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Private & personalized tours - just for you!

Experience the best of
Japan with Withlocals

See the highlights & hidden gems of Japan with a local on your side. The best private tours & travel experiences of 2026 in Japan are waiting for you.

Why Withlocals

Real People. Real Stories. Really Good Travel.

  • Feel like a local, not a tourist

    Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.

  • More you, less checklist

    Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.

  • Travel that feels good

    Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.



Top 10 things to do in Japan

Make your stay in Japan complete with these things to do

  1. 1Experience image
    Portrait from local Simone - Your Friendly Storyteller
    Portrait from local Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Choose your favorite local

    The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food

    174 reviews
    3 hours | Food tours | Kyoto

    Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.

    €116 per person
    Explore
  2. 2Experience image
    Portrait from local Guia - Hostest with the mostest!
    Portrait from local Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Choose your favorite local

    City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto

    169 reviews
    2 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.

    €33.09 per person
    Explore
  3. 3Experience image
    Portrait from local Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Portrait from local Naoki - Your local Narrator
    Choose your favorite local

    Full Coverage Kyoto City Tour

    113 reviews
    8 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.

    €177 per person
    Explore
  4. 4Experience image
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Portrait from local Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Choose your favorite local

    The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Tour

    125 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!

    €70.98 per person
    Explore
  5. 5Experience image
    Portrait from local Shohei - "Play by Ear" Traveler
    Portrait from local CHI HO - Professional Photographer
    Choose your favorite local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Kyoto

    372 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!

    €66.55 per person
    Explore
  6. 6Experience image
    Portrait from local Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Portrait from local Guia - Hostest with the mostest!
    Choose your favorite local

    Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour

    100 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    You’ve probably heard that Kyoto is well-known for its Geishas and Traditions, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!

    €51.68 per person
    Explore
  7. 7Experience image
    Portrait from local Maha - Authenticity Radar
    Portrait from local Pere Ignasi - The Foodie Captain
    Choose your favorite local

    City Explorer: Nara Day Trip

    684 reviews
    8 hours | Day trips | Kyoto

    Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Kyoto have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Nara and be back in Kyoto the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.

    €163 per person
    Explore
  8. 8Experience image
    Portrait from local marc - Marc Japan guide
    Portrait from local Seden - Kimono and Travel Lover
    Choose your favorite local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of the Shibuya district

    211 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | Tokyo

    Want to see the best of Tokyo? It’s all waiting in the Shibuya and Kinza district! And as in every Withlocals experience, the real excitement is the hidden gems of this area. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour in the Shibuya and Kinza district, so you can say: I experienced the real Tokyo!

    €62.46 per person
    Explore
  9. 9Experience image
    Portrait from local marc - Marc Japan guide
    Portrait from local Ollie - Adventure enthusiast
    Choose your favorite local

    The History of Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Asakusa District Tour

    105 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | Tokyo

    Curious to know more about Tokyo’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of Tokyo from a local perspective as you learn about Sensoji Temple & Asakusa District.

    €58.68 per person
    Explore
  10. 10Experience image
    Portrait from local Pere Ignasi - The Foodie Captain
    Portrait from local Bianca - Eco/Veg/Halal/LGBTQ+/Disabled/Kids-Friendly
    Choose your favorite local

    The 10 Tastings of Kobe: Street Food

    104 reviews
    3 hours | Food tours | Kobe

    Ready to taste the best food in Kobe? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kobe.

    €80.88 per person
    Explore
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Why is Withlocals the best place to buy a tour?

  • Private & Personal

    Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.

    You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.

    Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.

  • Chat before you book

    Message your host directly to customize your experience.

    Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.

  • Travel that supports locals

    Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.

    We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.

    Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.

  • Trusted by millions

    Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.

    Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.

    Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.

  • Private & Personal

    Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.

    You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.

    Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.

  • Chat before you book

    Message your host directly to customize your experience.

    Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.

  • Travel that supports locals

    Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.

    We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.

    Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.

  • Trusted by millions

    Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.

    Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.

    Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.


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Cities in Japan

  • 4 experiences
    Enjoy ourFukui
  • 4 experiences
    Enjoy ourFukuoka
  • 7 experiences
    Enjoy ourHiroshima
  • 16 experiences
    Enjoy ourKanazawa
  • 10 experiences
    Enjoy ourKobe
  • 46 experiences
    Enjoy ourKyoto
  • 5 experiences
    Enjoy ourNagasaki
  • 5 experiences
    Enjoy ourNagoya
  • 6 experiences
    Enjoy ourNara
  • 23 experiences
    Enjoy ourOsaka
  • 5 experiences
    Enjoy ourSapporo
  • 4 experiences
    Enjoy ourTakayama
  • 38 experiences
    Enjoy ourTokyo
  • 7 experiences
    Enjoy ourYokohama

Experiences for every interest

  • Japan forfoodiesHome Dinners • Local Delicacies • Food MarketsExplore
  • Japan forFamiliesTreasure Hunts • Arts & Crafts • Cooking ClassesExplore
  • Japan forNight owlsNightlife • Drinking Spots • Street FoodExplore
  • Japan forNewbiesHighlights & Must-sees • Tastings • Local HotspotsExplore
  • Japan forAdventurersBoat Rides • Wildlife & Nature • Day TripsExplore
  • Japan forArt loversGalleries • Street Art • ArchitectureExplore
  • Japan forExplorersLocal Culture • Off-the-beaten-track • Hidden GemsExplore

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  • Travelers love our locals

    Reviews from guests about our tours and locals

    • 5.0

      Fantastic day in Kyoto!

      "Our family greatly enjoyed our tour with Naoki. He brought so much history and context to all the sites we visited, which added so much richness and depth to our experience. In addition, he is very kind, adaptable, and a lot of fun to spend a day with! We highly recommend booking a tour with him!"

      local Naoki
      guest Scot
      ScotAbout local NaokiJapan, May 19, 2026
    • 5.0

      Fantastic Tour

      "We had a fantastic nighttime tour of the Gion district in Kyoto with our guide, Naoki. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about Shinto shrines, demonstrating how to pray there, which deepened our understanding of Japanese spirituality. Naoki also enlightened us about the lives of Geishas, discussing the evolution of this traditional art form. He led us to beautiful photo spots and provided excellent restaurant recommendations, enhancing our experience even further. Overall, Naoki's enthusiasm and expertise made this tour unforgettable. I highly recommend him for anyone wanting to explore Kyoto's rich culture! Kim & Dario"

      local Naoki
      guest Kim
      KimAbout local NaokiJapan, May 19, 2026
    • 5.0

      Upclose tour of Kyoto on Bikes

      "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our bike tour with Sebatian. He knows many great bike paths including the Philosophers path and was very patient with us as we navigated city streets. We learned a great deal about the city, history of temples and shrines and the importance of water. Highly recommend Sebatian’s bike tour. "

      local Sebastian
      guest geoffrey
      geoffreyAbout local SebastianJapan, May 19, 2026
    • 5.0

      The Best!

      "Yoshihiro "Ted" is a great guide. Informative, friendly, intuitive with a depth of knowledge that makes the tour truly engaging Having taken many tours and experienced private guides, he ranks at the top. Book with him if you can."

      local Yoshihiro
      guest Geoff
      GeoffAbout local YoshihiroJapan, May 16, 2026
    • 5.0

      Very interesting tour, and helpful guide

      "My husband and I took a tour in the Gion district of Kyoto with Ted. We both really enjoyed the tour, in particular Ted’s attention to choosing less crowded streets to include. His knowledge is excellent and we learnt a lot about the origins of Kabuki theatre and Geisha culture as well as how challenging the Geisha careers are to succeed in. I would definitely recommend Ted to other visitors to Kyoto who are interested in this tour. "

      local Yoshihiro
      guest Angharad
      AngharadAbout local YoshihiroJapan, May 14, 2026
    • 5.0

      Excellent experience

      "My husband and I had a wonderful afternoon with Maha right from the start she grabbed our attention with interesting Conversation. Fascinating facts about the culture and history of Japan. We learnt so much and the walking tour was over far too quickly. At the end of the tour Maha felt like a friend - I would highly recommend Maha and if we come back will book again.."

      local Maha
      guest Pauline
      PaulineAbout local MahaJapan, May 13, 2026
    • 5.0

      A perfect food tour with Ted!

      "Meeting Ted was a highlight of our time in Kyoto. We spent 3 hours with Ted exploring Nishiki Market - he guided us through the very best places to eat, the history behind some of the long standing market stalls, which tourist traps to avoid, all whilst getting hands-on and experiencing all the unique foods to Japan. Ted was the most incredible host and his English is fantastic! It was super special to have Ted exclusively to ourselves on our own private tour. He answered all our questions and even suggested some great foodie spots for our time coming up in Osaka. Thank you, Ted, for making our time so special! "

      local Yoshihiro
      guest Tom
      TomAbout local YoshihiroJapan, May 11, 2026
    • 5.0

      The quieter side of Kyoto

      "Shohei was a great guide, chatting to us about the buildings and streets around us, explaining the different shrines and temples in a lighthearted but not too irreverent manner, this tour and in particular Shoheiare highly recommended! And we look forward to working our way through the list of restaurant recommendations he provided! Thanks Shohei!"

      local Shohei
      guest verena
      verenaAbout local ShoheiJapan, May 10, 2026
    • 5.0

      Experience Kyoto

      "Great treasured and mostly valued guided Tours with bike and foods in Gion with Naoki!!"

      local Naoki
      guest Theres
      TheresAbout local NaokiJapan, May 10, 2026
    • 5.0

      Delightful tour

      "Marc met us at our hotel, guided us across town to Asakusa and the temple. En route, we stopped at several other places off the beaten path. It was a great 3 hours."

      local marc
      guest Andrea
      AndreaAbout local marcJapan, May 10, 2026