Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

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;

• Getting rid of the language barrier. Less than 30% of Japan’s population speaks English. Touring the country with a multilingual guide removes awkward interactions and creates a sense of comfort and ease. 
• Saving your time. Once you've picked your destinations, your guide organizes the logistics, focusing on efficiency by booking venues, securing tickets, and making any necessary reservations, leaving you to relax and spend time seeing the Land of the Rising Sun. 
• Providing a rich knowledge pool. Walking around the country with a guide ingrained in local culture, history, and knowledge is a treasure that gives you value for your money. You might even encounter a few hidden gems.

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;

• Osaka (2 hrs 22 min via Bullet Train) 
• Kyoto (2 hrs 8 min via Bullet Train) 
• Fuji Five Lakes ( 2 hrs 5 min via train) 

Helpful Article: 5 Relaxing Day Trips From Tokyo You Have To Try

1. English is a bigger barrier than expected, especially if you plan on traveling to rural areas. A guide is a great way to practice small phrases and understand pronunciation.  
2. A JR (Japan Rail) pass comes in handy, so get one at the airport. Japan's public transport system is one of the best in the world, and a preloaded card will cut so much time while keeping you connected to the vast rail grid. 
3. The vending machines are as iconic as you think they are. Try as many as you possibly can. 
4. Walking while eating/drinking is rude. It also promotes littering, so take the time to pause and eat.

1. You should - Book accommodation months in advance. The earlier, the better, especially if you're headed to Japan during the peak season of March to May or September to November. 
2. You shouldn’t - Litter. EVER. Japan prides itself on recycling and keeping its streets clean. Littering is one of the worst things you can do. Keep your trash on you until you find a trash can.  
3. You should - Keep cash on hand. Though there are cashless facilities, cash is still king, especially in smaller specialty shops and restaurants. 
4. You shouldn’t - Stick to big cities. There's more to Japan than the bustling streets of Shinjuku or the savory foods of Osaka. Remote tours along the Japanese countryside are just as magical, so talk to your tour guide about picking a great spot. 
5. You should - learn some Japanese phrases like;
   • Sumimasen - Excuse me
   • Arigatou Gozaimasu - Thank you 
   • Konnichiwa - Hello 

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.