Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meeting point　Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Lobby
    • 2. 10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 3. 11:40 Daitoku-ji Main Temple (Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall)
    • 4. 11:50 Obai-in
    • 5. 12:30 Ryogen-in
    • 6. 13:30 Lunch Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 7. 14: 40 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 8. 15: 20 Cafe break　AG Coffee Cafe
    • 9. 16: 20 Nishiki Market (Takakura-dori Entrance)
    • 10. 17: 10 Gion Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi
    • 11. 17: 20 Gion Hanamikoji　Nishimura Tobacco Shop (Purchase cigar cutter knife)
    • 12. 17: 30 Gion Kobu・Ichiriki Chaya・Kaburenjo Theater
    • 13. 17:50 Dispersal at Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji (Dinner reservation)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion The guests were visitors from Europe. One of them was on a third trip to Japan, having previously visited Kyoto about twenty years ago and being quite familiar with the country, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time, so the experienced guest was in effect introducing Japan to their companion. Both of them took photos frequently and often asked for pictures of the two of them together at various spots. At Ryogen-in, a question was raised: "I have reaffirmed that Japan is a Buddhist country, but the Japanese people I see in films and on TV are not peaceful, humanitarian Buddhists — they come across with a very warlike image. Isn't that contradictory?" Honestly, I struggled to answer. On the way back along Ginkaku-ji-michi, we stopped at a coffee roastery for a break, and then, at the guests' request, we skipped Fushimi Inari and strolled through Nishiki Market instead. Also, after sightseeing in the Gion district, on the way to the restaurant on Ninenzaka in Higashiyama where they had made a dinner reservation, they were able to purchase a cigar cutter they had been looking for at a tobacco shop on Hanamikoji Street in Gion, which delighted them very much. We arrived at the restaurant as scheduled at 17:50, and we parted with smiles and a handshake.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDaitoku-ji Mae～Kumano Shrine Mae230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had exceptional…

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

  • Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car

    Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car

    Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 8:00 → Pharmacy → Memorial Museum 10:00-11:50 → Fukushima Reconstruction Memorial Park 11:55-12:05 → Ukedo Elementary School 12:10-13:00 → View from the car・Ukedo Fishing Port・Mt. Ohira → Roadside Station Namie 13:20-14:00 → Futaba Station 14:10-14:30 → Decommissioning Archive Center 15:00-15:30 → Hotel 16:00

    Title: What Is a Private Fukushima Reconstruction Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests showed interest in every facility we visited. In particular, at the memorial museum they were deeply interested in the record of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, at Ukedo Elementary School they were struck by the building left as it was after the tsunami damage from the earthquake, and at the Decommissioning Archive Center they were deeply engaged with the account of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident and the efforts toward decommissioning. At the Fukushima Reconstruction Memorial Park, they said the view from the temporary observation deck was superb. Since it was a location where the Pacific Ocean could be seen, they seemed to like it especially. They appeared to enjoy seeing the reconstruction of the seawall along the coast. I had also wanted to take them to the Tomioka Winery, but there was not enough time. They mentioned that they would like to make a site visit to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

    Click here for more details: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Rumiko

    ‘ve been a guide for 9 years. I’d like to show you around Hamadori, Fukushima prefecture. Fukushima Prefecture is divided into 3 regions, Aizu, Nakadori and Hamadori. Aizu is a historical city, Nakadori is the center of the economy, and Hamadori is on the Pacific coast and is the site of the Fukushima Daiichi and second Nuclear Power Plants in Fukushima prefecture. In winter, it snows a lot in Aizu, but it hardly snows in Hamadori , and there are many sunny days. You can ski in Aizu in winter and enjoy surfing in Hamadori in the evening on the same day. But it’s a little far. I live in Hamadori, Minamisoma city. In Hamadori, I would especially like to recommend fresh fish and friendly people. It faces the Pacific Ocean, so you can enjoy fresh fish. Especially, right-eyed flounders, flounders and arctic surf clam called Joban-mono are delicious. In Soma City, puffer fish and other fish have been caught recently, and it has become possible to enjoy puffer fish dishes in restaurant. Of course, sushi is the best. The local people are very kind and say hello to you when you meet them for the first time. And Hamadori was severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. But the national government, prefectures, local governments, volunteers and local residents are making progress in the reconstruction. In the disaster-stricken areas, you can see, hear and feel what happened in 2011, what is happening now and what is going to happen in the future. There are the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster museum, the Tomioka Archive Museum, Robot Test Field a hydrogen plant, new style agriculture , and other earthquake-related facilities. If you like it, you can also enjoy traditional festivals such as the Soma Nomaoi festival and Futaba Daruma Festival. You can also enjoy wearing armor. I will show you around Hamadori.

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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-yumoto Motohakonekou & Parting

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-yumoto Motohakonekou & Parting

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:53:Meeting at Hakone-yumoto station
    • 10:13~10:55: Hakone-yumoto (Bus) Motohakonekou
    • 11:05~11:30: Narukawa Museum
    • 11:30~12:45: Lunch
    • 12:45~!3:10: Ashinoko Cruising
    • 13:20~14:25: Togendai (Ropeway) Owakudani (Ropeway) Sounzan (Cable Car) Gora (Mountain Railway) Chokokunomori
    • 14:40~15:00: the Hakone Open-air Museum
    • 15:00: Parting

    What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a tour group from Oceania. From the morning meeting time until around 1:00 PM, the weather was rainy and visibility was extremely poor. Mount Fuji never appeared even for a moment throughout the tour. Despite this, the guests kept smiling throughout and seemed to genuinely enjoy the tour. For lunch, some of the guests had specific dietary preferences, but at a restaurant I had found through advance research, everyone was able to enjoy the meal without any problems. Throughout the tour, the guests enjoyed traveling on a variety of transportation, including a bus, a boat, a ropeway, a cable car, and a mountain railway. When the scheduled six hours had passed at the final destination, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, I explained the return route and then parted ways with the group on the museum grounds. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-yumoto～Motohakone Port5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Mike

    I have worked in the automotive industry for 44 years including 30 years with sales responsibility for the global car manufacturers. And I have lived in the U.S. for 20 years as permanent resident. I am quite familiar with communication in English with foreigners. I am confident not only to satisfy you but also to exceed your expectation with deep knowledge of Japan, especially for its culture based on the long history. There are many sightseers musts in Japan and I look forward to guiding you for beautiful sights, historic relics, and modern day-to-day life of the people here.

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    Sep 28, 2024
    Peta_G
    Efficient and Comfortable way to Tour the Shizuoka Area
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Mike…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @ Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi
    • 2.10:30 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.12:00 @ Tokyo Tower
    • 4.13:20 @ Asakusa
    • 5.14:00 Disband @ Asakusa

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji, Tokyo Tower, and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. This trip was a family celebration marking a personal milestone. Some of the guests loved sushi, so we began by enjoying a variety of tuna at a stand-up sushi spot in Tsukiji. We shared candied strawberries, and at the Tsukiji fish market building we bought tuna rolls and Shine Muscat grapes, which we enjoyed at the rest area on the third floor. After that, we took in various views of Tokyo from the main deck of Tokyo Tower, then moved on to Asakusa. In Asakusa, we visited Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, and the five-story pagoda. Unfortunately, the omikuji fortune drawn was a "bad luck" one, but I explained that by tying it up, one can leave the bad luck behind. After visiting the main hall, the guests wished to spend more time in Asakusa on their own, so we parted ways there. The weather was fine, and I believe they enjoyed the day. They remarked that everything was very affordable and clean.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Kamiyacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkabanecho～Asakusa220JPY
    Total576JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuiganji Temple & Guided tour inside Sendai

    Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuiganji Temple & Guided tour inside Sendai

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel Sendai
    • 9:56 From the nearest station (Aoba-dori Station) take the Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan Station
    • 11:00 Board the Matsushima sightseeing boat
    • 12:00 – 12:20 @ Zuiganji Temple
    • 12:25 – 13:00 @ Entsuin Temple
    • 13:11 From Matsushima-Kaigan Station to Sendai Station (S-PAL)
    • 13:50 Guided tour inside Sendai Station
    • 14:00 Lunch together at Hittsumian (S-PAL underground shopping street) ~ Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip to Matsushima from Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a quiet group from Europe. Their top request had been the Matsushima sightseeing cruise, which they had been looking forward to for a long time. On this trip, they had visited Hakodate and Sapporo before arriving in Sendai. Since they had already explored the Sendai Morning Market and the surrounding area the day before, I avoided repeating the same route to the station. We walked behind the Sendai Orthodox Church and headed to Aoba-dori Station, the terminal of the Senseki Line. From the Hotel, this is the nearest station and it is also less crowded, so I aimed for a stress-free journey. We chatted about various things on the way to Matsushima. For the sightseeing cruise, I had checked the website in advance and found that reservations now come with a 100-yen discount (the guide's ticket is often not discounted), so I booked three tickets. It is not a seat reservation, but the aim was to get the discount and avoid congestion at the ticket window. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy, and the cruise boat was nearly full. I managed to find two adjacent seats for the guests and took a seat behind them to guide. During the trip, one of the guests went out onto the deck several times, so I watched over the luggage. After getting off the boat, they wanted to see Zuiganji Temple before lunch, so I took them there, talking along the way about things like the temple approach that had been damaged by the tsunami. They were deeply impressed by the magnificent, ornate rooms of Zuiganji. Recalling the visual aid I am currently preparing (which I could not finish in time), I guided them by comparing events in Europe with the history of Zuiganji. The autumn leaves had only just begun to turn, but the garden of Entsuin was beautiful in the occasional rain. They seemed impressed by the beauty of the rock garden and other features. For lunch, one of the guests liked seafood but another did not, so I made suggestions on the way back toward the station. Nothing seemed to appeal to them, so I said, "There are more options inside Sendai Station," and we took an earlier train. Billing it as a "Sendai Station restaurant tour," we strolled through the SPAL complex, and when their eyes were drawn to a shop serving regional Tohoku cuisine, we decided on that. They enjoyed tonkatsu and katsudon, and said, "We had wanted to eat regional cuisine in Japan, so we're glad it worked out." Beef tongue is not something locals eat that much, and I thought that perhaps this kind of dish is actually more appreciated. The tonkatsu was made with Hakkin pork from Iwate, which is tastier than pork from Miyagi Prefecture. They also seemed to enjoy a local craft beer from Iwate.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

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    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel (Rings Kyoto) Meet
    • 8:30-9:00 Travel (Walking & City Bus; Karasuma Shijo → Gojozaka)
    • 9:00-10:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit (including Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do)
    • 10:20-11:00 Yasaka Shrine Visit
    • 11:00-11:10 Travel (City Bus; Yasaka-mae → Sanjusangendo-mae)
    • 11:10-11:50 Sanjusangendo Visit
    • 11:50-12:10 Travel (Keihan Train; Keihan Shichijo → Gion-shijo)
    • 12:10-12:30 Gion Stroll
    • Tour ends after strolling through Gion. Farewell

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America, and it was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (including Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do), Yasaka Shrine, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and the Gion district. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, so I felt sorry that they could not fully enjoy the view from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. What they particularly liked was Sanjusangen-do Temple, where they seemed overwhelmed by the 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. Although the tour was a short four hours, the guests asked for my opinions on overtourism in Japan, the declining birthrate and aging population, the distinctive nature of religion in Japan, and recent developments in the Japanese education system. I believe we were able to exchange a variety of information while comparing these topics with their home region.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKarasuma Shijo～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2BusYasaka Shrine-mae～Sanjusangendo-mae230JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Shichijo～Gion-shijo170JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara & Shinjuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:55 Meet up @Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection
    • 11:30 Asakusa (Culture and Tourism Center, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Hoppy Street, Denboin Street
    • 12:45 Akihabara
    • 13:00 Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 13:30 Lunch @Kanda Myojin Cafe Masu Masu
    • 14:15 Yushima Seido
    • 14:45 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 16:05 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, Godzilla Head, Isetan)
    • 16:45 Disband @Isetan basement food hall

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Kanda Myojin, and Shinjuku Body: The guests were visitors from North America. Their stay in Japan was planned for two weeks, and this was the third day (effectively the second day of touring). I had been unable to reach the guests until two days before, but we finally managed to connect and agreed on an itinerary. However, on the morning of the tour, there was a request to remove Meiji Shrine from the plan, as they had already visited it the previous day. With the freed-up time, I added Akihabara on the way from Asakusa to Kanda Myojin, Yushima Seido on the way from Kanda Myojin to Shin-Ochanomizu Station, and finally Shinjuku. Kanda Myojin and Yushima Seido had almost no inbound tourists, and the guests were very pleased, feeling they had made a great choice. We shared a similar background and had a lively conversation. The guests seemed overwhelmed by the food hall in the basement of the Isetan department store.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Asakusa Line Daimon～Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza Line Asakusa～Ginza Line Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayChiyoda Line Shin-Ochanomizu～Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae178JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Tokyo～JR Shinjuku208JPY
    Total784JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    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

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    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 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…

    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…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel → Meiji Shrine → Shibuya → Tsukiji (lunch) → Asakusa → 15:30 Shinjuku

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like When Guests Aren't Reached in Advance? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour day, I was unable to reach the guests directly, and the situation unfolded as follows: 1. After confirmation, I sent the guests a confirmation email (date/time, meeting point, and the route for the day) → the travel agency replied asking whether a guide had been assigned. 2. I informed [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) that no email had arrived from the guests, and I sent a confirmation email → the travel agency again replied, saying that since the guests were elderly, the proposed route would be fine. 3. After that, no email came from the guests, so three days before the tour I again emailed [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to report that I still could not reach the guests → the travel agency once more sent me a phone number for the guests (this number was different from the phone number listed in the guests' confirmed information). In the end, I was unable to make direct contact with the guests before the tour day (I could not confirm the date/time, meeting point, or the route for the day). On the day (today's situation): – The guests were an elderly group from the Middle East, who did not speak much English, and one of them had difficulty walking after knee surgery and could only walk slowly with frequent rests. – After walking from the Hotel to Shinjuku Station (about 500 m), there was already considerable fatigue. As we headed to Shinjuku Station to take public transportation, I was asked, "Isn't this tour by bus?" and at the ticket machine at Shinjuku Station, I was again asked, "Doesn't this tour include transportation fares?" At this point I was on the phone confirming things with the local travel agency. – Somehow, we managed to complete the four locations proposed by email (the guests had brought a printout of the email from the local travel company and the review site, which also included the proposed route for the day → given the walking condition I considered changing part of it, but we decided to follow the proposed route). Because of the slow pace, by the time we finished in Asakusa we were an hour over schedule. Since the guests could not return on their own, after leaving Shinjuku Station I accompanied them partway until they could recognize the Hotel, and in the end we ran about an hour and a half over. Because I could not contact the guests beforehand, I did not learn about their situation (difficulty walking) until the day itself. Also, as I have experienced on several occasions before, there are guests who do not understand what this tour involves. Please make sure guests are clearly informed that this is a walking tour, and that it uses public transportation rather than a bus or taxi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Hamamatsucho210JPY
    Section 4SubwayDaimon～Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 5SubwayTsukiji Market～Ueno-okachimachi280JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno-hirokoji～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 7SubwayAsakusa～Kanda180JPY
    Section 8TrainKanda～Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    Tour Report by kazu

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10.00 Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai-10.10 Hamamatsucho Station-10.35 Harajuku Station-Meiji Jingu-11.25 Meiji-jingumae Station-12.15 Asakusa Station-Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Hoppy Street-14.00 Asakusa Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a friendly group from Europe who asked many questions and listened enthusiastically to my explanations. They also enjoyed the jokes I shared along the way. Since they bought some snacks during the tour, the trash bag I had brought came in handy. As one of the guests had a cough, we stopped by a pharmacy and were able to buy the type of medicine that dissolves on the tongue without needing water. Because it was hot, about four hours turned out to be just the right length for the tour. They were very satisfied with the ramen we had for lunch. At Sensoji Temple, the manji symbol once again became a topic of conversation.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho Station～Harajuku Station208JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo 9:00 – Tsukiji 9:30 (Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market) – Imperial Palace 10:50 – Meiji Shrine 12:30 (Shrine and Cafe) – Azabudai Hills 13:40 – Tokyo Tower 14:00 – Zojoji Temple 14:30 – Shiba Rikyu 14:40 – Tokyo 15:10

    What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Private Guide's Full-Day Itinerary Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. They were very friendly and warm throughout the tour. In fact, after leaving the hotel I took a wrong turn and made a roughly 5-minute detour to the Tozai Line Nihonbashi exit. Fortunately I had arrived at the hotel early and the guests also came early, so we did not end up too late, though it was a close call. When I apologized, they kindly forgave me, and we headed to Tsukiji Hongwanji. They were amazed by the difference in the building's exterior appearance. They listened attentively to the historical background of Hongwanji and the changes Tsukiji has undergone, nodding in understanding. At Tsukiji they purchased seafood (dried goods), and they were delighted by how delicious and sweet the melon and shine muscat grapes were. At the Imperial Palace, they said my guided explanations of the Metropolitan Police near Sakuradamon, the Ministry of Justice, the Sakuradamon Incident, the Imperial Palace and Edo Castle, and the Nijubashi Bridge made everything very clear. At Meiji Shrine they offered prayers, and they treated me to an iced coffee at a cafe. After that we went to Kamiyacho and visited Azabudai Hills, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple, and Shiba Rikyu Garden. They toured Zojoji Temple, admiring what a magnificent temple it was, and were moved by how beautiful Shiba Rikyu Garden was. In fact, the places they had requested were Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Meiji Shrine. Since they were staying in Tokyo only for that day, they wanted to see as much as possible. So I created a course by combining spots near their requested locations. At Meiji Shrine I had them walk a little along Omotesando before heading to the subway, and since they did not need to go up Tokyo Tower, this became the course, arranged so they could return smoothly to Tokyo Station for their trip back. They expressed thanks at various points, which I truly appreciated. I said goodbye, wishing them a wonderful time in Japan until their flight the next day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Hibiya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Kamiyacho180JPY
    Section 5TrainHamamatsucho～Tokyo170JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Sally

    Hello, I’m Hizuru.
    I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and love for Japan with visitors from all over the world.
    After teaching English and Japanese to Elementary school and Junior high school students for about 15
    years, I got the National License of Guide and Interpreter in 2014 which allowed me to officially guide
    tourists around Japan.
    I have guided many tourists around Tokyo and its vicinities, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the
    city and learn about its rich history and traditions.
    Whether you’re interested in visiting historical landmarks, trying delicious Japanese cuisine, or experiencing
    the vibrant pop culture scene, I can tailor a tour suit your interests.
    My experience as a teacher greatly helped me in this role as I was able to efficiently communicate and engage
    with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
    I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable and insightful experience for all my guests.
    I look forward to welcoming you to in and around Tokyo and sharing the wonders of Japan with you.

    Request Booking

    Oct 14, 2025
    vanessajK6787GS
    Great day out and about in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hizuru was an absolute delight.…

    May 23, 2025
    Inspire25413313092
    Tokyo walking tour 2025
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sally did a great job putting together a…

    May 3, 2025
    davidfZ3537PI
    Great tour with Hizuru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the…

    Apr 17, 2025
    Sharon_F
    Sampling of everything in one day!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great sampling of lots of different…