Celene P.
“Best Guide Ever”
Bobby is a fabulous guide. She hand crafted a tour with our specific requests in mind. She kept us on time yet allowed for distractions on the ground when we saw something we wanted to stop at. Bobby also took into acccount the tour and we stopped at an amazing coffee shop that was definitely not a tourist trap. Bobby pointed out interesting things about Hakodate that is not a in an out book, only a local would know. I wish she could have been our guide at all of our stops in Japan!
Sergio M.
“Outstanding Private Tour Experience with Takashi in Kyoto”
We had the absolute pleasure of spending a day in Kyoto with Takashi as our guide, and we could not be more impressed with the experience he provided. From the moment we met, Takashi was professional, kind, incredibly knowledgeable, and impressively organized. We had only six to seven hours to explore the city, and thanks to his planning, we were able to visit all the key sites on our list efficiently and comfortably, without ever feeling rushed. He knew exactly how to navigate the city, avoid crowds, and adjust the pace to match our group’s energy. Beyond the logistics, what truly stood out was Takashi’s passion for Kyoto’s history and culture—he shared fascinating insights at every stop, and his storytelling brought each place to life. Takashi also went out of his way to ensure everyone in our group felt welcomed and engaged—including my mother, who appreciated his thoughtfulness and care throughout the day. We’ve had many guides over the years, but Takashi’s combination of expertise, efficiency, and warm personality made this experience truly exceptional. We would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone visiting Kyoto. Thank you, Takashi, for a memorable and seamless day—we will always remember it!
Joseph B.
“Returning Tourist”
This is my second time touring with Richard. Super knoweldgeable and knows his stuff. If I had to, I'd tour a third time. Richard, Thank you for a wonderful tour of Osaka. Hopefully we will be back in a few years.
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.
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