Kanazawa Private Tour Guides

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Popular Kanazawa Tour Guides

Hideo Y.

4.57 / 5
(167 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!

Kashima H.

4.67 / 5
(75 reviews)
Japan

I am Kashima. I have gained the Government Licensed Tour Guide authorization in 2017/2. I passed a licensing examination of Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification Test 3rd grade in 2023. I passed a licensing examination of Tokyo city guide in 2023. I had worked for one of biggest Electric Company in the world which manufacture various type of Electrical products. I had a task roll of design development of Semiconductor for Video movie appliance in Japan and semiconductor marketing for 5 years in USA. Secondly, I had worked for one of big grovel Electric part Company which manufacture connectors for Electrical appliance usage. I had a task roll of quality assurance cooperating with the grovel college including USA, Europe (Ireland, Germany, France), China and Eastern Asia. As a result, I have communicated with people from different countries and I have become interested in introducing Japan to them. That is why I made decision to become an English tour guide. <Primary Itinerary> By introducing Japan to non-Japanese tourists, I would like to do my best to serve the best customized private tours in Japan that you and your family are looking forward to enjoying the fantastic experience as below. 1) Sightseeing of natural scenic spots, historical landmark (Temples, Shrines, Palace, Gardens) and cultural assets (Paintings, sculptures, swords and so-on) 2) Strolling of the bustling streets & towns 3) Traditional town atmosphere experience 4) Japanese Modern Architecture in both Tokyo, 5) Experience of Traditional performing arts & events enjoyment such as Kabuki, Sumo-training, tea ceremony and Ninjya training 6) Famous relaxation spots enjoyment such as Onsen and Japanese bar 7) Crafts art of Japan experience such as Sake brewery and Bonsai museums 8) Enjoyment for kids such as Amusement facility (Anime, Games, Comics), shopping of latest trendy goods, entertainment café and so-on. 9) Night-time foods and drinking enjoyment in Food market & Drinking streets

Yuriko S.

4.94 / 5
(52 reviews)
Japan

I am Yuriko from Gifu Prefecture. I was an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I started to work as a National Certificate tour guide in 2019. I'm very interested in kimono, tea ceremony and Japanese castles. I sometimes guide in kimono. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu and Nagoya! I also guide around Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kanazawa if you pay my transportation fee from my hometown. Let's enjoy Japan with me!

Yoshie K.

5.00 / 5
(33 reviews)
Japan

Hi, I am Yoshie. I am a national government licensed English speaking Guide. I used to work for multinational companies and served as an interpreter for several years and travelled around Japan with coworkers. I love plants, nature, travelling as well as finding good places to eat! I am also a communicative person. After having lived in Tokyo for some decades, now I live in my hometown, Fukui where you can have a great experience of Zen buddhism in the head temple of the Zen sect, Eiheiji which was founded in 1244. Fukui Dinosaur Museum is very popular regardless of age. It is one of the world's three largest dinosaurs. Echizen is also well known for Japan's handmade crafts including kitchen knives, washi paper, lacquer wares, Tansu chests and pottery. Seeing craftsmen's work right in front of you makes you excited and impressed. I have been travelling Kanazawa since my high school age so I know well about the town to show you around as well as Shirakawago, a day trip from Kanazawa. I am excited to meet you and coordinate what you are really interested in to make you the happiest memories in Japan. I look forward to guiding you soon!

Fujio N.

4.79 / 5
(14 reviews)
Japan

Born and having spent most of my life in Kanazawa, I went into the export business for a major high-speed and automatic loom maker, where I worked for 38 years. When I was a university student in Kyoto, I occasionally worked part time as an English speaking guide. I have guided foreign tourists in Japan especially in my hometown for over 13 years starting soon after my retirement. I joined Kanazawa Good-will Guide Network in 2000 and had been its coordinator for six years from 2002, currently being its senior adviser. Furthermore, I organized Kanazawa Home-visit Association in 2003 that has received over 8,000 visitors from overseas, among whom 1,900 enjoyed experiencing Japanese culture in my own home. In 2012, I established the group for the interpreter guide with my friends and currently I am its coordinator. I am therefore very familiar with historical, cultural and industrial backgrounds of Kanazawa and its surrounding regions. My hobby is golf and my current official golf handicap is 15. Tour Guide Services: Sightseeing tours with explanations of historical and cultural backgrounds of Ishikawa prefecture including Kanazawa city and Noto peninsula, and the surrounding prefectures such as Gifu (with Takayama city and Shirakawa village), Toyama (with Gokayama village) and Fukui (with Eiheiji Zen Temple) Sample Itineraries: Model Plans in Kanazawa: Full-day tour (7~8h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including gold-leaf shops → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art → Nagamachi Samurai District → Omicho Market Half -day tour (4~5h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including a gold-leaf shop → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → Nagamachi Samurai District Other popular optional spots are also available: Myoryuji (Ninja) Temple, D. T. Suzuki Museum, Oyama Shrine, Kaga Yuzen Traditional Industrial (silk kimono) Center, Nishida Family Garden (Gyokusen-en), Kazuemachi Chaya (Geisha) District, Ohi Pottery Museum, Kutani Porcelain Kiln, etc. Home-visit (2 hours) Visit a local home to enjoy talking with the host family over tea and to learn the distinctive Japanese lifestyle firsthand, where you might experience traditional culture such as a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, kimono dressing, calligraphy and paper- folding. Model Plans of one-day round trips by highway bus from Kanazawa 1. Noto peninsula (world agricultural heritage site with Wajima Morning Market, Wajima Lacquerware Center, Wajima Kiriko (gigantic festival lantern) Art Museum, Senmaida Terraced Rice Fields, Sojiji Zen Temple, Ganmon and Chirihama Beach Driveway), etc. 2. Takayama city (old merchant town), Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages (world cultural heritage site with thatched-roof farm houses)

Takashi M.

4.71 / 5
(17 reviews)
Japan

I was born and brought up in Kanazawa, and live in Kanazawa. So,I know every corner of this town. I am a national licensed tour guide. I started operating tour guide business in 2004 after retired from the local government office. I enjoyed hobbies when I found my spare time. In my twenties and thirties, I walked along many peaks of Northern Japan Alps during the summer mountain season. I travelled many places domestic and abroad. I also enjoyed skiing while I was in my forties and fifties. I have offered tour guides to over 1,000 tourists since I started tour guiding. I explain local history and culture, religion, traditional arts and crafts, and food, etc. I try my best to have customers' satisfaction, and make your tours enjoyable and memorable.Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains started operating between Tokyo and Kanazawa on March 14, 2015. It takes about 2 and half hours. You will be able to make one-day tour to Kanazawa from Tokyo. I look forward to having your application.

Yukari S.

5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I'm Yukari. I'm a government licensed guide of Kanazawa city.(Kanazawa Visitor's Host) I was originally born and raised in Toyama prefecture. I had moved 2 times within Hokuriku region in my childhood for my fathers job. I've been living in Ishikawa for 16 years in total.(4years in my childhood and 12years since I married. ) I have a family of 4. I'm raising 2boys and have 2dogs. I love animals, nature, music, photos, camping, and good food. So if you feel that I might have a similar taste with you, my tour will bring you a satisfied explore. Here in Kanazawa, tourists have been increasing in number since the opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015. Many of foreign tourists are walking around throughout the city holding their smartphone by hand. Every time I see those people, I felt that I might be able to do something which make their trip more memorable. This is the reason why I took the license of Kanazawa Visitor's Host and started a local tour guide. Although I've just started as a tour guide in 2018,I sincerely enjoy making a personalized plan that every single guest would be able to make the day here in Kanazawa perfectly. I have ever lived in Toyama, Fukui, Ishikawa, Chiba, Tokyo (Japan),and Toronto (Canada). I have ever been to USA (Seattle, LA, CA, NY) Australia (Cairns) New Zealand(Auckland) Korea, China, and Canada (many cities). Let's go for Kanazawa tour just for you! Please feel free to contact me if you have any inquiries. Yukari

Mika S.

4.96 / 5
(26 reviews)
Japan

My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability. In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be! Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner! My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you. Fun facts about me! I was sponsored to travel around the world twice I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals

Day Trips from Kanazawa

Reviews

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Perry B.

5 / 5
Sep 19, 2024

Well organized day in Hakone.

Aki is an experienced guide with a great deal of enthusiasm for his job. He speaks English well and is committed to ensuring his clients enjoy Japan. He is a pleasant person to spend the day with.

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Renate R.

5 / 5
Sep 19, 2024

Fantastic way to explore Tokyo

Yumi is the best. If we could give more than 5 stars, we would. Her depth of knowledge about Tokyo in general, the long history of the city, the insights into culture, people and food was such a great way to explore the city and it's wonderful sights. Highly recommend.

Yumi I.

Renate san Thank you very much for your super wonderful and quick review. You two were very friendly and so nice. Today is so hot and humid, you might be really tired. I learned many information from you by talking about many things. You have walked a lot today and you must be tired. Please get enough rest and prepare for the rest of your trip in Japan. From tomorrow onwards, I hope you will enjoy your first trip to Japan in Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and Kyoto or Nara and so on and make many wonderful memories. And please come back to Japan again. Thank you for everything. Yumi

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Cheri S.

5 / 5
Sep 19, 2024

Exciting Lisbon

Duarte was an excellent guide showing us all the beautiful sights of Lisbon. He was very detailed in his explanations and giving us in depth history. He was accommodating to what we wanted to see. Great guide.

Joseph Y.

5 / 5
Sep 19, 2024

Best Guide I've every had!!!

Masumi is hands down The Best Guide!!! I had a wonderful time exploring Tokyo with her!!! She is very informative, kind, intelligent, and experienced in travel. If you want the best, simply put, book with Masumi!!!

Masumi N.

Joseph:):):) thank you soooo much for your heart full comment!!! It was very pleasure meeting you and spending time with you!!! I enjoyed every conversation we had, we laughed a lot ya!!! I really miss chatting with you! Plz plz contact me anytime whenever I can assist with you:):):) thank you very much again for amazing wonderful day yesterday!!

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

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Local Tour Guides in Kanazawa

Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Kanazawa. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you. When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do. Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Kanazawa!