Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima: the museum & Okonomiyaki Village　Disband

    Hiroshima: the museum & Okonomiyaki Village　Disband

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet at the Hotel
    • 　　　　Walk to the museum
    • 10:15　Arrive at the museum
    • 　　　　Museum monument tour
    • 13:30　End of monument tour
    • 　　　　Go to Okonomiyaki Village by bus
    • 13:50　Arrive at Okonomiyaki Village　Disband

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe. Since they did not use a messaging app, it was difficult to stay in contact. The group had arrived in Hiroshima the previous day and had already visited Miyajima. Because they had not hired a guide there, I explained the history of Miyajima, the Great Torii Gate, the origin of momiji manju, and about conger eel (anago). Most visitors are not familiar with anago, so it is often difficult to explain, but the guests already knew about it and said it was one of their favorite foods. They viewed the exhibits and explanations with great interest, listened attentively to my commentary, and asked questions. One point of reflection is that I could not immediately answer their questions about the annual number of visitors to the museum and its date of construction.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of the Atomic Bomb Dome～Namiki-dori220JPY
    Total220JPY

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

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    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…

    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 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 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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & 30 Kofukuji Temple

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & 30 Kofukuji Temple

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:44 On the train at Horyuji Station (Start of Tour)
    • 9:55 JR Nara Station
    • (taxi)
    • 10:10-50 Ukigumo Enchi (Nara Park) playing with deer
    • 11:10-12:15 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • Walking while playing with deer
    • 12:30-13:30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill
    • 　　　　　 Lunch: Mikasaya Honten
    • 　　　former katana sword manufacturer's shop　Kikuichimonji
    • Walk for 5 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • Walk for 5 minutes
    • 14:20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • 　 Walk for 5 minutes
    • 14:40-15:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • 　 Walk for 5 minutes
    • 15:20-16:00 Charo Hafutaimu (Todaiji Cultural Center)
    • 16:00 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • Walk for 15 minutes
    • 16:20-30 Kofukuji Temple
    • Walk for 5 minutes
    • 16:40 Nakatanido @Naramachi Shopping District (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour with Japan Guide Agency Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who had relocated to North America. They spoke English with a strong accent, so I often had to ask them to repeat themselves, though they were doing well professionally in North America. I felt I caught a glimpse of the strength of their community network. While they did not follow a particular religion, they seemed to value their cultural identity deeply. The language used within the group was Russian. It was a bit of a shame, because if this had not been just a one-day tour, I could have heard so many more of their stories and could even have talked about broader topics. As always, I am struck by how many of our guests come from this background.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHoryuji～Nara230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 11:45 Lunch @Chinchikurin
    • 3. 12:40 @Miyajima, Daishoin Temple　Senjokaku
    • 4. 15:30 @Peace Park　@Museum
    • 5. 16:40 @orizul Tower
    • 6. 17:20 Disband Hiroshima Castle

    A Private Day Tour in Japan: What Is It Like With a Licensed Guide? This was an enjoyable tour with a cheerful and thoughtful group. The guests asked many questions about anything that caught their eye, ranging from the approximate price of houses in Japan to the climate. It was a hot day, so it was a relief to reach places with air conditioning, but we managed to have a pleasant time throughout. Along the way, the guests happily bought a small handheld fan. I was grateful that they listened attentively. Since they had requested from the start to wrap up the tour a little early, we arrived at the station shortly after 5:00 p.m., and I finished by assisting with the purchase of Shinkansen tickets.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima200JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima～Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 5OtherGenbaku Dome-mae～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by Kahori

    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!

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    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    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…

    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…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Higashi-ginza Station & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Higashi-ginza Station & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting point: Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 14:10 Depart Higashi-ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 16:00 Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 17:00 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
    • 18:30 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 19:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 20:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Chuo Line)
    • 20:30 Arrive Tokyo Station
    • 20:40 Disband: Tokyo Station Keiyo Line Platform

    Can You Do a Private Afternoon Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from Asia. They planned to stay in Japan for only one week, spending their time around the Tokyo area. On the previous two days they had visited Disneyland and DisneySea, staying at a hotel in the Maihama area. They also planned a day trip to Mount Fuji the following day. They had been able to obtain their airline tickets at a discount through a family connection. Because of the intense summer heat, the tour included several rest breaks along the way. We met at a hotel in Ginza and traveled from Higashi-Ginza Station to Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum. The guests asked, "Was this building repurposed from a former government office, or was it built solely as a museum?" and remarked, "In our home country, many museums are converted from former private residences." They said they were interested in Buddhist statues and swords, and they viewed the exhibits with great enthusiasm. They also mentioned, "We are interested in the tea ceremony and would like to experience it during our stay in Tokyo." Afterward, we moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, they commented, "This lush, green environment is wonderful." They also asked questions about the Japanese Imperial Family, and "What was the Meiji Restoration?" and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" There were also questions such as "What are the torii gates for?", "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?", and "Why are the sake barrels displayed here?" After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. On Takeshita Street, they purchased magnets and some clothing as souvenirs. After that, they said, "We have heard the name Shinjuku often and would really like to go there," so we headed to Shinjuku. First, we enjoyed a panoramic view of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. They said, "This really shows how vast a city Tokyo is." We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the scramble crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. They asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" They also commented, "The whole city is clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The subway is quiet, and no one is being noisy," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant to use." They said they were unsure how to get back to Maihama, so I saw them off at the entrance to the Keiyo Line platform at Tokyo Station before we parted ways. Along the way, the guests also commented, "We actually wanted a tour starting at 09:00, but the agent in charge told us that only a 14:00 start could be booked. We still don't quite understand why."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-ginza Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno Station～Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku Station～Shinjuku Station146JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi Station～Tochomae Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku Station～Shibuya Station167JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya Station～Tokyo Station208JPY
    Total1,264JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

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    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 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…

    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 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up ＠ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Transfer Gate
    • Travel JR Kyoto → Inari
    • 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:00～ Travel JR Inari → Kyoto, Kyoto Station → To-ji (taxi)
    • 13:30～ Travel Taxi To-ji → Nijo Castle
    • 13:45～14:30 Nijo Castle
    • The tour ends here
    • 15:30 Disband ＠ Ishitora near JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Tour Visiting Fushimi Inari, To-ji, and Nijo Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived in Osaka by cruise, and had mentioned in advance that they would come from Osaka to Kyoto by either bullet train or a local line. Since they had listed Fushimi Inari Taisha among the places they wanted to visit, I set our meeting point at the central transfer gate for the bullet train. They kindly emailed me beforehand and told me what they would be wearing. Assuming they would arrive by bullet train, I kept looking toward the bullet train side, but when they did not appear at the appointed time, I turned around and saw someone in the clothing they had described standing a little further up. It was very easy to identify them, which was helpful. They said they had taken the local line for cost reasons. They did not seem quite sure where to get off, and had only purchased a ticket to Kyoto Station, so I helped with the fare adjustment for the excess ride at Fushimi Inari Station. As one of the guests had some difficulty walking, we made a quick visit up to the Senbon Torii and then headed to our next destination, To-ji. Originally I had thought of transferring to the Kintetsu line from Kyoto Station, but considering the walking difficulty, I suggested taking a taxi from Kyoto Station, and we went to To-ji by taxi. To-ji, in contrast to Fushimi Inari Taisha, had a quiet atmosphere with plenty of shade and cool spots, and the guests liked it very much. Since one of the guests was firm about visiting every place they had decided on, and they said they wanted to take a taxi to the next destination, Nijo Castle, we did so. They had visited Nijo Castle once before but arrived just before closing and did not really understand it, so I tried to pick out and explain the elements that most benefit from a guide's explanation. After viewing the Ninomaru Garden, it was 14:30, so the tour concluded for the time being. They had asked in advance for directions on how to get to Arashiyama, and I had planned to explain this, but as we talked it seemed they were not quite clear on it. Since I was also returning toward Arashiyama, I accompanied them on the subway and the JR line, explained the route to the bamboo grove using a map in front of the station, went partway with them, and we parted ways. The guests were friendly, and I truly enjoyed guiding them. As it was a tour in the heat, I hope they were not too tired afterward.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total300JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Meet at Hotel
    • 1025 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1140 Pontocho
    • 1210 Nanzen-ji
    • 1310 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 1215 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a 4-hour private tour in Kyoto for guests from Europe. It was a very hot and humid day. Fushimi Inari was a little crowded, but since there were no school excursion students, the guests were able to try attractions such as the "Omokaru Ishi" stone right away. Although Pontocho was not originally part of the plan, the guests asked me to recommend a good restaurant if there was one, so I walked them through the area and gave a recommendation. Partly because of this, we were not able to take a leisurely lunch, but since we had started late and the guests mentioned they were not very hungry, we used the time to tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace right up until the end of the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan～Keage220JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 5SubwayImadegawa～Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,110JPY

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

    Request Booking

    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Edmont (10-8, Iidabashi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:10 Akasaka Palace State Guest House
    • 3) 11:10 UNIQLO Ginza Store
    • 4) 11:50 Tsukiji Market
    • 5) 13:30 Shibuya Crossing
    • 6) 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 7) 14:40 Harajuku <Takeshita Street → adidas Harajuku Store → THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store>
    • 8) 16:10 Disband @ Tozai Line Iidabashi Station Exit A5

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their second time in Japan. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private Tokyo tour, and there were three days between the assignment being confirmed and the tour, which allowed for a candid exchange via a messaging app to gather useful information (a preference for slow walking due to an earlier ankle injury, and an interest in street food). On the way through Japan, they were stopping in Tokyo, and the next day they already had a bouldering experience and a sumo-themed restaurant booked in the city. At the national treasure Akasaka Palace (the guidelines were confirmed in advance and mutually understood with the guests), they went through a bag inspection and thoroughly enjoyed taking photos in the permitted areas. The main purpose of this visit was shopping. On the way to Tsukiji Market, we first stopped for shopping at the UNIQLO Ginza store. At Tsukiji, the guests fully enjoyed wagyu skewers, grilled eel skewers, and sushi. At Shibuya Crossing, they wished only to take photos from an upper floor of Shibuya Mark City after getting off the Ginza Line. They could not hide their surprise at the heat and, even more so, the high humidity. At Meiji Shrine, as requested, we skipped the formal worship and kept it to a short photo stop, and the guests enjoyed browsing at the souvenir shops while seeking some relief from the heat. On Takeshita Street, they got a banana smoothie to go. One of the guests is skilled enough in competitive bouldering to compete at national events and happily hopped between the adidas and THE NORTH FACE stores in Harajuku, enjoying the shopping. At one of the THE NORTH FACE buildings, a staff member guided them to a free photo exhibition on the fifth floor about Japan's most grueling mountain race, the Trans Japan Alps Race. They shared information about competitive bouldering and more, giving me a glimpse into a different world. At the end, we parted ways safely at the station nearest the Hotel. I explained how to use the subway, and I only hope it will come in handy for them the following days.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Namboku Line Iidabashi Station～Tokyo Metro Namboku Line Yotsuya Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Yotsuya Station～Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassToei Subway Tsukijishijo Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Iidabashi Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Hyatt Regency Meet. Take the first cable car to Sounzan. Ropeway to Owakudani. Sample black eggs. Take the ropeway to Togendai. 10:10 Pirate ship. Disembark at Hakonemachi Port. After visiting Maruyama Bussan and Hakone Checkpoint, have lunch at Toriten Ichiya. Take the bus to Motohakone Port. Hakone Shrine and the red torii gate. Return to Motohakone Port. After consulting with the customers, put them in a taxi to the hotel. Disperse at Motohakone. End 14:30

    Title: What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America on their first trip to Japan. They mentioned that the climate back home feels much like Japan's current weather all year round, so they were comfortable with it. Because they wanted to absorb Japanese culture, they listened with great interest to talks about kanji and religion. Everyone enjoyed it when I wrote their names in katakana. At a shop near the old checkpoint, there were replica Japanese swords, and while they were curiously looking at them, the shop owner generously let them hold one and take photos. At Hakone Shrine, each of them practiced the proper way to worship. Although they were used to the climate, the humidity was quite high, and since one of the guests started to feel a bit worn out, we avoided the crowded bus and, after discussing it together, they returned from Moto-Hakone by taxi.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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

    Request Booking

    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 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 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Omote-sando street

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Omote-sando street

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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 9:20 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:30 Peace Memorial Park
    • 12:20 Lunch at Hanako
    • 13:20 Miyajima
    • 14:10 Omote-sando street
    • 16:10 End the tour at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. Although their home region is also hot, they usually stay indoors during the day, so they were surprised by the heat here. I had explained in advance about expenses during the tour, but they had assumed that transportation costs were included. I explained again which expenses would be necessary, and then we started the tour. On the bus to the museum, I explained about the atomic-bombed structures we passed. At Miyajimaguchi, one of the guests lost a ticket, so I explained the situation and we were allowed through the gate. For lunch, I recommended okonomiyaki, and they said they would like to make it at home too. On Miyajima, one of the guests became worn out from the heat, so they rested along the main approach. In the meantime, I guided the rest of the group to the torii gate, and showed them Itsukushima Shrine and the five-story pagoda from the outside. When we met again, they had recovered. I suggested some free time along the main approach and we met again later at the ferry terminal. As measures against the heat, I introduced frozen bottled drinks, body sheets, and similar items. They were also looking for a self-heating station bento, so I introduced a shop in Osaka. Changing the Shinkansen tickets could not be done on the official JR site, and since we could not figure out how to do it, I ended up seating them in the non-reserved cars and concluded the tour, as they wanted to return to the hotel and rest as soon as possible. Starting July, the automatic ticket purchase machines at the Peace Memorial Museum will begin operating. At first they will accept cash only, and later they are expected to support various payment methods. As before, admission will be divided depending on whether visitors have purchased tickets online or not. Since online ticket purchasing began, the crowding inside the museum has been severe, and measures to address this are urgently needed. When there was a line of about 20 to 30 minutes, I could use that time to talk about the actual scale of the atomic bombing, so guests actually gave better reactions in the past.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima～Peace Park-mae220JPY
    Section 2TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Yokogawa220JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 5OtherHiroshima～Hiroshima150JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Board the bus bound for Hida Folk Village　11:10 Hida Folk Village　12:54 Board the bus bound for Takayama Station　13:15 Kokubunji Temple　13:30 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine　14:30 Old Townscape　15:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hida Folk Village and Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were bright and charming. Since the start time was relatively late, we skipped the morning market and went straight to Hida Folk Village. It was cloudy, but the temperature and humidity were high, so I frequently suggested staying hydrated, taking breaks, and using the restrooms. The guests had clear preferences, which made guiding them easy. By good fortune, there was a wind chime festival at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and Tanabata festival decorations at Hida Folk Village, so the guests were able to enjoy scenery full of atmosphere, which was truly wonderful. Although the weather forecast was cloudy with a 0% chance of rain, we were caught in a sudden shower. The guests seemed to enjoy even that touch of atmosphere, which was a relief.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakayama Station～Hida Folk Village100JPY
    Section 2BusHida Folk Village～Takayama Station100JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Mitsu

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2024
    L9503LEstephenr
    Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We did the tour…

    Aug 29, 2024
    Stay19758434714
    Takayama tour with Mitsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu was an amazing…

    Aug 24, 2024
    Joy L
    Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 13, 2024
    sall450
    Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu…