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Joined 2024
Shoten S.
Available Areas
Toyama (Living), Gifu, Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Takayama
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Shoten S.
Hello, my name is Shoten, please call me Sho. I was born in a local area in Toyama prefecture. I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures.
After graduation, I continued to study English at a local English circle. In international activities, I also guided foreign people around Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Gifu Prefecture.
After retirement, I work as a guide interpreter and a translator.
The Hokuriku region has many sightseeing spots, including beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, and traditional crafts like Takaoka copperware and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism, such as the Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Hokuriku region.
Important
Please contact me for customized tour!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Beautiful Kanazawa Tour - Full Day
Kanazawa has a lot of historical and beautiful spots. I will show you the best spots in Kanazawa city. We go to Buke Yashiki, Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenrokuen Garden, Lunch, Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District. The Itinery is one of example. I can customize this tour for you.
Beautiful Kanazawa Tour - Full Day
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<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama Inami Historical Tour - Full Day
Gokayama and Inami in Nanto city have a lot of historical spots. I will show you the best spots in these areas. We go to Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, Zuisenji temple in Inami district. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama Inami Historical Tour - Full Day
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<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama, Shogawa Winter Tour
Gokayama and Inami in Nanto city have a lot of historical spots. And Shogawa gorge is so beautiful. I will show you the best spots in these areas. We go to Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, ride a Shogawa cruise along Shogawa gorge, and wood sculpture town, Inami District. Zuisenji temple in Inami district.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama, Shogawa Winter Tour
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Toyama (Glass Art, Sushi, Iwase and Kansui park) Tour -Full Day
Toyama Glass Art Museum has a lot of beautiful glass art. Toyama city is famous for fresh sushi. Iwase district in Toyama city has traditional landscape. This district flourished by cargo ship in Edo era. Fugan Canal Kansui Park is beautiful modern one. You can see beautiful water front landscape here. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you like a car tour. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.
Toyama (Glass Art, Sushi, Iwase and Kansui park) Tour -Full Day
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<PRIVATE CAR TOUR>Shinminato Boat and Crab Auction Tour
Shinminato district in Imizu city, Toyama prefecture is famous for crab auction and beautiful scenery nicknamed Japanese Venetia. You can also enjoy fresh seafood in this area.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR>Shinminato Boat and Crab Auction Tour
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<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Kaga Onsen Traditional Crafts Tour - Full Day
This tour provides you the highlights of Kaga Onsen. I will show you traditional crafts and historical spots. We will go to Kakusenkei, Ishikawa Prefectural Institute for Yamanaka Lacquerware, Kutaniyaki Kamaato Tenjikan, Natadera Temple, and YUNOKUNI NO MORI. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you. For example, I pick you up at a hotel in Kanazawa city or Kanazawa Port.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Kaga Onsen Traditional Crafts Tour - Full Day
Reviews
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Roger H.
“Wonderful tour of Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa”
Thanks for a great day Sho. We had previously been to Kanazawa and wanted to see something different. Sho arranged a full day tour for us visiting craft sites and a beautiful temple in nearby Kaga Onsen, ferrying us around in his own car, and returning us to our cruise ship at the end of the day. A great day out.
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Shoten S.
Thank you so much for your warm review. I also enjoyed that tour very much because you are very nice couples. We are lucky to see training scenes for Yamanaka Lacquerware, historical kilns, beautiful scenes in Natadera temple, and traditional crafts. We also enjoyed soba with tempura. Please come here again if you have a chance. You will find true lives in Japan. From your guide, Sho
Jennifer G.
“Gokayama, Inami and Tonami”
We had a great day with Shoten! He was an excellent guide and driver! He organised the day and communicated the plan exceptionally well. The itinerary was exactly what we had asked for and we had a lot of fun along the way. Shoten also took us to a Japanese restaurant for lunch which was a great experience!
Shoten S.
Thank you so much for your warm review. I also enjoyed that tour very much because you are a very nice couple. We are lucky to see Gokayama with snow, calm Inami, beautiful tulips in Tonami, and tasty Udon for lunch. Please come here again if you have a chance. You will find calm lives in Japan. From your guide, Sho
Kevin S.
“Toyama tour”
Very enjoyable day. Sho, as he likes to be called, was simply fantastic. He is both knowledgeable and more importantly such a nice person. Highly recommended.
Shoten S.
Thank you so much for your warm review. I also enjoyed today's tour very much because your family are very nice. We are very lucky to see the water elevator at Nakajima lock on the Fugan Canal. I learned the history of Takaoka city this time. Please come here again if you have a chance. From your guide, Sho
Other Popular Tour Guides in Toyama
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Naoto K.
Hello! I’m Naoto. Born and raised in Toyama, with Kanazawa as my backyard, I welcome you to Hokuriku—Japan’s sanctuary of culture, nature, and gastronomy. My roots run deep into Takayama, Gifu. I even spent part of my childhood in a traditional thatched-roof house, giving me a lifelong connection to the heritage and craft of Hokuriku and Hida. After living abroad and spending decades in Tokyo, I returned to curate tailored journeys into authentic Japan, far from tourist crowds. In Hokuriku, you experience history through all senses. With my private vehicle, I offer door-to-door comfort to extraordinary places tour buses cannot reach. What Makes Your Journey Extraordinary: Food as Living Culture: From "jewels of the sea" along Toyama Bay (Iwase/Himi) and samurai cuisine to mountain retreat dining, every meal is curated to your tastes. Samurai Legacies & Crafts: Walk through samurai districts and connect with artisans, from Kanazawa’s gold leaf to Inami woodcarving and Gokayama Washi paper. Majestic Nature: Experience contrast—from the Northern Japan Alps to UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Immersive Experiences: Craft workshops, culinary sessions, or quiet river excursions with a local insider. Having lived abroad, I act as your cultural translator, bridging the gap between a visitor and local Japan. Every itinerary is 100% customized to your pace. Let’s create an unforgettable journey tailored for you. [Qualifications] Government-Licensed Guide-Interpreter (English) Certified General Travel Services Manager Historical Proficiency Test (Japanese History, Grade 2) English: EIKEN Grade 1 | TOEIC: 985 | TOEFL iBT: 108 U.S. Graduate Degree; 3+ Years Abroad
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Fumina O.
Hello! I am Fumina, and I am a Prefectural Guide Interpreter in Toyama. I love exploring hidden places, traditional streets, local cafes, and unique spots that many tourists never discover on their own. Besides famous attractions, I can also introduce charming neighborhoods, beautiful scenery, local sweets, matcha experiences, and places that reflect everyday life in Toyama. My interest in guiding started when I was in high school. I had an opportunity to introduce Japanese culture in English as part of a class project, and I truly enjoyed sharing Japan with people from different backgrounds. That experience inspired me to become a guide and help visitors discover the charm of Japan for themselves. As a local woman, I enjoy sharing Toyama from a different perspective, including photogenic locations, cozy cafes, seasonal scenery, and cultural experiences that are especially popular with travelers looking for something more personal and authentic. I believe every traveler is different, so I always try to create a flexible and comfortable experience based on your interests, pace, and travel style. Whether you would like to visit major attractions or discover hidden gems known mainly to locals, I would be happy to help you create memorable experiences in Toyama. My tours are especially suitable for travelers who: • Prefer a relaxed and flexible experience rather than a fixed schedule • Want to discover places that are not usually found in guidebooks • Enjoy local cafes, Japanese sweets, matcha, and everyday culture • Love photography and beautiful scenery • Are interested in experiencing Toyama from a local perspective • Prefer traveling at their own pace and having a friendly local guide --- Qualification ・Toyama Prefecture Regional Guide Interpreter ・TOEIC(Listening & Reading) 915 ・TOEIC(Speaking & Writing) 130/180 ・EIKEN(The EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency) 1st grade ・REKIKEN(the Japanese History Exam) 2nd grade
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Yoji K.
Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.
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