/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/26edd56f-90d0-430d-a1cc-166a4c714429.png)
Joined 2025
Naoto K.
Available Areas
Toyama (Living), Gifu, Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Naoto K.
Hello! I’m Naoto. I was born and raised in the dramatic landscape of Toyama, with Kanazawa as my favorite weekend playground since my young-hood. I am thrilled that you are considering the Hokuriku region for your Japanese journey.
After living abroad and spending decades in Tokyo area, I returned to my roots with a clear mission: to share the authentic, soulful Japan that remains tucked away from the crowds. In Toyama and Kanazawa, you won’t just see history—you will feel it. This is a region of "hidden gems," where ancient traditions and pristine nature coexist in their purest form.
I specialize in taking you where the tour buses don’t go. Whether we are:
Unlocking Samurai Legacies: Exploring the hidden corridors of Kanazawa’s history and the delicate mastery of its gold-leaf artisans.
Savoring the Secret Harvest: Dining at secluded mountain retreats or tasting the "jewels of the sea" fresh from Toyama Bay.
Immersive Nature & Tradition: From the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps to the quiet craftsmanship of woodcarving villages and local festivals.
Pop Culture & Local Legends: Diving into the world of manga, anime, and folklore known only to those who live here.
Because of my years overseas, I understand the curiosity and the "why" behind an international traveler's questions. I don’t just show you the sights; I translate the culture, bridging the gap between a visitor and a local. Every itinerary is 100% customized to your pace, your interests, and your sense of adventure.
Let’s step off the beaten path together. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your one-of-a-kind Japanese adventure!
[Qualifications]
In addition to the government licensed guide interpreter (English),
*Certified General Travel Services Manager
*Advanced Language Proficiency
EIKEN Grade 1 (Test in Practical English Proficiency - Top Level)
TOEIC: 985
TOEFL iBT: 108
*The Historical Proficiency Test (Japanese History, Grade 2)
Important
*Availability: To avoid any scheduling conflicts, please contact me via chat to confirm availability before making a direct booking. I appreciate your cooperation!
*Extended Areas: In addition to my regular guiding areas of Toyama and Kanazawa, I also offer customized tours in the Takayama and Hida areas of Gifu Prefecture. Please feel free to contact me for a personalized offer if you are planning to visit these regions.
*Flexibility: The tour itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic, or unforeseen circumstances. My priority is your safety and ensuring you have the best possible experience, so I appreciate your flexibility.
*Pick-up: Available from Toyama/Kanazawa stations or hotels. Please specify your location when booking.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21695/674b1cbc-3b8a-445e-9ac6-26a8db236746.jpg)
【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
A scenic day trip by private car from Toyama Station, combining a breathtaking River Cruise on the Shogawa River in Gokayama with a visit to Shirakawa-go or Gokayama - famous thatched roof house villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This experience focuses on natural and cultural immersion, allowing you to explore the traditional Japanese gasshō-zukuri village and savor authentic local cuisine.
【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20832/4aa1cd19-b6aa-4aa6-b8fc-57662baadb11.jpg)
Kanazawa Must-See Full Day Tour: Geisha District, Kenorokuen, Samurai District and Omicho Market
Explore Kanazawa's history and culture on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors to Kanazawa, the tour covers Omicho Market, the Nagamachi Samurai District, the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, and the charming Higashichaya-gai (Geisha Tea House Street), Oyama Shrine which are all must-see places. The itinerary is completely customizable, including the tour length and the pick-up and drop-off locations.
Kanazawa Must-See Full Day Tour: Geisha District, Kenorokuen, Samurai District and Omicho Market
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22556/e09bce9c-ab00-40cc-a56e-5a8b81650289.jpeg)
Kanazawa Full Day Deep Tour: Castle, Samurai Estates, Ninja Secrets, Temple Secrets
Discover the hidden facets of Kanazawa on this hardcore 8-hour journey into the city’s strategic past. Using Kochizu (historical maps), we trace the ancient defense lines and tactical layouts that shaped the samurai era. From the ingenious traps of the Ninja Temple to hands-on iron shuriken training, this tour offers a deep dive into the grit and wisdom of the Kaga Domain. Enjoy local soul food and pay tribute to Lord Maeda Toshiie on a mission for true history seekers.
Kanazawa Full Day Deep Tour: Castle, Samurai Estates, Ninja Secrets, Temple Secrets
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20835/fe434619-5b3a-409d-b83e-a7d8c726358d.jpg)
【Private Car Tour】The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
A scenic day trip in a convenient car from Toyama Station to Gokayama Ainokura, a UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on cultural immersion and local cuisine. The trip involves exploring a traditional Japanese village, savoring local dishes, and engaging in a hands-on paper-making experience.
【Private Car Tour】The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21491/6b0d296b-86fa-4be8-82d1-5b504c74893f.jpg)
Tateyama Alpine Route Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Escape the summer heat for the cool breezes of the peak, or witness the mountain slopes ablaze with autumn colors. This efficient 8-hour round trip from Toyama Station offers a generous 3-hour stay at Murodo for scenic hiking. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps. We utilize seamless Alpine Route transport to reach the highlands. Optional extension: Customize your tour to include a round trip to the spectacular Kurobe Dam!
Tateyama Alpine Route Private Tour with Licensed Guide
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20833/bb95bc92-f8fd-41d5-9bbe-477931196f15.jpg)
Toyama & Takaoka: Full Day Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
This 8-hour private tour seamlessly links the cultural gems of Toyama and Takaoka via public transport. Start in Toyama with a visit to the striking Glass Art Museum and the historic Castle Ruin Park. Then, journey to Takaoka to explore its ancient treasures: the National Treasure Zuiryuji Temple and the majestic Takaoka Buddha. Experience a perfect blend of modern art and deep Japanese heritage in one unforgettable day.
Toyama & Takaoka: Full Day Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Reviews
Scott C.
“Full Day Kanazawa Highlights Tour”
Naoto was an outstanding guide and made our time in Kanazawa both enjoyable and memorable. He was punctual, friendly, and professional from start to finish. His knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and local traditions was extensive, and he shared it in a way that was engaging and easy to understand. Throughout the tour, Naoto was informative, helpful, and always happy to answer our questions. His communication before and during the tour was excellent, making everything smooth and stress-free. We appreciated how well-organized he was and how he tailored the experience to our interests while making sure we saw the highlights of Kanazawa. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and personable guide, we highly recommend Naoto. He helped us gain a much deeper appreciation for Kanazawa, and we would gladly book another tour with him in the future.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/26edd56f-90d0-430d-a1cc-166a4c714429.png)
Naoto K.
Dear Scott and Jose, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a generous and thoughtful review! I am truly honored by your kind words. It was an absolute privilege to guide you through Kanazawa. As fellow educators, I deeply enjoyed our inspiring conversations and your intellectual curiosity about the strategic history and cultural nuances of our region. I am thrilled to hear that the tour helped deepen your appreciation for the city, from the samurai quarters to the hidden stories behind the gardens and temples. You were wonderful guests, and managing the day with you was smooth and completely stress-free for me as well. I hope your subsequent travels in Kansai were just as enriching! Should your travels bring you back to Japan in the future—perhaps to explore the pristine landscapes and deep-rooted cultures of Shirakawa-go or Toyama—I would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back. Thank you again, and I wish you all the very best in your university teachings and future adventures! Warmest regards, Naoto
Birgit M.
“Great walking tour ”
Arigatou gozaimasu Naoto san for a great day in Kanzawa! Nigel and I enjoyed our tour with Naoto. It was very informative and Naoto was very knowledgeable about the history, area and town. It was great to visit the samurai house, ninja temple, geisha district amongst other places and enjoy some delicious local food as well.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/26edd56f-90d0-430d-a1cc-166a4c714429.png)
Naoto K.
Dear Birgit and Nigel, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through Kanazawa. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history and exploring the Samurai house, Ninja Temple, and the Geisha district. You both had amazing energy during our 8-hour walking tour, and sharing those delicious local dishes with you was a true highlight for me as well! Thank you again for the unforgettable day. I hope you are settling back in well in New Zealand. Please take care, and I look forward to seeing you again someday—perhaps for some fly-fishing next time! Warm regards, Naoto
Sonali M.
“Day trip with Naoto”
The trip with Naoto was wonderful and informative. He is a good driver and the car is comfortable. He went out of his way to cater to our request
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/26edd56f-90d0-430d-a1cc-166a4c714429.png)
Naoto K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Sonali! It was an absolute pleasure guiding your lovely family to Shirakawa-go and Inami. I am thrilled to hear that you found the tour informative and the journey comfortable with the upgraded rental car. Seeing how much you all enjoyed the Kumiko workshop and the local flavors of Gokayama was a true highlight for me as well. It was my privilege to assist with your requests, and I am so glad I could help make your day special. I wish you and your family a safe, smooth, and memorable rest of your travels in Japan!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Toyama
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59427/7b7da693-8232-4cc9-a436-cc558ef3ae18.png)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/108872/2a35a767-3353-4a25-8498-7e800a8bb297.png)
Etsuko N.
My name is Etsuko, and I am thrilled to welcome you into my home. I have been a passionate home cook and homemaker for 35 years, comforting Japanese home cooking (Washoku).On my tour, I invite you into a typical Japanese house to experience how a real local family lives and eats. Together, we will cook authentic, everyday Japanese dishes and regional specialties using seasonal ingredients. I will share my time-tested cooking secrets, tips, and the stories behind our food culture in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Whether you are a beginner or a food lover, I will guide you step-by-step so you can easily recreate these delicious flavors back in your home country.Let’s cook, chat, and make unforgettable memories together in a real Japanese kitchen! I look forward to hosting you.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/103537/5f88c314-8f5a-4b67-b819-d7fe46fa2895.png)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/21879/88208.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/7f6717fe-e8a5-418f-acb4-a83a0fd748a9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/89335885-a7e4-4943-8233-0032993d61c7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/0f35a20a-5acc-4fc9-83f6-215c18f323d4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/ada744a0-0bf7-49a2-bf65-3525e305ea35.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/00cd3d43-ef8f-4156-a689-c38184dd48c1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/25d5b6f2-1c42-4ee2-ad4a-4e78608aa997.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/a63cdcc4-bdd6-4093-b439-8fc262089890.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/199f3feb-f956-43d7-9fd2-e68d014fb545.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/ec30c19d-e837-4dff-979a-c5990f3490da.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/3e772c0e-86f5-422b-a8b3-aa8b22ce7815.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/cd3356c8-3ede-4841-9791-47b42da7cecf.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/7109086d-5e92-4c5e-ae26-2bb55d02b8f8.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/e8568bb8-ff63-468b-ba69-ad0eaafe38ff.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/300fad25-4506-4b62-ba8f-0638aa4951cd.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/372856da-179c-4687-b729-90990a7adf2b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/dd1f4a28-8077-4cb5-8da2-b91a6f9d838b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/e5482246-e9e1-4bc6-aee4-29ddff43553d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/f5dc7b38-72e7-4a1d-bbff-db3f8aebb1ff.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/8e8db483-f5c9-493c-ab68-73da9a247ff2.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/2d53e751-6869-448b-a1c0-5dc3e602f57e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/32dad60b-5dff-4f72-84aa-de250f930519.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/01e037db-d82c-4fb6-ba56-98eb4a8466cc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/6edd9d2f-1bb6-413f-9863-292cf1be139e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/de968c29-6344-463c-9cd7-b9ac54c4f8a1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/8a212e07-3fb7-4119-8c54-e445c2ebf81f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/83263f81-52b4-45fd-9421-0f64bb950ee2.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/e19419ff-4cb5-41a8-97d4-75e18a6d9742.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/ba4e6af7-0fbe-4dd2-8782-e3bce4a9df2f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/dc4619c7-f5cc-446c-9770-fe45ba2a948b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/e91aa536-c239-468e-8527-86279cd043bf.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/c2281d15-e043-4502-b807-723a0f7d95d0.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/592de605-87f7-458d-9c76-1761b3cb84b4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/48d10113-1ac6-4c0d-ac63-022004928603.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/0ec641e2-796c-419f-bb1c-9bb62b8f36a8.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/ddf25c5f-783f-47b9-8784-5f77fbb9fd9f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/76e3de15-1661-4479-94d0-4bcad553c5cc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/6147c008-7d1d-4521-a41a-23c8a160ad2e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/35c91d06-e623-41d1-8ce6-b085e4c9c672.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/57728a54-56df-45cd-af8e-1ce54e924e3b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/30d787ab-2000-43dc-a731-a42e7c3eeeaa.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/cded7595-2588-4b66-b467-e5337d2b1ffe.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/3372c4bf-cb19-4557-a2af-1d049431048f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/9cf9e284-705c-4163-86e6-5c0125dbf598.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/dc336366-bc16-4a82-82fd-846ea943bb69.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/f079bfb7-f4b0-429e-bcfd-6d56930a633c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/f67c3a50-7aa6-4938-b905-225389fb1427.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/06155f15-8388-4499-affb-bb335fa9f7e7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/f23c6d83-a1f7-4662-86f8-85afc5bff82d.jpg)