Shiga Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Shiga, Japan with a Local Guide

Popular Shiga Private Tours

The villages of Kouga Ninja and Shigaraki pottery

Shiga
9 hours

Koka city is one of the two most famous districts for Ninja as well as Iga city. The Ninja house was built about 300 years ago .It displays some gears and weapons actually used by Ninja allowing you to have experience intelligence and crafty skills. Shigaraki pottery has a long history and famous for its cute raccoon dog "Tanuki" There are many genuine Sake breweries in Shiga

FROM$125/ per group
Mana F.
4.85 / 5
(85 reviews)

Experiencing Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony

Shiga
2 hours

You can experience real traditional Japanese tea ceremony privately. I will pick you up at Otsu jr station or Hamaotsu Krishna station. Please feel relaxed to contact me.

FROM$69/ per group
Toshiyo O.
4.67 / 5
(242 reviews)

Let's enjoy Lake Biwa cruise and National Treasure Castle!

Shiga
7 hours

Hikone Castle is one of the five National Treasure castles. The castle is on the hilltop and you can see beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa and castle town. Beside the castle, there is a beautiful Japanese garden, named "Genkyu-en". If you like, you enjoy a cup of green tea with Japanese sweet. After lunch at the castle town, let's enjoy cruise to a small sacred island, Chikubu-jima. In the sacred island, there are a famous temple and a National Treasure shrine. I'm sure you like it!!

FROM$208/ per group
Yuriko S.
4.94 / 5
(50 reviews)

Enjoy the authentic castle town and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Shiga
3 hours 50 min

Oumihachiman was once very flourished town under Hachimanyama castle back in the 16th century. Still you see a beautiful town with traditional style houses as well as the moat used for the castle. The area is also famous for Oumi beef which is one of the 3 best beefs in Japan similar to the famous Kobe beef. We will go up the mountain by the cable car. Will see the beautiful view of Lake Biwa, the biggest lake in Japan together with the rice paddies.

FROM$139/ per group
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(17 reviews)

Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto

Shiga
6 hours

Hikone City is only an hour away from Kyoto by train and faces the largest lake in Japan. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and its castle town are located there. There are also some old temples and shrines nearby. You feel like you have slipped back into the Edo Period ( about 200~400 years ago). This is a half-day tour where you can learn about Japan's medieval period.

FROM$139/ per group
Kazuhiko G.
4.75 / 5
(169 reviews)

Bike Tour around Yogo, an Old Home of Japan in Shiga

Shiga
9 hours

Lake Yogo, alias "Mirror Lake" is a northernmost attraction in Shiga pref. Literally, it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The one day tour takes you to representative spots associated with impressive folklores about the lake and its vicinity. We can also visit the stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake of the Provincial Wars.

FROM$281/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

A Half Day Bike Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga

Shiga
4 hours

Lake Yogo is a northernmost mysterious attraction in Shiga prefecture, and its another name is "Mirror Lake", since it looks like a natural mirror on a calm day, perfectly reflecting surrounding mountains. The lake was a stage of the fierce historical battle of Shizugatake in the midst of the age of Provincial Wars (1583). There are also many folklores associated with the lake.

FROM$125/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

Autumnal Leaves at Keisoku-ji & Shizugatake Old Battlefield

Shiga
9 hours

Keisoku-ji was re-built by the Venerable, Saicho (767-822 AD), and named after footmarks of a chicken left on accumulated snow. The monk found an Eleven-headed Deity of Mercy in burned-out ruins, and then opened tremendous area of many Buddhist temples. Though the temple became deserted now, the breath-taking beauty of hundreds of colored leaves attracts so many people just like the old days.

FROM$281/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

New Shiga Private Tours

Shiga nature tour

Shiga
8 hours

Shiga prefecture is next to Kyoto prefecture. There is the biggest lake, the lake of Biwa. And you can see many beautiful mountains and clear streams. I will guide small hiking to a beautiful waterfall (30 min up, 30 min down) I can also show you Shiga sightseeing spots!

FROM$313/ per group
Hero I.
4.91 / 5
(45 reviews)

A Walking Tour along the Old Street in Nagahama

Shiga
5 hours

Since Nagahama started growing after Hideyoshi had based here in 1574, sightseers can feel the retro-inspired atmosphere here and there. After visiting the Tycoon’s first built castle, we will stop by the Railway Square and Keiun-kan Guest Palace, where we can appreciate the nationally designated Japanese Garden, too. Along the Kurokabe Street, we will see that gorgeous floats for the spring festival, which was registered UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

FROM$156/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

A Winter Tour around Lake Yogo in Shiga (余吴湖畔冬季之远行在滋贺县)

Shiga
5 hours

Lake Yogo is a mirror-like spot surrounded with community based forests in a secluded corner of Shiga. Though the district around the lake is often covered with fresh snow almost every day in sever winter season, the sceneries from the lakeside must give sightseers unique landscapes associated with genuine local cultures of Japan and folklores which have come down from more than 1,200 years ago.

FROM$156/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

One Day Tour around Central Nagahama in Shiga (长滨市内一天远行在滋贺县)

Shiga
8 hours

Nagahama (Population: about 120,000; Area: about one sixth of the whole of Shiga) has developed after Hideyoshi, a famous hero in the Provincial War Period, put his base castle here in 1570s. UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Asset, Hikiyama festival has an origin of celebrating a birth of the strongman’s first son. Thus, many spots associated with the old days still remain here and there.

FROM$250/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

One Day Bike Tour around Kohoku in Shiga

Shiga
9 hours

Kohoku, i.e., northernmost district in Shiga pref. is said to be “The home of Kan-non (Deity of Mercy)”, many of which have been protected by successive villagers of the hamlets since more than 1,200 years ago. You can also appreciate breathtaking autumnal beauty of the old mountainous temple of Keisoku-ji in late fall. Thus, you may feel a genuine cultured atmosphere of old Japan here at Kohoku.

FROM$281/ per group
Yoshi K.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)

Popular Shiga Tour Guides

Toshiyo O.

4.67 / 5
(242 reviews)
Japan

I was born and raised in Kyoto.Kyoto has a lot of things to see and experience. Kyoto is an ancient city with a lot of world heritage. I am happy to show you both traditonal aspects of Japan and modern things. I use public transportation and I am good at walking. Also I am very flexible.

Kazuhiko G.

4.75 / 5
(169 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!

Tomoe S.

4.94 / 5
(108 reviews)
Japan

Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me. I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto. I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job. I like history and like to visit temples in Nara. My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!! I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country. I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!! Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you. I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!! I'm looking forward to seeing you!! * If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate) Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour. * If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.

Tatsuhiro N.

4.50 / 5
(54 reviews)
Japan

It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.

Mana F.

4.85 / 5
(85 reviews)
Japan

Hello, my name is Mana. I am a National Licensed Tour Guide in English. I was born and raised in Kyoto. I worked for the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters after I graduated from university. I know lots about Kyoto's cultures and festivals . I am good at walking. After I got married, I have been in Shiga for over 30 years. I work for at high school as a part time teacher. I am flexible in Kyoto and Shiga. See you soon!

Koichi W.

4.95 / 5
(61 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.

Hero I.

4.91 / 5
(45 reviews)
Japan

Hello. I am a Hero from Shiga. I have lived in Denmark, Canada, Germany. I would like to explore Japan with you without the language barrier. I know well about local foods (both cheap nice one and expensive fancy one), nature, sightseeing spots. Also, I can guide hiking, fishing, snorkeling...all kinds of outdoor sports. Let's go on an adventure together. Then I have lived in Nara, Okinawa. My major is marine biology. I played volleyball, rugby, swimming, and diving! So I am happy to talk to you about science. I can guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Shiga!! In addition, other places are negotiable by texting! Also, I know where we can eat tasty melon pan, Gyoza, sushi, sukiyaki, pizza, udon, and Japanese BBQ!! Vegan and vegetarian restaurant too!! Yes, I am super foodie person! Jeg har boet i Nørrebro, København 1 år i 2010. Jeg kan tale dansk lidt. Skal vi snakke Dansk?Jeg vil gerne går tur mit dig!Vi ses i snart!! Hallo. Ich bin Hero. Ich habe auf Helgoland gewhont 1 jahre in 2016. Ich kann Deutsch sprechen ein bisschen!Lass uns auf Tour gehen!! Меня зовут хироши. Я немного говорю по русски. Пожалуйста свяжись со мной! Je suis Hiroshi. J'ai vécu à Toulouse 2 mois. J'aime le fran et tarte aux pommes! Allons faire un voyage ensemble. ヒロと申します。京都・滋賀在住。専門は海洋生物学ですが、世界中の文化や言語、食べ物、考え方に興味があります。ここ10年間様々な海外からの友達をガイドしました。日本人の方も喜んでガイド致します。 自然体験ツアーやハイキング、釣りなどアウトドアも可能です。遠慮なくご連絡ください。 お待ちしております。

Yuriko S.

4.94 / 5
(50 reviews)
Japan

I am Yuriko from Gifu Prefecture. I was an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I started to work as a National Certificate tour guide in 2019. I'm very interested in kimono, tea ceremony and Japanese castles. I sometimes guide in kimono. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu and Nagoya! I also guide around Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kanazawa if you pay my transportation fee from my hometown. Let's enjoy Japan with me!

New Shiga Tour Guides

Kai M.

Japan

I'm living in Osaka for 50 years. I am happy to share my experience with you to enjoy more about Osaka, Japan.

Norman B.

Japan

Good day, everyone! I am Norman. I live in Japan since 2006 and currently residing in Gifu ken. My passions are playing competitive sports and traveling around famous and historical tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’ll be more than happy to assist you especially here in Nagoya, Aichi ken/Gifu ken/Shiga ken and Kyoto. Let’s make your journey unforgettable.  

Eco H.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 7 years, and now he hopes to share with you all he has learned of this wonderful city and the surrounding area. Recent graduate with a background in Japanese history and religion, he is now a professor a university in nearby Kobe city. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting the delightful sites. Throughout his time in Kyoto he has been working as a guide for numerous organisations, including guiding around Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto, and has provided many with a unique view of the city.

Yuta I.

5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Japan

Hi everyone! My name is Yuta! Thanks for checking out my profile. I've been living in Kyoto for over 4 years, and I love exploring and sharing the city's amazing history and culture with people from all over the world. During university, I spent over a year traveling around Europe, which helped me become fluent in English and German. I studied at the University of Leipzig in Germany and got great experience through an internship there. My wife is German, so I'm always in an international environment, learning about different cultures. Besides guiding tours, I'm also a social media influencer with over 10,000 Instagram followers. I love sharing interesting content about Japanese and German life, connecting with people globally, and showing off the beauty of Kyoto. I offer custom tours for individuals and groups, making sure each experience is unique and special. With my deep knowledge of Kyoto's historical sites and architecture, I'll make your visit to Japan's ancient capital fun and enlightening. During our tour, I'll share cool historical insights and stories about the places we visit, helping you understand Japan's past and its connection to the present. I'm friendly and attentive, so I'll make sure you have a great time in Japan! Feel free to message me if you have any questions about your trip to Japan! Hope to see you soon on one of my tours.

Taka M.

5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
Japan

My name is Taka. I was born and grew up in Koka City, Japan, where the world famous Koka Ninja’s birthplace is. Koka City is just one hour away from JR Kyoto station by train. As a matter of fact, I am a descendant of Ninja/local Samurai. My family name represents the most powerful Ninja/local Samurai clan among the Koka’s 53 Ninja clans. There are twin Castles of my ancestors in my neighborhood. When I was a college student, I was interested in foreign languages and cultures, and I studied abroad at a university in Ohio, USA as an exchange student for one year. After graduating from a Japanese college with a BA in English, I worked for a prefectural government for 31 years, and I made an early retirement in March 2023. During my service to the government, I was chosen as a Visiting Official in Michigan, USA, which is a sister state of my prefecture, and I stayed there for 2 years as the government’s representative. I have totally 3 years of living experience in the USA, and am able to speak English now. Since I am retired from the government, I decided to start a new career as a Ninja tour guide for foreign travelers in my hometown. There are Ninja House, over 180 medieval Ninja related castles, shrines, temples, Ninja’s training mountains, and more in Koka, however no one had done the tour guide for foreigners until now. As I am able to speak English, I thought I should start a new job as a Ninja tour guide, and would like to contribute to my hometown Koka.

Nori I.

5.00 / 5
(17 reviews)
Japan

I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to many other countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5
(11 reviews)
Japan

Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years. Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city. Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.

Tomoya H.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

I was born in Osaka, and grown up under nature loving parent, and spent a lot of time on hiking, fishing, camping and skiing in my youth. I have been guiding trekkers from north to south Japan, as well as oversea trails. Even when I'm not at work, enjoy trekking trails in Rokko area which is just by the door. I'm a JMGA (Japan Mountaineering Guides Association) certificated Trekking Guide (stage II), and you'll be enjoying the trail without any issues and worries with me.

Day Trips from Shiga

Reviews

T

Tammy K.

5 / 5
Jun 3, 2024

Shiga is amazing

Nori was such a wonderful tour guide and was so flexible with us and the schedule. We had an amazing time and we were not disappointed at all. Shiga is an amazing place and I hope more people would go and explore it!

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind comments! I also had fun exploring my favorite places with you guys! Soon I am sure people will start to find out more about this amazing hidden area of Japan. If you guys can come back, I will make sure we can go to even more fun secret spots!! Hope to see you all again! Take care!

L

Laura A.

5 / 5
May 27, 2024

Great experience!

Mana was fantastic! She was not only reliable but also very flexible. Her knowledge of Shiga and Kyoto was incredible. Despite some changes in the itinerary on the day, she still provided excellent service. Highly recommend!

Mana F.

Dear Laura Thank you for promptly sending me such a high-rating review. I truly appreciate you hiring me as the guide for your very special clients for four days in Kyoto and Shiga. It was a wonderful tour for me, especially since we were able to visit beautiful places in the normally hard-to-access areas of Shiga and even attend an exhibition by their favorite ceramic artist. Thank you Mana

Erika T.

5 / 5
Feb 28, 2024

Unique and Unforgettable Experience!

I'm a foreign exchange student studying Japanese history, so over the break, I really wanted to see some lesser-visited sites from Sengoku-period Japan. Even though the places I visited with Kazuhiko weren't exactly tailored to foreign tourists (there was not a lot of information in English), he was such a knowledgeable guide that I didn't feel like I was missing out at all! Whenever we stopped to take a break, he would draw pictures to explain what we had just seen and explain the concepts behind the architecture. I had such a wonderful experience, and none of it would have been possible without Kazuhiko! He went above and beyond— from planning an itinerary around my interests, translating signs and information to English, providing me with handouts on the history of the places we visited, and even showing me around the next city over! I've been on a lot of tours before, but I can definitively say that I had the best experience with Kazuhiko. 100% recommend!

Kazuhiko G.

Hello, Thanks for the nice review. I enjoyed it very much as well. Thank you very much !! For me, this was my first time guiding those places and I apologize for my lack of preparation. But I too was glad to learn more about the Warring States period. I hope this tour will be useful for your study. I also hope that this tour will be a memorable one. Thank you very much !! Kazuhiko Goto

R

Ryan A.

5 / 5
Feb 24, 2024

The most fun we had while in Kyoto

We had so much fun riding e-bikes, learning more about Ninjas, seeing how they lives and the trick and weapons they used. We had delicious gelato, lunch, and specialty made coffee! Our kids loved it and had been their favorite thing during our stay in Kyoto. Thanks Taka!

Taka M.

Thank you for coming to Ninja's hometown of Koka. I had great fun with you and your family too. I have more places I want to show you around. You are always welcome to come to my home. Keep in touch!

Shiga Private Tour Guide

Whether it’s your first time to Shiga or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Shiga has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself! You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Shiga tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that. There is so much to see and do in Shiga, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.

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