Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 11:00 Meet up @ Hotel (26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 11:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 3) 12:40 Harajuku / Omotesando
    • 4) 14:30 Imperial Palace Main Gate
    • 5) 15:30 Akihabara / Lunch @ Suzuya Akihabara Branch
    • 6) 16:40 Asakusa <Nakamise Shopping Street / Sensoji Temple>
    • 7) 17:20 Disband @ Sensoji Temple Main Hall (2-3 2-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Asia. All prior communication had been handled through an overseas travel agency, and my concerns proved warranted: when we met at the hotel, it turned out that my emails had never reached the guests at all (fortunately, the agency did notify me of a hotel change the day before the tour). I explained the tour itinerary, and after one of the guests returned to the room to get a wallet, we started the tour about 20 minutes late. While visiting places such as Meiji Shrine and Harajuku, the guests shared many things with me (they had already visited western Japan and the fifth station of Mount Fuji, and told me about local customs, traditional clothing, food, and more). The guests had also studied Japanese history in advance. After a late lunch in Akihabara, the guests, being anime fans, browsed for figures. During our walk in Harajuku, one guest's sandals gave out (I had always recommended wearing sneakers in prior communication and suggested it again at the start of the tour, but was told they had not brought any), so we made a quick stop at a shoe store to buy some. Apart from that, there were no particular problems, and we parted ways in front of the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. The guests were cheerful, good-humored, and easygoing, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kita-sando Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Omote-sando Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Okinawa: (Extra 2 hours) & Churaumi Aquarium 2180JPYx4

    Okinawa: (Extra 2 hours) & Churaumi Aquarium 2180JPYx4

    Tour Itinerary

    • August 2 Friday. Shubha Iyengar 4 people
    • 10:00-18:00 (Extra 2 hours)
    • Rental Car Toyota Voxy 17800JPY plus Fuel 4000JPY = 21800JPY
    • 10:00 Depart from Hotel Halekulani Okinawa
    • Drive 20min.
    • 10:20-10:50 Cape Manzamo 100JPYx4
    • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120809-d1232982-Reviews-Cape_Manzamo-Onna_son_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html
    • Drive 20min.
    • 11:10-12:10 Ryukyu Mura 2000JPYx4
    • https://www.ryukyumura.co.jp/official/en/
    • Drive 60min. Highway Toll 500JPY
    • 13:10-13:50 Lunch at Pizza in the Sky
    • https://kajinhou.com/english/
    • Drive 10min.
    • 14:00-15:00 Nakijinjo Castle Ruins 600JPYx4
    • https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/world-heritage-top/nakijin-castle-ruins/
    • Drive 15min.
    • 15:15-16:30 Churaumi Aquarium 2180JPYx4
    • https://churaumi.okinawa/en/
    • Drive 90min. Highway Toll 940JPY
    • 18:00 Kokusaidori End of Tour

    Title: What Is a Private Okinawa Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Okinawa. It was sunny with temperatures of 30–33 degrees. They arrived 20 minutes after the meeting time, looking tired. When I asked, I learned that they had arrived in Okinawa late the previous night and the group was experiencing jet lag. Some of the guests slept during most of the transfers, so I mainly conversed with one member of the group, who had previously worked as an English conversation instructor for two years in Japan and had learned a good deal of Japanese. The itinerary was intended for taking many photos, but due to jet lag and the heat, they soon wanted to move to places with air conditioning. I tried talking about the history of Okinawa, but they did not seem very interested. One member of the group wanted to show the others many things, but the others wanted to return to the Hotel soon.

    Hello from Japan!
    I’m Yoshi, 55 years old, male.
    I was born in Tokyo and I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 30 years.
    I have been a language teacher, musician, interpreter, diving instructor, and tour guide for so many years.
    As an English guide, I enjoy visiting all the beautiful places in all over Japan, talking about Japan, also learning something new from you.
    I always learn something new every time I go on the tour.
    Not only I give you information of Japan, but at the same time, I can learn about Japan from your perspective.
    This is the joy I get when I go with you.
    I will try my best to make your tour a memorable one for you.
    Let’s start from here together to plan your tour.
    Please feel free to contact me anytime.

    Aug 14, 2024
    Shubha_I
    Great Okinawa intro
    Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best. Super accommodating and flexible.…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel → Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine → Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Sakuradamon → Lunch @ Kappo Dining Nami → Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was an extremely hot day, but while paying close attention to staying hydrated, I guided the guests visiting from North America through the itinerary as planned. At Asakusa, the guests purchased a variety of Japanese souvenirs and were very satisfied. As I always find, since everyone has their own food preferences, choosing a facility with many restaurants gives more options and tends to result in higher satisfaction for lunch. This time as well, we walked around and looked at the restaurants that caught their interest, such as okonomiyaki, tonkatsu, and Japanese set meals, checking the menus and how long the lines were, and the guests enjoyed a Japanese set meal.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Nijubashi286JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Shimbashi146JPY
    Total641JPY

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 11:10 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:50 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 13:00 Lunch – 14:20 Omotesando (disband)

    Title: What Is a First Day of a Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, on the first day of a private tour of Japan lasting a little under one week. In the hotel lobby, I gave an overview of Japanese history and culture. While there was little interest in topics such as the emperor or the samurai governments, the words "ninja" and "samurai" drew a reaction, so I made and presented an origami samurai helmet as a gift. At lunch, the rice and miso soup were left largely untouched, but I was surprised to see an adult-sized pork loin tonkatsu completely finished. When I took the group to a Hello Kitty shop, I saw eyes light up, and after that we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Omotesando178JPY
    Total534JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Omote-sando street

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Omote-sando street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at Candeo Hiroshima
    • 14:20 Miyajima
    • 14:30 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:10 Daigan-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Daisho-in Temple
    • 16:00 Omote-sando street
    • 17:30 End the tour at Hiroshima station stop

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report It started to rain at the beginning of the tour, but it stopped almost immediately. The guest had come to Japan during this season specifically to take part in the lantern floating ceremony on the 6th. The guest mentioned planning a day trip to Osaka the next day, and had decided against visiting Kyoto after seeing on social media that it was extremely crowded with tourists. I recommended the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass. The guest said that on the next visit to Japan, they would absolutely like to come during the cherry blossom season. Since the guest had downloaded the Suica App, we were able to travel smoothly. Having just arrived in Japan the previous night, the guest looked quite tired. We ended the tour at Hiroshima Station so the guest could purchase tickets for the coming days.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori~Nishi-Hiroshima220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima~Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total970JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shopping & Hotel Dismissal

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shopping & Hotel Dismissal

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Shopping
    • 12:40 Board via Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
    • 14:30 Lunch in Arashiyama
    • 15:30 Bamboo Grove
    • 16:00 Hotel Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, and the Bamboo Grove The guests wished to do some shopping, so I took them to a kimono shop on Kiyomizu-zaka and to a ceramics store. They found items they liked and made purchases, and seemed very satisfied. At Kiyomizu-dera, I guided the group to interesting spots that would help them forget the heat and that would be enjoyable for everyone. They also liked the atmosphere of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and stopped by various shops. At the bamboo grove they had requested, they took many photos and had a wonderful time. I asked the driver to bring the car around to the next destination so that the group could move around as comfortably as possible in the intense heat.

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 11:00 Miyajima
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who came to Hiroshima after attending an academic conference in Nagoya. Due to unusually intense heat, the guest began showing signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration at Daishoin Temple. I quickly moved the guest into the shade and fanned them to help cool down. The guest had a smartwatch and rested until their pulse and other readings stabilized, seemingly monitoring their own condition. After a while, I took the guest to an air-conditioned area on the second floor of the Miyajima tourist information center, where they were able to relax for about 30 minutes. This break helped the guest recover, and after having lunch, I took them to the Peace Memorial Park, where we were able to complete the tour safely.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park220JPY
    Total970JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ Umeda Sky Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hilton Osaka
    • 9:00-11:00 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:30-12:40 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:10-13:20 @ Harukas Garden
    • 13:45-15:00 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 15:25-16:10 @ Kuromon Market, National Bunraku Theatre, Dotonbori
    • 16:40-17:00 @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 17:10 Disband @ Hilton Osaka

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since their vacation time was limited and this trip to Japan was the longest holiday of their lives, they wished to see as many of each destination as possible, so they extended the tour to 8 hours. At Osaka Castle, they were especially delighted to visit a place featured in films and anime and to see its history and artworks, and at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine they were thrilled to witness the Mikoshi Togyo portable shrine procession, the largest event of the summer festival. They were a pleasant and intellectually curious group to travel with, and I felt that spending time with people like them is one of the greatest joys of being a guide. This full-day private tour of Osaka 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.

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Egret Himeji & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Egret Himeji & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 11:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 14:00 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:30 Dismissal @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. From the start, everyone seemed a little tired, and some of the guests found walking difficult, taking a break every 15 minutes, so the tour ran a bit behind schedule. Some of the guests seemed weary, some were absorbed in their phones, and one member showed keen interest in the sightseeing. That said, the group enjoyed "akashiyaki" (octopus dumplings eaten with a savory dashi broth) near Himeji Castle, and they were very pleased with the full view of the castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, which I guided them to along the way. In Himeji Castle Park, they took photos with a dog being walked nearby, which delighted a dog-loving member of the group. Our visit to Kokoen was also considerably shortened. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, the group enjoyed a tasting (with amazake for the younger members) and purchased some souvenirs. At the brewery, perhaps due to fatigue, one member said, "No need for more sightseeing; let's have some ice cream and then head back to the station," and so we parted ways.

    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

    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!
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  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel 9:45 Kokubunji 10:30 Miyagawa Morning Market 11:00 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall), Nikko Kan 12:00 Higashiyama Walking Trail 13:03 Disband at the old townscape

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hida Furukawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe with a deep appreciation for the arts. It seemed they had also enjoyed the fireworks the previous night. They were delighted, saying it was the first time they had seen fireworks that continued nonstop for a full hour. Today's temperature exceeded 36°C, so we made sure to stay well hydrated throughout. Feeding the koi carp was a big hit. We walked along the Enako River, climbed the Higashiyama Walking Trail, and stopped by the Kanamori family gravesite and Higashiyama Shinmei Shrine, so the course was full of forest bathing and turned out to be quite a physically demanding one. Even so, I was glad they seemed to fully enjoy it. The city was also starting to get crowded.

    I was born, raised, and still live in Takayama, and I am a licensed National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

    My guiding philosophy is to create unforgettable memories through warm, cheerful, and engaging experiences. I enjoy sharing not only the highlights of the region, but also the history, culture, and stories that make each place unique.

    I studied International Relations at a national university and have built a diverse career in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and the local tourism association. Today, I primarily guide luxury travelers, as well as private and group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences, visits with local artisans, and in-depth insights into Japanese traditions.

    I also practice Japanese calligraphy, the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, Sencha (Baisa-ryu), and kimono dressing, allowing me to incorporate traditional Japanese culture into my tours.

    I mainly guide in Takayama, Okuhida, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Kamikochi. I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan a truly memorable experience.

    Sep 26, 2024
    L9503LEstephenr
    Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
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    Takayama tour with Mitsu!
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    Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
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