Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.14:30 Meet up @ MIMARU TOKYO HATCHOBORI
    • 2.14:45 @ Nihonbashi
    • 3.15:15 @ Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Okuyama Omairimachi, West Approach)
    • 4.16:30 @ Akihabara
    • 5.17:30 @ Yanaka Ginza
    • 6.18:40 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 7.19:40 Disband @ Tsukiji Tamazushi

    Title: What's a Family-Friendly Private Food Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Yanaka, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Asia. After spending a few days in another part of Asia, they arrived in Tokyo in the morning. The guests wanted a tour focused above all on things the younger members of the group would enjoy, so I proposed an itinerary tailored to that. A licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) led this private one-day tour of Tokyo. To start with some street food, we began the tour along Nakamise Street in Asakusa and the surrounding shopping arcades. Beginning with the popular cheese-filled croquette, the guests tried a variety of items such as takoyaki, curry bread, dango, and melon bread, and enjoyed them all. They were very curious about the three-colored dango they had found online, but when they actually tasted it, perhaps because the flavor was mild, they preferred the mitarashi dango and the black sesame paste dango. At the Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, the guests, who love Pokémon, got very excited. One of the guests laughed and said, "This is a paradise for children." The guests found their own satisfaction in seeing the group enjoy themselves, but when we walked through Yanaka Ginza, they themselves seemed to genuinely love the atmosphere of the neighborhood. However, one of the guests grew tired toward the latter half of the tour and was carried and given piggyback rides in turn. So we skipped the originally planned Harajuku (Takeshita Street) and headed to Shibuya for dinner. The guests requested a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant that the group could enjoy, and I guided them there, but there was a long line of tourists. In the end, I introduced a sushi restaurant they could enter without waiting, and we parted ways. They planned to visit Disneyland the next day, and I believe it was a first day fully enjoying their trip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line, Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station600JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukuba Express Line, Asakusa Station~Akihabara Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line, Akihabara Station~Nippori Station167JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Sendagi Station~Ginza Line, Shibuya Station0JPY
    Total977JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port Cruise Ship Terminal & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port Cruise Ship Terminal & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Osaka Port Cruise Ship Terminal
    • 9:40~9:55 Travel from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station by Shinkansen
    • 10:30~11:40 Nijo Castle
    • 12:20~13:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00~15:20 Gion – Lunch
    • 16:13~16:30 Travel from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station by Shinkansen, see you off at the Shin-Osaka taxi stand and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour from Osaka Cruise Port to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America whom I met at the Osaka Port cruise ship terminal before heading to Kyoto. Unfortunately, it rained heavily during the day and the footing was unstable, so sightseeing took longer than expected, but we used taxis for most of our movements. One of the guests had lived in Japan for three years about forty years ago and spoke Japanese fluently, and having visited Kyoto before, enjoyed the nostalgic changes and atmosphere of the city. At Nijo Castle, the guests admired the Karamon Gate, the architecture of the Ninomaru Palace, the carved transoms, and the painted sliding doors. While talking about the process by which Tokugawa Ieyasu unified the country, and about "Shogun," which is currently popular in North America, the guests said they would buy a book and read it after returning home. At Kinkaku-ji, although the view was slightly hazy from the rain, the guests were moved by the scenery of Kyoko-chi Pond, the Golden Pavilion, and Mount Kinugasa, and took many photographs. They also remarked that, thanks to recent restoration work, the pavilion was even more brilliant and beautiful than it had been forty years ago.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka~Kyoto1,450JPY
    Section 2SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Shin-Osaka1,450JPY
    Total3,160JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Old townscape

    Gifu in Half a Day: Old townscape

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Pick up at Hotel
    • 10:15 Take a taxi from Takayama Station to Miyagawa Morning Market
    • 11:30 Old townscape
    • 12:00 Sake tasting at Harada Sake Brewery
    • 12:40 Takayama Jinya
    • 13:30 Japanese tea tasting at Matsuno Tea Shop
    • 14:00 Drop off at lunch location and finish

    Title: What Is a Private Takayama Walking Tour Like for Guests Who Need a Slower Pace? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting together. One of them moved with some difficulty and needed to rest often, but kept going patiently, finding a chair to sit on and then continuing to walk again. The group seemed to enjoy the sake tasting and the Japanese tea tasting very much. Since there are no chairs to rest on inside the Takayama Jinya, I arranged a wheelchair so they could tour it comfortably. I have received a request to guide the same guests again tomorrow, so I look forward to once again showing them around at their own pace.

    My name is Akane Ito from Takayama city.
    I started a tour guiding from 2013.
    I was guiding almost 1000 people.
    I love this job. And I love people who visit in my town. I will take a you to local place where my favorite places . I’m good about communication with the guest and always cheerful. I will take you to Local Sake brewery for tasting sake, Morning Market, Historical places (Takayama Jinya, Takayama festival float museum and Old private houses area) ands my favorite places. If you are interesting about me, please feel free to contact me.

    Oct 11, 2025
    Traveler27625367943
    Outstanding, enjoyable tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Annie (Akane) was a wonderful guide…knowledgeable, engaging, fun,…

    Aug 30, 2024
    Leonie_B
    Interesting and informative
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Annie is a delightful person and great guide.…

    Jun 29, 2024
    MarydeS
    Lovely morning tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our morning tour around the old centre of…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meeting Ginza Creston
    • 2. 8:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 9:30 Shibuya
    • 4. 10:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 5. 12:00 Lunch (Yukikage Asakusa Main Store)
    • 6. 12:30 Asakusa
    • 7. 14:00 Dismissal Tokyo Cruise Asakusa Pier

    What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the day before and were scheduled to travel onward the next day, so this single day was their only full day of sightseeing in Japan. Because of this, they had planned an active itinerary covering many sightseeing spots. On the day they arrived, they had visited Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku Golden Gai on their own, and on the tour day they went to Tsukiji Market near the Hotel before our 8:00 meeting time. The tour focused mainly on traditional places. Since the guests wanted to minimize travel time, we used the train only for the trip from Meiji Shrine to Shibuya, and traveled everywhere else by taxi. At each sightseeing point they enjoyed taking photos, and in addition to the sights themselves, they asked many questions about Japanese culture and daily life. At the end, they were going to take a cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba (they had arranged the tickets themselves), so I guided them to the boarding area and we parted ways. During our email exchanges about the tour itinerary, they sent me their overall Tokyo schedule, including parts outside the tour. The content was quite efficient, covering many sightseeing points, so I had assumed it was created with the help of a travel agency. However, when I asked on the tour day, they told me they had made it themselves using ChatGPT. I was a little surprised, and at the same time it made me wonder whether guides might become unnecessary as AI advances, including in areas like automatic translation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total146JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Shinjuku
    • 9:40 @Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:30 @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:45 @Asakusa
    • 14:00 End at Asakusa

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Through email correspondence beforehand, we had already decided to visit Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa. On the morning of the tour we confirmed the order, planning to finish in Asakusa and then let the guests continue on their own. The guests had been very much looking forward to the food walk in Tsukiji, so they skipped breakfast before we met. They ordered grilled crab, beef with sea urchin, and fatty tuna sushi. As the photos show, they looked very happy. We spent about two hours here, so I was prepared to extend the tour by an hour. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, they seemed to especially enjoy the Japanese garden. In Asakusa I introduced various shops, including those along Kappabashi Street, and it seemed they planned to enjoy shopping and sweets on their own after the tour. I was blessed with wonderful guests and had a very enjoyable time guiding them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Otemachi180JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Asakusa180JPY
    Total640JPY

    I have ten years guiding experience in Tokyo area. Historical spot such as Imperial palace, Japanese gardens, Buddhist temples,Shinto shrines and Fish market are my familiar tourism places.Usually I take my guest to these spot using public transportation and walk around there. Also I manage a hiking tour to Tama erea (west part of Tokyo) such as Mt.Takao, Okutama gorge, you will find that Tokyo has rich nature too. I would like to guide small group of 4 poeple max. because I want to talk to each one sufficiently. Just FYI, I had lived in the US and have engineering background. Let me guide you!

    Oct 9, 2024
    lilgoldie
    Private Tour With Tack!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tack was an excellent tour guide. He helped…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tochomae Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tochomae Station & Asakusa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20 Tochomae Station
    • 10:30 Yoyogi Station
    • 10:35 Harajuku Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Meiji-jingumae Station
    • 11:55 Shibuya Station
    • Scramble Crossing, Onigiri Gonbei
    • 12:30 Shibuya Station
    • 13:10 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Hoppy Street

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America who had been longtime friends for many years. They wanted to learn about Japanese history and culture, so at Meiji Shrine I explained the meanings of Shinto and Buddhism and their respective roles in Japanese daily life, and they were delighted, saying they understood it very well. Since they were planning to visit Kanazawa on a later day, I also helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets. On this 4-hour tour there was no time set aside for lunch, but we shared some recommended onigiri together in the underground shopping area of Shibuya. In Asakusa, they mentioned they preferred beer to matcha, so I recommended Hoppy Street before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station~Yoyogi Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya Station~Asakusa Station260JPY
    Total770JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:45 Meet at hotel (change request from guest the previous day to 7:45, to secure breakfast time) Travel to Miyajima 
    • 9:10 Miyajima Pier, Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Forest Path, Momijidani (Maple Valley), Senjokaku, carp viewing, lunch (vegetarian at Starbucks) 
    • 13:00 Travel from Miyajima to Peace Park via JR Yokogawa 
    • 14:10 Atomic Bomb Dome and other major monuments
    • 15:20 Obtain audio guide at the museum and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America with a strong interest in Japanese history, culture, and Buddhism. Because of this, we decided to visit Daisho-in Temple of the Shingon sect after Itsukushima Shrine, which had not been part of the original plan. I guided them around the sand mandala, the Henjokutsu Cave, and the Daishi-do Hall. Afterward, we walked along a path at the foot of the mountain, where I introduced the primeval forest vegetation unique to Miyajima, and combined with the scent of the Seto Inland Sea, the guests seemed refreshed. At the Peace Memorial Park, I guided them somewhat quickly through the major monuments apart from the museum. They had visited Japan several times before, and promised to return to Hiroshima on a future trip to Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori~Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 4TrainYokogawa Station~Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    I have been an English and Italian guide for 10 years in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Iwakuni, Himeji, Osaka, Kochi and Sanin. I used to work for the Japanese trading house in Milan Italy for 9 years, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam for 2 years and Kobe /Osaka for 25 years. I was engaged in the textile and apparel division covering European and Asian market. Moreover, I worked for a food company who produce special sauce for okonomiyaki, famous local food. After retiring, I live in Hiroshima, my hometown, working as a tourist guide mainly, sometimes as an Italian interpreter for A-bomb survivor testimonies and translation. I guide you about history, culture, architecture, art, industry, economy and so on according to your interests and wishes. My hobby is oil painting of the scenery of the Inland Sea of Seto, the first national park of Japan and visiting art museum. I am interested in impressionists and works during renaissance.

    Mar 21, 2025
    Carol B
    Peaceful Tour with Kind Local
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Relaxed tour with…

    Dec 10, 2024
    Catherine_U
    Great Half Day with Shin!
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our half day tour…

    Dec 8, 2024
    William W
    11/10 Great Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Mr. Itaki, is…

    Oct 7, 2024
    Shiv_K
    We had a lovely visit of…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Daimon by Koyasan bus & Stay at Kongobuji

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Daimon by Koyasan bus & Stay at Kongobuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:20  Meet at Hashimoto Station and accompany to Koyasan
    •  9:15~9:30 Move to Daimon by Koyasan bus
    •  9:30~9:50 Stay around Daimon
    •  9:50~10:00 Move to Garan 
    • 10:00~11:00 Stay at Garan
    • 11:00~11:20 Move to the lodging temple Ichijoin and leave luggage
    • 11:30~11:45 Move by Koyasan bus to the restaurant in front of Okunoin
    • 11:45~12:30 Lunch (Hachiyo)
    • 12:30~13:40 Stay at Okunoin
    • 13:40~13:50 Move to Kongobuji by Koyasan bus
    • 13:50~14:20 Stay at Kongobuji
    • 14:30 Disband in front of the Kondo After this, guests will participate in the Kechien Kanjo ceremony

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a guided tour in Japanese for a first-time visitor to this area, who had come from Sendai and was traveling around the Kansai region. When explaining Kobo Daishi's poem, which I usually describe in English, the Japanese words did not come to me right away, so I first explained the meaning and remembered the original as I went along: "When the void is exhausted, when all sentient beings are exhausted, when nirvana is exhausted, then too shall my vows be exhausted." The guest had bought and read a magazine about Koyasan, but was pleased to say that having a guide explain things made it much easier to understand. Four hours is not enough to cover the Garan, the short course of Okunoin, and Kongobuji, so we met early in Hashimoto and I accompanied the guest to Koyasan, guiding them right up until the time to take part in the final Kechien Kanjo ritual. The autumn Kechien Kanjo happened to be held through today, so the guest was able to participate at the end of the tour, which I believe made for a fulfilling day at Koyasan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station~Daimon360JPY
    Section 2BusSenjuinbashi~In front of Okunoin270JPY
    Section 3BusIn front of Okunoin~In front of Kongobuji270JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 13:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:45 Dismiss @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Himeji Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Himeji, and one of them had decided to join only the day before, having become acquainted with the other at their accommodation. One of the guests moved at a slower pace and appeared to find stairs difficult. Although the day brought quite heavy rain, this meant fewer crowds at each spot, allowing us to move around smoothly. Both guests observed each site with great interest. One of the guests, who joined later, had extensive knowledge about Japan and spoke a little Japanese. Near Himeji Castle, they purchased maneki-neko goods as souvenirs at a shop specializing in maneki-neko. At the Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed both the free tastings and the paid tastings. They asked many detailed questions about sake, and this made me want to study the subject further myself. When they mentioned they wanted a light meal, I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station, where they ordered the "Akashi-style takoyaki" (eaten after dipping it in broth) that I recommended, and they were very satisfied.

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00  Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:15 Imperial Palace
    • 12:10 Lunch @ Aoyuzutora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:00 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:45 Disband @ Tokyo Tower

    What Does a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanations about the role of the emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were intrigued by the explanation of the differences between shrines and temples. At Tokyo Tower, they seemed impressed by the magnificent views of Tokyo. After the tour, they planned to visit teamLab Planets on their own, so we parted ways at Tokyo Tower. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIkebukuro~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Kamiyacho0JPY
    Total920JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…