Japan · GUIDED
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 guided tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Tokyo’s private six-hour tour with a licensed guide, flexible sightseeing, subway travel, local tips, costs, strengths, and drawbacks.
“Not worth the money. Nore than half the time doesn't in subways. No value add by the guide except showing the way. Hardly any information.”
Explore Shinjuku’s izakayas, Golden Gai bars, sake, karaoke, and local nightlife with an English-speaking guide for $34.
“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!”
Review of Tokyo’s private highlights tour, with a licensed local guide, flexible sightseeing, public transport tips, and practical value advice.
“Masa-San was an Amazing Guide ; He had si many stories to share. 💗 The Tour was Perfect in every Way possible.”
Beat Kyoto’s crowds at Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji on a small-group early morning tour with local guides.
“Great introduction to the classic sites around Kyoto. We were able to travel all around town with our guide via public transportation. That gave us a better understanding of the city layout and lots of time to chat with our local guide for additional tips for independent site seeing the next day.”
Explore Tsukiji Outer Market with an English-speaking guide, temple visit, food tips, tastings, and two hours of practical Tokyo food culture.
“Nicolas provided a great tour of the markets and temple. Lots of yummy food sampled 😊”
A private four-hour Tokyo walking tour with a licensed English-speaking guide, flexible sights, local transport help, and practical city insight.
“We had a lovely afternoon with Julie, who helped us navigate the trains and find options to avoid long stairs, since we are older persons. We really enjoyed seeing beautiful gardens and drinking matcha in a tea house overlooking a lake!”
Review of Kyoto’s flexible six-hour private tour, with licensed guides, public transport, major temples, shrines, and practical booking advice.
“Kazuo was a superb guide in every way. A few weeks prior to our tour day he recommended a rough itinerary for our review and we communicated via WhatsApp and agreed on the itinerary. The itinerary included the Imperial Palace, a uniRead more”
Review of Hiroshima and Miyajima’s private 8-hour tour, with Peace Park, Miyajima, local guides, transport costs, value, and booking tips.
“Our tour guide Megumi was very good. She was eager and thorough to explain the details. She planned the day well and made reservations for the days boat and ordered our meal selections ahead of time. We did not have enough time in Miyajima and she modified the tour for us It was a wonderful tour.”
Cycle 20 miles through Tokyo’s shrines, parks, backstreets, bay, Ginza, and Imperial Palace with a friendly small-group guide.
“This was a lot of fun. Seeing the sites, learning some history and culture while getting exercise. Along with the major attractions, we saw things not advertised; a real view of city and neighborhoods. Gaku is a really informative, kind and attentive guide. He’s even a great photographer”
See Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkakuji before the crowds on a small-group Kyoto tour using trains and buses.
“Aya was a fantastic guide. She was on point with her cheerful n professional attitude. I love that she brings the places we visited to life with the historical information that she is well versed with. The early morning tour is definitely a good idea to escape the crowd. We saw that as we were leaving as a huge crowd descending despite it being a wet n cold morning.”
Tour Nijo Castle with an English-speaking guide, see Ninomaru Palace, learn its symbols, and enter areas usually closed to the public.
“We had a great private tour guide! Very informative and pointed out what each room was for for the shogun!”
Explore samurai armor, ninja history, shuriken throwing, and a samurai dress-up session on this lively one-hour Tokyo museum tour.
“Nami our guide was fantastic and shared lots of information on samurai and ninjas and life in japan. throwing shiruken and dressing as a samurai was an added bonus.”
Reach snow-covered Shirakawa-go before the crowds on a guided morning bus tour from Kanazawa, with free time, local food, and Wi-Fi onboard.
“yasushi and Keita were the nicest guides, explaining everthing and makeing a fun and short ride. Thanks for the experience”
Explore Kyoto’s Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi nightlife with a local guide, tasting izakaya food, sake, beer, and cocktails for $25.
“Great tour and guide, the cherry on top is that it finishes up at a very nice whiskey bar 😌”
Explore Kyoto’s Gion at night on a three-hour small-group walk with temples, Hanamikoji Street, local stories, and a chance to spot maiko.
“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!”
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