Takayama, Shirakawago
English
4 hours on average
Today
I was born and raised in the USA, but have lived and worked in Japan for more than half my life. I am a naturalized citizen, and have made my home in Hida Takayama for more than fifteen years now.
Pairing the knowledge of a local with the perspective of an outsider, my tours focus on places and insights that nobody else will show you.
Feel free to contact me for custom tours at any time of the year. In addition to standard walking tours, I do night-time, food and sake-tasting tours.
William is attentive and knowledgeable. The tour was well curated and smooth. He was quick to pick up our preferences and chose good sakes for us to enjoy. He was accommodating and attentive and leniently answered my curious daughter’s questions.
We very much appreciated William. Like traveling with a good friend with a wonderful knowledge of Takayama and surrounding areas. The plans was to see the twice yearly festival, but weather kept inferrring - William redirected us to lots more activities as a partial replacement plus found some places where we could see floats in their respective “garages” plus more. Also great communicator and found interesting restaurants for us.
A unique example of professionalism combined with a warm personality, an American that fall in love with the Japanese tradition and culture, transferred himself many years ago to this wonderful part of the country and created here his family. He speaks like a japani and feels like a japani , he can be a title for a nice “ American Hollywood “ film. We were lucky to meet this guy to guide us through the streets of Takayama.
Enjoyable tour. Knowledgeable about the history, architecture and cuisine. Gives an interesting perspective as an ex pat living in Takayama