Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel→(Cable Car, Ropeway)→10:30 Lake Ashi Pirate Ship→11:30 Hakone Shrine→12:30 Lunch Taisho→Old Tokaido Stone-Paved Road→13:30 Amazake Chaya→(Bus x2)→15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum→Dismiss

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Walking the Old Tokaido Trail Under perfect weather, the guests visiting Japan from North America enjoyed the nature of Hakone. Since they had already visited Owakudani on their own the previous day, they said they wanted to go somewhere else, so I suggested the Amazake Chaya teahouse, reached by walking about 30 minutes along the old Tokaido stone-paved trail from Moto-Hakone. Because one of the guests loves mochi, and because this route has significant ups and downs and can be slippery, I had previously avoided it for older travelers or on days following rain. However, since the guests this time had plenty of stamina, they thoroughly enjoyed the hike.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora～Sounzan5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassSounzan～Togendai0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTogendai～Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAmazake Chaya～Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMotohakone Port～Kowakidani0JPY
    Section 6Free PassKowakidani～Hakone Open-Air Museum0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

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    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 11:00 Miyajima
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:30 Atomic Bomb Dome

    Two guests from North America. The guests had studied at a university in Japan about 20 years ago and could speak Japanese quite well, and they also commented on differences between English and Japanese, which I found very informative. The guests had also lived in Sendai. At first, when I mentioned the "Three Views of Japan," it did not ring a bell, but once they heard the name Matsushima, they understood, and I explained it along with Amanohashidate. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, so I have a certain amount of knowledge about the atomic bomb from my elementary and junior high school education. However, even in Japan, people who have not lived in Nagasaki or Hiroshima tend to have limited information about the atomic bombing. And even more so for visitors from overseas… I was reminded that I must explain it carefully and thoughtfully.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Broadcasting Hall～Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima Station～Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    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.

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    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 10:15 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
    • 3. 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch at Tsurukameya
    • 5. 14:50 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Harajuku Street, Omotesando)
    • 6. 16:40 Dismissal at Hotel

    Based on their advance request, I guided them along a classic course. The weather was fortunately a mix of sun and clouds, and the heat had eased considerably, so we were able to run the tour much more comfortably than a few weeks ago. The guests were on very good terms with each other and seemed genuinely interested in Japanese culture and history, so I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Regarding the Asahi Beer headquarters in Asakusa, I often get questions about the adjacent beer restaurant "Flamme d'Or," but this time one of the guests pointed out that the shape of the headquarters building looks like a beer mug 🍺, so I had one of the guests strike a pose holding an imaginary mug (please see the attached photo). Indeed, when you look closely, it really does resemble a large beer mug. I have guided in Asakusa nearly 1,000 times, but this was the first time I ever noticed it (a new story to tell).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4SubwayOmotesando～Ginza0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 9:30 Arashiyama Tenryu-ji Garden ~ Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 11:40 Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:40 Nishiki Market
    • 14:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:30 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Fushimi Inari Today I guided a group of guests visiting from North America. Perhaps because of the heat, neither the Arashiyama bamboo grove nor Kinkaku-ji was very crowded, so we were able to explore at a relaxed pace. That said, starting around this week, the number of school-trip students has been increasing. What the guests enjoyed the most was Nishiki Market. They wandered around the various stall-like shops and made it their lunch. However, they also noticed that prices had become quite high, seemingly aimed at tourists. Here too, it felt like there were slightly fewer tourists than usual. Fushimi Inari Taisha was also less crowded than usual, which was nice. I believe they thoroughly enjoyed Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 5TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,090JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: The blossom Kyoto ※Meeting time and place may change at the guest's request (the day before or the same day)
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ①: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove Path ⇒ Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 12:50 Sightseeing ②: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 Lunch: JR Kyoto Station Underground, Porta (Ramen "Kamukura")
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ③: Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 Dismissal: In front of Sanjusangendo

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Family with Small Children? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests I assisted this time were a group visiting Japan from North America. All pre-tour communication, including discussions about the itinerary, was handled through one member of the group. Initially, the group had requested as many as six destinations (Fushimi Inari, To-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, the Higashiyama district, Arashiyama, and the Philosopher's Path), but they took the stance of "we'd like to hear your opinion as a guide on what the best choices would be," so I could expect flexibility. In this case, the most important consideration in planning the itinerary was to respect the guests' preferred destinations while accounting for the fact that a very young child in a stroller was traveling with the group. "How to ensure the safe movement of the little one" became the central point of the itinerary planning. I set the following principles and began adjusting the plan: (1) avoid crowds as much as possible, (2) keep travel times as short as possible, and (3) build in as many rest breaks as possible. Specifically, I proceeded with the following policies: (1) use JR, subway, and buses as the main means of transport in principle, and use taxis only when absolutely necessary, and (2) choose destinations that could be reached by JR as much as possible. After several email exchanges with the group, we finalized four destinations (Arashiyama → Fushimi Inari → Ginkaku-ji → the Philosopher's Path), obtained the group's approval, and prepared for the tour. However, major changes were required the day before and on the day itself. First, the meeting time was pushed back by 30 minutes due to the group's circumstances (notified the previous evening). Second, "there was some trouble and we changed hotels — can you accommodate that?" (notified at 7:00 a.m. on the day, while I was on my way to the hotel). Especially, being notified of a hotel change and meeting-point change on the very morning of the tour was a first in my experience as a guide, and I was a little flustered, but fortunately the new hotel was in an easy-to-find location, so I was able to arrive at the hotel 30 minutes before the scheduled meeting time (9:00 a.m.). However, the guests did not appear even by the agreed time of 9:30, and there was no contact. For a moment the thought "maybe this will be called off" crossed my mind, but they finally arrived at the hotel two or three minutes before 10:00. The guests were very apologetic and repeatedly expressed their regret, saying "we're so sorry for being late." I, in turn, offered words of comfort, saying, "It must have been hard traveling with a little one. Are you all right?" Because of this rather "close-call" sequence of events, the tour started an hour behind the original schedule, and 30 minutes behind the later revised schedule, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (naturally, the end time was also pushed back to 4:00 p.m.). However, once we actually got underway, the tour progressed more smoothly than expected. In places with many stairs, such as JR and subway stations, the group cooperated to lift the stroller, and we were able to move around more smoothly than I had anticipated. It was everyone's first visit to Japan, and they had a strong interest in Japan's nature, history, and culture. They listened enthusiastically to my explanations at each key point and asked many questions. That said, traveling with a young child does take time — for things like diaper changes — and we ended up with only about an hour left after lunch. The final plan had been "Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher's Path," but since the travel time from Kyoto Station to the site would take too long, I proposed changing the destination to the closer Sanjusangen-do. The guests understood the situation well and fully agreed. Looking back on this tour, there were many things to learn as a guide. What truly saved the day, however, was the presence of the little one. When I first saw the child, I even thought, "Isn't bringing them on an overseas trip a bit reckless?" but seeing how adorable the child was and the devoted, cooperative spirit of the group, my desire to "make this a fun trip for them" won out. It was a tour full of nervous, heart-pounding moments and quite a bit of worry, but the child's smile was the greatest comfort of all. (Please forgive the long report.)

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo～Nijo260JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 5BusKyoto Station Front/Kyoto City Bus～Museum Sanjusangendo Front/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00-10:45 Walk to Hibiya, and after the Imperial Palace explanation, take the JR to Asakusa
    • 10:45-11:45. Visit Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:45-12:15. From Asakusa to Shibuya
    • 12:15-12:45. Shibuya Scramble Square experience
    • 13:00-14:00. Visit Meiji Shrine. Disband at the Yamanote Line.

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They got along very well, and one of the guests attentively supported the other, who was less accustomed to traveling. The tour covered Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, both of which had been requested. Since the Imperial Palace was close to the Hotel, I explained it in advance and suggested they visit it the following day. At Asakusa, the guests bought souvenir T-shirts, and they also experienced crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing near Shibuya Scramble Square. They seemed to be very impressed by Meiji Shrine, repeatedly exclaiming "Beautiful!" With the typhoon having passed, the four hours were clear and refreshing, and I was glad we could enjoy the tour without rushing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho～Ueno167JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Shibuya252JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Total743JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Daiganji Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Daiganji Temple

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:17　Welcome the arrival of the Shinkansen from Kyoto on the platform of Hiroshima Station
    • 9:35　Take the bus to the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:00　Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:15　Guide through the Peace Park, including the Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial Cenotaph, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the hypocenter
    • 12:03　From Shin-Hakushima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:50　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 13:15　Lunch
    • 14:00　Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:30　Daiganji Temple
    • 14:45　Since the tide has gone out, walk to the Great Torii Gate and touch it
    • 15:34　Train from Miyajimaguchi
    • 16:15　Tour ends at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Before the tour day, there had been concern about the impact of an approaching typhoon, so I provided advice by email. I had explained how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, for which they were very grateful. On this day, they traveled from Kyoto to Hiroshima Station. We met at the station and headed to the Peace Memorial Museum, which they viewed very carefully. I shared some recent news with them: that the grandson of Oppenheimer, who developed the atomic bomb, had visited Hiroshima in June and met with atomic bomb survivors, and that the letter written by Einstein to President Roosevelt dated August 2, 1939 (in which he warned of the possibility of a new type of bomb) was to be put up for auction this month. They were amazed to hear this. For lunch on Miyajima, they were delighted with a special lunch of fried oysters, a conger eel rice bowl, and Hiroshima beef! They mentioned that back home they go to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant (laughs). While I was guiding them around Itsukushima Shrine and Daiganji Temple, the tide went out, so we were able to walk all the way to the Great Torii Gate and touch it. They were thrilled by this rare experience. [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.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station～Fukuromachi220JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima400JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:45 Meet up @Tempozan
    • 2. 10:10 @Osaka Castle
    • 3. 12:00 @Shitennoji
    • 4. 13:00 @Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 5. 13:45 Disband @Tempozan

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Osaka Cruise-Port Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Due to sudden work commitments, the tour start time was changed the day before from 8:30 to 9:45. Since the cruise ship was scheduled to depart at 14:45, this was a tour that required very careful attention to time management. After looking at a map of Osaka, the guests requested Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Namba Yasaka Shrine, so although the pace was a bit rushed, we were able to cover all of them. Both guests were very satisfied and were quite amazed that they had been able to visit so many places in just four hours. Knowing that the ticket machines at Tempozan tend to be crowded, I had purchased Osaka Metro one-day passes in advance. Thanks to the one-day pass, we also did not have to wait in line to buy tickets at Osaka Castle, and the guests were very pleased, saying they were truly glad to have requested a guide. As planned, we made it back to Tempozan by 13:45, which delighted the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Port～Osaka Port820JPY
    Section 2OtherSakuramon～Tanimachi 4-chome200JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
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    We had a great tour with…

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    Christian_L
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  • 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

    • 7:30 Meet at hotel　8:10 Fushimi Inari (Due to JR delay, waited over 20 minutes at JR Inari Station)　10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　11:15 Lunch (Sushi restaurant near JR Nijo Station) 12:15 Kinkaku-ji　13:20 Nijo Castle　14:30 Guide to the subway station nearest the hotel and end the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from North America. Since we were close in interests, there was a lot of conversation about family topics. The guests asked many questions throughout the day. After touring Fushimi Inari, the JR line was delayed due to a signal inspection, and we had to wait more than 20 minutes at Inari Station. As a result, the tour ended nearly an hour later than planned. Although it was warmer compared to August, the sunlight felt gentle and there was a light breeze, so we could tour without sweating too much. The forecast says it will be hot again this coming weekend. For lunch we had conveyor-belt sushi, which was a first-time experience for the guests, and they enjoyed taking photos. Since Kinkaku-ji was visited around lunchtime, there were fewer tourists and it was easy to take pictures. At Nijo Castle, the guests were impressed by the "nightingale floors." The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Nijo200JPY
    Section 4TrainNijo～Enmachi150JPY
    Section 5BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 7SubwayNishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 8SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae220JPY
    Total1,710JPY

    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.

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    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
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    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
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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meeting Point: Hotel Granvia Kyoto Lobby
    • 2. 9:20　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Nonomiya Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Arashiyama　Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 4. 11:20 Arashiyama　Oigawa Riverside + Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch: Nanohana (Restaurant within Ryoanji Temple grounds)
    • 6. 13:10 Ryoanji Temple
    • 7. 14:15 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 8. 15:20 Dismissal: Nijojo-mae (Bus Stop)

    **Title:** What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Focused on History and Culture Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They had long held a strong interest in Japan's history and culture, which they found highly unique compared to that of the West, and they took this opportunity to visit Japan. During the tour, they asked quite in-depth questions, including topics such as the balance between Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, the relationship between Buddhism and Zen, the connection between Zen and dry landscape (karesansui) gardens, and whether there is any link between bushido and modern Japan. Due to time constraints, we exchanged smiles and a handshake in front of Nijo Castle and said our goodbyes.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Ryoanji Temple250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoanji-mae～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

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    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
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    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
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    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
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