Category: Uncategorized

  • Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel　8:15 Kokubunji Temple　8:45 Miyagawa Morning Market　9:15 Yoshijima Heritage House　10:00 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine　11:00 Old Townscape　12:00 Lunch　12:50 Town Museum　13:20 Ohnoya Brewery　13:35 Harada Sake Brewery　12:00 Hotel　Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Takayama's Old Town Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a warm and friendly group visiting from North America. They were smiling and relaxed throughout the day. The original plan had included Hida no Sato, but since it would have made the schedule too busy, it was dropped, and instead we spent a leisurely time in the old townscape. As light rain kept falling, I happened to suggest the local town museum, and it turned out to have interesting and worthwhile exhibits. Everyone was so warm-hearted that guiding them made me feel very happy. They were a little worried because rain was also forecast for their next destination. Perhaps because of the weather forecast, many places were closed today, but I was glad they seemed to fully enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Takayama.

    Click here for more details: Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Mitsu

    I was born, raised, and still live in Takayama, and I am a licensed National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

    My guiding philosophy is to create unforgettable memories through warm, cheerful, and engaging experiences. I enjoy sharing not only the highlights of the region, but also the history, culture, and stories that make each place unique.

    I studied International Relations at a national university and have built a diverse career in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and the local tourism association. Today, I primarily guide luxury travelers, as well as private and group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences, visits with local artisans, and in-depth insights into Japanese traditions.

    I also practice Japanese calligraphy, the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, Sencha (Baisa-ryu), and kimono dressing, allowing me to incorporate traditional Japanese culture into my tours.

    I mainly guide in Takayama, Okuhida, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Kamikochi. I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan a truly memorable experience.

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2024
    L9503LEstephenr
    Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We did the tour…

    Aug 29, 2024
    Stay19758434714
    Takayama tour with Mitsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu was an amazing…

    Aug 24, 2024
    Joy L
    Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 13, 2024
    sall450
    Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK (15-2 Tomigaya 1-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 3) 10:30 Imperial Palace <Main Gate Nijubashi Bridge・East Gardens>
    • 4) 11:30 Yanaka <Shopping Street・Cemetery・around Uenosakuragi>・Ueno Park
    • 5) 13:10 Disband @Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Yanaka, and Ueno — A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from North America. In their advance messages, the guests had requested Tsukiji Market, but since Wednesday is a closed day, I suggested visiting Toyosu Senkyakubankai instead. When we confirmed the itinerary at the meeting point, the guests explained that they would visit both Toyosu and Tsukiji on their own the following days, and preferred to go somewhere else. Possibly due to the effects of Typhoon No. 10, it was quite windy and cloudy, with pleasant, mild temperatures. The guests were very fond of Meiji Shrine, especially appreciating its spiritual atmosphere. Afterward, I guided them to the main gate of the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens. When I spoke about the Great Fire of Meireki, the guests shared with me the story of the Great Chicago Fire. Next, we visited Yanaka. The guests enjoy walking, but we took a break at a café before heading to the shopping street. They were a little surprised by the line in front of Himitsudo (today only about ten people were waiting). Passing through the cemetery, I guided them toward the Ueno Sakuragi area, where they sampled salt and olive oil (the shop owner kindly allowed the guide to sample as well) and made a purchase. We then walked on to Ueno Park, where I pointed out the University of the Arts, the Tokyo National Museum, and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, showing only the locations. We had already run out of time, and the guests said they could explore Asakusa on their own. We parted ways at the Ginza Line ticket gate at Ueno Station. The guests had a Japanese acquaintance and had carefully researched their Japan trip in advance, including places like Nikko and Naoshima (their Google Maps was marked with many places they wanted to visit).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yoyogi-koen Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet and depart at Hotel Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station　➡　By train 9:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha　➡　By taxi 10:40 Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji Temple → Arashiyama Shopping Street　➡　By taxi 13:00 Vegetarian restaurant in Jingu-Marutamachi　➡　By taxi to Kyoto Station　➡　Disband after changing the Shinkansen time

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had come to Japan after visiting relatives abroad, and remarked that it was hotter here than at their previous destination. Since they preferred to avoid walking for more than about 10 minutes, we traveled by taxi throughout the day after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Because of an approaching typhoon, we had been communicating via a messaging app for four or five days beforehand, but as the typhoon was moving slowly, they were able to come to Kyoto from Tokyo for an overnight stay as planned. In the end, there was no impact from the typhoon and no rain, which was fortunate. Some of the guests loved Japanese character goods, so they did a lot of shopping along the Arashiyama shopping street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

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    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijou Muromachi
    • 10:30 　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30　Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:10　Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 13:00　Bamboo Grove＞Tenryu-ji Temple Garden＞Kimono Forest
    • 14:00　Dismissal＠In front of Monkey Park

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report I was worried a typhoon might arrive today, but thankfully the weather turned out sunny, which was a relief. The guests were a group visiting from Europe who had known each other since childhood, and it was wonderful to see that their friendship had continued for so long. One of the guests had studied a little Japanese beforehand. When I chatted with them a bit, one mentioned that landing is more difficult than taking off. One of the guests took many photos with a nice camera. Since it was a small group, we were able to travel by taxi and get around smoothly. The back seat was a bit cramped, though. Perhaps thanks to the typhoon, the temperature felt as if the peak of summer had passed.

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

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel – 10:30 Meiji Shrine – 11:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 13:50 Disband at Nihonbashi Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine and Harajuku The guests were visitors from an island nation in the Caribbean, and this was their first time in Japan, and indeed in Asia. After giving an overview of Tokyo and a general introduction to Japanese history and culture, we started the tour at Meiji Shrine. Along the way, they were surprised to find a vending machine selling frozen ramen. When I explained that around 110 years ago, at the time Meiji Shrine was founded, the area was an open field with no trees, they found it hard to believe looking at the magnificent forest there today. After lining up to purchase omamori charms, we headed to Harajuku. On Takeshita Street, we soon took a break at a dog café, and the guests were amazed by the many animal cafés there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Okubo～Yoyogi146JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Nihonbashi178JPY
    Total533JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Request Booking

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsaibashi Daimaru

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsaibashi Daimaru

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet up @ Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
    • 16:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 17:30 @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 18:15 @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru (Pokemon Shop)
    • 19:00 Disband @ Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Osaka for a group visiting from North America. The group used a stroller, and since one member fell asleep partway through, they preferred to avoid stairs and escalators and use elevators instead, which made our movement quite slow. One of the guests showed little interest in attractions such as the castle or the Sky Building and seemed bored. Given the situation, and since there is now a lot of varied information about walking tours, I made sure to explain several times that there would be some steep, long staircases with no escalators or elevators. (I had the impression that the guests understood each spot to be located right next to the nearest station.) For the guest who was bored and wanted to return to the hotel to watch television, I suggested that a shop selling character goods might be more enjoyable, so I changed the itinerary and we visited the character goods shop at the Shinsaibashi Daimaru. Perhaps because I had emphasized that this was a walking tour, we ended up taking a taxi from the Umeda Sky Building to Shinsaibashi Daimaru. (I also mentioned that the evening rush hour was just beginning and the subway would be crowded.) The guest was indeed interested in the character goods and eagerly asked to buy things. This time the guests were visiting from North America, and I found communication in English a little difficult at times.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHonmachi～Morinomiya190JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Osaka170JPY
    Total360JPY

    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 in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hotl Lobby
    • 12:10-12:20 Travel (Subway Tozai Line; Keage → Keihan Sanjo)
    • 12:20-12:30 Travel (Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo → Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 12:30-14:30 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:30-15:00 Walk (Kiyomizu-dera → Yasaka Pagoda)
    • 15:00-15:30 Visit Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do
    • 15:30-16:00 Travel (Taxi; Yasaka Pagoda → Sanjusangen-do)
    • 16:00-16:40 Visit Sanjusangen-do
    • 16:40-17:00 Travel (Taxi; Sanjusangen-do → Fushimi Inari)
    • 17:00-18:00 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 18:00 Farewell (Disband on-site)

    Was a Private Kyoto Day Tour Possible During a Typhoon? A Licensed Guide's Report For this tour, there was concern about the impact of a large typhoon, so the decision on whether to proceed was made carefully while monitoring the typhoon's movement. The guests contacted me the day before the tour, and after I explained the situation, we agreed to go ahead. During today's tour we did encounter a little rain and thunder, but there was almost no impact and we were able to complete the tour. Cancellation was an option, but I am glad we decided to proceed. Today's guests were a group from North America. We visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do, Sanjusangen-do, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Part of the group returned to the Hotel from Sanjusangen-do. Among the places we visited, there was a comment that Sanjusangen-do left the strongest impression. I explained the typhoon situation for the coming days, and we said our goodbyes at the final stop, Fushimi Inari.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage～Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Sanjo～Kiyomizu-Gojo170JPY
    Section 3OtherYasaka Pagoda～Sanjusangen-do0JPY
    Section 4OtherSanjusangen-do～Fushimi Inari Taisha0JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:00　Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • ②　10:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ③　12:30　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ④　14:30　Disband at Sannenzaka

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from Europe. It was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto, and they were overjoyed, saying that their long-dreamed-of trip to Japan had finally come true. Although there was some concern about the impact of an approaching typhoon, the tour was carried out as scheduled. For this tour, they requested Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. They seemed very interested in Shinto and Buddhism, and in how these two religions coexist and blend together in everyday life in Japan. They fired questions at me like a machine gun about the customs and culture of this country centered on religion — for example, the difference in meaning between visiting a temple and visiting a shrine, Obon, the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, feng shui and onmyodo, Jizo Bosatsu, zazen, and so on. It was truly rewarding for me as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto～JR Inari150JPY
    Total150JPY

    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

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    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…

  • Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Starting at 8:00 per customer's request (6 hours until 14:00)
    • 8:00 Meet at hotel (Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic)
    • Around 8:30 Travel to Arashiyama by Hankyu train
    • Around 8:50 Bamboo Grove
    • Around 9:10 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • Around 10:15 Gio-ji Temple
    • Around 11:00 Nonomiya Shrine
    • Around 11:30 Customer takes a break at Randen Arashiyama Station, buying drinks
    • Around 12:00 Depart Arashiyama by taxi
    • Around 12:30 Arrive at Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • Around 13:20 Take the subway to Shijo
    • Around 14:00 Disband in front of Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since some of the guests did not speak English, another member of the group kindly interpreted along the way. Arashiyama was not very crowded, perhaps because it was early in the morning, and the guests were delighted to take beautiful photos. On the path from the bamboo grove to Gioji Temple, many lotus flowers were in bloom, and the guests took photos, saying how lovely they were. One of the guests was fond of animals, and the group eagerly photographed lizards and other creatures together. At Gioji Temple, they enjoyed writing on ema plaques and drawing omikuji fortunes. At Nonomiya Shrine, they bought protective charms as souvenirs. After that, they took a short break at the Randen station, buying cola and fries. Since they wanted to enjoy Kobe beef in a casual setting, I recommended Nishiki Market, and when one of the guests mentioned wanting to sing karaoke, I told them about a karaoke place in Kawaramachi. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the weather was cool and comfortable. I had been concerned about the possible effects of a typhoon, but it did not rain, and we finished the tour safely.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainImadegawa～Shijo260JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Mako

    Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
    Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
    My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.

    I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.

    I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Apr 29, 2026
    K Q
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
    Our guide, Mako,…

    Apr 14, 2026
    A2440DSamandao
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
    Mako was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    uppervalley1
    Must do in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…

    Nov 24, 2024
    Alison_R
    Excellent Kyoto tour!
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Hokkaido in One Day: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Hotel meet, take the bus to Otaru
    • 9:35 Otaru Bus Terminal
    • 10:00 Mt. Tengu Ropeway
    • 11:30 Stroll along Otaru Canal
    • 12:00 Otaru Beer Brewery
    • 12:30 Otaru Sakaimachi
    • 13:00 Lunch at Kita no Ryoba
    • 13:40 Stroll along Sakaimachi Street
    • 14:55 Take the bus to Sapporo
    • 16:00 Disband at Hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Otaru Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. As arranged in advance by email, after arriving in Otaru we took a bus to the Tenguyama Ropeway. The weather was clear, so we were able to enjoy beautiful views of the town of Otaru, the sea, and the distant mountains. The guests enjoyed craft beer at a brewery along the Otaru Canal. Since they wanted seafood, they had seafood rice bowls at a casual seafood restaurant. On Sakaimachi Street, they enjoyed shopping for souvenirs and eating ice cream while strolling. On the way back we also took the bus, so it was a comfortable bus ride all the way to the bus stop in front of the Hotel.

    Click here for more details: Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusOtaru Station～Mt. Tengu Ropeway480JPY
    Section 2BusSapporo～Otaru1,460JPY
    Total1,940JPY

    Tour Report by Tracy

    Hi, my name is Toshie Nagai, please call me Tracy! I have been working as a tour guide for about 10 years in Hokkaido.
    I myself love traveling and I have been to many different places both domestic and overseas and made good memories with my family. I would provide you a personalized tour so you will be able to experience various activities and make wonderful memories. Hokkaido has four distinct seasons that you cannot experience in other places in Japan. I assure that you will be able to enjoy natural beauty and delicious food in Hokkaido.

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    May 16, 2025
    CLAUDE_B
    Excellent
    Viator review: Otaru & Yoichi Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Sapporo
    Paysages de montagnes encore enneigées et de…