Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hiroshima Station
    • 12:00 Miyajima
    • 15:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:00 Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since the weather forecast indicated it would be very hot again today, I recommended buying frozen bottled water at the convenience store in the station. As Japanese schools were on summer break and it was the weekend, many families were visiting Miyajima. While having a late breakfast on the ferry to Miyajima, the guests remarked that Japan is a wonderful country, with no homeless people and no litter on the streets. Since the guests enjoyed shopping very much and spent quite a lot of time on it, for the Buddhist portion we visited Daiganji Temple instead of the usual Daishoin Temple to save time. The guests seemed to have a relatively easy time understanding Buddhism.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park229JPY
    Section 4BusAtomic Bomb Dome Front~Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,199JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:20 Meet up @Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 11:30 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:55 Stay @Tsukiji
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch @Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 5. 13:20 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 13:45 Stay @Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 7. 14:20 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:50 Stay @Asakusa
    • 9. 16:30 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 17:10 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11. 17:25 Travel: Train (JR)
    • 12. 17:40 Disband @JR Shinjuku Station East Exit

    Title: What's a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shibuya The guests arrived about 10 minutes early, which allowed us to proceed smoothly with plenty of time to spare throughout the day. I first took the guests to Tsukiji, hoping to visit while as many shops as possible were still open. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace offer little shade in summer and I preferred to avoid the heat there, I limited our visit to the Ninomaru Garden, as it was a spot the guests wished to see and was easy to reach from Tsukiji. Because our time at the first two locations turned out to be shorter than expected, I allowed a longer stay in Asakusa, including the area around the West Approach. Even so, there was still time to spare, so before seeing the guests off to Shinjuku, I guided them to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. We used the JR line only between Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station, and the tour ended at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku Station~Tsukiji Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya Station~Shinjuku Station170JPY
    Total770JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @ Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @ Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
    • 9:20-10:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:15-12:00 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30-13:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 14:20-15:00 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 15:30 Disband @ Gyoza no Taisho Sanjo Branch

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Hot Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, on their fourth day in Japan after arriving via Osaka. Since they were undecided about whether to visit Sanjusangendo or Kiyomizu-dera, I recommended Sanjusangendo, which is mainly indoors, considering how high the temperature was that day. They mentioned that they would like to return to Fushimi Inari Taisha another time to climb all the way to the summit. When they asked which time of day would be best for that, I recommended early morning. They shared that they collect decorative license plates from the places they travel to, and they purchased two Japanese-style design license plates at a souvenir shop near Kinkaku-ji. To save time and cope with the heat, I recommended taking a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. While walking through the bamboo grove, one of the guests confided a secret. After exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, they bought shaved ice on the main street, Nagatsuji-dori, and enjoyed it as they walked. Since the temperature was very high from the morning, I made sure to stop by convenience stores and similar places so they could stay hydrated regularly. After the tour, they said they wanted to eat gyoza for lunch, so I guided them inside a gyoza restaurant on Sanjo and we parted ways there. It was a hot day, but the guests were in great spirits.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo Station~Fushimi-Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari Station~Enmachi Station200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama Station~Shijo-Omiya Station250JPY
    Section 5BusShijo-Omiya~Shijo-Keihan230JPY
    Section 6TrainGion-Shijo Station~Shichijo Station170JPY
    Section 7TrainShichijo Station~Sanjo Station170JPY
    Total1,470JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: @ Osaka Castle (exterior only) & @ Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: @ Osaka Castle (exterior only) & @ Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka
    • 10:45 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:30 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:15 @ Namba, Doguyasuji
    • 14:00 Disband @ Doguyasuji

    Osaka Private Walking Tour Report: What Can You See at Osaka Castle and Dotonbori in Summer? The guests were a group visiting Osaka, and despite the intense summer heat, we were able to move smoothly throughout the day. I had recommended booking tickets for Osaka Castle in advance, but the guests had not been able to obtain them. Upon arrival, as it was a Saturday during the summer holiday season, there was already a long line to purchase entry tickets, so we limited our visit to viewing the castle from the outside. We took a break at "Miraiza," the commercial facility adjacent to the castle. From the rooftop of this facility, the guests were specially able to enjoy a full view of the castle, which they found very satisfying. Afterward, at Dotonbori, the guests enjoyed a soft serve ice cream from a Turkish performer's stand and seemed very pleased. At Doguyasuji, the guests purchased remarkably realistic food samples as souvenirs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNipponbashi~Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2SubwayMorinomiya~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 09:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 3. 11:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 12:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 5. 13:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 6. 14:50 Disband at Shirokanedai Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Harajuku Since there had been almost no communication beforehand and we had not been able to discuss the itinerary, I confirmed the schedule with the guests when we met in the morning. The guests had prepared a list of six to seven places they wanted to visit, so I advised on which places would be better to save for the next day, and we departed from the hotel. It was a hot day, exceeding 30°C from the morning and rising above 35°C during the day, but as the guests were from Asia, we were able to proceed through the itinerary without any problems. At Senso-ji Temple, when I explained about Bishamonten, Daikokuten, and Benzaiten among the Seven Lucky Gods, who have roots in Asia, they listened attentively with great interest. In Harajuku, the guests fully enjoyed the crepes they had been looking forward to, and since we were able to visit all the planned places, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShirokanedai~Shimbashi900JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shirokanedai0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Travel to Lake Chuzenji by bus & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Travel to Lake Chuzenji by bus & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:05 – 11:00 Travel to Lake Chuzenji by bus
    • 11:30 – 12:25 Lake Chuzenji sightseeing cruise
    • 12:40 Kegon Falls
    • 13:10 Lunch (Toka Shokudo)
    • 13:55 – 14:25 Travel to Nishisando entrance by bus
    • 14:40 Visit Toshogu Shrine
    • 16:00 Visit Shinkyo Bridge
    • 16:30 Tobu Nikko Station, tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a person visiting from North America. The trip to Japan was to visit a friend living in Japan, and on a day when the friend was at work, the guest came for a one-day trip to Nikko alone. Since the guest liked nature and had chosen Lake Chuzenji, I guided them on a sightseeing boat cruise around the lake. My suggestion to take a train one hour earlier than originally planned, so we could reach the Lake Chuzenji area during the morning when the weather was more stable, worked out well. Although clouds had started to appear, we could occasionally see the summit of Mount Nantai, and the guest enjoyed the sightseeing boat while feeling the cool breeze crossing the lake. The Toshogu Shrine area was very hot and humid, and at times walking seemed difficult, but we were able to complete the tour as planned without any trouble, and the guest appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Funanoeki Chuzenji1,300JPY
    Section 2OtherFunanoeki Chuzenji~Funanoeki Chuzenji1,680JPY
    Section 3BusChuzenji Onsen~Nishisando entrance1,150JPY
    Total4,130JPY

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Kyoto Station West Ticket Gate
    • 9:52 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:50 Bamboo Grove Path ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 13:15 Lunch @ Arashiyama Station Front
    • 14:00 Gion Hanamikoji ~ Gion Shinbashi
    • 15:15 Dismiss @ JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were staying in Osaka, and both the meeting point and the drop-off were at JR Kyoto Station. In the intense summer heat, all of the requested destinations were outdoors, so we moved around while taking frequent breaks, though the guests seemed a little tired. Even so, they took many photos and videos and appeared very satisfied, and at the end they told me it was "perfect!"

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama~Randen-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Sanjo-Keihan260JPY
    Section 5BusGion~Shijo-Karasuma230JPY
    Section 6SubwayShijo~Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 2. 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha tour
    • 3. 11:00 Kiyomizu-dera tour
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch @ Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 5. 13:30 Kinkaku-ji tour
    • 6. 14:30 Bamboo grove tour
    • 7. 15:00 Togetsukyo Bridge tour
    • 8. 15:15 Dismissal @ Arashiyama

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Group Visiting Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the group visiting from North America at their Hotel and first guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Since one member of the group was moving in a buggy and a heat-illness alert had been issued, unfortunately we were unable to visit Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes on this day. As some of the guests began to tire, I guided them to a quiet and relaxing restaurant in the city for lunch. After they had lunch a little earlier than usual, we moved on to the next destination, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). One of the guests had read Yukio Mishima's "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" and had strongly wished to visit this place, so I guided them there at a leisurely pace. From Kinkaku-ji we moved to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, and just as the group was enjoying the shaded bamboo tunnel, our scheduled guiding time came to an end. We parted from the taxi in front of the train station and continued on foot toward Togetsukyo Bridge and the Hozu River area. There, the group wished to continue exploring on their own for a while longer, so we said our goodbyes at that point.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tochigi in One Day: Hotel (taxi) & Super Lion d'Or

    Tochigi in One Day: Hotel (taxi) & Super Lion d’Or

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:55 meet@ Fairfield by Marriott Explain today's schedule
    • 10:05 Hotel (taxi)
    • 10:25 Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden & Treasure Hall
    • 11:00 Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 12:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:50 Lunch@Maruhide Restaurant
    • 15:00 Tsuruha Drugstore
    • 15:30 Super Lion d'Or
    • 16:00 Disband@Fairfield by Mariott

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rinnoji, Toshogu, and Local Experiences The guests were visitors from Europe. They had researched Japanese culture and history very thoroughly in advance and asked a great many questions. Because of this, each stop took nearly twice as long as usual, so although we visited fewer places, they seemed very satisfied and enjoyed everything in depth, which was rewarding. Specifically, at Shoyoen Garden they enjoyed feeding the koi and stopped at various plants, looking at them with great interest. At Sanbutsudo Hall, they were fascinated by the many gomagi prayer sticks that people had dedicated, and they wanted to pay and write a wish themselves. Showing the stroke order of each Japanese character one by one, they wrote "good health" on a gomagi stick and dedicated it. They also listened intently to the explanation of the three Buddhist statues. At Toshogu Shrine, they were impressed by the structure of the five-story pagoda and the stories of the imaginative elephants and the three wise monkeys, exclaiming "I didn't know that!" They were moved by the overall grandeur and beauty of the buildings and took many photographs. Since they seemed eager to experience the things Japanese people do, I taught them how to purify their hands before worship and how to pray at a shrine, and they took part enthusiastically. For meals, since the guests followed a specific diet, I took them to a restaurant that could accommodate their needs flexibly. They enjoyed a yuba curry and a yuba rice bowl lunch prepared to suit their requirements. Because the air conditioning at their accommodation had made their throat sore, and because they wanted to buy supplements for swollen legs, I took them to a drugstore. They also mentioned wanting ginger tea to warm the body and help prevent colds, but since the item they wanted was not available, we decided to buy fresh ginger instead, and I guided them to a supermarket near the station. The plan had been to visit the Tamozawa Imperial Villa at the end, but since they preferred to go and buy supplements and throat lozenges, we decided not to overdo it and skipped the villa. Regarding photos, only images that can be shared publicly are being sent.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa	Senso-ji Temple & Kamiyacho Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Kamiyacho Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 11:40 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 12:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Suehirocho
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 14:00 Depart Akihabara Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 16:00 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:10 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Center-gai
    • Break: Starbucks
    • 17:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ebisu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 18:00 Kamiyacho Station
    • 18:00 Dismissal: Kamiyacho Station

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. Before arriving, the group had visited relatives in Asia and stopped in another part of Asia, arriving at Narita Airport the previous night and taking the Skyliner to their hotel. They planned to stay in Tokyo for several days before returning home. They mentioned they were going to Disneyland the following day. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private full-day tour of Tokyo for the group. Since the group included a young child, there was a request to use elevators whenever possible. The tour took place during extreme summer heat, so we took several rest breaks along the way. Walking from the hotel toward Asakusa Station, I guided the group through Asakusa, which was as crowded as always. I explained in detail the history of Sensoji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo. The group asked questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?" They purchased omamori (protective charms) as souvenirs. We then moved to Akihabara and strolled through the electronics district. With the condition of "only one item each," the group purchased toys, Pokemon cards, and similar items. When thunder began to rumble, we hurried into the subway station and traveled from Akihabara Station to Meijijingumae Station. At Meiji Shrine, the thunder had stopped and we were not caught in the rain, so we enjoyed a leisurely walk. The group asked questions such as "What are the torii gates for?", "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?", and "Why are the sake barrels displayed?" There were also questions about the Japanese imperial family, "What was the Meiji Restoration?", and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street. We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The group asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" After exploring Center Gai, we took another break at a coffee shop. The group commented that "Japanese people are all kind and considerate," "They are polite and well-mannered," "The streets are clean with no litter," "The subway is quiet and no one is noisy," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." The group then said they wanted to visit Tokyo Tower next and asked to be taken to the nearest station, so I saw them off at Kamiyacho Station and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAkihabara Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya Station~Ebisu Station146JPY
    Section 5SubwayEbisu Station~Kamiyacho Station178JPY
    Total857JPY

    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
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    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
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    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…