This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:30 Meet at Hotel, depart by chartered car ➡ Return to the hotel once ➡ Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway ➡ Sorakuen Garden ➡ Royal Host near Sorakuen Garden ➡ Hotel ➡ Maiko Marine Promenade at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge ➡ Disband at Hotel (18:00)
Title: What Is a Private Kobe Sightseeing Tour Like When Plans Change? A Licensed Guide's Report
After departing for sightseeing in Osaka, while in the car, the guests explained that they had arrived at the Port of Kobe by cruise ship that morning, would be staying at their hotel tonight, would travel to Tokyo the next day, and would fly home on a 9:00 morning flight the day after, so they asked for help sending their luggage to their hotel in Tokyo after the tour. These days, courier deliveries do not always arrive the next day. Realizing this was urgent, we quickly returned to the hotel and arranged for the luggage to arrive at the Tokyo hotel the following day. In addition, the Shinkansen tickets were issued for departure from Shin-Osaka rather than Shin-Kobe, so we had to reserve a taxi two hours in advance, which delayed our restart by an hour. One of the guests could walk only about five minutes even with a cane and needed constant support. Judging that places like Osaka Castle would not be feasible, I discussed the situation with the group and changed the plan to sightseeing in Kobe, choosing the destinations above, which required relatively little walking. We were saved by clear weather, and I believe the guests were satisfied. When I took one of the guests, who is fond of engineering, to the Maiko Marine Promenade at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, they were very pleased.
Click here for more details: Osaka in 1 Day from Kobe by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of…
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of Osaka! Our guide Emi built a tailored itinerary that exactly met our needs and we visited amazing sites we would’ve never known about thanks to her. Throughout the tour, Emi was so kind, knowledgable, positive, and flexible – we enjoyed every second and are so grateful she was the person that showed us beautiful Osaka. Strongly recommend Emi and this tour if you’re planning a trip to Osaka!
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English…
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English speaking Emiko Yamanaka. Very informative and knowledgeable about the history of the city. Visited the Torii shrine, sadly the other shrine had just closed, and walked through the Gion district. Emi also provided us with a map that she had made with the must see places, including which subway line and how many stops to take! Very useful for the next day trip. Would highly recommend Emi as your tour guide
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide who took us around in Kyoto. It was a well balanced walking tour through historical sites, famous streets/neighbourhoods and local markets. We travelled very efficiently with a combination of taxis, trains and buses. Our guide Emi was very well prepared, with high flexibility, kindness and curiosity. She was a great value to the tour. I highly recommend this two day tour to visit Kyoto in a very efficient way.
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide Emi. She designed a day around all the main spots that we wanted to visit at a comfortable pace. We learned a lot from her! And we couldn’t have done all that we did that day without her deep knowledge and experience. My niece said that it was the best day of our vacation! Thank you Emi for guiding us and sharing your knowledge with us! I would highly recommend this tour with Emi.