Joined 2017
Takeshi H.
Available Areas
Nagano, Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Yokohama
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
8 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Takeshi H.
Hello! My name is Takeshi.
I am a National Licensed Guide Interpreter in English.
I was born in Tokyo. I worked for Canon for more than 30 years including a 5-year assignment to the U.S. office. Before joining Canon, I received a master's degree in engineering in the United States.
After retiring from the company, I began working as a volunteer guide for foreign visitors in Kamakura and Yokohama for a while.
However, I became fascinated by the beautiful nature of Nagano prefecture and decided to move here to the Yatsugatake Mountains, 1000m above sea level in Nagano a few years ago.
Since then I go out to look at the breathtaking mountains, lakes, and shrines every day. I would like to guide you to these special sites and also share with you the Japanese culture in my guided tours.
I am flexible and can customize the tour based on the customer's request.
I am also a Certified Travel Service Administrator. My hobby is Aikido and I hold the 2nd Dan black belt.
Hope to see you soon.
Important
I can also guide you to Nagano and the surrounding area from Tokyo.
Travel insurance is not included in our tours. I would recommend you take out your own travel insurance just in case of any unexpected accident.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
One day Tokyo tour for first time visitors
This tour is the most suitable for people who visit Tokyo for the first time. In one day, we will visit main sightseeing spots in Tokyo by train or taxis. You will see the life of old and new Tokyo. The model plan will include Imperial Palace (Former Edo Castle), Sensoji Temple (Oldest temple in Tokyo), Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, and Tokyo Skytree. The model plan can be customized based on customer's requests.
Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
The park provides us a rare opportunity for us to watch the Macaque up close and observe their fascinating behavior. During winter the monkeys enjoy bathing in the hot spring. The history of Zenkoji temple started in 642 and it does not belong to any religious sect. Legend says that Zenkoji's golden triad was the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan. After taking a walk in Nakamise street, you can enjoy Sake tasting if you like.
One Day Tour to Hakone
Within two hours away from Tokyo by train, we arrive at one of Japan’s best-known tourist areas. We will take either a Shinkansen from Tokyo or the Odakyu Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Hakone. At Hakone you can enjoy various rides including the ropeway, cable car, and cruise ship. We will visit Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, Hakone Sekisho, and Hakone Jinja Shrine. However, arrangements are possible according to your requests.
Matsumoto Castle and Daio Wasabi Farm in Nagano
Matsumoto castle which was built in 1593-94. The 5 roofed, six story tower castle is the oldest in existence in Japan. It is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Daio Wasabi Farm is situated amongst the picturesque valleys of central Japan’s famous Alps region. It is known as the largest farm of Wasabi (horseradish) in Japan and noted for its picturesque beauty and long history. The tour starts at Matsumoto station and we will visit these places by train or taxi.
Visiting Togakushi Shrine and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
Meet at Nagano station. Travel by bus for an hour to the entrance of Togakushi Okusha Shrine and walk about 40 minutes to the Okusha.Along the way to Okusha shrine, we will walk through a beautiful path surrounded by 400-year-old cedar trees. After visiting Okusha Shrine we will visit the Togakushi Ninja Museum where we can see ninja tools on display. At Chusha Shrine we will have lunch at a soba noodle restaurant. From Togakushi, we will move to Zenkoji temple by bus (or taxi).
One Day Trip to Nikko
Nikko is located about 125 kilometers north of Tokyo and makes a good one-day trip from Tokyo.It will take about two hours from Tokyo with a limited express. It is a home to world heritage sites including Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple.We will visit Nikko by public transportation and walk around the sacred area surrounded by beautiful nature. So, we would enjoy not only temples and shrines, but also will experience Nikko’s natural beauty.
Reviews
“I enjoyed touring with takeshi very much.”
He had a very pleasing personality and certainly a great knowledge of the areas that we covered. We were very tired, so he was very accommodating and taking us back when we needed to go back. I would be delighted to tow with the Takeshiagain anytime in the future. 10/10
Takeshi H.
(56 reviews)Thank you for your review. Please visit Japan again to see the places you didn't see this time.
“Great day at Daio Farm and Matsumoto Castle”
Our family really enjoyed the day tour of Daio farm and Matsumoto Castle with Takeshi. Takeshi made sure everything was well organized for the day. All logistics were thought through and planned for and we also learned a lot.
Takeshi H.
(56 reviews)Thank you for your review. I am glad you could enjoy the day.
“A Great Day Throughout Tokyo With Takeshi”
This was our first full day in Tokyo as first time visitors to Japan. Takeshi is very kind and pleasant and showed us the biggest highlights in Tokyo. We did the Tsukiji fish market (stopped for the most amazing tuna sushi), SkyTree, Solamachi shopping centre, Imperial Palace, Sensō-ji temple and market, and Akihabara. With two young boys in tote, it was a lot but just the right amount. He was also very helpful with helping us get our bearings and understanding how to get around using the train/subway systems. I am from Toronto and the transit system here is far more complex and elaborate. I highly recommend booking this tour with Takeshi. Thank you!
Takeshi H.
(56 reviews)Thank you for your review. It was nice to have spent a day with you as a guide. Please visit Japan again and hope to see you in the future.
