13:40. Yatai Kaikan to see Flouts for Takayama Autumn Festival.
and Sakurayama Shrine.
15:00. Sanmachi Area and tried Miso,Sake.
15:30. Cafe for rest
16:00. Jinya
17:00. Tour ended.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama's Sanmachi Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests enjoy history and local food. They love traditional experiences, so they were extremely happy about Takayama. In the Sanmachi area, they tried sake, miso soup, and Hida beef. They bought Japanese knives and chopsticks as souvenirs. Moreover, they said they were very satisfied with my guidance.
I was born and raised in Osaka, so I am a very friendly person.
I always look forward to seeing new people.
After marriage, I have lived in Nagoya city, so I know about not only Kansa Area but also Central Area.
I have been tour-guiding people for about 8 years.
I enjoy one day tour and a long tour, which is enjoyable to introduce many places.
I often tourguide people in Takayama and Shirakawago which is a World Heritage Site.
I love mother of nature, so I am happy to be able to enjoy each season over there.
Moreover I love Japanese culture and history, so I am very glad to introduce Japanese culture such as Japanese folk songs, flower arrangements, tea ceremony and Origami.
I hope I can introduce these to you!
9:40 Meet at Kamakura Station Enoden Shichirigahama Enoden Hase Goryo Shrine Hasedera Temple Great Buddha of Kamakura Bus Kamakura Station 14:07 Ride the train together I get off at Yokohama Station 14:30 Dismissal
The customer takes the same route as the train they came on in the morning to Shibuya Station.
What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were elegantly enjoying sightseeing around the Tokyo area and staying at accommodation arranged through a connection. Since they hoped to see Mount Fuji, I checked online and it seemed there might be a slight chance, so with their understanding that the probability was about 50%, we made the attempt — but only a portion of what appeared to be the mountain's ridgeline was visible. Even so, they appreciated that we tried. After a basic explanation of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, we strolled along the route above, taking in Hasedera Temple, the Mizuko Jizo statues, and the Kannon Bodhisattva, letting them experience Japan through the overall atmosphere of the surroundings. At lunchtime, a group of pilgrims happened to sit next to us, which was another delightful moment. The Great Buddha of Kamakura was the highlight of the Kamakura visit. Although one of the guests felt unwell due to the heat, the group kindly kept up good spirits and stayed with me throughout in an enjoyable way.
I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
dummy
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…
Aug 24, 2026
Deb_K
Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Well organised tour
Hiro is obviously an experienced guide. He answered any question we asked. He was well organised in dealing with our preferences and was able to taylor our itinerary to our interests. Overall a very enjoyable day. Would definitely recommend.
★★★★★
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro.…
Aug 6, 2026
Marcus_J
Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Had an amazing day with…
Had an amazing day with Hiro. He gave us very comprehensive tour of Hakone. Did great explanation of history and explained a lot about culture of Japan. Very comprehensive.
★★★★★
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with…
Jun 30, 2026
G2432BLtimothyc
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
6 hour tour of Hakone
we had a great experience with our guide, Hiro. Despite the weather not cooperating (rain),
Hiro was great about making adjustments so that we could see as much as Hakone as
possible.
★★★★★
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was…
Jun 25, 2026
T7734IPbrandons
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
First time in hakone
Niro was perfect for us. He was flexible for our first time in Hakone and the kids enjoyed it
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. Before their arrival, I had heard that they wished to visit Tsukiji and the Shibuya shopping complex, along with one temple, one shrine, and one Japanese garden. When we met at the hotel, I confirmed the itinerary above, gave an overview of Japanese history, and then set off. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed a tasting comparison of four cuts of tuna. Even though I advised against drawing an omikuji fortune slip at Sensoji Temple because there is a high chance of drawing "bad luck," they boldly took on the challenge, and as expected, both drew "bad luck." All I could do was have them tie the slips to the rack and offer some words of comfort, saying, "This way it will be canceled out." Since the weather forecast was wrong and it turned hot, we took a hydration break at a pavilion in Korakuen, where I explained the Tokugawa family. As the guests would be staying in Tokyo for two more days, I gave guidance on how to use public transportation, and then we parted ways.
Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
1. Cross-cultural communication
2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews
Jun 14, 2026
tiffany_w
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Phenomenal experiance
Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…
Jun 14, 2026
tiffany_w
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Phenomenal experiance
Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable and easy to understand. While planning our time together he helped me understand the various areas things I wanted to see were in. He designed a great tour for us. We had a delicious fresh seafood lunch, and yummy Japanese treat. He even helped me interpret with shopkeepers and my fortunes from the temples. I cannot recommend him enough!
★★★★★
Jun 13, 2026
Joshua_A
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The Best Guide I Had in Japan
Hideki was, without question, my…
Jun 13, 2026
Joshua_A
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The Best Guide I Had in Japan
Hideki was, without question, my favorite guide during my month-long trip in Japan.
He is an amazing, kind, and genuinely thoughtful gentleman. Before guiding, he had a successful career at a major conglomerate in Tokyo, with experience in business development and marketing, and you can immediately tell that he brings a level of professionalism, perspective, and depth that goes far beyond a standard tour.
What makes Hideki special is that he does this because he truly enjoys it. He told me, “You can use ChatGPT to get all the history, but it’s my job to explain what it can’t.” That perfectly sums up the experience. He did not just point things out or recite facts. He added context, judgment, personality, and a real human understanding of Japan that you simply would not get from a guidebook or online search.
The morning of our tour, I told him I wanted to completely change the plan. Not only did he accept it, he took it as a challenge and immediately sprung into action. A few hours later, I was completely off the beaten path in a place that would never show up in travel guides or magazines. We ate locally, and it ended up being the best lunch I had in Tokyo. We walked around, bantered, explored, and had an amazing time.
Being with Hideki felt less like being on a tour and more like spending the day with an old friend or a fun uncle who happens to know Tokyo incredibly well. His knowledge, friendliness, calm demeanor, and willingness to go above and beyond made the day unforgettable.
I could not recommend Hideki more highly. If you book with him, you are lucky to have his time. Treat him well.
★★★★★
May 2, 2026
Bruce G
Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…
May 2, 2026
Bruce G
Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation that worked well.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Using the subway and minimizing time in the rain we saw many of the most important sites and experienced a variety of interesting and fun neighborhood cultures. We had lunch at a local gem for a fun meal of tempura and rice. Some of the sites were spectacular, all were worthwhile. Time and money well spent.
★★★★★
Apr 30, 2026
johnbD9596UO
Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I had a great…
Apr 30, 2026
johnbD9596UO
Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I had a great time being shown around the sights of Tokyo by our guide Hideki, walking and travelling on the transport network. We were able to learn about some of the history and culture of Japan. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable and was a great experience. We can highly recommend the private tour with Hideki who was very knowledgeable and helpful and can tailor the tour to meet your interests.
Shinjuku Shinjuku Station Midori-no-madoguchi Ticket Office
10:40 Depart Shinjuku Station
(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
Akasaka-mitsuke Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
11:10 Arrive Asakusa Station
Asakusa Sensoji Temple
Asakusa Shrine
Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
12:00 Depart Asakusa Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Ueno Station
(JR Yamanote Line)
12:30 Arrive Nippori Station
Nippori Yanaka Ginza
13:00 Depart Sendagi Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
13:10 Arrive Nezu Station
Nezu Nezu Shrine
13:40 Depart Nezu Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
14:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
Nijubashi Bridge
Lunch: CC Curry
15:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
Hibiya Station
(Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
15:30 Arrive Kamiyacho Station
Kamiyacho Tokyo Tower
16:00 Depart Kamiyacho Station
(Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Kasumigaseki Station
(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
16:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
16:30 Disband: Shinjuku Station
What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower
The guests were visitors from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan.
Two days earlier, they had arrived at Haneda Airport via connecting flights, then transferred by train to their hotel.
They were staying in Japan for only one week, spending four days in Tokyo before continuing to Osaka and Kyoto, and planned to return home from Kansai Airport.
The guests were retired professionals.
They said they had come to Japan on the recommendation of family members who had previously traveled here.
The tour took place under cloudy skies, with several rest breaks along the way.
The guests wished to reserve their bullet train tickets to Osaka, so we first went to the ticket office at Shinjuku Station, where I helped them book a bullet train departing the following day.
I explained in detail the difference between "Osaka Station" and "Shin-Osaka Station." We then moved on to Asakusa.
I explained Senso-ji Temple and the history of Edo becoming Tokyo, as well as the differences between Buddhism and Shinto.
They asked questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?"
We moved to Yanaka and Nezu, and I explained about Yanaka Ginza.
They commented that "you can see what old Tokyo was like."
At Nezu Shrine, they passed through the torii gates, and I explained more about Shinto. They seemed to enjoy the carp in the pond.
We moved to the Imperial Palace.
I explained about the Edo period, the Meiji Restoration, the current Imperial family, and Gyoko-dori Avenue.
They asked questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" and "Can visitors not enter the Imperial Palace grounds?"
The guests wanted to try a typical Japanese lunch, so we had curry at a curry shop inside Otemachi Station. It was well received.
We moved to Tokyo Tower, and I explained about "Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree." Due to construction, we could only go up to the main deck rather than the top deck. They said, "Now I really understand how vast a city Tokyo is."
They also had many questions about topics such as Japan's pension system, average salaries of office workers, and the unemployment rate.
They commented that "the streets are far cleaner than in European countries — there is no litter," "the public toilets are clean and pleasant," and "the subway is quiet and clean," and also asked "why are there no trash bins on the streets?"
I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, where we parted ways.
Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and lovely company. My 13-yr-old daughter and I had a great day walking around the sites we had picked with him. He tooks his time to explain all the history and then kindly walked us to the spot of our next booking as it was quite confusing. I would very highly recommend him. Of all the tours we did in Tokyo Masa Sam was my favourite tour guide.
★★★★★
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an amazing tour guide that communicated extremely well ahead of time about the sites we would like to see in Tokyo, picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel, was very friendly and well prepared and finally but most importantly made our day in Tokyo very memorable.
We went to the Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shinto Temple, imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Gatden, and Shibuya Crossing. All were great and amazing suggestions by Masa.
Would highly recommend this tour as it was a private tour guide for a full day and provided discretion on which 5-6 sites you want to see. Also highly recommend our tour guide Masa who was a wealth of knowledge and very friendly and charming.
15/10 would do again.
★★★★★
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our…
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our guide, Masa was really great. Although it was raining, he had no
hesitations in completing his tour and showing us great places around Tokyo. If you are still
on the fence about this, please don’t, you won’t regret it. Thank you, Masa!
★★★★★
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was…
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was incredible and filled with interesting facts and history, he gave us incredible insight on each location. We loved that we were able to choose 3-4 sites from a large selection and really spend enough time at each spot. Masa was kind and knowledgable and even helped us with a restaurant reservation for later in the evening when were unable to find one.
8:30 Meeting point: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
8:40 Departure: Tokyo Station
(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
Ginza Station
(Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
9:00 Arrive at Tsukiji Station
Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
Tsukiji Outer Market
Lunch: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
11:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
(Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Ueno Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
11:30 Arrive at Tawaramachi Station
Tawaramachi Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
12:30 Depart Tawaramachi Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Ueno-hirokoji Station/Ueno-okachimachi
(Toei Subway Oedo Line)
Tsukishima Station
(Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
Toyosu Station
(Yurikamome)
13:15 Arrive at Shin-Toyosu Station
13:15 Dismissal: Shin-Toyosu Station
What's a Private Tsukiji and Kappabashi Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan.
They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening and taken a taxi to their hotel. In the evening they went out to Asakusa and enjoyed a steak dinner.
From the next day, they planned to sightsee in the western part of Tokyo and head to Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. After that, they intended to travel around Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, and then return home after coming back to Tokyo.
The guests said, "We love sushi and sashimi, and we want to enjoy them to the fullest during our stay in Japan."
Contrary to the weather forecast, the tour took place under clear skies in what was almost hot weather.
First, we went from Tokyo Station on the Marunouchi Line to Tsukiji.
I explained "the history of the Tsukiji Outer Market" and "the difference between Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market."
At Tsukiji Uogashi, we watched a tuna cutting demonstration.
The guests asked, "Is it always this crowded? Is it always like this?" and "Do all the people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?"
We slowly walked around the market and sampled sashimi and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet).
Since they said, "We haven't had breakfast," we lined up for about 15 minutes at Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan for an early lunch.
They commented, "It's amazing that we can eat sushi that is far fresher than in New York, and at one-third of the price."
After that, since they said, "We want to buy a kitchen knife," we went to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street.
We strolled around at a leisurely pace, and they purchased a kitchen knife and chopsticks as souvenirs.
After this, they said, "We have a reservation at teamLab Planets, so please take us there," so I saw them off at Shin-Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome Line, where we parted ways.
They also commented, "Above all, the city is so clean, with no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans on the streets," "The public toilets are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is completely different from New York — quiet, clean, and reassuring."
Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and lovely company. My 13-yr-old daughter and I had a great day walking around the sites we had picked with him. He tooks his time to explain all the history and then kindly walked us to the spot of our next booking as it was quite confusing. I would very highly recommend him. Of all the tours we did in Tokyo Masa Sam was my favourite tour guide.
★★★★★
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an amazing tour guide that communicated extremely well ahead of time about the sites we would like to see in Tokyo, picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel, was very friendly and well prepared and finally but most importantly made our day in Tokyo very memorable.
We went to the Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shinto Temple, imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Gatden, and Shibuya Crossing. All were great and amazing suggestions by Masa.
Would highly recommend this tour as it was a private tour guide for a full day and provided discretion on which 5-6 sites you want to see. Also highly recommend our tour guide Masa who was a wealth of knowledge and very friendly and charming.
15/10 would do again.
★★★★★
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our…
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our guide, Masa was really great. Although it was raining, he had no
hesitations in completing his tour and showing us great places around Tokyo. If you are still
on the fence about this, please don’t, you won’t regret it. Thank you, Masa!
★★★★★
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was…
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was incredible and filled with interesting facts and history, he gave us incredible insight on each location. We loved that we were able to choose 3-4 sites from a large selection and really spend enough time at each spot. Masa was kind and knowledgable and even helped us with a restaurant reservation for later in the evening when were unable to find one.
What Is a Private Two-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kokedera, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji
The guests were visitors from North America, continuing from the previous day. First, we visited Kokedera (the Moss Temple), for which we had made a reservation in advance, and they thoroughly enjoyed its beautiful garden. After that, we went to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). I explained that its garden was designed with reference to Kokedera, and we walked around to see it. It was not very crowded today, and the reflection of Kinkaku-ji on the pond was exceptionally beautiful. Afterward, we visited Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), but unfortunately we were caught in heavy rain during the tour, so we gave up going all the way up the hill. The guests told me they had enjoyed the two-day tour and even gave me a coffee cup as a gift, so I believe they were satisfied.
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 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 with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
★★★★★
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 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
★★★★★
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 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
★★★★★
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…
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 with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!
12:00 Lunch/Break: Okonomiyaki restaurant in Dotonbori
13:00 Sightseeing ③: Sennichimae/Doguyasuji (changed from karaoke plan)
14:00 Dismissal: In front of the hotel
Title: What Is a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Osaka Minami Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. At the time of booking the reservation was for seven people, but one of the guests ended up not participating due to scheduling reasons. After I was assigned in mid-August, the person I coordinated with beforehand changed frequently — first one of the guests, then a local travel agency, and finally another of the guests — but we managed to finalize the itinerary by early September. As I have mentioned in a previous report, when a local travel agency acts as an intermediary between the guide and the guests, accurate communication becomes difficult and takes too much time, so I would appreciate it if [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could raise awareness about this.
The guests were more interested in seeing "the real, present-day face of Osaka" than in historical or cultural sites, so we settled on the plan of Kuromon Market → Dotonbori → lunch → karaoke. The hotel was very close to Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori was a 10-minute walk away, so the itinerary effectively became a four-hour walking tour of Osaka Minami. On the day of the tour, the rain that had continued for two days had cleared, and although the heat returned a little, it turned out to be a comfortable day for a walking tour. At Kuromon Market, we stopped at shops that caught their interest and I gave explanations along the way, and the guests seemed particularly interested in Japanese eating habits. In Dotonbori, I explained that Osaka developed as a commercial city located next to Kyoto, "the thousand-year-old capital," and touched on the differences in local character compared with Tokyo and Kyoto. They showed great appreciation especially for the humorous shop signs and the little anecdotes associated with them.
After lunch, when I suggested "next is karaoke," opinions were divided within the group, and after discussion they concluded that they would rather skip karaoke and continue exploring the town, so I canceled the karaoke reservation. After that, on the way back from Dotonbori toward the hotel, we strolled through Sennichimae and Doguyasuji, and I gave explanations at each spot as we went. They seemed especially fascinated by the shops displaying "sample" dishes for eateries and restaurants, and were amazed by how beautiful and finely crafted they were. This time, as with the previous tour, some of the guests were younger, and I was able to get along very well with them and enjoy the tour together.
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.
Aug 10, 2026
Paul_H
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
Nori communicated…
Aug 10, 2026
Paul_H
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
Nori communicated with us before our trip and took great care to plan our personalized itinerary. He took us to some beautiful Temples and as a retired educator, shared his great knowledge about Japan’s history and all the places we visited. He paced our tour to our comfort level. I would strongly recommend a private tour when you have limited time to tour Kyoto. It was a wonderful way to see this beautiful city.
★★★★★
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…
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 time we had. Nori explained the history of all places we visited. He
was so passionate about everything, we were very lucky to have him as tour guide.
★★★★★
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…
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 Kamon-San, and he was a great guide to show off the sites and features of Nara! He got their early, and had a detailed and interesting schedule planned for us, including several of the local shrines and temples, allowing us to also enjoy the deer throughout our tour.
He also took us to a nice local restaurant where we were able to enjoy some of the best soba and catsu curry we had all trip! Kamon-san’s insights and trivia were definitely one of the top highlights from our entire trip to Japan! We would strongly recommend not just Nara but this guided tour to anyone who wants to appreciate more than just the deer!
★★★★★
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 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 his knowledge of Kyoto history and culture. Well paced tour, covered Imperial Palace, temples, shrines, Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama. Helpful with navigating rail system. Very worth while. Nori earns highest rating possible.
Because we had discussed in advance what the guests were hoping to see, what they wanted to buy, and where they wanted to visit, the group was very satisfied throughout the tour. Since the guests preferred to enjoy each place slowly rather than rushing from spot to spot, during lunch I explained about shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and how to split and use disposable chopsticks. At Nishiki Market, one of the guests was able to buy a Japanese kitchen knife they had wanted, and another of the guests enjoyed the gashapon machines, which delighted the group. Since we had a little extra time, I took the guests to Gion Shirakawa and Hanamikoji Street for those who enjoy photography, and I also explained the history and atmosphere of the area.
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!
Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…
Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I had a fantastic day going around Kyoto with her.
Thank you Yuka!
★★★★★
Sep 23, 2026
navinderp2024
Great day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a great tour…
Sep 23, 2026
navinderp2024
Great day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a great tour of Kyoto with Yuka. She mate us promptly at our hotel and customised a tour to get the most out of the day. We saw everything we wanted to see on the day and it was all very smooth and well planned.
★★★★★
Aug 9, 2026
piperl686
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
We were so impressed by…
Aug 9, 2026
piperl686
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
We were so impressed by our beautiful tour of Kyoto! Our tour guide Yuka made our day so special with her positive attitude, sweet disposition, and countless fun and interesting facts about Japan. She went out of her way to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see, and even lent me Yen to buy a special gift for my mother when I was short a few coins. We cannot recommend her enough to make your trip to Japan memorable and worthwhile!
★★★★★
Aug 5, 2026
Anita_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
Yuka was a…
Aug 5, 2026
Anita_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
Yuka was a lovely and knowledgeable guide who took great care of us on our recent one day trip to beautiful Kyoto. She met us coming off the Shinkansen and gave us options about how to spend the day wisely. We are so thankful for her thoughtful insights into Japanese traditions and culture, highly recommend doing a guided tour with her as it was very memorable.
1. 09:00 Meet up @Bhotel NekoYard (Nekoyacho 2-10)
2. 10:15 @Miyajima
3. 12:30 Lunch @Hanako
4. 14:40 @Peace Memorial Museum & Peace Park
5. 16:00 @Hiroshima Castle
6. 16:30 Disband @Kamiyacho
Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan and Hiroshima for the first time, and one of them felt a connection to Japanese roots, carrying a photo of a ring-like heirloom bearing a samurai family crest passed down through their family. Since they had requested a castle, I took them there at the end of the tour. As they came from an area rich in nature, they were also very interested in the deer on Miyajima. In addition to explanations about Japanese history, they carefully viewed the museum exhibits. As one of the guests enjoyed art, they listened attentively to my explanation of the Setouchi Triennale, and I shared information about it. They said they would consider it as their next destination. They were very kind and consistently well-mannered throughout the tour.
They were guests who walked a great deal.
Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!
Oct 6, 2025
DJ C
We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…
Oct 6, 2025
DJ C
We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Kahori did an absolutely incredible job showing us around Hiroshima. Here knowledge was next level. She made the day so special and turned it into a day that will be a highlight of our entire trip. Hiroshima is breathtakingly beautiful and such an amazing place! Everyone should visit it!
★★★★★
Sep 23, 2025
lorrainel669
Awesome Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…
Sep 23, 2025
lorrainel669
Awesome Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
The tour was fantastic. It covered everything we wanted to see and more. It was very
informative and wasn’t rushed. Even when we struggled to understand things Kahori took
her time and explained in detail.
★★★★★
Jul 26, 2025
T
Tracy_P
Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Our tour of…
Jul 26, 2025
T
Tracy_P
Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Our tour of Hiroshima with our guide, Kahori, was a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of our time in Japan. Kahori’s depth of knowledge during our visit to the Peace Park Museum, surrounding memorials and the A-Bomb Dome was impressive. My son who is on trip with me is a real history buff, thoroughly enjoyed learning about a difficult and somber time in Japanese history. We also had the opportunity to visit a former Japanese school which survived the bomb and became a relief center for those immediately impacted by the attack. Very moving. After visiting Hiroshima Castle, we rounded out our day with a lunch of Okonomiyaki (my new favorite Japanese dish). We laughed, told stories and had a wonderful time. I feel we now have a friend in Hiroshima. Kahori was personable, engaging and a genuinely warm person. If you visit Hiroshima and can request a guide for the day, you cannot go wrong with Kahori showing the way. Thank you, Kahori!
★★★★★
Jun 28, 2025
Fernando A
We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…
Jun 28, 2025
Fernando A
We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
It is a walking tour. Kaori, our very kind guide, waited for us at our hotel. We had a nice 15 minutes walk to the Peace Memorial while she explained the monuments and memorials we passed by. She accompanied us inside the museum. We had a very traditional Hiroshima lunch. Then we went to Miyajima island, its shrines and temple. Fabulous experience.
Lots to walk, lots steps to climb. I ended up exhausted.
11：15 From Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station
11：45 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
12：00 To Miyajima by ferry
12：10 Arrive at Miyajima
Miyajima sightseeing Shrine Omotesando
13：00 Lunch at Okonomiyaki Kurawanka
14：00 Finish lunch
14：35 To Miyajimaguchi by ferry
14：45 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
15：04 By train from Miyajimaguchi Station to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
15：23 Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
15：30 To the museum by bus
15：50 Arrive at the museum
Museum Monument tour
17：00 Finish monument tour To Hiroshima Station by taxi
17：30 Arrive at Hiroshima Station Disband
What Is a Private Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided guests visiting from Europe. Because they had reserved a train to return to Osaka on the Shinkansen departing at 6:00, it made for a somewhat tight schedule.
At Miyajima, the guests thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Due to time constraints, and because they had already visited many shrines and temples in Kyoto, we did not visit Daishoin, in line with the guests' wishes.
We stopped by an okonomiyaki restaurant, and on Omotesando the guests purchased a rice paddle inscribed with their names in katakana, which delighted them very much.
At the museum, the guests listened attentively to my own experiences and to the account of Mr. Tsuboi.
Sep 25, 2025
pedropM3071GD
Amazing day trip
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing experience to…
Sep 25, 2025
pedropM3071GD
Amazing day trip
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This was an amazing experience to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima. Your guide Yoshi was the
best, very knowledgeable and just a great person. Thanks!!
★★★★★
Jul 25, 2025
ourtravelingt
Great personalized tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour was fabulous and our…
Jul 25, 2025
ourtravelingt
Great personalized tour
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour was fabulous and our guide Yoshi made the transfers around Miyajama and
Hiroshima seamless. Yoshi was very knowledgeable and had his own personal story about
Hiroshima that was amazing to hear. Would definitely recommend
★★★★★
Jul 13, 2025
katherinepE2305IO
Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…
Jul 13, 2025
katherinepE2305IO
Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an amazing guide. He adapted the tour to suit our family and was very
knowledgeable. We experienced many areas of Hiroshima that we would not have found
ourselves with a guide. Would highly recommend.
★★★★★
Jul 7, 2025
Preston_H
Great tour guide!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an incredible guide who…
Jul 7, 2025
Preston_H
Great tour guide!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Yoshi was an incredible guide who provided a fluid and flexible tour for our family. He was
able to provide a very unique perspective to our family with regards to the history that
surrounds Hiroshima. Definitely recommend Yoshi as a guide!
