Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanaya History Museum

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanaya History Museum

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20　Meet up @ JR Nikko Station　Help with reserving the return Shinkansen
    • 10:37　Board the bus
    • 10:50　Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:10　Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden
    • 11:25　Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 12:15　Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:10　Futarasan Shrine
    • 13:25　Lunch @ Yuba Yuzen
    • 14:41　Board the bus
    • 14:40　Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 15:20 　Kanaya History Museum
    • 16:16　Board the bus
    • 16:40　Disperse @ JR Nikko Station

    What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like for History Fans of the Show "Shogun"? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour in Nikko for a group visiting from Europe with a strong interest in Japanese history and culture. Because the guests had watched the popular worldwide drama "Shogun," it was easy to share stories about the Sengoku period and the Edo period, and they listened with great interest. At the local history museum, a staff member was newly available to provide explanations in English, which was wonderful because the guests received a full explanation. However, since the site is referred to as a "samurai house," the guests seemed to expect more stories about samurai, and appeared a little disappointed that the explanation focused mainly on the history of the hotel connected to the site. Even so, they said they were glad to have seen a genuine samurai residence. For lunch, the guests wanted to try traditional Nikko cuisine, so I took them to a yuba (tofu skin) restaurant. For the guests, the dishes were all unfamiliar and felt like a real challenge. They worked hard with their chopsticks, tasting each item carefully as if exploring it. I wrote out a list of delicious local specialties they could try in various regions during their upcoming travels around Japan, and they seemed especially excited about Osaka. The guests also wanted to learn as much of the Japanese language as possible and use it in different places, so I wrote out several simple phrases for them, which they were very happy to receive. I truly hope they enjoy their trip to the fullest.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nikko Station～Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Nishi-Sando Parking Lot～Kanmangafuchi Abyss200JPY
    Section 3BusKanmangafuchi Abyss～Kanaya History Museum200JPY
    Section 4BusKanaya History Museum～JR Nikko Station350JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Yumi

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Request Booking

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Oyama Shrine / Gyokusen'inmaru & Higashi Chaya

    Ishikawa in One Day: Oyama Shrine / Gyokusen’inmaru & Higashi Chaya

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
    • 11:30　Oyama Shrine / Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
    • 12:20　Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
    • 12:40　Tofu cuisine lunch at Umenohana Kanazawa
    • 14:40　Kanazawa Castle
    • 15:40　Kenrokuen Garden
    • 17:00　Higashi Chaya District
    • 17:15　Disband at Hashiba-cho Intersection

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya District The guests were a group from Europe and South America, and they were all very talkative. I had heard in advance that the group would be traveling around by rental car. Originally, the plan was to visit the samurai district and then have lunch, but since the guests told me they had already been to the samurai district the day before, we quickly changed course and I guided them to Oyama Shrine and Gyokusen'inmaru Garden before returning to the Hotel. The group, with one exception, requested vegan dishes such as tofu and ramen. Since we could travel by car this time, I inquired at a restaurant in the suburbs and found that they offered a vegan vegetarian lunch. This required a reservation in advance, so I booked it beforehand and we headed to the lunch venue by car. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the kaiseki course featuring tofu and yuba, and were very pleased. After that, we saw Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, and by the time we reached the Higashi Chaya District it was already 5:00 p.m., and most of the shops were closed. Since the guests wanted to have a drink somewhere, we parted ways at the Hashiba-cho intersection. This time, the guests enjoyed everything except the Higashi Chaya District, and I felt sorry that I was not able to properly secure enough time to explore it. From next time, even when plans keep changing, I want to manage time more carefully.

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

    Tour Report by Sho

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Observatory

    Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Observatory

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:36 Meet @ Shin-Osaka Station platform
    • 10:20-11:00 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:30-12:10 @ Harukas Observatory
    • 12:25-13:45 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 14:00 Disband @ Osaka Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Osaka and Kobe? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They had arrived by cruise ship, traveling from northern regions of Japan including Hokkaido and the Tohoku area, and had reached Yokohama the previous day. On the day of the tour, they had a very tight schedule: a day trip from Tokyo to Osaka, followed by time in Kobe, returning to their hotel in Tokyo in the evening and departing Japan the next day. Since they were making the effort to come all the way from Tokyo to the Kansai region for a single day, I changed the meeting point to a platform at Shin-Osaka Station to save as much time as possible. To keep things efficient, we did not climb to the top of the castle keep at Osaka Castle, and instead spent time enjoying a relaxed panoramic view of Osaka from Abeno Harukas, which was their top priority. In Dotonbori, I guided them only to the key highlights, and consolidated souvenir shopping at a Don Quijote store. As a result, they were able to board the train to Kobe almost exactly on schedule, which was a relief and made for a satisfying tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Tennoji240JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji～Namba240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi～Umeda240JPY
    Total960JPY

    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: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Ginza Premier
    • 10:20 Shimbashi Station
    • 10:50 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:15 Asakusa Station
    • 13:00 Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 13:45 Harajuku Station
    • 13:50 Shibuya Station
    • 14:00 Disband @Shibuya Scramble

    Title: What's a 2-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. Since they had only a limited time in Tokyo, they wanted to see as many of the main sights as possible. While moving between locations, I also helped with how to use the subway, how to look up destinations, restaurant recommendations, and arranging the itinerary for their other days, which they greatly appreciated. As they wished to have commemorative videos and photos taken in front of each landmark, I did my best as a photographer, changing angles along the way. The guests were wonderful company, and it was a joy to guide them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi Station～Asakusa Station220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station260JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station150JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:45 @ Mt. Shosha / Engyoji Temple
    • 14:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 14:45 Disband @ Himeji Castle Entrance

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji and Engyoji Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests moved smoothly through the day despite the unusually hot weather. They asked a great many questions, which showed their strong interest. At Engyoji Temple, one of the guests received a stamp in a goshuin book, reflecting a deep interest in Japan. In the waiting area at the Mount Shosha ropeway station, one of the guests spotted the autograph of Tom Cruise from the film "The Last Samurai," took a photo, and enjoyed the moment. Because time was tight, I had to ask the guests to visit Himeji Castle on their own, which left me feeling a little apologetic.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMt. Shosha Ropeway Station～Mt. Shosha Ropeway Summit Station1,200JPY
    Section 2BusMt. Shosha Ropeway Station～Himeji Station Front310JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    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…

  • 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

    • 14:00 Meet at Kinkaku-ji　15:15 Ryoan-ji　16:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　17:50 Fushimi Inari　　19:00 Gion Area　20:00 Tour Ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Gion The guests were visiting Japan from North America. Originally the plan was to meet at the hotel at 14:00, but in the early afternoon the guests contacted me to say they were already out in the city and asked if we could meet at Kinkaku-ji instead. We were able to meet without any trouble in front of the large map at Kinkaku-ji. At each site, although there were school excursion students, it was not especially crowded. Partly because it was evening, Ryoan-ji and the Arashiyama bamboo grove had a relaxed atmosphere, and we were able to take photos at a leisurely pace. Fushimi Inari was fairly crowded even in the evening. As it grew dark, there were some spots that were hard to see with only the street lamps. In Gion, the guests had expected to hear rather loud sounds coming from inside the teahouses, so they were surprised that nothing could be heard from the street outside. I helped them understand that it is a place to be enjoyed calmly and thoroughly. Partly because it was a weekday, Gion was not very crowded. The photo was taken at Ryoan-ji.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKinkaku-ji～Ryoan-ji0JPY
    Section 2TrainRyoan-ji Station～Arashiyama Station250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:30　Meet at Kyo-Machiya Ryokan Sakura
    • ②　10:30　Chat in the hotel lobby about Japanese history for about 1 hour
    • ③　11:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④　12:00　Ryoan-ji Temple
    • ⑤　13:15　Nijo Castle
    • ⑥　14:00　Disband in front of Nijo Castle

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Their itinerary reportedly went from Tokyo to Hakone, and then on to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, and I accompanied them on their first day in Kyoto. In the morning, I met them at the Hotel, and right away we sat down in the Hotel lobby for about 40 to 50 minutes discussing what a shogun is and what an emperor is. They were also quite knowledgeable about Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and asked me things such as why Toyotomi Hideyoshi was never able to become Seii Taishogun. When I explained these points in detail, their eyes lit up and they asked many questions. It seemed they had read a great deal before coming to Japan and wanted to ask about the things they could not understand from books. We continued like this throughout the entire day, even skipping lunch, and for me they were truly rewarding guests to guide. No transportation costs were advanced.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet at Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake
    • 2. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 15:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 17:00 Disband at Shimbashi Station

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the guests initially requested a one-hour extension, the tour ultimately concluded after four hours. The meeting-point hotel was located in the Ariake area, which is far from central Tokyo, so it took a considerable amount of time, including transfers, to reach Meiji Shrine. At the shrine, the sunlight was strong and the humidity was high, so the guests sightseed while taking frequent breaks. We entered the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace through the Otemon Gate, but to avoid physical exhaustion, we did not climb up to the higher ground where the front area, the Ooku, and the ruins of Edo Castle are located, and instead took our time appreciating the Japanese garden on the lower level. As the guests were tired, we followed their wishes and canceled the visit to Asakusa, seeing them off at Shimbashi Station on the Yurikamome Line and guiding them on how to return to their hotel before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKokusai-Tenjijo～Harajuku520JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi180JPY
    Section 3TrainTakebashi～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Received notice of flight delay via WHATSAPP. Wait 30 minutes at the hotel.
    • 12:30 Depart from hotel
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine, lunch in Harajuku
    • 14:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:00 Asakusa
    • 16:30 Arrive at hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were visiting from North America. Because the flight was somewhat delayed, the departure from the Hotel was also delayed by about 30 minutes. Since they contacted me through a messaging app, there was no need to worry, and I waited in the lobby and departed from the Hotel without any trouble 30 minutes later. – Since they had not eaten anything, we first had lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Harajuku. After that, we visited Meiji Shrine and offered a prayer. – In Shibuya, the guests were interested in Hachiko, so we took photos there, and then took more photos at the crossing. They were amazed by the huge number of people. – In Asakusa, we visited Kaminarimon, Nakamise, and the main hall, and enjoyed matcha at a nearby tea shop. Finally, we took a commemorative photo along the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree in the background. – We arrived at the Hotel at 4:30 p.m. Since it was their first visit to Japan and they were unfamiliar with the transportation system, I accompanied them all the way to the Hotel. After arriving, I received a thank-you email from the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Asakusa230JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa～Kanda180JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda～Shinjuku180JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Hyde

    Hello! I ‘m your guide, Hideyuki Shimizu. Please call me Hyde. I’m so happy to show you around Tokyo this time. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015, because I would like to introduce you a variety of amazing and memorable sightseeing places in Tokyo. For example, if you are interested in historical and cultural sites, I recommend you go to the East Gardens of Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Ueno and Meiji Jingu Shrine. If you like Japanese Pop cultures, I recommend you go to Akihabara, Shibuya, Harajuku and Tokyo tower.
    I have ever been traveling a lot abroad and in Japan. So, I can understand the feelings of travelers so well and will guide you from travelers’ perspective. Please do not hesitate to ask me anything about Tokyo tours. If so, I am sure you will really enjoy your stay in Tokyo. I am looking forward to meeting you in the nearest future.

    Request Booking

    May 14, 2026
    simonu934
    Single day Tokyo visit
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Only had a single day in Tokyo and…

    Apr 19, 2026
    joycep2018
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    Highly recommend 6 hr tour by Hyde
    Our guide “Hyde” spent so…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Nina_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hyde and walking tour excellent
    Hyde was such…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Douglas_R
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    Toyko Tour
    Visited top rated tourist sites in Tokyo. Guide provided essential…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza-Nanachome
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 11:20 Hachiko the Faithful Dog Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, "Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F Store" in front of the Scramble Crossing
    • 12:30 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 14:10 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushi Sei Shinkan"
    • 15:30 Akihabara
    • 16:00 Disband near "JR Akihabara Station Ticket Gate"

    What Is a Private Summer Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen and Shibuya The guests were from Europe and had arrived in Japan the day before. As on the previous day, the sun was strong from the morning, making it an intensely hot day. We began at the first destination, Shinjuku Gyoen, entering through the Okido Gate. All three of us, myself included, strolled through the Japanese garden while repeatedly wiping the sweat from our brows. It was a great help that Shinjuku Gyoen has several free rest areas. Taking several breaks along the way, we reached the Shinjuku Gate in about 50 minutes. The guests seemed to really enjoy the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, taking commemorative photos from various angles, such as the second floor of a Starbucks and the second-floor walkway connecting the JR and Inokashira lines. They mentioned that Godiva, a purveyor to the Belgian Royal Court, is expensive even in its home country.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinjuku Station～JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station170JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station260JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station180JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

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    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
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    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

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    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

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    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…