Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides<

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.

Emi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,The Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00629
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

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

Hello, I am Emi Matsuda, a professional interpreter and tour guide with 6 years of experience. I am also working as a secretary in Osaka University with over 20 years of experience, which has honed my ability to offer flexible and elegant attention to clients. I have a license of museum curation, which extends my knowledge and expertise in the arts and culture field. Based in the fashion city of Kobe, I feel privileged to share Japan's rich cultural destinations with travelers from around the globe. Having lived in this beautiful country for years, I have developed a deep passion for the country's rich heritage and customs, making every tour experience I offer more insightful and meaningful. As a professional tour guide and interpreter, flexibility and adaptability are vital aspects of my job. I've learned to anticipate and respond quickly to different issues that may arise during tours, ensuring that my clients enjoy a worry-free experience. I take pride in creating unforgettable experiences for my clients, each tailored to their preferences and interests. In Japan, we have many beautiful destinations, from the traditional temples and palaces to breathtaking gardens and festivals. I'm passionate about showcasing all the hidden gems of my country, and my extensive planning and research reflect this. Moreover, I enjoy creating customized tours, combining culture and leisure outings, giving clients the opportunity to witness Japan's breathtaking sites and experiences. In conclusion, I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and curating an unforgettable tour that showcases the country's history, culture, and beauty. I strive to create unique memories for my clients, and I am confident that you will have a wonderful experience with me as your guide.

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.

Michi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,The 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

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.

Kay Hagino

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00045
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Castle,Japanese Garden,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hello! This is Kay! I have been guiding my guests around Kanazawa and its neighborhood since 2014. Let me tell you how I started. One day, I met a man who said, “Kay, it seems you really like your hometown because you are so passionate when you talk about it. Since you speak good English, why don’t you guide around people? I am sure they are going to enjoy it, and so will you.” I got hooked at the suggestion of this man, now my husband, and he was right. It brings me such joy to see my guests beam at those Aha moments when they connect the dots. So why don’t you extend your travel plan to include Kanazawa, a town full of history, art, and culture—where you will enjoy connecting these dots with its neighborhoods? And when you do so, please let me assist you in enjoying the time to its fullest!

'Itchy' ICHI

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00328
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Wine

I am Ichi, born and grew up in Osaka, the vibrant commercial center of western Japan. I have been working as a professional tour guide since 2015. I would like to show you around my energetic, friendly city Osaka, but I can also take you to Kyoto and Nara, two neighoring ancient capital cities of Japan. In my youth, I lived in USA, UK and South Korea and traveled to more than 40 countries around the world. I believe the greatest pleasure of traveling is meeting new people who have different ways of thinking and lifestyles. I also used to run my own restaurant, and I am very much into food and drinks. And I can be flexible to your needs of the day. I hope to become a bridge for you to undestand Japan and Japanese people. Furthermore, I hope to become your first friend in Japan.

TK

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00557

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Trains,Shopping

Hi there! My name is Tetsuya KAWABATA, a government certified interpreter and guide. I was born and raised in Shiga Prefecture, 8 miles or 14 km east of Kyoto. I spent seven years of high school and college in Kyoto, Japan. I worked for a company in Osaka for over 30 years before becoming an interpreter-guide. Additionally, I am well versed in the history and local information of Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. The Kansai region, especially Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, is the motherland of Japanese history; it has always been the center stage of Japanese history for over 2600 years. In addition, I can take you on tours that not only introduce you to Japan's ancient and traditional cultural treasures and wonderful experiences, but also give you a glimpse into the future. For the foodies among you, we offer plenty of choices, from the most exquisite gastronomic restaurants to casual eateries beloved by the locals. Come join me for a great trip!

Miyu

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00262
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,Japanese History

My name is Miyu. I am a guide born and raised in Hiroshima. I am honored to share the preciousness of peace with all of you coming to Hiroshima. I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government as a public servant for nearly 40 years and was involved in implementing supporting programs for A-bomb survivors for 12 years before retiring. During that time, I heard various stories directly from A-bomb survivors. I have also deepened my knowledge of the effects of radiation on human health and have been involved in activities to contribute to medical care for radiation-exposed people around the world. I feel privileged to guide you to the A-bomb Dome, Peace Park, and Peace Memorial Museum and share my experiences. Let's also enjoy a trip to Miyajima, the Island of God. You will be refreshed by the scenic beauty of the deep green of the ancient forest, the blue of the Seto Inland Sea, and the vermilion of the Otorii gate. As for Japanese culture, I sometimes demonstrate tea ceremony as an attraction at international conferences held in Hiroshima. I also have experience in calligraphy and the art of flower arrangement. My hobbies are skiing and playing the harp. Regarding spectator sports, I am a baseball fanatic and sometimes get into the baseball talk with my guests. I am serving as a medical interpreter occasionally. I look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful city of Hiroshima.

Masahiro

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama

Languages

English,Italian

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00436
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History

I am a certified professional guide with national qualifications in both English and Italian. I am also fluent in Spanish. My goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every guest, always keeping their comfort and satisfaction in mind. At the same time, I prioritize safety to ensure a secure and worry-free journey. I pride myself on adapting quickly and effectively to unexpected situations, providing everyone a seamless and pleasant experience. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I am the third generation of atomic bomb survivors, and I would like to help you learn about what happened here on August 6, 1945. I also would like you to feel how important peace is. At the same time, your smile and satisfaction are my pleasure. I will do my best to make your trip the best one. Hope to see you soon.

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!

Tomoe

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01923

Expertise

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

Hi,everyone. I’m Tomoe. I was born and raised in Osaka, so I’m a genuine Osaka native and the mother of three boys.I have a deep passion for my hometown, Osaka. Tokyo is a flagship city of Japan, but Tokyo is not everything that Japan has to offer. Osaka is known for having the friendliest and the funniest people in Japan. We Osakans often strike up conversations with strangers. Humor is a big part of our culture and we love to joke around making people feel approachable and lively. Don’t you think that , as a true Osaka native, I’m the perfect fit to be your guide? In the Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara have so many fascinating places to visit. I’d love to show you not only iconic tourist attractions but also the places that only locals know. I love meeting people from various backgrounds. I always enjoy entertaining people. I’m thrilled to help make your trip an unforgettable experience. I’m looking forward to meeting you soon.

ToshiGG

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00548
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Shopping

Hello everyone. I'm Toshiaki Ohbayashi, a cheerful and talkative tour guide. I have been guiding small groups around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, and other places in Japan since 2018, which has exceeded 500 days. My top priority as a guide is to be able to offer many options besides temples or shrines. such as Samurai and Ninja experiences. I'm also familiar with lunch restaurants and sweets shops. My nickname is GG, which means grandfather, as I have two grandchildren. I love being a GG, but I also love guiding. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your party soon. Let's have an amazing time with me!

Kay Kondo

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,The 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

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!

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!

Yuki

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : E123456
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Sake,ART,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Lee Yukiko. Please call me Yuki. I was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been living in Hyogo prefecture (next to Osaka) more than thirty years. I am cheerful and friendly, and I really love meeting people. I had many guests like celebrities, politicians, CEOs, artists and so on. I am capable of guiding whoever you are. You would definately have a wonderful time if you picked me as a guide. I have a license of Japanese dancing and flower arrangement. I like classical ballet, Kimono, Japanese culture, theater going, like Kabuki. I like meeting new people and want to help you have a wonderful trip in Japan. I’m a Kodo (the way of incense) Master. Kodo is a traditional Japanese culture to appreciate the incense wood of more than 100 years old. It is quite authentic and esthetic culture that Japan can boast. Though, the number of people who enjoy this interesting culture is decreasing in Japan. I’d like to introduce this quite a unique culture as many people as possible. Why don't you try this unique and authentic Japanese culture? [Places to guide] I’m good at arranging a special trip according to your request. Please tell me your interests and favorites. I’ll arrange the best trip only for you. I mainly guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Naoshima. I'm looking forward to seeing you!