Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Emi
September, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 13:00 Meet at hotel – Odata Family House –
- 13:30 Matsushiro Zozan Underground Bunker – Yamadera Jozan Residence – Zozan Shrine – Former Shirai Family Front Gate – Bunbu School – Sanada Residence –
- 16:00 Sanada Treasure Museum – Statue of Sanada Nobuyuki – Matsushiro Castle Ruins –
- 17:00 Disband at hotel

What Is a Private Castle Town Walking Tour in Matsushiro Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from North America who was currently on a solo trip around the world. Under the refreshing clear skies of autumn, the guest enjoyed a walk through the quiet castle town while asking many questions, such as the differences between ninja, samurai, and shogun. The guest kindly commented that what they saw in Matsushiro town would help deepen their understanding of what they would see at future destinations. This tour was arranged by an overseas agency using the guest's name.
Click here for more details: Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Nice to meet you. My name is Emi F., and I am a licensed guide interpreter specializing in English. I was born and have lived and worked in Nagano, where I am especially knowledgeable about the northern, eastern, and central regions of the prefecture. After retiring early from a career in teaching, I began working as a guide interpreter in 2021. Since then, I have had the pleasure of guiding many visitors to some of my favorite places, including Nagano, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Matsumoto, Azumino, Yamanouchi, Obuse, Nozawa-onsen, Suzaka, and Karuizawa, among others. I have a deep appreciation for the diverse foods harvested in Nagano and am committed to providing a flexible and enjoyable experience for my guests. Additionally, upon request, I can also guide you in Kanazawa, Nagoya, Nara, and Kyoto. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to share a memorable and enjoyable tour together.
Mar 21, 2026
Cengiz_S
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
We’re really enjoyed this…
Mar 21, 2026
Cengiz_S
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
We’re really enjoyed this tour! Emi, our guide, was a fantastic host and incredibly informative and attentive. She contacted us in advance for the tour and tailored an itinerary based on interests. The tour itself was absolutely delightful – we spent most of it exploring Zenkoji Temple and its surrounding area which were beautiful and fascinating at the same time. Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
Apr 3, 2025
R
Robert_C
Emi was a great guide who…
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Emi was a…
Apr 3, 2025
R
Robert_C
Emi was a great guide who…
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Emi was a great guide who took time in explaining the many facets of the Zenko-ji Temple.
On our walk to the temple, she pointed out the various cultural sites, food to sample and
Japanese history. This was an excellent tour and I recommend Emi as a guide.
Jun 8, 2024
James_M
Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We…
Jun 8, 2024
James_M
Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a beautiful afternoon spending 4 hours with Emi (Amy) seeing Senko-Ji temple, an open-air market, the art museum, and observatory overlooking all of Nagano. Amy is a wonderful, energetic and knowledgeable guide who speaks English very well. We enjoyed our time very much and highly recommend this tour!
