Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Castle & JR Miyajimaguchi

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Castle & JR Miyajimaguchi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Hotel
    • 09:40 Hiroshima Castle
    • 10:21 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:59 JR Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 12:23 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 13:05 Miyajima
    • 16:19 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 17:00 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, one visiting Japan for the first time and the other for the second time, and they were very kind and wonderful people. One of them had been studying Japanese for two years and had a strong interest in the language. Hiroshima Castle was the first Japanese castle for one of the guests, who enjoyed the exhibits such as the swords, while the other had fun trying on a samurai helmet. Both of the guests visited the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park very attentively, and also viewed the Peace Memorial Museum, and I was grateful to be able to firmly share the importance of peace with them. After such a moving and heartfelt experience, I was relieved that they could relax on Miyajima. Both of the guests love animals, and they were very delighted, saying that the deer on Miyajima were gentle and cute, unlike the deer that come onto their large property at home. Photography is a hobby of theirs, and they enjoyed taking many photos. I believe they took many professional-quality pictures. One of the guests said that they would like to visit Japan again in the near future, perhaps when the other studies abroad in Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Castle~Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Park front~Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:45 Meet up @ Kyoto Station
    • 2. 11:00 Guided tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 12:30 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch @ Shikura
    • 5. 14:30 Guided tour of the Bamboo Grove
    • 6. 15:00 Guided tour of Kameyama Park and the Togetsukyo Bridge area
    • 7. 16:30 Dismiss @ Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had a strong interest in Japan and asked many questions, curious about nearly everything they saw. The group arrived at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, and we were able to meet successfully at 10:45. From there we took a chartered taxi to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where I gave an unhurried tour of the shrine. They seemed deeply impressed by the teachings of Shinto. I had told them that we would head to Kiyomizu-dera next after Fushimi Inari Taisha, but during the ride they suddenly asked to change the plan. So I changed the destination to Kinkaku-ji and guided them there. They were impressed by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji and were very pleased. After Kinkaku-ji, we decided to have lunch at a nearby ramen shop. We managed to finish lunch, and on the way to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, the topic turned to a period drama popular overseas. When I mentioned that there is a film studio park in the Uzumasa area of Kyoto, they asked me to show them the place. We decided to let them view the film studio park from the car window as we drove through. Then we walked through the bamboo grove and visited Kameyama Park, the Hozu River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge, introducing points of interest along the way on foot. At the Hozu River, a hotel caught their eye and they wished to see inside, so I asked the person in charge, and as a result we were granted a viewing limited to the garden only. That was our final stop before heading to the hotel, and when we parted at the hotel they offered words of thanks, saying, "Today's sightseeing was wonderful thanks to you. Thank you." It was a day that eased the fatigue of guiding.

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Kinkakuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Gather
    • 8:45 Sanjusangendo
    • 10:10 Nijo Castle
    • 12:00 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkakuji Store
    • 13:10 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 14:30 Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Disband

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Sanjusangendo, Nijo Castle, and Kinkakuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very knowledgeable about Japan, and at Sanjusangendo they looked around with great interest and took their time. Nijo Castle was extremely crowded, perhaps because it overlapped with school excursion groups, but we were fortunate to find a gap and were able to view it at a relaxed pace. I believe they also enjoyed the Japanese garden. For lunch, thanks to having reserved a private tatami room in advance at a restaurant near Kinkakuji, the group was able to dine comfortably. Kinkakuji was also surprisingly crowded. It must have been a tiring day for the group, but although light rain had been forecast, no rain fell, and I believe they enjoyed the tour.

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Miyagi in Half a Day: Senseki Line & Matsushima Sightseeing Boat

    Miyagi in Half a Day: Senseki Line & Matsushima Sightseeing Boat

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:10 Departure @ Hotel
    • 13:29 @ Senseki Line
    • 14:15 @ Kanrantei
    • 14:35 @ Godaido
    • 14:45 @ Fukuurajima
    • 16:00 @ Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
    • 17:12 @ Senseki Line

    What Is a Private Matsushima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests contacted me to say they had missed the scheduled Shinkansen and would be a little late, so we started 10 minutes behind schedule. The original plan was the Matsushima sightseeing boat, Fukuurajima, and SS30, but we ended up spending the whole time in Matsushima. Since they wanted to eat something, we enjoyed matcha and sweets at Kanrantei, and they were delighted with the zunda mochi. From the view at Kanrantei, they showed interest in Fukuura Bridge and Godaido Temple in the foreground. As the guests did not mind walking, we made a stop at Godaido Temple before heading to Fukuurajima. They enjoyed Fukuura Bridge and the calm atmosphere of the island. For the sightseeing boat, we used the Niomaru. Having received permission for PR use, I took some photos on board. I was very happy that the guests were able to fully enjoy Matsushima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendai~Matsushimakaigan420JPY
    Section 2TrainMatsushimakaigan~Sendai420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hello. I’m Mikiko Shiga, a licensed guide interpreter.
    I live in Iwaki, Fukushima, about 200km northeast from Tokyo.
    I was born in Sendai, the capital of Tohoku or the North East area of Japan.
    I ‘ve belonged to a volunteer guide group, I experienced walking tours in Asakusa, and other places in Tokyo.

    Meanwhile, the area I was born and live in is relatively uncrowded.
    Tohoku is blessed with beautiful nature, delicious food and fresh air.
    It is recommendable for tourists who want to avoid busy places.
    It would be wonderful if I could share the attractions in Tohoku or Ibaraki areas with my guests.

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jenny_A
    Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
    Interesting tour to see…
    Interesting tour to see…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Michael_B
    Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
    Fukushima & Iwaki – Excellent Tour With Local Guides…

    Mar 23, 2025
    Phillosophizing
    An Unforgettable Journey Through Resilience and Remembrance
    Tripadvisor review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
    Our Fukushima…

    Oct 11, 2024
    716zaineb
    A wonderful tour worth doing!
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Miki did a wonderful job…

  • Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 10:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 12:00 @ Shinsekai・Tsutenkaku
    • 13:30 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:45 @ Osaka Castle
    • 15:15 Disband @ Osaka Castle Entrance

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tennoji, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Osaka Castle The guests were a group visiting Japan, some of whom were living in Asia and others coming from Europe, joining up together in Japan for the tour. The tour itself proceeded smoothly, but the group showed great interest in each spot and spent quite a lot of time taking photographs. At Tsutenkaku, the posted wait time was 20 minutes, but in reality it took about an hour due to purchasing tickets and waiting for the elevator. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they managed to find the popular "Go・Dai・Riki" small stones and purchased the small amulet pouches for them. In addition, everyone drew omikuji fortunes, and one of the guests drew "kyo" (bad luck). Everyone else drew "kichi" (good luck). When I told them that things could not get any worse and would only improve from now on, they smiled and were reassured. As a result, the tour ended at the point where I explained Osaka Castle from the outside, and the guests decided to visit the interior of Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building, which had been planned for the end, on their own. I explained the routes, including the way back to the Hotel, handed them a map, and we parted ways. All of the group seemed very fond of Japan. One of the guests mentioned wanting to revisit during the cherry blossom season next March. Information: The admission fee for Shitennoji has become 500 yen this month. (It was previously 300 yen.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine~Shin-Imamiya240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Tennoji190JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Morinomiya240JPY
    Total910JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Kyoto Station
    • 11:30 Hotel Higashiyama, drop off luggage
    • 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:40 Kura Sushi
    • 14:00 Torokko Arashiyama > Bamboo Forest > Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 15:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:10 Tour ends in front of the Gion Kanji Museum

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and the Bamboo Grove The guests were a group visiting from North America. The original plan was to finish at Kiyomizu, but since it seemed we would not make it in time for a 17:00 Gion tour, we cut that part and had them wait for the next tour at a cafe next to the Kanji Museum. The guests had arrived from Tokyo that day, and as walking was not easy for some of them, they agreed to this plan. Some of the guests who found walking difficult waited in the car instead of going to Fushimi Inari, but the rest of the group found the tunnel of torii gates very impressive. Everyone enjoyed the bamboo grove.

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Sora-niwa Terrace
    • 0920 Kifune Shrine
    • 1100 Kurama-dera Temple
    • 1240 Lunch at Kura Sushi
    • 1315 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 1430 Dismiss at Sora-niwa House

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kifune, Kurama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. The forecast suggested there might be light rain, and we did encounter a brief shower of about five minutes at Kinkaku-ji at the end, but otherwise the weather held up well. Kifune was about four degrees cooler than central Kyoto, so we were able to spend the time comfortably in the cooler air. At Mount Kurama, the cable car was out of service, which made the climb quite challenging, but everyone did their best and managed to reach the main hall at the top, which delighted them. They had originally mentioned wanting to visit Ryoan-ji as well, but due to the poor weather and fatigue, they returned to the Hotel after Kinkaku-ji.

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 13:00 – Asakusa 13:30 Sensoji Temple – Kappabashi Kitchen Town 14:30 – Ningyocho 15:45 – Suitengu 16:00 – Monzen-Nakacho Fukagawa Fudo 16:30 Disband at Monzen-Nakacho Station at 17:00

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Shrines and Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour took place during unseasonable heat and centered on walking, so one member of the group appeared tired, but the guests fully enjoyed Japanese culture in a short amount of time. In particular, at Suitengu Shrine and Fukagawa Fudo (Shingon sect Buddhism), unlike Asakusa, they were able to view the sites at a relaxed pace and have unhurried conversations. In addition to the classic topic of "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto," we also discussed "how ordinary people make use of temples and shrines," "the meaning behind the expressions of various Buddhist statues," "the existence of the Buddha," and "the difference between esoteric Buddhism and other forms of Buddhism." There were some points beyond my ability to fully explain, but I feel we were able to talk in a calmer setting than we could have in the crowds. At Monzen-nakacho, the guests stayed on to visit an izakaya. I gave instructions on the location setup and how to order before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainTawaramachi~Ningyocho180JPY
    Section 3TrainSuitengumae~Monzen-Nakacho290JPY
    Total690JPY

    Name is Sakai Katsuomi, a national certificated interpreter & tour guide. I usually go by Summy. I would like to assist you in making your visit to Japan a wonderful treasure of life.I not only offer tours to famous tourist spots throught Japan but also provide guidance on experiencing traditional Japanese culture. If you interested in Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Judo, Aikido and Kendo, or if you are visiting Japan to train in these disciplines, I can assist you with making apointments at dojyos, interpretating during practice sessions, filming videos and accompany you on your sightseeing adventures in Japan.
    Of course, I can definitely assist you with regular sightseeing. This includes visiting historical and cultural sites, exploring Japanese pop culture and subculture hotospots,and even arranging anime- related activities and character-themed shopping for children. I can customize the initerary according to yourpreferences and requests.

    Sep 25, 2026
    mogestrip
    Amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sammy is an exceptional tour guide-lots…

    Sep 8, 2026
    sonyasW9476NJ
    Insider intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sam was a fantastic guide!…

    Sep 3, 2026
    Safari63080984627
    Half day Family tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We did a fantastic tour…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Sammy was absolutely amazing from start to…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet at Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 2. 09:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (+Nonomiya Shrine +Kameyama Park +Oigawa Riverside +Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch at Akamanma Cafe Restaurant (Arashiyama)
    • 5. 14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. 15:10 Disband (Bus stop: Kinkakuji-michi)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One member had first visited Tokyo in 2023 partly for work, but this was their first time in Kyoto, while the rest of the group were visiting Japan for the first time. One of the guests had studied Japanese in high school, and a friend who had once lived in Japan for ten years had strongly recommended a trip to Japan, so they decided to make their first visit, timed with a school break and the very favorable exchange rate. Apart from asking about the construction dates of the shrine buildings at Fushimi Inari and of Kinkaku-ji, the guests were mostly enthusiastic about taking photographs. For lunch, since one member preferred a limited menu, they requested a café where sandwiches and pasta were available, so I reserved a café at the northern end of Arashiyama's main street, which they were very happy with. Due to time constraints, after visiting Kinkaku-ji I gave them guidance for Nijo Castle, and we parted with smiles and handshakes at the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop (15:10).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi190JPY
    Section 5BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Jul 30, 2026
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    Mar 20, 2026
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    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
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    Amazing Kyoto
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  • Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Tanabe - Hongu & Information Center

    Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Tanabe – Hongu & Information Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00  Kii-Tanabe – Hongu
    • 9:45  Arrive at Hongu
    • 10:10 Depart Hosshinmon-oji
    • 10:20 Hosshinmon-oji
    • 10:45 Walk Start
    • 11:30 Mizunomi-oji
    • 12:15 Fushiogami Lunch
    • 12:50 Fushiogami-oji 
    • 13:30 Sangenjaya
    • 13:50 Hongu Taisha
    • 14:20 Oyunohara
    • 15:05 In front of Hongu Taisha
    • 17:17  Kii-Tanabe
    • 17:30 Information Center
    • Tour End

    Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Nakahechi Route On the day of the tour, it was drizzling. While waiting at the Kii-Tanabe bus stop, I received a message asking, "Will we still go in the rain?" When I replied, "Yes, we will," the guest arrived about 10 minutes later. 8:05 The bus was full of other international travelers heading to walk the Kumano Kodo. 9:45 Arrived at Hongu and picked up the reserved boxed lunch. 10:10 Boarded the bus bound for Fushiogami. 10:30 Arrived at Hosshinmon-oji. 10:45 Stamped the stamp book, explained the oji shrines, and started the walk. 11:30 Minomizu-oji. I had given the guest a stamp book at Hosshinmon-oji, but it seemed to have been left behind somewhere around Hosshinmon-oji, so we stamped a piece of paper instead. 12:15 Arrived at Fushiogami for lunch. 12:50 Explained Fushiogami-oji and started walking again. 13:20 Scenic viewpoint, took photos. 13:50 Arrived at Hongu Taisha and offered prayers. 14:15 Oyunohara, took photos. Viewed the exhibits at the World Heritage Center. 15:05 Boarded the bus in front of Hongu Taisha. 17:17 Arrived at Kii-Tanabe. 17:30 Received brochures at the information center, guided the guest to a place to eat, and the tour ended. Since the guest had booked a tour without a vehicle, I assumed they enjoyed walking, but they said this was the most they had ever walked. The day before, while traveling to Kii-Tanabe by train, the guest had apparently searched for information about the Nanki region and asked if it would be possible to add Kamikura Shrine. I explained that it was in a different direction and that the infrequent train and bus schedules would make it difficult to finish within the available time, and they understood. After finishing the walk, the guest told me, "That was fun."

    Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.

    May 23, 2026
    Cecile_V
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    A great and manageable hike with Kiyoko!
    This is…

    Apr 20, 2026
    rosesinthorns
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    The best way to experience the Kumano Kudo in…

    Mar 26, 2026
    22luisandr_sm
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Amazing experience in Kumano kodo
    Kiyoko was amazing. We are…

    Apr 4, 2025
    robrP6297MQ
    Beautiful Tour with detailed Tour Guide!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    We had a great…