Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

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

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:15 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:15 Omote-sando street
    • 13:20 Lunch
    • 15:20 Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:00 End of the tour at Peace Museum

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. We waited in line for about 20 minutes at Itsukushima Shrine, which we had not done in a while. While I was waiting in line, the guests were free to take photos. It was very crowded, and some of the guests got separated between the exit of Itsukushima Shrine and Omotesando, which caused some lost time. Since the guests also enjoyed shopping, I allowed free time at Omotesando. For lunch, the oyster restaurants were too crowded to get in, so we went to a restaurant serving set meals. Some of the guests ordered beer and were surprised by the truly large size. They enjoyed their beer and lunch with lemon and salt. On the train, the guests found the folding auxiliary seats fancy and sat on them even though other seats were available. At the Peace Memorial Park, the guests tended to spread out to take photos, and since I was also translating into Spanish at times, it took longer than expected. We ended the tour at the museum.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa～Genbaku Dome-mae220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 09:00 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 10:15 @ Shinsekai
    • 11:15 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:15 @ Dotonbori (including light meal) / Shinsaibashi (Daimaru Department Store)
    • 13:00 @ Umeda Sky Building (exterior only)
    • 13:15 Disperse @ JR Osaka Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shinsekai, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori The guests were a group that moved smoothly throughout the day. They viewed everything with great interest and eagerly took many photos and videos. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the shrine was crowded with visitors for both first-shrine visits and the "Shichi-Go-San" celebration, but the guests were able to experience worship there, picked up one of the popular "Godairiki" pebbles, and purchased a charm pouch. In Shinsekai, they showed particular interest in a retro game arcade. At Kuromon Market, they enjoyed various tastings and samples and bought dried fruit as a souvenir. In Dotonbori, they tried takoyaki and seemed very satisfied. At the final stop, the Umeda Sky Building, there was a very long line waiting for the elevator, and since one of the guests was not comfortable with high-altitude elevators, they viewed the building only from the outside. Afterwards, they wished to see Osaka Castle from the outside if possible, so I explained the route, and we parted ways with about one hour remaining.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine～Shin-Imamiya240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae～Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi～Umeda240JPY
    Total910JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Takebashi Station & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Takebashi Station & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet in the hotel lobby
    • Move from the hotel to the Imperial Palace by subway
    • Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge → East Gardens
    • 11:30 Takebashi Station → Meiji Shrine
    • 13:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 13:30 Dismissal

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine The guests were visitors from North America, on the second day of a 17-day trip to Japan. One of the group was interested in historical subjects and places such as samurai, while another was interested in social topics. Since the previous day had been a taxi-based tour, this time we experienced the subway. As the previous day's tour had focused only on crowded places, I took time to guide them through spots where they could also enjoy nature, such as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. We also had some serious conversations about religion in Japan, Japan's election system and immigration policy, and Japanese sentiment toward Americans after World War II.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHibiya～Shibuya900JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by NORIKO

    Hello!! My name is Noriko Sakurai. I’m 51 years old. I started working as a travel guide in 2018. I usually guide around Tokyo area.

    My hobbies are reading books, traveling cooking & baking , and eating! I like to read books about Japanese history, and visit historical places. I also enjoy visiting new places, trying new dishes, then after coming back home, reproducing the dishes by myself.
    I love breads , so I enjoy visiting new bakeries.

    I really want foreign visitors to enjoy staying in Japan comfortably. I would like to help you to have wonderful times and make fantastic memories in Japan!!

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2025
    Karen_N
    The best guide in Tokyo!
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Noriko, was fabulous. She made…

    Oct 27, 2024
    tanjuha
    Great 4 hr Tokyo tour with Noriko Sakurai
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: KOISHIKAWA KOURAKUEN & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tokyo in Half a Day: KOISHIKAWA KOURAKUEN & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Starting from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku
    • 10:15 ①KOISHIKAWA KOURAKUEN
    • 11:15 ②Bonsai at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Dept. Store
    • 12:00 ③THE IMPERIAL PALACE & the Tokyo Station
    • 13:15 ④MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Bonsai Focus Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. After several cool days beforehand, the weather changed completely into a hot summer day exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Because they had requested in advance to see a bonsai display, I guided them to Seikoen on the rooftop of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department store. Even though it is a small shop, all of the guests viewed everything carefully, and one of them purchased a lovely bonsai pot. Before heading to the rooftop, I guided them to the department store's basement food floor, where they were delighted and bought rice balls and sandwiches. After enjoying the bonsai on the rooftop, they were very pleased to take a short break in a resting area with benches. At Meiji Shrine there was also a display of chrysanthemums alongside bonsai, and they were full of joy, bringing our enjoyable tour to a close.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Shinjuku～Korakuen600JPY
    Section 2Free PassIidabashi～Nihonbashi・Mitsukoshimae ~ Tokyo・Sakuradamon ~ Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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 spare 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

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Tenyu & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Tenyu & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ Kowakien Tenyu
    • 11:29 – 11:34 Tenyu → Sounzan Station entrance (Transport: Izuhakone Bus) (CU-MO, taking photos on the terrace, etc.)
    • 11:50 – 12:05 Sounzan → Owakudani (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:05 – 12:35 Strolling around Owakudani & taking photos and buying black eggs
    • 12:35 – 13:00 Owakudani → Togendai (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:15 – 13:40 Togendai → Hakonemachi Port (Transport: Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 13:45 – 14:20 Lunch @ Fujimiya
    • 14:30 – 14:50 Fujimiya → Motohakone Port (Transport: via the Hakone Old Highway cedar avenue)
    • 15:03 – 15:18 Motohakone Port → Ninotaira entrance (Transport: Hakone Bus)
    • 15:18 – 15:25 Ninotaira entrance → Hakone Open-Air Museum (Transport: on foot)
    • 15:30 – 16:30 Strolling around the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 16:45 Disband @ Hakone Open-Air Museum

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Open-Air Museum It had been a while since I guided guests from Europe, who were traveling in Japan on this occasion. The weather was generally good but with many clouds, and it was nice that Mount Fuji could be seen briefly through a gap in the clouds from Hakonemachi Port on Lake Ashi. At Owakudani, as always, every tourist let out exclamations and took photos at the dramatic change of scenery just before arriving at Owakudani Station on the ropeway. Regarding the cold, the guests said it was about the same as back home and completely fine. This felt quite different from my own sense of the temperature, but I was glad they were not sensitive to it. Also, like other guests, they seemed to find the scenery of the old Tokaido cedar avenue beautifully Japanese, and they were very pleased with it this time as well. The Hakone Open-Air Museum afterward (although one of the guests said they generally did not care much for art museums) turned out to be a place they felt was truly wonderful, and both of them were greatly delighted. On a separate note, regarding the special cabin on the pirate ship, we were told that it would not be free of charge without documents from the travel agency. I am not sure whether the "booking confirmed" email would be acceptable. I have not yet shown it to confirm, but it seemed basically difficult. I intend to check again.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTenyu～Sounzan entrance220JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan Station～Owakudani1,500JPY
    Section 3FerryTogendai～Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Section 4BusMotohakone Port～Ninotaira entrance650JPY
    Total3,570JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet up @ ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza (7-10-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:20 Tsukiji Market
    • 3) 10:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4) 11:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 5) 12:00 Yanaka (~13:00)
    • 6) 13:30 Asakusa <Senso-ji Temple・Kannon-dori Street>
    • 7) 14:00 Tea Ceremony Experience @ Chadogu Kakinuma (3-21-9 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 8) 15:15 Kappabashi Kitchen Town, Hashifuji (2-6-2 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 9) 15:30 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Yanaka, Asakusa, and a Tea Ceremony The guests were visitors from North America. Before the tour, they had requested a tea ceremony experience, so I explained the details of the experience in advance. On the day of the tour, after meeting and confirming the itinerary, we headed to Tsukiji. The guests had spent a few days elsewhere before arriving in Japan, so their jet lag was mild. At Tsukiji we stayed for about 20 minutes, and one of the guests, who enjoys matcha, purchased matcha at a nori shop. At a newly opened coffee shop, both guests got lattes to take away, and then we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Along the way there were many questions, such as the history of the imperial line, recommendations for fashion shopping, occasions to wear kimono, how to use chopsticks, Japanese writing, smoking and drinking, how Halloween and Christmas are celebrated, the traditional way of counting age, and the occasions and frequency of bowing. Next we passed by Nezu Shrine (I also mentioned that it is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property) and continued to Yanaka. As lunch was not needed, I guided them along Hebi-michi, where at a small independently run boutique (which apparently also supplies products overseas), one of the guests purchased a lovely shirt. We then continued from Yomise Street to Yanaka Ginza shopping street, where they bought some light snacks (a strawberry sandwich and a duck-and-egg sandwich). They requested to visit other matcha shops and to buy handmade chopsticks, so I promised to guide them there after the tea ceremony experience. After visiting Senso-ji, we went to the tea ceremony experience. The instructor kindly explained the hanging scroll, the summer tea room, how to eat the sweets, how to handle the kaishi paper, the types of tea bowls, and more. The guests recorded the instructor's method of preparing tea with photos and videos. The instructor highly praised the guests, saying their posture was beautiful and their tea preparation was very skillful, and the guests looked very pleased. Although we were running over on time, with the guests' consent, I guided them to a matcha shop in Asakusa and a chopstick shop in Kappabashi. Upon their request for recommendations for Japanese food, on the way to Tawaramachi Station, I called a shabu-shabu restaurant near their accommodation and made a reservation for 18:00 that day (I explained the course details and cancellation policy to the guests, and they understood). After explaining the route back to the hotel, we parted ways. The guests were very curious and got along wonderfully. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Nippori Station～JR Yamanote Line Ueno Station150JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total750JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Sushi

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Sushi

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel
    • 9:30-10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00-12:00 Tsukiji Sushi
    • 12:00-12:30 Tsukiji Stroll

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? Meiji Shrine, Sushi Lunch, and Tsukiji — A Guide's Report The tour was originally scheduled to start in Asakusa, but since the previous day's guide had apparently already taken the guests there by mistake, we decided to visit Meiji Shrine instead. The guests were delighted to enjoy such vast nature in the middle of the city. After that, we enjoyed one of the highlights of this tour, a lunch of sushi and Japanese sake. The sushi was quite reasonably priced and delicious, though I felt that next time I would like to take guests to a slightly higher-end place. We were too full to do any food-walking, but the guests seemed to have a wonderful time strolling around Tsukiji.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Harajuku210JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by ISAO

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    Request Booking

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Junisha Ikenoue Bus & Sendagi Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Junisha Ikenoue Bus & Sendagi Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:25 Junisha Ikenoue Bus Stop
    • 11:40 Sangubashi Bus Stop
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 12:50 Harajuku Station
    • 12:55 Shibuya Station
    • Scramble Crossing, Department Store Basement Food Floor
    • 13:15 Shibuya Station
    • 13:25 Sakuradamon Station
    • 13:35 Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:15 Nijubashi Station
    • 14:25 Sendagi Station
    • Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Disband @ Cafe

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe and Oceania. It was everyone's first time in Japan, and they wanted to learn about Japanese history and culture. At Meiji Shrine, I spoke about religion and history in Japan, including Shinto. After moving to the Imperial Palace, I gave a more specific account of the medieval to modern periods, which they found very interesting. They asked questions about topics such as Japan's Westernization, and it was a great learning experience for me as well. Finally, we moved to Yanaka, where they looked with fascination at the local neighborhood atmosphere and distinctly Japanese foods.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJuni Ikenoue Bus Stop～Sangubashi Bus Stop230JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya Station～Sakuradamon Station180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station～Sendagi Station180JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto Oike
    • 9:10 Ginkaku-ji
    • 10:00 Honen-in
    • 10:20 Moving: Philosopher's Path
    • 10:50 Nanzen-ji
    • 12:30 Dismiss @ Hotel Kyoto Oike

    What Is a Private Kyoto Photography Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Having previously spent time in various parts of Asia, they seemed like seasoned travelers. Since they wanted a location well-suited for photography, I recommended this particular course, and I believe they were very pleased with it. They were energetic and cheerful, mentioning happily that they would visit Nijo Castle in the afternoon and the bamboo grove in Arashiyama the following day. As we parted, they kindly gave me a small gift. I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto City Hall～Ginkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeage～Kyoto City Hall220JPY
    Total450JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Owaku-dani Valley Hakone Geo & Hakone Open-Air

    Kanagawa in One Day: Owaku-dani Valley Hakone Geo & Hakone Open-Air

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:10 Hotel
    • 10:11 Owaku-dani Valley　Hakone Geo Museum
    • 12:15 Lake Ashinoko Moto-Hakone
    • 12:30 Lunch at Hakone-Kohanso
    • 13:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 16:20 The Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Can You Still Enjoy a Private Hakone Tour When the Ropeway and Sightseeing Cruise Are Cancelled? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. In Gora the sky was blue, but by the time we reached Sounzan, strong winds had forced the ropeway to suspend operations. We queued for a bus and arrived at Owakudani, where there were many tourists, but the strong winds and fog meant the valley itself was completely invisible. After the guests bought the famous black eggs, I had them visit the Geo Museum. When I asked a staff member, I was told that buses departing from Owakudani would also stop running soon, so we hurried to join the bus queue, but the last bus was full and we could not board. We walked about 15 minutes down the slope to the next bus stop, and from there transferred by bus to reach Motohakone Port. At that point I had confirmed that the sightseeing pirate ship was operating as usual, but while we were waiting for the bus, the pirate ship service was also cancelled. We had lunch at a lakeside restaurant near Hakone Shrine. The guests each chose ramen from the menu and enjoyed it with plenty of shichimi pepper and chili oil. They said it was very delicious. The zaru soba I ordered was also delicious. Lake Ashi was choppy from the strong winds, and neither the pirate ship nor the sightseeing boat was docked at Motohakone Port. During lunch we talked about many things, and it seemed the main reason they had come to Hakone was to see Mount Fuji, so they said they were disappointed but would come again. After visiting Hakone Shrine, the guests wished to take a taxi, but when I called the taxi company they had no cars available, so we took a direct bus to Hakone-Yumoto, which had a shorter queue, and then the Hakone Tozan Railway. Including the waiting time in line, it took more than an hour and a half to reach the Open-Air Museum. After explaining how to return from the museum to the Hotel, I ended the tour inside the museum. Because both the ropeway and the pirate ship had suspended operations and we had no choice but to move by transferring between buses, we went significantly over the scheduled time. Even so, I think it was fortunate that we were able to visit all of the places on the planned itinerary.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGora～Sounzan430JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan～Owakudani340JPY
    Section 3TrainKokuyurinmae～Motohakone Port980JPY
    Section 4TrainMotohakone Port～Chokoku-no-Mori1,540JPY
    Total3,290JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…