Japan · GUIDED
68 reviewed
Good guided tours in Japan fill up weeks ahead and the best of them fill up first. Below are the 15 to look at, what they cost today, and what makes each one different from the next.
A 6-hour private Tokyo walk with a government-licensed guide. Customize 3-4 stops like Asakusa, Shibuya, Tsukiji, and gardens.
“Covered a lot of Tokyo and it was very informative. We were able to tailor our tour to what we wanted to see.”
Walk Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai with an English guide, ending at karaoke, with local bar access.
“A great experience to experiment going out like a local . Toshi is great your guide that went with us in 3 nice places . I totally recommend!”
A private, customizable Tokyo highlights day with a nationally licensed guide, hotel pickup, and smart transit help across classic and modern neighborhoods.
“Our guide, Suzuki, was extremely personable and knowledgeable about the sites we visited. We felt like we were travelling with a friend. I would highly recommend this trip and our guide in particular.”
Early-morning Kyoto tour with an English guide, small group size, and calm visits to Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama bamboo, and Kinkaku-ji.
“This was a great tour of some beautiful sites. My tour guide, Arisa was fantastic! She was super knowledgeable and friendly and pointed out the most interesting facts. I learned a lot about Japanese culture, Kyoto itself, and the temples and shrines we visited. It wouldn’t have been the same without Arisa. Thank you!”
Walk Tsukiji with a small English group, start at Tsukiji Station Starbucks, visit Hongan-ji, then snack through the Outer Market.
“Nicolas was great! He was informative and did a great job pointing things out.”
6-hour private Kyoto tour with a government-licensed English guide, using public transport and walking to Fushimi Inari, temples, Gion, Arashiyama.
“Emi was a fantastic tour guide. She made sure my mom, brother and I had a great day in Kyoto. We saw all the best sites. Highly recommend.”
Private Hiroshima and Miyajima full-day tour with licensed English guide, Peace Park context, Shukkeien, Castle, and Itsukushima torii.
“Our family of 5 (kids 18-22) spent an amazing day in Hiroshima and Miyajima with Yuki. She’s a great host for her city, and we enjoyed her perspective and family stories. In addition to her historic and cultural knowledge, I love how she keeps trRead more”
Small-group Tokyo biking through Meiji Jingu, Ginza and Imperial Palace, plus 48th-floor views. Bike, helmet, guide included.
“This became a private tour when the other two people cancelled! We had Gaku all to ourselves. We saw so much of Tokyo and it was the highlight of our trip! We felt safe following Gaku even on busy streets.”
Early morning Kyoto highlights with an English-speaking guide. Beat crowds at Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji by lunch.
“We loved our day with Arisa. She was friendly knowledgeable and we enjoyed our time. It was super helpful having guide navigate the different transportation to each of the places we went”
Guided Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace tour in Kyoto. UNESCO site, English guide, 60 minutes, plus extra access normally off-limits.
“Kingo, was an excellent guide, explaining the history , significance of the building and its decoration and the daily life within the Palace.”
Tokyo Samurai Ninja Museum guided tour with shuriken throwing, samurai dress-up, and real armor, helmets, and swords, in English.
“An enthusiastic guide makes a tour worthwhile and this one didn’t disappoint. Great history lesson done in a fun way.”
Morning guided trip from Kanazawa to UNESCO Shirakawa-go with local tastings, a live English guide, and a Kenrokuen finish.
“Of course, the town was amazing especially since we had snow! But the other highlight was our energetic, knowledgeable, and very welcoming your guide, Yasushi, and the assistant guide, Aiko!”
Kyoto bar-hopping walking tour with a local guide, Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi izakayas, and Japanese sake tasting. Small group, cash-based.
“Moto was an amazing tour guide! Took us to a really good izakaya and sake tasting bar. Ending the night in a karaoke. 100% would recommend”
Small-group Kyoto Gion night walk with Hanamikoji Street and Yasaka Shrine, plus private upgrades in multiple languages.
“Definitely worth it. Our tour guide Jasmine was very polite and professional. She was able to interact with the group and had us really connected. This tour is a must do when in Kyoto!”
Outer Tsukiji market walk and a pro chef sushi class, where you make nigiri and a roll, then eat your creations for lunch.
“Amazing experience. We saw and learned about all the fun snacks Japan has to offer and the amazing ingredients. After the market tour we went to a top room of a restaurant and learned from a master sushi chef. The class was offered in. It’s Japanese and English so there was no problem. The sushi was amazing. We watched as the chef cut the fish perfectly in front of us and then we were provided the ingredients (fresh) and shown how to make various rolls and types of sushi, etc. Then we ate it!:)”
