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Private tour in Karuizawa Setsuko M

A Day in the Country

5.0

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Setsuko M.

5.0

Guide rating

146

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello. Setsuko here. I specialize in tours of Nagano and Tokyo, but I can actually take you anywhere in Japan, like Kyoto, Nikko, or Hakone. I choose these days to live in the country. Why? Because I'm an animal lover - particularly dogs, cats, and horses. Also my home town - Karuizawa - is only an hour from Tokyo by the shinkansen. Karuizawa is a wonderful blend of nature and culture. I can't imagine living anywhere else in Japan now. I do love Tokyo though. I know both places very well. I've lived and traveled in many other countries. In New Zealand and Australia, for example, I worked for twelve years as an interpreter and guide. I often found myself far off the beaten path. Indeed, my most memorable experiences came from what local people showed me there. That's just the sort of experience I'd like to give you. When I returned to Japan I developed a keen interest in its history, its way of life, and its cuisine. I made the decision to get a national guide's qualification. And here I am. I must say, too, how much I enjoy meeting new people. I'd really like to share with you my knowledge of my society's many nooks and crannies. Japan is an intriguing blend of the traditional and the modern and exploring this blend is the very best reason for coming to visit us. I hope to see you soon. National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate No. EN00124 Certificate of Authorized Tour Conductor Registration No. 02-18-056835 No restrictions

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Setsuko M.

Overview of your Karuizawa tour

Karuizawa is an hour northwest of Tokyo by bullet train. Set in forests and farmland at the foot of beautiful Mt. Asama, it's a special mixture of nature and culture. In the Edo period, it was a post-town. In the 19th century, Westerners came and Japanese artists and writers followed. John Lennon was a regular visitor because he found every time of the year so special there. The altitude (1000 meters) means there are four distinct seasons. In the spring, there are cherry and plum blossoms and many flowers. The summer is green and cool and the autumn leaves are spectacular. In winter there's often snow. I've lived here for more than 10 years. It's an opportunity to see the real life of local Japanese people. It's not a tourist trap in any way.

Recent Reviews

Brad D.United States
October 2026

This was our second tour with Setsuko. We were delighted to spend a special day with her in Karuizawa. It started with her traveling to our hotel in Shinjuku to make sure our travels by Shinkansen went smoothly. Our family likes to hike and she took us on a beautiful walk through the woods on a portion of the Nakasendo Trail. We then shared an incredible udon lunch followed by the best gelato in Japan. Setsuko is a treasure and someone we would absolutely love to tour with again.

Wanda H.United States
July 2026

This was truly an amazing tour with a wonderful guide. If you are in Tokyo it is easy to take the train out and have a lovely day in the country.

Cynquetta D.United States
May 2026

Everything was well organized and we learned a lot

Kiki C.United States
April 2025

Karuizawa is a lovely resort town north of Tokyo. When we visited the cherry blossoms were not yet in bloom, but it's easy to see how beautiful the countryside is - especially in fall with the autumn colors. It was cold enough in mid April that we saw snow on the ski slopes near town. There are lovely places to hike and shrines tucked in places you'd never think to look. Setsuko showed us the farmer's market, the fields where rice and other produce is grown, a mountain lookout, and a truly lovely museum. If you are looking to escape the high intensity of Tokyo, Karuizawa is a delight. There is a lovely main street with shops and Setsuko will treat you to an authentic and delicious lunch.

Anna Lissa C.Philippines
May 2024

We are totally satisfied with how Setsuko delivered her tour... I highly recommend Setsuko to travellers.

Debra S.United States
May 2024

Shhhh...best kept secret. A beautiful place. Setsuko knows everything to see in karuizawa. You must take this tour and get a peek outside the big city. Highly recommend.

Your Karuizawa tour itinerary

For example: 10:30 Meet at the station. By private car tour the village and take in a special view spot 12:00 Proceed to Lake Gardens for delightful stroll in the rose gardens and a picnic lunch. 14:00 Visit the Hiroshi Senju Museum for a unique celebration of nature, art, and architecture 15:00 Afternoon tea at a local, very authentic, Japanese cafe 16:30 Farewell at the station

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Travelers take the bullet train from Tokyo station for a shinkansen experience. It takes an hour or so to Karuizawa. I can give instructions on how to go from your hotel to Tokyo station and how to buy a ticket there. In Karuizawa transportation will be by private car. I'll drive the car myself.

What's included
Other: My service and expenses
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Depends on the activities. I can quote in advance once I know what you want to do.
Tickets
Meeting location

Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan

Exit gate of Karuizawa station

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Museums
Tour reference number
614011
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Karuizawa best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural history of Karuizawa. It's ideal for those who enjoy scenic views, art, and authentic local experiences. With Setsuko M. as your guide, you'll gain deeper insights into the area's unique charm.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Karuizawa be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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A Day in the Country

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