Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel 9:45 Fushimi Inari  11:25 Lunch (Kushikura) 13:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 14:20 Kinkaku-ji  15:45 Return to Hotel

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour for a Group Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of nine visiting Japan from North America. Because the group included small children, the tour was split between two vehicles. The tour started on one of the hottest days of the year. They were a very close-knit group, helping one another carry the strollers for the children. They requested yakitori for lunch. Since it was difficult to find a restaurant that could accommodate a group of nine, I made a reservation at a yakitori restaurant located above Oike on Takakura Street. The food seemed to be good, but the restaurant was extremely crowded, and the ordered items were slow to arrive. Even just gathering everyone's orders took a lot of time. Partly for this reason, the schedule became tight afterward, and we were unable to return to the Hotel by the planned time of 3:30. The group agreed to and paid the additional fee, and they did so graciously. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel Granvia Kyoto~Hotel Granvia Kyoto0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Intergate Kanazawa → Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple) → Ninja Weapon Museum → Omicho Market (lunch) → Gold Leaf Craft Tajima → Higashi Chaya District (Shima, etc.)

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour in Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since I had asked about their wishes in advance, I was able to guide them in a way that matched their interests. Because we could not be late for Myoryuji Temple, we arrived early, so we strolled around nearby temples and shrines. Using examples such as visiting ancestors' graves during Obon and wedding ceremonies, I gave a simple explanation of Buddhism and Shinto. Myoryuji Temple has various hidden mechanisms, which they seemed to enjoy. Afterward, at the ninja weapons museum, they had fun trying out shuriken throwing and looking at real weapons. After lunch at Omicho, I showed them around the market a little, and each of them experienced applying gold leaf. At the Higashi Chaya district, I guided them through Shima and the Higashi Chaya district, and we parted ways there. They truly enjoyed every one of the places we visited.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassWithin Kanazawa City~Within Kanazawa City800JPY
    Total800JPY

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at The Westin Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 Akihabara
    • 3. 12:15 Tsukiji
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch (Tsukiji Sushisei Tsukiji Shinkan)
    • 5. 14:00 Harajuku
    • 6. 15:30 Shibuya
    • 7. 16:00 Disband at Shibuya Station Taxi Stand

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Modern Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akihabara, Tsukiji, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. After traveling to other parts of Asia, they had arrived in Japan the previous day. They were staying in Japan for about a week and planned to head to Kyoto the next day. Since they intended to see shrines and temples in Kyoto, they wanted to explore other kinds of places in Tokyo, so I focused the tour on modern spots such as Akihabara, Tsukiji, Harajuku, and Shibuya. They did not do much shopping, but they enjoyed looking at a variety of shops with great interest at each location. At lunch, one of the guests stayed in the restroom for a long time after ordering and had not come out even after the rest of the group had finished eating. I became concerned and asked, and I learned that they had eaten sukiyaki for dinner the night before, with some meat that had not been cooked thoroughly, and their stomach was a little upset. Since we were able to stay in touch by smartphone with the guest in the restroom, part of the group and I set off for Harajuku first by subway, while the others followed later by taxi. We were able to meet up safely in Harajuku, the guest seemed to be feeling fine, and we did not need to stop at a restroom for the rest of the tour. The guests planned to return to their accommodation by taxi on their own, so I guided them to the taxi stand at Shibuya Station and we parted ways there. Although there was an unexpected turn of events, the guests seemed satisfied with the tour, and we said goodbye with a hug at the end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassEbisu~Akihabara600JPY
    Section 2Free PassAkihabara~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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!

    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…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Annex meet up
    • 10:50 Osaka Castle
    • 13:20 Dotonbori
    • 14:00 Disband in front of Dotonbori Kani Doraku

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for a Group Visiting Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Today was an intense heatwave at 34 degrees Celsius, so I imagine it was quite tough for the guests. We first headed to Osaka Castle, and since some of the guests had difficulty with long walking, we used an electric car. The elevator inside the building was currently under repair, so we had to go up and down entirely on foot, which I felt bad about. We proceeded little by little, resting on the chairs provided for breaks on the way up. They showed great interest in the history and the exhibits and took their time to look at everything carefully, which was wonderful. After that, we took a taxi and headed to Dotonbori. I believe they were delighted by the lively streetscape.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet up @ Matsuishi Shijo Hostel
    • 2. 9:00 @ Ryoanji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 @ Ginkakuji Temple
    • 4. 11:30 @ Philosopher's Path
    • 5. 12:30 @ Nanzenji Temple Sanmon Gate
    • 6. 14:00 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were well versed in Japanese culture. They had made a careful plan and decided in advance where they wanted to go, and they listened attentively to my explanations, which I greatly appreciated. They wished to walk the Philosopher's Path on their own, but toward the end of the tour they seemed rather tired, and when we parted at Nishiki Market they mentioned they would find somewhere to sit and rest. This tour, in the heat, made me reflect on how difficult it is to balance taking guests to the places they want to visit with arranging appropriate breaks. As we said goodbye, they told me they had enjoyed it very much and that my explanations had been thorough.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo Omiya~Ryoanji Temple250JPY
    Section 2TrainRyoanji Temple~Kitano Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano Hakubaicho~Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station, Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 2: 10:10 @ Nijo Castle
    • 3.11:20 @ Viewing Naginata Hoko on Oike Street
    • 4.12:10 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 5.13:30 Lunch @ Yoshiya, Oku no Niwa (Arashiyama Station)
    • 6. 14:40 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 7.15:10 @ Bamboo Grove Path
    • 8. 15:50 @ Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 9. 17:40 Disband @ Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit

    Can You See the Gion Matsuri on a Private Kyoto Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report I met and guided guests who arrived in Kyoto by bullet train from a cruise ship that had docked in Kobe, welcoming them at Kyoto Station. The guests were a group from North America, including some who came from another part of the region. They knew that the Gion Matsuri pre-festival procession was taking place that day and expressed a wish to see it if possible. Since their arrival in Kyoto was scheduled to be late (their booking time was 10:30) and there would be traffic restrictions, I had told them in advance that it would likely be difficult. However, they arrived in Kyoto 30 minutes earlier than expected, and the driver showed them the live broadcast on the in-car television and mentioned that around 11:00 it might be possible to see the procession on Oike Street. So I began the itinerary at Nijo Castle, which is near Oike Street, and guided them through Nijo Castle while keeping an eye on the time. After visiting Nijo Castle, I had the guests walk a short distance, and we were able to see the Naginata-boko float procession on Oike Street. For lunch, since one of the guests requested a certain dietary preference, I had made a reservation in advance at a restaurant in Arashiyama. I could only book it for 14:00, but when I called after visiting Kinkaku-ji, they were kind enough to move the lunch earlier. In Arashiyama, the guests also wished to visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park, so I proposed extending the tour. They happily agreed, and overall they were very satisfied.

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Lobby
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 12:00 Galaxy Harajuku
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Nana
    • 15:00 Asakusa
    • 16:30 Dismissal @ Itoya (Ginza)

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. Since the day of the tour was their only chance to sightsee in Tokyo for a full day, I guided them to the major attractions. Considering the possibility of extreme heat that day, I planned a relaxed schedule with room for breaks. The guests showed little interest in shopping and did not need many breaks, so we finished visiting Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street earlier than planned. Since there was more than 30 minutes before lunch, I asked about their interests, and when they showed interest in the teamLab exhibit at Galaxy Harajuku in Harakado, I took them there. The guests had a rather mature impression, but they seemed to really enjoy Galaxy Harajuku, staying until it was time to move on. After sightseeing in Asakusa, they said they wanted to shop in Ginza, so I recommended several places and parted with them in front of a stationery store. They plan to join a Mount Fuji and Hakone tour the next day, so I hope they will be able to see Mount Fuji. I introduced the 24-hour metro ticket, but the guests already had a Welcome Suica and wanted to become comfortable using it during the tour, so they did not purchase the 24-hour ticket. Thank you very much. This was the first time I printed and used visual aid images during the tour. The guests especially liked the image that briefly explained Japanese history, praising it as very easy to understand, and they even asked to see it again during lunch. I did not create it myself, but I was happy to receive such praise. Thank you for providing such wonderful materials.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Total830JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel-9:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens-11:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-11:45 Meiji Shrine-12:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:45 Tokyo Station-13:10 Disband at Tokyo Station

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour with Taxi Transfers Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from North America. Although the tour had originally been planned for the whole group, some of them were a little tired and were resting at the hotel, so the tour started with just some of the guests. Since they wanted to move between each destination as efficiently as possible within four hours, we traveled by hailing taxis along the way. The main purpose of this tour became checking where to take the rest of the group in the afternoon once this tour was over. They especially wanted to bring the younger members of the group to the Harajuku area and Takeshita Street, and it seems that purpose was well accomplished.

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 10:10 Travel: Train
    • 3. 11:05 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Stay @ Harajuku
    • 5. 12:20 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 12:55 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 7. 13:30 Lunch @ Uotsuki, Stay @ Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 8. 14:45 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 15:15 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 10. 15:50 Disband @ Senso-ji

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Although there was little communication beforehand, once they replied via a messaging app the day before, we were able to keep in touch smoothly. We decided which spots to visit on the day itself, after discussing with the representative of the group. Meiji Shrine was somewhat cooler than the other spots, and I felt it was a fitting place to start the tour. Next, I guided them to Tsukiji, partly as a place for lunch, but upon arriving we learned that they had already visited the day before. For that reason, I made an effort to share some more unusual stories so the content would not overlap, and for lunch I chose a Japanese restaurant rather than sushi. Since they had not yet visited Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, I explained it in a little more detail. Because we spent a bit longer at Tsukiji, in Asakusa I kept the explanation focused mainly on Nakamise Street. After guiding them through Senso-ji Temple, I had intended to see them off at their hotel, but since they wished to stay a little longer, we parted ways there at Senso-ji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi Station~Harajuku Station320JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station~Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station210JPY
    Total740JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 8:50 Nijo Castle
    • 10:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Mikami Shrine, Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:20 Lunch in Arashiyama
    • 13:30 While driving along Shijo Street, introduced the floats lined up for the Yoiyama of the Gion Festival
    • 14:10 Fushimi Inari Shrine. The car service ends here. The customer requested, "I'd like to go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple next, could you guide us there too?" and I agreed.
    • 15:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:10 Guide finished. Since I went over the guiding time by one hour, I received 4,000 yen from the customer. They said, "Hideharu, you are an Excellent Guide. It was wonderful. Thank you!" and we parted.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Guided Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report We first visited Nijo Castle. The Ninomaru Palace was closed, but I guided the group through the East Gate, the Karamon Gate, and the gardens, explaining that it served as both a castle and a palace designed to welcome the Emperor. At Kinkaku-ji, although rain had been forecast, faint sunlight came through, and the guests were deeply moved by the sight of the temple shining in gold. When I mentioned that in my student days I had come here in despair, thinking of throwing myself into the water, the reaction was, "Oh my God, but you're alive!" — met with surprise and laughter. I then guided the group to Mikami Shrine, the Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. At Mikami Shrine, one of the guests remarked, "I should have come to pray here much sooner," which made everyone laugh. We headed by car toward Fushimi Inari Shrine, but the driver said, "The roads are clear, so we might be able to see the Gion Festival floats," and took us along Shijo Street. There I introduced the festival floats one by one. One of the guests said, "We might come back at night." Once we arrived at Fushimi Inari Shrine, the car service ended. The guests then asked, "We'd like to visit Kiyomizu-dera next, so could you continue guiding us? We'll pay the additional guide fee directly to the guide," and I agreed. I guided them to Kiyomizu-dera, where everyone drank the wish-granting water at the Otowa Waterfall and were delighted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainFushimi Inari~Higashiyama Gojo220JPY
    Total220JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
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    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

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    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

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    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

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