Private tour in Nagano Setsuko M
5.0
(5) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Setsuko M.
5.0
Guide rating
134
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Tours delivered
5 hrs
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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.
I love Nagano, not only because it's my home prefecture, but also because it really does have it all. I love its beautiful alpine scenery, Edo-era post-towns, famous castle, modern art museums, ancient temples, and snow-monkey wildlife park. It's also a place for all seasons. There's skiing in winter, hiking in summer, viewing the leaves in autumn, and having a picnic under the blossom trees in spring. I'm a skier myself, as well as a hiker, mountain climber, and rider. I enjoy every environment, which is why I look forward to showing all of it to you. This tour can be custom-made. You can, for example, do a couple of the highlight activities in one day, though It takes two days, or preferably three, to see them all. Please refer to the list in the itinerary below for suggestions. All of these sights are world-class, and they're by no means the only ones. I'm very happy to recommend what works as I've had a lot of experience meeting travelers needs and making suitable itineraries for them.
Setsuko, my guide, did an excellent job. She was punctual, accommodating, flexible, knowledgeable, and simply enjoyable to spend the day with. Since the weather was uncomfortable, we changed plans snd visited the Zenkoji Temple, Nagano Art Museum, create a mini food tour and shopping extravaganza. She helped me book other events before and after our tour date.
Setsuko met us at the train station and helped guide us to the car rental location where we picked up our car. She then guided us around Nagano for the day, including visits to the Snow Monkey Park, Obuse and the Zenkoji Temple. She is very interactive, easy to converse with and very knowledgeable about the region. She was helpful in guiding us to sample the rich local cuisine at lunch as well as sampling local snacks (including a great recommendation for dinner). Strongly suggest using her to guide you i
My husband, adult daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our day with Setsuko. She recommended a visit to a post village on the Edo Trail and it provided a close look at both historic and contemporary Japanese life. Plus she is delightful! We will use her again if we return to snaps. And will recommend her to friends.
Among Nagano's scenic highlights, I'd like to list a few of my favorites: . the Snow Monkey Wildlife Park (the only one in the world where wild macaques bathe in a hot spring) . Zenko-ji (a 7th-century Buddhist temple and one of the few places in Japan that pilgrims still visit) . Obuse (a charming village where Hokusai lived and painted towards the end of his life) . Matsumoto Castle (the oldest castle in Japan - over 400 years and a National Treasure) . Azumino Wasabi Farm (the biggest producer in Japan, both scenic in itself and set at the foot of the Northern Alps) . Kamikochi (a beautiful mountain valley at the foot of the Alps and a top hiking spot) . Tsumago-juku (an Edo-era post town, now restored to its original state, and part of the Nakasendo Trail; the 3-4 hour walk from here to Magome is very famous) . Hakuba (a world-standard ski resort in the Northern Alps) . Okushiga (another skiing spot, famous for its powder snow) . Karuizawa (a lovely resort town at the foot of a live volcano)
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.
Bus or train or private hire car
Nagano, Nagano, Japan
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8 hours
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8 hours
1
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