Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Hilton Tokyo lobby
    • 8:20 Take commemorative photos in various poses with robot concierge "ARISA" at Oedo Line Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station
    • 9:10 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:50 Tokyo Skytree
    • 11:40 Animal Playground "Lovely Animore" inside Tokyo Solamachi
    • 12:10 "JUMP SHOP" inside Tokyo Solamachi
    • 13:10 Lunch at "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya JR Akihabara Showa-dori Exit Store"
    • 14:15 Disband in front of "Akihabara Radio Kaikan"

    Title: What's a Family-Friendly Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. From the next day they were scheduled to board a cruise visiting Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Busan, then return to Tokyo for a few more days before heading home. After the booking was confirmed, I exchanged several emails with the guests to plan an itinerary in advance that would keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the day. The guests seemed to greatly enjoy some experiences that were not part of the original plan, such as a commemorative photo with the robot concierge "ARISA" and interacting with animals at the animal playground "Lovely Animore" inside Tokyo Solamachi (the animal shown at the top of the left photo attached is a sloth!). Since I had learned through our earlier email exchanges that everyone in the group loved chicken katsu curry, we had lunch at a curry restaurant that offers an extensive English-language menu with customizable ordering. Finally, I introduced them to a popular anime shop in Akihabara, and we parted ways at the Radio Kaikan building. This private Tokyo tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures and a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station～Toei Oedo Line Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station～JR Chuo Line Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainTobu Skytree Line Asakusa Station～Tobu Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station160JPY
    Section 5TrainToei Asakusa Line Oshiage Station (Skytree-mae)～Toei Asakusa Line Ningyocho Station220JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ningyocho Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station180JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

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    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:15 Meet up @Zentis Osaka
    • 2. 13:00 @Umeda Sky Building
    • 3. 14:30 @Osaka Castle
    • 4. 15:30 @Dotonbori
    • 5. 16:10 Disband @Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and Dotonbori The guests were from North America and enjoyed talking a great deal, so I was spoken to almost constantly, and their English sometimes had a flavor of another language, which required a good deal of concentration. From the beginning, they had requested to see Osaka Castle only from the outside and to visit the Umeda Sky Building, which made planning the tour route straightforward. The guests loved taking photos, so they took a great many pictures at the Umeda Sky Building. Shortly after we arrived at Osaka Castle, we began to hear thunder, so we quickly took our photos and headed to Dotonbori. Fortunately, we did not encounter any rain during the tour, and we were able to part ways safely at Dotonbori. Since I had heard it was a special day of celebration for one of the guests, I presented a Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake, and they were delighted, saying, "This is exactly what I wanted to eat!"

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Total820JPY

    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!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet up @ The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:20 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 10:30 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:55 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 6. 12:05 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:20 Stay @ Akihabara
    • 8. 12:35 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from South America. I had felt that the location of the hotel might be far from each of the spots, but I realized that the Imperial Palace was actually quite close, since it could be reached with a single ride on the Mita Line. As it seemed we had time to spare, and since one of the guests turned out to enjoy photography, at the East Gardens I guided them not only around the Ninomaru Garden but also toward the Honmaru area. Because the guests did not do much shopping along the way, we also had time left over in Asakusa, and since one of the guests was interested in the electronics district of Akihabara, after strolling through Asakusa I took them to Akihabara, explained how to get back to the hotel by subway, and then we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibakoen Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Suehirocho Station180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:40 Meet at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo
    • 2.10:20 @Nijo Castle
    • 3.11:30 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4.13:15 Lunch @Nijo Station Bivi Takabashi Ramen
    • 5.14:35 @Togetsukyo Bridge (Arashiyama)
    • 6.14:40 @Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 7.15:15 @Bamboo Grove Path
    • 8.15:55 Disband @Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Arashiyama The guests came from Oceania. We toured according to the itinerary I had proposed. I apologized for an oversight: the interior of Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays, so instead the guests visited the Ninomaru Garden and the Honmaru Garden. As the high temperature in Kyoto reached 36 degrees, I gave the guests disposable "cooling towels" once at Nijo Castle and once at Arashiyama, which they were delighted to receive. For lunch, we ate at a ramen shop near Nijo Station. From the group, one ordered beer, gyoza, shrimp tempura, and a small rice, while another ordered only beer and gyoza, though after a while an additional small fried rice was ordered. After lunch we went to Arashiyama, and just as we finished seeing the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the bamboo grove, it began to rain. We took shelter under the gate of Tenryu-ji for a while, and once the rain eased, we returned to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Although the guests remarked that it was hot and that they were sweating a lot, they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 3BusNishioji Oike～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishinokyo Enmachi230JPY
    Section 5TrainEnmachi～Nijo150JPY
    Section 6TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 7TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine & @ Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine & @ Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine
    • 11:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 13:30 Disband @ Egret Himeji

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were the same group as the previous day's four-hour Osaka tour. One member of the group, who had been unable to join the day before due to feeling unwell, participated today. However, because of the very high temperatures again today, the visit was limited to Harima Kokusousha Shrine as the first stop and Egret Himeji, which was visited on the way back. During the Himeji Castle visit, one of the guests waited on a bench at a souvenir shop, and during the Kokoen Garden visit, waited at a rest area near the castle. At Harima Kokusousha Shrine, all of the guests offered prayers, and one of the group purchased an ema votive tablet. Some of the guests explored Himeji Castle with great enthusiasm, but at Kokoen Garden the visit was rushed out of concern for another member of the group. After this tour today, the guests planned to continue sightseeing in Hiroshima, followed by a tour of Kyoto. I explained that Hiroshima was expected to be very crowded today with the ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing, and that Kyoto is a particularly hot area even within the Kansai region, so ample care would be needed. Still, I think it will be a rather demanding schedule for the group.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Park & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Park & Miyajima

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel
    • 9:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 12:00 Miyajima
    • 15:30 Miyajima Ropeway

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Early in the morning, on the way to their hotel, I looked around at the surroundings. Seventy-nine years ago, the people who lived here must have been eating breakfast or getting ready for school or work at a quarter to eight. Even in the middle of a war, the people of Japan could surely never have imagined something like an atomic bomb. As someone who knows the reality of the atomic bombing, if I were to travel back in time to this very hour seventy-nine years ago, the mere thought sends chills down my spine. After the Peace Memorial Ceremony had ended, I guided the group through the Peace Memorial Park, where preparations for cleanup were underway. More than any words could ever convey, the relics and photographs in the museum are overwhelming. I once again recognized the significance of the Peace Memorial Park and the museum being located in Hiroshima. It made me feel that traveling may carry a deep meaning that is essential to living. On Miyajima, since the guests had informed me in advance that they would climb Mount Misen on their own after the tour ended, I guided them to the ropeway station and said goodbye there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMatobacho～In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Section 2BusHiroshima Peace Park～Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

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    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 8:40 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 10:30 Hamarikyu
    • 4. 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 14:00 Disband at Meiji Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private Summer Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Hamarikyu, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine Under extreme heat and high humidity, we walked in the shade as much as possible and even took the subway for stops we would normally walk. The guests came from Europe, a region known for its art and beauty, so at Asakusa they appreciated the power and value of the wooden A-un statues at Hozomon Gate, especially the wonderful craftsmanship of the veins and the strong, muscular forms carved in wood. As they were accustomed to stone sculpture, they seemed to have a keen eye for statuary itself. At Hamarikyu, they showed great interest in the impermanence of traditional Japanese architecture and the temporary nature of buildings that are never firmly fixed to the ground. At the Tsukiji outer market, they nodded deeply at the bluefin tuna caught off the coast of Shimane, and were deeply impressed by the tenderness of Maesawa beef. As the guests were a group who love cooking and are almost semi-professional when it comes to taste, I believe they firmly retained the flavors and will remember them forever. At Meiji Shrine, the shade of the trees made the visit a little more comfortable.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Kei

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Gojo Subway Station　9:35 Fushimi Inari　11:00 Arashiyama, Bamboo Grove　12:35 Lunch (near JR Nijo Station)　13:40 Kyoto Station (purchase return Shinkansen tickets) 14:00 Guide to the Kyoto Station subway entrance and end the tour (ended the tour early due to the heat and because the father was resting at the hotel)

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America to visit a member of the group who has been living in Japan for about a year. Unfortunately, one of the guests was unable to join due to feeling unwell in the heat and stayed at the Hotel. One member of the group has been learning Japanese. I had been a little worried about meeting at Gojo subway station, but one of the guests moved quickly to find me, so we were able to meet without any trouble. Everyone was friendly and easy to talk to. The plan was to visit Fushimi Inari, the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, and then Kinkaku-ji after lunch, but as this day was also very hot and everyone was tired, and with a member of the group resting alone at the Hotel, we decided to end the tour one hour early. The photo was taken at the sushi restaurant where we had lunch.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Nijo200JPY
    Section 5TrainNijo～Kyoto190JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

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

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

  • Tochigi in One Day: Lake Chuzenji & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Lake Chuzenji & Shinkyo Bridge

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:45 Meet at JR Nikko Station
    • 8:35 Lake Chuzenji
    • 9:00 Kegon Falls
    • 10:00 Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal
    • 10:35 Lunch @ Soba Restaurant Hayashiya
    • 11:45 Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:10 Futarasan Shrine
    • 13:55 Rinnoji Temple
    • 14:35 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 15:00 Disband at JR Nikko Station

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Following the plan we had arranged, we took the 7:50 bus, visited Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, and then had lunch at a soba restaurant near the Nishi-Sando bus stop. After that we visited Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple, and returned from Shinkyo Bridge by bus to JR Nikko Station. The weather was unstable, with occasionally somewhat heavy rain, but the guests enjoyed touring the sights. For some reason there were a great many groups of school-age children on trips, and Toshogu Shrine in particular was crowded, but I managed to guide them through. Some of the guests took an interest in things like votive wishes and omikuji fortunes, purchasing something at each place. They also bought souvenirs and seemed to have a great time. The tour ran one hour over. On the way back, since they were returning to Tokyo, I arranged Shinkansen tickets and accompanied them partway to give directions for their journey home.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nikko Station～Chuzenji Onsen1,250JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen～Nishi-Sando1,150JPY
    Section 3BusShinkyo Bridge～JR Nikko Station220JPY
    Total2,620JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　9:30　Meet at hotel (The Hiramatsu Kyoto)
    • ②　10:10　Pontocho ~ Shijo Ohashi Bridge
    • ③　10:40　Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi-dori ~ Chugenji Temple (Jizo Bodhisattva)
    • ④　11:00　Kenninji Temple
    • ⑤　12:00　Yasui Konpira Shrine
    • ⑥　12:20　Ninenzaka・Sanneizaka (Yasaka Pagoda)
    • ⑦　13:00　Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
    • ⑧　13:45　Lunch・Break (Gion)
    • ⑨　14:10　Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
    • ⑩　15:15　Yasaka Shrine
    • ⑪　15:30　Dismissal (in front of Yasaka Shrine)

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. It was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto, and they wished to focus intensively on Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sannenzaka, so I devoted plenty of time to explanation as we toured Gion and Kiyomizu-dera. At times they asked sharp questions one after another, and at other times they were not listening to the explanation at all and were simply enjoying themselves together — but it was a wonderful time. I hope they enjoyed it. As is probably the case everywhere, the heat was so intense that sweat kept dripping down and there was nothing to be done about it, but in the end we said goodbye with a hug even though we were both drenched in sweat. This summer has been especially harsh, and I never realized that just talking could make me sweat so much. Also, please note that Kennin-ji Temple requires an admission fee for the guide as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Oike～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…