Japan Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

(8 reviews)

Hello! My name is Akiko from Gifu prefecture. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I like going out with my family, talking with my friends over coffee at a cozy cafe, reading books, baking bread and cake when I have time. I passed the national tour guide test in 2017 and have worked as a guide since then. I have guided in Gifu city, Seki city, Takayama city, Shirakawago , Mino city and Nagoya city. I have lived in Gifu for more than forty years. Gifu prefecture is rich in nature so you can enjoy the rural atmosphere. Gifu city has a beautiful river 'Nagara river' and Mt.Kinka which has Gifu castle on the top. You can go up the mountain on foot or use a ropeway. The view from Gifu castle is so fantastic. At the foot of the mountain , there are many places to visit such as parks, a temple having a big image of Buddha, and a street preserving the historic atmosphere. At Nagara River, you can enjoy seeing a traditional way of fishing ‘cormorant fishing’ which is thought to have started 1300 years ago. Many cafes have unique service called 'morning service' in Gifu along with Aichi In the morning (until about ten thirty or eleven) when you order a cup of tea or coffee, they serve toast and salad ! Near Gifu park , you can find a nice Japanese style cafe where you enjoy good coffee and seeing a Japanese style garden. Seki city is a small city but so famous for its cutlery. At Japanese sword museum in Seki, you can see authentic Japanese swords! Mino city next to Seki city is well known for its hand made Japanese paper 'Hon minoshi' designated as intangible cultural asset by UNESCO . Until recently it was not easy to guide guests because of COVID-19 pandemic; however the situation is getting better. Some strict rules about COVID-19 have been lifted. Please visit Gifu. I am looking forward to seeing you. Please feel free to ask me when you need information about Gifu. Thank you for reading my introduction.

Takashi M.

(8 reviews)

Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you.

Yoko M.

4.67 / 5

(6 reviews)

Hello. I'm Yoko Miyake. Please call me Yoko. I'm a licensed guide. I love travelling. I have visited all the prefectures in Japan. Though Japan has many good places to visit, I hope many foreign travellers will visit my hometown Kurashiki and enjoy their stay there. Because I was born in Kurashiki, and I have lived there since then, I know a lot about Kurashiki. Of course I can show you other good places in Okayama Prefecture and near Okayama Prefecture.

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.

Arnold H.

4.94 / 5

(31 reviews)

Hi, my name is Arnold and I love meeting new people. I have been living in Tokyo for over 9 years and I believe I know the place well enough to provide a fun tour. It will be my pleasure to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. I can speak English, Chinese and Japanese, so feel free to talk to me in any language that you feel comfortable with. I was once a tourist myself, so I believe I can provide the best tour experience from a tourist's perspective. Let me know your interests and I will make the best tour for you. Hope to see you soon! 嗨，我的名字是阿諾，我喜歡結識新朋友。我在東京生活了9年多，我相信我足以提供您一個有趣的日本之旅。我很樂意幫助您享受在日本的旅遊，所以如果有任何需求請盡量告訴我。我會說英語，中文和日語，所以請隨意用任何你覺得舒服的語言與我交談。作為一個生活在日本的外國人，我自己也曾經是一名遊客，所以我相信我可以從遊客的角度提供最好的旅遊體驗。請讓我知道您的興趣，我會為您規劃最好的行程。希望能與您早日見面！

Kazue I.

(14 reviews)

Hi! I am Kazue. I am from Fukuoka and live in the central city. I spent almost 20 years traveling around the world as a cabin attendant. Meeting different people, different cultures and eating local food were best things in my career. This experience definitely widened my perspective and will help me in some way when I work as a guide. Since I spent half my life outside of Japan, I noticed our culture and traditions are very unique and became more interested in historical sites in Japan. For my personal life, I am a mom of twins. It is still a hard work but I am enjoying a lot with them. We take them around Kyushu whenever possible for their fun and experience. We all love traveling after all. I am looking forward to showing you around our hometown soon!

Tateo U.

4.98 / 5

(63 reviews)

My name is Tateo. I am officially registerd English tour guide and introducing about Okinawa's history,culture, and nature.I am elderly person but have gone through lots of expericences that happened during US occupation after WW2. For the example, change of monetary system(US dollar to Yen),Change of traffic regulation(driving vehicle from right to left).The reversion of Okinawa to main land Japan was biggest historical event.The US administered Okinawa for 27 years. As a result, thing were Americanized in many aspects. Historically, Okinawa was once independent nation until 1872.During Kingdum era, Okinawa actively traded with China, South Asia Countries, Korea, and Japan. In the end, our culture is quite differ much from main land Japan. For instance, architectural technique, daily customs, and culture are also unique. Okinawa is the only prefecture belong to subtropical climate zone. Even winter time, it's neither hot nor cold. People can enjoy marine sport all through the year.Canoeing, Kayaking, Diving, and Snorkeling are popular. Besides, beatiful white sand beaches and attractive coastline are abundant. Green sea water and blue sky have been lured people from all over the world. Traditional music and dance are worth seeing. Please visit Okinawa and enjoy extraordinary trip. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon.

Kazumi M.

4.98 / 5

(82 reviews)

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Hi everyone. I'm Kazumi. I am a qualified tour guide.I have been guiding Hiroshima since 2010. Through guiding Hiroshima, I can give my guests my knowledge of this area and Japanese culture. At the same time, I can learn their understanding of Japan and the differences between our culture and theirs, which is very interesting. I also believe that meeting with local people is the best way to know the area. I was born and grew up in Hiroshima. I am very happy to give you wonderful time and memories in Hiroshima. I am really looking forward to hearing from you.

New Japan Tour Guides

Masayuki I.

My name is Masayuki currently living in Kyoto. Everyone casually calls me Massy. I am a bilingual ( English / Japanese ) grew up almost half of my life in western society. I once took a leading role of an international community I personally established as well as being an English teacher. I like to explore things with motorbike to discover all the hidden beauties and treasures off the beaten path and share with others. If you are interested in things truly unique known only to the locals, I am the one. I am a very open and friendly person with half western background. I can communicate in English nearly as good as a native speaker as I have been using this language for almost half of my life. I like to explore in nature and show my footsteps to everyone to discover new hidden ground. It is almost my natural instinct to avoid crowd. I am not into ordinary tourism of Kyoto because I don't want to be another one of them doing the same guide in Kyoto. In Kyoto I mostly write about places never been introduced in English. I am not a licensed tour guide interpreter. I have different field of knowledge to introduce things. I am more of an English-hosting guide without strict business manner. I am a professional in writing introduction pages mainly for north parts of Kyoto in English. I would like to take you on the tour myself while I am still active enough to do this. The course I provide is my own creation since I am the one who is the original in writing in English about many of those places I will take you to.

Ali G.

As a foreigner resident of Kanazawa , where I have spent a number of years living, I offer tours of the city's well-known landmarks and historical sites. I have worked in Pakistan and Dubai in similar capacities.In addition, I received my master's degree from Peshawar University.I like difficult travel locations with lots of adventure.interested in history, customs, environment, wildlife, and landscapes. My ultimate travel goal and reward has always been meeting different kind of people internationally.

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.

Kazuyoshi M.

I am a guide working mainly in Osaka and Kyoto. I can provide travel guidance to places where foreigners do not usually go. I can also guide you to places popular among foreigners if you want to visit them. I have lived in Osaka for 7 years, so I am a specialist in sightseeing in Osaka. I can also guide sightseeing in Kyoto, as it is my favorite city to visit. I look forward to having an enjoyable trip with you.

Shonosuke S.

Hi! I'm Sho! I live in the center of Nagasaki city and work as a YouTuber, podcaster, and tour guide specializing in sharing the charms of Nagasaki. Actually, I was born and raised in Yokohama, near Tokyo, and worked for about 5 years in Tokyo. However, I fell in love with the culture and history of Nagasaki and moved here in 2020. Nagasaki has a rich history of international exchange and friendship, established about 450 years ago as an international trading port in Japan. Since then, many people from all over the world with diverse cultures and values have visited this city. I love these stories and histories of Nagasaki. Nagasaki is often associated with the sad history of the atomic bomb, which is, of course, an important part of this city's history, but Nagasaki has much more than that. I'm looking forward to introducing you to the many charms of Nagasaki!

Roberto A.

Experience the essence of Kyoto and its captivating culture on my essential walking tour. Immerse yourself in the heart of this beautiful city and gain a profound understanding of its rich heritage. I'm a licensed National Tour Conductor with 26 years living in Japan.

Kaori M.

Hello,My name is Kaori,I am active communication with everyone. I am able to speak English, however my speaking level is pre-intermediate (LSI at Auckland,NZ).No problem daily communication. I have knowledge some Tokyo sightseeing spot,If you are select me for your tour guide that I always using local train and go to somewhere!! Finally,I studying Travel Industry,in the future I want to start my travel company Thank you for coming my profile!!Enjoy your travel!

Sayori H.

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Hello, I can show you the real Japan. You can taste, see and feel the country. I'd like to show the beautiful culture for you to experience. I can organize the day tour from Shimizu port for Cruise customers. Tea ceremony, strawberry picking experience, anything you are interested, I would love to help you plan your tour. I can communicate in both English and Japanese. I look forward to welcoming people from different parts of the world. Thank you

Popular Japan Private Tours

Personalized Tokyo Journey

This is a customized tour that is designed based on your interests. Before you book me, let me know about you, your age, things you like, your interests etc.. If there is somewhere you want to visit in the city, or something you want to do, please let me know. Let's make your journey memorable one together.

Tokyo tour à la carte

This tour covers my favorite places in Tokyo.You can choose three places from the list of more than 30 places in Tokyo, classified as Temple&Shrine, Garden, Shopping, Observatory, Museum, Experience, and Others.

1 day special customized tour in Kyoto

Kyoto has many beautiful places to visit. I especially would like to take you to the most exciting spots in Kyoto in 1 day. Please pick a few of the options from the following sightseeing places and I will take you as many places as possible at a reasonable price.

Efficient One Day Tokyo Tour

Efficiently visiting various popular sightseeing spots in central Tokyo like Buddhism temple, Shinto shrine, palace, park, market and entertainment district by using public transportation. Schedule of this tour is flexible. Below itinerary is a standard sample. It is possible to change the place to visit by requests of tourists.

Tokyo Must-See Places One-Day Tour

You can make your own itinerary as you like. Tokyo has many interesting and beautiful places. You can select 5 to 6 places out of these. I can show you around Tokyo as much as possible. By using Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, you can visit anywhere you want. Also, you can learn about Japanese history, culture and lifestyle. And of course, you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisines, such as Sushi, Soba, Tempura, Ramen and more.

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.

Tokyo Up-to-You Tour

I recommend ending up the day with the night view of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Bay, the most beautiful night view in Tokyo I would like you to see. We will visit the spots you would like to in Tokyo.I will make an itinerary based on your choices and requests. (The popular highlights will be Meiji Jingu Shrine, East Gardens and Asakusa with Nakamise Souvenir Shopping Streets.) Sightseeing spots in Tokyo is widely spread, so I guess we can only visit three or four spots a day.

Customized tour around the must-see places

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Have a tour around the amazing and interesting must-see places in Tokyo ! I would like to help you with planing and coordinating the tour in accordance with your requests. What you should do is just to make a list of the places that you wanted to visit and you could have an amazing day with me. Just click that button and I'd be more than happy to help you.

New Japan Private Tours

Walking Tour of Kiyotaki to Takao

This is a guide course of visiting Takao from north part of Arashiyama through Toriimoto and Kiyotaki. We'll start from walking through an area with a historical landscape before heading toward mountainous area to walk on a riverside trail. It is a beautiful combination of history and nature.

FROM$291/ per group

Masayuki I.

Hozukyo Walking Guide Tour

This is a guide course of visiting Mizuo from north part of Arashiyama through Toriimoto and Kiyotaki. This is the most high-end English guided tour I have. You will have a very unique experience that no others have the same because I am the only one and the very first person who wrote detailed information of this area in English. Even many locals living in Kyoto do not know of this way of visiting Mizuo from a trail. This is a beautiful trail goes along river of Kiyotaki and Hozukyo.

FROM$388/ per group

Masayuki I.

Toriimoto walking tour

5 hours

We will take a walking tour of northern part of Arashiyama district called Toriimoto which has a historical landscape. This tour involves a small hiking to visit a sacred training ground of Buddhism where monks practice Takigyo which is a practice of meditation to stand under a waterfall. We'll also make a stop at a real hidden spot even many locals do not know of.

FROM$239/ per group

Masayuki I.

Kyoto Golden Pavilion & Nijo Castle. 2 UNESCO World Heritage. Half day tour.

4 hours

Join our exclusive tour designed for those eager to explore two major scenic sites in Kyoto: (1.) The Golden Pavilion, a renowned temple adorned with real gold, (2.) and the historically rich Nijo Castle. As we delve into the history of powerful shoguns, samurais, and the struggles for power, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, we'll visit a charming temple said to be the origin of Kyoto. Get ready to create unforgettable memories as we embark on this immersive journey together.

FROM$162/ per group

Roberto A.

Eating and shopping in Osaka's longest shopping street

Osaka

2 hours

The most famous shopping street in Osaka is Kuromon Ichiba, but Osaka residents prefer to go to Tenjinbashisuji Shopping and Foods Street. This is the most famous and longest shopping and foods street in Osaka. Most of the customers are Japanese, so you can feel the daily life of Japanese people. This tour is also a meal-focused tour, so you will be able to enjoy Osaka's soul food. This is a short tour that will definitely satisfy you.

FROM$122/ per group

Kazuyoshi M.

The best trip with me in Osaka

Osaka

12:00 meet me Shinsaibasi or Umeda in Osaka We have lunch Osaka food together. Takoyaki or etc... 13:00 We gonna go to Osaka castle. 15:00 We gonna go to Umeda sky building. 16:00 We gonna go to Numba Depa Basement. It is rarely visited by foreigners. You can also buy souvenirs. 17:30 We gonna go to Dotonbori. You can take some photos. 18:30 We'll give you dinner recommendations.

FROM$129/ per group

Kazuyoshi M.

BELISSIMA KYOTO Giro Citta'

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Kyoto era l'antica capitale 1200 anni fa, e' veramente bella e affascinante. Vi portera' in alcuni dei luoghi piu' belli e famosi di Kyoto. Il giro citta' e' solo voi, posso farlo come volete.

FROM$343/ per group

Reiko N.

Half day trip of Kanazawa

Kanazawa

4 hours

Half day tour (4hours) This itnerary is just a suggestion you can ulter it by your own choice. This tour will cover four main tourists destination, which are as follow: Kenrokuen park. Kanazawa castle. 21 century museum. Kimono dying museum. Historical shop of ceramics . Gold leaf ice cream . Meeting time can be morning or afternoon .

FROM$155/ per group

Ali G.

Popular Japan Private Cars

Mt. Fuji private customize tour with luxury van

Mount Fuji

9 hours

Our drivers have extensive geographic knowledge of Mt. Fuji. Starting from Tokyo, we provide high-end exclusive chartered car reservation services for VIPs visiting Mt. Fuji individually or in groups. According to the time and requirements of VIPs, we provide professional Mt. Fuji customized tour services, allowing tourists to travel easily and comfortably.

FROM$535/ per group

Private Transfer from/to Haneda Airport（1-4pax.）

1 hour 30 min

Arrange charter cars to pick up VIPs from or to Haneda airports When picking you up from or to Haneda airport, your exclusive driver will wait for you at the arrival gate or a designated place.

FROM$129/ per group

Tokyo private customize tour with luxury van(1-5pax.)

9 hours

Our drivers have a wealth of geographic knowledge of Tokyo. With Tokyo at the center, provide high-end exclusive charter car reservation service for VIPs travelling as individual tourists or in groups across Tokyo. According to the time and requirements of VIPs, provide professional customized travel services for tourists to travel easily and freely.

FROM$441/ per group

Private Transfer between Narita Airport and hotel in Tokyo

Narita

1 hour 30 min

This is a private van transfer service between Narita Airport and your hotel in Tokyo. Our van can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h. If you are looking for a convenient charter service for your tour group, this is the right choice!

FROM$246/ per group

Mt. Fuji sightseeing with a private chartered van (1-12pax)

Mount Fuji

10 hours

You can plan to visit several places around Mt. Fuji within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$647/ per group

Tokyo sightseeing with a private van (1-12pax)

You can plan to visit several places in the central Tokyo within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$517/ per group

Kyoto sightseeing with a private chartered van (1-12pax)

You can plan to visit several places around Kyoto within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$550/ per group

Private Transfer from/to Narita Airport（1-9pax.）

2 hours

Arrange charter cars to pick up VIPs from or to Narita airport When picking you up from or to Narita airport, your exclusive driver will wait for you at the arrival gate or a designated place.

FROM$234/ per group

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Japan Tour Reviews

John S.

5 / 5

Apr 20, 2024

Tokyo 6-hour Personalized Tour

Customized

Apr 20, 2024

“A tour of central Tokyo with Yuka”

We had arranged for Yuka to be our guide online, having not used this way previously. Yuka was very responsive in communicating with us before and to arrange the tour. We met her at out hotel and set off on the Subway to central Tokyo, where Yuka took us to see a number of highlights, both old and new, all of which were very interesting. Yuka's English was very good and she explained the significance of the sites we visited very well, and she recommended a very good Japanese fast food restaurant for lunch - all great fun. Yuka was charming and delightful, and we were delighted with our experience of Tokyo under her guidance - we have no hesitation in recommending Yuka as a guide to others visiting Japan.

Moshe B.

3 / 5

Apr 20, 2024

1 day special customized tour in Kyoto

Apr 20, 2024

“A little disappointment”

There is no doubt that Toshiyo is very knowledgeable. We may have had excessive expectations after reading the many praises. But we found a passive guide with somewhat poor human relations. It may be a matter of cultural differences or she was having a bad day.

Toshiyo O.

(235 reviews)

Thank you for having me as a guide and writing me the review. In this high season the places have been full of people and I concentrated on navigating the less crowded and less stressful route. I hope you enjoyed Kyoto and our culture. Thank you for coming here. Regards. Toshiyo

Marcel M.

5 / 5

Apr 20, 2024

Must-see in Tokyo: Tsukiji, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing

Apr 20, 2024

“Great first day”

we had the chance to experience our first day in Japan and Tokio with Atsuko. Thank you for the great experience. She was very warm and kind and help us a lot to overcome our cultural shock. Atsoku was very helpful and explained us a lot. Thank you

Atsuko T.

(85 reviews)

Thank you for taking time to write me such a wonderful review Marcel. I had a pleasant time with you and Corina. I really enjoyed talking with yours. I hope you had a great journey in Japan and hope to see you again someday !

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