Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:30 Meet up @Eminaz Annex (2-34-5 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) ←Seems to be an Airbnb…
    • 2) 10:30 Hotel Shibuya Dogenzakaue (20 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 3) 11:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 4) 13:40 Asakusa <Sensoji Temple・Nakamise Shopping Street>
    • 5) 13:50 Disband @Sensoji Temple Hozomon Gate (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour to Tsukiji and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. In the pre-tour communication they seemed to be looking forward to the tour but had no particular requests. When I arrived at the meeting point (an Airbnb-style rental in Toshima Ward) on the day, the guests were all waiting outside with a large amount of luggage. I had not been told about the luggage, so I was a little surprised. When I asked why, they explained: "We stayed one night, but there was a strange smell inside the accommodation, so we cancelled the remaining two nights. Before the tour starts, we would like to look for a hotel around Shibuya now, make a reservation, move there, and store our suitcases even though it is before check-in time." Once I understood the situation, we headed to Shibuya Station even though the reservation was not yet complete (I was glad it was a Saturday, as the train had plenty of room). They further explained that their stay in Tokyo was a stopover on the way to visit relatives in Asia, and that they had booked the rental accommodation to save on costs, but this time it had not worked out. Each person had two suitcases (one large and one small). After arriving at Shibuya Station, I made a point of avoiding stairs and steep slopes and using elevators, which made the route a bit roundabout, so we reached the hotel at 10:30. On top of that, there seemed to be a mix-up with the reservation at check-in, so in the end we did not leave the Shibuya hotel until 11:00. I told the guests, "Today we may only be able to visit Tsukiji Market and Asakusa," and after they agreed, we started the tour. On the train they were eating sandwiches, probably because moving hotels had drained a lot of their energy. Since Tsukiji would be closed the next two days, we stopped by a takoyaki stand, and they ate seafood grills, fruit, and sweets one after another. After strolling around the market, I guided them to Asakusa. On the train ride there, they finally seemed to relax, and questions came up such as, "What should we be careful about during our stay in Japan?" They also mentioned they liked tonkatsu, so I frequently sent them information via a messaging app about tonkatsu restaurants near the hotel and in Ginza, as well as places I could not show them today such as the East Gardens. The group enjoyed lively places. At Nakamise Street in Asakusa they bought a few souvenirs, and in front of Hozomon Gate they approached two friendly-looking passersby (who seemed to be in a good mood, each holding a beer) and asked them to take a commemorative photo together, after which we parted ways. It had been several years since I last traveled by train with such a large amount of luggage (ten suitcases in total!), so it required a lot of care, but I was grateful for the guests' energy and cooperation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shin-Otsuka Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station~Toei Subway Oedo Line Tsukijishijo Station290JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Toei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station290JPY
    Total790JPY

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

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

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

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

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Kyoto: 10 @Gion Kagai Art Museum & 50 @Gion Hayakawa

    Kyoto: 10 @Gion Kagai Art Museum & 50 @Gion Hayakawa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.15:36 Meet @Yasaka Shrine
    • 2.15:50 @Kanji Museum Gion Festival Exhibition
    • 3:16:10 @Gion Kagai Art Museum
    • 4:17:50 @Gion "Hayakawa"
    • 5.20:03 Disband @in front of Gion "Hayakawa"

    Title: What Is a Private Gion Tour in Kyoto with a Maiko Dinner Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, some of whom have visited Japan several times before. Since they wished to meet in Gion, I chose the well-known gate of Yasaka Shrine as an easy-to-find meeting point. After guiding them around Yasaka Shrine, we visited the Gion Festival exhibit at the Kanji Museum, which is related to Yasaka Shrine. I then asked whether they would prefer Kennin-ji Temple or the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Art Museum, and since they chose the art museum, I guided them through it at a relaxed pace. They watched a video explanation of Gion by Inoue Yachiyo inside the museum, and afterward also viewed a video of the "Miyako Odori." We then headed to a Japanese restaurant. Since I had trained at its south branch, I went there, but the lights were off, so I called the restaurant, and the head chef kindly came to the south branch to meet us. At exactly 18:00, a maiko arrived and we chatted with her. She then performed a dance called "Gion Kouta." After the meal was finished, she led each of the four guests in turn through the "Konpira Fune Fune" hand game, which made for a lively and enjoyable time. If anything, they were a quiet and refined group, but they seemed to truly enjoy themselves. At 20:00, the restaurant staff called a taxi for us, and I parted ways with the guests in front of the restaurant.

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 14:35-15:30 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:50-17:35 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 18:00 Disband @ Restaurant in Kuromon Market

    What Is a Private Afternoon Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shitennoji and Osaka Castle The guests were visitors from North America. The day before, the guests asked to push the start time back by one hour, so we met at 2:00 pm, and I swapped the itinerary to visit Shitennoji first, then Osaka Castle. On the day, the guests came to Osaka from Kyoto. When I asked why they wanted to start later, they said that the continuous heat and travel fatigue had left them wanting to rest in the morning. Perhaps thanks to that rest, both were strong walkers during the tour, and we visited Shitennoji and Osaka Castle exactly as planned. Afterward, I had planned to guide them around Dotonbori, but they said they were hungry and asked me to recommend a restaurant, so I made a reservation at a kushikatsu restaurant near Dotonbori. I arranged for them to head to Dotonbori on their own, and we parted ways once I had shown them to the restaurant.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total620JPY

    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!

    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,…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel 10:30 Fushimi Inari 12:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:10 Short break 14:15 Ryoanji Temple 15:15 Kinkakuji Temple 16:30 Guide to Kyoto Station and tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were waiting in front of the Hotel before the meeting time, which I was very glad about. They mentioned that the climate back home is similar to Kyoto but somewhat less humid. They got along very well and clearly respected each other's wishes. One of them was the type to be interested in everything and took photos enthusiastically, while the other had a calm demeanor and seemed happy to go along with the requests. They were very moved by Fushimi Inari. They also enjoyed Arashiyama and the moss at Kinkaku-ji. Since they wanted to exchange their Shinkansen tickets, after Kinkaku-ji I guided them to the "Midori no Madoguchi" ticket office at Kyoto Station, where the tour ended. The photo was taken at Ryoan-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 4BusRyoanji~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kamakura from Yokohama by Private Car

    Kamakura from Yokohama by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Osanbashi Pier, by hired car, Inamuragasaki, Mt. Fuji (60%), Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple Garden, Raitei, meal, Jochiji Temple Shihochiku bamboo, return to Osanbashi Pier, disband at 14:50

    **Title:** What's a Private Kamakura Day Trip by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** On the way to the destination, the guest sent an email saying they had been double-charged for the car and guide fees. I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) by phone, and a staff member explained to the guest that there was no error on the Japan side, and that the matter was essentially something to be resolved between the guest and the booking platform. The guest understood, and we set off. One of the party did not join today in order to rest. The actual itinerary was very enjoyable, with lively and cheerful conversation in the car. The driver was very thoughtful and accommodating, and was able to point out a distant view of Mount Fuji from Inamuragasaki, which delighted the guests greatly. At the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the guest appeared moved to tears, as if a long-held wish had come true. At a Japanese restaurant, the guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine. Since walking placed a considerable burden on the guest, we returned to Osanbashi Pier after fully enjoying the above itinerary. On the way back, we took photographs of Yokohama Stadium from inside the car.

    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

    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…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Fish Market & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Fish Market & Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 @Meeting point (Indigo 12F)
    • Shibuya Crossing. Hachi statue
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
    • 11:00 Double Bridge(Imperial Palace)
    • 11:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 12:10 Lunch
    • 13:00 walking tour from Nezu to Ueno
    • 14:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:15 tour end

    What Is a Private Yanaka and Ueno Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of the guests was fond of Japan, having previously hosted a Japanese guest with their family, and another had watched the drama "Shogun" and actively tried to use Japanese. The day of the tour was extremely hot, so I was a little worried about walking around Yanaka, but by checking in with the guests along the way, I was able to guide them through the itinerary as planned. They did not do much shopping, and since the train transfers and getting seated for lunch all went smoothly, we finished visiting all the planned spots an hour ahead of schedule, so I additionally guided them through the Tokyo National Museum. At the end, in a rest area, I told them about the teahouse behind the museum, recommended spots in Ueno Park, and how to get back, before saying goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShintomicho~Sakuradamon180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Total570JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was a tour filled with a very happy atmosphere. At Itsukushima Shrine, the group drew omikuji fortunes together. To my surprise, they stacked their two omikuji on top of each other and tied them to the omikuji bar together. One fortune read "good luck" (kichi) and the other read "great good luck" (daikichi). It was truly a joyous day. This week was another three-day weekend, and both Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park were packed with visitors. However, since e-tickets can now be used, we no longer have to wait in line to buy tickets for the Peace Memorial Museum as we did before, which allows for a more efficient use of time and is very helpful.

    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

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 7:00 Meet up @Alza Kyoto
    • 2. 7:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 9:00 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 10:30 @Ginkaku-ji
    • 5. 12:50 @Kiyomizu-Gojo
    • 6. 13:15 Disband @Gojozaka

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, I had proposed several possible itineraries based on the guest's wishes. Since the guest's interests were quite wide-ranging, we agreed to decide on the itinerary on the day depending on the weather and how the guest was feeling. Because it was a hot and humid day, the guest said walking the Philosopher's Path would be too much, and since they also expressed a wish to buy a vase, I guided them to several small pottery shops near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guest was very pleased and told me that hiring a guide had truly been worthwhile. I explained how to get back to the accommodation, and we parted ways at the pottery hall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusGinkakuji-michi~Sanjo-Keihan230JPY
    Section 6TrainSanjo~Kiyomizu-Gojo170JPY
    Total1,280JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Gather @Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
    • 9:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:20 Nijo Castle
    • 12:25 Tenryu-ji Temple ∼ Bamboo Grove Path
    • 13:05 Lunch @Koto Kiki Chaya
    • 13:50 Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:30 Dismiss @Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first day in Kyoto, so I guided them according to their requests, and I believe they were all very pleased with the tour. One of the guests was especially lively and, being in Japan for the first time, was full of curiosity, asking "What is this?" about almost everything we saw, and listened intently to my explanations at Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. As we parted, one of the guests told me it had been "a very meaningful tour."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji BT~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa-Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 5TrainRanden-Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 7TrainOmiya~Karasuma170JPY
    Total1,650JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel Ryokan Yado Kiramachi Meeting point
    • 12:45~13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:20~15:50 Arashiyama Tenryu-ji Temple – Bamboo Grove – Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Saga Elementary School bus stop Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Kyoto today from Osaka via Kansai Airport. Their accommodation was a Japanese ryokan-style hotel, which they said they liked very much. Following the guests' wishes, the tour covered Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove, and Jojakko-ji, using the subway and taxis. One of the guests found Kinkaku-ji the most impressive, admiring its grandeur, the powerful combination of the garden and the borrowed scenery, and the authority of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu at the time. Another of the guests moved around busily at each site searching for the best photo angles, and also enjoyed choosing souvenirs such as omamori charms. They commented that Jojakko-ji was the most impressive of all.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma~Kitaoji260JPY
    Total260JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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