Japan’s Finest Journeys with a
Certified Guide
Knowing the background of a place’s history and culture transforms the travel experience.
Even the same destination feels different when its stories and meaning are understood.
Ordinary sightseeing becomes a meaningful, unforgettable journey.
Gold Guide
Gold Guide offers premium tours of Japan led by nationally certified interpreter-guides.
What sets Gold Guide apart is the exceptional calibre of its guides. Only top professionals from across Japan are selected—experts with deep cultural and historical knowledge, outstanding language skills, and the judgment to adapt to any situation.
Each journey is tailored to individual interests and pace, turning travel from “simply visiting” into a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience.
Feel free to consult or ask the guides anything!
Ask a GuideGreat Guides, Great Journeys
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01. Deep Expertise for a Fuller Experience
Nationally certified guides offer deep insights into history, culture, religion, architecture, and more. By exploring the stories and context behind each place, these experts provide a richer understanding and appreciation of the journey.
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02. Clear and Accurate Communication
Guides make complex aspects of Japanese history and culture easy to understand in English. Their professional language skills allow them to convey subtle nuances that go far beyond everyday conversation.
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03. Personalised to Your Interests
Even at the same location, every journey can be unique. Whether your interests are samurai history, food, architecture, or anime, guides tailor their explanations to create a more personal and meaningful experience.
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04. Guidance Tailored to the Day
Guides adapt to daily conditions—weather, crowds, or your energy level—ensuring a comfortable pace and a smooth, enjoyable experience so you can fully relax and make the most of your journey.
Feel free to consult or ask the guides anything!
Ask a GuideMeet Our Guides
All guides are nationally certified professionals.
Noko
Guide Experience: 10 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, Shiga, Seto Inland Sea
A native of Kyoto; expertise in tea ceremony, Japanese arts and crafts; certified educator with international enterprise experience.
Fumi
Guide Experience: 10 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, Shiga
An enthusiast of traditional Japanese performing arts, including Noh; a passionate food and drink explorer; luxury tour expert.
Sato-san
Guide Experience: 5 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara
A Nara Prefecture-certified guide; sake connoisseur; certified kimono dressing advisor and origami instructor.
Emi
Guide Experience: 10 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Shiga, Okayama, Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa
A licensed museum curator; expert in fashion, art, and golf; offering worry-free tours backed by 20 years at Osaka University.
Yuki
Guide Experience: 5 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Shiga
A master of the Way of Incense; certified in Japanese dance and flower arrangement; specialist in Kabuki and Noh.
KeiKay
Guide Experience: 10 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Shiga, Seto Inland Sea
A behind-the-scenes storyteller with broad knowledge of religions and cultures; known for elegant and impeccable manners.
Makiko
Guide Experience: 5 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, Shiga, Okayama, Seto Inland Sea
An experienced interpreter from the entertainment industry; culinary and beverage connoisseur; passionate about entertainment tours.
Yoshi
Guide Experience: 20 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Hiroshima, Seto Inland Sea
A manners and etiquette instructor; former ANA and Virgin Atlantic flight attendant; expert in Hiroshima and Naoshima.
Rue
Guide Experience: 5 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Hiroshima, Okayama, Seto Inland Sea
A University of Oregon graduate; traveled to 15 countries; well-versed in Japan’s major destinations with a relaxed style.
Yosshi
Guide Experience: 5 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Tokyo
A Tokyo-based national licensed guide; professional tour guide since 2017.
Rumiko, Sunshine
Guide Experience: 10 years or more
Languages: English
Area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Shiga, Okayama, Seto Inland Sea
A creator of “wow” and “ah-ha” moments; witty and humorous; food and drink enthusiast and Nara-certified guide.
Recommended Tours
Popular Tours by Region
1-day Kyoto Timeless Beauty Tour: Temples and Geisha District
1-day Osaka Highlights Tour: Skyscraper, Shopaholic and Foodie Heaven, and Castle
1-day Nara and Fushimi Tour: Ancient Capital Heritage, Sake Brewery, and Torii Gates
1-Day Tokyo Tour: Ueno Park, Yanaka, Imperial Palace and Shibuya
Afternoon Tokyo Tour: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya
1-day Tour of Onomichi, A Quaint Town Located Along the Seto Inland Sea
Ikuchijima 1-Day Tour - Art, Nature & Island Charm (from Hiroshima)
Popular Tours by Theme
1-day Western Kyoto Tour: World Heritage Sites and Bamboo Forest
1-day Tour: Exploring Hiroshima's Peace and Tranquility
1-day Shiga Tour: World Heritage Temple, Cozy Priest Lodge, and Sacred Shrine
1-day Himeji Tour: World Heritage Castle and The Last Samurai Temple
1-day Okayama Tour: Castle, Garden, and Historical Quarter
Naoshima 1-Day Tour (Flexible Itinerary on Museum Clusure Days)
1-day Hiroshima Architectural Masterpieces Tour
