Japan · PRIVATE

The 15 Private Tours in Japan That Earn Their Price

88 tours  ·  from $33 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 private tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - Asakusa and Senso-ji: the best first taste of old Tokyo
Government-Licensed Guide Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

1.Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,902 reviews · from $155Our pick

You choose three or four Tokyo sights, then your licensed English-speaking guide builds the day around your interests. Visit places such as Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tsukiji, or the Imperial Palace by foot and public transport. Guides including An, Taichi, Sho, Koba, and Yusuke have helped guests understand both Tokyo’s customs and its famously complex rail system.

“Our family of 5 enjoyed our tour of Tokyo with Koba. He got in touch with plenty of time and was very helpful organizing an itinerary tailored to our needs. It was a great way to see most of the spots we were hoping for. Koba was very kind and attentive and even left us with guides and information for later on our trip as well as an explanation of how to get back to our hotel.”

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Private Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone (Fully Licenced Operator) - The Tokyo pickup and the road to Fuji
Hakone Day Trips, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Private Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone (Fully Licenced Operator)

2.Private Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone (Fully Licenced Operator)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,910 reviews

Spend about 10 hours with a private English-speaking driver-guide exploring Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or the Fuji Five Lakes area. Choose stops such as Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, Chureito Pagoda, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, or Owakudani. Guides including Israr, Bajwa, Sam, and Petteri are praised for flexibility, local insight, and photo help.

“Haan was an excellent tour guide! He answered all of our questions and brought us to beautiful spots to take photographs. We really enjoyed this tour!”

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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - From Tofukuji to the forest trail
Fushimi Inari Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

3.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63

Follow a certified MagicalTrip guide from Tofukuji through forest paths, bamboo, and a small hidden shrine before reaching Fushimi Inari-Taisha from the quieter upper trails. Expect about 7 kilometers, stairs, uneven ground, and limited crowds. Guides such as Naru, Yuko, Emi, and Hina add local stories and photos. Private options are available.

“A fair amount of walking uphill, but a good tour to the bamboo forest and to the shrine areas. The guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating, he provided a good overview of the area and history.”

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Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised - Kennin-ji and Kyoto’s art of quiet attention
Hidden-Gem Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

4.Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,543 reviews · from $102

This private 2 to 5 hour walking tour pairs you with a local host such as Amy, Alex, Miki, or Kokoro. After a short questionnaire, your guide shapes the route around temples, food, history, shopping, or quiet streets. You may visit Gion, Kennin-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, or lesser-known places, with transport arranged at extra cost if needed.

“Shaan was our personal guide in Kyoto. She is highly knowledgeable of Kyoto and answered all our questions on how you live as a local plus the historical perspective. Having limited time in Kyoto it was well worth spending it with a professiRead more”

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Tokyo Customized Private Tour (Must See Places in 1 Day) - Senso-ji and Asakusa: the best starting point for old Tokyo
1-Day Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo Customized Private Tour (Must See Places in 1 Day)

5.Tokyo Customized Private Tour (Must See Places in 1 Day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,499 reviews · from $145

Build a private Tokyo day with guides such as Akari, Lax, Yosuke, Ken, or Yosuke, depending on availability. Choose temples, gardens, anime districts, markets, shopping, and local food. Your guide can meet you at your accommodation, walk with you, and teach you how to use Tokyo’s public transport. A private vehicle is optional.

“We felt like we made a new friend as Akari led us around Tokyo. She set a good pace. It was relaxed yet allowing us to dictate how long at each stop. She was very enthusiastic and answered all of our questions. She asked for input along thRead more”

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Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Tour from Tokyo (Customizable) - Lake Kawaguchiko: the classic Fuji view
Full-Day, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Tour from Tokyo (Customizable)

6.Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Tour from Tokyo (Customizable)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,470 reviews

Spend about 10 hours exploring Mount Fuji from Tokyo in a private vehicle for up to five people. Your multilingual driver can tailor the day around Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, shrines, parks, and the 5th Station, with photo help and early starts to beat traffic.

“What a beautiful day to enjoy around Mount Fuji. It was only topped by the service of our guide Fakher. He communicated greatly before arriving and entertained us through the trip. He gave us options to choose and explained what would be the best due to the season. We went to several spots and he took awesome pictures of us.”

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Tokyo: Private City Highlights Tour with Local Guide - Asakusa and Senso-ji, the best traditional opening
City Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Private City Highlights Tour with Local Guide

7.Private City Highlights Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,433 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $106

Meet a licensed English or Japanese-speaking guide at your hotel and shape a 4 to 8-hour Tokyo day around your interests. Choose major sights such as Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, or Akihabara. Guides including Fumiko, Kenji, Atsushi, and Yumi have helped visitors manage the Metro, adjust the pace, and add local context.

“Koji was an excellent guide and was well prepared in advance of our visit. Communication with him was helpful to plan our tour of Tokyo. He provided good information about all of the sites we attended and was very helpful to navigate the complex Tokyo transit system to maximize our time on the tour.”

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Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day - Tsukiji seafood and the city’s food side
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

8.Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,432 reviews · from $159

Build a four- or eight-hour Tokyo itinerary with a private English-speaking guide such as Shuhei, Sabina, Roy, or Keiji. Visit sights such as Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, or Yanaka Ginza, then travel by subway or private vehicle. Full-day tours include lunch.

“Excellent tour of Tokyo! We went with the guide and driver. Together they offered the perfect day enjoying all of the highlights of Tokyo along with historical information. We requested a street food tour for lunch and enjoyed amazing food selected by our guide. It was the perfect day! We would highly recommend this tour!”

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Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and Harajuku
Government-Licensed Guide Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

9.Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,394 reviews · from $109

Spend four hours with a government-licensed English-speaking guide and choose two or three Tokyo sights that fit your interests. You might visit Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, the Imperial Palace grounds, Tsukiji, or a quiet garden. Your guide meets you on foot and helps with Tokyo’s complex trains and subway system. Transport, meals, and entrance fees cost extra.

“You can choose whatever sites with your guide that fit your schedule. We had several spread out through Tokyo and visited with no issues”

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Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - Picking the right three or four sights
Government-Licensed Guide Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

10.Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,369 reviews · from $155

Meet a government-licensed English-speaking guide on foot and shape six hours around three or four Kyoto sights. Choose famous places such as Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Gion, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama, or Uji’s Byodoin Temple. Your guide handles routes, explains customs, and adjusts the pace for your group.

“Very flexible to chose the places you want to go and advice on what makes sense. Noriko-san was very helpful and informative.”

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Tokyo Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day - Tsukiji Outer Market and the food question
1-Day Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day

11.Tokyo Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,351 reviews · from $145

Build a private Tokyo day around your interests with a local guide such as Tak, Yoko, Ike, or Fumi. Walk and ride the metro to places such as Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Yanaka, or the Imperial Palace. Choose 4, 6, or 8 hours, with hotel pickup included and private vehicle service available for an extra fee.

“Great intro to Tokyo. Guide was knowledgeable and flexible! Highly recommend it. Shinobu (our guide) was excellent.”

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Osaka: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Walking Tour Private or Group - Namba back lanes and the first takoyaki
Hidden-Gem Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Osaka, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Osaka

Osaka: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Walking Tour Private or Group

12.Hotspots & Hidden Gems Walking Tour Private or Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,300 reviews · 3 - 7 hours · from $33Best value

Walk Osaka from Namba through Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, Amerikamura, and Shinsekai. Taste takoyaki, sample market foods, and hear local stories from guides such as Josh, Rahat, Taka, and Stephanie. Choose a 3-hour small group walk or a 4 to 7-hour private tour with options for Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and a Japanese knife lesson.

“Our guide Josh provided a comprehensive walking tour of some very interesting areas of Osaka. He has a deep understanding of Japanese culture & history with having lived in Osaka for over 20 years. As we travelled independently in Japan we are very thankful to have had Josh as our guide for Osaka. We highly recommend this tour - extra special bonus if you have Josh as your guide”

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Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide - Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome
Full-Day, Government-Licensed Guide Tours, Guided, Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hiroshima

Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

13.Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,298 reviews · from $202

Spend about eight hours with a government licensed English speaking guide in Hiroshima and Miyajima. Shape the day around three or four sites, then travel by local train, tram, and ferry. Expect the Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, or hilltop Tenshinkaku, with tickets and meals paid separately.

“Minori was so helpful, knowledgeable, and prepared for our tour. She gave us an amazing day in Hiroshima and taught us much about the various sites. The guide makes the tour and Minori did not disappoint. Thank you for an awesome day exploring the shrines, temples, and historical sites of Hiroshima!”

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Tokyo, Shaped Around You: A Private Experience with a Local - Starting in Harajuku and getting your bearings
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo, Shaped Around You: A Private Experience with a Local

14.Tokyo, Shaped Around You: A Private Experience with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,177 reviews · from $107

Meet a private City Unscripted host such as Shoko, Toshi, Amir, or Ayaka for a 2 to 5 hour Tokyo walk planned around your interests. Choose temples, markets, food, trains, fashion, or quieter neighborhoods. Your host can meet you at central accommodation, and the route changes as you go.

“Kay was a great guide! Provided us with tons of great facts about the city and showed us places tailored to our interests!”

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10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people) - Arashiyama packs nature, gardens, and Instagram scenery
1-Day Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people)

15.10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,108 reviews · from $179

Spend eight fast-moving hours with a private English-speaking guide and your own group of up to seven. You’ll visit Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and more. Guides such as Tammy, Yoshi, Hiromi, and Akemi are praised for clear explanations, good route planning, photos, and local food tips.

“This was a great way to see Kyoto whem limited for time. My guide,Abe-san was very knowledgeable and answered a number of questions about the sites as well as Japanese history. She was veey efficient on time and considerate about tRead more”

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New in Private

★ 5.0Private sightseeing tour from Shimizu Port / Van Taxi114 reviews
★ 5.0Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide OnlyFrom $15580 reviews
★ 5.0Sapporo Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden GemsFrom $10991 reviews
★ 5.0[Otaru & Yoichi] Let’s go to Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Music Box Hall, and Yoichi Nikka Whiskey by private car (arriving and departing from Sapporo)21 reviews
★ 5.0Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed GuideFrom $12253 reviews
★ 5.0Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed GuideFrom $15566 reviews
★ 4.5Kobe Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Tour with a GuideFrom $12370 reviews
★ 5.0Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed GuideFrom $10859 reviews
★ 5.0Kamakura Private Tour: Temples, Nature, and the Great BuddhaFrom $98121 reviews
★ 5.0Kagoshima Private & Custom Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle29 reviews
★ 5.02.5 Hour Private History and Culture Tour in Himeji Castle185 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour – Hakone Day Trip! A Tour to Explore All Must-Sees!From $18158 reviews
★ 5.0Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local GuideFrom $30091 reviews
★ 5.0Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed GuideFrom $20163 reviews
★ 5.0Private Fukuoka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% PersonalisedFrom $66143 reviews

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