Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Ryuzu Falls & Kegon Falls

    Tochigi in One Day: Ryuzu Falls & Kegon Falls

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00    Meet at hotel 
    • Move to Akanuma by bus 
    • 10:10~11:40 Hiking from Akanuma to Senjogahara to Ryuzu Falls
    • 11:40~12:50 Sightseeing at Ryuzu Falls and lunch
    • Move to Chuzenji Onsen by bus
    • Move to Kegon Falls on foot
    • 13:30~14:00 Sightseeing at Kegon Falls
    • Walk to Chuzenji Onsen bus stop
    • Move to Shinkyo by bus
    • Walk to hotel
    • 15:00    Disband at hotel

    Tour Report – What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report To the staff, Thank you very much for arranging this tour. Allow me to share a brief report on today's tour. Today, we were able to visit nearly all of the sightseeing spots the guests had requested, just as planned. The guests appeared to be very satisfied with today's tour. There were no particular issues with the guests, and the tour concluded smoothly. I was delighted to spend the day together and guide the guests around Nikko. Thank you once again for your continued support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together again in the future. Sincerely, National Guide-Interpreter A notable stop on the tour was Nikko, a mountainous area in Tochigi Prefecture renowned for its stunning natural scenery and historic shrines and temples. Nikko is home to the Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage Site built as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The area is also celebrated for its seasonal beauty, including vibrant autumn foliage, as well as attractions such as Lake Chuzenji and the dramatic Kegon Falls. Visitors to Nikko can enjoy a rich combination of cultural heritage and natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for a private day tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo2,300JPY
    Section 2Free PassShinkyo~Chuzenji Onsen0JPY
    Section 3Free PassChuzenji Onsen~Shinkyo0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShinkyo~Tobu Nikko Station0JPY
    Section 5BusChuzenji Onsen/Tobu Bus~Akanuma (Nikko City)/Tobu Bus650JPY
    Section 6BusRyuzu Falls/Tobu Bus~Chuzenji Onsen/Tobu Bus490JPY
    Total3,440JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Sep 5, 2026
    Adventure06097262461
    Wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was a truly…

    Aug 30, 2026
    inbyten
    A perfect day in Nikko with Taka
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Taka crafted…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet
    • 8:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:00 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:00 Coffee break
    • 12:45 Gion area
    • 13:15 Nijo Castle
    • 14:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:30 End

    What's a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan, some of whom were on their first visit and some who had been before. Since they wished to visit four places, they kindly extended the tour to six hours. They enjoyed all the destinations, but seemed a little tired by the crowds at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. So we took a coffee break and I guided them through a quiet part of the Gion area, which helped them recover their energy. We then traveled by taxi and visited Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple, both of which they enjoyed very much. The tour ran over time as shopping took a while. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji Temple. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, famous for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a Zen temple. The pavilion is set beside a reflecting pond, and its mirror image on the calm water makes it a particularly beautiful sight across all four seasons. The surrounding strolling garden is a designated Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, offering visitors a peaceful walk through carefully arranged trees, stones, and water features.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Inari370JPY
    Total370JPY

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinpachi Shokudo & Menokoro Ichiryu Main Store

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinpachi Shokudo & Menokoro Ichiryu Main Store

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:10 Shinpachi Shokudo
    • 10:10 Ameyoko
    • 10:40 Ueno Saigo Takamori Statue, Shogitai Grave, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:20 Menokoro Ichiryu Main Store
    • 13:00 Disband @ Ueno-hirokoji Station

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Including Breakfast and Ramen? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and this was the first day of their trip to Japan. After Tokyo, they planned to travel by cruise to Kochi, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, and other destinations. During the 4-hour tour, they requested to have a Japanese-style breakfast and ramen. For breakfast, we went to a local eatery near the Hotel and waited in a short line, where they enjoyed a grilled salmon set meal. Since they had signed up for a samurai experience in the evening, they listened with great interest to my explanations in Ueno. As they wanted to buy a power plug adapter, we stopped by an electronics store at Ameyoko that we happened to pass. After visiting Senso-ji Temple, we went to a ramen shop as planned, where they shared ramen and water dumplings. They had wanted to go to a place that was not a shop with long lines featured on social media, and they were very satisfied. I guided them to the transfer station for their next destination, and the tour ended. They were very friendly and pleasant. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the most visited religious sites in Japan. Visitors approach the main hall through the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and the lively Nakamise shopping street, which is lined with traditional shops selling snacks and souvenirs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku West Exit~Ueno-okachimachi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji180JPY
    Total580JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Osaka: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Osaka: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meeting point: The Westin Osaka
    • 10:00 Travel to Kintetsu Nara Station via JR and Kintetsu
    • 11:15 Sightseeing ①: Visit "Kofuku-ji Temple"
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ②: Stroll through "Nara Park"
    • 12:30 Lunch and break
    • 13:15 Sightseeing ③: Visit "Todai-ji Temple"
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ④: Visit "Kasuga Taisha Shrine"
    • 15:10 Return to Kintetsu Nara Station by taxi
    • 15:45 Return to Osaka via Kintetsu
    • 16:30 On the way back to the hotel, tour ends and group disbands at the transfer station (Tsuruhashi)

    Title: What Is a Private 8-Hour Day Trip from Osaka to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were visitors from Asia who were traveling around various parts of Japan. I coordinated the destinations and other details with one of the guests. The tour was an 8-hour "Osaka-based Nara Tour," but since the actual sightseeing time in Nara was about 6 hours, after discussion we finalized the itinerary as follows: Kofuku-ji Temple, then lunch and a break, then Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and finally Kasuga Taisha Shrine. On the day, it was rainy in the morning, but after we arrived in Nara it stayed cloudy without rain, with occasional sunshine, making it a blessed day for touring. One of the guests had come to Japan several times for work, but it was their first time doing proper sightseeing in Japan, and both of the guests seemed very interested in Japanese culture, religion, and history. Therefore, on the train both ways, on the way to the destinations, and after arriving at each destination, I gave wide-ranging explanations about the history and relationship of Japan's two major religions (Shinto and Buddhism), and the influence that the introduction of Buddhism had on Japanese culture and history. Both of the guests listened to my explanations very attentively, and they shared the comment, "Without a guide, we could not have learned so many things. Thank you." A notable stop on the tour was Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Todai-ji is one of Japan's most famous temples and houses a monumental bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). Its Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, and the temple is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the globe.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Kintetsu Nara790JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Nara~Tsuruhashi590JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Kyoto in One Day: 10:.25 Kyoto Station Front & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: 10:.25 Kyoto Station Front & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:10-10:.25 Kyoto Station Front → Kiyomizuzaka 500 yen Limited Express Bus
    • 10:40-12:00 Yasaka Pagoda, Sannenzaka. Kiyomizu-dera Temple sightseeing
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch @Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya
    • 13:30-13:43 Kiyomizu-michi → Museum Front Bus 230 yen
    • 13:50-14:40 Sanjusangendo sightseeing
    • Travel by taxi
    • 15:00 Disband @JR Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour from a Cruise Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of longtime friends visiting from North America. They arrived at Osaka on a cruise ship and traveled to Kyoto by bullet train, so we met at the bullet train ticket gate. From there, we took a direct bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Since the guests preferred a relaxed pace, we walked slowly up Sannenzaka. For lunch, we stopped at a restaurant along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, where we were seated without much of a wait. We had originally planned to visit the Gion area and Nishiki Market afterward, but as the guests were tired from walking, we decided to go to Sanjusangen-do instead. We viewed the hall's interior and then returned to Kyoto Station by taxi. A notable stop on the tour was Sanjusangen-do. Sanjusangen-do is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto famous for its remarkably long main hall, which houses 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy. The hall's name refers to the thirty-three spaces between its pillars, and the rows of gilded statues make it one of the most striking religious sites in Kyoto. The temple is also known historically for an archery event held along its long veranda.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto Station Front/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus500JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Museum Sanjusangendo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total730JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 5:00 Meet @ Hotel Lobby
    • 2. 5:30 @ Toyosu Market (Tuna Auction Tour and more)
    • 3. 7:11 @ Shijo-mae Station Bus Stop (Toei Bus Shi 01)
    • 4. 7:20 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 8:00 Dismissal @ Tsukiji Outer Market

    What's an Early Morning Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour name: Early Morning Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Weather: Sunny, 20°C Guests: The group from Oceania 【First stop】Toyosu Market Before the 5:30 tuna auction, I explained the reasons and history behind the relocation from Tsukiji to Toyosu, as well as how the tuna auction system works, to prepare for the on-site visit. There was an enthusiastic exchange of questions and answers, and after about 45 minutes of observation, we visited the intermediate wholesalers' building. 【Second stop】Tsukiji Outer Market We were lucky to see a 109kg fresh tuna at a seafood vendor. After strolling around and enjoying the atmosphere of the market, we went to a coffee shop. Since the guests were heading to teamLab Toyosu right after the tour, I guided them to the bus stop, where we parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Toyosu Market, which opened in 2018 as the successor to the historic Tsukiji fish market and is now the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Visitors can observe the famous tuna auctions from dedicated viewing areas, where enormous frozen and fresh tuna are sold to licensed buyers in a fast-paced bidding process. The market also features restaurants and shops where guests can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo-mae Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
    My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
    I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
    I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
    I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
    heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
    and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
    Thank you very much.

    Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
    Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
    Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
    Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
    Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
    Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
    Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
    Terima kasih banyak.

    Sep 6, 2026
    629jayalakshmia
    Best guide – Goreillo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Goreillo San was a wonderful…

    Aug 3, 2026
    Chefshunter
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    BTS Thunfisch Auktion
    Goreiilo hat uns als Foodies den…

    Jul 10, 2026
    ecthomps17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Tokyo exceeded every expectation. From the energy of the city and…

    Jul 7, 2026
    luisacQ7698XW
    Fabulous and unique experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    The Toyosu tuna…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.11:00 Meet up@The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
    • 2.11:30 @Meiji Jingu
    • 3.12:45 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4.13:15 From the car window@Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station
    • 5.13:30 Lunch@Asakusa Owariya
    • 6.14:00 @Sensoji Temple (Nakamise-dori, Seisuke Hamono Shin-Nakamise-dori, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 7.15:00 @Nezu Shrine
    • 8.15:30 @Sendagi・Yanaka Ginza
    • 9.16:30 From the car window@Nihonbashi (Mitsui Main Building, Mitsukoshi Department Store Main Store, Bank of Japan) +Tsukiji・Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Tsukiji Hongwanji)
    • 10. 17:00 Dismissal@The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon

    What's a Private Historical Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Yanaka The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to spend time in Tokyo and Kyoto, using Kyoto as a base to also visit Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima over the course of their trip. They had researched Japan thoroughly online and had already made reservations at popular spots, including Tsukiji Market, teamLab, and a hard-to-book pizza restaurant inside a luxury hotel. Since they wished to focus on historical places during this tour, I guided them to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa. The guests had arrived only two days earlier on a long direct flight of about 14 hours, but they showed no sign of being bothered by walking during the sightseeing on foot. As we had more time than expected, we added Nezu Shrine and continued from Sendagi to Yanaka. They observed the townscape with great interest during our stroll and seemed to enjoy it. The guests mentioned that one of their travel pleasures is trying the sports drinks of each country they visit and comparing them to the equivalent of Gatorade. So when I introduced Pocari Sweat, a representative Japanese sports drink, at a convenience store, they bought one right away and tried it, saying it was delicious. Along the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, one of the guests observed that there seemed to be many tourists from Europe but hardly any from North America. I had often had a similar impression myself, so I shared that feeling with them. On the way to the Hotel, I pointed out sights from the car window, including Nihonbashi, the Mitsui Main Building, the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, the Bank of Japan, the Kabukiza Theatre, and Tsukiji Hongwanji. The conversation in the car was lively. For example, we spotted Mario Kart-style go-karts driving through the streets. One of the guests admitted with a laugh that they had actually felt a slight urge to ride one but decided against it because it would look too much like a tourist. We also got onto the topic of how many 7-Eleven stores there are in Tokyo, and one of the guests asked an AI assistant on their smartphone by voice. The answer of about 2,900 stores surprised everyone in the car. That sparked even more curiosity about how many there might be nationwide, so they asked the AI again. The answer that there were well over 21,000 stores across the country brought more exclamations of surprise and made the car very lively. Beyond topics of history and culture, our conversation branched out from small discoveries on street corners and casual questions, making for a very enjoyable time.

    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…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo National Museum & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo: Tokyo National Museum & Yanaka Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 15:30 Tokyo National Museum
    • 17:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 17:30 Yanaka Ginza
    • 19:00 Drop off at a restaurant in Nihonbashi and end the tour

    Title: What's a Private Art and Culture Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Europe who had previously taught at a university. This was a return visit to Japan following an earlier trip in spring of the previous year, and the guest was very fond of Japanese art and culture. However, since the guest was not very comfortable with English, our conversation remained halting throughout. Based on a prior request, we began the tour at the Tokyo National Museum. The guest clearly had a deep admiration for Japanese culture and seemed captivated by the many works on display. Next, we proceeded to Yanaka Ginza via Nezu Shrine, as requested. The guest appeared to have a fair amount of knowledge about Shinto and eagerly asked a variety of questions. The guest also wanted to experience the local character of Japan, and was delighted by the nostalgic scenery of Yanaka Ginza. A notable stop on the tour was the Tokyo National Museum. Located in Ueno Park, it is Japan's oldest and largest museum, established in 1872. Its extensive collection spans everything from ancient pottery and samurai armor to delicate paintings, ceramics, and textiles, offering a comprehensive overview of Japanese art and history. The museum is a popular destination for visitors wishing to deepen their understanding of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Kanda (Tokyo)200JPY
    Section 3TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Mitsukoshimae180JPY
    Total560JPY

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Gifu: Hie Shrine & Tasting at Futaki Shuzo Brewery

    Gifu: Hie Shrine & Tasting at Futaki Shuzo Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Tour start @Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama
    • 10:25 Hie Shrine
    • 11:00 Takayama Jinya
    • 12:10 Strolling around Nakabashi Bridge and Kami-Sannomachi
    • 12:20 Yamazakura Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @Mandai Kadomise
    • 13:30 Hida Kokubunji Temple
    • 14:00 From Shimo-Ninomachi to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
    • 14:40 From strolling along Enako River to the Higashiyama Walking Trail (Unryuji Temple, Daioji Temple, Sogenji Temple, Hokkeji Temple)
    • 15:15 From Enako River (Koyanagibashi Bridge) via Ebizaka Slope
    • 15:30 Tasting at Futaki Shuzo Brewery
    • 15:50 Strolling around Kami-Sannomachi
    • 16:00 Tour end @Kami-Sannomachi

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama's Old Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. For lunch, the guests expressed a strong wish to try local food, so I suggested a Japanese-style restaurant, where they chose the hoba miso set meal. They had a longstanding interest in plants, and at the end of the tour they were delighted to find a potted hoba tree in Kami-Sannomachi. In advance, the guests had sent a request: "We are really into culture, food and beautiful environments. The beauty of old Japan is what we want to see and experience." So I proposed two possible courses, and we strolled along the one they selected. As we walked, we talked about the places we would visit next and shared what each of us had discovered and thought, making the tour lively and enjoyable. At Hie Shrine, when a discussion arose about whether the guardian deity was male or female, one of the guests firmly said, "A deity is of no gender. After all, it is a deity." That was a memorable moment. The guests seemed to enjoy this kind of tour, filled with constant conversation. Both guests took special interest in the shape of the shrine building's roof at Hie Shrine, in the roofing method of layered wooden shingles at the Jinya, and in the white paint on the eaves during our walk through the streets. They were also fascinated by stone lanterns and paper lanterns, enjoying Japanese culture. At the Jinya, they showed interest in its role and in the lives of the townspeople, carefully viewing each exhibit. They asked many questions, and I was able to guide them while enjoying our conversation. Even after spending plenty of time looking around, they still seemed to want to see more. Afterward, we continued our walk while shifting the central topics to the town planning that emphasized the defense of Takayama Castle, the flood-control works related to the Miyagawa River, the demolition of Takayama Castle, and the town's subsequent prosperity. At Hida Kokubunji Temple, they greatly admired the large ginkgo tree, said to be 1,250 years old; at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, the autumn leaves just beginning to change color; and along the Higashiyama Walking Trail, the quiet environment and the lush, beautiful scenery of cedars and cypresses. On the slope descending from Soramachi, where samurai residences once stood near Hokkeji Temple, down to Ichinomachi, I was able to offer a meaningful walk that conveyed the difference in status between samurai and townspeople and the rise and fall that followed, providing a fine conclusion in keeping with the theme. A tasting at the Niki Sake Brewery added a nice final touch to the tour.

    Hi! I really welcome you to Japan. My name is Reeko KOSHIMA. People in Japan usually call someone’s name with his(her) family name – like “Koshima -San”. But I’m afraid it’s too long for the guests from overseas. So, I suggest you just call me “Rei”. It sounds like “ray” of “X-ray” or “ray, a drop of golden sun.” It’s from the famous lyric of “Do-Re-Mi,” the Sound of Music. So, just call me “Rei.”
    Well, I must say I’m so happy to have this opportunity to guide you. Japan is full of interesting places to visit; castles, temples, shrines, other historical places, Japanese gardens, nice view of seas, lakes, fields, mountains, and more and more. How do you like visiting these attractive places with me.
    Or do you rather prefer exploring town? Eating, shopping, taking buses or trains will be also fun. Japan has lots of good restaurants and almost every district has its own special food. We call it “Gotouchi Gurume” in Japanese. Buying some from street stalls or shops and eating while walking – it’ll be also a good experience to try that local food, I think.
    Now, let me plan for your tour. Where would you like to visit? What would you like to see? What would you like to eat? What kind of things would you like to buy? And would you like to spend the day? If you let me know some of your idea, the plan will be closer to the satisfying one.
    I hope this tour will be the best memory of you in Japan.

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Tower & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Tower & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hakodate Port Terminal
    • 9:40 Goryokaku Tower
    • 10:30 Goryokaku Park
    • 11:45 Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market
    • 13:15 Former Soma Residence
    • 14:10 Shopping at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
    • 15:10 Return to Hakodate Station and end the tour

    Title: What's a Private Group Tour of Hakodate Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. I first asked about any damage from the recent earthquake in their home region, and it seems no one had suffered any major damage. Their first language is Spanish, so one member of the group kindly interpreted the important points into Spanish for the others. The group got along very well and took many photos together. Everyone was cooperative, and they made lunch easy for me by coordinating their orders all together. After shopping at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, they took the streetcar all the way back to Hakodate Station. Before returning to the cruise ship, they wished to shop at a drugstore in front of the station. The photo was taken at Goryokaku Park. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku Park in Hakodate. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress built in the late Edo period, and it was the first Western-style fort constructed in Japan. Today the surrounding area is a public park famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, and the distinctive star shape is best appreciated from the nearby Goryokaku Tower, which offers panoramic views of the fortress and the city of Hakodate below.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIn front of Hakodate Station~In front of Hakodate Station800JPY
    Total800JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…