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Off the Beaten Path Japan Private Tours

Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone

Kanagawa

5 hours

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

Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour

Bunkyo City is in the heart of central Tokyo, just north of Chiyoda City where the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station are. The city is Tokyo’s typical residential and academic area where I was born, grew up, and live now. We'll move around the city with a Bunkyo City Community Bus, B-guru ( “beagle”, the mascot character of the bus), and visit Edo-Tokyo Japanese gardens and other calm and pleasant sites. You'll also catch a glimpse of Tokyo citizens’ life during the tour.

Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

On this tour, you can enjoy the autumn foliage depending on the season. Kyoto is very popular with tourists, so most tourist attractions are usually crowded with people. While that can be lively and fun, some people might occasionally want to visit a less crowded place. This tour is perfect for those people. On this tour, you will spend a full day walking through Sagano, visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Jojakko-in Temple, and Seiryo-ji Temple.

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

Osaka JR Fukuchiyama Abandoned Line Hike

The Fukuchiyama Abandoned Railway Hike is one of the hiking course that uses the abandoned railway line between Namase Station and Takedao Station on former Japan National Railways Fukuchiyama Line, was closed in 1986. Stretching for about 4.7km along the valley, the remains of the railway including 6 tunnels and 3 bridges from when locomotive once ran remain intact. The trail is easy enough for even beginners to hike and can be completed in about 2-3 hours at an average walking pace.

Osaka JR Fukuchiyama Abandoned Line Hike

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

Explore Tokyo Hidden Gems Walking Tour by Trains

Explore hidden gems unknown to tourists and even Japanese who do not live in Tokyo. Old town areas since Edo period such as Sendagi (Nezu shrine) & Ningyocho are hidden jewels,beside the ordinary must see Tokyo site-seeing spots such as Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Senzoji Temple. This tour combines old nostalgic charms with succulent local foods at Ningyocho & Tsukij Outer Market.

Explore Tokyo Hidden Gems Walking Tour by Trains

Excursion off the Beaten Track in the Suburbs of Tokyo

We will explore the western suburbs of Tokyo in this tour. If you are looking for something different from the crowded tourist attractions in the central part of Tokyo, you will enjoy exploring the western suburbs of Tokyo. I recommend this tour not to first timers but to repeaters who have been to famous places in Tokyo. You will discover traditional spots in the beautiful environment of the suburbs. Weather permitting, lunch in a local restaurant can be replaced by a picnic lunch in a park.

Excursion off the Beaten Track in the Suburbs of Tokyo

Let’s see the real Japan with a local friend Taku

See the side of Japan most travelers miss. • Hidden local town just 10 min from Hiroshima • Retro candy shop & local supermarket missions • Real everyday Japanese life • Historic streets where samurai once stayed Small group / Local experience / Not a typical tourist tour

Let’s see the real Japan with a local friend Taku

Fushimi Inari's Secret Mountain Trails Morning Hike

Discover the hidden side of Fushimi Inari on a guided hike through peaceful forest trails, secluded shrines, and scenic viewpoints far from the crowds. Learn the history and legends of Kyoto's most famous shrine before descending beneath the iconic red torii gates. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with amazing photo opportunities.

Fushimi Inari's Secret Mountain Trails Morning Hike

All-Inclusive Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Peace Park (3.5 hrs)

Explore Hiroshima’s daily life and history. Stroll through Hondori Shopping Street to visit long-established shops—such as tea ceremony tool and traditional stamp shops. We’ll also visit a local shrine, Okonomimura, and the World Peace Memorial Cathedral. After a short break, take a local streetcar to Peace Memorial Park to explore its key landmarks and Ground Zero. The tour ends in front of the Peace Memorial Museum so you can view the exhibits at your own pace (inside guide not included).

All-Inclusive Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Peace Park (3.5 hrs)

Sarushima: Fortress Island, Defending the Gate to Edo/Tokyo

Explore Sarushima: Yokosuka's natural fortress island. Walk through historic brick tunnels & coastal fortifications while learning about Japan's coastal defense system and nature/ocean

Sarushima: Fortress Island, Defending the Gate to Edo/Tokyo

Tea Farm Visit in Fuji Area

An impressive view of green tea fields with Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed in this area if the weather is fine. Let’s enjoy visiting a tea farm here to experience tea picking, have a look at tea factory and taste a good cup of tea. You can also visit Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine which is one of Fujisan World cultural Heritage sites, a long-established sake brewery and prize-winning Yakisoba noodle. I’d like you to fully enjoy this one day tour at the foot of Mt. Fuji!

Tea Farm Visit in Fuji Area

Hidden Osaka: Shrines, Markets & Retro Streets

Step away from the busy tourist areas and discover a more local side of Osaka. We begin at Osaka Temmangu Shrine, a peaceful place loved by locals and connected to the city’s history. Then we walk through Tenjinbashisuji, the longest shopping street in Japan, filled with small shops and street food. Finally, we explore Nakazaki-cho, a retro neighborhood that survived wartime destruction and is now home to cozy cafés and vintage stores. Experience Osaka beyond the guidebooks.

Hidden Osaka: Shrines, Markets & Retro Streets

The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)

Sumida and Koto area was part of the eastern peripheral of old Edo with many second houses of feudal lords which typically had splendid Japanese gardens. Visit and stroll two gardens that have been retained to this day. Also included are visits to a memorial park related to the Kanto Earthquake of 1923, a historic Buddhist temple related to Sumo and the Fukagawa Edo Museum.

The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)

Visit Iwamura town off the beaten path in Gifu via nostalgic Akechi tetsudo Railway

This tour takes you to Iwamura town, a quiet hidden traditional town in the mountains of Gifu, and it is known as ever being ruled by a "女城主 (female castle lord)", Lady Otsuya. We start the tour with a charming local train ”明知鉄道 (Akechi tetsudo railway) with enjoying peasceful countryside scenery. In Iwamura preserved town, you can walk through the quiet street seems frozen in time, and discover the story of "岩村城 (Iwamura castle)" most highest castle in Japan, and sorrowful story of Lady Otsuya.

Visit Iwamura town off the beaten path in Gifu via nostalgic Akechi tetsudo Railway

Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour

Let's explore Nagasaki's local and hidden areas that are unreachable without a local guide! In 3~4 hours, we'll mainly walk around the following 3 areas: 1) Tateyama District: Walking down the slopes of the hillside residential areas in Nagasaki. 2) Suwa Shrine: Discovering the most famous shrine in Nagasaki. 3) Nakadori Shopping Street: Exploring the oldest shopping street in Nagasaki with a 400-year history. *The tour can be flexibly adjusted according to the customer's requests.

Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour

Miyajima, sacred island walking tour

Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, has long been regarded as an Island of Gods on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It is a romantic and historical island where Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located, along with the Virgin Forest of Mt. Misen, and numerous preserved shrines, temples and historical monuments.

Miyajima, sacred island walking tour

Hidden Gems of Tokyo: Unveiling Central Tokyo and Shitamachi

Embark on our "Tokyo Time Traveler Tour," exploring Shimbashi, Tokyo Station, Ochanomizu, Ueno, and Yanaka. Discover Tokyo's evolution, from its humble beginnings to the bustling metropolis it is today. Dive into history, culture, and tradition, uncovering the secrets behind Tokyo's captivating transformation.

Hidden Gems of Tokyo: Unveiling Central Tokyo and Shitamachi

Ueno ーYanaka nostalgic walking Tour

If you love to walk, come and join us as we explore shrines and temples characterized with their blissful and serene atmosphere. Plus, old ruins of townhouses that survived the last war. Enjoy the calmness and that perfect instagram moment.

Ueno ーYanaka nostalgic walking Tour

Bohème et nature – Shimokitazawa & Kichijoji (demi-journée)

Shimokitazawa est le cœur bohème et créatif de Tokyo, réputé pour ses friperies, ses boutiques indépendantes et ses théâtres. En flânant dans ses ruelles animées, on découvre une atmosphère artistique et décontractée, appréciée des amateurs de culture alternative. À quelques stations de là, Kichijoji séduit par son élégance conviviale et ses rues commerçantes animées. Le parc Inokashira, avec l’étang paisible et ses cerisiers au printemps, offre une parenthèse de nature au cœur de la ville.

Bohème et nature – Shimokitazawa & Kichijoji (demi-journée)

Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour

The Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition is a serene journey through Japan's natural beauty, perfect for all ages. Begin in Takao Forest, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and secret shrines. Visit the peaceful Otaji Nembutsuji Temple and wander through the stunning bamboo forest. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Kyotaki River. This off-the-beaten-path tour offers a peaceful escape to Kyoto’s hidden wonders.

Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour

Ueno and Yanaka

Ueno is a popular district of Tokyo. The open market of Ameyayokocho, a black market that appeared at the end of the war that sold candy and American products. The first public park in Japan, there are seven museums, a zoo and many temples and shrines. Yanaka is a residential district of Tokyo that escaped the bombs, known for its Machiya-style wooden houses, a large cemetery where the last shogun is buried, Buddhist temples and the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

Ueno and Yanaka

Ashiya Rock Garden Hike with Soba Lunch in hidden Gem

Ashiya Rock Garden is a rock climbing area and rock climbing slope located in the Rokko Mountains, stretching from Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture and is known as the birthplace of rock climbing in Japan. It is characterized by a unique landscape of exposed weathered granite and boulders. It can be reached in about an hour from the nearest station, and is considered easy even for beginners to tackle. It is important to bring shoes that are non-slip, even on rocky terrain.

Ashiya Rock Garden Hike with Soba Lunch in hidden Gem

Exploring Katsushika - Tokyo's Old Downtown Walking Tour

Planning to escape the crazy and crowded Tokyo for a sense of serenity? Go off the beaten path and enjoy Katsushika! Located on the east end of Tokyo and widely known as Shitamachi - Tokyo's old downtown, Katsushika is full of warmth from the local people and nostalgic feeling of Showa-era of Japan. On this private tour, you will explore Katsushika by visiting popular places such as Shibamata, Taishakuten Temple, Yamamoto-Tei, Yagiri-No-Watashi, the Edo River, and Mizumoto Park.

Exploring Katsushika - Tokyo's Old Downtown Walking Tour

More Private Tours in Japan

Off the Beaten Path Japan Private Tours

Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone

Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone

Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour

Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

Osaka JR Fukuchiyama Abandoned Line Hike

Osaka JR Fukuchiyama Abandoned Line Hike

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

Explore Tokyo Hidden Gems Walking Tour by Trains

Explore Tokyo Hidden Gems Walking Tour by Trains

Excursion off the Beaten Track in the Suburbs of Tokyo

Excursion off the Beaten Track in the Suburbs of Tokyo

Let’s see the real Japan with a local friend Taku

See the side of Japan most travelers miss. • Hidden local town just 10 min from Hiroshima • Retro candy shop & local supermarket missions • Real everyday Japanese life • Historic streets where samurai once stayed Small group / Local experience / Not a typical tourist tour

Let’s see the real Japan with a local friend Taku

Fushimi Inari's Secret Mountain Trails Morning Hike

Fushimi Inari's Secret Mountain Trails Morning Hike

All-Inclusive Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Peace Park (3.5 hrs)

All-Inclusive Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Peace Park (3.5 hrs)

Sarushima: Fortress Island, Defending the Gate to Edo/Tokyo

Explore Sarushima: Yokosuka's natural fortress island. Walk through historic brick tunnels & coastal fortifications while learning about Japan's coastal defense system and nature/ocean

Sarushima: Fortress Island, Defending the Gate to Edo/Tokyo

Tea Farm Visit in Fuji Area

Tea Farm Visit in Fuji Area

Hidden Osaka: Shrines, Markets & Retro Streets

Hidden Osaka: Shrines, Markets & Retro Streets

The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)

The unbeaten tracks of Sumida and Koto Wards (5 hour excursion)

Visit Iwamura town off the beaten path in Gifu via nostalgic Akechi tetsudo Railway

Visit Iwamura town off the beaten path in Gifu via nostalgic Akechi tetsudo Railway

Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour

Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour

Miyajima, sacred island walking tour

Miyajima, sacred island walking tour

Hidden Gems of Tokyo: Unveiling Central Tokyo and Shitamachi

Hidden Gems of Tokyo: Unveiling Central Tokyo and Shitamachi

Ueno ーYanaka nostalgic walking Tour

If you love to walk, come and join us as we explore shrines and temples characterized with their blissful and serene atmosphere. Plus, old ruins of townhouses that survived the last war. Enjoy the calmness and that perfect instagram moment.

Ueno ーYanaka nostalgic walking Tour

Bohème et nature – Shimokitazawa & Kichijoji (demi-journée)

Bohème et nature – Shimokitazawa & Kichijoji (demi-journée)

Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour

Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour

Ueno and Yanaka

Ueno and Yanaka

Ashiya Rock Garden Hike with Soba Lunch in hidden Gem

Ashiya Rock Garden Hike with Soba Lunch in hidden Gem

Exploring Katsushika - Tokyo's Old Downtown Walking Tour

Exploring Katsushika - Tokyo's Old Downtown Walking Tour

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