Navigating in Japan

Is it possible to hire a private English tour guide to take me around Japan with my own plan? If so, how much and where can I find this service? Also, is there a website that I can use that will help me get to my specific destination all over Japan, something like Google Maps does but with trains/buses? I like Hyperdia, but it was only from region to region, not specific. I would greatly appreciate your help!

Is it possible to hire a private English tour guide to take me around Japan with my own plan?

Yes, many companies offer such services. They tend to be very expensive:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2275.html

Also, is there a website that I can use that will help me get to my specific destination all over Japan

The following sightseeing guide has access details for over hundred destinations and nearly a thousand attractions:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html

I like Hyperdia, but it was only from region to region, not specific.

Hyperdia lets you look up connections between any two stations anywhere in Japan. I don't know how more specific it could get. It is limited to train and air connections, though.

Thank you for your reply! :]

Specific as in comparable to Google maps. I would like directions not only from train station to train station but also which streets to take to a specific destination.

Is the Japanese local bus system similar to the ones in Japan?

For such purposes I am not aware of anything better than Google Map.

The following service has also many powerful features, but it is in Japanese:
http://www.navitime.co.jp/

Is the Japanese local bus system similar to the ones in Japan?

Something seems wrong with your question. Local buses in Japan are described here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2015.html

I got miked up with the long route bus, thank you for clarifying it.

I would use the google maps, but unfortunately doesn't incorporate the JR railway with it. However, I think the website your provided is useful. Thank you so much for that website! :]

Specific as in comparable to Google maps. I would like directions not only from train station to train station but also which streets to take to a specific destination.

Google Maps is the best option. If you have a smartphone with GPS then you may wish to consider renting a simcard with data plan or renting a pocket wifi while you are in Japan. Then you can use the GPS and Google Maps to walk around various areas fairly easily.

Just search "pocket wifi" on these forums for various options.

Enjoy your trip!

I would use the google maps, but unfortunately doesn't incorporate the JR railway with it.

Yes, it does!

GC3 - I am actually considering this option. I will be in Japan for 14 days, do you have any recommendations for which company I should get the service from at the cheapest rate possible? Thank you for your suggestion!

Uji - Really? Awesome, I will check it out! thank you so much for the reply!!

A list of places to rent from :-
http://globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html
http://www.pupuru.com/en/service/emobile/index3.html
http://www.exseli.com/rental/cat/20/entry/1872
http://www.telecomsquare.co.jp/en/agency/jtbgmt14/datacard.php
http://www.rentafonejapan.com/Mobile-Internet.html

I've used Exseli a few times and I know others have had a good experience with globaladvanced. Globaladvanced also seem to have the new pocket wifi with add on extended battery.

I am also considering using an Ipad too, do you think a smart phone is better over an Ipad?

I am also considering using an Ipad too, do you think a smart phone is better over an Ipad?

Smartphone is easier to carry. iPad obviously has the larger screen. We took both last trip but only used the iPhone for navigation, the iPad was used for browsing on the trains/at hotels etc.

Thank you so much!! ^O^