Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ Kyoto Station
    • 2. 11:30 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji
    • 3. 13:30 Snack break
    • 4. 14:00 Guided tour of Ginkaku-ji
    • 5. 15:30 Guided tour of Kiyomizu-dera
    • 6. 16:00 Disband @ Kiyomizu-dera

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera I met the group visiting from North America on time at Kyoto Station, confirmed the itinerary, and then traveled to Kinkaku-ji by train and bus. Although Kinkaku-ji was very crowded with travelers, I was able to guide them at a relaxed pace, and the guests took many commemorative photos, making it an enjoyable tour. From Kinkaku-ji, we transferred buses and, although it took some time, arrived at Ginkaku-ji. Since it was already past lunchtime, we took a snack break at a teahouse along the approach. After that, we toured Ginkaku-ji, and the guests enjoyed an atmosphere quite different from that of Kinkaku-ji. The trip from Ginkaku-ji to Kiyomizu-dera was by bus, but due to traffic conditions it took longer than planned. The approach was also so crowded that it was hard to move, and after I explained about the temple and guided them to the front gate, one of the guests became tired from walking and sat down at the stone steps, deciding not to enter the temple. One of the guests suggested, "Rather than going into the temple, we would like to take our time and enjoy the atmosphere of the area, so let's part ways here. We will manage on our own from now on." Unfortunately, we parted ways there. As a result, I somewhat regretted not being able to guide them to Fushimi Inari Shrine due to time constraints. Everyone was very interested in Japan, and one of the guests seemed to have visited Japan before and appeared to have background knowledge about the country.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~JR Enmachi Station190JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi Station~Kinkakuji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi Station~Ginkakuji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-michi Station~Kumano-jinja-mae Station230JPY
    Section 5BusHigashiyama-Nijo Station~Kiyomizu-michi Station230JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Ginza
    • 2. 10:10 @Ginza 4-chome
    • 3. 10:45 @Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 4. 12:20 @Kabuki-za Theatre
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch @Tsukiji Market
    • 6. 13:10 @Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple
    • 7. 13:40 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 8. 14:40 Disband @Hotel Ginza

    Private Tokyo Food-Focused Day Tour: A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ginza, and Shibuya The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, having arrived the day before, and this was their first trip to Asia, though they had traveled frequently within Europe and had some previous experience visiting other parts of Asia. It seemed clear that gourmet food was one of the main purposes of this trip. They mentioned that in their home region there are many sushi restaurants, and that enjoying "omakase" is currently a popular trend there. One of the guests happily shared that a reservation had been made for the following day at a famous sushi restaurant in Ginza — described by the guest as one of the top five in Japan — for an "omakase" sushi dinner. Upon arriving at Tsukiji, the guests were about three times as excited as they had been at Nakamise Street in Asakusa. The first goal was to try "wagyu" beef. Since the price was quite high, I hesitated, but the guests kindly insisted that I join them, so I gratefully shared in the meal. They also tried beef cutlet. Right after that, they enjoyed nigiri sushi at a restaurant as well. In the afternoon, we had planned to visit Rikugien Garden and Meiji Shrine, but as one of the guests grew tired, we decided to skip the gardens and shrines — experiences that can also be had to some extent in Kyoto — and instead see Shibuya before returning to the hotel. As a result, we parted ways considerably earlier than scheduled. At our farewell, the guests noted that the Ginza Mitsukoshi I had introduced in the morning was within walking distance of the hotel, and said they wanted to buy and try various things at the basement food hall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station~Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Higashi-ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Ginza Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    • 2. 11:30 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 3. 12:00 @ The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 4.12:30 Lunch @ Suju Dining (inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 5.13:45 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS, etc.)
    • 6. 15:00 @ Akihabara (Cultures ZONE, Yodobashi Camera)
    • 7. 16:10 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 8. 18:00 @ teamLab Planets
    • 9. 19:00 Dismiss @ Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Roppongi, Asakusa, and teamLab Planets The guest was a visitor from North America who mentioned that English was easier for them than their first language. On the day, the guest shared several shops and places they were curious about, and I incorporated them into the tour as much as possible. Regarding a bar called Centifolia, it turned out to be located in Azabu-Juban. Due to time constraints, I could not actually guide them to the spot, but I explained that it was quite close by showing the direction and estimated walking time from Roppongi Station. For a place called Sanskrit Tattoo, which the guest had searched for in advance in order to get a colored tattoo in Japan, the address was in Shibuya, so we were able to confirm the actual location. The guest planned to visit the next day to get the tattoo. The guest was worried, asking, "People with tattoos can't enter Japanese hot springs, right?" I shared my personal view that, since many Japanese people have now seen foreign tourists getting tattoos as fashion, as well as celebrities such as soccer players shown on television, the old prejudice has likely decreased. Asakusa was a bit rushed, but since we accessed it from Akihabara via the Tsukuba Express, we were able to arrive in a shorter time than using the subway. For the final destination, since the guest was interested in anime and high technology, we experienced teamLab Planets in Toyosu, which was close to the accommodation. The guest seemed to enjoy it. For lunch, the guest was impressed and delighted by a set meal of grilled miso-marinated fish, finding it very delicious.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassYurikamome Line Daiba Station~Toyosu Station820JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Toyosu Station~Sakuradamon Station900JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Nogizaka Station0JPY
    Section 4BusToei Bus Roppongi Station Stop~Shibuya Station Stop210JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station~Akihabara Station0JPY
    Section 6TrainTsukuba Express Akihabara Station~Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 7Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Section 8Free PassYurikamome Line Shimbashi Station~Shin-Toyosu Station0JPY
    Section 9Free PassYurikamome Line Toyosu Station~Daiba Station0JPY
    Total2,140JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour

    Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:55 Meet at Otaru Port
    • 2. 11:05 Otaru Canal
    • 3. 11:25 Sankaku Market
    • 4. 12:00 Ryugu Shrine
    • 5. 13:00 Financial Museum (Former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch)
    • 6. 13:35 Sakaimachi Street
    • 7. 15:10 Disband at Otaru Canal

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Otaru Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were cruise ship passengers visiting from Europe. The group showed a deep interest in history and culture, listening attentively to my explanations and asking many questions, then carefully relaying each point to one another. The visit to Ryugu Shrine was made at the guests' request. They also toured the financial history museum with great interest. Although Otaru has many slopes, the group walked through almost the entire route with hardly any breaks, which was impressive. On the way back to the cruise ship, we returned to the canal so they could take photographs. This tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Osaka Port Meeting
    • 9:45-10:45 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (A traffic accident occurred after this. Details will be described in the tour report.)
    • 12:20-13:20 Osaka Castle
    • 13:40-14:15 Dotonbori
    • 14:45 Osaka Port Dismissal

    What Should a Guide Do If a Traffic Accident Happens During a Private Osaka Tour? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. We visited Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and while boarding the Hankai tram in front of the Sumiyoshi Torii gate, a traffic accident occurred in which one of the guests was struck by a car and fell down. A passenger car that had turned right onto the main road appeared to be distracted on the right side and did not properly check the left side. It seems the person fell backward from the impact, but fortunately the backpack acted as a cushion, so there was no blow to the head. There appeared to be a scrape on the elbow and a bruise, but since the person said they were fine, we did not call an ambulance. After the police carried out an accident investigation, we continued the tour and saw them off to Osaka Port. I had the driver of the passenger car contact their insurance company, so that if any aftereffects arise in the future, both the driver and the insurance company can be reached. Thank you very much for your understanding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Bentencho240JPY
    Section 2TrainBentencho~Shin-Imamiya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi-Toriimae~Abeno230JPY
    Section 5SubwayAbeno~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 6SubwayNamba~Osaka Port290JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Gate 9:37 Board JR Nara-bound rapid train 10:23 Transfer to Horyuji-bound at Nara Station  10:44 Board Horyuji-bound bus 10:50 Arrive at Horyuji Tour Horyuji
    • 12:29 Board bus bound for JR Horyuji Station  12:53 Board JR Nara-bound 13:05 Board at JR Nara Station 13:30 Nara Park & Todaiji 15:00 Kasuga Taisha 16:10 Naramachi "Nigiwai no Ie" 16:45 Board bus bound for JR Nara Station  17:02 JR Nara Station 17:07 Board JR Kyoto-bound 17:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station Escort to subway station and tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara from Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The group joined the tour, coming from North America. Among themselves, the guests spoke together in their own language. After discussing the destinations, we decided to visit four places including Horyu-ji Temple, but it turned out to be a bit ambitious. As expected, visiting Horyu-ji Temple took a good hour or more. As a result, the tour ended up with no lunch break and no time for shopping. Everyone cooperated by walking quickly to help save time. Looking back, I think I could have been less greedy and cut one location within Nara city. In the end, the stay at the "Nigiwai no Ie" was only about 25 minutes, which felt rushed. We returned to Kyoto more than 30 minutes later than scheduled. However, by visiting all four places, I believe the guests were able to enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Nara. We took photos at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but since one of the guests declined to appear on the web, we took the photo with the remaining members of the group. I am sending the images just in case.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Horyuji990JPY
    Section 2BusHoryuji Station~Horyuji Approach220JPY
    Section 3BusHoryuji Approach~JR Horyuji Station220JPY
    Section 4TrainHoryuji~Nara230JPY
    Section 5Free PassJR Nara~JR Nara600JPY
    Section 6TrainNara~Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,980JPY

    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.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet the guests at the Himeji Castle ticket gate
    •    Start Himeji Castle sightseeing
    • 15:10 Move to Kokoen Garden
    • 16:10 Leave Kokoen Garden and head to the souvenir street
    • 16:30 Disband in front of the Otemon Gate

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. At the guests' request, we met at the entrance of Himeji Castle this time, and since they wanted to see a Japanese castle in detail, we walked around slowly and took our time. At first, the plan was to enjoy a matcha experience at Koko-en Garden, so we toured the castle a bit earlier than scheduled. However, some of the guests seemed tired and said they wanted ice cream and drinks, so we skipped the matcha experience and instead strolled through the garden. As it turned out, they became interested in the pond scenery, the fish, and the various paths, and they told me they enjoyed the garden very much. Since we did not do the matcha experience, the tour ended a little earlier than expected, but the guests' main goal had been to see a real castle carefully and thoroughly, so they said they were satisfied, which put me at ease.

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
    • 2. 10:40 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:10 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 12:30 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 13:00 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 6. 13:50 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 7. 14:55 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 15:30 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 9. 16:30 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 17:10 Disband @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

    Private Tokyo Walking Tour Report: What Is a Day Visiting the East Gardens, Tsukiji, and Asakusa Like? The hotel located in front of the former Bunkamura is visible from the station, but its entrance is very hard to find, so first-time visitors should take care. I located the entrance by studying the surrounding structures, but the guests had apparently struggled quite a bit finding it the day before. The guests, from North America, spoke very clear English, so there were no major communication difficulties. Since I had been informed beforehand that one of the group had an injured ankle, at the East Gardens I limited the tour to the Ninomaru Garden, and for the move from Tsukiji to Asakusa I used the Tokyo Metro, which involves fewer steps and less climbing. Although I had set a shorter course, there were many questions from the group, and I was also asked about the most convenient way to travel from Shibuya to Nikko. As a result, we spent more time than usual standing still or sitting on benches. I finished the explanation in Asakusa at 16:30, then saw the guests off at their hotel before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya Station~Otemachi Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:55 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 08:00 Travel: Subway・Yurikamome
    • 3. 09:05 Stay @ Toyosu Market
    • 4. 10:10 Travel: Yurikamome・Subway
    • 5. 10:40 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 6. 12:10 Disband @ Tsukiji Outer Market Nakadori

    # What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On a tour visiting Tsukiji and Toyosu, I decided that Tsukiji would be a more convenient place to have lunch, so this time as well I guided the guests to Toyosu first. I had explained by email that it would inevitably take about 50 minutes to get there from the guests' hotel, but the Yurikamome line we used for the trip was more popular than expected. Indeed, since it passes over the Rainbow Bridge, that in itself may be something of an attraction. The Senkyaku Banrai facility at Toyosu felt more lively than before. This time we arrived a little before 10:00 after touring the wholesale seafood market building, which was just the right timing for the guests to enjoy the atmosphere. At Tsukiji, I gave a general explanation of the outer market and guided them to a recommended sushi restaurant before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station~Shiodome Station280JPY
    Section 2TrainShiodome Station~Shijo-mae Station390JPY
    Section 3TrainShijo-mae Station~Toyosu Station190JPY
    Section 4SubwayToyosu Station~Shintomicho Station180JPY
    Total1,040JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
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    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
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    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
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    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine & Shimokitazawa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine & Shimokitazawa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet@Groove Shinjuku
    • 10:20 Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine
    • 11:30 Gotokuji Temple
    • 12:15 Lunch@Fukumuroan
    • 13:30 Shimokitazawa
    • 14:20 Disband@Shimokitazawa

    When you request an off-the-beaten-path Tokyo tour, where does a licensed guide take you? A private tour report The guests were visitors from North America. In our correspondence beforehand, they said they would visit the major sightseeing spots on their own, and requested that I take them somewhere off-the-beaten-path. From several suggestions I offered, they chose Shimokitazawa and Gotokuji. Occasionally I have guests like this who ask for off-the-beaten-path experiences instead of a standard Tokyo tour. The guests were interested in Japanese culture, so I recommended the film Perfect Days. However, the transparent toilet I had wanted to show them had become permanently opaque, so instead I guided them to the mushroom-shaped toilet beside Yoyogi-Hachimangu Shrine. Around lunchtime, one of the guests stopped smiling, and while I was guiding them wondering what was wrong, it turned out they had a blister and their foot was hurting. I may have let them walk too much without worrying. Still, they were determined to visit a sticker shop called B-Side Label in Shimokitazawa. One of the guests works as a graphic designer and sometimes designs stickers, and mentioned that after returning home they would design something inspired by Japan. When I tried to offer a bandage for the blister, they said they wanted something more like a wrap, so I told them where a drugstore was and we said goodbye in front of a MUJI store. The guests had already finished sightseeing in the Kansai area and planned to spend their remaining days in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Yoyogi-Hachiman140JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi-Hachiman~Gotokuji170JPY
    Section 3TrainGotokuji~Setagaya-Daita140JPY
    Total450JPY

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

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

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
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    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
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    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
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    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
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    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…