Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides<

Masa

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Osaka,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00415
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture

Hello everyone, My name is Masayo Komatsubara, a nationally licensed English tour guide in Osaka. I am honored to have won the Hospitality Award 2024 from the Japan Guides Awards, recognizing the best guide for exceptional hospitality. I was born and raised in a very rural area of Yamaguchi Prefecture, where McDonald's, convenience stores, and Starbucks were unheard of. In fact, I didn't know how to order a Big Mac until I was 18 years old. It wasn't until I entered university in the Kansai region that I was able to experience a more diverse lifestyle. At the time, I majored in Japanese Culture. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to live in various parts of Japan, including Hyogo, Nagoya,Saitama,Okayama, Hiroshima, and Osaka prefectures. Each region boasts unique cultural traditions, dialects, and specialties shaped by its history and geography. Japan is a country filled with fascinating charms, and I'm eager to share its rich mythology, which is deeply intertwined with our imperial family's history and culture. My university studies and personal experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of these aspects. Rest assured, I've since mastered the art of ordering a Big Mac at McDonald's. I look forward to meeting you on our tour. Sincerely, Masa

Hiromi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN05978
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

I currently live near the Sumida River in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. I have lived in the United States for 10 years and in China for 2 years due to my husband's work. In particular, I obtained a Teaching English as a Second Language certificate from UCI Extension in the United States. I aim to be a relaxed and fun guide. I would like to introduce a variety of experiences, such as traditional and modern, high places and waterside, lively places and quiet places. As for food, I am very careful about food safety because my mother has a wheat allergy. I also love introducing delicious food. I would be happy if my guests could fully enjoy their visit to Japan.

Yuko Smiley Hirai

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01045
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Castle,FOOD

I am an English-speaking tour guide based in Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Himeji. I was born in Kobe and raised in a small town near Kobe where I live now. I have worked for a TV station in Kyoto as a reporter. Therefore, I am familiar with lots of attractive spots loved by locals as well as well-known sightseeing spots in Kansai area. I especially love showing my guests around Japanese castles such as Nijo castle and Himeji castle, both of which are well-known UNESCO world heritage sites in Japan, Japanese Sake breweries, Japanese gardens, traditional temples, and shrines. Besides English, I am a fluent speaker of Indonesian since I used to study and work in Indonesia for three years. I love traveling around the world, too! I am flexible and love pleasing guests during the tour. Let's enjoy exploring cities in Japan like locals! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

KeiKay

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00249
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping

Hi, everyone. My name is Kaori Kuzuhara. Call me KK! I live in Nishinomiya city in the vicinity of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji which is called Kansai. I’m a national government licensed tourist guide 2014- and enjoying taking guests from overseas to the best places in Kansai. My specialty is the friendliness and has bread knowledge about religion, culture, and behind- the-scenes stories. Let’s have a quality experience with me and go like a local ,which is only possible with a guide who loves the area. I will show you hidden gems in Kansai. Let’s dive into the deep Japan with me together! Your local friend, KK

Uiko

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00435

Expertise

Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Art Crafts

Hello! I'm Uiko. I was born in the east part of Hiroshima Prefecture and raised in Hiroshima City which is a symbol of peace and Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture which is famous for haiku poetry and one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The Shimanami Road bridges these two prefectures between Onomichi and Imabari connecting small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. I have almost four decades of teaching experience at middle school in Hiroshima. Younger generations across Japan have been enthusiastic about building peace. They tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, listen to testimonies of A-Bomb survivors or their family members before writing their report. So do Hiroshima kids. My former students visited Nagasaki as well. They chose their topic in advance, explored Nagasaki and took a HIBAKUSHA's lecture during their stay, and then gave a speech or did a poster session. Through all activities both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, students faced their inner self and recognized their mission- "Contribution to a Better World". Their spiritual growth brought me profound joy and encouraged my introspection, "What's my mission?"- "The same." That inspiration led me to be your guide. I am so grateful to all my students. I love music and have been practicing the piano. My favorite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach. At the Cenotaph in the Park, I sometimes hear Bach's AIR inside my head. Some can hear John's IMAGINE. School kid's chorus. Summer cicadas. Or silence - the most solemn one. Here in Hiroshima, I believe your original music can resonate with the world. Through touring Hiroshima's two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, I would like to share Miyajima's natural beauty and Hiroshima's sincere hope for world peace with you. Adding to them, Hiroshima Prefecture has a number of hidden gems all over the place. I wish I could guide you to such marvelous areas someday. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Mika

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Kobe

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01687
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese History,Pottery,Art Crafts

Hello, everyone. I’m Mika, your guide in Japan, here to help you create unique travel experiences. Although I officially became a licensed guide during the pandemic, my guiding experience began much earlier. Since childhood, my family has frequently hosted international visitors, including friends, exchange students, Guides and Scouts, and travelers from various backgrounds. I have been guiding them in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Nara, Kobe, and the surrounding areas for many years. This has always been a great joy to meet guests from all around the world and show them Japanese culture. After studying Museum Studies at the University of Leicester in the UK, I worked at the National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo. I also have experience working with an embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have always loved museums. During my studies in the UK, I had the opportunity to intern at the British Museum. As a guide, I view all of Japan as a "living museum" and take great joy in introducing its wonders to my guests. Guiding and scouting have also been significant parts of my life. I have been involved with the Girl Scouts of Japan and was a Girl Guide in both New Zealand and the UK while studying there. Additionally, I served as a resident volunteer at Pax Lodge, one of the WAGGGS World Centres in London. I look forward to meeting you and sharing an unforgettable experience in Japan.

Kay Kondo

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00282
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture,Shopping

I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure. As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience. Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer. If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Kay

Remi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00217
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Traditional Culture

Welcome to Japan! I feel very fortunate & grateful to be able to meet wonderful people from all over the world. I'd be happy to do anything for you to make special & unforgettable memories in Japan! I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I have learned a lot about the history of Hiroshima & met many survivors. It would be wonderful if I could share my experiences with you. Also, I live just 10 minutes away from the island of Miyajima. We love Miyajima Island and often visit there to attend festivals and rituals. There are so many beautiful places on the island, including great 'locals’ favorites'! It's my greatest pleasure to show you around my hometown. Let me show you our favorite restaurants as well! I am flexible. I love meeting people. I enjoy cooking, especially Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima's specialty)! I used to be a schoolteacher & mother of two children. I got the National Tour Guide & Interpreter license in 2010. Since then, I have experienced many tours including FITs from varieties of countries, special needs individuals, Cruise ship offshore tours or School Trips. It’s been SO wonderful, and they are all unforgettable memories! I'm really looking forward to meeting you!! Arigatou gozaimasu

Hiro

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00297
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Traditional Culture,Trains

Konnichiwa! I am Hiro and your Hero guide in Japan. Is your upcoming trip a commemorative trip for you or a loved one? Is it a fly-over holiday to reward yourself for all your hard work this season? Perhaps you have come to my country to spend some quiet time to reminisce? Either way, please, I hope you can relax and just focus on enjoying your holiday. I have been doing this job since 2015 and I believe that the most important things in this job are a heart of service and a sense of wonder. I am curious and caring and would be happy to help you spend your valuable time with me. My vector of curiosity goes in all directions but is particularly strong in both the old and new, including music, art, gardening, railways, animals, and animes. In the traditional arts, I am a certified player of tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and Koto (Japanese harp) player. I am waiting for many questions about them from you. On the other hand, I am a typical Japanese housewife. Every day I cook nutritious and balanced meals for my family of grown-up men, call my mother who lives alone in the countryside, and also do SNS to my daughter who enjoys Tokyo life, "Hey, when I was your age, I was already......" I must be an interesting guide for anyone interested in 'the real of the Japanese'. Let's enjoy seeing, hearing, experiencing, tasting, and having a chat with Hiro. I look forward to spending a wonderful day with you.

Yuri

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01509
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Welcome to Japan! And thank you for visiting my country, far-eastern islands all the way from your country. I’m Yuri. As a kimono shop owner since 2005, which has traded worldwide, I have been dedicated to introduce Japanese culture. It has been a great pleasure of mine to explore and share the cultural differences and similarities in the world. Not only I guide you in wonderful sites here, but also I would love to share a real life in Japan. I am a mother of 2 young-adult daughters and I love dancing, especially pair dancing such as ballroom dancing, Salsa, Bachata and so. We spend only 1 day together in our life in Japan, but it will be a fun day. As an Osaka person, I love laughing together – Osaka is famous for comedy. If you can take me as a 1-day local travel companion, I’m sure you will feel more at home than a tourist in a new place. See you soon!

Mie

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00241
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi, this is Mie, a professional tour guide in Hiroshima. Born and raised in Hiroshima, I’ve been seeing this city's change and development, and I have many stories to share with you not only from the guidebooks. I am a nature lover, traveling inside and outside of Japan mainly for mountain climbing and taking photos of nature. Since I majored in Japanese literature and history in college, I have deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, religion, and architecture. Working as a professional tour guide, interpreter, and training coordinator for some international institutions to support foreign students and researchers in Japanese universities, I love to meet many people worldwide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!!

Nori

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01710
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Japanese History

I was born in Kyoto. When I was a child, I lived in Tokyo for eight years. After that I returned to Kyoto. Many visitors are interested in Kyoto and I know the city of Kyoto well. I know off-the-beaten-truck places as well as must-see-spots. I visited New Zealand for three weeks and during my time there I had an opportunity to assist a teacher to educate her students in Japanese culture such as the Japanese tea ceremony, how to wear a yukata which is a cotton kimono and teaching calligraphy. The students' eyes were shining with excitement as they became involved in Japanese culture. It made me feel that I needed to study Japan and its culture more deeply. This experience led me to become a tour guide. I not only enjoy being a tour guide but also like to interact with people. I feel happy when I see visitors enjoying various aspects of Japan and Japanese life. I am interested in history, Buddhism, Shintoism, gardens. I also enjoy reading books, participating in yoga, practicing meditation. and a variety of other subjects. If I can help you to enjoy Japan more, it will be my great pleasure.

Fumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00160
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I am Fumi. I live in Kyoto and try to provide comfortable tours tailored to the travel style of clients. I do more than 200 tours annually in Western Japan. I have a passion for travel, both domestically and internationally. As a child, I had numerous opportunities to travel across various parts of Japan with family and my father's business partners. This allowed me to discover the joy of travelling to unfamiliar places, unknown local food, and chance encounters with new people. I am also interested in ancient Japanese culture. Influenced by my parents and aunt, who were Noh performers, I became interested in Noh and other traditional performing arts. In school, I had a keen interest in cross-cultural communication and felt the need to learn English. I passed English Proficiency Test Grade 1 with a high score and was invited to an award ceremony for outstanding achievement. Before becoming a guide, I worked as a teacher at a language school and as a training officer, but a friend working in the tourism industry invited me to work at international events for overseas guests, saying, 'you are suited to work in travel. I eventually qualified as a chief itinerary manager in 2003. Inspired by my aunt, who was an interpreter-guide in both English and French, I became a licensed interpreter-guide in 2014, making my professional debut a month later. Since 2015, I have been working primarily on luxury tours. Hobbies: exploring local cuisine, going to the gym, watching stage performances, and strolling through the city.

Yuki Nozaki

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00031
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hello, I’m Yuki. I live in Kanazawa. I was born and raised in Kanazawa. Kanazawa is a city full of seasonal charm, surrounded by the blessing of the sea and mountains, and a fusion of the new and the old, such as traditional crafts and contemporary art, multi-course meals and creative cuisine. As a castle town, Kanazawa is also an indispensable place to talk about samurai culture and history in Japan. I love history of my country. I love the crafts and the artisans who make them. It is my mission as a guide to introduce you to the history that still lives in this city, the crafts that have become art, and the aspirations of the craftsmen who create them. And of course, I love to eat! Kanazawa is a city of food! I will introduce you to a lot of delicious foods. My greatest strength is flexibility. When traveling, things often don’t go as planned for various reasons. But no matter the situation, I am here to help you make your journey the best it can be. Japan is a country of respect, courtesy, honesty and harmony. I would like to share these wonderful spirits with you.

Noko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Hiroshima,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00314
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,ART,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, my name is Noriko, but you can call me Noko. As a native of Kyoto, I have always been close to events, landscapes, and everyday scenery of Kyoto. I spent a year in a small town in Arkansas, U.S.A. as an exchange student. Living there with no one from a similar background gave me a flexible perspective from a young age. Since then, I have been interested in how people communicate with each other from different cultural backgrounds. I joined an international enterprise and learned to work with people from different countries. I became a National Guide/Interpreter in 2015 to share my love for Japanese art, crafts, food, and nature with my guests. After completing the courses for the City of Kyoto Visitor's Host, I came to believe that it is my mission to re-discover the hidden gems of Kyoto and shed light on them. Why not find out a surprise not written in your guidebook with me?

Michi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00344
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi. I'm Michi, a National Licensed tour guide in English. I would like to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first English tour was as a volunteer guide for visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. I spent all my life in Hiroshima except 6 years; 1 year in the UK when I was a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I have enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds. These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide. I am also an official 'A-bomb legacy successor' designated by the City of Hiroshima, a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud. I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. There we can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc. Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan! Hope to see you soon! With lots of love, Michi

Hank

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01456
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Hiroshi Fujii, a tour guide in English since 2020. Please call me Hank. I got this nickname in United State. I have been five years in Chicago, near O’Hare Airport. When I was school days, I traveled one year Mexico and South America with backpacking. I love travel. After graduation, I joined machine parts company that I wanted to work at foreign countries. Fortunately, I have been 11 years in Germany, 5 years in USA, and 3 years in Brazil as a business. I had a very warm communication with local people and wonderful experience during my stays in foreign countries. Therefore, I came to want to be a tour guide, so that I would like to assist you to have an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture and interaction with local people during your stays in Japan. I love my job guiding and to interact with you. As a hobby, I love running. I run every weekend and marathon twice a year. I was born and raised in Nara in the vicinity of Kyoto and Osaka. It is famous for great Buddha and lots of deer. I have two sons; my elder son was born in Germany, and he is just married last year. Now my wife and I live in our hometown Nara. During our tour, I would like to be a representative of Japanese people for you. You can ask me anything related Japanese culture and life. I can explain you using my own history and experience. If you have a special interest, please let me know. I am confident that you will have a unforgettable experience with me as your guide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon in Japan!

Sato_san

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00626
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History

Hello! I am a tour guide Sato_san. Sato is my last name and sugar is called "sato" in Japanese, so I am your sweet guide! I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Nara, Japan. After living in Japan and the US, I started working as a travel guide in 2016. As a nationally certified English Interpreter Guide and Nara prefecture-certified guide, I will guide you to highlights and little known spots in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Would you like to know Japanese history and culture, appreciate art, meet craftsman, eat local dishes, taste sake, walk in nature, feel local life, or look for a place to heal? Please tell me your wishes. I will be happy to arrange an itinerary to make your day even more special and memorable!

Mick

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00111
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

FOOD,ART,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I'm Miyoko. I was born in Tamano city, Okayama prefecture, which is close to the Seto Inland Sea, a.k.a. Setouchi. Setouchi has over 3000 islands and its beauty has been cherished for a long time, and it also has been an important sea route from and to the Asian continent for culture, technology, goods and people for thousands of years. Nowadays, it is really popular and famous for its art islands, especially Naoshima. Kurashiki city, where I live now, has a shrine which dates back to 1700 years ago, and traditional merchants' streets. In Okayama city, I can show you around Korakuen garden, which is one of the best three Japanese gardens in Japan. I hope you will have a wonderful time in these places indulging in art, nature, culture, architecture and history.

Yosshi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN04316
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery

My career as a tour guide began as a volunteer guide at the Edo Tokyo Museum located next to the Sumo Stadium. The experience at the museum gave me a good opportunity to learn deeply about Japan's history and culture. In addition, these experiences ultimately taught me the joy of guiding. I am passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge gained through my work with my guests. MY interest is not only the history but also Japan's traditional crafts like pottery,lacquer wear,wooden carvings, Bonsai, the way of tea, contemporary art, Buddha statues and so on.