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Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Plan a Trip to Japan with Local Tour Guides, and Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and More.
Popular Japan Tour Guides
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Yumiko O.
Hello, my name is Yumiko, and I am a licensed tour guide based in Japan. It is my pleasure to share the beauty of Japan with travelers from all over the world. I have guided many visitors through Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, and other famous destinations, as well as hidden gems that only locals know. My goal is always to create a tour that is not only informative but also enjoyable and personalized to your interests. With a warm and flexible guiding style, I love helping guests discover Japan’s traditions, history, and everyday life. Whether you are interested in temples and shrines, delicious local food, or simply strolling through charming streets, I will do my best to make your time in Japan unforgettable. I am excited to announce that I have started offering tours in Odawara! Odawara is a historic castle town located just an hour from Tokyo, famous for its impressive Odawara Castle, beautiful views of both the sea and mountains, and its role as the gateway to Hakone. In addition to exploring the castle and tasting local specialties such as fresh seafood and kamaboko (fish cakes), you can also enjoy many Instagram-worthy spots, from the scenic coastline to charming traditional houses that give a glimpse of Japan’s past. Odawara is still less crowded compared to other popular destinations, so it’s a great time to visit. I look forward to welcoming you and creating wonderful memories together!
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Mio K.
My name is MIO. "MI" means "beauty," and "O" means "together." I hope to share the "beauty" of this city "together." I've lived in Kagoshima since 2019, and got attracted to the city, which prompted me to become a tour guide. I hope to guide you around with utmost hospitality.
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Yacco M.
Hi, I’m Yacco, a friendly and passionate local guide. I was born and raised in Shizuoka and have lived in Yokohama for over 30 years. For the past several years, I’ve been guiding international visitors in Kamakura, Yokohama, and Tokyo as a volunteer, helping them discover the rich history, culture, and hidden charm of these unique cities. Traveling abroad creates once-in-a-lifetime memories, and I would love for you to fully experience the beauty and spirit of my favorite towns. I not only enjoy showing historical and modern landmarks, but also love introducing quiet backstreets, seasonal flowers, cozy cafés, and delicious local food that reflect the charm of everyday life. What I enjoy most is comparing Japanese traditions with my guests’ own cultures and histories—these conversations often lead to deep and inspiring exchanges. As your guide, I’m happy to customize tours based on your interests, whether you’re seeking unique experiences, historical insights, or local flavors. Let’s walk, talk, and create unforgettable memories together!
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George M.
Hello, I’m George, a local guide born and raised in Takayama and still living here today. I offer relaxed private tours for small groups and enjoy sharing the real atmosphere of this town. I can show you famous spots, local culture, history, and everyday life that many visitors miss. If it is your first time in Takayama, don’t worry. I will guide you at a comfortable pace and help you enjoy your day.
New Japan Tour Guides
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Shohei T.
Hi, I’m Shohei — a professional guitarist, singer, and private guide based in Kyoto! I was born in Japan but grew up in the city called Dublin, Ohio. My family moved there when I was 4yrs old because of my father’s was in the automotive industry. My passion for acoustic guitar led me to Boston, where I studied at Berklee College of Music. Since graduating in 2008, I’ve worked professionally as a musician, performing and teaching around the world and receiving several international awards in the acoustic fingerstyle guitar genre. In 2012, I fulfilled a long-held dream and moved back to Japan. I’ve called Kyoto home ever since. I started working as a guide in 2019, and I quickly discovered how much I enjoy sharing Japan with people from around the world. My passion for guiding was also inspired by the opportunity to accompany internationally renowned guitarists during their tours and workshops in Japan. I especially love exploring Kyoto’s temples and shrines and sharing the stories behind them. Rather than simply explaining what you see, I enjoy discussing how Buddhism, Shinto, and other traditions have shaped Japanese culture and everyday life. I also love Kyoto’s castles, palaces, gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and art. Having grown up in both Japan and the United States, I naturally have perspectives from both sides. I enjoy sharing cultural differences and helping guests understand not only what Japanese people do, but why. Most of all, I love meeting people, sharing stories, and discovering Kyoto together. Whether you want to explore famous landmarks, find hidden gems, dive deeper into Japanese history and culture, or simply enjoy a relaxed day in Kyoto, I’d be happy to show you around. If you don’t see a tour that fits your interests, feel free to message me. I’m always happy to create a private, custom experience for you! I look forward to meeting you and exploring Kyoto together!
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Tomoki M.
I'm a super friendly tour guide from Osaka who loves traveling. I'm a travel expert who spent two years traveling on foot across all 47 prefectures of Japan. If you need a tour guide in Osaka, you can count on me! I'm looking forward to meeting you!
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Yusuke T.
Hi! I'm Yusuke, a 30-year-old local guide born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan. I also spent two years working in Australia in the electrical industry. I love traveling and have visited more than 30 countries around the world. I also love connecting with people from different cultures and sharing our languages. In my free time, I've always enjoyed showing Nagasaki to my friends from overseas. Seeing them enjoy and fall in love with my hometown has always made me happy. That inspired me to become a professional local guide. Simply walking through the streets of Nagasaki is enjoyable. But I believe your trip becomes much more meaningful when you understand the history and culture behind what you see. I'd love to help you discover those stories and make your visit even more memorable. I look forward to meeting you and exploring Nagasaki together!
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Agustina .
Hi! My name is Agustina. I’m originally from Argentina, and I’ve been living in Japan for about seven years. I have been working as a tour guide in Tokyo for almost two years, especially in the Asakusa area. During this time, I have guided over 300 walking tours for international visitors, so guiding in Asakusa is something I already do regularly and truly enjoy. In my tours, I like to explain Japanese culture in a clear, friendly, and easy-to-understand way. I focus not only on the history of the places we visit, but also on the meaning behind temples, shrines, traditions, local customs, and everyday life in Japan. I guide in English and Spanish, and I enjoy creating a relaxed experience where guests feel comfortable asking questions. Since my tours are private, I can adapt the pace and explanations to your interests. Whether it is your first time in Tokyo or your first visit to Asakusa, I’ll do my best to make the experience comfortable, interesting, and fun.
Popular Japan Private Tours
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Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone
Please note that this tour takes place in Odawara, not Hakone. Odawara is a relaxed coastal city and a hidden gem with far fewer tourists than Hakone. We will visit 3–4 photogenic spots; the seaside, retro cafés, the old house, etc (varies by day). Historical places like Odawara Castle (outside only) and shrines are also included. This is mainly a walking tour, with some public transport. The meeting point is Odawara Station, with optional Hakone-Yumoto pickup. Custom itineraries are available.
Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone
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Kagoshima Icons: From Sengan-En to Sakurajima
From Timeless garden to Living Volcano ◉ Sengan-En, where important guests from abroad and all over Japan were welcomed and entertained in the 19th century. ◉ Sakurajima Volcano, an active volcano very close to the center of the city.
Kagoshima Icons: From Sengan-En to Sakurajima
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A Day in My Favorite Kamakura! Zen Temples, Matcha, Flowers & the Sea Breeze
Explore Kamakura with a guide who loves this compact ancient town, rich in history, culture, nature, and Zen spirit. Just an hour from Tokyo, we will visit highlights such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the Great Buddha standing for 770 years, and the bamboo temple. You can savor authentic matcha with Japanese sweets in a serene Zen garden, admire seasonal flowers, and stroll hidden paths to the seaside, where the ocean breeze offers a peaceful close to your journey.
A Day in My Favorite Kamakura! Zen Temples, Matcha, Flowers & the Sea Breeze
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Takayama Half-Day Private Walking Tour
This is a personalized 4-hour half-day walking tour for people who want to explore Takayama with a local guide. Takayama attractions: Old Town streets, Takayama Jinya area, Morning Market, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Hida Kokubunji Temple, local streets, and more. If you would like to enjoy the lively market atmosphere, starting the tour before 10:30 AM is recommended. For later departures, the itinerary may be adjusted to create the best experience based on the start time and interests.
Takayama Half-Day Private Walking Tour
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New Japan Private Tours
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The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
Starting at the historic Minamiza Theatre, we’ll discover the timeless beauty of Gion and Higashiyama on foot! Stroll along the charming Shirakawa Canal and Tatsumi Bridge, visit the magnificent Chion-in Temple and peaceful Maruyama Park, then follow the scenic Nene-no-Michi to Kodaiji’s Rishodo and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. Along the way, I’ll share Kyoto’s history, culture, and local stories. If time and energy allow, we’ll finish at either Kiyomizu-dera up the hill, or serene Kenninji Temple.
The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
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Drink Like a Local: Utsunomiya Yatai Yokocho Night. Includes 5,000 yen for meals.
Experience a fun and casual night out in Utsunomiya like a local! We’ll visit Utsunomiya Yatai Yokocho, a lively area filled with small Japanese-style restaurants and bars. Instead of just visiting one restaurant, we can explore different spots and enjoy a variety of local food and drinks depending on your preferences. This tour is not only about food and drinks. It’s also a chance to experience Japanese nightlife, meet local people, and chat about Japanese culture!
Drink Like a Local: Utsunomiya Yatai Yokocho Night. Includes 5,000 yen for meals.
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Let's conquer the Heart of Osaka with a Local Guide
A tour through the heart of Osaka with a friendly, Osaka-born local guide! If it’s your first time in Osaka and you’re not sure what to eat, where to go, or how to enjoy the city, this tour is the perfect choice. You’ll explore Osaka’s iconic landmarks, discover hidden local spots, and learn about the darker side of Japanese history and culture. Come experience the real Osaka and immerse yourself in its unique culture!
Let's conquer the Heart of Osaka with a Local Guide
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Half-day Miyajima Highlights
Step into the timeless beauty of Miyajima, a sacred island renowned for its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and magnificent Giant Torii Gate. Meet the island’s friendly deer and discover hidden photogenic spots beyond the main sights—all in a relaxed and efficient half-day tour.
Half-day Miyajima Highlights
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Popular Japan Private Cars
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【PRIVATE CAR TOUR】Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Takayama with a Local Guide
Explore the World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go on a relaxed private car tour from Takayama. This tour starts in the morning to enjoy Shirakawa-go before the biggest crowds arrive. With a local guide, you will learn not only about the famous Gassho-style houses, but also about local life, history, and culture in this mountain area. We will visit the observatory, walk through the traditional village, and enjoy a relaxed pace with time for photos, lunch, and exploring old houses.
【PRIVATE CAR TOUR】Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Takayama with a Local Guide
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Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and visit a vast farm where authentic wasabi is grown in clear spring water. In addition to the wasabi fields, you can take in the picturesque scenery featuring iconic waterwheels. In the afternoon, you will visit Hotaka Shrine with a long history, where the deity of safe journeys is enshrined. There is also a unique monument of another deity, Dosojin. Finally, you will visit a scenic winery. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink.
Azumino (Nagano), Japan Alps Views, Winery, Wasabi, Shrine - Day Trip from Matsumoto or Hakuba
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Haruna Shrine and "Initial D" related places in Shibukawa
A day trip that travels around Haruna Shrine, Lake Haruna, and "Initial D" (manga)- related places in Shibukawa. This tour also stops at Ikaho Onsen, a renowned hot spring town.
Haruna Shrine and "Initial D" related places in Shibukawa
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Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
Explore Kochi’s top highlights in one day with a local licensed guide! Visit Kochi Castle, Chikurinji Temple, and Okawasuji Samurai Residence or Makino Botanical Garden, and enjoy local food at Hirome Market. The tour is flexible—we can visit other spots based on your interests. All photos were taken by me, and I’m happy to take photos of you during the tour and share them afterward as a free souvenir. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a personalized and memorable experience in Kochi.
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
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Japan Tour Reviews
Simon W.
“Great tour highly recommend ”
Jaime was absolutely brilliant and made the day work perfectly for us and the kids. He had a great knowledge of anime, Pokémon and Japanese gaming culture, which was exactly what the boys were interested in. He took us to some fantastic arcades, including a place with American-style baseball batting cages, which the kids had never tried before and absolutely loved. What really stood out was how involved Jaime was throughout the day. He joined in with the kids on the arcade games, helped them understand some of the characters and gaming culture, and made everything feel relaxed and fun rather than like a formal tour. He also introduced us to some more unusual Japanese food and explained what everything was, while being sensible about choosing things the kids would actually enjoy rather than pushing us into anything too extreme. Overall, a really enjoyable and memorable day. I would highly recommend Jaime, particularly for families with children who are into anime, Pokémon, gaming, arcades, claw machines and Japanese pop culture. He was knowledgeable, flexible, great with the kids and genuinely added a lot to our time in Tokyo.
Alessandro P.
“Simply the best!”
Yoshie was simply the best guide we could have asked for on our day in Kyoto. From the very first moment, he made us feel like old friends rather than tourists — kind, attentive, quick with a joke at just the right moment, and wonderful company throughout the entire tour. But what truly sets Yoshie apart is the depth with which he knows and shares Japanese culture. Every temple, every corner of Kyoto became a living story through him — not the usual tour-guide facts, but rich, passionate explanations that clearly reflected years of study and genuine love for his homeland. He helped us understand things we never would have grasped on our own, striking a perfect balance between cultural depth and lightheartedness. Beyond his extraordinary knowledge, it was his warm humanity that made the day unforgettable. Funny, present, and genuinely invested in giving us an authentic experience. If you're looking for a guide who combines deep knowledge, great energy, and a big heart, Yoshie is simply the right choice. We recommend him without any hesitation to anyone who wants to discover Kyoto through someone who truly loves it.
Dylan A.
“Made a lifelong friend in Tokyo ”
I’m not even sure where to begin. Traveling to another country can be nerve racking. Feeling like you don’t belong and being unable to speak the local language can sometimes scare people away from visiting altogether. Luckily, my niece and I found Kota. As we searched for tours and guides, we knew we didn’t want a traditional tourist experience or a typical tour guide. What we wanted was a friend, someone who could show us the side of Japan that most tourists never get to see. Someone we could spend hours with and feel as though we had known for years. That is exactly what Kota delivered. From the moment we met him, Kota made us feel welcome. He created an itinerary tailored specifically to what we wanted to experience and took us to places where he said, “If I were out with my friends, this is where I would go.” Those hidden spots away from the main tourist areas and crowds were exactly what we had been hoping to find. We have spent almost two weeks traveling throughout Japan, and our day with Kota has been and will remain the highlight of our entire trip. Words truly cannot describe how much we appreciate everything he showed us or how genuinely we feel that we made a lifelong friend. It’s not a matter of if we return to Japan, but when and when we do, we will absolutely see Kota again. I already know it will feel like visiting someone we grew up with. Thank you again, Kota, for the unforgettable experience and the amazing time you shared with us. We’ll see you sooner rather than later!
Japan Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
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.
Japan Frequently Asked Questions
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