Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 2. 9:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 11:30 @Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch @Gontaro
    • 5. 14:45 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. 15:40 Disband @Kawaramachi Sanjo

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. Since I learned it was a special occasion for one of them, I purchased a small souvenir in Kyoto and presented it, which they were very happy to receive. As the climate where they live has low humidity, they found Japan's humidity quite challenging. Keeping an eye on how they were doing, we had lunch before heading to Kinkaku-ji, and we were able to fully visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji as promised. They said that because Japan's food and culture are so wonderful, they will surely visit again, and they kindly said they would like to request a tour again next time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Kawaramachi Sanjo230JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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…

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel⇒Monorail Asahibashi Station⇒Shuri Station⇒Shuri Castle⇒Okinawa Soba Restaurant⇒Tamaudun⇒(Taxi)Shikinaen⇒(Taxi)Shuri Station⇒Asahibashi Station

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day History Tour of Naha, Okinawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather on the day was mostly sunny, but the guests followed my advice and brought a folding umbrella, so while many tourists and locals were left stranded each time a sudden shower came, we were able to carry out the tour smoothly without getting wet, for which I was grateful. The guests also seemed thankful for my advice. Based on the information that they were interested in history, we visited four UNESCO-designated sites within Naha City, and at each location the guests listened attentively and took many photos. It was six hours of intermittent sudden showers coming and going, but the guests were very cooperative, satisfied, and enjoyed themselves, and I even received a thank-you message after the tour. I have also received their kind permission to post the photos below.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsahibashi~Shuri800JPY
    Section 2Free PassShuri~Asahibashi0JPY
    Total800JPY

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at hotel. Store luggage at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Via Gora and Sounzan, take the ropeway to Owakudani for black eggs. Take the ropeway to Togendai. 11:25 Pirate ship, disembark at Hakonemachi Port. After lunch, shopping at Maruyama Bussan. Pass through the Hakone Checkpoint. Stroll along the cedar avenue of the old highway. Visit the main gate of Hakone Shrine and the red torii gate. From Motohakone Port, 14:15 take the bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. After picking up luggage, take the train to Odawara. 15:20 Disband. The client will go to Tokyo on the 16:39 Shinkansen.

    I need to point out that the input contains only the tour report body text, with no title field provided. I'll process and translate the body text according to the anonymization rules. Since a title field is required by the premise, I will provide an appropriate title along with the anonymized, translated body. What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine The guests were still remarkably energetic despite having just finished a two-week trip, when one might have expected them to be tired. They had been hoping to see Mount Fuji, so I explained in meteorological terms why it is often difficult to see in summer. They mentioned that the scenery resembled the view near their home in North America, which helped them relax. The parquetry magic box from a local craft shop reminded one of the guests of their childhood, and they were deeply moved and grateful, purchasing it as a souvenir for a grandchild. The old cedar avenue moves everyone with its natural beauty and history, and this time was no exception, with the guests taking many photographs. By the time we reached Hakone Shrine, the fatigue of the journey had understandably set in, so we decided to skip the shrine building at the top of the stairs. Note: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 5. 12:00 Yanaka
    • 6. 12:45 Lunch (Maika Atre Ueno Store)
    • 7. 13:45 Asakusa
    • 8. 15:00 Disband at Asakusa Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Traditional Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. In addition to Tokyo, they planned to visit Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. They expressed a wish to see the traditional side of Tokyo, so I guided them through Meiji Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, and Asakusa. At Meiji Shrine there was a brief spell of rain heavy enough to require an umbrella, but afterward it stayed dry, and with the temperature not too high, it was comfortable weather for walking around. Although it was a public holiday, aside from Asakusa the sites were not very crowded, which made the day pleasant in that respect as well. At each sightseeing point the guests asked a variety of questions, listened attentively to my explanations, and took photographs. They enjoyed the historical and traditional atmosphere of Tokyo. After the tour, the guests had tickets to a sumo match and planned to go to Ryogoku Kokugikan. For this reason, I made Asakusa—which is close to Ryogoku—the final stop of the tour, and at Asakusa Station I explained how to get to Kokugikan and how to return to their accommodation before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Iidabashi167JPY
    Section 3SubwayKorakuen~Todaimae178JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno146JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Total878JPY

    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!

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • AM9:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • AM10:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • AM12:00 Gion
    • PM12:30 Nishiki Market, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania, where the climate is cooler, and were taken aback by the heat and humidity in Kyoto. One of the guests took photos with great interest at each place we visited, while some of the group began to feel a bit worn out by the time we reached Kiyomizu-dera Temple. We took a break at a teahouse within the temple grounds, where they enjoyed some shaved ice. After that, at a Yatsuhashi shop, they sampled various flavors of Yatsuhashi. Then, in Gion, we were fortunate enough to encounter four geisha. Finally, gathering the last of their energy, we arrived at Nishiki Market. I introduced a nearby ninja museum as an indoor attraction that is popular. Since it was just before lunch, they seemed to regain a little energy, and we managed to complete the planned itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Sanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi~Gion230JPY
    Section 5BusGion~Kawaramachi230JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Ebisu

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Ebisu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at The Okura Tokyo
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden ⇒ East Gardens
    • 11:15 Travel (subway)
    • 11:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 12:45 Shibuya
    • 13:15 Travel (JR)
    • 13:30 Ebisu (end)

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests appeared very energetic and were strong walkers. The day was quite hot at 34 degrees with strong sunshine, but the guests were completely unbothered and enjoyed walking around the Imperial Palace area and the East Gardens. The conversation was pleasant throughout, which allowed me to guide them with ease. In Harajuku, they were delighted to find several items they wanted to buy as gifts, and in Shibuya they were amazed by the large discount store while also happily finding souvenirs. When I shared information about a restaurant with a traditional Japanese atmosphere for dinner, they were grateful and said they would try to make a reservation right away. The guests were calm and pleasant to work with.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToranomon Hills~Hibiya178JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Ebisu146JPY
    Total679JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Miyajimaguchi Station 7:53
    • Itsukushima Shrine 9:00
    • Daisho-in Temple  10:30
    • Miyajima Port  12:00

    What Is a Half-Day Private Tour of Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a half-day private tour of Miyajima with guests visiting from Europe. Meeting at Miyajimaguchi Station was, I believe, a first for me. The guests listened very attentively to my explanations and asked very precise, thoughtful questions, which made guiding them truly rewarding. One of the guests had what appeared to be a high-end DSLR camera, so I guided them to the main photography spots. When I mentioned that after retirement I would like to take a cycling trip all the way around their home region, they kindly told me about many enjoyable cycling spots.

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: SENSO-JI TEMPLE

    Tokyo in Half a Day: SENSO-JI TEMPLE

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 pickup at hotel
    • 9:45 SHINJUKU, Metropolitan Gov. Observation Deck and Kabukicho
    • 11:00 OMOTESANDO, modern architectures
    • 12:00 SENSO-JI TEMPLE
    • 13:00 TSUKIJI, the Outer Market

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Omotesando and Tsukiji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Although the intense heat had eased somewhat, I guided them while wiping away sweat. They took a keen interest in the kanji characters displayed on signs and asked about the meaning and pronunciation of each individual character. There was also an exchange about public health insurance, including how it applies and how costs are shared. My knowledge from working in the field proved helpful. At the guests' request, the tour was specified to focus on Omotesando and modern architecture, so we visited Harakado, the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, and an office building, all of which they found very interesting. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I introduced about three options for grabbing some snacks before taking my leave.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro 24-hour ticket_Shinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro 24-hour ticket_Meiji-jingumae~Omotesando – Asakusa – Tsukiji0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • First, after visiting the Muryokoin Temple Ruins, we climbed up to Takadachi and toured the Gikeido Hall and Basho's haiku monument. We went up the Tsukimizaka slope of Chusonji Temple and visited the Higashi Monomidai observation deck and Benkeido Hall. In the main hall, both of us meditated before the principal image of Shakyamuni Buddha. We received a goshuin. After seeing the Mine no Yakushido Hall and the old bell tower, we toured the Sankozo Museum for about 30 minutes and received a goshuin. At the Golden Hall (Konjikido), we listened to an explanation in English and received a goshuin. After seeing the Kyozo (Sutra Repository), we entered the old covering hall (Kyu Oido). We went around to Hakusan Shrine and the Noh Theater, passed through the chinowa (grass ring), prayed, and bought an omikuji fortune. At the Juni Shi Ichidai Shugo Shrine, we each prayed at our own zodiac sign. After descending the mountain, we traveled by taxi from Sakashita to Motsuji Temple. We toured Nitobe Inazo's haiku monument, Basho's haiku monument, the main hall, Oizumigaike Pond, the Kaizando Hall, the Kodo (lecture hall) ruins, the Enryuji Temple ruins, the Yarimizu (water channel), and the Jogyodo Hall. After taking a break together with a light meal and coffee near the station, the guide ended at the station.

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Chuson-ji and Hiraizumi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests asked about the meaning of the Chinese character "dai" (大) used in the Daimonji Festival on Mount Tabashine, which can be seen in the distance from Takadachi. At the main hall of Chuson-ji, the guests sat before the principal image and meditated for a while. At the Mine no Yakushi-do hall, one of the guests stood before the principal image and prayed for some time. At the stone frog statue, the guests asked about the connection between the Japanese phrase "buji kaeru" (returning safely) and the animal "kaeru" (frog). A gravestone behind the sutra repository caught their eye, and they asked what it was. At the old covering hall, they looked with great interest from the ceiling to the walls. At the Hakusan Shrine, which enshrines the twelve zodiac guardian deities, I explained that the twelve signs represent the year of birth, direction, and time of day, which sparked their interest, and each of the guests paid their respects at their own zodiac sign. They bought omikuji fortune slips, drawing "kichi" (good luck) and "daikichi" (great luck) respectively, and I explained each of the fortunes written on them in detail. The guests seemed particularly interested in matters of love and business. Since the autumn foliage had begun to turn, they took photographs many times. At the monument inscribed with a poem by Nitobe Inazo, they asked whether the spirit of bushido still remains among Japanese people today. They showed strong interest in the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, such as the fact that the principal image of Benkei-do is identified with both Jizo Bodhisattva and Atago Gongen, and that the Jogyo-do hall enshrines not only Amida Buddha but also the hidden deity Matarajin. I also explained how to pass through a torii gate. During the tour, I made sure they could explore at their own pace, and I also included some jokes so they could relax and enjoy themselves.

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Saga Arashiyana Station & Kyoto

    Kyoto in One Day: Saga Arashiyana Station & Kyoto

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 I'l pick you up in the lobby of your hotel "Rihga Gran Kyoto"
    •  (take JR train)
    • 10:40 Saga Arashiyana Station
    • ・Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • ・Tenryuji Temple
    • 11:40 (lunch)
    • 12:50 (We take 2 taxis)
    • 13:10 Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Paviion)
    • 14:10 (we take 1 taxis)
    • 14;30 Ginkakuji Temple (Silber Pavilion)
    • 15:40 (we take 2 taxis)
    • 15:50 Imadegawa Sta
    • (take subway)
    • 16:10 Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji 1. The guests were a group visiting Japan. The schedule was carried out almost exactly as planned. (Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → Ginkaku-ji, moving between sites by taxi.) I was able to converse smoothly with the guests. 2. Arashiyama was extremely hot, and during lunch the guests wanted to have shaved ice, so everyone enjoyed shaved ice, which cooled them down completely and was very well received. 3. While Kinkaku-ji was impressive, the guests were especially fond of Ginkaku-ji. 4. The guests mentioned that they wanted to purchase a JR Pass. When I asked why they had not bought a JR Pass when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, they explained that they planned to stay in Japan and would be heading to Himeji, Hiroshima, and other places from here. Since they intended to buy a 7-day JR Pass, they had decided to purchase it today, which made sense to me. On the way back, I guided them to the JR Pass purchase location at Kyoto Station, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2SubwayImadegawa~Kyoto260JPY
    Total500JPY

    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 !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
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    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
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    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…