reviews)

I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career. I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise. I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.

Andrew W.

Hello. I am a landscape designer/ videographer/ tour guide living in Kyoto for the last 11 years. I specialize in leading off-the-beaten path tours that are focused on gardens, nature, art, philosophy and history. As the only foreigner to graduate from the Kyoto Japanese Garden Training Program, I have gained insights to Japanese culture and gardens that are very rare for an outsider to obtain. Drawing on my 15+ years of garden experience in the U.S. and Japan and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since my early teens, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart. Come with me on an adventure away from the regular tourist route and immerse yourself in the exquisite and mystical nature of Kyoto.

Noboru S.

(11 reviews)

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.

Kayoko S.

4.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

View All Shiga Tour Guides

Soy guía licenciada gubernamental nacional. Nací y crecí en prefectura de Osaka, la capital gastronómica de Japón, asimismo el centro humorístico. Mi especialidad universitaria era historia, y me gradué con historia de Japón. Empecé a estudiar español a forma autodidacta para entender las letras de música latina. Desde 2000 hasta 2017 viví en Perú trabajando como guía de turismo y asimismo la encargada de counter de agencia de viaje. Por lo que domino historia del Perú y América latina más. Retornando a mi país me ha maravillado la belleza de Japón. Mi hobby es trotar y bailar marinera norteña, danza nacional de Perú en la cual he sido ganadora de algunos concursos. También soy aficionada de bunraku, marioneta tradicional de Japón. Como soy historiadora, me gustaría tratar lugares históricos dentro de una perspectiva histórica. Quisiera pedir a aquellos que desea guiado por mí que haga click de reserva después de comprender bien el circuito que ofrezco. Jamás no hagan reserva sin intercambiar mensajes. Espero con mucho entusiasmo comunicación de los amantes de historia y cultura de humanidad.

Popular Shiga Private Tours

The villages of Kouga Ninja and Shigaraki pottery

9 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

Experiencing Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony

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.

Let's enjoy Lake Biwa cruise and National Treasure Castle!

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!!

Three Ninja Facilities Complete Electric Biking Private Tour

Three Ninja facilities (Ninja House, Ninja Center, and Ninja Village) are for the tourist attraction. On this course, we will visit all of three Ninja facilities and a Ninja's twin castles. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding through the heartland of Ninja. As Ninja Center and Ninja Village are closed on Mondays, you have to choose a different course if it is Monday.

Enjoy the authentic castle town and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

3 hours 50 min

Oumihachiman was once very flourished town under Hachimanyama castle back in the 16th century. Still you see a beautiful town with traditional style houses as well as the moat used for the castle. The area is also famous for Oumi beef which is one of the 3 best beefs in Japan similar to the famous Kobe beef. We will go up the mountain by the cable car. Will see the beautiful view of Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan together with the rice paddies.

Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto

6 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.

Bike Tour around Yogo, an Old Home of Japan in Shiga

9 hours

Lake Yogo, alias "Mirror Lake" is a northernmost attraction in Shiga pref. Literally, it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The one day tour takes you to representative spots associated with impressive folklores about the lake and its vicinity. We can also visit the stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake of the Provincial Wars.

A Half Day Bike Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga

View All Shiga Private Tours

4 hours

Lake Yogo is a northernmost mysterious attraction in Shiga prefecture, and its another name is "Mirror Lake", since it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The lake was a stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake in the midst of the age of Provincial Wars (1583). There are also many folklores associated with the lake.

New Shiga Private Tours

Ninja's Hometown Electric Biking Private Tour, Short Course

4 hours 30 min

This is a short version of "the Best Choice course" In short amount of time, we will visit some Ninja related facilities. We will still see the genuine and real Ninja places on this tour too.

Ninja Explore Tour, E-Biking & Training Mountain Hiking

Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Koka Ninja's hometown. Koka City is home of Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding and hiking through the heartland of Ninja. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English. You can experience a very unique tour from this.

Ninja's Hometown E-Biking Private Tour, the Best Choice

Why don't you make a one-day trip from Kyoto to Koka Ninja's hometown. Koka City is home of Ninja. Koka is a quiet, peaceful and beautiful rural town, and the best to go with a bicycle. You will feel the atmosphere of Ninja while riding through the heartland of Ninja. There is no tour to visit real Ninja places guided by a Ninja/local Samurai descendant who can speak English. You can experience a very unique tour from this.

Shiga nature tour

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!

A Walking Tour along the Old Street in Nagahama

5 hours

Since Nagahama started growing after Hideyoshi had based here in 1574, sightseers can feel the retro-inspired atmosphere here and there. After visiting the Tycoon’s first built castle, we will stop by the Railway Square and Keiun-kan Guest Palace, where we can appreciate the nationally designated Japanese Garden, too. Along the Kurokabe Street, we will see that gorgeous floats for the spring festival, which was registered UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A Winter Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga (余吴湖畔冬季之远行在滋贺县)

5 hours

Lake Yogo is a mirror-like spot surrounded with community based forests in a secluded corner of Shiga. Though the district around the lake is often covered with fresh snow almost every day in sever winter season, the sceneries from the lakeside must give sightseers unique landscapes associated with genuine local cultures of Japan and folklores which have come down from more than 1,200 years ago.

Autumnal Leaves at Keisoku-ji & Shizugatake Old Battlefield

9 hours

Keisoku-ji was re-built by the Venerable, Saicho (767-822 AD), and named after footmarks of a chicken left on accumulated snow. The monk found an Eleven-headed Deity of Mercy in burned-out ruins, and then opened tremendous area of many Buddhist temples. Though the temple became deserted now, the breath-taking beauty of hundreds of colored leaves attracts so many people just like the old days.

One Day Tour around Central Nagahama in Shiga (长滨市内一天远行在滋贺县)

View All Shiga Private Tours

8 hours

Nagahama (Population: about 120,000; Area: about one sixth of the whole of Shiga) has developed after Hideyoshi, a famous hero in the Provincial War Period, put his base castle here in 1570s. UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Asset, Hikiyama festival has an origin of celebrating a birth of the strongman’s first son. Thus, many spots associated with the old days still remain here and there.

Popular Shiga Private Cars

Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto (Private Car Tour)

7 hours 30 min

First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

Day Trips from Shiga

Kyoto

Osaka

Mie

Fukui

Shiga Tour Reviews

Erika T.

5 / 5

Feb 28, 2024

Azuchi Castle & Gifu Castle Tour on Feb.11 & 12

2 days

Customized

Feb 28, 2024

“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.

5 / 5

Feb 24, 2024

Three Ninja Facilities Complete Electric Biking Private Tour

6 hours 30 min

Feb 24, 2024

“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!

Luke P.

5 / 5

Jan 11, 2024

Lake Biwa and Hikone castle