Knowledge you can trust
Many of our guides hold Japan’s professional interpreter-guide qualification. They’ll help you understand the stories behind the places you visit.
Hello,
we’re OTOMO.
Let’s plan your Japan days together.
We’ll match you with experienced local guides who understand your interests and pace. From a single day to a trip across Japan, we’ll help bring it all together.
A day out or a longer trip—we’re here to help.
Your Japan trip, with us by your side.
Tell us what you’d love to see and do. We’ll help find your guides, plan your experiences and arrange the travel between them.
Choose the places you’d like to stay. We’ll help take care of your days.
LET’S FIND YOUR GUIDE
A local guide,
chosen for you.
What are you curious about? Tell us your interests, preferred language and pace. We’ll match you with a local guide who can help you explore in your own way.
People we know and support
We interview guides before they join us, then stay in touch and support their work along the way.
Experience on the ground
We value hands-on guiding experience and local knowledge, so your guide can adapt to your interests and pace on the day.
Our guide support system helps your guide prepare for your day, with the OTOMO team behind them.
Let’s find your guide →How would you like to explore?
Custom Journey
Have two or more days in mind? We’ll bring your guides, experiences and travel together around you, in one city or across Japan. You choose where to stay; we’ll help plan your days.
Custom Day
Have half a day or a full day to explore? We’ll match you with a local guide around your interests and pace, in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or beyond. We’ll include a car when it helps your day run smoothly.
Curated Tours
Looking for ideas? Take a look at our private tours and find a starting point for your own day out.
Why OTOMO
We’re here to help, along the way.
Your interests come first
Tell us what you enjoy, who you’re traveling with and how you like to spend your days. We’ll suggest places and experiences that feel right for you.
A guide you can rely on
We’ll match you with an experienced local guide who understands your interests, with OTOMO’s planning and quality checks behind them.
One team to turn to
We’ll coordinate your guides, experiences and travel. If you have a question along the way, you can come to the same OTOMO team, even as you move between cities.
4.9★ from 1,529 reviews
Rated by guests on Tripadvisor for private tours across Japan.
A few journeys we’ve helped create
Every trip starts with a different wish. Here are a few we’ve helped bring to life.
Solo traveler · Tokyo & Kyoto
A spiritual journey, made personal
WHAT THEY HOPED FOR
Spiritual experiences beyond a standard sightseeing route.
HOW WE HELPED
We customized the areas and experiences around that interest, with local guides and coordinated transfers.
11 guests · Kyoto & Tokyo
One family, across generations
WHAT THEY HOPED FOR
Cultural sightseeing that worked for a large, multigenerational group, with the right guides and transport.
HOW WE HELPED
We listened to the group’s preferences, then coordinated destinations, guides and two vehicles for tours and transfers.
Partner request · Days before travel
A trip arranged at short notice
WHAT THEY HOPED FOR
Guide arrangements and a specific vehicle class for important guests, with only a few days to prepare.
HOW WE HELPED
We coordinated guides and vehicle class around the request and available options.
Choose the places you’d like to stay. We’ll help take care of your days. We’ll confirm what’s available as we put your trip together.
Where to next?
Where would you love to go? Pick a city to explore, or tell us what you have in mind.
Tokyo
Explore city life, historic places and local favorites.
Explore Tokyo →
Kyoto
Discover living traditions and a few quieter corners.
Explore Kyoto →
Osaka
Come for the food, and get to know the neighborhoods.
Explore Osaka →Explore more of Japan
Have somewhere else in mind? We’d love to hear about it.
Let’s plan it together
01
Tell us about your trip
Tell us what you enjoy, your dates and who’s coming along. A rough idea is all we need to get started.
02
We’ll send you a plan
We’ll suggest an itinerary with your guides, experiences and travel, and send you an estimate.
03
Let’s work out the details
We’ll adjust the plan together. Once you’re happy with it, we’ll confirm your booking and arrangements.
04
You’re ready to go
Before you travel, we’ll send you a detailed travel program with your itinerary and confirmed arrangements.
WHY BOOK DIRECT
Book with us for our best rate.
You’ll get our lowest rates when you book through our website. You’ll also speak directly with the team finding your guides and helping plan your trip.
Cancellation policy
Guides & experiences
72 hours or less before the tour starts: 100% of the guide and experience charges.
Vehicles
More than 72 hours and up to 120 hours before the service starts: 30% of the vehicle charges.
72 hours or less before the service starts: 100% of the vehicle charges.
All deadlines are calculated from the scheduled start time in Japan Standard Time (JST). Guide/experience and vehicle cancellation fees apply separately to their respective charges.
Tell us about your Japan trip
What would you love to see or do? Tell us a little about your trip. It’s fine if your dates and plans aren’t settled yet.
Choose the places you’d like to stay. We’ll help take care of your days.
