Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple and its surroundings & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple and its surroundings & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Hotel Levant Tokyo
    • 10:20　Sensoji Temple and its surroundings
    • 12:00　Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:00　Imperial Palace (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya – Nijubashi)
    • 15:20　Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30　Disband at Harajuku Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Europe. They had arrived in Tokyo the day before, and throughout the day they were all smiles, clearly enjoying their first visit to Japan and to Tokyo. In addition to questions at the places we visited, we discussed topics such as Japanese geography, history, and the imperial system, as well as the current state of the world economy and the Japanese economy. Drawing an omikuji fortune slip at Sensoji Temple, they both drew the best possible fortune, and their beaming, joyful smiles were truly memorable. Eating Japanese sushi was also one of their goals, and their hearty appetite and enthusiasm for the food were a delight to watch. They were planning to visit Kanazawa the next day, followed by Kyoto, and seemed to be looking forward to enjoying their stay.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKinshicho～Asakusa286JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Tsukiji286JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukiji～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 4TrainNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total959JPY

    Tour Report by hiro

    Hello everyone. My name is Kitano Hiroyuki. Please call me Hiro.
    I finished my 36-year career as a public servant in March this year, and as a new challenge, I am currently teaching Japanese at a Japanese language school in Tokyo. As a Japanese language teacher, I teach students from various countries, but I also learn a lot from them, and I am especially grateful to my students who remind me of how wonderful Japan is. This is also what motivates me as an interpreter guide to convey the wonderfulness of Japan to as many guests as possible as soon as possible.
    As a guide, I volunteered as a guide in Takato Town, which is home to one of Japan’s three major cherry blossom viewing spots in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, where I was born. Ina City is a small regional city blessed with culture and nature. Surrounded by two 3,000-meter-class mountains, the Southern Alps to the east and the Central Alps to the west, mountain tourism is thriving. Many climbers visit from all over the country during the summer mountain season. Other than that, Takato Kohiganzakura, one of Japan’s three most famous cherry blossom spots, is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in spring, roses decorate the town in early summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. Takato Town, the birthplace of Shinshu soba, offers not only new soba in autumn, but also flavorful soba throughout the year. Furthermore, as a town rich in history and culture, there are many historic temples, shrines, buildings, stone Buddhas, etc., which captivate history lovers from all over Japan. I am confident that my experience here will allow me to guide guests in a wide range of fields, including nature, culture, history, and food.
    My hobby is traveling, and in my 20s I enjoyed traveling alone, mainly in the United States. I rented a car and crossed the Seven Mile Bridge to Key West, and I still miss the taste of the frozen daiquiri I had at a bar related to Hemingway. Since my 30s, I have visited diving spots around the world, such as Sipadan, the Maldives, Palau, Cebu Bohol, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Sea, La Paz, Maui, and Bali. On these trips, I not only dive, but also actively learn about the local nature, culture and lifestyle, and the conversations and interactions with the people who live there and other divers from other countries become irreplaceable memories and assets for me.
    As an interpreter guide, I will use my experience of communicating with foreigners, as well as my experience and knowledge as a working member of society, to explore and practice guiding that brings fulfillment and joy to my guests.
    Come and experience the ultimate “emotion” with me.

    Request Booking

    May 5, 2026
    susansV3106OI
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful day in Fukuoka!
    Our guide Hiro worked with us to…

    Apr 6, 2026
    Shelley_R
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city
    Hiro was a great guide and the city was…

    Mar 25, 2025
    John H
    Really great!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had an awesome time exploring Tokyo. My guide Hiro…

    Mar 25, 2025
    Stefanie_K
    We had a wonderful day…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day touring Tokyo…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0921 Shiomi station
    • 1006 Shibuya Shibuya Crossing Hachiko Statue
    • 1120 Hamarikyu Garden
    • 1210 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1300 Tour ends at Uogashi Ichiba Food court

    Can You Do a Private Tour of Tokyo Covering Hamarikyu Gardens and Tsukiji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors in their later years who had arrived from Oceania the previous day. During the pre-tour communication, I received the itinerary preferences directly from the guests. Their first request was to buy Suica cards, so they purchased them at the ticket vending machines. Their credit card was not accepted, which caused some delay. There were fewer pedestrians than usual at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, so they may have been slightly disappointed. At Hamarikyu Gardens, we walked around to see the 300-year-old pine tree, the flower fields, the Falcon Teahouse, the tidal pond, and the Nakajima Teahouse. From Hamarikyu Gardens we walked to the Tsukiji Outer Market. At Tsukiji, the guests wanted to see the fish market, so we looked around inside the buildings along the Tsukiji Uogashi. As they live near the sea and enjoy fishing, they observed the seafood with great interest. After stepping outside the building for a moment, they met up with a Japanese friend they had arranged to meet, and I guided them to the food court within the fish market before ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Shibuya376JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Shimbashi178JPY
    Total554JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:30　Meet up＠The Westin Yokohama
    • 2.11:00　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Main Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 3.11:30　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, KITTE [Post Office])
    • 4.12:30　Lunch＠Asakusa
    • 5.13:30　＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 6.15:00　＠Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 7.17:30　Disband＠The Westin Yokohama (a little before)

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had been neighbors long ago and had traveled together as the same group for about fifteen years. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They had originally booked passage on the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship where Japan's first reported cases of the coronavirus occurred, and after that cancellation this trip to Japan came true four years later. They had watched the Emmy Award-winning series "Shogun." The day before, they had joined a tour to Mount Fuji. I heard that the next day they would board a cruise ship and, after Kagoshima, call at ports such as Taipei and Singapore. On the subway, while asking about Japan, they also introduced their own town by showing photos on their smartphones. At Tokyo Station, they wished to visit a post office to buy Japanese stamps to mail postcards from Japan to their grandchildren, so we stopped by KITTE nearby, where they were able to affix ukiyo-e design stamps and mail the postcards. For lunch they requested tempura and enjoyed tendon in Asakusa. One of the guests had recently undergone knee surgery, so there was some strain on the legs and continuous walking seemed difficult. We walked while matching the pace, but at Hamarikyu Gardens the guest decided independently to wait seated at the entrance rather than going inside. Given that situation, we skipped the originally planned Shibuya and Ginza and returned to the hotel. For the return on the Toyoko Line, they preferred a local train where they could be sure of a seat even if it took longer, and we headed for Minatomirai Station. We walked together until the hotel's sign came into view, and, being considerate toward the guide, they said goodbye there.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai Line　Minatomirai Station～Toyoko Line　Shibuya Station510JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro　Hanzomon Line　Shibuya Station～Yurakucho Line　Sakuradamon Station600JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro　Tozai Line　Otemachi Station～Ginza Line　Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro　Ginza Line　Asakusa Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro　Ginza Line　Shimbashi Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyu Toyoko Line　Shibuya Station～Minatomirai Line　Minatomirai Station510JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Daiba Station & Nishi-shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Daiba Station & Nishi-shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    • 9:10 Departure: Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Nishi-shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
    • 13:00 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 　 Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • 13:30 Disband: Shimbashi/Yurikamome Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and it was their first time in Japan. Their main purpose for coming to Japan was to board a cruise ship departing from Yokohama the following day, sailing via Kagoshima, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam before finishing in Singapore. They had arrived at Haneda the previous afternoon and then went to a digital art museum. Their stay in Japan was only two days. They mentioned that military forces were reportedly gathering around the Taiwan area, and the guests seemed a little anxious about the cruise portion of their trip to come. The sky was overcast, but we managed to avoid the rain, though it was a rather hot and humid day for the tour. First, we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," and "the challenges facing the current Imperial family." The guests said, "The pine trees are beautiful and we love the Japanese garden." They also asked questions such as, "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" After this, we moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history of Shinjuku Gyoen. The guests commented, "It's impressive that there is such a vast park in the middle of a big city." They seemed especially fond of the Japanese garden. From here, we headed via West Shinjuku to the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. The guests commented, "It really shows how expansively Tokyo spreads out. It's different from London." They also said, "The city is clean. There's no litter on the ground." "There are no trash cans on the streets." "You don't see any homeless people." "The public toilets are clean and pleasant." "The subway is quiet, clean, and reassuring." I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, at the entrance to the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station325JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku Station～Shimbashi Station209JPY
    Total1,099JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 – Meet guests at Otaru Port Pier 3
    • 2. 9:45 – Stroll along Otaru Canal (Chuo Bridge – Asakusa Bridge – Ryugu Bridge)
    • 3. 10:15 – Visit the Otaru Canal Museum
    • 4. 10:45 – Tour of Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
    • 5. 11:30 – Lunch at a restaurant in Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street
    • 6. 12:30 – Stroll through Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street (including Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3, LeTAO confectionery shop, etc.)
    • 7. 14:30 – See off guests at Otaru Port Pier 3

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Otaru in Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had spent a day sightseeing in Akita the day before arriving in Otaru, and upon reaching Otaru they remarked, "Hokkaido is quite cold." The guide prepared a small booklet containing information about Hokkaido and Otaru and gave it to the guests to help the sightseeing proceed smoothly. When the guide suggested Otaru Kihinkan (@1,300 yen) as one of the places to visit, the guests found it expensive, so instead the guide took them to Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura (free of charge), which they were very happy with. Since it was possible to move between each facility on foot, it was convenient that no transportation costs were incurred.

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

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

    Request Booking

    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40　Uotsuki (Tsukiji)
    • 13:20　Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:20　Sensoji Temple
    • 16:05　Disband @ Hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and one of them had visited Japan many times before, while the tour was a repeat visit for the group. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to depart the next day on an 11-day cruise from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. At Meiji Shrine, the guests appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. In Tsukiji, they enjoyed a Japanese lunch. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiba Park～Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 3SubwayHibiya～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Shiba Park0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Osaka in One Day: pick you up in front of Tenpozan port

    Osaka in One Day: pick you up in front of Tenpozan port

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 pick you up in front of Tenpozan port
    • 9:30 Osakako Sta.
    • 10:30 Kyoto Sta.
    • 11:15 Nijojo Castle
    • 12:00 (leave)
    • 12:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • 13:30 Tenryuji Temple
    • 14:10 Lunch
    • 15:06 (leave)
    • 15:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 16:40 (leave)
    • 17:15 Kyoto Sta.
    • 18:15 Osakako Sta.

    Title: What Happens on a Private Osaka-to-Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The private tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), began with picking up the guests and heading to Osaka-ko subway station to buy tickets. There was a very long line of foreign cruise ship passengers, and it took nearly 20 minutes to purchase tickets, which caused us to miss the intended rapid train at Osaka Station. Since the guests said they absolutely had to return by 19:00, I judged that we would need to skip one destination and discussed this with the guests. In the end, we decided to skip Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The guests asked whether we could go to Gion instead of Kinkaku-ji, but I explained that there would not be enough time to visit Gion after lunch, and they understood. For lunch, the guests wanted to eat sushi, and they enjoyed tuna, rolled sushi, and other dishes. The guests had wanted to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha from the very beginning, and they were deeply moved by the Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Bentencho240JPY
    Section 2TrainBentencho～Kyoto820JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 4TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama]250JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 6TrainInari～Bentencho990JPY
    Section 7SubwayBentencho～Osaka Port240JPY
    Total3,040JPY

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet @Rhiga Royal Kyoto
    • 2. 8:45 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 10:00 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 4. 10:30 @Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 5. 12:30 @Nijo Castle
    • 6. 13:30 Disband @Nishiki Market

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests included one who had studied Japanese for a year and another who did not understand Japanese but was very interested in Japanese culture. They had gathered a lot of information online and planned to visit the crowded Fushimi Inari Taisha on their own after the tour. Their requests were Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji. Because of the opening hours, we went from Kiyomizu-dera to Tofuku-ji via Gion-Shijo, and then on to Nijo Castle. Since they had not yet been to the Gion area, I also guided them to Yasaka Shrine and Gion Shirakawa along the way. Unfortunately, at Tofuku-ji the Hojo Garden was closed due to a Buddhist memorial service, but they were fully satisfied with the garden around Tsutenkyo Bridge. Because they had watched The Shogun, we were able to talk about various aspects of Japanese culture and history, which I think was wonderful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo～Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 3TrainTofukuji～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Shijo220JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Guide through Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Guide through Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet the guest at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo lobby
    • 9:10 Hotel
    • 9:45 Arrive at Asakusa
    • 9:50 – 11:00 Guide through Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street
    • (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8F observation deck, Kaminarimon, Nakamise Street, Hozomon, giant straw sandals, five-story pagoda,
    • omikuji fortune, incense burner, purification fountain, main hall, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 11:35 – 12:15 Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 12:45 – 13:15 Lunch (Harajuku Takeshita Street soba & tempura)
    • 13:15 – 13:45 Stroll through Harajuku Takeshita Street & Omotesando
    • 13:45 – 14:50 Guide through Meiji Shrine (including restroom and tea break)
    • 14:55 – 15:15 Guide through Shibuya (Hachiko, Shibuya Scramble Crossing)
    • 15:15 Disband at Shibuya

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America, who had arrived in Japan three days earlier. On this day they said it was the best and most enjoyable day of their trip, and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. They were very pleased with the history of Sensoji Temple, the history of Meiji Shrine along with its vast grounds and tranquility, and the lively atmosphere of Takeshita Street in Harajuku and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. They enjoyed plenty of shopping at the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple and on Takeshita Street in Harajuku. At Sensoji Temple, they also drew an omikuji fortune (which read "good luck"). They mastered the differences between temples and shrines, the different ways of worshipping at each, and how to pass through a torii gate, and they took many photos at each location. They also seemed to greatly enjoy the soba noodles and tempura for lunch.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi Station – Asakusa Station – Hibiya Station, Nijubashimae Station – Meiji-jingumae Station～Harajuku Station – Shibuya Station870JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Nobby

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4900 tourists from 54 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    jeffbM3390PI
    Nuobo was awesome as our Tokyo tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Jeff…

    Sep 25, 2026
    skipcooney
    Customized private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Nobby was very flexible…

    Sep 22, 2026
    duncans746
    Great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Nobuo was fantastic, very knowledgeable and shaped…

    Sep 13, 2026
    Culture25230012656
    Very knowledgeable
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    I enjoy every step of the tour.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel(The Celestine Kyoto) Meet
    • 10:30-11:20 Travel (on foot & Hankyu Railway; Kawaramachi-Shijo → Arashiyama)
    • 11:20- 12:20 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple & Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch (Japanese restaurant Ajiu)
    • 13:20-14:00 Travel (Randen; Arashiyama → Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 14:00-15:00 Ryoan-ji Temple visit
    • 15:00-15:30 Travel (city bus; Ryoan-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 15:30-16:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 16:30 Farewell after Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 　　　(The guests returned to the hotel by taxi)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group from North America and Asia. They visited Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji. The bamboo grove and Kinkaku-ji were especially crowded, so I paid close attention to make sure no one got separated from the group. The walking seemed to be a bit demanding for some of the guests. Although they walked slowly, I had arranged the schedule with some extra time to spare, so we were able to finish almost exactly on time. There were no negative comments about the tour from the guests, though some would have liked to walk at an even slower pace. (I did make a conscious effort to walk quite slowly.) The guests seemed to enjoy the Japanese lunch very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKawaramachi-Shijo～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Ryoan-ji Temple250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoan-ji Temple～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Total720JPY

    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

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    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.…