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
- 10:30 hotel 10:35 Hida Kokubunji Temple 10:45 Miyagawa Morning Market 11:15 Kusakabe Folk Museum 11:45 Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall), Nikko Toshogu Shrine 13:00 Old Townscape 14:00 Local Sake Tasting 14:30 Disband at the Old Townscape
What's a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a lovely group visiting from North America. They were not very talkative, and while they did not eat a great deal, they were remarkably strong drinkers and enjoy California wine. One of the guests is a great cat lover and was especially fond of cat cafes, keeping three cats at home. Since they had asked someone to look after their cats while away, they wanted to find a thank-you gift as a souvenir. They had very clear preferences — cats were a must, along with other cute items. Fortunately, there was a shop selling cat goods, which was a great help. We had to give up on visiting Takayama Jinya due to time, so I gave a brief explanation of it just beforehand. They had requested a sake flask (tokkuri), so I guided them to an acquaintance's shop, and happily it was a hit. It was wonderful to see them smile.
Click here for more details: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
I was born, raised, and still live in Takayama, and I am a licensed National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
My guiding philosophy is to create unforgettable memories through warm, cheerful, and engaging experiences. I enjoy sharing not only the highlights of the region, but also the history, culture, and stories that make each place unique.
I studied International Relations at a national university and have built a diverse career in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and the local tourism association. Today, I primarily guide luxury travelers, as well as private and group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences, visits with local artisans, and in-depth insights into Japanese traditions.
I also practice Japanese calligraphy, the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, Sencha (Baisa-ryu), and kimono dressing, allowing me to incorporate traditional Japanese culture into my tours.
I mainly guide in Takayama, Okuhida, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Kamikochi. I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan a truly memorable experience.
Sep 26, 2024
L9503LEstephenr
Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We did the tour…
Sep 26, 2024
L9503LEstephenr
Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We did the tour for our honeymoon and we had a really great experience!
Mitsu was such a great and very much kind guide, we had such an amazing time with her!
She gave us a lot of great informations about the cultural aspect of the places that she shown us.
She was also very fun and very thoughtful, you will definitely have a great time with her.
I totally recommend her to book as guide, she will make your experience into great memories.
Aug 29, 2024
Stay19758434714
Takayama tour with Mitsu!
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu was an amazing…
Aug 29, 2024
Stay19758434714
Takayama tour with Mitsu!
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu was an amazing tour guide! She was very courteous, inviting and knowledgeable. My family and I felt very comfortable with her. It was especially great to learn about the town of Takayama from a local person. Mitsu is like a historian there and she is very passionate about her town! The tour was very well planned with our thoughts and wishes considered. Thank you Mitsu!
Aug 24, 2024
Joy L
Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed…
Aug 24, 2024
Joy L
Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu made our visit very special with her preparation and presentation. She is a wonderful ambassador for Takayama and her country. She was extremely tolerant of our changes to the initial itinerary due to the heat. Her relationship with the local crafts people introduced us to a beautiful aspect of Takayama that we wouldn’t have been able to engage with by ourselves.
Aug 13, 2024
sall450
Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu…
Aug 13, 2024
sall450
Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu is the best of the best. She is more than a tourist guide, the true embassador of Takayama. She knows every corner and hidden gems of the city, with all the gratitude and kindness she will explain to you every detail. 100% recommended if you want to visit the town with the eyes of a local
Aug 13, 2024
Exploration487130
Takayama tour
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mitsu guide was very patient, she loves her job. We had a great time with her. She got us
to historical and local places. ♥️