Wakayama Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

4.90 / 5

(10 reviews)

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!

Kiyoko H.

4.50 / 5

(4 reviews)

Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I am an English guide of Kumano Kodo. I live in Kushimoto, which is the most southern tip of Honshu (main island). I got my regional guide license in 2016. Since then, I have been practicing guiding Kumano Kodo in English. You will learn about ancient pilgrimage, shrines, temples, asceticism. You will be impressed by beautiful nature. You will also feel rejuvenated after walking Kumano Kodo. I want to share my experience with you.

Miyuki O.

4.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I love Koyasan, so I would like to help tourists as a guide only on weekends. I also obtained the national guide qualification.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.

Keiji H.

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.

Yasuhisa N.

I was born in Osaka and now I live in Wakayama prefecture. I have visited more than 800 sightseeing spots in Kansai area including Koyasan. With my experience of visiting 15 foreign countries, I want to introduce Japanese culture and beauties of Koyasan. If my guests wish to take part in some activites, they can join the Ajikan meditation, Jukai and Trekkings. My guests are assured to have an enjoyable trip that is safe and comfortable.

Noriko I.

4.56 / 5

(9 reviews)

Hello, I’m Noriko, certified national tour guide. I live in Wakayama prefecture, where there are a lot of nature and historic places, hot springs and delicious food, such as seafood and fruits. Wakayama stretches from north to south on the Kii Peninsula, however, it takes only about one hour from Kansai International Airport to the north part of Wakayama prefecture. I’m sure I can help you learn Japanese culture, history, and traditions, and fully enjoy traveling in Wakayama. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

Hideo Y.

4.52 / 5

(143 reviews)

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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

Noboru S.

5.00 / 5

(11 reviews)

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.

Yoko M.

5.00 / 5

(3 reviews)

Hi＆Konnichiwa! I am "YOKO" live in Katsuura Wakayama near Nachi Katsuura town, a spiritual place where a big waterfall is worshiped. I am a certified English tour guide of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Walking in Kumano, listening to the sounds of birds singing and leaves whispering, you will have a chance to revitalize yourself and get some inspiration to take back home. My family grows organic rice, tea and vegetables. I have had the good fortune to travel widely and experience a range of countries and cultures, including a trip to France, learning English in Florida, a working holiday in Australia, volunteer work in Bangladesh, and backpacking in India,etc. I love meeting and talking with people from all over the world. I like Yoga, hiking, traveling and snorkeling. I look forward to sharing the beauty of the Kumano pilgrimage routes with you, while also learning about your adventures!

Kayoko S.

4.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

Soy guía licenciada gubernamental nacional. Nací y crecí en prefectura de Osaka, la capital gastronómica de Japón, asimismo el centro humorístico. Mi especialidad universitaria era historia, y me gradué con historia de Japón. Empecé a estudiar español a forma autodidacta para entender las letras de música latina. Desde 2000 hasta 2017 viví en Perú trabajando como guía de turismo y asimismo la encargada de counter de agencia de viaje. Por lo que domino historia del Perú y América latina más. Retornando a mi país me ha maravillado la belleza de Japón. Mi hobby es trotar y bailar marinera norteña, danza nacional de Perú en la cual he sido ganadora de algunos concursos. También soy aficionada de bunraku, marioneta tradicional de Japón. Como soy historiadora, me gustaría tratar lugares históricos dentro de una perspectiva histórica. Quisiera pedir a aquellos que desea guiado por mí que haga click de reserva después de comprender bien el circuito que ofrezco. Jamás no hagan reserva sin intercambiar mensajes. Espero con mucho entusiasmo comunicación de los amantes de historia y cultura de humanidad.

Tadashi N.

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

Hatsumi S.

I am a tour guide for a world heritage site of Kumano kodo . You can see beautiful mountain range and seasonal flowers, get the fresh air and hear bird twittering . Also I'd like to show you Japanese culture and history by walking on ancient pilgrimage roads and visiting Shinto shrines. The nature of Kumano will help you to relieve daily stress and rediscover yourself. Why don't you enjoy walking in the beautiful nature and experiencing Japanese culture and history with me?

Rio S.

4.83 / 5

(23 reviews)

【Guarantee the best guiding quality】 Hello! I'm a humorous tour guide of 100% Osaka local.Please call me Rio. I can take you to the places which only foreign tourists are too difficult to visit or find out. As a certificated famous tour guide, I will give you a good memories and fresh discoveries during your Japan journey. I'm a professional about Kansai area's culture and history, so registered as best sightseeing master from several tour agencies and organizations. Speak to me in your own language. I can speak many kinds of language like English, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Vietnamese and so on.. So don't hesitate to communicate with me frankly! I absolutely guarantee the best tour quality. I wait your coming! Thanks,Ookini!

Yasuo H.

4.50 / 5

(4 reviews)

I was born and grew up in Wakayama prefecture. Since I was very young, I walked and run by motorcycle and car in the mountain region of Kii peninsula (Wakayama). I learned the nature of Wakayama well it’s tenderness and danger. I wish to make the only one trip for my customers. There are many natural and historical sites in Wakayama because of its unique geographical nature and the longest history in Japan. You can enjoy various type of trip as ancient road walk, spectacular landscapes of the coastlines, suspension bridges, mountains and hot springs.

Nobuko O.

4.94 / 5

(16 reviews)

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Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Nobuko, your enthusiastic guide through the captivating cities of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and the beautiful Wakayama region, including the awe-inspiring Koya-mountain. Currently, I call Osaka, near Kansai Airport, my home. My journey into cultural exploration began here and has enriched my perspective while deepening my love for Japan. Now, I'm excited to share the wonders of these destinations with you, from the well-known attractions to the hidden gems in Wakayama. Our journey together will encompass not only the well-trodden paths of Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka but also the serene and spiritual experiences that await in Wakayama and the mystical Koya-mountain. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to Japan's rich heritage! ★ My schedule is currently closed as a precaution against unauthorized use of itineraries. It will reopen once we agree on the plan. Please text me and specify how you'd like me to assist you in arranging your tour.

Popular Wakayama Private Tours

Exploring Koyasan

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.

Wakayama Highlight

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.

Wakayama Castle 2 hour tour

2 hours

Wakayama Castle is located in the city center and a symbol of Wakayama city. It takes only 40 minutes from Kansai International Airport. The grounds of the castle contain other features such as the Ohashi Roka Bridge , Nishinomaru Teien Garden , and the Koshoan teahouse , a traditional Japanese teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of tea. In every season of the year,different kinds of flowers and trees welcome you . You can enjoy not only historic spots but also a panoramic view of Wakayama city from the observatory of the castle. Also in and around the castle, you will find 'Ninjas’ . There is a small zoo in the ground, too. Please, come pay a visit to Wakayama Castle!

Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route and Nachi

Start at Shirahama station. Short walks or drive through along Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage route. Visit hot springs and some attraction.

②:Experience Dainichi-goe trail with YOKO! (～2hrs. 3.4km/ 2mi)

3 hours

It's 2hrs walk, relatively steep trail over Mt.Dainichi. Please choose Plan A or B. A: Meet at Kumano Hongu Taisha-mae, take bus(830/1240) to Yunomine-onsen(300JPY/pp),walk back to Hongu Grand Shrine.Explore Hongu Town! B: Meet at Yunomine-onsen bus stop, take bus(856/1109/1326) to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine(300JPY/pp)walk back to Yunomine-onsen. Enjoy hotspring village!

Kumano Nachi and Shirahama walking

2 days

Yuo can learn Japanese nature, history and custom from walking ancient pilgrimage route in Kumano and coast line in Shirahama. Nachi is the final distination of pilgrimage to Kumano. Kumano Kodo in Nachi is the most beautiful ancient road from Kyoto or Ise. There are many beautiful sites in southern Wakayama. Nachi water fall, Sandanbeki and Senjo-jiki are the typical ones.

To Koyasan from Wakayama city : the corridor of nation building history

8 hours

Why don't you add one day from Wakayama city( or Kansai airport) to Koyasan. There are many historic sites on this route. Wakayama has one of the longest history in Japan and well reserved.

③: Experience ①＋② pilgrimage trail with YOKO! (～6hrs,10.9km/6 mi)

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6 hours

If you feel like walking much longer than plan①, let's try plan② too！ Get a local bus from Kumano Hongu Taisha-mae ＠9:20/10:10 to Hosshinmon-oji (460yen/15min). Walk: Hossinmon-oji ～ Fushiogami-oji～Look out point ～ Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine～ Oyunohara ～ trail head ～ Yunomine-oji～Yunomine

New Wakayama Private Tours

Yuasa-Town's Soy Sauce district of Japan's first birthplace

2 hours

klkEnjoy 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$32/ per person

Tadashi N.

Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka, easy to access

3 hours

This course of Kumano Kodo is easy to access from Wakayama City and even from Osaka City. We will walk up and down Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka from Fujishiro Shrine to Fujishiro Pass of altitude of 250m. Beyond Fujishiro Shrine is the holy site of Kumano, and Kumano Kodo Fujishiro-zaka is blessed with beautiful legends.

For Japanese descendants

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.

①:Experience Pilgrimage trail with YOKO! Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine

4 hours

Meet at Kumano Hongu Taisha bus stop. Use Hotel shuttle to Hossinmon-oji (free of charge) or get the local bus at 9:20/10:10 to Hosshinmon-oji (460yen/15min). Pleasant walk form Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrinne( 7.5km / 4.7ml, 4hrs). Enjoy local nature and flowers. Learn Kumano Pilgrimage history as well as experience local lifestyle in rural area.

Popular Wakayama Private Cars

KOYASAN ( Mt.Koya, Wakayama) are so kind for wheelchairs

Although there is no mountain of Mt.Koya in Wakayama Prefecure,people generally call the places Mt.Koya ,literally heights. Why? Because they have peaceful atmosphere and are best suited for esoteric Buddhism at such an high altitude in the deep moutains.

Day Trips from Wakayama

Osaka

Nara

Mount Koya

Kumano

Wakayama Tour Reviews

Ruth H.

5 / 5

Mar 26, 2024

Two Nights and Three Days in Kumano

3 days

Customized

Mar 26, 2024

“Outstanding Guide for Bespoke Kumano Kodo Tour”

I am so grateful that I found Hiroyuki-San! He was the perfect guide to assist with planning and executing the PERFECT Kumano Kodo tour for my family. We only had 3 days available, and Hiroyuki was able to schedule a trip that allowed us to visit all 3 major shrines, do a bit of hiking on each of the 3 days, and even enjoy a river boat tour that was part of the original pilgrimage trail. He also helped us book amazing Onsen resorts for our overnights. Hiroyuki has deep knowledge of this area having worked with UNESCO on behalf of Japan to have the area designated as one of two important religious pilgrimage sites in the world (along with the Camino de Santiago in Spain). Memories of a lifetime. Thank you Hiroyuki-San!!

Hiroyuki T.

(90 reviews)

Rush-san, It's very nice to hear from you. How are you? Are you back home now? I am so grateful that you found me. It was very nice to spend time with you and your family. I enjoyed the tour myself very much. Please come back to the Osaka area. There are a lot more that I want to show you Take good care of yourself and stay healthy, see you later. Sincerely, Hiro

Stephanie T.

5 / 5

Nov 16, 2023

Wakayama Highlight

7 hours

Customized

Nov 16, 2023

“Wonderful day in Wakayama”

Hiroyuki was experienced in giving us a short history lesson on the Wakayama importance, the changes through times and the various highlights of Shogun era. It was a good day mixed with history, colourful scenic places and good food especially at the Tuna fish market. We chose the right guide.

Hiroyuki T.

(90 reviews)

It's been a week since we meet in Wakayama. Time is going so quickly, isn't it? It was very nice spending time with you, as I was born and raised there. I hope that you liked my hometown. There are more to see here in Wakayama, Koyasa, Kumano and Onsens. Please come back to Wakayama to visit these wonderful places. I promise you will like them.

Ariane F.

5 / 5

Nov 2, 2023

KOYASAN ( Mt.Koya, Wakayama) are so kind for wheelchairs