Takuya Yanagisawa
Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun!
My name is Takuya Yanagisawa, a National Government Licensed Tour Guide in Japan specializing in customized private tours. With a deep passion for connecting with people and a background in international business, I’ve always sought authentic local experiences during my travels abroad. If you’re a foreign tourist looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, history, and heritage, I’m here to guide you beyond what’s written in guidebooks or found online.
Having lived in Edmonton, Canada, and Milwaukee, USA, for my university education, and with extensive global travel experience, I bring a wealth of insight to my tours. I am fluent in English, highly knowledgeable, and always on the lookout for unique spots to share with you.
As a professional tour guide in Japan, my goal is to take you to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions that you wouldn’t be able to discover on your own due to language barriers or other challenges. I’m proud to have received the “Travelers’ Choice” award of TripAdvisor in 2019 and 2020, a testament to the high-quality experiences I provide to my guests.
All of my tours are tailor-made to suit your preferences and wishes, based on our discussions. When you book with me, you become an integral part of your private tour experience. I can accompany you on multi-day private tours across Japan.
Visit my Facebook or Instagram to learn more about my custom private tours in Japan. I update with new photos and videos almost daily.
Contact me to inquire about your personalized private tour in Japan!
Maybe you would like to dine with the real local folks at an Izakaya (Japanese pub) or Tachinomi (standing only Izakaya bar) without being confused by Japanese customs, menus, and staff. Perhaps you want to eat where the locals eat or maybe you would like to have an excellent Kappo dinner at a hidden Michelin star restaurant. As well as my range of tours, I can also provide the following types of expertly guided experiences:
Bar-Hopping in Kansai is a must for many, and with me as your guide, you will be able to enjoy the delicious bar foods at the many standing only “Tachinomi” or traditional Japanese dining bars “Izakaya”. So, if you would like to experience the local food and nightlife, my private night tour is the perfect pick for your stay in Japan.
Sake Breweries or Japanese Whisky Distillery tours are essentials for those who appreciate the craft of alcoholic beverages. So if you would like to visit the breweries and distilleries where the famous alcoholic drinks of Japan are made then I can be your expert guide in navigating these classic spots.
Maiko/Geiko Dress-Up is your opportunity to dress up like a Maiko or Geiko in Kyoto at the hands of real Gion professionals. I will direct you to one of the best-kept secrets for Maiko makeup and dress-up. You will have to book at least one week in advance as the professionals take only two clients a day.
Visiting an Onsen is a chance to experience and relax at the famous hot springs of Japan at some of the best, lesser-known spots.
Anime is an essential part of modern Japanese culture and if you love anime and would like to visit the locations of some of the world-famous Japanese cartoons, I can guide you there!
Japanese Tea Ceremonies are an important part of Japanese tradition and I can guide you through the process with a master of ceremonies and you can learn about the foundations of Japanese hospitality.
Contact me today to plan your perfect private Japanese experience. Click the cards below to see my experiences pages for more information.
