Wakayama Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Wakayama, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Wakayama Tour Guides
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(166 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Shuji O.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Miyuki O.
4.67 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I currently teaches at a cram school while also working mainly as a guide. I also obtained the national guide licence. I would like to expand my guide area to cover the entire Kinki region, but I like Wakayama the most because of its spiritual nature.
Hideo Y.
4.60 / 5
(182 reviews)
Japan
Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!
New Wakayama Tour Guides
Yoshiroh N.
5.00 / 5
(6 reviews)
Japan
For many people, international travel is a special thing. It would be sad if you didn't have a satisfying experience even though spending time and money. Please choose a professional guide to create the best memories for you! And more than you think, English is not spoken in Japan. To enjoy a trouble-free trip, please contact me!
Akari Y.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.
Keiji H.
5.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Japan
I have traveled to more than 40 countries. I always have spent happy time with local people. To return their favor, I have become a Kumano Kodo guide to help tourists enjoy Kodos. I am a government certified guide and have guided over 50 international clients in 6 years. I can help you with Kumano expertise, risk management, and hospitality skills I am a plum farmer and make umeboshi now. So I would tell you stories of as well as Japanese farming and food. Only local guides help you finding spots to rest in today's weather, locating a clean public restroom, and choosing the best sashimi for the season. Most importantly, you can acquire useful information without having to glance at tiny screens, not with phones but with local guides.
Tadashi N.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Shall we make a good trip with a nice memory ? I would like nicely to tell you the whole image of Japan when I share your time so as to make a pleasant memory. I was born and raised in Wakayama. I have lived in Osaka city and parts of Hyogo such as Kobe, Nishinomiya when I worked for a bank and cram schools and also, was a University student. And I made a short trip to various Kansai area such as Nara and Kyoto and so on, moreover a long trip to Kanto area such as Yokohama, Tokyo and Nikko. So I am knowledgeable about especially Kansai area, where there are some present-day major cities and other age-old or traditional major cities. They abound in awesome spots to see. Let's enjoy various type of tours. My hobby is to walk around minor part of towns as well and mountainside to refresh my life and watch sport game such as baseball and soccer game, not just indoor game. As I have lived in foreign countries, I think I know what you are thinking about. Kick off our project for fun. thanks
Popular Wakayama Private Tours
Wakayama Highlights
Wakayama
7 hours
On this tour, we will visit Wakayama Castle and Wakayama Marina City which are the most popular representative tourist spots in Wakayama. After watching the tuna filleting show and eating tuna lunch at Wakayama Marina City, we will visit Kishi station by the Wakayama Railway to see the famous CAT stationmaster. In the evening, we will eat the very well-known Wakayama ramen near JR Wakayama station.
FROM$265/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(166 reviews)
Exploring Koyasan
Wakayama
10 hours
Women were forbidden to enter Koyasan until 1872. Koyasan, literally means Mt Koya, a 900 high highland located in Wakayama Prefecture is a center of Buddhist study. A founder of Shingon Sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai who was granted by emperor Saga to use this land in 816. You can touch the Buddhist concept of vicissitude in a walk through the path toward innermost sanctum in deep ceder tree forest.
FROM$316/ per group
Masahisa M.
5.00 / 5
(52 reviews)
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route and Nachi
Wakayama
10 hours
Start at Shirahama station. Short walks or drive through along Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage route. Visit hot springs and some attraction.
FROM$211/ per group
Yasuo H.
4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Overnight tirp to Kumano Kodo, Nachi Waterfalls, Kumano Shrines and more - from Wakayama
Wakayama
2 days
This is an overnight trip to Kumano from Wakayama. On the first day, we will walk Kumano Kodo Daimonzaka which is the final and most beautiful part of Kumano Kodo for two hours to visit Kumano Nachi Shrine, Nachisan Seigantoji temple and the Nachi waterfalls. We will stay at Katsuura Hot Spring Resort to enjoy natural hot springs. On the second day, we will visit Kumano Hayatama Shrine and Kamikura shrine to explore Kumano more.
FROM$843/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(166 reviews)
New Wakayama Private Tours
Visit Historical Sites in Northern Wakayama
Wakayama
6 hours
Visit Wakayama castle, Awashima shrine and Kimiidera temple in six hours. Wakayama castle was built in 1585 and rebuilt in 1958 because of burn down by the fire in WWⅡ. Awashima shrine is originate around fourth century and Kimiidera was build 770. Both have very old and unique history.
FROM$225/ per group
Yasuo H.
4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Wakayama
Wakayama
10 hours 30 min
Mt. Koya is a sacred site for Esoteric Buddhism established by high priest Kukai in 816. He tried to build the Buddas’ world in a small mountaintop basin of altitude 800m. There are 117 temples there centered by the Temple Complex where the important buildings are located. People believe that the high priest Kukai is still alive to meditate in his chamber in the holy cemetery Okuno-in. They say there are 400,000 tomb stones, monuments, pagodas and others there.
FROM$316/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(166 reviews)
Yuasa-Town's Soy Sauce district of Japan's first birthplace
Wakayama
2 hours
Enjoy traditional cultural assets of importance in the first district of making Soy sauce and fermented soybean paste in Japan. These foods are introduced in Kamakura period by the Koyasan monk. Let's walk looking for and watching age-old town structure and composition. You can even find something new in tradiotinal and rural atmosphere coming from long history. Kansai air port ( KIX )-JR Tennoji station or Hineno station (transfer)-JR WAKAYAMA station - JR Yuasa station (here) -Kumano
FROM$35/ per person
Tadashi N.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
For Japanese descendants
Wakayama
8 hours
Japan used to be a country of emigrants. Many Japanese emigrated abroad. Currently, there are about 3 million Nikkei living overseas. Nikkei are now from the Yonsei to Rokusei generations, and in many cases contacts with Japan had already faded out. I would arrange a roots searching tour for you no matter your where your ancestors were from. Visit your roots and have conversations with local people, if you are lucky enough, you might be able to find your relatives.
FROM$265/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(166 reviews)
Wakayama Tour Reviews
L
Lundie R.
5 / 5
Nov 28, 2024
“Excellent guide and fascinating destination ”
Our guide Hiroyuki was excellent and is highly recommended. The tour of Koyasan was fascinating and Hiro added so much to the experience. Excellent English, very articulate, well educated, enjoyable to be around. 5 stars!!
Hiroyuki T.
Lundie san, Thank you very much for such a wonderful message. It was really nice spending time with you and the group. I like clients like you who show interests and pay respect to our culture and religions. As I explained, you can see original shape of the nature worship in Japan in Kumano. Waterfalls , Rocks, and forest are the deities themselves there. As I will go to Kumano next week, I will tell the Kumano deities that you will come next year. Thank you very much and take care. Hiro
J
Joann T.
5 / 5
Oct 27, 2024
“Wakayama City tour”
Noriko is an excellent guide. She is kind, patient, professional, and speaks very good English. She took me on a tour of the Wakayama city area. We visited places such as Wakayama Castle and Kishi train station (home of stationmaster Nitama, the cat). She gave interesting information about the places we visited--things I never would've known or noticed if I'd gone on my own. Noriko was very organized and kept the tour on schedule, but never made me feel rushed. I highly recommend her as a guide. Thank-you for a great day, Noriko-san!
Noriko I.
Dear Joann, Thank you so much for your kind words. I may not have been good enough, but I'm glad that you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best Regards, Noriko
D
Delores W.
5 / 5
Oct 21, 2024
“Mio, Wakayama- tour Canada history”
Keiji was an excellent guide to the village of Mio. He had done research on which trains and buses beforehand. He also found out information and contacted the museum and townhall for me prior to my arrival. He translated the entire time and was very helpful with my many questions. Highly recommend him.
Keiji H.
This was my first time to attend a meeting, in which my Canadian customers and a museum president tried to research their family history in Japan, and assist in communications among the attendants. I think I learned how to identify important topics and documents necessary, and communicate with the attendants beforehand. Delores and her partner were so kind and flexible that we did not have serious troubles with transportation logistics or meeting procedures. Thank you again for giving me this great opportunity. I would be happy to help them find their family histories in the future, as well.
Wakayama Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Wakayama or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Wakayama has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Wakayama tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Wakayama, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
Latest Wakayama Articles
Things To Do
3 Beautiful Sights in Wakayama
Wakayama, Japan
Wakaywama features stunning beauty like nowhere else. From Engetsu Island, a place where the sunset is incredible as it falls between a hole carved into the island by waves, a beach made of white sand, and a wildlife park that features giant pandas, are j...
Luke Kinsella
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Things To Do
Four Unique Mount Koya Destinations
Wakayama, Japan
If you are planning a trip to the sacred mountains of Wakayama, then why not experience a night at a historic temple, or learn about the origin of Shingon Buddhism. There is something for everyone here, so read on for our top four Mount Koya highlights: K...
Luke Kinsella
Feb 24, 2023
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