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
- 9:00 Meet in front of the North Gate at Keikyu Yokohama Station/Today is the client's birthday, so I wanted to make it a special day.
- 9:00-9:20 Traveled to Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line
- 9:20-10:00 Strolled around the Red Brick Warehouse and Hammerhead area/It was a clear day with little wind, so we could stroll leisurely.
- 10:10-10:30 Sightseeing on the Yokohama Air Cabin/At first he said he wanted to ride the Cosmo Clock, but we learned it doesn't open until 11:00, so we rode the Yokohama Air Cabin instead.
- 10:30-11:10 Sightseeing at the Sky Garden of Landmark Tower. Clear skies and a great view; we could even see Mt. Fuji.
- 11:20-11:50 Took a break at Starbucks on the 1st floor of Landmark Tower
- 11:50-12:10 Moved to Hinode Kiin.
- 12:10-13:00 As a birthday commemoration, played a game against a 6-dan instructor at Hinode Kiin. They welcomed us warmly and he enjoyed the game.
- 13:00-13:30 From Sakuragicho Station, moved to Manchinro Tenshinpo in Chinatown, which had been reserved
- 13:30-14:30 Meal. Since we had told them in advance about the birthday, they gave us a peach steamed bun as a gift and lent us a cake-like hat, so we could take photos.
- 14:30-15:00 Moved from Chinatown to Yokohama Station and ended the tour
Title: What Can You Do on a Private Day Tour of Yokohama Minato Mirai? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests enjoyed a walk around the Minato Mirai district under clear skies. When they began to feel a little tired, we took the Yokohama Air Cabin, which gave them a nice chance to rest. From the observation deck of the Landmark Tower, Mount Fuji was also visible. This time, the guests wished to visit a Go parlor to celebrate a birthday, so I searched for one near Sakuragicho, confirmed by phone that they could join, and then guided them there. The instructor was a talented 6-dan player who had won a tournament in Yokohama, and since I had explained the situation in advance, the guests were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a game of Go. I guided them along an easy-to-follow route from the station so they could return again. As the guests also wished to enjoy delicious dim sum at the end of the tour, I had made a reservation at Manchinro Tenshinpo. The meal was delicious, and with a birthday gift as well, it turned out to be a truly special day. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
Click here for more details: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Yokohama～Bashamichi | 200JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sakuragicho～Ishikawacho | 150JPY |
| Total | 350JPY | ||
My name is Midori Katayama. I have been working as a national licensed English-speaking tour guide since 2024. I have guided group bus tours as well as FIT guests. I truly enjoy showing visitors from overseas the wonderful places in Japan and sharing our culture with them.
I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is located just south of Tokyo and offers great sightseeing destinations such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone. There are four people in my family—my husband, my son, and my mother. My son has already moved out and lives on his own, so now the three of us live together.
I also study tea ceremony, and I look forward to sharing Japanese culture with all of you.
Thank you very much, and I hope to see you soon.
Apr 27, 2025
202travelor
Magical birthday!
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Middy arranged a bespoke day in Yokohama for my husband’s…
Apr 27, 2025
202travelor
Magical birthday!
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Middy arranged a bespoke day in Yokohama for my husband’s birthday. We enjoyed the
waterfront and the very special go parlor match with Yokohama’s champion, followed by a
dim sum finale in Chinatown.
Sep 22, 2024
M-N-M-FAB4
Perfect Day And we saw Mt Fuji
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a pleasant…
Sep 22, 2024
M-N-M-FAB4
Perfect Day And we saw Mt Fuji
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a pleasant experience with Midori. She navigated the logistics and also suggested a perfectly timed experience before it got crowded. We saw Mt Fuki in all its glory which we know is not guaranteed. She followed the weather. When the boat got crowded she suggested we consider upgrading to a higher class for a small supplement. She was right. She suggested the Hakone Freepass and she was right. She gave us choices for lunch. As first time visitors Hakone can be intimidating and with the realization we may only get to Hakone once, we booked this tour and was not disappointed. And, we enjoyed learning about our guide Midori, a retired teacher. She can customize your itinerary to your interests. She planned the day perfectly so much that she felt bad we had time left and wanted to introduce more options for us.