Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:57 Meet at hotel　10:07 Board JR rapid train to Nara　11:00 Arrive at JR Nara Station　11:15 Nara Park, Todaiji Temple　12:45 Lunch (tonkatsu)　13:35 Kofukuji Temple Treasure Museum
    • 14:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine　　15:10 Naramachi Koshi-no-ie (Lattice House) 16:15 JR Nara Station　　16:37 Board rapid train to Kyoto　　17:20 Arrive at Kyoto Station　17:30 Disband at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. There had been no replies to my emails beforehand, which was a concern, but we discussed and decided on the places to visit during the JR train ride to Nara. Everyone was in good spirits, so from the hotel meeting point we jogged over to Kyoto Station and made it in time for the rapid train to Nara. That morning there had been an incident of people entering a railway crossing on the JR Nara Line, which caused delays, and the train even came to a brief stop on the way to Nara Station. As a result, our arrival at Nara Station was slightly delayed. At Nara Park, the guests happily played with the deer. For lunch we went to a tonkatsu restaurant I often visit. It is always full of foreign visitors; today, including myself, there were only three Japanese people there. One of the guests worked as a teacher, and we exchanged a little professional information with each other. It was another hot day, and after visiting the Naramachi Koshi-no-ie (traditional lattice townhouse), I asked, "Would you like to walk a bit and do some shopping?" but the guests said they wanted to return to Nara Station, so in the end we arrived at Kyoto Station about 30 minutes earlier than planned. I think part of the reason was that one of the guests had caught a cold. At the lattice house, the guests asked many questions and took a lot of photos. The photos were taken at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Nara720JPY
    Section 2Free PassJR Nara Station～JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainNara～Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    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
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & Museum

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30　Meet at Hotel Granvia
    • 11:45　Travel by JR from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 12:11　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 12:25　From Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima
    • 12:35　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 　　　　Shrine　Daishoin　Omotesando
    • 15:10　From Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:20　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:34　Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 16:12　From Nishi-Hiroshima to the Museum
    • 16:30　Arrive at the Museum
    • 　　　　Museum　Monument tour
    • 18:30　After finishing the monument tour, take the train to Hiroshima Station
    • 19:00　Arrive at Hiroshima Station　Disband

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) licensed guide led a private tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima for guests visiting from North America. The guests were captivated by the beautiful scenery of Miyajima and took photos everywhere they went. They showed interest in the sake barrels displayed within the shrine, so I explained how sake is made and described how its brewing method differs from that of wine. I also shared that Hiroshima sake was served when President Obama visited Japan. Before entering the main building of the memorial museum, I spoke about the experience of Sunao Tsuboi and about the fact that I am a second-generation atomic bomb survivor, and the guests listened with tears in their eyes. Due to time constraints, we did not have time to visit Shukkeien Garden or Hiroshima Castle, but since the guests planned to visit them the following day, I provided an explanation about those sites, which they greatly appreciated.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Museum220JPY
    Section 4TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

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    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: Hotel Graccery Osaka Namba
    • 09:40　Sightseeing ①: Umeda Sky Building
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ②: Osaka Castle (Main Keep)
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ③: Dotonbori + Lunch
    • 13:45 Sightseeing ④: Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:50 Dismissal: Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

    What's a Private One-Day Osaka Cultural Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Osaka from Oceania, and they were a very close-knit group of longtime friends. During the pre-tour email correspondence, the request was: "We leave the itinerary entirely up to you as the guide. Just please make sure to include places where we can understand Japanese culture, and be sure to include time for lunch." In line with that request, I finalized the following itinerary and received approval from the group's representative: (1) the Umeda Sky Building (explaining the characteristics of Osaka while enjoying panoramic views of the city), (2) Osaka Castle (the setting of the Siege of Osaka, a turning point in the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate), (3) Dotonbori and lunch (explaining and experiencing Osaka's food culture), and (4) Shitennoji Temple (explaining the influence of Buddhist culture). On the day of the tour, under the usual extreme heat, and since everyone including the guide was on the older side, I made a special effort to avoid moving around under the blazing sun as much as possible. First, although the itinerary originally planned to use public transportation for all travel, whenever it took more than ten minutes on foot to reach the nearest station, I changed to using a taxi with the guests' consent (two of the four transfers were changed to taxi). I also regularly encouraged everyone to stay hydrated and made sure to allow plenty of time for lunch and rest. Even under the harsh conditions of the extreme heat, the guests asked all sorts of questions at each site and listened intently to the explanations. In particular, for lunch I recommended okonomiyaki in Dotonbori, and they were delighted, saying, "This is really delicious. We love it." One of the guests took a liking to the "kote" (spatula) used to eat okonomiyaki, and there was even a moment when this guest asked the restaurant staff, "I'd like to use this at home, so please sell it to me." The staff member, looking somewhat troubled, said, "It's not for sale, so please forgive us." This story had another twist. On the way to the last stop, Shitennoji Temple, this same guest sharp-eyed spotted a household-goods shop along the approach and stopped, saying, "They might have a 'kote' here. Please ask the shop staff." When I asked, the shopkeeper immediately said, "Of course we have them," and brought out the item. The guests were very pleased and seemed to buy several, both for personal use and as souvenirs. Then, at the end of the tour, one of them ended up in my hands. "This is a token of our thanks. Please use it," they said. In fact, I already had one at home, but I kept that to myself and gratefully accepted it. In any case, it was a fun tour with a warm and friendly atmosphere among people of the same generation.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Namba～Osaka210JPY
    Section 2SubwayNippombashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba190JPY
    Total590JPY

    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.

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    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: HACHIKO MEMORIAL & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tokyo in Half a Day: HACHIKO MEMORIAL & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 pickup at hotel
    • 9:30 ①HACHIKO MEMORIAL
    • 9:40 ②SHIBUYA CROSSING
    • 10:00 ④SHIBUYA SKY
    • 11:30 ⑤MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 12:30　⑥ST. MARY CATHEDRAL CHURCH

    Title: What Is a Private Taxi-Based Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were picked up at the Hotel as scheduled, and I explained the planned itinerary. Because moving on foot presented some difficulty, the guests preferred to travel by taxi, so we departed from the hotel entrance by car. Before heading to Shibuya, the guests wished to see the atmosphere of the former Tsukiji Market, so we drove one loop around the Tsukiji outer market by taxi, and they captured it with their camera. I suggested moving on to Toyosu, but they were satisfied with the Tsukiji outer market, so we continued to Shibuya. We visited the crossing, Hachiko, and Shibuya Sky. Unfortunately, the observation tickets for that day were already sold out at Shibuya Sky, so the guests did some souvenir shopping and then went to the tax free refund counter on the third floor. We took a taxi from the taxi stand to Meiji Shrine. When I explained the walking situation at the north approach entrance, we were able to drive in as far as the Kaguraden, giving quick access to the main hall. The guests wished to visit St. Mary's Cathedral, about which they had gathered information in advance, so we traveled there by taxi and they prayed. Since the entire itinerary was by taxi, the tour finished 30 minutes earlier than planned, and I apologized to the guests, but they thanked me for a tour arranged with taxi travel, and we parted safely at the Hotel.

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

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 09:15 @ Osaka Castle
    • 11:30 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:15 @ Namba (Doguyasuji)
    • 13:15 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:45 Disband @ Shinsaibashi

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Shrines and Temples Like in Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors to Japan. Despite the unusually high temperatures again today, we were able to move around very smoothly. At each spot, the guests showed great interest and listened attentively to my explanations as their guide. The guests also asked many questions, which showed a high level of interest. One of the guests appeared to be studying Japanese and seemed to have a very favorable impression of Japan. I felt that the guests had a strong interest in shrines (Shinto) and temples (Buddhism) in particular. During the tour, we stayed hydrated and took breaks in the shade. Because everything went so smoothly and the guests were understandably a little tired, we parted ways with nearly an hour to spare.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Tennoji170JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba190JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • 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 – 10:10 Meiji Shrine – 11:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 13:10 Fukagawa Fudodo – 13:45 Disband at Monzen-nakacho Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, taking a Tokyo tour after Kyoto. They had already downloaded the ICOCA app, which made getting around smooth. As we were about to head from Meiji Shrine to Harajuku, we were suddenly hit by a downpour like a summer squall, and the guests switched from their folding umbrellas and bought large plastic umbrellas. Although they were pleased with the bigger umbrellas, they were of little use against today's rain. We took shelter at a crepe shop, but the rain showed no sign of easing, so we had no choice but to head straight to the subway station through the heavy rain. By the time we reached Otemachi the rain had lightened, and when we arrived in Fukagawa it had stopped, so the guests were able to enjoy the old downtown area. 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.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusWest Approach～Sangubashi Station230JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Total617JPY

    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!

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    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…

  • 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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00　Hotel
    • 11:00　Miyajima
    • 14:00　Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00　Atomic Bomb Dome

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe on a family trip. While at Miyajima, the guests saw an old Fujifilm sign and said it brought back nostalgic feelings. Today was again very hot, so I guided the group to the shrine while stopping along the way at a souvenir shop I know, a rest area, and other air-conditioned places. Even in Miyajima, the older Showa-era style shops have changed a lot, and more shops now have air conditioning, which is very helpful. When transferring from the train to the bus to get from Nishi-Hiroshima Station to Peace Park, there were only two minutes to change, but when I asked if everyone was okay, they all nodded, so we all ran and just barely made it in time. Once we boarded the bus, everyone looked at each other with the same kind of smile.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi～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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:00 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 10:40 Hamarikyu
    • 4. 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch at Uogashi Food Court
    • 6. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 14:30 Dismiss at Meiji Shrine

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Hama-rikyu, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine We began this first visit to Tokyo, Japan, with a tour of Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa. It was quiet and full of atmosphere. The shops were gradually starting to open, and the guests were pleased to arrive before it became crowded. As they were not used to the humid heat, I lent them a portable fan and recommended cooling paper towels to help them stay comfortable, which was very well received. We traveled comfortably on the relatively empty Oedo Line, which also allowed for some rest. At the Hama-rikyu Gardens we were caught in a torrential downpour, and it was so intense that the guests and I could only laugh. On top of that, thunder began to roar, giving a sense of emergency, so we immediately took shelter at the nearest tea house. Inside the tea house, while relaxing at ease, I explained that it was as if the thunder god of Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate was beating his drums. At the Tsukiji outer market, they said the tempura and soba were delicious, which made me happy. In response to their questions, at the Meiji Shrine I explained Japan's struggles with Western modernity, and they experienced the unique space of Shinto before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Kuramae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKuramae～Shiodome0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • Kyoto Sta. → Inari Sta. by JR train
    • 09:30 Fushimi inari (0)
    • Inari Sta.→ Kyoto Sta. → SagaArashiyama Sta. by JR train
    • 11:40 Arashiyama Bamboo path by taxi
    • 11:50 Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking
    • 12:45 Arashiyama Togetsukyo by walking
    • Lunch(Yoshiya Hondori branch）
    • 14:10 Kinkakuji by taxi
    • 15:10 Gion Kagai Art Museum　by taxi
    • 15:40 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Africa. They had been communicating with an agent. It seems the agent had told them the tour was the previous day, and the previous day the hotel had called to confirm. Getting the date wrong is a significant problem. On the day of the tour, before meeting, one of the guests emailed to say they wanted to take a photo with a geisha, so after some consideration I suggested either visiting the Gion Kobu Kyoto Art Museum of Traditional Performing Arts in Gion or arranging a private meeting. Since they said a private arrangement was not necessary, I changed the final destination from Nishiki Market and we went there instead. However, the photo session with the geiko and maiko was from 15:20, so I accompanied them for that, explained some of the museum exhibits for a while, and then concluded the tour. Afterward, the guests watched a geiko and maiko dance performance (from 16:00) and then headed back.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal　11:35 Arashiyama・Togetsukyo Bridge　12:10　Gioji Temple　12:50 Ryoanji Temple　14:10 Nishiki Market (lunch and shopping)　15;25 Gion
    • 16:45 Return to Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal, tour ends

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Trip from Osaka Port by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Asia, traveling as a group. Because one member of the group could not walk quickly, moving between sites took extra time, and sightseeing would have been very difficult without a private vehicle. For this reason, at Togetsukyo Bridge and Gioji Temple, the guests mainly stopped to take photos at those spots. Ryoanji Temple requires a fairly long walk from the entrance, so it took time, and the visit was limited to seeing the rock garden and a few other areas. At Nishiki Market, we allotted about one hour and ten minutes of free time for lunch and shopping, but it seems that was not quite enough time. According to the driver, if we had moved the departure time one hour earlier and returned to Osaka Port one hour earlier, we could have avoided traffic congestion and had a little more time for sightseeing. At the guests' request, we started at 10:00, but starting at 9:00 might have given us about ten extra minutes at each site. The visit to Gion was also limited to the basics. On the way back, we were able to return to Osaka Port relatively smoothly. The photo was taken at Gioji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Port Tempozan Terminal～Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…