Oct 10, 2025
alijohn48
Just what we were looking for
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Tomy was an excellent guide. He went out of his way to meet us at our ryokan which was off the beaten path and curated a wonderful tour of our itinerary including a tasty sushi conveyor belt spot for lunch. He clearly had a lot of experience as a guide as he knew just where to tell the driver to slow down so we could see items between stops. His tour was a great intro to Kyoto.

He also took lots of photos for us. Our driver Mr. Fujii was terrific as well, his car and his driving made us feel comfortable and well taken care of.

Aug 8, 2025
Katherine_G
Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
AMAZING tour guide & driver!! Our guide, Tomy, was absolutely exceptional. He helped curate a perfect day in Kyoto, was super responsive leading up to our tour day, and very knowledgeable. Tomy helped us schedule the day at a great pace for the hot Kyoto summer! He emailed and then texted, was perfectly on time, and shared lots of history and culture throughout our tour.

Having a dedicated driver was a HUGE win, we had 7 family members in our group and it made it so easy and organized to get around the city. Tomy and the driver arrived on time, were flexible (our family sometimes moved slower lol) and made sure we stayed on time throughout the whole day.

I cannot recommend this tour enough!! Thank you to our driver and Tomy our tour guide!!! BOOK this tour!

Jul 22, 2025
98patrickn
early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We did an early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy. He showed us Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple（Golden Pavilion), the whole tour took 4 hours. We took a bus from Kyoto train station to the first stop and taxi’s to the other two stops to save time. Tomy was very knowledgeable of these temples and took the time to explain them in detail.

Jul 20, 2025
Mark_S
Great day in Kyoto
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had a great day in Kyoto. Tomy reached out to us soon after we booked to ask about what we wanted to see. The tour was excellent and Tomy did a nice job explaining everything. The tour company was flexible in our drop off spot. We wanted to go to Osaka after our tour (Which I highly recommend). It cost extra which I was expecting but it was reasonable and their willingness to do that is much appreciated. I highly recommend this company and Tomy.

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 knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .

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 on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your 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 some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.

May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.

Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.

Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.

Aug 1, 2025
A
Alessandro_G
Our guide was called Hit…
Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide was called Hit Suzuki and we couldn’t have wished for anyone better. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish and Hit had so many incredible stories to tell that helped bring the tour to life. I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like to spend a day in Nikko and learn more about the history of Japan and of this sacred place. The tour lasted six hours but Hit made it so interesting, that it could have gone on for another six! Thank you for a really special day!

Oct 16, 2024
Erica_E
Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an awesome time on our private tour in Nikko. Our tour guide Hit was incredibly knowledgeable and a great tour guide. We learned a lot about Japan’s history that we wouldn’t have otherwise learned. Nikko was beautiful and Hit did a great job making sure we saw all of the spots we wanted to. Definitely recommend this tour!

Oct 13, 2024
H2475JJdavids
A wonderful day in Nikko
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hit was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable of the area and history and designed a
perfect day around our requests and added some special sites that we enjoyed. A truly
wonderful day in Nikko.

Jul 7, 2026
77guye
The best way to experience Himeji Castle
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What a great way to visit and see Himeji Castle and the Kokoen Gardens. Our private guide
Norio was so knowledgeable and accommodating. He made our visit to Himeji such a
memorable and awesome experience. Arigato gozaimasu Norio-san.

May 30, 2026
karenpG5549XU
Loved our tour
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great tour with Norio, would highly recommend him! He was very friendly and knowledgeable!

May 28, 2026
TrailBlazer741528
Kobe Variety.
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at train negotiation! A highlight of the tour was the Herb Garden and Ropeway visit. The Sake Brewery and Museum was interesting with fabulous explanation from Norio combined with outstanding exhibits and tastings! He then left us to wander at our leisure in Chinatown.

May 23, 2026
sarahpR5911DJ
Himeji castle with Norio
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it was very interesting. The gardens were beautiful and it was great to see all the Koi fish. Norio made sure to take us to the best places and even took us to a great local sake place we asked for 🙂
Would recommend this tour

May 31, 2026
Ash N
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Guided tour recommended for maximum enjoyment at Himeji Castle.
Wonderful, informative tour through a World Heritage site that shouldn’t be missed!

May 25, 2026
IrinaVadim
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Himeji Castle and Kokoen park
Hiromi Misoi is a very knowledgeable and interesting guide. We enjoyed the experience,
including flexibility with the start time, WhatsApp messages and climbing the stairs to the
top of the castle. She knows and explains a lot about the plants and flowers.

Mar 28, 2025
esperanzarZ60BH
Great experience
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had a great time. Hiro was fantastic. She provided so much detail history for our tour. I
would highly recommend this vs a big bus tour. Thank you Hiro San.!

Feb 16, 2025
hayleigho412
Himeji Castle
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an excellent day with our guide, Hiromi Mizoi (Hiro). She was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. We explored Himeji castle and Hiro explained about its history, she then took us to look in the gardens. She was an amazing guide and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better!

Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.

Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it

Jun 8, 2026
JasonB6980
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiro-san knows Hakone!
Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing us to the area of Hakone – leading us on a great tour of several requested destinations. We were lucky to see Mt. Fuji at the top of the ropeway, had a fun ride on a pirate ship on Lake Ashi, enjoyed a fantastic lunch at a local restaurant, and picked up some great souvenirs at a puzzle-box store which have wowed our family and friends. One of the great things that Hiro did throughout the day was to educate and amuse us with numerous pictures, stories, and lessons from his backpack. It felt like Hiro-san was part of our family that day and we can’t imagine having tried to experience Hakone’s great sites without him.

Jun 7, 2026
Tourist31988989961
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
Great Day and Tour
Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed visiting the beautiful gardens and shrines. Hiro was a great guide. Having him guide us made the day stress free and much more enjoyable. It was interesting learning about Japan and the culture. I would definitely recommend this tour and visiting Kamakura.

May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and highly knowledgeable.
Highly recommend this tour!!!!

May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi Taguchi and were impressed by how much we were able to see and learn in that time. Traveling as a group of seven adults, we visited Kasuga Taisha, enjoyed lunch at Mizuya Chaya, and explored Tōdai-ji—including the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds. We also spent time at Yoshikien Garden and Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography, along with encounters with Nara’s famous bowing deer.

Junichi shared clear, informative context throughout the day, adding depth to each stop without ever feeling overwhelming. His pacing was thoughtful, and he kept our group moving smoothly while still allowing time to take things in.

A well-organized and engaging tour—highly recommend Junichi for anyone visiting Nara.

Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day Unforgettable!
We had the pleasure of touring Nara with Junichi today, and he was simply phenomenal from the very first moment! Warm, welcoming, and a true professional, Junichi made us feel instantly at ease. His genuine enthusiasm and excellent English made every part of the day enjoyable and easy to follow.
Junichi’s knowledge is encyclopedic, yet he explains everything in such a clear, engaging, and understandable way. At Kofuku-ji Temple, he brought the history and significance of the site to life with fascinating details. We then enjoyed a relaxing lunch together before heading to Nara Park, where we had the delightful experience of feeding the famous bowing deer ? such a fun and memorable moment!
What really stood out was how flexible and attentive Junichi was. When we felt a bit pressed for time, he smoothly adjusted the itinerary and took us to a wonderful sake tasting facility instead of the next temple. We sampled several excellent sakes and couldn’t resist taking some home with us! From there, he led us to an incredible traditional kitchen knife shop run by an artisan whose family has been crafting blades for 750 years (originally making samurai swords). The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and we ended up purchasing a beautiful knife.
Later, Junichi took us to see an original Japanese merchant’s house, which was a real eye-opener ? the minimalistic lifestyle and beautiful architecture were fascinating.
The entire day was perfectly paced, insightful, and filled with wonderful surprises. Junichi’s caring attitude, deep knowledge, and ability to adapt made this one of the best private tour experiences we’ve ever had. We are so grateful we got to spend the day with him.
If you’re visiting Nara, do yourself a favor and book with Junichi ? you won’t regret it! He’s an absolute gem.
Highly, highly recommended ? 5 stars without hesitation!

Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi is great during the tour! He definitely knows and shows the best
parts of the city.

Apr 25, 2026
Alix_M
Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour of Himeji castle
Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle! Our guide Rie was wonderful and provided fun
and interesting info about the castle. Highly recommend!

Oct 3, 2025
P
Peggy_M
Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Rie was our guide. Our itinerary included visits to Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden. Rie stood out for her personable approach, making the tour both enjoyable and informative. She took the time to highlight intricate details about Himeji Castle—details that we would have likely missed on our own. Her deep knowledge of the castle and the garden was evident as she shared key insights throughout the tour. To further enrich our experience, Rie utilized her tablet to present us with relevant highlights, photos and background information as we explored each site. This interactive approach helped make each stop along our route more engaging and meaningful, allowing us to gain a fuller appreciation for both the historical and cultural significance of Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden.

Aug 6, 2025
OMAR_A
Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et dynamique. Le château et le parc sont
magnifiques. Seule précaution : il y beaucoup de marches avec des escaliers raides , il faut
être dans une forme raisonnable.

2025年8月6日
OMAR_A
元気で活気あるガイドとの素晴らしいツアー
Viatorレビュー：姫路 半日プライベートツアー（政府公認ガイド付き）
知識が豊富でエネルギッシュなガイドさんによる素晴らしいツアーでした。お城と庭園は本当に美しかったです。
ひとつ注意点を挙げるとすれば、急な階段が多く、かなりの段数を上り下りするため、ある程度の体力が必要です。

Apr 30, 2025
JandK14
A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Rie is a terrific guide! She worked diligently with us as we planned our day in Himeji, and ensured we could fully enjoy ourselves as we spent the day with her. She brings a very warm, friendly and informative spirit to her work, and she was sensitive to our limitations on climbing the steep castle stairs, although she is quite capable herself in scaling various sites. Rie also has a nice sense of humor, which is so helpful when one spends a full day with a guide. As a bonus, Rie showed us her many favorite photo spots. We strongly recommend Rie, as she is one of the best guides we have worked with in our global travels. Thank you for a memorable day!

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He showed us the hight lights of Tokyo and was very
helpfull with getting us a Suica card.

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide who showed us around our selected 4
destinations and their surroundings.

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide. It was a great introduction to Tokyo – a busy and vastly interesting city. We learned about Japanese history and toured some of the major sites including the Imperial gardens, a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Nobu helped us get familiar with the subway system and explained some of Japanese cuisine. We greatly enjoyed our tour and recommend it to others!

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect start to our
Japan trip.