knoxnick37919

Hi!

We will be traveling to Japan with our family (two adults and two children) in two weeks! Our family is interested in hiring a private/personal guide for a day of touring in Tokyo and also a guide for a day of touring in Kyoto. We had signed up for the free guide services (which really sounded like a great way to work directly with a local), but we are now two weeks out from our trip and haven't found a guide through those services. Given that our trip is coming up so soon we may need to go ahead and book a pay guide service. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

FromDC

We asked our hotel in Kyoto to arrange for a guide and they made arrangements with a really terrific guide. Had a great day with her and we found it very helpful to have a guide for one full day in Kyoto (out of the 4 days we spent there)

Mayumi Sekiguchi
[email protected]

FromDC

One other thing, it was at about the same time last year, May 23, 2016

Guenmai

http://privatetour-kyoto.com/ehome.htm

I will be hiring him.

Happy Travels!

knoxnick37919

Thanks for all the replies! Good idea to call the hotel. I'll also check out that website.

Kathie

I did not find a need for a guide anywhere in Japan.

We are all different.

Lolazahra

I loved having a guide in Kyoto and Tokyo. I did not use one everyday but found great pros from using one a few of the days. I used Chris Rowthorn Private Tours. Website is www.chrisrowthorn.com. They specialize in walking tours, but used a variety of modes based on our personal desires. We walked, which was lovely, we jumped on the subway and used cabs. The great thing is that I modified a few of the tours they offered which was great. All of the guides were fantastic and it was a great experience. In Kyoto, they also set up a private dinner for us with a Geisha and Maiko. I can highly recommend. We were 2 adults and four children. Have fun.

Guenmai

Lolazahra: Thanks for posting that information. I have bookmarked it!

Happy Travels!

sandgroper

We had a volunteer Kyoto guide on 10th May for the whole day. She was brilliant. I requested a guide through Sakura Volunteer Guide Club.

We successfully applied for a Tokyo volunteer guide for the day through Tokyo Free Guide. ( I'm still to arrive in Tokyo )

Good luck!