Meet Your Guide

Meet Your Guide

The people who make Live Nippon what it is.

Experience Japan with local experts who turn every journey into a meaningful and unforgettable adventure.

Meet the People Behind Your Journey

Japan has become home for every guide and driver at Live Nippon, and that’s why we wanted to share it with the world.

Long before we meet a guest, our guides have already spent years navigating this country, discovering hidden gems, understanding local traditions, and building genuine connections with the places they call home.

Every itinerary we create is shaped not only by your interests but also by the personal recommendations of our guides—the neighborhoods, cafés, temples, scenic roads, and quiet corners they continue to return to time and time again.

Our team is proudly diverse, and many of our multilingual guides speak English, Japanese, French, and other languages, making every tour comfortable, personal, and authentic.

Meet Our Local Experts

Get to know the passionate local guides behind Live Nippon, bringing authentic Japanese experiences, expert knowledge, and personalized service to every journey.

FABI

Hi, I'm Fabi!

I'm a French, Japanese-speaking private tour guide based in Tokyo, and I've proudly called Japan home for the past 8 years.

What I love most about living here is the incredible balance between ancient traditions and modern life. Every day offers something unique from peaceful shrines tucked away in quiet neighborhoods to the vibrant energy of Tokyo after sunset.

As a private guide, my goal is simple: to help travelers experience Japan beyond the guidebooks. I love sharing local stories, hidden places, and unforgettable moments in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, I want you to leave Japan with memories that feel personal and meaningful.

Language: French • English • Japanese

Hi, I'm Ai!

I'm a local private tour guide, born and raised in Japan, based in Saitama Prefecture. What I love about my country is how clean it is, the restrooms are spotless almost everywhere, and you'll hardly ever spot trash on the streets, even in the busiest cities. It's a small detail, but it's something I take real pride in sharing with the world, it says a lot about who we are.

My favorite destination to guide guests to is Chureito Pagoda. Climbing the 400+ steps is no joke but the view at the top is absolutely worth it. If you've got the stamina for it, I'll always say go for it!

As a private tour guide in Japan, nothing makes me happier than seeing a guest get emotional the first time they see Mt. Fuji or scenery that feels uniquely, unmistakably Japanese. I love talking with people from all over the world, so come ready to chat. I want every tour to be fun and memorable for you.

Languages: English, Japanese

Ai
David

Hi, I'm David!

I was born in Pakistan, and I've called Japan home for 5 years now, based in Tochigi Prefecture. What I love most about living here are the beautiful seasons, the peaceful atmosphere, and the kindness of the people. Every season brings something new to enjoy.

As a private tour guide in Japan, my favorite part of the job is meeting people from around the world and helping them create unforgettable memories while exploring this country. My favorite spot to guide is Mount Fuji, its breathtaking scenery and majestic presence make every visit feel special, no matter how many times I've been.

Languages:  English, Japanese, Urdu, Punjabi

Hi, I'm Israr!

I'm from Pakistan, and Japan has been my home for 12 years now, based in Tokyo. What draws me to this country is the culture, the cleanliness, the incredible food, and the way tradition and modern life sit so naturally side by side here.

As a private tour guide and driver in Japan, the best part of my work is watching this country become unforgettable for someone experiencing it for the very first time. Speaking English, Japanese, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu means I get to welcome guests from so many different backgrounds and make sure everyone feels genuinely at home on the road.

I especially love guiding travelers north, Fukushima, Omori, and Hokkaido are among my favorite areas, for their natural beauty and peaceful, untouched environment away from the city.

Languages: English, Japanese, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu

ISRAR
Jeff

Hi, I'm Jeff!

I'm a Filipino private tour guide, and Japan has been my home for 24 years now. I'm based in Chiba Prefecture. This country doesn't feel foreign to me anymore, it feels like where I belong. What I love most is the culture: how clean everything is, how organized, right down to the smallest details you'd never think twice about back home. And don't get me started on the food, fresh, healthy, and honestly some of the best I've had anywhere in the world.

The best part of guiding is watching someone see this country's natural beauty up close for the first time, not just the temples and cities, but the wild side of Japan too. I take guests everywhere from the Mount Fuji area to Hokkaido, Nagano, Okinawa, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Tochigi. Mountains one week, coastlines the next, neon cities after that. Japan has so much range, and after 24 years I'm still finding new corners of it to fall in love with.

Languages: English, Japanese, Tagalog

Hi, I'm Mirza!

Japan has been my home for 10 years now, based in Kanagawa Prefecture. What I love most about living here is the food culture, from late-night ramen to high-end sushi, everything is done with care and precision.

As a private tour guide in Japan, the best part of my work is seeing guests experience this country for the first time, that excitement never gets old, no matter how many tours I've done. My favorite spot to guide is Mt. Fuji; that first view always leaves a lasting impression, on guests and on me.

Languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Japanese

Mirza
Haan

Hi, I'm Haan!

I come from Türkiye — a country of unique beauty and history that still illuminates the present. Today, I work as a guide here in Japan, a country on the other side of the world, admired for its history, its respected people, and its calm, peaceful nature. Few places synthesize the past and future quite like Japan does.

I feel truly fortunate to be part of the Live Nippon team, working alongside wonderful colleagues I genuinely enjoy sharing this work with. Every day gives me the chance to connect with people from all over the world, share Japan's extraordinary beauty and food culture with them, and learn something new in return, that exchange, that unique pleasure of learning from friends of different cultures, is something I never take for granted. Adding a little color to each guest's journey is what this work is really about, for all of us.

Languages: Turkish, English

Hi, I'm Petteri!

I'm originally from Finland, and I've been in Japan for 21 years now. Looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path Mt. Fuji experience, something fun, informative, and genuinely personal? I'm your guide. As a private tour guide in Japan specializing in the Mt. Fuji area, I'll steer you away from the crowded postcard spots that millions of tourists have already stood in front of.

See the unseen. Do the undone. And taste the mountain in a way only a former chef can — in peace, with no crowds.

Languages: Finnish, English, & Japanese

Petteri 2
Shish

Hi, I'm Shish!

I'm a private tour guide based in Tokyo, specializing in personalized travel experiences across Japan, from Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, and Kamakura, to Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. Every tour I lead is tailored to each guest's interests, pace, and travel style, whether you're chasing iconic landmarks, cultural sites, scenic landscapes, local neighborhoods, or exceptional food.

I love helping guests experience Japan beyond the usual tourist routes, introducing them to local culture, regional cuisine, and seasonal highlights along the way. For me, guiding is more than a profession; it's a genuine pleasure to share the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Japan with every guest, and I take real pride in being reliable, flexible, and attentive to every detail.

Languages: English, Japanese, Bangla, Hindi, Urdu

Schedule Managements

Making Appointments

Interpreting Services

Corporate Meeting Planning Service

Favorite Places

From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the timeless beauty of Kyoto, these are the places I love sharing with every traveler.

Hear It From Our Guests

Real trips, real reactions see what traveling with Live Nippon actually feels like.

Posted on Google Google
Alexandre Raymond profile picture
Alexandre Raymond
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nous avons passé la journée autour du Mont Fuji fin Juillet. Notre chauffeur privé Israr a été d'excellents conseils toute la journée, prenant le temps d'explications des différents sites visités en restant toujours à notre écoute.
Posted on Google Google
Lauren Matthews profile picture
Lauren Matthews
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We loved our Mt Fuji tour with Isar!! Isar was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. I highly recommend Live Nippon for a memorable Mt Fuji tour.
Posted on Google Google
Sarah H profile picture
Sarah H
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely amazing day. Petteri was a brilliant tour guide taking us away from tourisy areas. We had the most amazing view point all to ourselves. 100% recommend
Posted on Google Google
Farzana Jamal profile picture
Farzana Jamal
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mattia was an incredible guide - we really enjoyed our trip to Mt Fuji Thank you !
Posted on Google Google
Yassin Altai profile picture
Yassin Altai
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Petteri is a real good guide with knowledge about all aspects of the tour. His energy is really nice
Posted on Google Google
Rach profile picture
Rach
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic tour!
Posted on Google Google
Maroan profile picture
Maroan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing guide, thank you!!!!!
Posted on Google Google
Emanuel Weisgras profile picture
Emanuel Weisgras
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The service was very responsive and accommodating, especially given the last minute nature of the booking. The driver and guide, a fluent English speaker, was incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we visited, offering helpful suggestions along the way. I plan on coming again with additional family members and look forward to rebooking with Live Nippon!
Posted on Google Google
Pinny profile picture
Pinny
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Bilal Hassan is the man. Took us touring around Japan. Super immediate with phone calls and txt always kind and commendable. Extremely efficient in not wasting time and helped us with our luggage, train tickets in Japan, Kyoto, also Nara. Super punctual even gets here early some days. Knows all the great spots for food, activities and night life. Whatever you need he can provide for you. Thank you Bilal Hassan and the team for helping me and friend out in a country we aren’t familiar with.
Ad
🔥 Limited Time Offer

15% Off Your First Booking

Sign up today and get 15% off your first hotel reservation. No promo code needed — discount applies automatically!

Promo Code WELCOME15
1,729 people booked today
Book with Discount →

* Offer valid for first-time bookings up to $3,000. Applies to all payment cards. Limited availability.