Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:00 Travel to Miyajima
    • 11:05 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 13:30 Travel to Hiroshima
    • 15:00 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:30 Travel to Hondori, sightseeing
    • 17:00 Travel to Hiroshima Station
    • 17:30 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. After retirement, one of the guests spends their days maintaining a large property. The guests were the most physically fit of any I have met, and the distance we walked on this tour set a new record for me! Our meeting point was the Shinkansen Central Exit of Hiroshima Station, a spot where many guides greet their guests, but this time it took longer than usual to meet up. This was because, at the same time and in the same public Central Exit area, there were two people welcoming about ten guests from overseas with a flashy performance featuring Hawaiian-style leis, which was quite frustrating. I felt sorry toward the guests, who had kindly sent me a photo of themselves that morning so that we could find each other quickly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 3BusHiroshima Station/JR Bus Chugoku~Genbaku Dome-mae/JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Section 4OtherHatchobori Station~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    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!!

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
    • 10:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens, snacks at the rest area
    • 12:25 Asakusa (Skytree photos), got separated from 2 people along the way
    • 14:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:35 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:00 Disband at Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine It was one of those tricky days for a guide, with occasional light rain. Since everyone had a Suica card, the tour proceeded smoothly. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests took many photos and we explored at a leisurely pace. They bought drinks at a convenience store in an office building nearby, and then we headed to Asakusa. The guests enjoyed shopping in Asakusa, but some of them wandered off and got separated, so it took a while before we all reunited in front of the main hall. At Meiji Shrine, we talked about religion and the Meiji era. They took many photos. After showing them around Takeshita Street, we parted ways at the exit of the street. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total730JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Onyado Nono Asakusa
    • 2. 9:00 Asakusa
    • 3. 10:45 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 4. 11:45 Lunch (Kyushu Jangara Harajuku Branch)
    • 5. 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 13:45 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
    • 7. 15:00 Disband in front of Asakusa Kaminarimon

    What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America who came to Japan on their way back from another destination in Asia, staying in Tokyo only briefly before returning home. They booked the tour for the one full day they had in Tokyo. It was their first visit to Japan. The private tour covered Asakusa, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. Since I had heard during our advance discussion that their stay in Japan would be short, I thought it would be a burden for them to go out of their way to prepare a Suica card, so I prepared a Pasmo card in advance. When I asked at the start of the tour, they indeed did not have a Suica, so we used the Pasmo I had prepared. They listened attentively to my explanations and enjoyed the contrast between traditional and modern places. Since it was a Sunday, I was worried about crowds, but perhaps because of the rainy weather from the morning, we were able to get around without being caught in any major congestion. As they had requested ramen for lunch, we went to a Kyushu-style ramen shop in Harajuku, and they said it was delicious. Finally, we returned to Asakusa, where their accommodation was located, and since they planned to do some shopping along Nakamise Street and nearby, we ended the tour in front of Kaminarimon Gate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagaya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Iwate in Half a Day: Morioka Handi-Works Square & Morioka Castle Ruins

    Iwate in Half a Day: Morioka Handi-Works Square & Morioka Castle Ruins

    Tour Itinerary

    • Depart from Azumaya Honten at 13:00
    • 13:30 Morioka Handi-Works Square
    • 14:45 Hoonji Temple
    • 15:15 Mitsuishi Shrine
    • 15:50 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 16:10 Morioka Castle Ruins Park
    • 17:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Morioka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests traveled by a car they had arranged, starting with Morioka Handi-Works Square in the suburbs and then visiting temples and castle ruins park in the city center in order. At Morioka Handi-Works Square, the guests seemed intrigued as they watched the Nambu ironware workshops through the windows and asked questions directly to the craftsmen at work. The workshop supervisor explained that iron kettles help supplement iron intake and make water taste smoother, and after drinking water actually boiled in one, the guests showed a look of understanding. At the Nambu senbei workshop, unfortunately a large crowd, including many international visitors, was lined up that day, so the guests gave up on the hands-on baking experience. Instead, they bought Nambu senbei sold in the facility's exhibition and sales room and sampled the taste. The guests seemed convinced by the theory that these crackers originated during the era of the Northern and Southern Courts, when a retainer made them to feed a hungry emperor who had fled from the Southern Court. On the way back into the city, the guests took in the atmosphere from the car windows of the origin of why Kaiun Bridge is called the "bridge of two cries," the Ishiwarizakura stone-splitting cherry tree, the prefectural public hall, the Nakatsu River, and the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building. At Hoonji Temple, the guests viewed the Agyo and Ungyo Nio guardian statues at the mountain gate up close, then went up into the main hall and looked with interest at the wooden fish drum and the principal image. After that, they entered the Rakando hall and stopped to carefully appreciate the expressive rakan statues, including the ones said to be Marco Polo and Kublai Khan and the only female rakan. Entering the zazen meditation hall, the guests seemed to take in the atmosphere of Zen. At Mitsuishi Shrine near Hoonji Temple, which holds the legend that gave rise to the prefectural name of Iwate and the Sansa Odori dance, the guests walked 360 degrees around the three great stones searching for the demon's handprint, but unfortunately could not find it. I followed up with the comparison, "It's like the Loch Ness Monster." At Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, the guests visited Takabai Shrine, which enshrines a deity related to cooking and food, with great interest, and at the Twelve Zodiac Shrine they visited the shrine of their own zodiac sign, then offered two bows, two claps, and one bow at the main hall. Finally, at Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the guests climbed up to the main keep while looking at the stone walls from the Sakakiyama enclosure ruins on the west side, took in the scenery below from the site of the castle tower, and at the pedestal of a nearby statue asked why only the pedestal remained with no statue (it had been requisitioned during the Pacific War). From the second enclosure ruins, they saw part of the view of Mount Iwate and experienced firsthand the tanka poems of Ishikawa Takuboku. The guests climbed the stairs to the right of the shrine hall of Sakurayama Shrine beside the third enclosure ruins and seemed impressed to see up close the massive Eboshi Rock, 6.6 meters high. Since the guests, visiting from North America, were in Morioka for the first time, I believe they were able to experience firsthand the present and past of Morioka by car within the short time available. It was regrettable that they could not experience wanko soba, and I hope they will visit Morioka again.

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 11:30 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transport: Train & Bus – Ryoanji Temple
    • PM 12:40-13:30 Ryoanji Temple tour
    • Transport: Bus – Kinkakuji Temple
    • PM 13:50-14:40 Kinkakuji Temple tour
    • Transport: Bus – Ginkakuji Temple
    • PM 15:15-16:00 Ginkakuji Temple tour
    • Transport: Bus & Train – Fushimi Inari
    • PM 16:40-17:30 Fushimi Inari tour, Tour ends

    What Is a Private Zen Temple Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and they had been to Japan several times before. This time they focused their tour on Zen temples, which made for an itinerary with a lot of moving around. The transfers went relatively smoothly, but the travel time felt long. Taking Kyoto's traffic conditions into account, I explained that this was unavoidable while helping them enjoy the highlights of each spot. I believe they enjoyed the key points of every location. At Kinkaku-ji they rang the bell, at Ryoan-ji they relaxed at the rock garden, and at Fushimi Inari they tried the Omokaru-ishi stone. The whole group had a great time throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Sanjo Keihan180JPY
    Section 2BusSanjo Keihan-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Ginkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusGinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Demachiyanagi Station-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainDemachiyanagi~Fushimi Inari300JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto in One Day: DemachiYanagi Sta & Nanzenji Suirokaku

    Kyoto in One Day: DemachiYanagi Sta & Nanzenji Suirokaku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
    • 10:30 DemachiYanagi Sta. (Keifuku train)
    • KibuneGuchi → Kibune by bus
    • 11:30 Kifune Shrine
    • Kibune → KibuneGuchi by bus
    • 13:30 DemachiYanagi Sta. by Keifuku train
    • 13:30 Fushimiinari by Keihan train
    • 15:00 Gion area by Keihan train
    • 16:00 Nanzenji (600) Suirokaku by taxi
    •   Karasumaoike Sta.
    •   End of the tour

    What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kifune, Fushimi Inari, and Nanzenji The guests were visitors from North America. The destinations appeared to have been selected by one of the guests. At Kifune we visited the main hall, the inner shrine, and the Yui-no-yashiro, so we walked quite a bit. Since the guests had eaten a large breakfast, they did not want lunch, so we skipped it. Even when I explained various things, there was little reaction. Thinking of places that might interest the guests, I took them to a character goods shop at Fushimi Inari and a Studio Ghibli goods shop on Ninenzaka. They seemed to have some interest in Ghibli and purchased two or three small items. As it was a little hot and humid, I encouraged them to stay hydrated. After our final destination, Nanzenji, I saw the guests off by subway to the ticket gate at Karasuma Oike Station, the nearest station to their accommodation, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Oike~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Demachiyanagi240JPY
    Section 3TrainDemachiyanagi~Kibuneguchi470JPY
    Section 4TrainKibuneguchi / Kyoto Bus~Kibune / Kyoto Bus200JPY
    Section 5TrainKibune / Kyoto Bus~Kibuneguchi200JPY
    Section 6TrainKibuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 7TrainDemachiyanagi~Fushimi Inari300JPY
    Section 8TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 9TrainKeage~Karasuma Oike220JPY
    Total2,560JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Monday Apart Premium Akihabara & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Monday Apart Premium Akihabara & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Monday Apart Premium Akihabara
    • 9:10 Zojoji Temple
    • 10:00 Tokyo Tower (Main Deck and photo spot from the underground parking lot)
    • 11:20 Bakery in front of Ebisu Station
    • 11:40 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, 3D cat, Godzilla)
    • 12:30 Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Lunch: Mos Burger
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:20 Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing, Mark City 2nd floor)
    • 14:40 Disband in front of Hachiko

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zojoji, Tokyo Tower, Harajuku and Meiji Shrine Body: The guests were a family visiting from Oceania. Some of the guests were wearing sandals despite the rain, and I wondered whether their socks would get wet. At lunch, they mentioned that their luggage had been lost, and one of the guests spent much of the time exchanging messages with the airline (all the way from lunch to Meiji Shrine while walking). I had assumed a direct flight would be safe, but they had come via Beijing on an airline I learned about for the first time. Since they were moving on to Lake Kawaguchi and then to Kyoto, they were unsure where to have the suitcase delivered even if it were found. In our prior communication, the only requests were "we want to visit Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing," so I suggested we explore the western side of the city, and the flow became Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower first, followed by Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya. They liked Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower so much that it took more time than expected. Because it was Sunday morning and a Buddhist sermon was being held, we could not enter or take photos inside the main hall, but we walked around it and enjoyed the area from the large ossuary at the back to the Jizo statues. At Tokyo Tower, the rain meant we could not climb the stairs, but we enjoyed the view from the main deck. When I explained that people were lining up for the popular photo spot in the underground parking area, some of the guests wanted to go, so we waited about 15 minutes to take a photo of Tokyo Tower framed by the stairs. Takeshita Street, which I had expected to be quieter because of the rain, was as crowded as ever, so weekends may be best avoided. Everywhere was crowded at lunchtime, and I apologized for keeping the guests waiting, but we were able to get into a MOS Burger without lining up and had our meal. At Meiji Shrine it happened to be 2 o'clock, so they watched the Shinto ritual drumming with great interest for a long time. I was surprised, and somewhat humbled, that "Seven-Eleven" was not understood at one point. Despite the worry over the lost luggage, everyone thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing in Tokyo without letting it show.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIwamotocho~Shibakoen220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKamiyacho~Ebisu180JPY
    Section 3TrainEbisu~Shinjuku200JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total920JPY

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Kaminarimon by HULIC (2-16-11 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Hotel)
    • 2) 10:05 Asakusa <Senso-ji Temple・Nakamise Shopping Street>
    • 3) 11:30 Higashi-Gyoen (East Gardens) <Hirakawamon Gate→Ninomaru Garden→Otemon Gate>
    • 4) 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 5) 13:20 Shibuya <Crossing>
    • 6) 14:00 Dismiss @ Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F Store (5-1-21 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 6QFRONT 2F)

    Title: What Is a Private Rainy-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo walking tour for a group visiting from North America. Before the tour, the guests indicated that every part of the proposed itinerary was fine except for Tsukiji, so I sent back a revised plan accordingly. Late the night before, a message arrived from an overseas travel agency asking whether the tour would go ahead as scheduled despite an approaching typhoon. Because the weather forecast showed a typhoon without a violent-wind zone, I had immediately replied that the tour could proceed as planned. At the meeting point on the day, we confirmed this again and started the tour. The guests had already downloaded the PASMO/SUICA app in advance. Some of the guests had spent very little time sightseeing in Tokyo during a past stay in Japan, so we followed the planned itinerary of Senso-ji Temple, the Japanese garden at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya crossing. On the trains between destinations, I shared recommendations for restaurants within Tokyo's 23 wards via a messaging app. I also heard interesting stories connected to the guests' university background, and recommended sightseeing spots in Okayama, such as Kurashiki, as well as the Takehara district in the outskirts of Hiroshima. Although there was intermittent rain due to the approaching typhoon, we were able to visit all of the planned destinations, and we parted ways with smiles at a spot overlooking the Shibuya scramble crossing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Tokyo
    • 2. 08:05 To Tsukiji Market via the Toei Oedo Line
    • 3. 08:30-09:10 At Tsukiji Market
    • 4. 09:10-09:30 At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 5. 09:40 Photo shoot in front of the Kabukiza Theatre
    • 6. 10:05-11:15 At Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Rokku)
    • 7. 11:20 To Meiji-jingumae via Omotesando on the Ginza Line
    • 8. 11:55 Lunch at Kyushu Jangara Ramen
    • 9. 12:30-12:50 At Takeshita Street
    • 10. 13:00-13:45 At Meiji Shrine
    • 11. 13:45 To Shinjuku via the Yamanote Line
    • 12. 14:00 Disband at Hyatt Regency Tokyo

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were extremely sensible and warm-hearted people. Since we had decided the itinerary in advance through email exchanges, the tour proceeded smoothly on the day. The guests were very interested in Japanese history and culture. For lunch, I guided them to a Nagahama ramen restaurant in Harajuku, and they were delighted, saying it was delicious. As the guests were on a special trip, I gave them Edo Kiriko sake cups shaped like Mount Fuji, which they were very pleased to receive. Overall, I believe the guests were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
    I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
    Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
    I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
    I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    Introduction to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide ‘May’ had emailed us several times…

    Aug 31, 2026
    Charlene_E
    You get to experience…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    You get to experience moving…

    Aug 31, 2026
    labrinir2016
    Excellent- best in class.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We booked a private tour…

    Jul 16, 2026
    fernandorM8865OM
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Memorable day
    We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet at Hotel Kyobashi (2 min from Metro Kyobashi Station). Explain the history of Ginza Street. Also explain the relationship between Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace
    • 0955 Harajuku. Visit Meiji Shrine. Takeshita Street
    • 1135 Shibuya. Hachiko Statue. Scramble Crossing
    • 1225 Asakusa. Azuma Bridge. Kaminarimon. Nakamise. Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa Shrine
    • 1340 Escort to Kyobashi Station and disband

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like During Typhoon Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them had been to Japan before for work but had never done sightseeing here, while the others were visiting Japan for the first time. They had toured the Kansai region first and arrived in Tokyo two days earlier. The previous day, at the request of one of the guests, they purchased figures in Akihabara and also visited Character Street at Tokyo Station. This morning, Typhoon No. 8 was approaching the Kanto region and the weather was very rough, and Typhoon No. 7 was expected to approach tonight, so we were able to do our sightseeing right in the window between the two storms. They even mentioned having experienced an earthquake the previous night, and rather than being alarmed, they seemed to find it all quite entertaining. They will depart to return home tomorrow morning. As it was the final day of their trip, there was no particular interest in shopping. Because of the unfortunate weather, the upper observation areas of Shibuya Sky and the views from Tokyo Skytree were almost entirely obscured. Even so, although we had been worried about the bad weather caused by the typhoon, it stayed at only a light rain, and we were able to finish safely. Taking the typhoon into account, we decided not to have a meal in Asakusa and to return to the Hotel instead.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Kyobashi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total840JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…