Shirakawago Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Local Guides Private Tours

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Popular Shirakawago Tour Guides

Yoji K.

(17 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.

Yoshie K.

(31 reviews)

Hi, I am Yoshie. I am a national government licensed English speaking Guide. I used to work for multinational companies and served as an interpreter for several years and travelled around Japan with coworkers. I love plants, nature, travelling as well as finding out good places to eat! I am also a communicative person. After lived in Tokyo for some decades, now I live in my home town, Fukui where you can have a great experience of Zen buddhism in the head temple of the Soto Zen sect, Eiheiji which was founded in 1244. There is also a thrilling sightseeing spot named Tojinbo Cliffs which are as high as 25 meters extending a peninsula. For those who are in interested in dinosaurs, there is one of the three world's largest dinosaur museums. I have been travelling Kanazawa since my high school age so I know well about the town to show you around as well as Shirakawago, a day trip from Kanazawa. I am excited to meet you and coordinate what you are really interested in to make you the happiest memories in Japan. I look forward to guiding you soon!

Lucy F.

(2 reviews)

Hello, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. Originally hailing from the picturesque south of France, my life's journey has woven through the landscapes of both France and Germany, primarily within the realm of fashion and costume design. My heart, however, found its home in the enchanting city of Kanazawa when my husband's career led us here in 2019. Since then, this city has not only become my adopted home, but it's a place I've grown to adore. Now, guiding has become a source of immense joy for me. I cherish the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world, sharing my knowledge about this incredible city and its cultural tapestry. Beyond the guided tours, my free time is often spent in exploration. Whether uncovering hidden gems in the surroundings or immersing myself in the world of pottery, crafts or hiking. I'm here not just to guide but also to connect, learn, and share the beauty I've discovered in Kanazawa. Looking forward to our journeys together!

Kyohei Y.

(2 reviews)

Hi, Thank you for visiting my page! I am Kyohei. I was born and raised in Takayama, and learned English in Canada. Due to its seclusion from other cities, Takayama has developed a unique culture and history, and its residents have lived here for a long time relying on the region's abundant mountain and natural resources. I am looking forward to sharing the true Hida Takayama that can only be conveyed by a local resident. Thank you!

Atsuko K.

(1 reviews)

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！

Yuriko S.

4.93 / 5

(41 reviews)

I am Yuriko from Japan. Now I'm an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I also work as a kimono, Japanese traditional costume dresser. If you are interested in kimono, I'll dress you kimono. I have a certificate of a tour guide. I sometimes guide some foreigners around Nagoya castle, Gifu castle and so on. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu, Nagoya, Kyoto, central Japan!! Let's enjoy Japan sightseeing with wearing kimono with me!! I would like to guide you around central Japan. See you soon!!!^o^

William P.

4.67 / 5

(3 reviews)

I was born and raised in the USA, but have lived and worked in Japan for more than half my life. I am a naturalized citizen, and have made my home in Hida Takayama for more than ten years now. Pairing the knowledge of a local with the perspective of an outsider, my tours focus on places and insights that nobody else will show you. In addition to standard tours, I do night-time tours, nature walks, and sake-tasting tours (with my experience as a brewery worker, I am an expert on all things sake).

Masaki H.

4.92 / 5

(73 reviews)

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Hello I’m Mike, a national licensed tour guide from Kyoto. Meeting with people is a gift of God for me. A new encounter inspires and enriches my heart. People sometimes ask me unexpected questions I can’t answer on the spot. It is the moment when I I am frozen. Indeed, guiding people is like a thrilling, adventurous journey. I would like to offer a memorable journey to you. I retired from work as a teacher at senior high school and then started this job in 2015. I’m familiar with Japanese history, culture, religion and architecture. My guide areas are mainly Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. But as a national tour guide, I guide around Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Wakayama, Shirakawago, and Takayama. Feel free to ask me anything.

New Shirakawago 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.

Yoko T.

(15 reviews)

Hi! I am Yoko, a friendly regional Licensed Guide Interpreter. This area is my home! This is why I've been sharing beauties of this prefecture with my guests from around the world. This area is great fun: local, historical, culturally important, sometimes mysterious and beautiful! If you are already in love with Japan, then let me personalize your experience here. Visit the best places, venues, spots and locations with me. You will enjoy neighborhood full of hidden local treasures. I am a mother of two girls. I'd be happy to welcome families and I can arrange a tour depending on your situation. Please feel free to ask me any. I also translate and teach English. And I am a host of an Internet radio show. I like meeting people and all these experiences allow me to be good at communicating as a guide. I look forward to exploring this beautiful culture with you. Thank you!

Mao M.

4.58 / 5

(12 reviews)

Hi! I'm Mao. My home town is Takayama and I like here a lot! I’d like to show you! I love meeting friends, chatting, travel around, play sports, drinking and go to my favorite restaurants. I'll offer more local sightseeing spots,eateries,cafes,bars and leisure facility and also I'm familiar with suburban area. I have an experience of living in BC, Canada and then taught Japanese and culture for kids in a school. After that, I have been working at a hostel in Takayama. I like to meet people and to know new things for me. Feel free to contact me!

Michiko N.

(19 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!

Bonnie C.

(3 reviews)

I am a cheerful and energetic lady from Hong Kong. I came to Takayama first as a tourist since 2014 and I fell in love with this region. In spare time, I enjoy exploring traditional events and festivals as well as new restaurants in all these areas. Being a tour conductor in Shirakawago, I am equipped with knowledge and skills in guiding single traveler, family and groups(more than 40 guests). With my fluent English, Chinese and abundant knowledge of this region, I am confident to show you around and tailor-made your desirable schedule. I am looking forward to seeing you.

Yuichi W.

4.50 / 5

(14 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!

Tetsuya T.

4.78 / 5

(9 reviews)

Hello, Everyone. I am a National Licensed Guide Interpreter for English. It is my pleasure of introducing what I am doing as the guide to you. I can offer the following services through my career and experience: a) Tour Guide - Nagoya, Takayama, Ise, Nara and Kyoto areas. b) Plant Tour Guide - Metal, Casting, Automobile, Chemical and Machinery c) Interpreter for Business and Basic Engineering Meetings d) Bicycle or Mountaineering Guide Tour I am 62 years old now but quite healthy. I love bicycle ride and go on cycling for 70-100 km/day every weekend. That is why I have included bicycle ride tour in the above selections. Sorry, due to present working conditions of my primary job, I can only offer you weekend tour, but I am planning to expand available date and tour into more attractive ones in the next year. Check my present tour first ! It's your choice to wait until the next year or to take a chance now. I am sure I will not disappoint you.

Tetsuji Y.

4.85 / 5

(33 reviews)

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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?

Popular 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.

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.

Shirakawago half day tour

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.

Day Trips from Shirakawago

Gifu

Kanazawa

Takayama

Nagoya

Ishikawa

Aichi

Toyama

Shirakawago Tour Reviews

Kichi J.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2024

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go

8 hours

Apr 15, 2024

“Very enjoyable visit to Shirakawago”

Tetsuji was very professional and we had a great time!

R. michael A.

5 / 5

Oct 7, 2023

Fullday Bus Tour to Shirakawa-go from Kanazawa

8 hours 40 min

Customized

Oct 7, 2023

“Excellent day in Shirakawago with Yoji K.”

Yoji K. was an excellent guide for us in Shirakawago. For a place like Shirakawago, where there is a well-trod tourist path, one looks for a guide to enhance the experience you might otherwise have on your own. Yoji did all of that and more. He met us at our hotel in Kanazawa and visited with us on the bus about our day ahead. We communicated easily because of his command of English and US educational background. In Shirakawago, he guided us along paths less traveled and less crowded, to quietly enjoy the beauty of the town. He selected an excellent small family restaurant outside the tourist-heavy area, with seemingly only locals having lunch. Yoji made sure we saw one of the well-preserved gassho house museums that was uncrowded. We also went to visit the viewpoint before we left, and Yoji kept us on a good pace to see the high points of Shirakawago. He even made sure that on the trip back we had some recommendations for our next day in Kanazawa, all of which proved excellent. I would highly recommend Yoji as a guide

Yoji K.

(17 reviews)

Dear MIcheal san, Thank you very much for your review. I truly enjoyed walking Shirakawago with both of you. It was such a beautiful and sunny day. I was very glad that you liked the lunch at the very local restaurant. It worths going and seeing the restaurant in advance. I wish I can travel with my wife like two of you in the future. It was great time for me to walk with such a lovely couple. Please have a safe trip in the rest of your journey in Japan. Yoji

David R.

5 / 5

May 10, 2023

¡Combo! Takayama & Shirakawa-go en español