Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Cerestine Kyoto Gion
    • 2. 10:40@Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 3. 12:00 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch@Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 5. 14:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 6. 15:45 Dismissal@Cerestine Kyoto Gion

    What Is a Private Family Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a very cheerful group. One of the guests had a firm personal policy and did not compromise on it with the rest of the group. The atmosphere was never tense, but even at souvenir shops, purchases could only be made once approval was given. The policy was that there are many cultures to respect while traveling, but that it was not something to bring back home — experiencing and observing was welcome, but only for the duration of the stay in Japan, as they clearly and refreshingly explained. I found it enjoyable to quietly listen to the occasional small grumbles the guests shared with me. I believe they were pleased with the tour.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sightseeing ①: Osaka & Sightseeing ③: Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sightseeing ①: Osaka & Sightseeing ③: Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting point: ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 15:45 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori
    • 16:50 Sightseeing ③: Shinsekai
    • 17:40 Dismissal: Shinsekai

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai The guests on this occasion were a group visiting Japan from North America. The advance contact was handled by one member of the group, and although this was a short 4-hour course, they were eager to visit as many places as possible. Some of the guests had visited Japan several times before, while others were visiting for the first time. The tour took place on a very hot midsummer afternoon, so we conducted it with careful attention to hydration and rest in the shade. At the main site, Osaka Castle, I focused my explanations on the formation of Japan's early modern history, particularly the rise of samurai governance, and the guests were able to view the extensive exhibits at their leisure. In the latter half, I guided them through Dotonbori and Shinsekai, both lively downtown areas of southern Osaka (Minami). They enjoyed the distinctive, down-to-earth atmosphere of Osaka, which is quite different from Tokyo or Kyoto. One of the guests tried the "hankyu" (short bow archery) and a shooting gallery game, experiences not available in North America, and received applause from everyone. The guiding was scheduled to end at 6:00 p.m., but at the guests' suggestion we wrapped up the sightseeing a little early and stopped for an early dinner in Shinsekai. At that point, the guiding concluded. They were a very warm and pleasant group, and it was a truly enjoyable tour to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTemmabashi～Nipponbashi240JPY
    Section 2SubwayNipponbashi～Ebisucho190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Century Southern Tower
    • 10:15 Shinjuku Station
    • 10:50 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Tully's
    • 12:30 Asakusa Station
    • 13:15 Kamiyacho
    • 13:25 Tokyo Tower
    • 14:00 Disband @ Tokyo Tower Observation Floor

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and Tokyo Tower Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They wanted to buy Tokyo-exclusive goods in Asakusa and at a themed cafe, and then visit Tokyo Tower, so I planned the tour around those wishes. However, the guests took a liking to the shops I introduced in Asakusa (Sukeroku and Kiryudo) and spent quite a bit of time there, so for the themed cafe in Roppongi I simply explained how to get there, and after Asakusa Station we headed directly to Tokyo Tower. The guests had a particular interest in taking photographs, so I paid careful attention to composition when taking pictures for them. The guests had researched in advance that there is a photogenic spot at the base of Tokyo Tower, which was a great learning experience for me as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station～Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKanda Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Ningyocho Station180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNingyocho Station～Kamiyacho Station180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

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    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:30　Meet in front of JR Kyoto Station (Avanti Building)
    • ②　12:00　Daisen-in (sub-temple of Daitoku-ji)
    • ③　13:20　Lunch (near Daitoku-ji)
    • ④　14:30　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • ⑤　15:00　Tenryu-ji Garden
    • ⑥　16:00　Fushimi Inari
    • ⑦　17:00　Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Hokan-ji
    • ⑧　18:30　Disperse near Hokan-ji

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. This was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto, and they made a day trip to Kyoto while staying in Tokyo. They were interested in a great many things, and it was memorable how they asked thoughtful and detailed questions at each spot. Their main goal had actually been to see Nijo Castle and the Ninomaru Palace, but it was closed that day, so instead we visited a Zen temple (Daisen-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji), where they tried hard to truly understand many things while viewing the national treasure dry landscape garden — the tea ceremony, the concept of wabi-sabi, the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun, and how Buddhism and Shinto coexist among the Japanese people. As a bonus, I taught them the phrase "ookini" and suggested they try using it in Tokyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari290JPY
    Total290JPY

    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…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ JR Nara Station
    • 2. 10:45 Kofuku-ji Temple tour
    • 3. 11:15 Nara Park tour
    • 4. 12:00 Okumura Research Institute tour
    • 5. 13:30 Great Buddha Hall tour
    • 6. 14:30 Lunch @ Azekuraya
    • 7. 15:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine tour
    • 8. 16:30 Disband @ JR Nara Station

    What Does a Private Nara Walking Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report from Nara Station to Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha The guests today were a group visiting from Europe. We met at Nara Station and walked from there toward Kofukuji Temple, guiding them through Nara along the way. After showing them the temple grounds of Kofukuji, including the Jizo Bosatsu statue and the three-story pagoda, the guests enjoyed feeding the deer in the park behind Kofukuji. While admiring the many deer, we continued toward Todaiji Temple and stopped by the Okumura Research Laboratory in front of the Nara National Museum, where the guests experienced cutting-edge earthquake-resistant technology. However, one of the guests began to feel unwell, so we took a break at the Okumura Research Laboratory for a while. After resting, we moved on to Todaiji Temple, walked from the Nandaimon Gate to the Great Buddha Hall, and I guided them to the Great Buddha. After the Great Buddha Hall, we had a noodle lunch at a restaurant, where unfortunately one of the guests had to withdraw and returned alone by taxi to JR Nara Station and then to a hotel in Kyoto. The rest of the group continued the tour, and I guided them to Nigatsudo Hall, Wakakusayama, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Finally, we took a city bus from Kasuga Taisha to the shopping district, and from there walked slowly to JR Nara Station, where we parted ways with the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine～In front of Kintetsu Nara Station100JPY
    Total100JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet @ Hotel Annex Rokku
    • 2. 09:50 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:20 Stay @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:25 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:00 Stay @ Yanaka
    • 6. 12:50 Travel: Train
    • 7. 13:20 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 13:45 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Square

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Including a Japanese Garden? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point Hotel was one I had visited before, and I confirmed again that because it is a bit far from Asakusa Station, it takes quite a while to reach the subway. In advance emails, the guests had listed Shinjuku Gyoen and Shibamata as desired spots, but since Shinjuku Gyoen is closed on Mondays, I guided them to Koishikawa Korakuen instead. The water lilies seemed to be starting to close their blossoms a little, but I could still confirm that several were in bloom. The lotus flowers also had a few large blossoms open, which was more than enough for taking photos. Shibamata is far from other spots, and there are rumors that it is not very welcoming to tourists, so I took the guests to Yanaka instead. Since one of the guests wished to go shopping in Shibuya after the tour, I showed them the Shibuya crossing at the end and guided them to the restaurant floor of Scramble Square before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa Station～Iidabashi Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi Station～Sendagi Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori Station～Shibuya Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Royal Park Hotell in Tokyo－Suitengumae Station－Shinjuku－Hakone-Yumoto－The Hakone Open-Air Museum－Gora－Hakone-Yumoto－Shinjuku－Suitengumae

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had joined a Mount Fuji bus tour the day before, visiting Owakudani and riding the pirate ship, so they asked to see different places, and I included the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests were deeply impressed, took many photos, and enjoyed the foot bath. We had planned to have lunch at a famous restaurant in Gora, but there was a 40-minute wait, so we gave up on it and went to a regular dining spot instead. Afterward, the guests said they wanted to return to their hotel early to prepare for their departure the next day, so although I had planned shopping in Hakone-Yumoto and a day-trip onsen, we skipped those and took an earlier Romancecar. We arrived at Shinjuku at 17:27 and parted ways at 18:00. It was hot, but there was no rain, and the guests were interested in the switchback of the mountain railway. They were very friendly people who even gave up their seats to other passengers.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Hakone-Yumoto5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Maru

    Hello,Mr.A,
    Thank you for choosing our tour. I would like you to enjoy your tour as much as possible.
    If you have any ideas to see or to eat in your mind, please tell me.
    If not, I will suggest traditional Japanese culture like Meiji-shrine, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and beautiful traditional Japanese gardens like Rikugien and Hakone. If you want to try to eat typical Japanese food, I will introduce the Japanese restaurants. I woulld like to make an itinerary, including your request.
    Please enjoy Japanese traditional and leading-edge culture or beautiful nature
    I’m looking forward to seeing you.
    Best regards, Yoriko Ishibashi

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    Apr 5, 2026
    887maisyw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good overview of Tokyo gardens
    Great experience. On our first…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Karen_P
    Viator review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Gardens are everywhere in Tokyo.
    You will see a variety…

    Mar 28, 2025
    AColoradian
    Great Day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We are all active so we chose the…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 10:00 @ Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple (Maniden, Daikodo, Jogyodo, Jikido)
    • 3. 12:20 Lunch @ Kassuiken
    • 4. 13:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 5. 13:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 6. 15:50 Disband @ Himeji Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Himeji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guest was a visitor from North America. The guest had visited Japan several times before and hopes to live in Japan in the future. After meeting at Himeji Station, we visited Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha, Kokoen Garden, and Himeji Castle, stopping along the way at the Castle View point (for an overview of Himeji Castle) and the Shinki Bus Center (to purchase discounted round-trip tickets for the bus and ropeway). It was an extremely hot day, and frequent hydration was essential. However, the guest was very positive, and even in the heat we were able to enjoy the tour. On the return trip from Himeji Station toward Osaka, we sat in adjacent seats for part of the way, and overall it was a smooth tour with no particular problems.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Himeji Station Front] Station～[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station310JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyoji Microbus Round Trip (Shinnojo Ropeway Sanjo Station～Maniden Base)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station～[Shinki Bus Kokoen Front] Station310JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kyoto: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Ritz Carlton Kyoto
    • 11:00 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:45 @ Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Food court at Randen Arashiyama Station
    • 14:15 @ Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
    • 15:15 @ Ninna-ji
    • 15:40 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 16:30 Dismissal @ Ritz Carlton Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Photography Tour Like in Kimono? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests joined the tour wearing rental kimono. The guests had visited Japan before, some on their second visit and some on their third. The guests were interested in photography, so Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Sagano Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji were must-see spots, and they also hoped to see other photogenic locations if time allowed. On the recommendation of the taxi driver, we visited Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. The Sagano Bamboo Grove was too crowded for the guests to take satisfying photos, but Adashino Nenbutsu-ji was quiet, and they were pleased to capture satisfying bamboo grove photos there. Since this was a tour with a vehicle provided, no reimbursement expenses were incurred.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yuri

    I’m Yuri Takeda, a goverment lisenced English tour guide. I’ve been working as a tour guide for about two years. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been in Nara for about 40 years. I can guide you Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. I like visiting historical sites, eating and cooking. I also like meeting people from different backgrounds. In Japanese, we have a wonderful phrase “Ichigo Ichie”. It means we have to treasure every encounter is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This word came from the spirit of tea ceremony. I’d like to help you discover, enjoy, experience and feel Japanese culture with the heart of Japanese hospitarity, “omotenashi”.

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    Jun 6, 2026
    Jason_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent, well rounded…
    Excellent, well rounded itinerary with pertinent facts and answers…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Dunka591
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend.
    Yuri is an incredible woman! What an amazing experience, we…

    Jul 28, 2025
    C
    Cedric_S
    Incredible Kyoto Adventure with Yuri
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuri was the heartbeat…

    Jun 25, 2025
    983whitneym
    Beautiful Kyoto Guided Tour With Yuri
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  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel pick up:9:10 2 guests (American parent and child) are on a cruise at Osaka Port, and since they will come from there to Kyoto, we set the meeting point at the hotel in front of Kyoto Station.　　
    • Kyoto～Saga-Arashiyama　After 9:30　By JR
    • Arashiyama sightseeing　9:40～12:10
    • (Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, Okochi Sanso Villa, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kimono Forest, etc.)
    • Saga-Arashiyama～Kyoto　12:10-12:35
    • Return to Osaka Port by TAXI, put them on the TAXI at 12:45 (Since the guests' ship departure at 14:15 must be strictly observed, we finished early considering traffic congestion, etc.)

    Title: What Is a Private Arashiyama Tour in Kyoto for Cruise Passengers Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America. The group arrived by cruise ship, and this tour was joined by some of the guests. They had requested to visit a bamboo grove, so we visited it as planned. It was a hot day, but the bamboo grove was pleasantly cool. We had planned to head to Gion if there was time before the ship's departure, but since it seemed a little risky (and very hot), we refrained and instead spent more time enjoying Arashiyama. The guests were very pleasant, and it was enjoyable to spend time with them. Afterward, I received a message that they had arrived back at the cruise ship in time, which was a relief.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    Hi, every one. How have you been? I am JGA tour guide Kazu. It is my great pleasure that I can introduce myself here. I am already more than 70 years old, but I believe I am still young both mentally and physically. I like walking with my customers very much. I am from Tokyo, but now

    I live in Kyoto traditional city and an old capital of Japan. I had worked at electric manufacturing company for more than 40 years. While I was working at that company, fortunately I had a lot of chances to visit many foreign countries.

    I lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Poland and Mexico. Also I visited America, Britain, and other countries. Basically I used English to proceed my job there, however I always tried to speak local languages as much as possible. Through staying other countries, I found that there were great differences of the culture or the way of thinking between those countries and Japan. I though I had a valuable experience. After I retired from the company 5 years ago, I began to work as a tour guide although I got the National English tour guide license 7 years ago. Besides English I speak Spanish but I don’t have Spanish tour guide license yet. I belong to the comany JGA and worked around 10 days a month. So far I accompanied with mu customers more than 100 groups. All of my tour was good and lucky as I was always favored with gentle and kind customers.

    My hobby is playing the guitar, dancing and learning foreign languages. I sometimes join the concert by playing the guitar, and it is fun for me. Though I like dancing, I can not dance well. I only enjoy dancing here in Japan.

    About the tour in Japan, I usually take my tourists to the famous spots in Kyoto like Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu dera, Fushimi inari, Gion area,Nishiki market and Arashiyama area. In Arashiyama area we often visit Bamboo forest,Nonomiya shrine,Togetsukyou bridge and Kimono forest. I will cope with my customers demands as much as possible so that I try to visit any places up to your requests.

    I welcome a lot for your coming to Japan. and if possible I would like to help you to visit various kind of spots in Japan especially in Kyoto. JGA is very flexible company so that I have a confidence that you will be satisfied with our attitude and hospitality. I am glad that many of my customers told that it was so nice to travel around Japan. We will and I will expect you come down to Japan any time and we are ready to help your memorable trip in Japan. I can not wait!

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