Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 2. 9:30 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 3. 10:30 Guided tour of Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 4. 11:30 Guided tour of the Arashiyama area (Togetsukyo Bridge, Kameyama Park)
    • 5. 12:00 Guided tour of the bamboo grove
    • 6. 12:30 Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 7. 13:00 Guided tour of Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 8. 13:30 Guided tour of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 9. 14:30 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What Can You See on a Rainy Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report Today was hit by heavy rain all day, which made guiding at the sites very challenging. Since the guests had already toured the Higashiyama area the previous day, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide discussed the plan with the guests, who were visitors from North America, and we decided to visit the remaining sights in the following order: Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Tenryu-ji, and others. Unfortunately, Kinkaku-ji was so crowded with school excursion students that it was almost impossible to move around. The next stop, Ryoan-ji, was relatively empty, so I was able to leisurely explain the teachings of Zen and the rock garden. In Arashiyama, we walked from the Togetsukyo Bridge through Kameyama Park and into the bamboo grove, where the guests could enjoy the bamboo tunnel. After that, we entered Tenryu-ji from the bamboo grove and enjoyed the beautiful garden, where the autumn foliage was just beginning to turn. After Tenryu-ji, I decided to guide the guests to Nenbutsu-ji, which has recently become popular among international travelers. Here they took many photos of the stone Buddha statues with their curious expressions, and they liked Nenbutsu-ji very much, saying they would definitely like to visit again in a different season. Finally, the guests expressed a wish to eat gyoza, so I took them to Nishiki Market, introduced them to a gyoza restaurant, and we parted ways there.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1010 Dep. from Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 1030 Kiyomizudera Temple
    • 1300 Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • 1500 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 1630 Shichijo Nishinotoin Bus Stop

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Although there was light rain, we were able to enjoy walking around, stopping at appropriate intervals for drinks and food. They did not have IC cards, so payment for transportation was made in cash each time, but we managed to handle it smoothly. Most of the guests seemed to have little prior knowledge of the sightseeing spots, but they listened very attentively to the guide's explanations and actively took part in visiting the shrines and touring inside the worship halls. We reduced the number of sightseeing spots from four to three, but even so there was not enough time, and for lunch the guests simply had menchi-katsu and karaage at a shop along the approach to Fushimi Inari.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojo Nishinotoin~Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Jingu-Marutamachi280JPY
    Section 4BusKeihan Marutamachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Shichijo Nishinotoin230JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Walk from the Airbnb accommodation at Honjo 3-21-5 to Tokyo Skytree, visit the observation deck. Visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, visit Rikugien Garden, visit Yurakucho Tokyo International Forum,
    • visit the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge. Disperse in front of the Imperial Palace.

    Title: What Can You See on a Short Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Skytree and More Body: The guests were a group visiting Japan, and one member of the group had to return to North America on an evening flight, so the contract was for four hours. In reality, however, the tour ran for about five hours, from 9:00 to 14:00. Since Tokyo Skytree does not open until 10:00, we did some shopping to adjust our timing, which shifted the schedule a little, but we were still able to visit all of the originally planned destinations by managing our time. A four-hour tour in Tokyo is simply too short, and it almost always ends up being extended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIn front of Skytree~Asakusa160JPY
    Section 2TrainGinza Line Asakusa Station~Ginza Line Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno Station~Komagome Station170JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome Station~Yurakucho Station170JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:20 Nezu
    • 11:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Atariya Shokudo Yanaka Branch
    • 14:00 Akihabara
    • 15:10 Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Nezu, and Akihabara The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was part of a 14-day trip, and since the destinations for the following days were already decided, the request was for me to choose places that would not overlap. After discussing together, we decided on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Nezu, and Akihabara. Since the guests wanted ramen for lunch, we headed to a ramen restaurant in Nezu. At first we had considered a different place, but when I mentioned that one of the guests had a nut concern, we were turned away because they were worried something might happen. Everyone in the group was very kind and enjoyed all the places we visited, and I was able to have a wonderful time as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Nezu178JPY
    Section 2TrainNezu~Akihabara345JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Tokyo146JPY
    Total669JPY

    Very nice to meet you! I’m An, your guide for Tokyo and Kamakura. I’m honored to have the opportunity to show you around this time. (For the Tokyo Tour)Tokyo offers a wide variety of attractions. For first-time visitors, I highly recommend visiting the must-see places, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and Asakusa (Sensoji Temple). For Anime fans, Akihabara is the place to go. For those who prefer less-known spots, I’d be happy to introduce some hidden gems. As for food, if you’re interested in trying some great ramen, I’d be glad to take you to one of my favorite local spots for lunch. (For the Kamakura Tour) For a 6-hour itinerary, I recommend visiting the Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. On the way back to JR Kamakura Station, we can also stop by Komachi Shopping Street. If you’re interested in visiting Zen temples, I’d be happy to include them in the itinerary as well. For both Tokyo and Kamakura tours, I’m always glad to accommodate your requests. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Sep 25, 2026
    tkdmom321
    Best way to start a trip to Tokyo!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Ann (An in…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Mariana_V
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This customizable tour…
    This customizable tour worked really well for us…

    Jul 19, 2026
    RC1908
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    6 Hour Tour of Tokyo
    We (four of us) had a…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Marina K
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokio the easy way
    An hat mir eine…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:50 Meet @ Nagoya Port (Kinjo Pier)
    • 2. Nagoya Castle: View the interior of Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower
    • 3. View the Tokugawa Art Museum
    • 4. View the Craft Center at Noritake Garden and the Noritake Museum
    • 5. Return to Nagoya Port (Kinjo Pier), disband at 15:40

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Nagoya Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Because there was information that the weather would worsen (rain) from the afternoon of that day, I arrived at the meeting point early, informed the guests of this, and started guiding as soon as the reserved taxi arrived. Following the itinerary agreed upon with the guests, we visited and toured Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa Art Museum, and Noritake Garden. However, with the guests' consent, we skipped the visit to Tokugawaen (a Japanese garden) due to the poor weather. For the transfer from the meeting point at Kinjo Pier to central Nagoya, as well as for movement between sites, I used a combination of taxi and subway, conducting the tour in a way that was smooth and that kept transportation costs from becoming excessive. The guests were very pleased that I had selected sites they could enjoy even in the rain, and that the entire tour proceeded smoothly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukijiguchi~Nagoya Castle270JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae~Tsukijiguchi270JPY
    Total540JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Nagano in Half a Day: Zenkoji Temple & Zenkoji Nakamise Street

    Nagano in Half a Day: Zenkoji Temple & Zenkoji Nakamise Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Zenkoji Temple
    • Daihongan Niomon Gate Main Hall Sanmon Gate (Tower Ascent)
    • 11:40 Nagano Prefectural Art Museum & Higashiyama Kaii Gallery
    • 12:50 Jizukiyama Park
    • Observation Deck
    • 13:30 Zenkoji Nakamise Street
    • Light meal of oyaki
    • 14:00 Disband at Zenkoji Nakamise Street

    What Is a Private Nagano City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zenkoji and the Prefectural Art Museum The guests were a group visiting from Europe. At Zenkoji Temple, they took their time exploring, drawing omikuji fortunes, purchasing zodiac-themed amulets, and climbing the Sanmon gate to enjoy the view. They also entered the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum and the Higashiyama Kaii Gallery, where they were able to see a mist sculpture. Splitting into taxis, we also visited an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Nagano City. It left a strong impression on me that they said the oyaki dumplings were very delicious. If you contact the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum in advance, a guide can be admitted on an inspection basis.

    Nice to meet you. My name is Emi F., and I am a licensed guide interpreter specializing in English. I was born and have lived and worked in Nagano, where I am especially knowledgeable about the northern, eastern, and central regions of the prefecture. After retiring early from a career in teaching, I began working as a guide interpreter in 2021. Since then, I have had the pleasure of guiding many visitors to some of my favorite places, including Nagano, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Matsumoto, Azumino, Yamanouchi, Obuse, Nozawa-onsen, Suzaka, and Karuizawa, among others. I have a deep appreciation for the diverse foods harvested in Nagano and am committed to providing a flexible and enjoyable experience for my guests. Additionally, upon request, I can also guide you in Kanazawa, Nagoya, Nara, and Kyoto. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to share a memorable and enjoyable tour together.

    Mar 21, 2026
    Cengiz_S
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
    We’re really enjoyed this…

    Apr 3, 2025
    R
    Robert_C
    Emi was a great guide who…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Emi was a…

    Jun 8, 2024
    James_M
    Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Annex Rokku
    • 2. 09:00 Stay @ Senso-ji Temple
    • 3. 10:25 Travel: Subway
    • 4. 10:45 Stay @ Akihabara
    • 5. 12:15 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 12:30 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 7. 12:50 Disband @ Kaminarimon-dori

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and Akihabara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Europe. I had been waiting for them in the second-floor lobby of the Hotel, but when they did not appear, I suddenly realized something and went down to the first floor, where, as expected, the guests were waiting outside the entrance of the Hotel. Because I had previously experienced a similar case in which guests from the same region did not stop by the lobby but went directly outside the Hotel to wait for me, I was able to notice this before 9:00. The requested spots were Asakusa and Akihabara. Since the Hotel was close to the main hall of Sensoji Temple, I decided to start with Sensoji Temple and then walk along Nakamise Street toward Kaminarimon Gate. As I learned that the guests were fans of older anime programs, I spent a little more time in Akihabara explaining things, including shops that sell nostalgic items. At first I had thought I would need to guide them to one more location, but there was a request to recommend places in Asakusa where they could have a Japanese breakfast, so we returned from Akihabara to Asakusa, and I showed them two such places. Finally, I took them to a recommended tempura restaurant for lunch, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuehirocho~Asakusa180JPY
    Total360JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shimizu Station

    Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shimizu Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Departure from Shimizu Port
    • 9:50 Miho no Matsubara
    • 10:30 Nihondaira Yume Terrace
    • 11:20 Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:30 Momijiyama Garden
    • 14:30 Sunpu Castle Park
    • 16:00 Shimizu Station

    What Is a Private Mount Fuji View Tour Like in October? A Licensed Guide's Report Even into October, the daytime heat and humidity felt like summer, making for uncomfortable weather. The weather itself was not bad, but there was a lot of moisture in the air, so Mount Fuji was mostly shrouded in haze and could hardly be seen. We toured the Mount Fuji view spots while imagining what the mountain would look like. It was very unfortunate, but I was able to give explanations by connecting them with historical stories, and the guests listened with great interest. The guests got along wonderfully, and their sense of humor kept the mood light and enjoyable throughout the day. On the way back, when I asked for a review, they said things like "I'll give you 'Six Stars,'" and we spent a fun day full of laughter right to the end. As a guide, I am filled with gratitude.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShizuoka Station~Shimizu Station240JPY
    Total240JPY

    I have been a guide over ten years. I always make my utmost efforts to make tours enjoyable and memorable for the guests. I always enjoy traveling myself. I have received warm hospitality through my life domestically and internationally. I would like my guests to feel the same hospitality. I would like to entertain tourists from abroad by showing around and explaining about not only the places but also Japanese culture in a friendly way.
    I have been an English teacher all my life. I challenged to get the guide license and am enjoying guiding ever since.
    I especially guide around Mt.Fuji area. Every time I do guiding around Mt.Fuji, I am impressed by the beauty and its overwhelming power. I want my guests to encounter this beautiful and yet powerful mountain of Mt.Fuji.

    May 4, 2026
    Jackim2009
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our Day in Shizuoka
    We had a wonderful day in…

    Oct 9, 2025
    Katie_F
    We had a wonderful day…
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We had a wonderful day…

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Cruise Visit to Shimizu Area and Day Tour Visiting Miho no Matsubara
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…

    May 21, 2025
    Traveler33207354848
    Tea, tour and Mount Fuji
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Ikuyo customized our tour exactly…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Depart Kinjo Pier at 9:00 – Nagoya Castle (10:00-11:30) – Atsuta Shrine (12:00-12:50) – Nagoya Station (13:15) Dismissal

    What Is a Private Nagoya Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report Despite the rain, the guests thoroughly enjoyed the sightseeing. They asked many questions about Tokugawa Ieyasu and Nagoya Castle. At Nagoya Castle, it took some time to enter the main hall, as many people were lined up (they were visitors from a cruise ship's tour bus). At the guests' request, they wished to part ways at Nagoya Station (for souvenirs and lunch). I explained the location of the Aonami Line and Kinjo-futo Station, and we parted ways at Nagoya Station. The guests said they would be fine, as they had come by the same route on the way there. There is no receipt.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNakashima Station~Kinjofuto Station270JPY
    Section 2TrainKinjofuto Station~Nagoya360JPY
    Section 3SubwayNagoya~Nagoya760JPY
    Section 4BusSubway Takabata~Ousunakabashi210JPY
    Total1,600JPY

    Hey there, I’m Masami Maeda, and I’m all about guiding you through some incredible adventures! Teaching English at high school was cool and all, but I craved something more exciting. That’s when I discovered my love for guiding.
    Traveling is my jam. I’ve spent years soaking up the vibes in the US and the UK. In fact, I even did a stint at Warwick University, where I got totally hooked on Drama and Theatre Education. It was like stepping into a whole new world!
    When I’m not busy showing folks around, you’ll find me doing all sorts of things. Ballet classes? Yep, I’m there. And I’m a huge fan of Japanese rakugo – both watching and performing. It’s a blast!
    My style of guiding? Think of it as a mix of storytelling and cultural immersion. I want you to feel like you’re really part of the places we visit, not just an onlooker. Let’s dive deep into the heart of each destination and uncover the hidden gems together.
    So, if you’re up for an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and maybe a few surprises along the way, then I’m your guide! Let’s make some unforgettable memories together!

    Oct 2, 2025
    Phong_N
    Great time in Nagoya
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We were lucky to have Sammy…

    Nov 25, 2024
    155arlenen
    Excellent Tour – Very Professional
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Sammy was an excellent guide,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    CHERYL_D
    Fun day trip around Nagoya City
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Sammy was very knowledgable…

    Apr 3, 2024
    dianefik
    A great tour guide in Nagoya
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Sammy was our tour…

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

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:20 Meet @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
    • 8:40 Tsukiji Outer Market (Fish Market, Outer Market)
    • 9:40 Breakfast @ Sushizanmai Tsukiji Main Store
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 11:15 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Denboin Street)
    • 12:45 Dismissal @ Imperial Palace East Gardens Information Center

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace Like? A Tokyo Guide's Report The guests were longtime friends visiting from Oceania on their first trip to Japan. They had initially hoped to see the large tuna at Toyosu, but when we met in the morning, I explained that by that time of day the auction is over and only the concrete floor remains. Since it was their first visit to Japan, we agreed instead to visit the Tsukiji Outer Market along with Asakusa and the Imperial Palace. I explained the reasons for the move to Toyosu and the different roles of Toyosu and Tsukiji using the materials I always use for the Toyosu tuna auction tour. As they had not eaten breakfast, I took them to a well-known sushi restaurant near the Tsukiji main area. During breakfast, I gave an overview of Japan and Tokyo and explained how they could spend their time in Tokyo over the following days.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEidan Tokyo~Eidan Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayToei Higashi-Ginza~Toei Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayEidan Asakusa~Eidan Otemachi178JPY
    Total576JPY

    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

    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…