Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:45 Meet @ Kyoto Station
    • 2. 9:15 Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 10:30 Guide to Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4. 12:30 Guide to Nishiki Market, then free time
    • 5. 13:45 Guide to the Imperial Palace
    • 6. 14:45 Disband @ Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market I guided a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Kyoto once before, about seven years ago. Since the itinerary for the day had already been requested as Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market, we started right away with Fushimi Inari Taisha. I explained the fox statues, how to worship, and the relationship between Shinto and evil spirits, and we paid our respects at the main shrine. Along the Senbon Torii, our pace was slow due to the overflowing crowds of tourists and the rain, but the guests enjoyed power spots such as the "Omokaru Ishi" stone and the "Neagari no Matsu" pine tree. After Fushimi Inari Taisha, we moved on to Kiyomizu-dera, walking from the Yasaka Pagoda up the crowded Kiyomizu-zaka approach to reach the main hall. However, since some of the guests were tired, we decided not to enter the main hall and gave up on the worship hall. We walked down Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, and after finishing our visit to Kiyomizu-dera, we headed to Nishiki Market. At the market, since they wanted to snack their way along in place of lunch, I gave them one hour of free time. Once they had enjoyed the market thoroughly, I recommended the Imperial Palace, which they toured quickly due to the limited time available. The guiding time ran out at the Imperial Palace, so we moved to Kyoto Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Dhusi Tani
    • 9:30 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:30 @ Fushimi Inari
    • 12:20 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 13:15 Disband @ Kyoto Station

    Can You Do a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They said they wanted to see the major sights even in the rain. Perhaps because they had mentioned beforehand that they would go to Kiyomizu-dera by taxi, they had arranged a taxi for our meeting time. Normally the route would be Kiyomizu-dera → Sanjusangen-do → Fushimi Inari, but because heavy rain was forecast around midday, I changed the order of the visits. The guests enjoyed the tour despite the rain. At Yasaka Koshindo they struck the "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" pose for photos, they tried a persimmon smoothie, and they were even able to experience the water at Otowa Waterfall, which I usually don't recommend due to crowds.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTofukuji～Inari150JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi～Tofukuji230JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Kazuko

    Hi,there,
    I’ve lived between Kyoto and Osaka since I was born, so I know well both cities. I’ve guided mainly in Kyoto, Osaka for around nine years since I got the government licensed guide qualification.
    My main guiding city is Kyoto, currently around 70-80% of the tour are there. In addition, I have a qualified 2nd grade of Kyoto expert certification, so I can make customized tour from major spots to off the beaten spots. My tour style is showing the Japan’s seasonal beauty and laughing with you. Let’s enjoy the unique culture and memorable day!!

    Experienced Guide cities: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Mt. Koya
    Hobby: exploring cities, piano playing and listening, developing new guiding spots

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    Jun 22, 2026
    Clark_C
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    A leisurely stroll through kyoto
    Rather than rushing to…

    Nov 22, 2025
    B571PBrebecap
    Koya
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    We loved the experience. Our guide was…

    Sep 24, 2025
    thaopd0
    Mt Koya trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Kazuko was very nice and…

    Sep 20, 2025
    Jeff_L
    Excellent Day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We had a great…

  • Gifu in One Day: We met at Takayama Station & Jinya

    Gifu in One Day: We met at Takayama Station & Jinya

    Takayama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 We met at Takayama Station
    • 11:20. Kokubunji Temple
    • 11:30. Miyagawa Morning Market
    • 11:40. Yatai Kaikan and Sakurayama Shrine
    • 12:40. Lunch
    • 14:00. Traditional Area : Sannomachi
    • 15:00. Jinya
    • 16:00. Tea time
    • 17:00. Tour end.

    What Is a Private Cultural Day Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan for the first time. They are very interested in Japanese culture, so they were happy to see everything. They tried soba, beef, and ice cream! We had a precious opportunity to enjoy Japanese tea, thanks to a friend of mine. Not only the guests but also I enjoyed this tour!

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

    Tour Report by Naoko

    I was born and raised in Osaka, so I am a very friendly person.
    I always look forward to seeing new people.
    After marriage, I have lived in Nagoya city, so I know about not only Kansa Area but also Central Area.
    I have been tour-guiding people for about 8 years.
    I enjoy one day tour and a long tour, which is enjoyable to introduce many places.
    I often tourguide people in Takayama and Shirakawago which is a World Heritage Site.
    I love mother of nature, so I am happy to be able to enjoy each season over there.
    Moreover I love Japanese culture and history, so I am very glad to introduce Japanese culture such as Japanese folk songs, flower arrangements, tea ceremony and Origami.
    I hope I can introduce these to you!

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  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

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

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hiroshima Station Meet
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Station Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Peace Park Tour in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on a family trip. The weather has finally started to feel like autumn. Starting tomorrow I will be away from Hiroshima for two weeks for a cycling tour in Kyushu. As it is the school excursion season, a wide variety of student trips were taking place at both Miyajima and the Peace Park. Groups of students of all ages were on their excursions. The children kept calling out "Hello, hello" to the guests. If this almost fearless assertiveness continued into the older years and adulthood, I think the English conversation skills of Japanese people would improve dramatically… The guests live in Oceania, and they mentioned that in the northern part of their home area oysters are farmed. They said that when they were young they used to take a boat out to the oyster farms and eat the oysters right there. They remarked that in the old days, unlike today, things were more easygoing and pleasant. There were parts of that sentiment I could relate to as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station～Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    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.

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    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…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station & Wadazuka

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station & Wadazuka

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Kamakura Station East Exit Ticket Gate
    • 10:05 – 10:10 Kamakura Station → Jomyoji (Transport: Keikyu Bus)
    • 10:20 – 10:50 Visit Hokokuji Temple (Stroll through the bamboo grove and enjoy matcha at Kyukoan)
    • 11:00 – 11:10 Jomyoji → Hachimangu-mae (Transport: Keikyu Bus)
    • 11:10 – 11:40 Visit Hachimangu Shrine and stroll along Wakamiya Oji
    • 11:40 – 12:00 Stroll along Komachi Street
    • 12:00 – 12:40 Lunch @ Minemoto Komachi Street Branch
    • 12:50 – 13:06 Kamakura Station → Shichirigahama Station (Transport: Enoden)
    • 13:10 – 13:30 Ice Cream Break @ HOLIDAY ICE CREAM
    • 13:52 – 14:05 Shichirigahama → Hase (Transport: Enoden)
    • 14:15 – 14:45 Visit Hasedera Temple
    • 14:45 – 15:00 Hasedera → Kotokuin (Transport: On foot)
    • 15:00 – 15:30 Visit Kotokuin
    • 15:30 – 15:50 Kotokuin → Wadazuka Station (Transport: On foot)
    • 16:00 – 16:05 Wadazuka → Kamakura (Transport: Enoden)
    • 16:15 Disband @ Kamakura Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura. They said Kamakura felt very quiet and pleasant. They especially enjoyed starting at Hokoku-ji Temple, where they savored matcha while admiring the bamboo grove — a truly special time for them. Since they were curious about the queue at Beniya near the Hachimangu bus stop, we decided to stop by again on the way back. Hoping to introduce them to Kamakura-bori, the traditional lacquerware craft unique to Kamakura, we visited a Kamakura-bori shop, where the guests purchased a pair of chopsticks. They were delighted to have found a wonderful souvenir. We strolled along Komachi Street, which was less crowded than usual, and took a lunch break at Minemoto. After that, we rode the Enoden line to Shichirigahama, since the guests had said they wanted to see a beach in Kamakura. Although the weather was unfortunately cloudy, we sat on a bench in front of an ice cream shop and enjoyed watching the people and cars for a while. We had a rather geeky and lively conversation about things like why the Alphard logo is different on the front and the back, and how even Mercedes cars come in right-hand-drive versions here. I also shared various tips even after the tour ended via a messaging app — recommended spots in Kyoto, which they would visit the next day, along with places for okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and Kobe beef — so it seems I was able to be of some help.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKamakura～Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 2BusJomyoji～Hachimangu220JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura～Shichirigahama260JPY
    Section 4TrainShichirigahama～Hase220JPY
    Section 5TrainWadazuka～Kamakura200JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • 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 at Hotel Levant Tokyo
    • 2. 10:20 Yasuda Garden
    • 3. 11:00 Tokyo Memorial Hall, Reconstruction Memorial Museum and Bandai
    • 4. 12:00 Asakusa and Nakamise
    • 5. 13:30 Akihabara
    • 6. 14:00 Dismiss at Radio Kaikan

    What Can You See on a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour Around Ryogoku, Kuramae, and Asakusa in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide kept the itinerary within a compact area and included frequent rest stops during this 4-hour private tour. First, we traveled just one stop to Yasuda Garden and took a relaxed stroll through the small, intimate garden. Since we finished earlier than expected, I suggested the Tokyo Memorial Hall and Reconstruction Memorial Museum in the neighboring Yokoami Park. The guests said they very much wanted to see it for its educational value, and they were deeply moved by the exhibits on war and disaster. After getting off at Kuramae Station, the mood shifted completely as they enjoyed taking photos with Bandai characters and had fun with the exhibits. After exploring Senso-ji Temple, we took a break with matcha ice cream and then parted ways in Akihabara. We were able to cover quite a lot for a 4-hour tour, likely because we kept the area small and minimized travel time. The guests seemed very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKinshicho～Ryogoku150JPY
    Section 2TrainRyogoku～Kuramae180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho180JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto & Stay at Amazake-jaya

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto & Stay at Amazake-jaya

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 10:11 – 10:49 Hakone-Yumoto → Gora (Transport: Hakone Tozan Line)
    • 11:08 – 11:19 Gora → Sounzan (Transport: Hakone Cable Car)
    • 11:30 – 11:45 Sounzan → Owakudani (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:45 – 12:15 Stay at Owakudani (photos, buying black eggs, etc.)
    • 12:15 – 12:45 Owakudani → Togendai (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:15 – 13:40 Togendai → Hakonemachi Port (Transport: Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 13:45 – 14:10 Lunch @ Cafe Komon & Yosegi Uchihara
    • 14:10 – 14:30 Cafe Komon → Motohakone Port (Transport: on foot, via Old Tokaido cedar avenue)
    • 14:30 – 14:40 Motohakone Port → Hakone Shrine (Transport: on foot)
    • 14:40 – 15:15 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 15:15 – 15:30 Hakone Shrine → Motohakone Port (Transport: on foot)
    • 15:35 – 15:40 Motohakone Port → Amazake-jaya (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:40 – 16:10 Stay at Amazake-jaya (amazake & mochi)
    • 16:10 – 16:40 Amazake-jaya → Hakone-Yumoto
    • 17:00 Disband @ Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone Like on a Cloudy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, all around the same age as me, and the day was a private one-day tour of Hakone from Tokyo. The weather was unfortunately poor from the morning, cloudy with occasional drizzle, and the view from the terrace at Sounzan was almost completely white with nothing visible, while at Owakudani there was no sign of Mount Fuji either. Even in such weather, the group enjoyed pleasant conversation throughout and seemed to enjoy the black eggs. However, by the time we disembarked from the pirate ship at Hakonemachi Port, a little sunlight began to break through, and by the time we reached the port, the summit had recovered enough to peek out through the gaps in the clouds. Perhaps this was a group with good daily conduct. After lunch at a lakeside cafe, we stopped by the neighboring marquetry (yosegi zaiku) shop, which I always visit when there is time. I always hope guests can experience Hakone's traditional crafts and feel the appeal of Japan at the same time, and on this day too they purchased some small items. After that, we walked along the old Tokaido cedar avenue toward Motohakone and Hakone Shrine. We then also stopped at the Amazake Chaya teahouse. This route allows one to truly feel the character of Hakone, and in the end the guests thanked me, saying they were "so glad they came to Hakone."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakone-Yumoto～Gora460JPY
    Section 2TrainGora～Sounzan430JPY
    Section 3TrainSounzan～Owakudani1,500JPY
    Section 4FerryTogendai～Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Section 5BusMotohakone Port～Amazake-jaya320JPY
    Section 6BusAmazake-jaya～Hakone-Yumoto710JPY
    Total4,620JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji jingu shrine & Sushi restaurant

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji jingu shrine & Sushi restaurant

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 meet at hotel
    • 8:30 Meiji jingu shrine
    • 9:30 Yoyogi park
    • 10:30 Takeshita street
    • 11:15 Shibuya Crossing
    • Shibuya area
    • 12:00 Sushi restaurant
    • 14:00 Finish

    # What's a Private Day of Tokyo Sightseeing Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, and Sushi A guest visiting Japan came on a trip whose main purpose was to climb to the summit of Mount Fuji, and used a free day for sightseeing in Tokyo. The top priority was visiting the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The guest was very active and adventurous, having reached the summit of Everest, done skydiving and scuba diving, and even performed a stunt standing on the wing of a propeller plane while it rolled. Since the guest simply wanted to be taken anywhere, we first went to Meiji Shrine, where the guest was greatly surprised by its vastness, nature, and tranquility, and was deeply moved when I explained the essence of Shinto. It was also fortunate that, being early morning, it was unusually free of crowds. From there we walked around Yoyogi Park, which had been requested from the start, took a peek at Takeshita Street, and headed to Shibuya. After crossing the Scramble Crossing, we went up to the rooftop of the Magnet building to take photos of the intersection below, which left the guest very satisfied. Afterward, since the guest had not yet eaten sushi in Japan and asked to be taken somewhere good, I quickly searched on my smartphone and we went to a nearby high-end sushi restaurant. The guest seemed to enjoy it very much, spending two pleasant hours there before we finished.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by michi

    I obtained the License of English-speaking national guide by Japanese government in Japan in 2014.
    Recently, I have been guiding inbound tourists all over Japan for over 100 days every year.
    With my passionate tour guide, I am confident that you will be very satisfied and enjoy your tour. I want to convey not only the goodness of Japan and the Japanese people, but also their kindness, diligence, demeanor, and other things that will remain in their hearts. Also, I am always aiming to improve my guiding skills and knowledge, so I am working on training and self-improvement in all genres. I am always calm, friendly, and passionate on any type of tour.

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  • Tokyo in One Day: 1040 Sensoji Temple & Shibuya Scramble Square

    Tokyo in One Day: 1040 Sensoji Temple & Shibuya Scramble Square

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Start work at hotel
    • 10:00-1040 Sensoji Temple sightseeing, shopping
    • 10:40-11:10 Akihabara sightseeing
    • 11:30-13:00. Tsukiji Outer Market, lunch
    • 13:30-14:20. Meiji Shrine visit
    • 14:30-14:50. Shibuya Scramble Square
    • 14:50-15:20. Drop off at hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour With Multiple Stops Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. A message arrived at midnight before we were to meet, requesting a drop-off at the hotel. Since I had already planned the itinerary assuming the group would part ways at the final destination, this was a sudden request, but I decided to accommodate it, which made the latter half of the day quite tight on time. In the end, the itinerary included five stops, so when a drop-off is required, it would be better to consolidate the plan to around three stops. It was a little unfortunate, as I could have adjusted the schedule had I known in advance.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku-gyoemmae～Asakusa252JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3TrainSuehirocho～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Shinjuku-gyoemmae178JPY
    Total1,141JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Suidobashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Suidobashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel Niwa Tokyo
    • 9:10 Departure: Suidobashi Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • Akihabara Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 9.:30 Arrive at Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive at Ginza Station
    • Ginza Ginza Mitsukoshi
    • Shiseido Gallery
    • Ginza Six
    • 12:45 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:15 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 13:30 Disband: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Ginza, and Shibuya The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was their first trip to Japan. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening, transferring between trains to reach their Hotel. In the evening, they had enjoyed a Sumida River cruise. They planned to stay in Japan for a total of two weeks. After three days in central Tokyo, they intended to take a cycling tour in Nikko, then travel to Toyama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. We managed to avoid the rain, though the tour took place in fairly hot and humid weather. From Suidobashi Station, we first headed to Tsukiji. I explained the difference between the Tsukiji Outer Market and the Toyosu Market. I received questions such as, "Is it always this crowded? Is this the usual situation?" and "Do people in Tokyo all come here to buy fish?" From there, we moved on to Asakusa. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto," as well as "omikuji fortunes" and "omamori charms." I received questions such as, "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" One of the guests mentioned having visited Vietnam and noted that there were also many temples there. After that, we moved to Ginza. Since the guests were interested in art galleries, we visited Mitsukoshi, Ginza Six, the Shiseido Gallery, and several other painting galleries. From there, we moved to Shibuya. We crossed the Scramble Crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. I received the question, "Why do so many people gather here at the Scramble Crossing?" There were also comments such as, "The city is so clean, with no litter on the streets," "There are no trash cans in the city," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is quiet, clean, and reassuring." We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi Station～Akihabara Station146JPY
    Section 2SubwayAkihabara Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station～Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa Station～Ginza Station209JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza Station～Shibuya Station209JPY
    Total951JPY

    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
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