Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & Miyajima

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    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.

    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

    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.

    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

    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.

    Transportation cost per person

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

    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

    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

    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.

    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.

    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

    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.

    Transportation cost per person

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

    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?

    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

    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.

    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

    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

    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…

  • 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
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    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
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    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
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    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
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    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
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    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
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    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:…