Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Dotonbori　Disband

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Dotonbori　Disband

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Voco Osaka Central Meet-up
    • 9:30 Umeda Sky Building
    • 10:45 Osaka Castle
    • 12:00 Kuromon Market
    • 13:00 Dotonbori　Disband

    What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, on a trip with Osaka as their final destination. The itinerary was created based on the guests' requests, but since they had joined a food tour the previous night and seemed very interested in Osaka's cuisine, we skipped going up to the main tower of Osaka Castle and instead allocated more time at Kuromon Market. At the market, we stopped by three shops and they tried fugu (blowfish) sashimi, apparently for the first time in their lives. Afterwards, we went to Dotonbori, and since they wanted to eat local Osaka food, I took them to a popular okonomiyaki restaurant before saying goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigobashi～Nishi-Umeda190JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka～Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nipponbashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total560JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Onomichi Station & Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Onomichi Station & Hiroshima Station

    Onomichi Day Trip from Hiroshima in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at hotel ~ Take the streetcar to Hiroshima Station
    • 8:40 Hiroshima Station ~ 9:18 Shin-Onomichi, using the Shinkansen
    • 9:36 ~ 9:51 Take the bus to Onomichi Station
    • Stroll ~ Use the ropeway
    • Senkoji Temple ~ Cat's Alley ~ Ushitora Shrine, etc.
    • 12:30 Lunch: Onomichi ramen ~ Shopping
    • 15:21 Onomichi Station
    • 16:56 Hiroshima Station
    • Guide around the station premises and dinner, then finish

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Onomichi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from North America. Some of the guests had relatives in Hiroshima and came to Onomichi after staying there for a few days. They had already visited Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima two years earlier, and chose Onomichi on the recommendation of friends. The guests were strong walkers, so we covered quite a lot of ground on foot, but they seemed to have no trouble. Since the guests keep cats, they were hoping to encounter stray cats, but unfortunately we did not meet a single one, so they enjoyed interacting with cats at a cat gallery instead. When I introduced local specialties such as Onomichi coffee and lemon gelato, the guests tried every one of them and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. One of the guests followed a plant-based diet but was not particularly strict about it, giving the char siu from the Onomichi ramen to the other and finishing the rest of the bowl. The guests were active, curious about many things, and very friendly. For dinner, they went to an okonomiyaki restaurant I had recommended, and kindly sent me photos of themselves enjoying it. Regarding the use of the Shinkansen: I had messaged the details below via a messaging app. After I presented options for getting to Onomichi, including highway bus and JR, the guests emailed to say they would prefer to use the Shinkansen. I mistakenly assumed on my own that [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) would cover my Shinkansen fare, so I paid for it myself. I should have had the guests pay for it. I apologize for this.

    Click here for more details: Onomichi Day Trip from Hiroshima in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHonkawacho～Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 2OtherHiroshima～Shin-Onomichi3,280JPY
    Section 3BusShin-Onomichi Station / Onomichi Bus～Onomichi Station / Onomichi Bus190JPY
    Section 4TrainOnomichi～Hiroshima1,520JPY
    Total5,230JPY

    Tour Report by MAI

    Hello! I was born and raised in Hiroshima. For many years, I accompanied Japanese tourists domestically and abroad to create enjoyable travel experiences. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve started to focus on rediscovering my hometown and its charm. This has inspired me to share the wonders of Hiroshima with more foreign visitors, and I’ve shifted my career to work as a local guide, welcoming you.
    I love the Japanese proverb “ichigo ichie” (一期一会)(once in a lifetime opportunity)
    It means to cherish each moment and every encounter, as they are unique and irreplaceable. I always look forward to meeting wonderful people with excitement and anticipation. As I guide you through Hiroshima, I hope we can share our many thoughts and deepen our mutual understanding.
    I would be happy to help make your trip to Hiroshima the best experience possible!
    I have a wide range of interests, including dancing, doing yoga, horseback riding, and farming. Whenever something sparks my curiosity, I can’t help but give it a try!
    Would you like to spend a wonderful time together?

    Request Booking

    Jul 14, 2026
    sophiau124
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Review for Hiroshima / Miyajima Guide MIA
    My HIROSHIMA…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Nomad07231625628
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Memorial 2-Hour Tour with Licensed Guide
    A fantastic tour
    Mai’s tour of Hiroshima was absolutely stellar! She…

    Jul 5, 2026
    Henry_D
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mai was a great guide….
    Mai was a great…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Tour29021317415
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Terrific tour in Hiroshima with our guide Mai
    Had…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet @ Hotel Nikko Style Nagoya lobby 13:00
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower 13:00-14:40・・Move to Nagoya Castle by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawaen and view Tokugawaen (Japanese garden) 14:40-15:40・・Move to Tokugawaen by taxi
    • 4. Move to Oasis 21 and view the Mirai Tower observation deck and the Oasis 21 shopping area 15:40-16:40・・Move to Oasis 21 by taxi
    • 5. Move to Nagoya Station, support the pickup of the Shinkansen tickets that the guest reserved and purchased, and disband on the spot 16:40-17:00・・Move to Nagoya Station by subway

    Title: What's a Private Nagoya Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle and Tokugawaen The guests were a group visiting from South America. Their first language was Spanish, but one member of the group was fluent in English and interpreted my English explanations into Spanish for the others as we went along. The guests enjoyed viewing the Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle, the area around the main keep, and the Japanese garden at Tokugawaen, and they took many photos especially at Tokugawaen. Since the weather was fine and the views were excellent, I guided the group to the observation deck of Mirai Tower, where they enjoyed the view over the city of Nagoya. I assisted them in collecting the Shinkansen tickets they had already reserved and purchased at Nagoya Station, and since they then wished to spend time in the Sakae area, we parted ways at Nagoya Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKokusai Center～Nagoya Castle210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)～Nagoya210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Request Booking

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Aomori in One Day: Hirosaki station. & Aomori station.

    Aomori in One Day: Hirosaki station. & Aomori station.

    Hirosaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hirosaki has many attractions, such as the thousands of ancient cherry trees,
    • surrounding the castle and is Japan’s biggest apple producer.
    • There are about 50 apple-pie restaurants.
    • Hirosaki grew up around its castle, protected by Shinto Shrines to the north and Buddhism temples to the south-west.
    • Come with me and I'll share my extensive knowledge about the city and make this a memorable experience!
    • 10:30
    • Meet up at lobby, the Hotel Aomori
    • We will initially meet at the Hotel Aomori
    • then we will take the JR train from Aomori station to Hirosaki station.
    • 11:22 Leave Aomori station to Hirosaki station.
    • 12:01 Arrive at Hirosaki station.
    • Move to Hirosaki castle by taxi.
    • Via Saishoin temple housing the five-storied pagpda.
    • 13:00 Hirosaki Castle Park
    • Completed in 1611, the castle was occupied by generations of the Tsugaru clan. The castle keep was rebuilt in 1810 and has now been turned into a small historical museum.
    • It dominates the 121-acre / 49ha public park, which is very famous throughout Japan for the flowering of its 2,600 cherry trees, from the end of April to mid-May.
    • 14:30 Neputa – Mura Village
    • Let's experience Hirosaki's unique summer time festival within the Neputa-Mura Village!
    • Here you will see:
    • Neputa Float: Containing some of the highly decorative festival floats with illuminated screens or gigantic fans used during the Famous Hirosaki festival, the Neputa Matsuri Festival.
    • Did you know that the word neputa derives from nepute or “drowsiness” in the
    • local dialect? This allegedly refers to the farmer’s custom of placing giant lanterns along the riverbank in order to keep them awake when they were returning home from a hard days work.
    • The museum also offers free live performances featuring:
    • ● Shamisen: Japanese traditional 3 stringed musical guitar.
    • ● Neputa Festival Music where you can try hitting the gigantic drums
    • ●Lunch and Shopping: Ramen and others (Aomori Ramen-dried sardine-based soup, Sushi, Tempura (Mountain vegetables).
    • ●Aomori Specialties (varieties of crafts, cake and others)
    • ●Workshops: wooden dolls, pottery, locale ware.
    • 15:30 Move to Hirosaki station by taxi. We will take the taxi to Hirosaki station.
    • 16:16 Leave Hirosaki station to Aomori station by train.
    • 17:04 Arrive in Aomori station.

    What Is a Private Sakura Tour of Hirosaki in Aomori Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. Wishing above all to see Japan's cherry blossoms, they traveled directly from Tokyo to Aomori. The flight time to Tokyo was about seven hours. At Saishoin Temple, seeing the blooming weeping cherry trees, the five-story pagoda, and the wisteria trellis just beginning to bloom, they exclaimed, "Excellent!" Saishoin Temple is an ideal place to explain Shinto and Buddhism. How about soba for lunch? "What is soba?" they asked. At a long-established restaurant near the entrance of Hirosaki Park, they enjoyed "hot sake with tempura soba" and declared it "Very delicious!" Near the castle keep, where the recently popular Hirosaki Seven Cherries (Yaebenishidare, Hirosaki Yukiakari, Azumanishiki, Ukon, Shogetsu, Kanzan, and Fugenzo) bloom, the area was lively with many international tourists taking photographs with Mount Iwaki and the cherry blossoms in the background. At an izakaya in front of Aomori Station, they were moved by a Tsugaru shamisen performance and the "baptism" of daifuku sweets! After Aomori, the guests continued their journey to a film studio in Tokyo, followed by Kyoto and Osaka.

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

    Tour Report by Tomohiko

    My name is Tomohiko Kudo.
    I live in Aomori city.
    I already visited more than 30 nations so far.
    After official retirement from the public officer, I could have the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide overseas tourists all over the world.
    Did you know that the Fuji apple is not from Mt.Fuji…but is actually from Aomori Prefecture’ Fujisaki town. Aomori is proud of the biggest apple product in
    Japan. We provide 40 apple-pie restaurants to guests.
    Let’s enjoy real Japanese culture and history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samuri history, Kimono culture, local traditional festivals, castle,
    Japanese garden, temple, shrine, Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake.
    I often go to the local sea food and vegetable markets and eat fresh foods and would love to show you some secret, hidden restaurants that only Aomori locals know about – let’s go on an adventure together.
    If you like sushi and fresh seafood, let me introduce to Nokkedon ?
    What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2025
    413maryannb
    Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day…

    Apr 30, 2025
    Jacqueline_F
    Great Guide, great tour
    Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which…

    Dec 30, 2024
    Scenic33296385055
    Warm and professional guide
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind…

    Aug 3, 2024
    Monika R
    Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We were 3…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet at Hotel (3 min from JR Keiyo Line Shiomi Station). Purchase SUICA
    • 1015 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, scramble crossing
    • 1050 Harajuku, Takeshita Street, visit Meiji Shrine, lunch at Forest Terrace
    • 1320 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1440 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1530 Tour ends at the temple grounds
    • Since the return route is in the same direction, we saw them off to Shiomi Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. They had previously worked as teachers but are now retired and enjoying travel. This was their first visit to Japan, and in a few days they would board a cruise ship, travel around the Kansai region, and end the cruise in Asia before returning home. They mentioned they would join a Mount Fuji tour the following day. Since they also wanted to do some sightseeing on their own on other days, I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained the main tourist spots. I also explained how to use SUICA and how to read the route map. As it was the first day of the tour and Shiomi Station is somewhat difficult to reach (requiring a transfer at Hatchobori), I escorted the guests back to the station on the way home. Partly because they did not carry much cash (although card payment was possible) and partly because it was before the cruise, they did not do any particular shopping. However, they wanted to obtain goshuin (temple and shrine stamps), so at Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple they purchased goshuin presented on single sheets.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Hatchobori (Tokyo)200JPY
    Section 2Free PassHatchobori～Shibuya700JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo～Ueno200JPY
    Section 6Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 7Free PassAsakusa～Hatchobori0JPY
    Section 8OtherHatchobori～Shiomi200JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park & Arrive

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park & Arrive

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

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Welcome at Hiroshima Ujina Cruise Terminal
    • 7:30 Depart by taxi (minivan)
    • 8:00 Arrive at Peace Memorial Park
    • Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, other monuments, and the museum
    • 10:40 Depart from Motoyasu Pier of the Peace Park on the World Heritage Sea Route
    • 11:25 Arrive at Miyajima
    • Itsukushima Shrine, historic buildings, and more, lunch
    • 15:00 Depart Miyajima on the Setonaikai Sea Line
    • 15:22 Arrive at Ujina Port
    • Walk to the Cruise Terminal
    • 15:45 Arrive

    Title: What Is an 8-Hour Private Hiroshima Cruise Port Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on an 8-hour tour taking advantage of their cruise ship's call at the port of Hiroshima. At the Peace Memorial Park, the guests listened very attentively and concentrated closely on my explanations. It was also impressive that during the visit to the museum they carefully respected the agreed time allocation and viewed the exhibits with great interest. At Miyajima, as it was still early in their stay in Japan, they had limited experience visiting shrines and temples, so I received many questions about their history and traditions.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMotoyasu Pier at Peace Park～Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima～Hiroshima Port1,150JPY
    Total2,350JPY

    Tour Report by Hiroshi

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Request Booking

    Jul 31, 2026
    Helene R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Experienced guide Hiroshi
    Hiroshi was a great experienced…

    Jul 26, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
    We went…

    Jul 17, 2026
    oswaldom406
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
    We had an absolutely wonderful…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Jennifer L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Hiroshi is…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate
    • 10:10 Departure, Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station
    • (Keisei Line)
    • Oshiage Station
    • (Keisei Oshiage Line)
    • Keisei Takasago Station
    • (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Shibamata Station
    • Shibamata Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
    • Yamamoto-tei
    • 11:50 Depart Shibamata Station
    • (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • Keisei Takasago Station
    • (Keisei Oshiage Line)
    • 12:30 Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 13:00 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:10 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 14:00 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line 9
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:15 Arrive Mitsukoshimae Station
    • Nihombashi Nihombashi Mitsukoshi
    • Ozu Washi and others
    • Lunch: Cafe
    • 14:50 Depart Mitsukoshimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Ginza Station
    • Ginza Ginza Mitsukoshi
    • Ginza SIX and others
    • 15:30 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Asakusa Station

    Title: What's an Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibamata, Yanaka, Nihonbashi, and Ginza The guests were a group visiting from North America, all coming to Japan for the first time. The purpose of this visit was a stay in Japan of about two weeks, with plans to travel from Tokyo to Hakone, Kanazawa, Hida-Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. They were not all traveling together; each part of the group had different destinations and schedules, planning to finally meet at Narita Airport and return home together. The evening before, they had arrived at Haneda Airport and taken a taxi to their accommodation. The previous day, they had strolled around the Sensoji Temple area. They expressed a wish: "We want to go to places that ordinary tourists don't visit. We don't like Shibuya or Shinjuku." The tour took place under clear skies, in weather that was almost too warm. From Asakusa, we moved to Shibamata. There were more visitors than expected, and we strolled slowly along the approach. I explained the history and current state of Taishakuten. They said, "I've seen the Tora-san movies," and were quite familiar with the background. There was also a question: "Do Japanese people eat carp?" We entered the temple grounds and paid our respects. We also strolled through Yamamoto-tei and along the banks of the Edogawa River. They commented, "Unlike Asakusa, it's not noisy, and I prefer this." We moved to Nippori. I explained the history and current state of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas. However, Yanaka Ginza was very crowded with overseas visitors. They commented, "Compared to other parts of Tokyo, it's quiet and calm—this is the kind of place I wanted to come to." At a bakery, they bought and tried sandwiches. At Nezu Shrine, they passed through the torii gates of the Inari shrine and paid their respects. The azaleas had already finished blooming. They said, "Unlike Asakusa, it's quiet, and I prefer this." We moved to Nihonbashi. I explained the history and current state of Edo and Nihonbashi. First, I explained the "Kidai Shoran" scroll. After that, we strolled through Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Ozu Washi, and Kiya Honten, and enjoyed a sake tasting at Toyama-kan. They said, "It was great to be able to feel the atmosphere of the Edo period." Saying they were a little tired, we took a short break at a café. We moved to Ginza. We strolled through the 4-chome area, took in the views of the surroundings from the rooftop of Ginza SIX, and rested for a while. They made various comments and asked questions such as: "Tokyo's streets are clean and there's no litter." "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" "Everyone is quiet on the trains." "There are vending machines everywhere." I saw them off at Asakusa Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa～Shibamata380JPY
    Section 2TrainShibamata～Nippori280JPY
    Section 3TrainSendagi～Nezu180JPY
    Section 4TrainNezu～Mitsukoshimae180JPY
    Section 5TrainMitsukoshimae～Ginza180JPY
    Section 6TrainGinza～Asakusa210JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    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.

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    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: to 12:00 Nijo Castle & to 17:40 Nishiki Market

    Osaka in One Day: to 12:00 Nijo Castle & to 17:40 Nishiki Market

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

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up at JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:40 to 12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:40 to 13:30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:00 to 14:40 Lunch at JR Kyoto Station Porta
    • 15:10 to 16:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:20 to 16:50 Gion
    • 17:10 to 17:40 Nishiki Market
    • 18:00 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    What Is an 8-Hour Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had not been feeling well since the previous day, but had recovered considerably by this morning, so I was glad we were able to carry out the tour as planned. I took as many breaks as possible and walked at a slower pace, so although the tour lasted eight hours, the overall pace was slow and we were only able to visit five locations. Even so, I was relieved that the tour ended without any problems.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Nijojo-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Section 5BusKyoto Station-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusHigashiyama Shichijo／Kyoto City Bus～Gion／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7SubwayShijo (Kyoto City)～Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,660JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
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    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: am Visit Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in One Day: am Visit Itsukushima Shrine

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

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:49am Meet at the Shinkansen platform of Hiroshima Station
    • 9:08am – 9:38am Travel by JR from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi
    • 9:55am – 10:05am Travel to Miyajima by JR ferry
    • 10:05am -10:40am Head to Itsukushima Shrine, stopping by the photogenic spot of the Great Torii Gate along the way.
    • 10:40am – 11:10am Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:10am – 11:50am Chat while enjoying strawberry sweets and momiji manju at Omotesando Shopping Street.
    • 12:00pm -12:40pm Okonomiyaki lunch at a restaurant called "Kurawanka" on Omotesando Shopping Street.
    • 12:40pm -13:10pm Buy souvenirs at Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 13:10pm -13:25pm While waiting for the departure of the World Heritage Sea Route boat to Peace Memorial Park, I taught the two children how to fold paper cranes using origami paper I had brought.
    • 13:40pm – 14:25pm Travel from Miyajima to Peace Memorial Park via the World Heritage Sea Route
    • 14:25pm – 16:00pm Tour the memorials within Peace Memorial Park and visit the Peace Memorial Museum.
    • 16:00pm → Since the guests were to board the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka departing at 17:00, they moved to Hiroshima Station by taxi. Since the taxi seated 5 people including the driver, I could not ride along.
    • The guests said that was fine.

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report During the morning walk around Miyajima, the weather was perfectly clear, and the guests were delighted by the deer. They took many photos of the Great Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine. The whole group was very satisfied with the okonomiyaki. In particular, they said that the okonomiyaki topped with oysters was very delicious. They also enjoyed a baked sweet made of momiji manju wrapped in pie pastry at the Omotesando shopping street. At a souvenir shop, one of the guests was given a toy sword and immediately struck a samurai-like pose, thoroughly delighted. It seemed that they had a wonderful time at Miyajima. The visit to the Peace Memorial Park and the museum was, by contrast, quiet, yet even so, I received many questions from the guests. There were quite deep questions, such as why people had also drunk the black rain, and whether those affected by radiation were still suffering. These were remarkably profound questions. I believe the impact was significant. The guests felt that gaining knowledge was important, which is why they chose to visit the Peace Memorial Park. During the tour and before parting, they thanked me many times, saying, "Thank you so much for today! We had a wonderful time!"

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima～Hiroshima150JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajima～Peace Memorial Park1,200JPY
    Total1,770JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Hi, My name is Hiroko. Please call me Hiro. So far, I’ve done total 65 tours and had 331 customers, having all the good 61 reviews.

    I usually guide around Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima island. Visiting Shukkeien Garden (Asano park), Hiroshima castle and Hiroshima Prefectual Art Museum will be also fun!

    If you’d like to visit the eastern part of Hiroshima like Onomichi and Tomonoura, it’s also a good choice!

    It’s really a mild climate here in Hiroshima becuase Seto Inland Sea is here.
    Hiroshima is famous for the oysters, lemon sweets and Okonomiyaki!!
    Okonomiyaki is Hirosima’s specialty pancake which formation is like the lasagna with special sauce on top!

    Well, I’d like to share some enjoyable time with you here in Hiroshima.
    I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!!

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    May 12, 2026
    D5014CNthomasc
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    An excellent experience
    We had an excellent tour with…

    Mar 27, 2026
    Dana_H
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review for Hiro — Hiroshima Private Tour
    Review…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 0 the Shinjuku Station & See off at the hotel

    Tokyo in One Day: 0 the Shinjuku Station & See off at the hotel

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the 20fl lobby in Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 8:45 0 the Shinjuku Station
    • 10:00 1 Ueno Park
    • 10:45 2 Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:40 3 Sumida River cruise
    • 13:00 4 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:30 See off at the hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with Accessibility Needs Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. As communicated beforehand by email, they had difficulty with walking and stairs, so I arranged the movements to be as manageable as possible. They also expressed a wish to check the accessibility at Shinjuku Station in view of their travel plans for the following days, so I guided them from the Hotel to JR Shinjuku Station via the direct route from Southern Street. Although travel by taxi had been mentioned in the earlier email, they preferred to travel from Shinjuku Station by JR. At the second stop, Asakusa, walking became somewhat difficult. After the cruise, we moved by taxi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Ueno260JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3OtherAsakusa (Water Bus)～Hama-rikyu (Water Bus)1,180JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

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    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
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    Mar 30, 2026
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    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
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    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…