Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:10 Meet up @ Hotel Otemachi
    • 2. 10:10 Travel: On foot
    • 3. 10:25 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:50 Travel: Train
    • 5. 12:10 Stay @ Tokyo National Museum
    • 6. 13:45 Disband @ JR Ueno Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno At the scheduled meeting time, the guests did not appear, which made me quite anxious. In the end, they came down to the lobby ten minutes late, explaining that it had taken some time to decide what to wear based on the weather. I did wish that they had replied to my email or messaging app. This was the second time this month that I guided guests from Europe who were staying at the same accommodation and had chosen the Tokyo National Museum as their desired destination, which I found interesting. Compared with the previous guests, their English had a bit of an accent, and one of the guests in particular asked many questions, so answering them was demanding. In other words, I believe they had a strong interest in Japanese culture and history. The guests apparently had plans to meet up with others after the tour, so following the visit to the Tokyo National Museum, we parted ways a little earlier in front of Ueno Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station~Ueno Station170JPY
    Total170JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel→Meiji Shrine→Shibuya→Tsukiji/Breakfast→Akihabara→Asakusa→15:00 Hongo-sanchome

    What Does a Standard Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. I proposed a standard course covering Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tsukiji, and Asakusa, and they agreed. During the tour I learned that they were also interested in manga and anime, so I added a stop in Akihabara, which lies on the way from Tsukiji to Asakusa. I guided them to the card section on the 9th floor of the Radio Kaikan building, where they found the Magic cards they had been looking for and were very pleased. From that point, their reactions grew even more enthusiastic. At Tsukiji, since one of the guests could not eat raw fish, I guided them to the cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the Odawara building (one of the guests had a tuna bowl and remarked that the flavor was completely different from back home, while another had katsu curry). By the time we finished at Asakusa, it was already past the scheduled 2:00 end time, so instead of taking them all the way to their hotel, I accompanied them as far as Hongo-sanchome along the way, explained their return route, and said goodbye. The photo is of the Shibuya crossing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Hamamatsucho210JPY
    Section 5SubwayDaimon~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 6SubwayTsukiji Market~Daimon180JPY
    Section 7TrainHamamatsucho~Akihabara170JPY
    Section 8SubwaySuehirocho~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 9SubwayAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji180JPY
    Section 10SubwayUeno-okachimachi~Hongo-sanchome180JPY
    Total1,760JPY

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @ Himeji Port
    • 2. 11:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 3. 14:20 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 4. 15:30 Disband @ Gyoza no Ohsho Himeji Station Front Branch

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like from Himeji Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Some of the guests had been to Japan several times before, while it was the first visit to Japan for the others. Getting from Himeji Port to Himeji Castle is always a challenge. The reason is that the "shuttle bus" arranged by operators costs as much as 20 dollars per person, so few people use it, and today there was a long line at the taxi stand as well. Even when I called the taxi company I usually rely on, they said they were fully booked today. Looking around, I noticed a jumbo taxi parked nearby. When I asked, they said they could take us to Himeji Castle for 6,000 yen. So we used the taxi with a total of nine people, including three acquaintances of the guests. This taxi had actually come to pick up a customer who was supposed to go to Enkyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha, but that customer never showed up. Thanks to that, we were able to get to Himeji Castle without any wait. At Himeji Castle, we took photos while sightseeing. The group tended to spread out and were not always together, and sometimes the guide's explanations were not heard (some of the guests did not understand English). In any case, the sightseeing took quite a lot of time. After touring Himeji Castle, we rested for a while in the shade while eating ice cream, and then continued on to Koko-en Garden. Everyone said Koko-en was beautiful and enjoyed it very much. After touring Koko-en Garden, the guests said they were hungry, so we took a taxi to Himeji Station and I brought them to a nearby restaurant to conclude the tour. Everyone was very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Himeji Station Front] Station~[Shinki Bus Himeji Port] Station310JPY
    Total310JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Himeji Station → Kokoen Garden (+ lunch) → Miyuki-dori → Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests came from North America on a cruise. They mentioned that they had visited Osaka Castle the day before, and since climbing up Himeji Castle would be tiring, I guided them to Koko-en Garden instead. They seemed to enjoy photography and had a wonderful time taking pictures in the various gardens. It happened to be feeding time for the carp, so they were able to get many great photo opportunities. For lunch, they enjoyed a grilled eel set meal at the restaurant inside Koko-en. They wanted to visit Miyuki-dori, so on the way back they also enjoyed some shopping. When we arrived at the station, there were still 20 minutes left, but they said they were tired, so we parted ways there.

    Hi there, I’m Yuka. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I live in an onsen (hot spring) town in Hyogo prefecture. When I was working at Narita international airport as well as living in Bangkok Thailand for about 10 years, I really loved talking with people from various countries. After I came back to Japan, I got interested in guiding my beautiful country to people from abroad then I got the national guide license. I’m now working as a tour leader visiting mainly Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Himeji and Kyoto for about 2 years. I’d like to introduce my country to you as your local friend in Japan. Hope to see you soon.

    Mar 19, 2026
    dennisfH6016XT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tolle Tour mit einer grosartigen Guide
    Yuka ist eine sehr freundliche und…

  • Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Nigatsudo Hall

    Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Nigatsudo Hall

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet In front of Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 10:45 to 11:30 Kofukuji Temple
    • 12:00 to 12:50 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:20 to 14:15 Todaiji Temple
    • 14:30 to 15:00 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 15:30 Disband  In front of Kintetsu Nara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Park Day Tour Like in Late September? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today came from North America, a region they said is much cooler than Japan. They had arrived in Japan a week earlier, visiting Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and reached Nara this morning. Even though it was late September, they were struggling with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. They mentioned that although the last two or three days had become slightly cooler, it was still hot. After finishing the popular spots in Nara Park, we had planned to visit the Heijo Palace Site, but the guests said they were tired and wanted to return to the Hotel early, so we ended the tour one hour ahead of schedule.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNara Kotsu Bus In front of Todaiji Daibutsuden~Nara Kotsu Bus In front of Kintetsu Nara Station100JPY
    Total100JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Otemae Park

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Otemae Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet at Himeji Port
    • 10:10 Sightseeing at Himeji Castle
    • 12:20 Move to Kokoen Garden, stroll
    • 13:00 Ice cream shop
    • 13:30 Otemae Park, stroll
    • 13:50 Disband at Otemae Park

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were cruise passengers whose ship had docked at Himeji Port the previous day, visiting from North America. We met at the port and took a taxi to Himeji Castle, then moved on to Koko-en Garden. One of the guests eagerly took many photos with their own camera, and they were especially delighted when I took them to a spot at the main keep of Himeji Castle where the shachi ornaments could be seen up close. They took many photos at Koko-en Garden as well, and after leaving the garden, we stopped for a short break at a shop specializing in matcha soft-serve ice cream. Afterwards, we strolled through Otemae Park, where an event was being held, before parting ways.

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 5:15 Toyosu Market Seafood Wholesale Building – Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market Breakfast at Itadori Bekkan (guests only)
    • 8:30 Dismissal at Hotel

    What Is a Private Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group visiting from North America. When they signed up for this tour, they asked to enter the lottery for the "Tuna Auction Viewing Tour" at Toyosu Market, and, for better or worse, they were selected. Even so, before the auction began, I showed and explained the scene of the wholesalers inspecting the tuna before joining the tour. The English-speaking volunteer explainer at the market lacked both knowledge and English ability, so I ended up interpreting the Japanese explainer's talk, but since the surroundings were noisy, we eventually went up to the general viewing deck. Since the guests wanted to eat sushi for breakfast, we skipped the produce building and headed to Tsukiji. Luckily there were two open seats at a restaurant, so I seated the guests and helped with the order while I waited outside.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel meet-up
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:30 Atomic Bomb Dome – Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on a family trip. They were very cheerful and seemed happy throughout the day. At Miyajima, they enjoyed interacting with the deer and touching the stone statues. I also guided them to the tourist information center on Miyajima, where there is a water server that provides free drinking water to refill bottles. The guests were carrying a total of seven water bottles, so they were delighted to be able to refill them for free. Since all of the guests had Suica cards, we were able to make transfers and get around quite smoothly, even amid the large crowds during the three-day holiday weekend. As is always the case, the smiles faded after viewing the Peace Memorial Museum at the Peace Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae~Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path & Fushimi Inari

    Osaka in One Day: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:45 Meeting point: In front of Osaka Port Tempozan Cruise Ship Terminal
    • 08:50 Travel to Arashiyama, Kyoto
    • 10:30 Sightseeing ①: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ②: Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 11:35 Travel to Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ③: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:40 Travel to lunch location・Lunch
    • 13:50 Sightseeing ④: Stroll around Gion
    • 14:30 Travel to Fushimi Inari
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ⑤: Fushimi Inari
    • 15:40 Travel to Osaka・Tempozan
    • 17:00 Arrive at Osaka・Tempozan・Dismissal

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto by Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan by cruise ship from North America. Regarding the planning of the itinerary in Kyoto, prior communication was handled with the leader of the group. The cruise ship stayed in Osaka for two days; on the first day the guests completed sightseeing within Osaka city, and the tour I was in charge of was "Depart from Osaka ⇒ Sightseeing in Kyoto ⇒ Arrive in Osaka." This course was scheduled for eight hours, but since the round trip between Osaka and Kyoto alone takes more than two hours, actual sightseeing time in Kyoto was expected to be about five hours and thirty minutes. However, since we traveled by private vehicle, transfers could be made smoothly as long as traffic conditions were not bad, so I accommodated the guests' wishes as much as possible, and the initial plan became a bit full: "Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge) ⇒ Kinkaku-ji ⇒ Nishiki Market and lunch ⇒ Gion ⇒ Fushimi Inari." On the day, although the sun came out at times, the weather was mostly cloudy throughout the day, and compared with an earlier period, it was a tour under more comfortable conditions. I arrived at Tempozan in Osaka thirty minutes early, and five minutes later the private vehicle arrived, and I confirmed the outline of the itinerary with the driver. After that, as soon as I held up the welcome board in front of the cruise terminal building, the guests appeared and we met up. As soon as we exchanged greetings, they boarded the private vehicle, and it was a very smooth start. Since it was more than an hour until we reached Arashiyama in Kyoto, in the car, in addition to introducing the driver and giving my own self-introduction as the guide, I asked the guests to introduce themselves as well. Thanks to these self-introductions, we came to understand each other well, and I was able to start the tour in a very open and friendly atmosphere, including talk about families. In the car, of course, I took my time explaining the overall flow of the tour, the characteristics of the places we would visit, the history and features of Japanese religions (Shinto and Buddhism), and Japanese history (especially the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods). Some of the guests had studied a great deal before visiting Japan, and questions came up very actively, so I answered each one carefully and helped them learn the basics. After arriving in Kyoto, I made full use of the advantages of the private vehicle and proceeded as efficiently as possible while consulting with the driver. This was because, as I only learned once we started sightseeing in Kyoto, some of the guests could only walk very slowly. For that reason, since "Nishiki Market," which had been planned initially, was expected to be crowded, at the guests' request we canceled it and proceeded with the rest of the sightseeing at a relaxed pace. Also, the final destination, "Fushimi Inari," has many stairs, which was difficult for some of the guests, so we finished after visiting up to the main shrine. It was a long eight-hour tour, and toward the end the guests looked tired, so on the way back to Tempozan in Osaka I refrained from giving explanations in the car, but the guests did not sleep and the conversation continued without pause. I was a little tired as well, but I was able to provide a very pleasant guiding experience.

    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: Gion & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 (Hotel) Meet
    • 7:00-7:30 Stroll around Gion
    • 7:30-8:00 Travel (Keihan Electric Railway; Gion-Shijo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 8:00-8:50 Stroll around Fushimi Inari
    • 8:50-9:30 Travel (Keihan Electric Railway; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, Subway Tozai Line; Sanjo → Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:30-10:30 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel (City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 11:00-11:40 Visit Kinkakuji
    • 11:40-12:00 Travel (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi → Karasuma Imadegawa)
    • 12:00-12:40 Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:40-13:00 Travel (City Bus; Karasuma Imadegawa → Keihan Shijo)
    • 13:00 Farewell at the hotel

    Title: What Is an Early-Morning Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Asia. Although the tour started early in the morning, this actually made it easier to get around before it became hot. We visited Gion, Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The guest especially liked Nijo Castle, followed by Kinkaku-ji. The guest mentioned that opportunities to go inside the buildings at such sightseeing spots are rare where they are from, so being able to see the interior of Nijo Castle was greatly appreciated. I hope that in summer, these sightseeing facilities might open earlier so visitors can tour them before it gets hot.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwayKeihan Sanjo~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Karasuma Imadegawa230JPY
    Section 6BusKarasuma Imadegawa~Keihan Shijo230JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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