Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Kumiko for the win!”

We booked Kumiko for sightseeing in Sapporo by driving and she was fantastic! I read somewhere that their local soy sauce brewery offered free tours but was unable to book it myself (their online website did not offer it and I was certainly not confident enough in my Japanese to call them to book). We are big foodies and Kumiko was able to secure this tour for us with advanced notice, it was so fun and interesting and we were able to buy some of their Hokkaido exclusive products in the end, great souvenirs/ gifts. After that she took us to a few iconic Sapporo landmarks: former government buildings for a little history lesson, the fresh seafood market where we purchased an entire Alaskan king crab and them cook it for us for lunch (splurged but yolo!), Okurayama jumping stadium where we took a ski lift ride up to the top for the city view and had ice cream, and Hokkaido Shrine to wrap up. The subway system in Sapporo isn't as extensive as it is in Tokyo so getting to see all of these places in 1 day would have been difficult without a car. Kumiko's 4 seater was new and spacious, the 3 of us being on the taller side did not feel cramped at all. Oh, I also must mention how much I appreciated Kumiko for being so flexible, my brother's flight got delayed so he had to miss the first item on our itinerary but Kumiko kindly offered to scoop him up at the train station when he arrived so he was able to join us for the rest of the day, that was so helpful! If it wasn't obvious by now, Kumiko is kind, attentive, flexible, speaks English well, and just a sweet person, exactly like she seems in her profile picture. I'm glad we booked her, thank you Kumiko!

“So knowledgeable!”

A wonderful day, so much knowledge, we glided through the day, very efficient planning, transferring between sites Fumi was happy to flex and also guided us as to what would be busiest when so we got the best experience everywhere, we had a ramen lunch but she offered lots of options to suit our tastes and had clearly thought about the day. Fumi answered all our questions, clearly loves her job, she moved along just at the right pace, well prepared with background information not just about the sites we were visiting but the history of Japan too. We thoroughly enjoyed the day!

Fumi U.

(19 reviews)

Thank you so much for a wounderful review. I am glad you enjoyed the tour. I had a pleasant time with you. I hope you will have more nice memories in Kyoto. I found some Kimono's shops in Kyoto, if you have time you can visit there. ( Antiques Kimono Lily Kyoto ) (Vintage Kimono AN Gion ) These two shops looks having a lot of choises. Thank you again!!

“Oishi Park, Kawaguchi Views, Houtou Noodles, Chureito Pagoda + Cultural Highlights”

It’s a sincere pleasure to write this recommendation for Lynn K. I had been in Japan over a week with quite a few experiences. I didn’t know that her tour would be an unforgettable highlight. Lynn’s expertise, knowledge, attention and intuition far exceeded anything I expected. Prior to, I felt Lynn wanted to ensure a uniquely personalized experience. Even a casual request did not go unnoticed. She provided directions with detailed train instructions to a “bucket list” site not part of the trip. Lynn listens and makes recommendations but ultimately, it’s the guest’s preferences and needs that are top consideration. That is what happened to us. She customizes your trip’s plan to your expectations. And even on the day of, priorities may change beyond her control. But Lynn is there to suggest options ensuring the best experience. For our tour, the weather wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t ideal. Lynn didn’t let it damper our spirits though. She offered options from her professional and own personal experiences surpassing the tour’s intentions. And to add, I had a last minute, day of request, that wasn’t on the original itinerary. I asked if it was even possible. And you know what? Lynn didn’t just simply check the box. She went and made it happen. She knew how important it was to me and was determined to get it done. Even when I suggested calling it off, she remained focused. She is the Wonder Woman of Japan Guides. I’m certain that if she could control the weather or the traffic or the crowds, she would. I know, I’ve seen her in action. She sincerely cares. Thank you, Lynn. For your thoughtfulness in ensuring that my entire trip ended with positive memories (and souvenirs at your suggestion). I cannot recommend Lynn K enough as a trilingual guide who will make your Japan sendoff leave you with a truly lasting experience of more than you signed up for. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Watashi wa modotte kimasu (Babalik ako). Aratamete arigatogozaimashita (Maraming salamat)!