Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

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

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:20 Hotel Meet
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 11:30 Lunch
    • 13:45 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:20 Atomic Bomb Dome, disband

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had already traveled to many places around Japan, and Hiroshima was nearly the final stop of their trip. When I showed them the simple quick-reference Japanese phrase sheet that I always prepare, they remarked, "I wish we had had this at the very beginning of the tour." At a temple, I recited the Heart Sutra to wish the guests long life, and they were very pleased. Since both of the guests mentioned that their knees were not in the best condition, I chanted a mantra while gently rubbing the area with prayer beads I had bought in Asia, but this time they gave me a slightly uneasy look. It seems that getting a little too carried away with anything does not always lead to good results.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet: Nankai "Koyasan Station" (Cable Car)
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ①: Okunoin, Gobyo (Mausoleum)
    • 12:30 Lunch & Break
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ②: Daimon ~ Danjo Garan ~ Kongobuji Temple
    • 15:00 Tea & Break
    • 16:30 Disband: Nankai "Koyasan Station" (Cable Car)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests on this occasion were visitors from North America who were traveling in Japan for about a month, partly by cruise ship. Prior consultations about the itinerary were mainly conducted through one of the guests. Their destination was Mount Koya (Koyasan), and they seemed to have a deep interest in Japan's religious culture. After discussion, we decided to visit carefully so they could enjoy the atmosphere, covering "Okunoin and the Mausoleum" in the first half, and after lunch, "Kongobuji Temple, the Danjo Garan complex, and the Daimon Gate" in the second half. Just before the day of the tour, one of the guests sent a somewhat puzzling email asking, "Isn't the meeting point Koyasan Railroad Station?" which briefly alarmed me, but on the morning of the tour I received a message saying it had been a misunderstanding, and I was relieved. On the day, the heavy rain of the previous night had cleared into cloudy weather; although the humidity was high, there was hardly any sunshine, and we were able to enjoy an almost comfortable tour. In the first half, we traveled by bus to the entrance of Okunoin. On the way in at Okunoin, while viewing the vast array of tombstones including those of Warring States period warlords and countless historical figures, I explained the origins of Mount Koya and let the guests savor the atmosphere unique to a sacred site. On the way back, we walked a different route, passing along a path lined with tombstones of modern companies, organizations, and individuals, allowing them to feel the living reality of the faith in Kobo Daishi that continues to this day. The guests enjoyed the tranquility of Okunoin. After lunch and a rest, we returned by bus to the central area where the temples stand clustered together, and visited Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect. Along with the historic fusuma sliding-door paintings, we were able to take our time appreciating works of art by contemporary artists such as Hiroshi Senju. In front of the fusuma paintings of one contemporary artist, a monk was on hand to give an explanation, and we were able to hear detailed talks about the theme and origins of the paintings. I translated as much as possible into English to convey it to the guests, and this proved to be an invaluable experience for me as well. At the next stop, the Danjo Garan complex, the "Konpon Daito" great pagoda was especially impressive, and I had the guests view Kukai's "three-dimensional mandala." At the final stop, the Daimon Gate, we were unfortunately unable to see the spectacular view to the west due to the clouds, but they were able to appreciate that this is the place many worshippers have reached when making pilgrimages to this site since ancient times. In addition, one of the guests was interested in Japanese kimono fabrics and enjoyed searching for a favorite fabric at a shop along the way. If there was one issue with this Koyasan tour, it would be the confusing nature of Nankai Electric Railway's "World Heritage Ticket (Limited Express Rinkan)." This ticket is often used for sightseeing in Koyasan and is convenient because it also allows use of the buses within Koyasan, but the problem is that a reserved seat on the limited express between Osaka/Namba and Gokurakubashi is guaranteed only for the outbound trip, and for the return trip you must pay the limited express fare. The guests this time also insisted, "This ticket should guarantee a limited express ticket for the return trip as well," and pressed the station staff about it. Since this happened after the guiding had ended, I hesitated a little, but I checked the ticket and explained that "the return limited express fare is not guaranteed." The guests reluctantly paid on board, but did not seem convinced. I had also experienced this problem the first time I handled a Koyasan tour, and I have been wondering whether it might be worth making some kind of request to Nankai Electric Railway. The conductor, who was also at a loss, acknowledged the problem and lamented, "We have been requesting improvements through the union all along, but it just doesn't get resolved." If there is anything that [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could do about this, I would be grateful if some action could be taken.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station Front～Okunoin-mae610JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae～Kongobuji-mae270JPY
    Section 3BusKongobuji-mae～Koyasan Station460JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: JR Kyoto Station (Central Exit)
    • 09:10 Sightseeing ①: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:50 Sightseeing ②: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:10 Sightseeing ③: Nishiki Market
    • 12:30 Dismissal: Nishiki Market (West End)

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Africa on a trip to Japan. The guest was in Japan for about ten days as part of a company-organized tour that also included training, traveling together with the group. At the end of the tour, we briefly met the rest of the group at Nishiki Market just to say hello, and I learned that they preferred cycling tours and had spent the day separately. The itinerary was a "4-hour course" using public transportation. The initial requested destinations were Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market, but the travel distances were long, so planning the route was a bit challenging. However, when I sent a greeting email the day before, I received a reply saying, "I went to Arashiyama by myself today," so by dropping Arashiyama and visiting the remaining three locations, I was able to arrange the course comfortably within four hours. On the day, the temperature, which had finally started to fall, began to rise again, making it a slightly hot tour for late September. We made full use of JR, city buses, and the subway, and were able to move smoothly with almost no traffic congestion. Above all, it was fortunate that the guest was a strong walker who kept a quick pace. Although it was the guest's first visit to Japan, the guest had researched Japan well in advance and asked many questions, which made for a very pleasant guiding experience.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishinokyo-Enmachi230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi～Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 6SubwayKyoto～Shijo220JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Shinagawa Station Keikyu TIC
    • 10:50 Hamarikyu
    • 12:45 Midtown Hibiya
    • 13:50 Imperial Palace Nijubashi
    • 14:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:35 Disband at Harajuku Takeshita Street

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, the Imperial Palace, and Harajuku The guests arrived at Shinagawa earlier than the scheduled time, and after a brief meeting, we proceeded as planned to Hamarikyu Gardens, the Imperial Palace, and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. The weather was cloudy, and it drizzled lightly from time to time, but not enough to need an umbrella. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they relaxed at the teahouse on the island in the pond, enjoying matcha and sweets while we chatted about many things. Since they come from a tropical region, they had many questions about the plants. For the Imperial Palace, we went to Midtown Hibiya, which is recommended by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and took a break there, though I felt the view was not particularly impressive. We walked to Nijubashi Bridge, where I gave various explanations, and the guests showed great interest in Japan's long history. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed eating crepes and strawberries. When our time was up, they said they would be fine on their own from there, so we parted ways on Takeshita Street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Shimbashi167JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total554JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine

    Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kamakura Station
    • 11:00-11:30 Kamakura Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:00-13:00 Visit Hokokuji Temple and Jomyoji Temple
    • 13:30-14:40 Window shopping at Komachi-dori, lunch
    • 15:00-16:00. After visiting Kotokuin, travel by Enoden to Kamakura Station, then disband

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an elegant and lovely group from the Middle East. Since they enjoyed nature, I wanted to show them as much of Kamakura's greenery as possible, so we visited Hokoku-ji (the bamboo temple) and the Zen temple Jomyo-ji in the morning. They also seemed to enjoy the Dankazura promenade leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I was a little concerned about the meal, but they enjoyed soba noodles and were satisfied. The Great Buddha has no roof over it, yet it is magnificent, and they were delighted, saying they were glad to have seen it. They had apparently been walking a great deal on consecutive days (more than ever before), and although we had planned to visit one more place, at their request we finished 30 minutes early.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDaigakumae～Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 2TrainJomyoji～Hachimanmae220JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura Station～Hase Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainHase Station～Kamakura Station200JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meeting point: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 10:15 Tokyo Skytree
    • 3. 11:30 Asakusa
    • 4. 13:00 Light meal (Doutor Coffee Shop, Asakusa ROX branch)
    • 5. 13:30 Dismissal: Kappabashi Kitchen Town entrance

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Skytree and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan, having arrived the previous day, and they planned to travel to Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and other places after Tokyo, staying in Japan for about three weeks. The meeting time was originally set for 10:00, but while discussing the itinerary, it was changed to 9:30. On the day, I guided them to Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa. At Skytree, they marveled at the vastness of Tokyo, and in Asakusa they listened attentively to stories about history and religion. They took many photos and enjoyed themselves. The original plan was to visit the Kappabashi Kitchenware Street after Asakusa without stopping for lunch, but after seeing Asakusa, a request came up to take a short break. So we rested at a coffee shop and had a light meal. At that time, I explained how to explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street and how to get back to their hotel. I guided them to the entrance of Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi～Oshiage272JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Skytree～Asakusa157JPY
    Total429JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Granvia Kyoto　➡　Tofukuji by JR　➡　Gion by Keihan Railway　➡　Chion-in on foot　➡　Heian Shrine on foot　➡　Teramachi Street ~ Nishiki Market by taxi　➡　Disband at Nishiki Market

    What Are Some Quiet, Less-Crowded Spots for a Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests had requested during our earlier communication to be taken to quiet places with fewer tourists, I planned a route of Tofukuji Temple, Gion Shirakawa, Chion-in Temple, and Heian Shrine (Shinen Garden). Tofukuji Temple, which becomes crowded with visitors during the autumn foliage season, still had few people at this time, so the guests were able to fully enjoy the beauty of the greenery. They were also delighted to see a couple having pre-wedding photos taken. After that, at Chion-in Temple they were overwhelmed by the size of the main gate, and at Heian Shrine they were overwhelmed by the size of the large torii gate. Finally, they enjoyed shopping along Teramachi Street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 2TrainTofukuji～Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Total320JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Stay at Shitennoji & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Stay at Shitennoji & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet up
    • 10:00 ～ 11:40　Travel to and stay at Osaka Castle.
    • 11:40 ～ 12:00　Take the subway to Shitennoji.
    • 12:10 ～ 12:40　Stay at Shitennoji.
    • 12:40 ～ 13:00　Travel to Nipponbashi
    • 13:00 ～ 13:20　Kuromon Market
    • 13:20 ～ 14:00　Dotonbori
    • 14:00　Disband

    Osaka Castle and Kuromon Market: A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests contacted me shortly before the tour to say they were tired from a long flight and asked to push the start time back by 30 minutes to 10:00. The route entering from the Osakajokoen Station side, which is close to the Hotel, and then moving from the opposite Tanimachi-Yonchome side toward Nippombashi was one I had never taken before, but it turned out to be very convenient. Since the guests had purchased online tickets, we were able to enter smoothly, and one of the younger members of the group was let through without any need for age verification. At Osaka Castle, the guests enjoyed dressing up in Sengoku-era warrior costumes and I took many photos for them. They also liked the photos taken by a professional and purchased those. At Shitennoji Temple, I explained the temple grounds from the outside rather than entering the halls, and one of the guests, who likes animals, seemed especially fond of the turtle pond. At Kuromon Market, I thought we might just look around since it can be expensive, but the guests bought some shine muscat grapes and had skewers of Kobe beef grilled and enjoyed eating them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 2TrainShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo: Omiya Bonsai Art Museum & Toju-en

    Tokyo: Omiya Bonsai Art Museum & Toju-en

    Omiya Bonsai Village Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:35 Meet @ karaksa hotel TOKYO STATION
    • 11:30 @ Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Bonsai Restaurant Omiya
    • 13:45 @ Mansei-en
    • 14:15 @ Seiko-en
    • 14:40 @ Fuyo-en
    • 15:10 @ Toju-en
    • 15:40 Dismissal @ Omiya Station

    What Is a Private Bonsai Village Tour in Omiya (Saitama) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private tour for one guest visiting from Oceania. The guest shared that they grow a bougainvillea bonsai and a fig bonsai at home, and had signed up for this tour specifically to see Japanese bonsai. We had originally planned to take the 11:09 Utsunomiya Line train direct to Toro Station, but since we were able to meet earlier than scheduled at the hotel, we caught the earlier train departing at 10:49. We managed to get box seats, so during the roughly 40-minute ride we talked about houses and land prices in Tokyo, about Tsukiji, which the guest planned to visit the next day, differences in food between Japan and Oceania, and about our families. Upon arriving at Toro Station, I explained the history of the Bonsai Village as we first headed to the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. This week there was a special exhibition of precious bonsai, so the lobby and indoor displays were lined with magnificent shinpaku (Chinese juniper) and Japanese white pine bonsai that had been designated as precious bonsai by the Japan Bonsai Association. The guest said it was their first time seeing shinpaku, and was deeply moved by the branches and trunks with their striking jin and shari deadwood features. The special exhibition room featured a rare display of ukiyo-e woodblock prints devoted entirely to bonsai and potted plants, titled "The Great Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ukiyo-e Plants." The ukiyo-e prints of potted flowers packed densely onto a single sheet of paper were very beautiful, and the guest was delighted by them. In the bonsai garden, the guest was captivated by a maple bonsai with beautiful green leaves, a thousand-year-old Ezo spruce, and a Japanese black pine with an appealing multi-layered trunk surface. After lunch at the Omiya Bonsai Restaurant, we went to Mansei-en, which is known for its impressive large-scale bonsai. The guest was overwhelmed by the power of a shinpaku bonsai said to be 2,000 years old, and also said that a stone-planted hinoki cypress group planting that looked just like a forest was very beautiful. After visiting the Bonsai Four Seasons House and Seiko-en, we went to Fuyo-en. This is a bonsai garden known for its beautiful deciduous bonsai, including bougainvillea, which the guest also grows, as well as rare grape bonsai. The conversation flowed well with a craftsman at the bonsai garden who had visited Oceania 30 years ago. We were also delighted to learn that the beautiful purple flowering street trees blooming along the road were jacaranda. On the way back, we also stopped by Toju-en before arriving at Toro Station. We took the Utsunomiya Line direct from Toro Station to Tokyo Station, confirmed the exit at Tokyo Station, and I said goodbye as I got off at Omiya Station. Guiding this tour with a guest who loves bonsai was a very enjoyable time for me as well.

    Click here for more details: Omiya Bonsai Village Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station～Toro Station594JPY
    Section 2TrainToro Station～Omiya Station147JPY
    Total741JPY

    Tour Report by Miyuki

    Hello, my name is Miyuki. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter since 2019. I was born in Saitama, 30 km north of Tokyo. I have lived there until today. I like Japanese traditional culture. I love bonsai and work as a guide in the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. I am also learning the tea ceremony. Both bonsai and tea ceremonies make you feel relaxed and refreshed. I used to be a member of a Japanese archery club when I was a university student. Visiting shrines, temples and traditional gardens also makes me happy. You cannot miss eating Japanese food and sweets after visiting there. Let’s enjoy walking around Japan together!

    Hallo, mein Name ist Miyuki. Ich bin nationale anerkannte Reiseleiterin. Ich begleite Sie gerne durch Tokyo. Tokyo hat verschiedene Gesichter, mal traditionelle mal moderne. Da gibt es Shinto-Schreine, buddhistische Tempel, und typische japanische Gärten zu sehen, während man z. B. in Harajuku moderne Kultur und Mode erleben kann. Wollen wir zusammen bummeln und entdecken, was Tokyo ist!
    Ich empfehle Ihnen auch einen Besuch zum Omiya Bonsai Dorf. Da kann man sich allerlei Bonsai Bäume ansehen.
    Ich freue mich schon darauf, Sie zu sehen!

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    WolfgangSD
    Tripadvisor review: Omiya Bonsai Village Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour
    Miyuki-san was very knowlegdable and friendly, it was…

    Sep 15, 2025
    John B
    Fantastic tour of Bonsai Museum and nurseries with knowledgeable and friendly guide Miyuko
    Tripadvisor review: Private Omiya Bonsai Village Tour…

    Sep 30, 2024
    Resort01967483239
    Great experience, leant heaps
    Tripadvisor review: Private Omiya Bonsai Village Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was delightful, she was very friendly…

    Sep 20, 2024
    enriquels01
    Great prívate Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Everything was great!
    Miyuki was extremely nice and she…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 14:00 Disband at Meiji Shrine

    Title: What Is a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine For guests on their very first day in Japan, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide provided a private tour of Tokyo, beginning in Asakusa with a thorough explanation of Buddhism, temple architecture, and the origins of Edo. The guests asked about the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, and why temples do not have chairs and tables like churches, where people sit to listen to and carefully understand the teachings of Christ. Rather than giving a superficial answer such as "you do listen to sutras during zazen meditation," I explained that the Japanese view of Buddhism lies in devotion to the Buddha statues and the principal image of worship themselves, rather than in a linguistic understanding of scripture as in Christianity. At the Tsukiji outer market, the guests tried grilled chicken thigh skewers, and at the fish market they savored medium-fatty tuna nigiri, expressing admiration for the fresh ingredients unlike what they were used to at home. At Meiji Shrine, we gave an overview of the differences between Japan's Imperial family and royal families abroad.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Higashi-ginza0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

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

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

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

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
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    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

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    Had one day in Tokyo and…
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    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…