Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Hotel
    • 2.9:40 Meiji shrine
    • 3.10:30 Harajuku Takeshita street Togo shrine
    • 4.11:15 Shibuya
    • 5.12:15 Imperial garden
    • 6.13:10 Masakado kubizuka finish . They would go to Ginza by Taxi.

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Iriya to Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Otemachi I met the guests at a Japanese-style hotel in Iriya. One of them had once attended high school in Japan, while the others had previously worked together. In Iriya, I introduced a distinctive local public bathhouse, and the guests were impressed by the traditional Japanese architecture. After that, we passed through Akihabara and traveled toward Shinjuku and Harajuku, with me explaining the areas along the Chuo Line. I talked about the differences between rush hour in Japan and abroad, as well as the differences in real estate prices. Some of the guests mentioned that they live in a detached house on an 8,000-square-meter plot of land in a suburban area of North America, and they were amazed at the price difference compared with Japan. At Meiji Shrine, one of the guests remarked that it was just like a large central park (though it is a little different). In Harajuku, the guests bought a pouch of character goods at a Sanrio store. Since the guests wanted to see Japan's financial center, I explained the area around Otemachi before we moved on to the East Gardens. Finally, at Masakado's Mound, I explained that because of strange events in the past, there is a grave in such a prime location, and then we parted ways. As the guests were involved in finance, our conversations ranged far beyond ordinary guiding. I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIriya～Akihabara178JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara～Harajuku178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando～Shibuya178JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Otemachi209JPY
    Total743JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

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    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel, travel by train 9:40 Hamarikyu, 10:30 travel by train 11:15 Harajuku, lunch, 12:15 Meiji Shrine travel by train 13:15 Shibuya 13:30 Guide ends

    What Is a Private Family Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. At Hamarikyu Gardens, the guests were very interested in the flowers in bloom and the trees planted there, and asked me their names many times. Some of the guests were delighted to discover bees and butterflies. For lunch we went to a conveyor-belt sushi chain restaurant, which the guests also enjoyed very much. On Takeshita Street, each member of the group got a prize from the capsule toy machines. Finally, I took the group to the Pokemon Center in Shibuya, and they felt bad that the tour had run over by 30 minutes. Since we had walked quite a lot from the morning, some of the guests were understandably tired. Before the tour began, I had asked whether the group would be alright given how much walking was involved, and I was told they were ready to walk, but I think it turned out to be more than expected.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Shiodome432JPY
    Section 2TrainShiodome～Meiji-jingumae286JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total864JPY

    Tour Report by Shinji

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

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    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at The Old Modern
    • 0900 Via Rokuharamitsuji to Kenninji
    • 0930 Gion
    • 1000 Shirakawa, Higashiyama
    • 1030 Nanzenji
    • 1145 Philosopher's Path
    • 1200 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 1240 Disband at Imadegawa

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Higashiyama and the Imperial Palace The guests were visitors from North America. We began on foot from the Hotel, strolling through Rokuharamitsuji Temple, Kenninji Temple, Gion, and Shirakawa to Higashiyama Station, and then visited Nanzenji Temple. The guests were very interested in Japanese history and religion and asked many questions, which gave me new perspectives and was a great learning experience for me as well. After Nanzenji Temple, the guests wanted to see the Philosopher's Path, so on our way by taxi to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, we got out partway and took a short walk of about five minutes. At the Imperial Palace, the guests were also interested in comparisons with the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, and they were delighted to learn about the differences in the Heian-period style of Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashiyama～Keage Station220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

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    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

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

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:20 Hotel Meet
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 11:30 Lunch
    • 13:45 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:20 Atomic Bomb Dome, disband

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had already traveled to many places around Japan, and Hiroshima was nearly the final stop of their trip. When I showed them the simple quick-reference Japanese phrase sheet that I always prepare, they remarked, "I wish we had had this at the very beginning of the tour." At a temple, I recited the Heart Sutra to wish the guests long life, and they were very pleased. Since both of the guests mentioned that their knees were not in the best condition, I chanted a mantra while gently rubbing the area with prayer beads I had bought in Asia, but this time they gave me a slightly uneasy look. It seems that getting a little too carried away with anything does not always lead to good results.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station～Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

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    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet: Nankai "Koyasan Station" (Cable Car)
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ①: Okunoin, Gobyo (Mausoleum)
    • 12:30 Lunch & Break
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ②: Daimon ~ Danjo Garan ~ Kongobuji Temple
    • 15:00 Tea & Break
    • 16:30 Disband: Nankai "Koyasan Station" (Cable Car)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests on this occasion were visitors from North America who were traveling in Japan for about a month, partly by cruise ship. Prior consultations about the itinerary were mainly conducted through one of the guests. Their destination was Mount Koya (Koyasan), and they seemed to have a deep interest in Japan's religious culture. After discussion, we decided to visit carefully so they could enjoy the atmosphere, covering "Okunoin and the Mausoleum" in the first half, and after lunch, "Kongobuji Temple, the Danjo Garan complex, and the Daimon Gate" in the second half. Just before the day of the tour, one of the guests sent a somewhat puzzling email asking, "Isn't the meeting point Koyasan Railroad Station?" which briefly alarmed me, but on the morning of the tour I received a message saying it had been a misunderstanding, and I was relieved. On the day, the heavy rain of the previous night had cleared into cloudy weather; although the humidity was high, there was hardly any sunshine, and we were able to enjoy an almost comfortable tour. In the first half, we traveled by bus to the entrance of Okunoin. On the way in at Okunoin, while viewing the vast array of tombstones including those of Warring States period warlords and countless historical figures, I explained the origins of Mount Koya and let the guests savor the atmosphere unique to a sacred site. On the way back, we walked a different route, passing along a path lined with tombstones of modern companies, organizations, and individuals, allowing them to feel the living reality of the faith in Kobo Daishi that continues to this day. The guests enjoyed the tranquility of Okunoin. After lunch and a rest, we returned by bus to the central area where the temples stand clustered together, and visited Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect. Along with the historic fusuma sliding-door paintings, we were able to take our time appreciating works of art by contemporary artists such as Hiroshi Senju. In front of the fusuma paintings of one contemporary artist, a monk was on hand to give an explanation, and we were able to hear detailed talks about the theme and origins of the paintings. I translated as much as possible into English to convey it to the guests, and this proved to be an invaluable experience for me as well. At the next stop, the Danjo Garan complex, the "Konpon Daito" great pagoda was especially impressive, and I had the guests view Kukai's "three-dimensional mandala." At the final stop, the Daimon Gate, we were unfortunately unable to see the spectacular view to the west due to the clouds, but they were able to appreciate that this is the place many worshippers have reached when making pilgrimages to this site since ancient times. In addition, one of the guests was interested in Japanese kimono fabrics and enjoyed searching for a favorite fabric at a shop along the way. If there was one issue with this Koyasan tour, it would be the confusing nature of Nankai Electric Railway's "World Heritage Ticket (Limited Express Rinkan)." This ticket is often used for sightseeing in Koyasan and is convenient because it also allows use of the buses within Koyasan, but the problem is that a reserved seat on the limited express between Osaka/Namba and Gokurakubashi is guaranteed only for the outbound trip, and for the return trip you must pay the limited express fare. The guests this time also insisted, "This ticket should guarantee a limited express ticket for the return trip as well," and pressed the station staff about it. Since this happened after the guiding had ended, I hesitated a little, but I checked the ticket and explained that "the return limited express fare is not guaranteed." The guests reluctantly paid on board, but did not seem convinced. I had also experienced this problem the first time I handled a Koyasan tour, and I have been wondering whether it might be worth making some kind of request to Nankai Electric Railway. The conductor, who was also at a loss, acknowledged the problem and lamented, "We have been requesting improvements through the union all along, but it just doesn't get resolved." If there is anything that [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could do about this, I would be grateful if some action could be taken.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station Front～Okunoin-mae610JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae～Kongobuji-mae270JPY
    Section 3BusKongobuji-mae～Koyasan Station460JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: JR Kyoto Station (Central Exit)
    • 09:10 Sightseeing ①: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:50 Sightseeing ②: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:10 Sightseeing ③: Nishiki Market
    • 12:30 Dismissal: Nishiki Market (West End)

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Africa on a trip to Japan. The guest was in Japan for about ten days as part of a company-organized tour that also included training, traveling together with the group. At the end of the tour, we briefly met the rest of the group at Nishiki Market just to say hello, and I learned that they preferred cycling tours and had spent the day separately. The itinerary was a "4-hour course" using public transportation. The initial requested destinations were Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market, but the travel distances were long, so planning the route was a bit challenging. However, when I sent a greeting email the day before, I received a reply saying, "I went to Arashiyama by myself today," so by dropping Arashiyama and visiting the remaining three locations, I was able to arrange the course comfortably within four hours. On the day, the temperature, which had finally started to fall, began to rise again, making it a slightly hot tour for late September. We made full use of JR, city buses, and the subway, and were able to move smoothly with almost no traffic congestion. Above all, it was fortunate that the guest was a strong walker who kept a quick pace. Although it was the guest's first visit to Japan, the guest had researched Japan well in advance and asked many questions, which made for a very pleasant guiding experience.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishinokyo-Enmachi230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi～Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 6SubwayKyoto～Shijo220JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Shinagawa Station Keikyu TIC
    • 10:50 Hamarikyu
    • 12:45 Midtown Hibiya
    • 13:50 Imperial Palace Nijubashi
    • 14:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:35 Disband at Harajuku Takeshita Street

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, the Imperial Palace, and Harajuku The guests arrived at Shinagawa earlier than the scheduled time, and after a brief meeting, we proceeded as planned to Hamarikyu Gardens, the Imperial Palace, and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. The weather was cloudy, and it drizzled lightly from time to time, but not enough to need an umbrella. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they relaxed at the teahouse on the island in the pond, enjoying matcha and sweets while we chatted about many things. Since they come from a tropical region, they had many questions about the plants. For the Imperial Palace, we went to Midtown Hibiya, which is recommended by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and took a break there, though I felt the view was not particularly impressive. We walked to Nijubashi Bridge, where I gave various explanations, and the guests showed great interest in Japan's long history. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed eating crepes and strawberries. When our time was up, they said they would be fine on their own from there, so we parted ways on Takeshita Street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Shimbashi167JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total554JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine

    Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kamakura Station
    • 11:00-11:30 Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:00-13:00 Visit Hokokuji Temple and Jomyoji Temple
    • 13:30-14:40 Window shopping at Komachi-dori, lunch
    • 15:00-16:00. After visiting Kotokuin, travel by Enoden to Kamakura Station, then disband

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an elegant and lovely group from the Middle East. Since they enjoyed nature, I wanted to show them as much of Kamakura's greenery as possible, so we visited Hokoku-ji (the bamboo temple) and the Zen temple Jomyo-ji in the morning. They also seemed to enjoy the Dankazura promenade leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I was a little concerned about the meal, but they enjoyed soba noodles and were satisfied. The Great Buddha has no roof over it, yet it is magnificent, and they were delighted, saying they were glad to have seen it. They had apparently been walking a great deal on consecutive days (more than ever before), and although we had planned to visit one more place, at their request we finished 30 minutes early.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDaigakumae～Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 2TrainJomyoji～Hachimanmae220JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura Station～Hase Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainHase Station～Kamakura Station200JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

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    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meeting point: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 10:15 Tokyo Skytree
    • 3. 11:30 Asakusa
    • 4. 13:00 Light meal (Doutor Coffee Shop, Asakusa ROX branch)
    • 5. 13:30 Dismissal: Kappabashi Kitchen Town entrance

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Skytree and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan, having arrived the previous day, and they planned to travel to Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and other places after Tokyo, staying in Japan for about three weeks. The meeting time was originally set for 10:00, but while discussing the itinerary, it was changed to 9:30. On the day, I guided them to Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa. At Skytree, they marveled at the vastness of Tokyo, and in Asakusa they listened attentively to stories about history and religion. They took many photos and enjoyed themselves. The original plan was to visit the Kappabashi Kitchenware Street after Asakusa without stopping for lunch, but after seeing Asakusa, a request came up to take a short break. So we rested at a coffee shop and had a light meal. At that time, I explained how to explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street and how to get back to their hotel. I guided them to the entrance of Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi～Oshiage272JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Skytree～Asakusa157JPY
    Total429JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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!

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    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…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Granvia Kyoto　➡　Tofukuji by JR　➡　Gion by Keihan Railway　➡　Chion-in on foot　➡　Heian Shrine on foot　➡　Teramachi Street ~ Nishiki Market by taxi　➡　Disband at Nishiki Market

    What Are Some Quiet, Less-Crowded Spots for a Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests had requested during our earlier communication to be taken to quiet places with fewer tourists, I planned a route of Tofukuji Temple, Gion Shirakawa, Chion-in Temple, and Heian Shrine (Shinen Garden). Tofukuji Temple, which becomes crowded with visitors during the autumn foliage season, still had few people at this time, so the guests were able to fully enjoy the beauty of the greenery. They were also delighted to see a couple having pre-wedding photos taken. After that, at Chion-in Temple they were overwhelmed by the size of the main gate, and at Heian Shrine they were overwhelmed by the size of the large torii gate. Finally, they enjoyed shopping along Teramachi Street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 2TrainTofukuji～Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Total320JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    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!!

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    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…

    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…

    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…

    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…