Depending on your destination, Japan tour guides can be hired from 98 USD per group for a Kyoto Highlights Tour to upwards of 397 USD per group for a Customized Tokyo Experience. GoWithGuide's prices vary according to perks, venues, experiences, and included services. Head to the Japan Private Tours page to see our range of private tour costs.
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Tokyo also serves as a base for those who want to travel to nearby destinations like;
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Helpful Article: 5 Relaxing Day Trips From Tokyo You Have To Try
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Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japan Tourism Statistics for a full breakdown of dos & don'ts, potential destinations, travel trends, weather statistics, and much more.
"}}]}Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Brigitte S.
“A memorable day in Kyoto!”
If you're looking for a memorable and enriching experience in Kyoto, we highly recommend Tomoe as your guide! From the moment she picked us up at the port where our cruise ship was docked, she made us feel welcome and at ease. Tomoe is warm, fun, and incredibly patient—especially as we paused to take numerous pictures throughout the day. She even took pictures of our group, ensuring we had great memories to look back on. She described the differences between temples and shrines, which deepened our understanding of the culture. She took us to some amazing sights, including the breathtaking Golden Pagoda and the stunning Inari Shrine, where we got to explore the iconic torii gates. One of the highlights of the day was the traditional Japanese restaurant she took us to near the Arashiyama Bamboo Park. We sat on tatami mats and enjoyed delicious, authentic fare—a true cultural experience. Though we only had a day in Kyoto, Tomoe made sure we experienced so much in a relaxed and enjoyable way. At the end of the day, she even escorted us to the right train platform for our next destination, Osaka, ensuring a smooth transition. Tomoe truly went above and beyond to make our visit unforgettable, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Thank you, Tomoe!
Steve L.
“Great guide!!!”
I contacted Grant about guiding my wife and me around Tokyo. He replied promptly and confirmed he could do it. After confirming our tour, he answered questions about and helped me plan our trip to other parts of Japan. His guidance was invaluable. After touring other parts of Japan, we returned to Tokyo for our tour with Grant. He met us at our hotel and had breakfast with us explaining the itinerary for the day. During our tour we asked if we could go off plans and visit a zoo, which Grant accommodated. The following day we met up with Grant and toured another part of Tokyo. Grant’s knowledge, thoughtfulness, flexibility, and cultural awareness made our trip phenomenal. We visited historically significant places as well as little known modern cultural enclaves that gave us a complete understanding of Tokyo. We highly recommend Grant as a guide. He is awesome!!!
Uncover Japan’s secrets and gain travel knowledge with a local private tour guide. Unlock hidden gems, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable journey.
With a tour guide, you can get to the good stuff, like the ethereal Tottori Sand Dunes and quaint Kinosaki Onsen. From enjoying bespoke traditional ryokans, to navigating the busy streets of Osaka, a tailored journey through Japan’s wonders only gets better with a local expert leading the way.
Beyond the big ticket destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, getting a personalized itinerary transforms a simple tour into lifelong memories. Customized by a local guide, your itinerary can feature lesser known sites like the Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, where stunning panoramic views of colorful flowers await.
Yes. Local private tour guides in Japan provide comfort, convenience, information, and organization, especially in a culturally and geographically diverse country.
A Japan tour guide enhances your trip by;
Still undecided? This article might interest you: Hiring A Guide In Japan: Pros & Cons.
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Japan because the weather is warm but not blazing and cool but not freezing.
Of course, March to May is Sakura season, so tourism is high during this time. To escape the crowds, try traveling from December to February. June to August is hot and moist, and May to June is rainy.
Need a full weather breakdown? Check out our Japan Tourism Statistics 2023.
Depending on your destination, Japan tour guides can be hired from 98 USD per group for a Kyoto Highlights Tour to upwards of 397 USD per group for a Customized Tokyo Experience. GoWithGuide's prices vary according to perks, venues, experiences, and included services. Head to the Japan Private Tours page to see our range of private tour costs.
Tokyo is the number one choice for first-time travelers to Japan. It combines the best elements from the 4 major islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu) into one melting pot of culture and creativity. With so much variety, you'll find The Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Ginza Shopping District, and Yomiuriland all in one city.
Tokyo also serves as a base for those who want to travel to nearby destinations like;
Helpful Article: 5 Relaxing Day Trips From Tokyo You Have To Try
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japan Tourism Statistics for a full breakdown of dos & don'ts, potential destinations, travel trends, weather statistics, and much more.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
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