Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ningyocho

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ningyocho

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 15:50 Ningyocho (Suitengu Shrine, Amazake Yokocho)
    • 17:00 Daikanyama
    • 19:20 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    • 19:30 Disband @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

    What Are Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Spots? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They had already been to Kyoto and Okinawa and had explored the main tourist spots in Tokyo on their own. For this reason, they requested places with fewer tourists. First, we went to Ningyocho. They were very pleased to visit Suitengu Shrine. They also seemed to enjoy the amazake and ningyoyaki. After that, we went to Daikanyama. They took great interest in the stylish streetscape, which was completely different from Ningyocho, and enjoyed pastries at a cafe. Finally, I took them to the site of the projection mapping at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Ningyocho180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNingyocho～Daikanyama350JPY
    Section 3SubwayDaikanyama～Tochomae430JPY
    Total960JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Tokyo: Roppongi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Roppongi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 8:10 Depart Roppongi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:50 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 9:50 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihonbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:15 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:15 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:15 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 13:45 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 14:45 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Center Street
    • 15:45 Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ebisu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Roppongi Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Roppongi Station

    What's a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for Business Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were work colleagues visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening by air, then transferred via the Narita Express and a taxi to their hotel. This visit was for business purposes, meeting and negotiating with an important client company. Today was their only free day, so they wanted to see the main spots in Tokyo, as the following days would be filled with meetings. The previous evening they had strolled around the area near their hotel, and tonight they planned to join a food tour in Shinjuku. Possibly due to the influence of a typhoon, the tour took place amid rain. First, we headed to Asakusa by train. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various other spots, and slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. The guests asked questions such as "What are Japan's major religions?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" We moved on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "Japan's history from Edo to Meiji," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial Family," "World War II and the Tokyo air raids," and "how stone walls were built." The guests asked questions such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", "How many members are there in the current Imperial Family?", and "Can the Imperial Palace not be seen directly?" There was also a question about "how the stones for the stone walls were transported." We moved on to Shinjuku Gyoen. We walked slowly through the light rain, taking photos along the way. I explained about "the origins and history of Shinjuku Gyoen," as well as "cherry blossoms in Japan." We also experienced the inside of the greenhouse. The guests remarked, "It feels wonderful, unlike the dry, less green place we come from," and "I'd like to create a Japanese garden at home." We moved on to Harajuku, to Meiji Shrine. I explained about "Shinto," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." The guests asked questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?", "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?", and "Why did Shinto arise in Japan?" We took a short break at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine, where one of the guests mentioned wanting to try an egg sandwich. After that, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. One of the guests said, "Next time I'd like to bring the family and visit an animal cafe." The guests made comments and asked questions such as "The city is clean and there's no litter on the ground," "There are no trash bins around the city. Why is that?", and "The train system is complex but very well made — far better than the one back home." I saw them off at Roppongi Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherRoppongi～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3OtherOtemachi (Tokyo)～Shinjuku-gyoemmae210JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku-gyoemmae～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Ebisu160JPY
    Section 7TrainEbisu～Roppongi180JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Miyagi in One Day: Sendai Castle Ruins & Entsuin

    Miyagi in One Day: Sendai Castle Ruins & Entsuin

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
    • 8:40~8:55 Travel to Sendai Castle Ruins by taxi
    • 8:55@Sendai Castle Ruins
    • 9:20~9:45 Travel to JR Aoba-dori Station by taxi
    • 9:56 ~10:37 Travel to Matsushimakaigan Station by JR
    • 11:00@Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
    • 12:00@Godaido
    • 12:10 Lunch@Nihachiya
    • 13:10@Zuiganji Temple
    • 14:00@Entsuin (prayer bead making experience)
    • 14:30 Disband at Entsuin

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip Covering Both Sendai and Matsushima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. Like many visitors, they were eager to experience as much as possible within the time available. They were a very energetic group who had already explored the Sendai morning market and a discount store before our meeting. We started about ten minutes late, which made me a little nervous. According to the pre-arranged itinerary, they wanted to visit the Sendai Castle ruins first. Since the loop bus had not yet started running for the day, we had planned to take a taxi, and they mentioned it would be nice to have a minivan type that could seat five. Taking a chance, we went to the taxi stand at the west exit and found a free large minivan-type taxi waiting. The guests shouted "Lucky!" and we were able to travel to the Sendai Castle ruins together without splitting into separate taxis. Thanks to the driver's consideration, instead of waiting in a paid parking lot, he circled around and came to pick us up at the drop-off area when we were ready. It was good that the guests could keep their expenses down. This time we combined Sendai and Matsushima, so travel time was long and the itinerary was demanding, but since the guests wanted to see Sendai Castle before Matsushima, I tried to arrange things as efficiently as possible. They requested first-class seats on the sightseeing boat. Thanks to the arrangement of the boat operator I usually use, they were given another free upgrade, which delighted the guests. During the cruise, we passed close by the Urato Islands and there were several questions, so since I happened to have a map of the Urato Islands from a recent tour I guided for another company, I gave it to them, and they looked at it with great interest. As they were traveling with children, they seemed interested in stories such as the island's elementary school. For lunch, since some of the guests wanted cooked food and others preferred raw, we went to a restaurant they had chosen in advance. They ordered raw oysters and a sashimi set, a meat udon, and shared tempura sets, and added steamed clams in sake. They also enjoyed a large freshwater clam miso soup. After Zuiganji Temple, at the request of the children, we decided to do the prayer bead making experience at Entsuin Temple. We had planned to see the temple first and then go to the bead making before parting ways, but the temple staff said the bead making was crowded and asked us to come now. When we went to the venue, the accompanying adults were not making beads, so it was to be just the children, but the temple staff said children could not participate alone and asked that the interpreter and one adult stay with them. Since there was no room for two adults, they asked for just one, so one of the guests joined in while the other waited outside looking at the garden. The children carefully threaded the strings and made their beads while receiving instructions. When they finished, it was time to wrap up, and they said, "We'll look at the garden ourselves from here. After that, we'd also like to do the coloring at the kokeshi workshop," so I handed them a paper with directions for the way back along with a map, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAoba-dori～Matsushimakaigan440JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & To-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & To-ji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel meetup
    • 9:45 Itinerary confirmation and coffee break
    • 10:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:15 Convenience store break
    • 11:30 Tofuku-ji
    • 12:45 To-ji
    • 13:40 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Family Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The booking was made through a travel agency, and it was the first visit to Japan for the group. The weather was nice but hot, so I had the guests drink water and take breaks at convenience stores and other spots. I guided them to the three places I had been informed about in advance through the agency. When asked whether there would be time for lunch, I explained that it would be difficult, and they kindly understood. Everyone in the group did their best to walk throughout. Since it was my first time guiding at Tofuku-ji and To-ji, I strongly felt the need to organize the key points a little more. As they planned to go to Nishiki Market after the tour, I hailed a taxi, helped them board, and concluded the tour.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Inari370JPY
    Section 2BusTofukuji / Kyoto City Bus～Toji Higashimonmae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & Miyajima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at The Knot Hiroshima
    • 08:35 Move to the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 08:50 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:40 Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 11:00 Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 11:15 Move to Otemachi via Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:30 Lunch at a restaurant
    • 12:30 Move to Miyajima
    • 13:10 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 15:30 Move to Miyajimaguchi Port
    • 15:50 Move to Hiroshima
    • 16:30 Disband at The Knot Hiroshima

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were a group traveling together. Although I had been told that one of the guests would use a compact folding electric wheelchair, I was a little concerned because I could not learn much in advance about their physical condition. However, when we met on the day, one of the guests said, "I'm fine in the morning, full of energy!" and eagerly took on the role of photographer for the group, while another guest walked throughout the sightseeing in the city of Hiroshima. On Miyajima, one of the guests used the wheelchair, and after about three hours handed it over to another guest, and from the hotel entrance yet another guest used the wheelchair. I sensed that they do not usually walk very much in daily life. It was an eye-opening day that taught me there are many different ways to enjoy overseas travel, and I learned a great deal.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Emmy

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 8:25 Fushimi Inari
    • 9:40 Sanjusangendo
    • 10:45 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:00 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 12:40 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Ishibei-koji, Yasaka Shrine
    • 13:20 Gion
    • 14:00 End of tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests visited Japan for the first time from North America. One of the guests took many photographs with a Japanese-made camera. At Fushimi Inari, they took on the Omokaru-ishi stones to pray for their future studies. Since one of the guests was collecting goshuin (temple and shrine stamps), I guided them to the appropriate spot at each place we visited. Recently, more and more international visitors have been collecting goshuin. At Kiyomizu-dera, I showed them a photo spot with a great view before entering the temple. As the weather turned suddenly hot after the passing of a typhoon, with temperatures around 33°C, one of the guests seemed a little worn out by the heat. The photo was taken near the Yasaka Pagoda.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Tofukuji / Kyoto City Bus150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji / Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4OtherHigashiyama Shichijo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total760JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet: Itinerary meeting　Afterwards travel by car　10:25 Hakone Open-Air Museum　After strolling, depart at 12:05 for Hakone Shrine, arrive 12:30　Worship and red torii gate　13:20 Checkpoint ruins　Donburi Chaya lunch, stop at Maruyama Bussan for shopping, depart 14:10 for Togendai 14:45 by ropeway to Owakudani 15:05　After strolling, by ropeway arrive at Sounzan at 15:35, go to hotel by car, disperse at 15:45

    What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like on a Cloudy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Hakone. Since the weather was poor, I let them know at the outset that Mount Fuji would not be visible, and we set off based on their wishes. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the group showed great interest in Yayoi Kusama's sunflower work, which made me keenly aware of how much more I have to learn. At the red torii gate, some of the guests struck various poses for photos, clearly having looked forward to the moment. The Magic Box at Maruyama seemed to be something they had never heard of, and my presentation surprised them. One of the guests had originally hoped to try the black eggs, so we made Owakudani our final stop, where that wish came true and the egg was eaten with great delight. Everyone loved Japanese food, and they happily finished their sushi, udon, and soba.

    Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 ベネッセハウス パーク ロビー【集合】
    • 10:02 ベネッセハウス パーク バス停
    • ベネッセハウス無料送迎バス利用
    • 10:07 李禹煥美術館 バス停
    • 10:10～10:50 李禹煥美術館・谷ギャラリー
    • 10:55 李禹煥美術館 バス停
    • 　 ベネッセハウス無料送迎バス利用
    • 10:57 地中美術館 バス停
    • 11:00～12:00 地中美術館
    • 12:15 地中美術館 バス停
    • ベネッセハウス無料送迎バス利用
    • 12:27 直島（本村）港 桟橋 バス停
    • 12:40～14:00 直島新美術館（美術館内のカフェでの昼食を含む）
    • 14:10～16:20 家プロジェクト 共通チケット（「角屋」「護王神社」「碁会所」「はいしゃ」を含む）
    • 15:05～15:25 家プロジェクト「南寺」（上記14:10～16:20の時間内）
    • 16:37 直島（本村）港 桟橋 バス停【解散】

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Naoshima and Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They were currently working in Europe and were enjoying a vacation in Japan. They were staying in Japan from June and traveling through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Naoshima, and Osaka. Naoshima is apparently well known in Europe, which is a wonderful thing to hear. Both were very friendly, and it was a pleasure to guide them for the day. The guests seemed to enjoy themselves as well.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 09:45 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 10:30 GIANTS Ball Park Tokyo
    • 11:15 Rikugien
    • 12:15 Shinjuku Station
    • 12:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:32 Shinjuku East Exit, Ome Kaido

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Throughout the tour there were many lively cultural comparisons and questions, which made guiding enjoyable. Some memorable comments and exchanges during the walk included: 1. "This is like Times Square" (said the moment we came out onto Ome-kaido at the east exit of Shinjuku). 2. "People don't always observe traffic signals back home, but they do in the big city." 3. "Yes, there is a Neuse River back home, but no French influence there; that's further south." 4. "We eat river shrimp back home too." 5. "That's a magnolia; we have the same one in our garden, and there are more of them in the south." 6. "Oh, is there more Fengshui influence in Edo Castle? When was that?" 7. "Because of the land available, you don't worry about the topography now, a hill in the north and a waterway in the south?" 8. "We are going to Kyoto tomorrow." 9. "We already have Suica installed." 10. A question was asked about my previous line of work. We walked more than 10,000 steps in the rain. We decided it was fine to skip the Nezu Museum, and the guests had a clear idea of the places they wanted to visit afterward. The plan from there was to head to a hotel with the Godzilla display, have a meal at the sushi restaurant and ramen shop there, and then take a stroll. At the guests' request, the tour concluded at that point.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Iidabashi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKorakuen～Komagome180JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome～Shinjuku210JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Hideaki

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

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    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:55　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:25　Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 09:50　Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30　Imperial Palace
    • 12:20　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:40　Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30　Akihabara
    • 15:00　Dismissal @ Akihabara

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. They planned to continue to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima after touring Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was so different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were intrigued by explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, some of the guests showed a strong interest in anime and game shops. Since they said they wanted to look around more anime shops in Akihabara and could return to their hotel on their own afterward, we parted ways in Akihabara. As I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno200JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…