Meg O.
“Fabulous day with Sanjay”
We had the most amazing day with Sanjay, who took us from the cruise ship in Tokushima around the North-East part of Shikoku. We planned where we wanted to go ahead of time, sent our itinerary and was warned the driver was not a guide and doesn't speak English. However, our driver was the most delightful, wonderful person. Sanjay spoke with us through a translation app, and called places ahead of time for us to confirm reservations. Sanjay made the day even better for us. The van was also perfect, with lots of space and was very comfortable. I highly recommend the GoWithGuide company, Woo (the person who arranged things pre-trip) and our wonderful driver Sanjay.
Robyn S.
“Retro osaka walk & more”
Rina is an amazing guide. I did 2 separate day tours with her & both were most enjoyable. I really appreciated that she could adjust things around so I could get to a few extra things that I specially wanted. 2 delightful days spent with Rina as I got to see more of Osaka. I highly recommend Rina as your guide.
Rina K.
Hi Robyn, Thank you so much for your warm comment. I'm truly touched. Those retro neighborhoods weren’t tourist spots, but neighborhoods where daily rhythms gently flow—and I’m so glad you chose to explore them with me. It meant a lot to guide you not only to the places you had in mind, but also to a few hidden corners along the way. Spending time together made me appreciate Osaka even more, too. Hope to see you again someday. Cheers, Rina
Robyn S.
“Umeda, Tenjinbashi & more”
Rina is a most amazing guide, I did 2 tours with her & enjoyed every moment. She was happy to take me to extra placed that I wanted to visit (ie: craft supplies etc). I added further time into the day to do the extra things. Rina speaks good english which is appreciated as I don't speak more than a few words of Japanese. For me the days were enjoyable in her company. I highly recommend Rina for your guide.
Rina K.
Hello again Robyn, It’s such an honor to hear you enjoyed the tour—thank you again for your kind words. I’m so glad you found time for some lovely shopping afterwards, too. Your habit of choosing postcards and writing heartfelt messages at sightseeing spots was new to me, and I found it truly beautiful. It turned a simple moment into something quietly meaningful. Please say hi to your son and his lovely family for me. Take care, Rina PS: Thank you for sharing the lamington recipe!
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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