Shirakawago Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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Popular Shirakawago Tour Guides

Yuichi W.

4.56 / 5

(16 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yuichi, an English tour guide in Hokuriku region. If you are thinking about traveling to historical places such as Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama, I am willing to offer a tour. I can bring you to those popular destinations from my base, Toyama city. These are the examples of my tour: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama Takaoka - Gokayama - Shirakawago - Takayama Toyama - Tateyama Kurobe Alipne Route - Omachi (Nagano Pref.) During the tour I like to provide simple explanations about Japanese history, and small tips for using the Japanese language on your request. My interests are food, cooking, sake and wine as well as Japanese novels and movies. It would be possible to add those tastes to our tour including a visit to local wineries, movie scenes, etc... Finally, I will do my best to give you a pleasant stay. Looking forward to seeing you in Hokuriku!

Tetsuji Y.

4.88 / 5

(41 reviews)

Hello everyone. I am Tetsuji. I worked as a public servant in the local government for 35 years. I belonged to the department of Redevelopment, Town-Landscaping, Preserving historical areas and Architectural Guidance. (I have a national 1st-class architect license.) I devoted myself to revitalizing the city by making plans and improving infrastructure for citizens. Gifu is located in central Japan near Nagoya. As just being the crossroads of the West and the East, there are many unique attractions that are hard to discover in hectic big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. I had a hand in restoring and preserving some of them throughout my career and want to introduce them to tourists from abroad. That’s why I became a guide-interpreter in Gifu. I also enjoyed traveling around the world. My favorite part of each trip was walking around the city and talking with local residents. Traveling has taught me lots of things during my lifetime. Now, I would like to help others have similar experience in Japan. Shall we enjoy fantastic journey in Gifu?

Michiko N.

(22 reviews)

Hello, I am Michiko , the same name of Japanese ex-Empress. I am a government certified tour guide. I have lived in Nagoya ( located between Tokyo and Osaka) for 35 years since I got married. I worked for JAL as a flight attendant in my 20's. After retiring JAL, I have taught English and Mathematics to junior and senior high school students for 20 years. I love traveling very much both domestically and abroad and enjoy walking around each city and talking with local people so that I can find out the way how to they live and think about their life. It's quite a fun for me. I also love hiking and mountain climbing in spring, summer and autumn, and skiing in winter. In the countryside of Japan there still remain those farming and fishery villages where people have been rooted in their land and community, living the way handed down from generation to generation. You can also enjoy the original Japanese landscape there. Why don't you get out of the hustle and bustle of your busy life and have a rest rich in nature in the rural Japan enjoying beautiful scenery and local food. I'm waiting for you!

Lucy F.

(5 reviews)

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Hi, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm happy to share a bit about myself with you. Originally from the south of France, my career in fashion and costume design took me across both France and Germany. However, in 2019, my husband’s career brought us to the enchanting city of Kanazawa, and it didn’t take long for this beautiful place to capture my heart. Over time, Kanazawa has become much more than my adopted home—it’s a city I’ve come to truly adore. Becoming a tour guide here has been a deeply fulfilling journey, giving me the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world and share the rich culture, history, and hidden treasures of this incredible city. When I’m not guiding tours, I enjoy exploring Kanazawa’s lesser-known gems, delving into pottery and crafts, or hiking through the stunning natural landscapes nearby. My goal is not just to guide you through Kanazawa, but to create a meaningful connection and share the beauty and inspiration I’ve found in this special place. I can’t wait to explore it with you!

New Shirakawago Tour Guides

Jorge S.

(1 reviews)

Originally born in Mexico City, where I spent the first eight years of my life, I grew up in Montreal, Canada, for 22 years. Fascinated by Japanese popular culture and history—I have a minor in Japanese history and am a history buff—I participated in the JET Program Canada, where I was placed in Shirakawa-go for three years as an ALT. Currently, I live in Kanazawa with my Japanese wife and son. As a tour guide in Kanazawa, I specialize in history, hidden gems, culture, shopping (especially Japanese popular culture products), and food. I strive to provide an excellent customer experience. Fluent in English (Native), French (Native), Spanish (Native), and a good grasping of Japanese. I can communicate effectively with a diverse range of guests. Thanks to my North American background and my extensive experience living in Japan, I offer explanations that are easy to understand for Western guests, enriching their understanding of Japan as a vibrant and unique living space. Additionally, I am currently studying to become an official National guide in Japan, further enhancing my expertise and ability to provide exceptional tours.

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.

Yoji K.

(50 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.

Atsuko K.

(2 reviews)

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大家好！我是日本國家註冊導遊Atsuko！我是從2013年開始從事這導遊工作。我原來是個九州的佐賀人,現在住在石川縣金澤市。我現在學習日本茶道。我可以帶您去以金澤市為主的觀光景點玩。金澤是一座充滿著日本武士文化的城市。除了必去的景點之外，這裡還有很多美食。讓我們一起尋找這裡的魅力吧。跟我一起漫步的話，一定會發現在網上看不到的事情！我等您預約！

Popular Shirakawago Private Tours

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go

8 hours

Shirakawa-go is a mountain settlement that is famous for uniquely designed Gassyo-style buildings and registered as one of the World Cultural Heritage sites. In Ogi-machi, over sixty Gassyo-style buildings will welcome visitors. Enjoying the whole landscape of the village from the hill, you will stroll around the village visiting some traditional Gasho-style buildings such as Wada House, Nagase House and Myozenji Temple Museum.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go a Former Shirakawa-go School Teacher

6 hours

Join me for an unforgettable day trip from Kanazawa to the historic village of Shirakawa, guided by a former teacher who once taught at the local school. This day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking to experience the unique charm of Shirakawa through the eyes of someone who has lived and taught in this extraordinary village. Highlights: Personal Insight Guided Village Tour Historical Landmarks Local Cuisine Scenic Beauty

KANAZAWA ITINERARY (A Day Trip From Kanazawa) Shirakawago 4H

4 hours 30 min

If you are staying at a hotel in Kanazawa, why not explore Shirakawa-go (with UNESCO recognition) with a popular guide in a day trip? It is a 4-hour private tour. I can meet you at Shirakawago Bus Terminal and start the tour at eleven. You can take a bus from Kanazawa arriving at Shirakawago at around 10.00 am (Nohi Bus) and return with a bus leaving Shirakawago for Kanazawa at 3.10 pm. (as of January 16, 2023) Lookout point Farm House Museum Lunch Deaibashi Bridge Photo spots

Shirakawago half day tour

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3 hours

We are going to explore the world heritage site- Shirakawago together. With my detailed explanation of the history, culture and fun facts about the village, you can understand more about Shirakawago and also in love with this little village.

New Shirakawago Private Tours

Shirakawago half day tour from Kanazawa

4 hours

Shirakawago village was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. There are 60 Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses and about 40 Gassho-style storages. The shape of big slanted roofs resembles in the gesture of bringing arms and hands together in prayer. This gesture is called Gassho in Japanese. We visit observation point, a typical Gassho farmhouse inside, and stroll the village.

Kanazawa( old Samurai town ) & Shirakawago (World Heritage site) tour from Kanazawa

10 hours

Kanazawa flourished as a castle town for the Kaga clan during the Edo period ( 1603AD - 1867AD ). Kenrokuen garden was constructed as a strolling style landscape garden by the feudal lord Maedas of the Kaga clan. This garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Shirakawago villages was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. A Gassho farmhouse is difined as a thatched farmhouse with big slanted roofs. The name Gassho means the gesture when people bring their hands together in prayer. The shape of the roof resembles the Gassho style. Most Gassho farmhouses were over 200 years old. There are 60 Gassho farmhouses in Shirakawago village. These houses are still used by families for their daily living. In the morning, we visit Shirakawago. In the afternoon, we visit Kanazawa.

Day Trips from Shirakawago

Gifu

Kanazawa

Takayama

Nagoya

Ishikawa

Aichi

Toyama

Shirakawago Tour Reviews

Hela R.

5 / 5

Sep 10, 2024

Shirakawago Half-Day Tour from Takayama

4 hours

Customized

Sep 10, 2024

“Shirakawago village with guide”

Yurikosan is very dependable and clever guide. She took care of us - 3 people and explained history of prefecture, Sharakawago village and Japan. I would recomend her to my frend.

Yuriko S.

Thank you for an excellent review and nice comments! I also enjoyed driving from Takayama to Shirakawago and visiting the nostalgic village with you and your nice family. Someday in the future, I'd like to visit your country with my husband. See you again!

Widdy H.

5 / 5

May 3, 2024

Shirakawago Tour

Customized

May 3, 2024

“Absolutely the best guide in Kanazawa: Shirakawago!”

I give Yoshie a well deserved 5 stars! She is a very pleasant and kind person with perfect English! She is diligent and very organised in planning our itinerary. She was flexible in accommodating our last minute requests. I can tell she did a lot of research especially on her selection of lunch at a UNESCO heritage site. It was the most memorable lunch we ever had in Japan!! It was a grilled fish restaurant using the Shirakawago’s traditional grilling method in one of 9 Gassho Houses in Gokayama. The restaurant owner showed us a photo of his father who was a mountain hiker (?). The owner carried on his father’s legacy and runs this restaurant. At the end of the lunch, the owner did a short spontaneous performance for us: he played an instrument special to this region with singing and dancing!! Wow… what an unexpected bonus to the wonderful lunch! We owe this memorable experience to Yoshie for the fantastic planning and being the best tour guide! Next time In Kanazawa, I will certainly hire Yoshie again! Widdy

Yoshie K.

Hi Widdy, thank you so much for your overwhelming and thoughtful review. I am very pleased to receive it from you. Now I understand that your family loves eating Japanese food while traveling. Of course, you are so keen about the history and culture of each country too. I would be more than happy to find good food next time you come to see me! Thank you again.

Kichi J.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2024

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go