Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Osaka Station

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Osaka Station

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 pick you up in the lobby of your hotel
    • (Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba)
    • (take subway)
    • 9:40 Osaka Castle
    • 10:30 enter the main tower
    • 11:40 (take road train)
    • 12:20 Shinsekai
    • (lunch)
    • 13:30 (ltake suway)
    • 13:50 Osaka Station
    • (take picture op Umeda Sky Building)
    • 14:20 (take subway)
    • 14:50 return to your hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. We met at the hotel and confirmed the itinerary for the day. Since they had visited Dotonbori the previous evening, they wanted to go somewhere different, so I suggested the Umeda Sky Building and they agreed. At Osaka Castle, the elevator was under maintenance, so we climbed the stairs up to the observation deck on the 8th floor. As the guest wanted to learn about history, I introduced the history of Osaka Castle, including the battles between the Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans and how it was once used as a military base for the army. For lunch in Shinsekai, we enjoyed takoyaki, sobameshi, and okonomiyaki. Finally, we intended to enter the Umeda Sky Building, but as the guest was tired from walking and wished to return to the hotel, we took some photos and headed back to the hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Castle Gokurakubashi Station～Morinomiya400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Shopping Street

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Shopping Street

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:45 Meet @ Hotel Oska The Tower
    • 09:30 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 11:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 12:30 @ Namba Shopping Street

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started about 15 minutes late due to the guests' circumstances. One of the guests used a stroller frequently (though there did not appear to be any particular physical difficulty) and preferred to use elevators rather than stairs or escalators whenever possible, so getting around took longer than expected. Since the activities and sightseeing were largely centered on one of the guests, it was very difficult to predict the timing. As a result, we only visited Osaka Castle (viewed from the outside only) and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The guests also wanted to have lunch, so I guided them to a restaurant in the Namba shopping arcade, where we parted ways. We were not able to visit the "Pokémon Cafe" in Shinsaibashi that had been looked forward to, so I explained the location so that they could go there later. At the "Miraiza" facility at Osaka Castle, the guests purchased personalized chopsticks as a gift for a schoolteacher. Since they had just arrived in the country the previous day, I recommended purchasing an ICOCA card, which they did. This time, rather than taking a strong interest in and enjoying the sights, the guests seemed occupied with caretaking throughout the entire itinerary, which was somewhat unfortunate.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Shin-Imamiya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya～Sumiyoshi Taisha230JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba230JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Omotesando Sou Sou Aoyama Store & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Omotesando Sou Sou Aoyama Store & Shinjuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Celestine Shiba
    • 10:30 Yanesen (Nezu Shrine ~ Snake Road ~ Yanaka Cemetery ~ Yanaka Ginza ~ Sendagi Station
    • 12:00 Omotesando Sou Sou Aoyama Store
    • 13:15 Shimokitazawa Lunch @ Okinawa Soba
    • 14:45 Gotokuji Temple
    • 16:00 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho ~ Godzilla Head)
    • 16:30 Disband @ Kabukicho Tower

    Title: What's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from North America. Before arriving in Japan, the group had requested that, since they would visit the famous spots on their own, they wanted to go to places that inbound tourists do not usually visit. Because of this, the itinerary became more of an off-the-beaten-path tour rather than the standard Tokyo 6-hour tour. When we met at the Hotel and during lunch, I used a map of Tokyo and a rail route map to explain how they could get around on their own from the following day. It rained in Shimokitazawa, but some of the guests stopped by a thrift shop there to browse, and it seemed they would have liked a little more time. I think it was great that we were able to show many different sides of Tokyo in a short time: the old-town atmosphere of Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi, the high-end feel of Omotesando, the youthful energy of Shimokitazawa, the residential area of Gotokuji, and the bustle of Shinjuku.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Shibakoen Station～Eidan Nezu Station286JPY
    Section 2SubwayEidan Sendagi Station～Eidan Omotesando Station209JPY
    Section 3TrainEidan Omotesando Station～Odakyu Shimokitazawa Station314JPY
    Section 4TrainOdakyu Shimokitazawa Station～Odakyu Gotokuji Station136JPY
    Section 5TrainOdakyu Gotokuji Station～Odakyu Shinjuku Station199JPY
    Total1,144JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Request Booking

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kyoto Station Skywalk

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kyoto Station Skywalk

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hotel (Hotel)
    • 12:00-12:50 Travel; Kyoto Station→Arashiyama (Karasuma Line; Kyoto Station→Karasuma Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Karasuma Shijo→Arashiyama)
    • 12:50-13:50 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji/Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 13:50-14:10 Travel (Taxi; Bamboo Grove exit→Otagi Nenbutsu-ji)
    • 14:10-15:00 Visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
    • 15:00-15:30 Travel (Taxi; Otagi Nenbutsu-ji→Ryoan-ji)
    • 15:30:16:10 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • 16:10-16:20 Travel (City Bus Ryoan-ji→Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 16:20-17:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 17:00-17:30 Travel (City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi→Kyoto Station)
    • 17:30-18:00 Stroll around Kyoto Station Skywalk
    • 18:00 Say goodbye at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first trip to Japan, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they came on to Kyoto. In particular, they wished to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, located deep beyond Arashiyama. Since access to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is inconvenient, we proceeded with the tour using a taxi for transportation. They were able to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji as they had hoped, and they seemed very satisfied. They also appeared to enjoy Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji afterward. As we had a little time left over, they enjoyed strolling through the Skywalk at Kyoto Station. I believe they had a wonderful time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Station～Karasuma Shijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma Shijo～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3OtherArashiyama Bamboo Grove exit～Otagi Nenbutsu-ji0JPY
    Section 4OtherOtagi Nenbutsu-ji～Ryoan-ji0JPY
    Section 5BusRyoan-ji～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-michi～Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • 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

    • 1. 9:15 Meet up @Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza
    • 2. 10:00 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 11:15 @Yasaka Pagoda
    • 4. 12:30 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 5. 13:30 Lunch @Henko
    • 6. 14:30 @Gion
    • 7. 14:45 Disband @Pontocho

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who had visited Japan several times, together with members of the group who were visiting Japan for the first time. We walked from Kiyomizu-dera to the Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Shrine, and I had understood that shopping and snacking along the way would be part of the fun, but things turned out a little differently. The request for the tour content had come from one member of the group, while some of the guests were scheduled to return home the next day and no longer needed to shop. As a result, the group often ended up scattered, which made things a bit challenging. After Yasaka Shrine, at their request we had lunch at a soba restaurant. The service was not very good, so I decided I would not use that restaurant again. My usual place was closed, so I had the guests choose a restaurant based only on its atmosphere, but despite the relatively high prices the food was not particularly impressive. It reminded me that I need to explore and sample food at more places to gather better information. The guests, however, said the meal was delicious and enjoyed it. I guided them to Pontocho, where we parted ways and took commemorative photos.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi～Gojozaka230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @Hotel It Osaka Shinmachi
    • 13:45-15:00 @Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 15:40-16:40 @Shitennoji Temple
    • 17:00 Disband @Harukas Garden

    Can You Do a Private Osaka Tour Right After Hotel Arrival? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who had booked their tour through a travel agency. Because their flight was delayed en route, they missed their connecting flight to Japan, stayed overnight along the way, and arrived in Osaka only on the morning of the tour. I felt sorry that the tour had to start right after they reached the Hotel, but it was a celebratory trip for the group, and one of the guests, who loved photography, kept getting absorbed in taking pictures here and there. The rest of the group treated it as usual and did not mind at all, and it turned into a fun tour with a warm and close-knit group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishinagahori Station～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 @Meet (Westin)
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:45 Nijubashi/Sakuradamon
    • 12:30 @Shibuya
    • 13:00 Lunch @Nana
    • 14:15 @Dismiss (Westin)

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. Since they were boarding a cruise ship the following day, they intentionally chose not to purchase an IC card and bought individual tickets each time instead. There were occasional differences of opinion within the group, which I was slightly concerned about, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves at lunch, so I was reassured. This tour was arranged through a local travel agency as an intermediary, so I was unable to communicate with the guests before the day itself and could not take them to every place they had hoped to visit, but I believe they were satisfied. Part of the group wanted to visit Golden Gai, while another felt it was best not to overdo it since the cruise began the next day, and there was some disagreement about this. Instead of Golden Gai, I guided them to Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya and the Shibuya Yokocho at Miyashita Park. It seems to have started raining during lunch, but I was able to see the guests off to their Hotel without them getting wet by keeping to indoor routes. I hope they enjoy their cruise starting the next day in good spirits.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakuradamon～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Ebisu150JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station

    Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:12 Depart Hakata Station　JR
    • 10:32 Arrive Kido Nanzoin
    • 11:54 Depart Kido Nanzoin
    • 12:20 Arrive Hakata Station　　Buy lunch at Hakata Hankyu
    • 12:40 Lunch　At Hakata Station observation deck
    • 13:10 Depart Hakata Station observation deck　Espresso specialty shop
    • 13:30 Arrive Jotenji Temple
    • 13:50 Arrive Tochoji Temple
    • 14:20 Arrive Kushida Shrine
    • 14:45 Nakasu Kawabata Arcade Street
    • 15:00 Arrive Hakata Riverain
    • 15:15 Depart Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station
    • 15:20 Arrive Tenjin Subway Station　Stroll through Tenjin Underground Mall　Daimaru
    • 15:45 Disband at Tenjin Underground Mall

    What Is a Private Fukuoka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very interested in Japanese culture. They were very active and strong walkers. At the end, they said the highlight had been Nanzoin Temple. They seemed captivated by Japan's natural scenery. For lunch, they bought what they wanted to eat at a department store food hall and ate it on the rooftop. They enjoyed this more than going into a restaurant. After lunch, they said they wanted an espresso, so I took them to a specialty shop, and they were satisfied. At Hakata Riverain, at a specialty wine shop, they were delighted to find wine from Europe that was "much cheaper than buying it back home." At a souvenir shop in a traditional Hakata townhouse, they purchased a Hakata-ori folding fan and a business card holder.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakata Station～Kido Nanzoin-mae380JPY
    Section 2TrainKido Nanzoin-mae～Hakata Station380JPY
    Section 3SubwayNakasu-Kawabata～Fukuoka Tenjin210JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Sasuke

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

    Sep 4, 2025
    mareen589
    Great 6 hour Tour of Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was 6 hours…

  • Kyoto: To-ji Temple & Daiun-ji Temple

    Kyoto: To-ji Temple & Daiun-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel
    • 8:45-9:45 To-ji Temple
    • 10:15-11:00 Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
    • 11:15-12:00 (Lunch)
    • 12:30-13:30 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
    • 13:45-14:30 Nijo Castle (Honmaru Palace)
    • 15:00-15:30 Daiun-ji Temple (Gion-kaku)
    • 16:00 Arrive at hotel
    • Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (east of Sanjusangendo)

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The group were guests visiting from North America. It was the first day of their five-day stay in Kyoto, and their request was: "Please take us somewhere unique, off the beaten path." So I incorporated the "Honmaru Palace" at Nijo Castle, which reopened this September 1st for the first time in 18 years, and "Daiun-in Gion-kaku," which is open only for a period of just under three months for the first time in six years. The guests were very pleased with these choices. In the morning, to let them experience the difference between state Buddhism (a huge main hall enshrining a large Buddhist statue) and popular Buddhism (a huge main hall able to accommodate around a thousand worshippers), I set a course from To-ji Temple to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. At Nishi Hongan-ji, photography was freely permitted inside the main hall and the Founder's Hall (though visitors were asked to avoid photographing other worshippers as much as possible), so the guests took many photos.

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

    Tour Report by Ichiro

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.

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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet up @ Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 09:35 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:05 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:15 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:40 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 12:45 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:00 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 13:05 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens and Meiji Shrine The email address the guests had registered turned out to be a work account, so it was somewhat difficult to reach them just before the tour, but we were able to meet on time without any trouble. Originally I had planned to guide the group through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and then Tokyo Tower, but since I learned that one of the guests was experiencing back pain and found long walks difficult, we discussed it and decided to visit Meiji Shrine instead, as it involves fewer slopes. Even so, at the East Gardens we were able to make our way all the way to the Honmaru area. The guests said they would have lunch in Shibuya and that guiding would be fine to conclude at that point, so I showed them the platform for the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for their return trip and ended the tour at the Scramble Crossing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station～Meiji-jingumae Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…