personal japanese tour guide

Private Custom Guided Tours

Discover Japan with a bilingual English-speaking tour guide

This way please

Tokyo The Magnetic Capital

Kyoto the traditional city, airport guidance for your first steps in japan, hiroshima & miyajima, behind-the-scenes japan.

Our certified English-speaking tour guides, all based in Japan, will help you enhance your travel experience . Keikaku’s local guides are experienced and speak fluent Japanese and English. They will act as your interpret during the visit, offering meaningful insights to understand Japan and its inhabitants, connect with Japanese people, read signs and restaurants menus, or explain customs and cultural specificities.

A Budget Under Control

Booking a personal guide is possible from one year and up to 5 days before the desired date .

Important notice: for peak seasons (April, August and October) especially, we recommend booking at your earliest convenience to make sure a guide will be available during your travel in Japan.

Your guide’s financial autonomy is ensured within the scope of a classical guided tour: they will provide for their own transportation, meals and scheduled activities (temples, gardens, museum, etc.).

The tour duration is your choice (from half a day and up to 3 consecutive days, or evening tour) from ~$57 per person for a couple.

Be it a first or umpteenth trip, alone or in group, whatever your age. Groups and younger travelers can even get discounts :

All guides at Keikaku, regardless of their country of origin, are bilingual Japanese and English-speaking, certified, dedicated to our customers’ service and have been living in Japan for a long time.

They can answer precisely your questions and also assist you in most of procedures in Japan (buying train tickets, exchange JR Pass, send postcard at the post office or luggage delivery by private companies, etc.)

A Tailor-Made Experience

Before your arrival in Japan, the guide will design an “à la carte” (custom) tour, according to the preferences you indicated when booking. As soon as we have validated your booking, you will be able to discuss with your guide to create your personal sightseeing tour. On the tour day, the guide can meet you at your hotel if you wish so, at the time that suits you best!

Know Japan beyond clichés:

• Discover cities under a new approach , closer to their reality;
• Explore places hidden to tourists , good and sometimes original picture spots;
• Save time thanks to the locals’ experience who know Japan like the back of their hand;
• Enjoy your visit without worrying about planning or how to get there.

Step out the usual stereotyped guided tour and explore narrow streets, hidden gems, find the good restaurants that only appear on Japanese maps... Visit a Japan that no Western travel guide can describe!

Touring in the most popular places of Tokyo or Kyoto with our guides is naturally also possible

The tour you booked is completely private . You will not share your guide with unknown people, for more comfort and privacy.

You guide is dedicated to you or your group (couple, friends, family, etc.) and will offer suggestions during the tour according to the time of the year, the weather and your pace.

Japan Private Tours

Our fully guided Japan private tours combine the top destinations and sightseeing spots featured on our best-selling tour packages customized to your style of travel at affordable prices. We are Japanese travel experts who know what you need, to turn your Japan dreams into amazing experiences. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a company incentive travel, or a business trip to Japan, our private Japan tours are the best choice.

Your local guide or private drive will happily take you to see the sights for which Japan is famous -Tokyo's splendid Imperial Palace, the ancient city of Kyoto, or the impressive Mount Fuji . All the private tour itineraries are adjustable, and the flexible departures make private Japan tours a perfect choice for travelers from overseas. All of our private tour packages can be personalized around your budget and other requests. Our private English-speaking local guides and drivers ensure you to enjoy the real Japan in a hassle-free and flexible way. In addition, we also offer affordable group tours for travelers from overseas. Our Japan travel experts will give you dedicated support during your trip. Look no further – following is our most popular Japan private tour itineraries.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

•  Will I be traveling with people from other countries? If you join our group tours, there are travelers from other countries, and if you buy the Private Tour Packages, will only have people from your party. You will have your private driver, vehicle and even your private local guide.
•  How do I make a reservation of private tours in Tokyo? First, choose your favorite itinerary, then contact our specialists to book your vacation. You will get a quote within 24 Hours. Once you have decided on a private tour, please send an email to indicate your acceptance of our offer. After making the payment, you will receive an invoice as the receipt from us shortly.
•  What are the departure dates for the private tour packages? There are no set departure dates for the private tour packages, that means you can depart on whatever day you prefer.
•  Can the tour itineraries on your website be modified and customized? Yes, you can. These suggested itineraries are based on our own experience, you can ch tailor it to meet your need.
•  How long should I stay for a basic private Tokyo tour? We think two or three full days are necessary for first-time foreign travelers to arrange a Tokyo city tour. Here is the most popular way of exploring the city. Have one full day to visit the Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. Another full day is for city highlights sightseeing including the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo Tower and Ginza. If you have ample time, you can schedule one more day to visit the Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Kabukichou Shinjuku and other famous spots.
•  How long should I stay for a basic private Tokyo tour package? We think two or three full days are necessary for first-time travelers to arrange a Tokyo local tour. Here is the most popular itinerary. Have one full day to visit Mount Fuji and the Lake Ashi. Another full day is for city highlights sightseeing including the Imperial Palace, the Nijubashi Bridge, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, Nakamise-Dori Street and Tokyo Sky Tree. If you have ample time, you can schedule one more day to visit the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and other famous sightseeing spots.
•  How to choose from Small Group Tours and Private Trips? You can get the best value by joining in our small Group tours. But the itineraries are fixed. Our private Japan tour itineraries are designed for families. If you are looking for something special or if you do not like to travel with others, the Private Tours are the best choice.
•  Does your quotation include tipping for guide and driver? The prices do not include Gratuities and Tips for your local guide and driver. If the guide and driver's services meet or even go beyond your expectation, you can choose to tip them accordingly.
• Kawa  Travel Date：September. 15th 2024 Travel Route: Tokyo-Osaka 9-Day Tour by Private Van Osaka September 2024-Wish I had known about this company before 2024. My wife and I have had our fair share of train rides with multiple transfers, crowded train stations and trains packed like sardines over the years. Going with family including 3 children in 2024 was going to be a lot harder and more stressful. Japan Holidays limousine service is very reasonably priced and will save you so much time with less stress versus trying to navigate the Japan train system and taxi service with 9 persons. As a bonus, everyone got to take a nap during the hour long drives. Ms. Mori promptly responds to emails and driver Mr. Yin was a very nice and accommodating driver. We had him for 2 days for day trips to Nara and Himeji. On our way back to Osaka, he dropped us off at his favorite ramen shop on the first day and an out of the way store at our request on the second day. He also gave us directions to 2 additional out of the way stores that we wanted to go to that were nearby. The time we saved and the convenience of being picked up after is well worth the cost and we will definitely use Japan Holidays limousine service on our return to Japan.
• Cheryl Lum  Travel Date：July. 30th 2024 Travel Route: Hokkaido Minibus Service Good experience with Booking private mini bus for my family of 14 pax. Driver was experienced and overall we are very satisfied. A great customer experience! Even though we booked abit last minute but Lydia and her team managed to arrange for a comfortable and smooth journey to our resort! Driver was very prompt and accommodating even when we changed the timetable of our visit a little bit. Communication was not an issue thanks to google translate. Excellent service and communication from start to finish. The scheduling team was easy to work with and they were able to set up transportation for my family for a day trip outside of the normal for transportation. The driver was friendly and on time and made the trip a breeze. Thank you for all your help!
• Alexa  Travel Date：July. 30th 2024 Travel Route: Hakone Day Tour from Tokyo This entire company is amazing. The level of communication was impeccable and the drivers were beyond nice. We saw absolutely everything on our list in Japan because of them! If you are thinking about using them 100% do it! My family and I took an 8/9 hours transportation/tour of Hakone with Japan Holiday, and they were amazing! Our driver was very gentle, helpful and thoughtful :) we were traveling with an infant and elderly parents, and he would inform us if the weather seemed colder and that he would wait nearby if we wanted to run back into the car quickly, or he would head over to the restaurants/tea house to check if they were open before letting us out. Really appreciated it! Also, James was very responsive and helpful when coordinating our travels prior to the trip. Thanks so much and would definitely book again when we need a tour/transport!
• Nicholas  Travel Date：Juyy. 8th 2024 Travel Route: 1-day round trip between Tokyo and Mount Fuji Excellent service and communication from start to finish. The scheduling team was easy to work with and they were able to set up transportation for my family for a day trip outside of the normal for transportation. The driver was friendly and on time and made the trip a breeze. We booked a 1-day round trip for 5 people between Tokyo and Mount Fuji and we are extremely satisfied with the service. The booking process is easy through emails. We paid through Paypal in advance and that was the only payment needed. No hidden fees or extra charge. We were notified about the details of the driver the day before the trip. The driver, Mr. Itami-san, showed up on time at our hotel. The car was clean and comfortable. Mr. Itami-san speaks fluent Mandarin and Japanese; he is knowledgeable about the area. We went to Oishi Park and Oshino Hakkai and had to travel back to Tokyo at 3:30pm-ish due to heavy traffic. I suggest to stay a night around Mount Fuji area if you have time and would like to better enjoy the majestic views. I highly recommend Japan Holiday to anyone who wants to travel in Japan through private transportation.
• Lalisa  Travel Date：May. 27th 2024 Travel Route: Hokkaido 5-Day Tour by Private Van Was recommended this company by a family member for their previous trip in Hokkaido. Super easy to communicate with via email, and arrangements were good. The driver cum tour guide was Robin who recommended us a lot of food and places to go while we were in Hokkaido. Great experience. Day trip to Biei. Driver was very safe and polite. She was professional and able to guide/explain about sapporo. It was snowy and Safety is the upmost important. The staff members were quite helpful especially Melinda who kept communicating with me. They work really quickly to finalize our vacation. Additionally, the driver communicates effectively. We had to stop in several places, but he made it all happen. Highly recommend booking from them.  

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Japan Custom Private Journeys

Perfect for those looking for a private, customized getaway. Whether you're seeking an intimate honeymoon or private family tour, we'll customize an itinerary just for you. Get started with one of our sample tours.

View Sample Itineraries

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• Tel: 1-909-988-8885 Toll free : 1-855-325-2726 (USA & CANADA)
• Whatsapp: Website Line : 1-909-818-5901

• Monday to Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM (PST) Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM (PST)

If You’re Looking for the Trip of a Lifetime to Japan, You’re in the Right Place

In addition to our Japan group tours, we offer custom itineraries according to your requirements. When planning a holiday, what really matters is that you get the best advice possible from people with real expertise and experience of the places you will be visiting.

Our team of Japan specialists have spent years working as a tour guides in Japan and have the intellectual awareness of its cities and towns and will enlighten you with the most awe-inspiring gardens and temples, vivid views of the landscape, and intriguing shops. With the expertise that we have, we know of the best that Japan has to offer as it correlates with your specific needs. Our knowledge and experience in Japan allows us to customize the best tour program for you, this can be for any purpose: honeymoons, family vacations, garden tours, food tours, nature tours, special interest tours, and more. Not only will we design a trip exclusively to your tastes, but we’ll provide you with recommendations and the benefits of our insider knowledge. We’ll also handle the details of all your travel arrangements, so all that’s left for you is to take pleasure in your satisfying, unforgettable trip from beginning to end.

Hands-on experiences are always accommodated, including spur-of-the-moment activities such as language and calligraphy lessons, flower arranging, or even green tea ceremony. Please contact us for ideas and plans so we may give you suggestions on where to go and what to do.

Designing your Japan Custom Private Journeys with All Japan Tours

When you contact us through e-mail or phone , we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel style, travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget.

Quote / Itinerary Proposal

Based on this information, we will create an initial proposal that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide, as well as your trip estimate.

Reservation / Deposit

Once the initial proposal is accepted, we require a non-refundable deposit. This fee enables us to dedicate our full time and efforts to each of our clients so we can give your unique trip the attention it deserves. The total amount depends on a number of factors such as trip complexity and duration. This fee will also be applied to the final cost of your trip.

Detailed itinerary proposal

We will send you a more in-depth day by day itinerary with activities and pricing. Upon receipt, you may review and further discuss changes or requests. You are welcome to make changes based on your interests and discuss special experiences.

Itinerary Finalization

Once the itinerary has been agreed upon, we will send you the final itinerary and final cost. Please note, additional fee’s may be due at this time depending on additions made to the itinerary.

Final Payment

Final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. In the following month, you will receive your final travel documents including emergency contact information and travel handbook.

Enjoy Your Trip!

Sit back and enjoy your tour. Our AJT staff in California and Japan will be available to you should the need arise.

Travel Feedback

We highly value the feedback from our customers as it allows us to grow and improve our services. Please let us know how we did!

Style of Japan Private Journeys - The AJT Way

Our tours are carefully crafted by travel specialists who have years of experience living in Japan and immersing themselves in the local culture. If you’re not sure which Japan tour is right for you, please have a look through our sample itineraries for inspiration. If you have ideas about unique destinations you wish to see or if you have a specific itinerary in mind, AJT can help design your perfect, customized Japan trip. The itineraries below are excellent private tours by themselves, and they also serve as great starting points for your ideal, tailor-made Japan trip.

• All Private Journeys
• Essential Private Journeys
• Classic Private Journeys
• Deluxe Private Journeys
• Ultra-Deluxe Private Journeys
• Active Private Journeys

63 trips through Japan

Tokyo & Hakone Private Tour

Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $2730.00

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Private Tour

Kyoto - Osaka - Nara

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $3140.00

Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa Private Tour

Nagano - Yamanouchi - Matsumoto - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $3490.00

5 Day Japan Birding Tour

Narita / Chiba / Tokyo / Miyake Island

5 Days 4 Nights | from US $3570.00

Enjoy our 5-day Japan birding tour, complete with professional birding guide, in Chiba and Tokyo, including an overnight stay on gorgeous Miyake Island to search for the rare Izu thrush.

Tokyo Anime Private Tour

7 days 6 nights | from us $3598.00.

Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Nara Private Tour

Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara

7 Days 6 Nights | from US $3798.00

Powder of Japan 10-day Ski Tour

Tokyo - Oku Shiga Kogen - Kyoto - Nara

10 Days 9 Nights | from US $4540.00

Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Matsue, Izumo & Hiroshima Private Tour

Himeji - Okayama - Kurashiki - Yasugi - Matsue - Izumo - Hiroshima

7 Days 6 Nights | from US $4600.00

Hokkaido Birding Tour

Tsurui / Lake Kussharo / Yorousi / Rausu / Notsuke Peninsula

5 Days 4 Nights | from US $4650.00

Spot the beautiful birds of Hokkaido with AJT on our 5-day Hokkaido birding tour, with a professional birding guide who will show you the most famous Hokkaido birds, including the beautiful red-crowned crane.

Kansai Japan Private Tour

Osaka / Nara / Kyoto

6 Days 5 Nights | from US $4670.00

Experience the Kansai Region of Japan, also known as the cultural center and historical heart of Japan

Japan and Beyond

Whether you have extra time during your vacation or want to make sure you’re getting the most of out of your time, our Japan and Beyond tours are for you. Take a few more days and extend your trip into China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and more. Get a sample of everything Asia has to offer in one trip!

Japan & Taiwan Private Tours

Japan & China Private Tours

Japan & Korea Private Tours

Japan & Hong Kong Private Tours

Browse sample itineraries by interest.

The following itineraries are tailored to specific interests such as pottery, anime, photography, etc. Select the itinerary that suits you best, browse for ideas, or mix-and-match to create the ultimate specialty tour.

Tours for First Timers

Tours for Repeaters

Tours for Couples

Train Tours

Anime Tours

Cultural Tours

Art & Architecture Tours

Traditional Arts & Crafts Tours

Garden Tours

Pottery Tours

Spiritual Tours

Wellness Tours

Food & Culinary Tours

UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Photography Tours

Walking & Hiking Tours

Outdoor Adventure Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours

Birding Tours

Skiing & Snowboarding

Wheelchair Accessible Tours

Honeymoon in Japan

Family Vacations

Beach Vacations

Luxury Train Travel

Private Jet Journeys

Multi-Country Tours

See what you can experience in japan.

If you're looking for inspiration, try browsing our available experiences below. AJT can coordinate green tea ceremonies with a Maiko, a hands-on pottery class, and even snowboarding lessons. Add more flair to your tour with these unique activities.

• Arts & Crafts

Trip Planning FAQs

First, take some time to determine your group size, the cities you want to visit, and your travel budget, then make an inquiry using our Inquiry Form. One of our travel specialists will respond to you within 1 or 2 business days. Feel free to call our US office at any time, at 1-909-988-8885 (Toll Free: 1-855-325-2726 ), or email us at [email protected].

Private touring means you will have your own guide, and won't be traveling with a group of people you don't know. You can plan the itinerary in advance, giving you complete control of your destinations and experiences. Our travel specialists work to plan your private tour to suit your budget, at your own pace. It's more flexible, allowing you to more fully enjoy only the places and activities that interest you.

We are happy to arrange a fully escorted private tour, if you wish. However, a fully-escorted tour can be very expensive. The guide would stay with you for the full duration of the trip, and the cost of the tour would include transportation and hotel room for the guide in each city. We usually recommend using local guides at each destination, then transferring from one city to the next via public transportation, by yourself. We will provide fully detailed instructions for how to easily get from one city to the next while on tour.

The cost of a private tour greatly depends on the destinations, hotels, and experiences you want to include in the itinerary. Look at, for example, one of our most popular itineraries takes you to Tokyo, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka on a 7-day tour. This tour itinerary would cost about $3,500 per person, using public transportation (bullet train, local train, subway and taxi), for two people with 4-star accommodations. But there are various ways to lower the cost. Cheaper hotels, more free, self-guided days, are a few ways to reduce the cost of a private tour.

Japan's public transportation is the most cost-efficient way to travel around Japan. A private transfer with your own guide and driver can be costly, while public transportation is not only a cheap way to get from one place to the next, but is clean, timely, and convenient to most major destinations. It also gives you the opportunity to travel like a native, and more of a chance to observe and interact with local Japanese people. However, public transportation usually involves more walking, so we don't recommend it to people who have trouble getting around.

Japan has one of the most convenient and efficient public transit systems in the world, with trains, buses, and ferries covering the length of the country, as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kyushu. Depending on tour and destination, it may be better to include some days with private transportation, as certain attractions are more out-of-the-way than others.

You are certainly able to change the itinerary, although there are several factors to consider. We are unable to change any hotel accommodations, and if the place or activity you want to do requires reservations, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee it. Any additions to the cost of the tour will also be covered by the client.

To make the itinerary more budget-friendly, we can add some self-guided, free days to explore the city on your own. We can also look into a lower level of hotels that are better suited to your budget, as well as propose a shorter itinerary to reduce the price of the tour.

Whether or not you need the Japan Rail Pass depends on how far you travel between destinations during your tour. The Japan Rail Pass can be very cost effective when you travel a long distance via bullet train, depending on whether the cost of a bullet train ticket is more than the price of the Japan Rail Pass.

If you let us know far enough in advance, we can arrange guides in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and more. Please speak to one of our travel specialists to inquire about bilingual language guides for your private tour.

Your hotel will usually include a complimentary breakfast, but we prefer to keep lunches and dinners free to allow you greater flexibility in determining what you eat and where. Your local guide will assist you in finding a local restaurant that suits your preferences. Upon request, we can make reservations for you at restaurants of your choice, and are happy to provide recommended restaurants at each location.

We will carefully ship your large luggage from one hotel to the next so that your travels are light and convenient. Since the luggage takes an extra day to arrive, please pack a light bag with a day's worth of clothes and necessities.

• Monday to Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM (PST) Saturday 8:30AM - 3:00PM (PST)

Why Travel on Our Custom Private Journeys

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Expert Knowledge

We'll provide you with recommendations and the benefit of our insider knowledge.

100% Tailor Made

We design your entire vacation based on your needs, interests, and budget.

Flexible Itinerary

Explore your interests at your own pace.

The Best Guides

Hand-picked, professional, English speaking guides to help you along your journey.

Unique experiences

Can be arranged at your request, based on your interests.

Fully Protected

24/7 emergency support while on tour.

What our customers say

  4.9 stars based on 73 REVIEWS

Hotels and guides were great. We enjoyed all of the sites and the free time during the days to do a few things by ourselves.

Excellent communication, clean bus, great punctuation

Absolutely wonderful

We had a great trip and enjoyed the private tour experience. AJT put together an itinerary that included a nice mix of historical sites and cultural experiences. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly and open to additional stops or detours. If we did another private tour, we'd spend more time looking customizing the itinerary to ensure the perfect mix for us.

This is our second Private Custom Tour with AJT. Kiyoshi helped us create an itinerary that satisfied our entire party, even though we all had different interests. When there was a little confusion with the rooms (double vs twin), Justin went above and beyond to help us ensure the right booking for our party. AJT's attention to details are superb and they respond quickly to our inquiries. Our private tour was an Anime-focus tour centered around Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Our tour guides (Ken for Tokyo, Ito and driver for the rest of the tour), were professional, knowledgeable, energetic and flexible. The private coaches were a nice touch, especially with the hot weather during our stay. Ken and Ito introduced us to local restaurants where we would have otherwise been intimidated to try on our own, and helped us communicate our food allergies to the restaurant staff. Ken demonstrated his willingness to accommodate our group by bringing us to the various stops to collect our eki stamps in Tokyo. We also had to modify our meet times on several occasions because we were still enjoying the sites and all of our guides were very accommodating. One of our major highlights was the kimono experience Ito arranged for our group in Kyoto. The only item we would like to change for next time would be our hotel stay in Osaka. Unfortunately the hotel was located quite far from Osaka's JR Umeda train station that is filled with shops for us to explore and there weren't any hotel shuttle buses available. Overall, we had a great trip and would definitely recommend AJT to others.

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10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package

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Enjoy total luxury with our 10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package , a curated journey into the heart of Japan. Be led through Tokyo’s sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine, and wander the vibrant Harajuku district. Let your private guide lead you to see the towering peak of Mount Fuji from 5th Station and Arakurayama Sengen Park. Nikko will unveil hidden gems like no other, from the famous Toshogu Shrine to the powerful Kegon Falls. Continue your journey to Kyoto, where geisha traditions and a private 10-course Kaiseki meal await. Not only will you taste authentic flavors in Osaka’s Shinsekai district, but you’ll also get to see the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Finally, the magical Nara will invite you to discover its ancient shrines and local wildlife.

For adventurers seeking a luxurious journey across Japan, look no further than our 10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package . Experience curated tours with local private guides throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and more. Your perfect dream escape awaits; book today!

10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package Highlights

• Enjoy Tokyo’s architecture, like the Imperial Palace Gardens and Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Get lost in Kyoto’s Gion district and indulge your taste buds in a 10-course meal
• See the magnificent Mount Fuji and marvel at the breathtaking Lake Kawaguchi
• Be led by private and expert guides across your 10-day adventure
• Witness the serene nature of Nikko and see the original 3 Wise Monkeys statue
• Spend 10 nights in Japan’s most luxurious and boutique hotels
• In Nara, be amazed by the local wildlife and ancient temples
• Wander Osaka’s Shinsekai district, notable for its gaming parlors

10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package Itinerary

• Optional airport transfer is available
• Overnight in Tokyo
• Pick up from your hotel
• Begin your private walking tour with Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple
• Buy souvenirs from local shops
• Visit the Imperial Palace’s Outer Garden and Nijubashi Bridge
• Enjoy free time for lunch at Harajuku and witness the colorful kawaii culture
• See the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a calming haven between Shibuya and Shinjuku
• Tour ends in the city center
• Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park for incredible views of Mount Fuji
• Enjoy free time for lunch at Lake Yamanaka
• See Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchi, and more sites
• Tour ends at your hotel
• Enjoy a private and smooth transfer to Nikko
• Visit the famous Toshogu Shrine and see the iconic Three Wise Monkeys statue
• See the brilliant waterfalls of Kegon Falls
• Look out over Lake Chuzenji
• Enjoy the views of Kanmangafuchi Abyss
• Drop off at your hotel
• Catch the Shinkansen morning train to Kyoto
• Begin your private walking tour in Gion - the geisha district known for its culture and traditional tea houses
• Stroll through the local streets and admire the architecture
• Explore the Shirakawa neighborhood, savoring a special treat along the way
• Conclude with a 10-course Kaiseki meal, experiencing authentic flavors
• Overnight in Kyoto
• Begin your private walking tour at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Discover the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion
• Lunch break
• See the temple of Kiyomizu-dera and climb to the terrace for views of the city
• Wander the vibrant Gion district - home to the rich Geisha culture
• Catch the Shinkansen train to Osaka
• Begin your private walking tour in the Shinsekai district, notable for its gaming parlors and retro design
• Get to know the neighborhood and learn from your guide about its history
• Try 4 different local food dishes at 4 different shops
• Overnight in Osaka
• Begin your private walking tour at Osaka Castle and discover its 16-century beauty
• Visit the vibrant and lively Kuromon Ichiba Market
• Lunch in the Shinsekai neighborhood
• See Tsutenkaku, the tower built by the same architect as Tokyo Tower
• Reach Nara and explore the Kofuku-ji Buddhist temple
• Head for Todai-ji, a World Heritage Site and home to Japan’s largest Great Buddha statue
• Lunch break in Nara Park
• Stroll Nara Park and meet the friendly Sika deer
• Visit the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Optional transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX) or Tokyo city center are available

If you have any questions about our 10 Day Best of Japan Private Tour Package, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Available dates are shown in green along with the starting price for that date based on recent searches. Click on a date to move to the next step and customize your trip such as adding airport transfers, choosing your hotel, and adding extra nights.

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Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights with your own private tour guide and enjoy a customized sightseeing tour suited to your personal tastes.

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Sumo morning training experience, setouchi triennale 2025 art tour – japan’s art islands, toyosu fish market – fish & soul, kyoto early bird – the land of the rising sun, visits in tokyo, modernity and tradition tokyo tour, izakaya & sake or kanpai tokyo, tokyo otaku, a very “animated” excursion, yanesen, the nostalgic and old tokyo tour, private cherry blossom tour in tokyo, tokyo’s finest brewery – drink for gods, kill bill – understanding the katana, japan food tour – spirit of washoku, day trips from tokyo, yokohama, japan’s most cosmopolitan city tour, kamakura, the city of the samurai tour, mount fuji, the sacred and iconic tour by car, hakone, the nature and hot spring tour, nikko, nature & cultural heritage tour by car, katsunuma winery – home of koshu wine, visits in kyoto, kyoto, japan’s ancient capital tour, fushimi inari, portals to spiritual journey and sake, gion, the birthplace of geisha, kinkaku-ji & world heritage, draped silk and heritage, kyoto gardens – japanese tradition of landscape, arashiyama, nature and spiritual hideaway, mount hiei, the marathon monks of hieizan, private dinner with geisha – behind the sliding door, private cherry blossom tour in kyoto, around kyoto & osaka, osaka, the kitchen of japan tour, nara, the first capital tour, kobe, the international port city tour, mount koya, japan holiest mountain tour, ise (mie), the land of jingu and the gods tour by car, himeji, the white heron castle tour, uji & wazuka matcha – japan’s hidden teatopia, other cities, nagoya downtown, evening & food tour, kanazawa, the rival city tour, takayama, the little kyoto of gifu tour, okayama, “peach boy” city tour, naoshima, the surreal japan art island tour by car, hiroshima & miyajima, the peaceful tour, fukuoka – combining gourmet and japanese culture, nagasaki, long cape city tour, sapporo, hokkaido “on the rocks” tour by car, my japan guide.

Sanjo-dori Takakura-Higashiiru, 70 Masuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8111

[email protected] Tel: +81(0)75-585-5818

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Private Guide in Japan: How to choose the Right English-speaking Guide

We, at Kanpai, have been collecting and publishing helpful information on how to prepare and enjoy trips to Japan for a long time, and we are aware that there are as many different ways to appreciate Japan as there are types of travelers.

Additionally, our community is made of members who like searching for the most accurate information and share relatable visit tips, especially on Kotaete , our community forum space.

What are the benefits of hiring a tour guide in Japan?

Even with thorough preparation, one of the best ways to enjoy a trip is to be accompanied by a local Japanese and English-speaking guide.

Many simple reasons are in favor of hiring a guide:

• To overcome the language barrier . As many Japanese struggle to speak English (nor any other foreign language), and allows for an unrivaled perspective of the country compared to traveling alone;
• Tour guides facilitate to make your visits enjoyable to the fullest : They know the places to discover (sometimes hidden from tourists), uninteresting or overrated places, and shortcuts to optimize your time of visits and see as much as possible;
• Having a guide makes the visit comfortable , as there is no need to worry about logistics or the itinerary;
• Polyglot expats or Japanese guides offer an exceptional experience sharing their sharp insight of Japan with you and can act as interpreters while interacting with locals on the spot.

With a good guide, it really is possible to save time, stress, and money!

Select your guide

When it comes to guiding services, because the varying types and levels run the gamut, it is complicated to separate the wheat from the chaff.

The Licensed Tour Guide

The first natural move might be to look for a Japanese government licensed tour guide.

There are a few thousand, most of them of Japanese citizenship. There are very few foreign guides as the exam is quite hard and the knowledge required is similar to an absurd cramming (as a ridiculous example, examinees can be asked who the Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe was in 1973). On the other hand, foreign language usage is not as thorough as it should be, especially regarding the speaking part, according to many testimonies. It came to be sometimes considered an overrated certification and it seems that Japanese government intends to reform it in the near future.

However, the biggest disadvantage might be the guides’ lack of flexibility, as they will most probably want to stick to their set itinerary. Japanese licensed guides usually don’t create custom tours for their clients but they have a set route, with a tight schedule, and they unfold a history class routine speech, which can be boring. Notwithstanding the fact that their English proficiency might not be the best. Their rates are very expensive: up to ¥40 or 50,000 (~US$354.80) for a half a day tour, and it usually doesn’t include their meal or transportation fees!

We have tried such guided tours too, but we felt it was rather overpriced for an overall, unpleasant experience.

The Volunteer Guide

On the opposite spectrum, the volunteer or goodwill guide, is a good fit for low budget trips, and especially sought after by young travelers.

As a consequence, their availability is very limited (often only on the weekends) and private tours are out of the question. As they do not provide a contracted service, it is not possible to secure the tour date or to complain if the service is not of the expected quality or even abruptly canceled.

Oftentimes, these Japanese volunteers characteristically guide as a layman: Impossible to be sure if they are indeed citing accurate facts or not. Most of them are nice students or elderly persons and they tend to use guiding activity to practice a foreign language. So in the end, you might find yourself to be the one accompanying them for their benefit!

Note that while the guidance is free of cost, you will still have to pay for the volunteer’s meals, transportation and admission fees.

The Expatriate Freelance Guide

It has increasingly been easy to find expats freelancing as guides on the Internet  📶 over the last years. However, many of them are foreigners who married Japanese citizens and have a hard time finding a fixed or long-term job in Japan, mainly due to their lack of suitable Japanese-language proficiency.

The last point is the most problematic: How is it possible to label oneself a professional guide when not being able to read a map, a sign or a restaurant menu properly, discuss with locals on any subject or ask for information in Japanese? Moreover, they, too, often have their own set itinerary and don’t try to personalize the experience.

Beware of hidden fees as well: The displayed rates, often attractive, can double when adding the guide’s meal expenses, transportation and admission fees or if you want a private tour.

Lastly, be aware of the fact that these "freelancing guides" may be working undeclared from the Japanese authorities and without insurance, a reason for them to require a payment in cash only.

Particularities between June and September 2022

Since June 10, 2022 and the steady influx of tourism back in Japan, choosing a guide is an even more important matter.

The Japanese government indeed required that the guide accompanying the travelers be at least a Tenjoin , that is to say "Certified National Tour Conductor". Obviously, 99 % of the volunteers or freelancers don’t have such certification, and additionally certified guides are now required to work in cooperation with a travel agency. This requirement has been lifted on September 7, but it shows how important it is to check a guide's credentials for a travel in Japan .

Our Recommendation: Keikaku

We believe that an established and registered travel agency can offer one of the best experiences for guided tours in the archipelago, including safety and quality. Of course, good guides can be found everywhere, but authorized and registered travel agents are submitted to regulations that guarantee their staff and guides’ professional skills collectively.

Kanpai thus recommends Keikaku , whose team of bilingual guides in Japan organizes private guided tours in the most attractive destinations:

• Tokyo , the must-see capital, from which access is easy to Kamakura , Nikko and Hakone ;
• Kyoto , the traditional city, close to Nara , Osaka , Koya-san or Himeji ;
• An airport guidance service, in three of the busiest airports in Japan: Narita, Haneda and Kansai Airport.

Click on the Keikaku logo below to discover their services:

Keikaku is a human-sized travel agency managing a great group of certified guides in Japan, able to cater to any needs, with a friendly customer centered approach.

High-end but affordable guiding services are provided, with rates varying according to the tour length and / or to the number of participants: from ¥5,000 (~US$35.48) per person. And there are no hidden fees as Keikaku guides’ expenditures (meal, transportation and admission fees) are all included.

Their availability calendar is updated in real time and helps decide the most favorable dates for a tour, with lengths ranging from half a day, and up to three consecutive days, and even evening tours.

It is even possible to contact them to arrange a guide for the entire length of your stay in Japan.

What is a guided tour like with Keikaku?

The secret of a good guided tour lies in its preparation.

Each reservation with Keikaku is private and the guide will create your tour according to your needs, before your arrival in Japan. You will exchange with them by e-mail to explain what you want to do and decide on an itinerary and it is even possible to talk with the guide beforehand via Whatsapp, Skype or other video apps.

On the day of the tour, the guide will come to pick you up at your accommodation. In addition to the guidance, they can help you to get your JR Pass , order train  🚅 tickets and, of course, tell you many anecdotes about life in Japan.

Discover Keikaku

It is strongly advised to place a reservation on your preferred tour dates as soon as possible, as Keikaku guides are often booked well in advance, especially for peak touristic seasons ( April , August , October , etc.) or holidays periods. Fortunately, it is possible to place a reservation up to 12 months in advance, to ensure getting your preferred dates.

Let’s follow the guide!

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From October 9 to 10 -- Hachiman Matsuri (the Autumn Takayama Festival)
• October 22 -- Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto
• October 29 -- Isao Takahata's birthday (born in 1935)
• October 31 -- Halloween in Japan
• November 3 -- Festival of Culture (Bunka no hi - holiday)
• November 9 -- Shichigosan: festival of children of 3-5-7 years in Japan
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

Private Japan Tours

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10 best Private tours of Japan

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9 Day Independent Japan

Best of osaka, kyoto and hiroshima 6 days, northern kyushu by rail, customized japan family trip with daily start, no group, best japan family tours with daily start, no group, japan highlights 8d/7n, naeba ski adventure 2024-2025, quick japan explorer 5d/4n, independent tokyo & kyoto city stays, independent treasures of japan.

“The daily tours we went on were great, and the choice of attractions to visit was excellent.” HORACE HYLTON, traveled in August 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Enjoy views from Tokyo Sky Tree's observatory
• Experience Osaka's vibrant street food scene
• Visit Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace

“The tour was great and well organized despite the small duration. I would definitely recommend.” Gabriele Pucci, traveled in September 2024

• Experience Arashiyama's serene Bamboo Grove
• Visit Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Explore Osaka Castle and its historic exhibits

• Enjoy Fukuoka's famous Hakata ramen
• Explore ancient shrines and temples in Kunisaki
• Discover Yufuin's hot springs and craft village

“Beautiful sceneries, interesting historic facts and legends, yummy food, and fantastic tour.” Charlie Bennett, traveled in April 2023

• Dig deep into all highlights of Japan, including 6 World Heritage sites
• Admire Mt. Fuji by panoramic ropeway and Kawaguchi Lake cruise
• Step back in time at two ancient capitals: Kyoto and Nara

“The whole itinerary of this Japan tour was well-knit. The accommodation was first-class, providing us with sumptuous breakfast.” Jodie, traveled in April 2023

• Encounter kimono-clad tourists in Kyoto and watch an impressive geisha show
• Discover Nara: feed the tame deer with rice crackers
• Feel embraced by Mt. Fuji from a panoramic cable car and a romantic cruise

“With a little help from Google Maps we had a spectacular time and were able to navigate Japan easily.” Ana Bautista, traveled in March 2019

• Zip through Japan on its legendary bullet trains
• Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Museum
• Gaze at Mount Fuji from the hot springs in Hakone

• Travel from Tokyo to Naeba by shuttle bus
• Ski or snowboard on Naeba's powdery slopes
• Try various snow activities in Naeba

“Great tour, would definitely travel with bamba again.” Sophia Smith, traveled in January 2019

• Explore Hakone with a transport pass
• Discover Kyoto's ancient temples
• Return to Tokyo by bullet train

“The guides we very knowledgeable and it was very helpful to have one day with them.” Heidi, traveled in March 2023

• Visit the golden Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Learn samurai and ninja history at a Tokyo museum
• Explore Tokyo with a private guide on the subway

“The independent tour of Japan was more of what I was looking for, as opposed to a bus tour.” JULIE, traveled in October 2023

• Travel by bullet train across Japan
• See Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park
• Explore Tokyo with a private guide

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Travel Insurance

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• USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726
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10 Days Japan Private Tour 10 Days

• From Tokyo To Hiroshima
• Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Updated

Tour Descriptions

• Dates & Quote
• Accommodations

Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.    2) Airfare is not included.  

Tour Includes

• - Travel Insurance
• - Optional Day Trips & Excursions

Travel Highlights

Important information, single supplement.

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and your tour guide will assist in loading it onto the car/bus. Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

Accommodation

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

Transportation

Public transportation; Bus, Trains, Subways, Taxi

International Flights

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport. We recommend you do not book your flights until you talk to one of our travel specialists. You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Fitness & Shoes

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. If you would like to try private hot-spring, please contact us for advanced reservation.

Cherry Blossom Viewing (March & April)

We cannot guarantee cherry blossoms will be in full bloom for viewing during this tour. Please refer to our Cherry Blossom Forecast page for updates and information about Sakura Cherry Blossoms and when they are expected to bloom in select cities.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

• B :Breakfast

Dining Experience

Kaiseki Ryori

Teppan-Yaki Lunch

Cultural experience.

Green Tea Ceremony

Maiko Experience (Optional)

Kimono Dressing (Option)

Japanese Style Hotel

Japanese Garden

Japanese Castle

Riding experience.

Bullet Train

Hakone Ropeway

Lake Ashi Cruise

Take the journey and discover the surprisingly rich history of Japanese Immigrants Nikkei Spots | Yokohama

Add Yokohama's Japanese Overseas Migration Museum to trace the history of Japanese Ancestry History during your Japan Tour.

Take the journey and discover the surprisingly rich history of Japanese Immigrants Japanese American History Tour | Hiroshima

Add a visit to Suo Island’s Museum of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii to trace the history of Japanese Ancestry History during your Japan Tour!

Private Transportation Upgrade

Skip out on using public transportation during your private tour with an upgrade to a private sedan/minivan for your transportation needs!

team★Lab

The teamLab Borderless is a digital museum makes use of lights, colors, and sounds to create a truly unique and one-of-a-kind experience. Immerse yourselves into the unique, magical atmosphere of the exhibition.

Keep connected to the internet during your tour with a data SIM Card. This only provides wifi connection, not a phone number. ※Please check if your device is compatible with the SIM Card. ※If you live outside the U.S., you cannot select the SIM card.

Flight From Osaka To Tokyo

We can arrange a flight from Osaka (KIX/ITM) to Tokyo (HND/NRT) if you would like to extend your stay in Tokyo, or if you are scheduled to fly home from Tokyo.

Customer Reviews

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• All admission fees as listed
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• Round-trip airport transfers
• licensed tour guide throughout

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Divided between electric cityscapes like Tokyo and Kyoto and wild mountains clad in snow and jungle alike, Japan is a real gem of the Far East. Check it out with a local Japan Travel Guide from tourHQ.

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Japan is a world of stark contrasts like no other; a place where hi-tech futurist cityscapes rub shoulders with undulating green hills of cherry blossom orchards, and rice terraces run down to exotic coastlines laden with coral reefs. It’s also home to the most populous single metropolitan area in the whole world: the city of Tokyo. The country itself is spread out across an archipelago of more than 6,000 islands, and while the vast majority of its people reside on one of the four largest - Kyushu, Honshu, Hokkaido, or Shikoku – this means there are plenty of little nooks and crannies to explore; from the paradisal beaches of the Satsunan Islands to the historical war sites on Okinawa. Any Japan tour guide will tell of how first-time visitors are left in awe by the efficiency of Japan’s modern, mechanised society, while a short train ride on the Osaka express will plunge others right into the heart of the country’s rural society, where die hard traditions still reign supreme and the unique and wonderful culinary dishes of the old Japan still linger on the menus.

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My Name is Naoya Usuda. I was born in Tokyo in 1952. After my graduation from Keio University, I joined a Japanese bank. Mainly I was assigned international business and stayed in London for three years. At the age of 52, I moved to a Japanese manufacturer company and had worked for 11 years. As a personnel manager, I engaged in hiring Indian graduates. Then for two years, I went to Tashkent in Uzbekistan as a JICA senior volunteer. I taught "corporate finance" at Tashkent Financial Institute in English. I got the guide license in 2017, After I came back to Tokyo, I am working as a volunteer guide, especially in Shinjuku. I hope to create special and deep tours in which tourists are interested but by now they were not able to gain access to. For example; Visit to various Universities, Visit to narrow streets in Tokyo, Visit to feel Edo (Now and Then) My hobby is playing the guitar. I hope we are in peace through music. I am also interested in Art, History and cooking. My major subject is economics and finance.                                                                                                                                  

I’m so excited to have a chance to show you around my favorite spots in Kanagawa prefecture. I was born in Kanagawa. I spent my whole school life, including university, here in Kanagawa. I worked as a high school English teacher here for 40 years. I love Kanagawa so much. We have many interesting tourist spots, like Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima and Yokohama. I got my tour guide license in English in 2009. I am still an English teacher. To give an interesting and impressive lesson to young high school students, I’ve learnt and gathered many kinds of information. I also have a license to teach social studies, so I have a wide range of knowledge about Japanese culture and history. I’m sure to provide you an interesting tour.                                                                                                                                  

This is Yuji, Japanese creator, such as painting, illustration, cartoon, and designing for Japanese magazine & advertising. I graduated from college in the US long ago. I used to work for Japanese publishing company for travel and Information magazine. I take lots of foreign friends to many places around Tokyo as a guide. I can take you common famous places, but also I can guide you if you have a special request, such as art, anime, table tennis or something belongs to your interest. For mostly I guide you by using the common transportation. but I also use my car to take you around for a small member of group because my car is so small, mini cooper.                                                                                                                                  

Hello, my name is Yasuro (Mr). I was born and brought up in Kansai, graduated from a univ in Kobe city, after moved into Kanto, 30 years in Tokyo, 2.5 years in Nagoya city, 7.5 years abroad (KL & S'pore) as a rep of a construction company and I got the National Guide Certificate in 2011. My hobbies are making Haiku poems, singing various songs (voice-training for 18 years), playing the folk-guitar, trekking in mountains like Takao and Okutama in the West of Tokyo, visiting museums like in Ueno Park and travelling around Japan to make Haiku poems. Thank you for your attention.                                                                                                                                  

Hello! I'm Jolly, government-licensed guide with over 10-year experience of guiding foreign guests from around 40 countries. Are you looking for a friendly and knowledgable guide to talk with a lot? Are you interested in history and clues to understand Japanese culture? If you say "yes", why don't you join my tour? Tokyo is a wonderful city having various aspects. With its 400-year history, Tokyo has a lot of traditional spots like splendid Buddhist temples and serene Shinto shrines. You can also find beautiful traditional Japanese gardens. On the other hand, Tokyo never stops changing. Every year new spots emerge and trend-conscious people enjoy visiting sophisticated shopping districts. Various types of amusement are available from digital art museums to cat cafes. And another very important point is Tokyo is full of delicious food! I love Tokyo and I'd be happy if I could help to make your stay in Tokyo more enjoyable. I'll take you various spots including both traditional and modern ones according to your requests. I really like to talk with my guests about various topics like Japanese culture, religions, history, art, food, everyday life of Japanese etc... I'm looking forward to seeing and guiding YOU soon!                                                                                                                                  

I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.                                                                                                                                  

Welcome to Japan! Hi, I'm Kuniaki. I'm a rapper & youtuber in japan.(Check me up on youtube, if your intersted. Artist name is "Co.Keio") If you want to discover local japan where japanese people go, leave it up to me. If you are tired of tourist spots and like to see the real life of people in Japan, I can show you my friends usually go. There are delicious foods , deep places, interesting people that only we know! I live in a very big share house which has about 200 rooms with people from all over the world. I plan a lots of japanese event for my share house friend like "Roof Top Hanabi(Fire works)", "Nagashi-Somen(floating noodles)","Natsu matsuri(japanese summer festival)","Takoyaki Party" and so on... So trust me on my planning skills! If you want to share your japanese memories on SNS, I know tons of good places that I can show you. I've lived in USA when I was little so there won't be any problem with my English. Thank you for reading my profile, see you soon!                                                                                                                                  

Welcome to Japan! My name is Chiaki. I’m a government licensed guide interpreter, a wife and mother of two grown-up children. I’ve been living in Tokyo for 30 years so I know the area well. If you don’t want to miss popular “must see” places, wish to eat a variety of Japanese popular and delicious food, have particular interest in Japanese theatrical arts, architectures, gardens, tea ceremony and “kawaii” characters, or are tired of tourist spots and like to see the real life of people in Japan, I can help you. My goal is to help you to make your stay in Japan as memorable and fulfilling as possible. If I can serve you to make your special trip more special, it will be my pleasure.                                                                                                                                  

New tokyo tour guides.

Welcome to Tokyo! With six years of experience living in this dynamic city, I’m excited to share my passion for its wonders. As a graduate of the University of Tokyo and fluent in Japanese, English, and Spanish, I offer an insider’s knowledge paired with a traveler’s curiosity. Whether it's uncovering hidden gems by foot or exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods by train, my tours focus on giving you an authentic Tokyo experience. From quiet local spots to iconic landmarks, I’ll guide you through the unique layers of this city’s rich history and culture. As a fan of Japanese pop culture—anime, visual kei, fashion, and games—I’m eager to introduce you to Tokyo’s vibrant subcultures. And, of course, no trip is complete without tasting Tokyo’s culinary treasures! Whether it's savoring fresh sushi, indulging in ramen, or sampling street food in Harajuku, I’ll help you discover Tokyo’s best eats. Let’s explore the city’s most captivating sights, flavors, and experiences together!                                                                                                                                  

Welcome to Japan. My name is Yoichi. I have over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, especially in tours and stays for inbound visitors to Japan, including accompanying teams to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games and various international sporting events, as well as onsite international conferences. On private tours, I can take you to Asakusa, Tsukiji, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Hakone, and other famous places in Tokyo, as well as Japanese-style food tours such as ramen and izakaya tours. I am also good at shopping tours, so if there are many things you want, I can guide you efficiently. I can arrange tours according to your wishes and can also arrange tours to Kyoto, Osaka, or other cities. I look forward to meeting you in Japan and look forward to hearing from you.                                                                                                                                  

I have been working for the business with American companies for many years and have many experiences guiding customers from all over the world, from Japan to the USA and Europe. I lived in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for five years and loved to drive around Europe, the USA, and Japan. I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter and want to introduce Japanese traditional culture to people worldwide who are interested in it. I can be your guide in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kamakura for your enjoyable time in Japan.                                                                                                                                  

A native Tokyoite with over 20 years of experience, I'm passionate about guiding visitors through the city's rich tapestry of tradition and modernity. Growing up in Chiyoda, Tokyo's heart, I understand the city's unique blend. Working with multinational teams honed my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. In 2021, I earned my English tour guide certification, solidifying my cross-cultural communication skills. Previously, I served at the Imperial Palace East Garden under the Imperial Household Agency, gaining profound knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and the Imperial Family. Fascinated by Japan's heritage, I specialize in guiding tours on the Imperial Family, Japanese arts, and Shinto. My passion stems from research and experience at the Imperial Palace. Since 2024, I've led over 50 tours to iconic locations like Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tsukiji Market, and Asakusa. Despite my recent start, I have over 30 five-star TripAdvisor reviews, reflecting my dedication to exceptional service. My guiding philosophy centers on empathy, flexibility, and personalization. I tailor tours to your interests, ensuring a genuine connection and meaningful interactions. My culinary expertise spans Michelin-starred restaurants to local eateries, making your food experiences as diverse as your cultural immersion. Fluency in French and experience living in Italy allow me to cater to a wide range of international clientele. Embrace the true essence of Japanese culture with my heartfelt and engaging guiding services. I'm passionate about sharing my love for Japan with visitors from all walks of life. Let me help you create unforgettable memories in Japan. I look forward to connecting and sharing the wonders of Japan with you!                                                                                                                                  

Jefferson O.

Konnnichiwa i'm jeff, your enthusiastic tour guide ready to take you on an unforgettable journey through tokyo metropolis with about 10 years of experience living in this dynamic city, i’m passionate about sharing its rich culture, history, and hidden gems with you. from the iconic shibuya crossing to the tranquil gardens of the imperial palace, tokyo is a city of contrasts that offers something for everyone. whether you’re a foodie eager to try authentic sushi, a history buff exploring ancient temples, or a trendsetter hunting for the latest fashion, i’ve got you covered. join me as we dive into the heart of tokyo, uncovering its secrets and stories. let’s make your visit an adventure filled with exciting discoveries and lasting memories. arigato gozaimasu hi~大家好，我是稚懿，來自馬來西亞的檳城。我在東京城市生活了已接近10年。對它豐富的文化、歷史和隱藏的寶藏充滿熱情，迫不及待地想與您分享。 從標誌性的澀谷十字路口到寧靜的皇居花園，東京是一座充滿對比的城市，每個人都能找到自己的樂趣。不管您是熱愛美食，想品嚐正宗壽司的吃貨，還是探索古老寺廟的歷史迷，亦或是尋找最新時尚的潮人，我都會滿足您的需求。 如有任何疑問，請隨時與我聯繫。我可以根據您的喜好、時間和需求量身定制行程。 讓我們一起探索東京吧！ hi~大家好，我是稚懿，来自马来西亚的槟城。 我在东京城市生活了已接近10年。对它丰富的文化、历史和隐藏的宝藏充满热情，迫不及待地想与您分享。从标志性的涩谷十字路口到宁静的皇居花园，东京是一座充满对比的城市，每个人都能找到自己的乐趣。 不管您是热爱美食，想品尝正宗寿司的吃货，还是探索古老寺庙的历史迷，亦或是寻找最新时尚的潮人，我都会满足您的需求。 如有任何疑问，请随时与我联系。我可以根据您的喜好、时间和需求量身定制行程。 让我们一起探索东京吧！                                                                                                                                  .

Hello! I'm Stephen, originally from London, but for over 20 years now, I've proudly called Tokyo my home. Japan is a beautiful country, and my first visit here on holiday left me deeply touched by the kindness of numerous strangers. Whether this is your first visit or you're returning to explore more, I hope our encounter will be memorable and will add to your experience of this wonderful country. As an avid jazz fan, I love exploring the city's unique jazz kissas (cafes) and live jazz clubs, discovering hidden gems beyond the big name jazz establishments. From intimate underground spots to historic venues, Tokyo’s jazz scene is a treasure trove of musical brilliance waiting to be explored. As a father of two young children, I understand the joys and challenges of family outings. Our weekends are filled with visits to parks, museums, and events around Greater Tokyo. Parents will know that these days out are more than just fun — they're opportunities for learning and making lasting memories. I'd be delighted to show your family some of the best kid-friendly places and fun events around the city. Having lived in Tokyo for so long, I've become well-acquainted with its diverse neighborhoods and the expat communities spread across the city. Whether you're interested in exploring the Tokyo jazz scene, a family-friendly day out, or a leisurely stroll through Tokyo's popular expat areas ahead of a potential move, I can offer personalized tours tailored to your interests. Let's make your visit to this incredible city truly unforgettable! I look forward to sharing my passions and expertise with you, and helping you uncover the wonders of this remarkable city!                                                                                                                                  

Abdelkader M.

Konnichiwa i'm kader, a proud local host in the vibrant city of tokyo. i deeply appreciate the unique blend of traditional and modern cultures that make tokyo such a special place. i'm especially knowledgeable about the areas of akihabara, asakusa, ueno, shibuya, and shimokitazawa, yokohama , kamakura, enoshima and i love sharing my love of this city with visitors. one of the best things about tokyo is its bustling energy, even though it maintains a peaceful atmosphere. whether you're an avid photographer or just someone looking for an unforgettable experience, there's no shortage of amazing sights to see in this city. spring is one of my favorite seasons in tokyo, as it's the perfect time to go out and sample the city's delicious food and drinks. whether you're a fan of traditional japanese cuisine or prefer more modern fare, you'll never run out of amazing dining options in this city. and, of course, i can't forget to mention my love of anime and japanese fashion. i'm an avid shopper and often head to omotesando to browse the latest fashion trends. as an expert on all things tokyo, i'm always happy to share my knowledge and help visitors make the most of their time in this amazing city. whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, i'm confident that you'll love this city as much as i do.                                                                                                                                  .

I am a bilingual local who lives in Japan and enjoys travelling myself. I don't have industry experience specific to tourism per se but do have experience welcoming/entertaining international guests visiting Japan for work. I genuinely love to help people visiting Japan have a fond memory and experience in Japan while they stay. I will do my best to cater to all different requests and needs of customers, whether it is about types of places to visit, dietary preferences/restrictions, etc.                                                                                                                                  

Day trips from tokyo.

Tokyo Tour Reviews

Tokyo One Day Tour for Scott

“ Great guide ”

We had a great day touring Tokyo with Kahoko today. She was very knowledgeable and showed us around many areas of the city. She also gave us tips on using the train system and recommended places to visit on our other days in Tokyo. She also took us to a great restaurant for lunch and recommended other restaurants for our stay here. We would definitely recommend her to anyone thinking a tour!

Tokyo Ginza Then and Now (Izakaya hopping tour in 3 hours)

“ Izakaya and Sake! ”

Maki is an engaging guide; friendly and interesting. She took us to a local Izakaya, smoothing the way to explore various food and drink choices. As a sommelier, she was well placed to advise and instruct on Sake which we knew very little about. After our delicious dinner we went on to a beer hall which had many offerings. We concluded the evening with a walk in the beautiful and peaceful gardens atop Ginza 6. Lovely evening Maki. Thank you

Thank you for your wonderful review. The two of you are best friends who can speak their minds to each other, and it was a really fun night, as I felt like I was included in your group. Thank you very much.

Tokyo special tour by your choice

“ Amazing introduction to Japan's culture and Tokyo tour ”

Yumi was lovely. She organised our day trip according to our wishes and made us feel very welcome. It was very hot so made perfect suggestions where to first so we don’t caught up in the sun too much. She told us a bit about Shinto and Buddhism religion to make us understand more when visiting shrines and temples. We also learnt a great deal about Shogunate period. We can’t recommend Yumi enough!

Eliza san, thank you so much for your wonderful review. I think you and your husband enjoyed the journey in Japan and have many wonderful memories. Japan has many kinds of landscape according to seasons, so please come back again to Japan in the future. I also enjoyed the tour with you and learned many things by chatting with you . Thank you so much.

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Local Tour Guides in Tokyo

Elevate your Tokyo exploration with private tours and a local guide that unveils enriching stories and curated experiences for a unique city adventure.

There’s more to Tokyo than the Sky tree and busy train terminals. A private guide ensures your preferences shape the itinerary, offering you a chance to explore Tokyo's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own style and charm. From the rare finds in Yurakucho, to the book loving streets of Jimbocho, there’s a new discovery around every corner.

Add some cultural depth to your Tokyo trip with a local guide that appreciates the city’s layers. In the historic district of Kagurazaka, known for its old world structures and charm, your guide can share tales of the mysterious yet beautifully preserved geisha culture and lead you to Kagurazaka Street, which is sprinkled with teahouses, artisan stalls, and even French-inspired bistros.

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7 Best Fall Foliage Spots in Tokyo

Visiting Japan during the fall foliage season offers a unique and breathtaking experience, characterized by vibrant landscapes and rich cultural traditions.

• Secure your phone data for Japan with an  [Android/iPhone] Japan 4G Data Only eSIM (15~30 days) !
• Book your trip to Tokyo city center with this  Skyliner Ticket + Tokyo Subway Combo Ticket !
• Travel around Tokyo hassle-free with a  Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48 or 72-hour) !
• Get the most out of your Tokyo Skytree trip with the Tokyo Skytree Enjoy Pack !

Here’s our list of the best fall foliage spots across Tokyo to take your fall trip to the next level:

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
• Rikugien Gardens
• Icho Namiki Avenue
• Yoyogi Park
• Meiji Jingu Gaien
• Todoroki Valley

 1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Address : 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by George IS (@george_1489)

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an expansive 144-acre park featuring diverse gardens, in Japanese, English, and French styles. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vivid colors of maple and ginkgo trees, especially at Maple Hill. The park is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls amidst the fall scenery.

• Tokyo Must-See Spots 1 Day Private Tour
• Tokyo Customized Private City Sightseeing 1 Day Tour

2. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Address : 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Giz | Travel Photography (@giz.k)

Koishikawa Korakuen dates back to the 17th century and is renowned for its stunning autumn colors. The garden features many maple trees that display brilliant red and orange hues, beautifully reflected in its central pond. It’s recommended to visit early to avoid crowds.

• Tokyo Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer
• Tokyo Private Walking Tour & Japanese Traditional Performance with Dinner

3. Rikugien Gardens

Address : 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Takashi Images (@takashi_images0)

The Rikugien Gardens are celebrated for their traditional Japanese landscaping and are particularly enchanting in autumn with the vibrant maple trees. The garden also hosts nighttime illuminations that enhance the beauty of the foliage. Visitors can enjoy tea at one of the teahouses while taking in the picturesque views.

4. Icho Namiki Avenue

Address : 2 Chome-付近 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Naomi Pollock, FAIA (@sweathesmallstuff)

The iconic Icho Namiki Avenue lined with ginkgo trees creates a stunning golden tunnel in autumn. Stretching from Gaiemmae to Aoyama-itchome Station, it’s a popular spot for leisurely walks and photography, especially when the leaves carpet the ground.

5. Yoyogi Park

Address :   2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kitaplogger (@kitaplogger_)

Located near Harajuku, Yoyogi Park is a lively urban space filled with ginkgo and maple trees. The southern section of the park is particularly beautiful during fall, making it an excellent spot for picnics and enjoying the autumn atmosphere.

6. Meiji Jingu Gaien

Address : 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Consulate General of Japan in LA (@japanconsulatela)

The Meiji Jingu Gaien is renowned for its Ginkgo Avenue, where towering ginkgo trees transform into a golden tunnel in late autumn. This popular spot in Tokyo offers a unique urban experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall colors without leaving the heart of the city. The best time to visit is typically from mid-November to early December.

7. Todoroki Valley

Address : 1 Chome-22-26 Todoroki, Setagaya City ( Google Maps )

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ash (@ashu.ri)

For those seeking a more natural setting away from manicured gardens, Todoroki Valley offers a tranquil escape with its scenic trails along the Yazawa River, surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves in a more rugged environment.

Check out these other great things to do in Tokyo:

• teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Admission Ticket
• Tokyo Tower Observatory Main Deck (150m) Admission Ticket
• Tokyo Water Taxi Tour
• Tokyo Asakusa Sightseeing Rickshaw Tour

Explore these recommendations & more on a private tour:

• Tokyo City 1 Day Private Tour
• Tokyo Private 1 Day Tour (+ Licensed guide/ Driver/ Private transportation)
• Tokyo Private Walking Tour & Kimono Experience with Licensed Guide

We hope this guide has helped you plan your fall foliage expeditions across Japan. To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit  Trazy.com ,  Your Travel Shop for Asia !

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The 4 Best Ways to Travel from Tokyo to Takayama

Takayama is a beautiful mountain escape around 500 kilometers (300 miles) from Tokyo. In winter it's a great place to enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes and rustic villages, and in summer we recommend walking, hiking, or visiting the Old Town.

There are a few ways to get between Tokyo and Takayama, including the Shinkansen train, the bus, or getting a taxi or private transfer. We recommend the train as the best option combining efficiency and being cost-effective, a private transfer as the most convenient option, and a bus as the cheapest option. An expertly-designed private tour with us will take care of all your travel needs, and that is option 4.

1. Get the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takayama: the Best Way

To really experience travel in Japan, you should take the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train at least once. Between Tokyo and Takayama, it's easy to take the bullet train, with just one change in Nagoya .

Between Tokyo and Nagoya, you can take the Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen, and then you transfer to the Hida Shinkansen between Nagoya and Takayama. Your total journey will take approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on which bullet train you take between Tokyo and Nagoya.

Keep reading for more information about this.

Train From Tokyo to Nagoya

Between Tokyo and Nagoya, for the first leg of this journey, you have the choice between three Shinkansen train.

• The Nozomi (the fastest, with fewer stops along the route)
• The Kodama (the slowest, with more stops along its journey)
• The Hikari (which sits in the middle of these in terms of speed and stops)

All three trains are efficient, and which one to take would depend on whether you are buying a Japan Rail Pass, since Nozomi trains aren't covered on this pass without paying an extra fee, but Kodama and Hikari trains are.

With the above information, for your journey between Tokyo and Nagoya we would recommend taking the Hikari Shinkansen if you are going to be traveling with the Japan Rail Pass, and the Nozomi train if you are buying your tickets individually.

Tokyo has two main train stations where you can take the Shinkansen, both Tokyo Station and Shinagawa.

Shinagawa Station is smaller than Tokyo Station, so navigating it is a little bit easier, and it less crowded.

Shinagawa is the second stop after Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, meaning you might get more chance of a seat if you don't have a seat reservation at Tokyo Station. Tokyo Station also has more amenities and shops, so if you are looking for that, or if you are closer to Tokyo Station already, it's worth departing from there.  

Train From Nagoya to Takayama

Train times are usually released around 2–3 months ahead of time, and it is not possible to buy your tickets earlier than this. You can check your journey on Jorudan here , including train times and fares.

How to Purchase Tickets or a Japan Rail Pass for the Shinkansen?

Before buying your tickets, you need to decide whether you are going to be traveling on more than one bullet train during your trip, or whether you just want to travel to Takayama and back.

Should you have two or more similar journeys planned in Japan, we suggest looking into a Japan Rail Pass , which includes unlimited travel in Japan for a specific duration (including Hikari and Kodama trains, and Nozomi too but at a small supplemental fee). The prices for 7-day Japan Rail Passes start at US$331, and a Green Pass (the equivalent of Japan's first class on trains), is priced at US$464 each. A Japan Rail Pass does also have 14- and 21-day options if you are traveling for longer.

If you have bought a Japan Rail Pass , tickets are not required. You can just turn up at the station, and take a seat in the non-reserved carriage.

For those traveling without a Japan Rail Pass, you will need to buy a stand-alone ticket. For this, the charge consists of a base fee for your journey as well as a bullet train additional fee. You can also pay a little extra to reserve a specific seat, or a supplement to upgrade to the Green Car (first class).

There is a discount for kids, with kids aged 6 to 11 paying 50% of the adult fee, and two kids under the age of 5 permitted to travel for free which each paying adult.

Do I Need to Buy Tickets in Advance and Reserve My Seats?

Whether you need to reserve your seat will depend on what time of the year you are traveling. You can reserve a seat ahead of time in the station or at the Japan Rail website, which we do recommend if you are traveling during a peak season (between March and May or October through to mid-December). 

For those heading to Takayama outside of the peak season , you can usually just sit in the non-reserved carriage, and get your ticket on the day at the station.

For those traveling in peak season , we do recommend booking your train ticket ahead of time and reserving a seat as well. Trains do get busy. For the first leg of the journey, we also suggest booking your seat on the right-hand side of the train, or mountain-side. This is where you'll see more of Mount Fuji dependent on weather conditions.

How to Board your Shinkansen Train?

When you get a ticket, you will either get a paper ticket or a digital ticket with a QR code.  If you have a paper ticket , you will need to put it into the barrier to get through. Don't forget to take the ticket out on the other side of the barrier as you might get checked on the train too.

For a QR ticket , barriers have QR readers where you can scan your ticket to open the barrier and enter the platform.

With regard to finding the right platform to board your Shinkansen train, you'll find signs throughout the station with platform numbers, and signage throughout the station guiding you to the platforms. Stations also have staff to help you find your train, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Train Luggage Allowance and Luggage Delivery

A Shinkansen ticket includes two pieces of luggage. Your only limitation here is that each item's combined length, width, and height is not permitted to be greater than 250 cm (or 98 inches). Luggage weight also is not allowed to exceed 30 kilograms (66 pounds).

If you do need to carry oversized luggage on the train, you will have to reserve a seat next to the oversized luggage area. These seats can be reserved in advance online or at the train station when you're buying your ticket.

Because Japan has so many travelers taking the trains, they have also developed an amazing luggage delivery service with which you can  ship your luggage to your destination ahead of your journey. This service is called takuhaibin in Japanese, and you are able to arrange for this at your hotel or at the train station.

We suggest looking into using takuhaibin, because it makes it so much easier to transfer in Nagoya, and you don't have to lug heavy suitcases around. Instead, if you pack a day's worth of clothing and supplies, you can have the rest of your luggage delivered to your hotel the next day.

Takuhaibin services between Tokyo and Takayama cost around US$25 per 25 kg (or 55 lbs) suitcase, and while usually delivered the next day, there are some cases where you can have same-day delivery if you pay a little extra or send your luggage off early in the morning.

2. Get a Taxi or Private Transfer: the Quickest and Easiest Way

Because Tokyo and Takayama are around a 4-to-5-hour drive away from each other (traffic-dependent), there is also the option to take either a taxi or a private transfer. While this is definitely the more expensive option for one or two people, if you have to pay for a whole family's worth of train tickets, a private transfer or a taxi is actually not that much more expensive.

On top of that, you won't have to travel between stations, saving some time on your transfer to and from the train station, making it the quicker option even if you stop mid-way to stretch your legs and enjoy the landscape.

Regular taxis will charge around USD$800 for the journey, and will take you door to door without having to worry about your luggage. We recommend avoiding morning and evening rush hours during the week, particularly getting out of Tokyo, as this can push the journey upwards of 5 hours.

3. Take a Bus: the Cheapest Way

If you are traveling through Japan on a budget, we suggest looking into the bus to get between Tokyo and Takayama. While not the most comfortable way of traveling, it only takes around an hour longer than the train or a private transfer, and is more cost-efficient.

• The Nouhi Bus departs from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Takayama Nouhi Bus Terminal five times a day (including an overnight option that departs around 11pm and arrives at 5am, but unfortunately doesn't have beds on board) and takes 5 to 6 hours. Tickets will set you back between US$30 and US$50 depending on how far in advance you book.
• The Keio Dentetsu Bus also serves the route between Shinjuku Expressway Bus terminal and Takayama Nouhi Bus Terminal with around four buses per day, and tickets costing around US$40. These also do not have beds on board.

The Takayama Nouhi Bus Terminal is located close to the center of town, and a convenient place to arrive and start your exploration of the city from.

4. Tokyo to Takayama within a Japan Tour with Asia Highlights

Your other option would be to enjoy the Takayama journey as part of a guided tour through Japan with us. Our team are ready to help make your trip to Takayama and the rest of Japan the best, and we have planned some amazing Japan itineraries  that include time in Takayama.

Our 11-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Kawaguchi, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima  itinerary takes you past Mount Fuji towards Takayama for example, or there are other options listed below. We can also tailor-make your own itinerary or adjust our existing itineraries where needed.

• 2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation
• 12-Day Classic Japan Tour

If you have other things you'd like to do or see, please don't hesitate to contact us  for more information.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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