Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kyoto Station Skywalk

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kyoto Station Skywalk

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hotel (Hotel)
    • 12:00-12:50 Travel; Kyoto Station→Arashiyama (Karasuma Line; Kyoto Station→Karasuma Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Karasuma Shijo→Arashiyama)
    • 12:50-13:50 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji/Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 13:50-14:10 Travel (Taxi; Bamboo Grove exit→Otagi Nenbutsu-ji)
    • 14:10-15:00 Visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
    • 15:00-15:30 Travel (Taxi; Otagi Nenbutsu-ji→Ryoan-ji)
    • 15:30:16:10 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • 16:10-16:20 Travel (City Bus Ryoan-ji→Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 16:20-17:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 17:00-17:30 Travel (City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi→Kyoto Station)
    • 17:30-18:00 Stroll around Kyoto Station Skywalk
    • 18:00 Say goodbye at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first trip to Japan, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they came on to Kyoto. In particular, they wished to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, located deep beyond Arashiyama. Since access to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is inconvenient, we proceeded with the tour using a taxi for transportation. They were able to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji as they had hoped, and they seemed very satisfied. They also appeared to enjoy Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji afterward. As we had a little time left over, they enjoyed strolling through the Skywalk at Kyoto Station. I believe they had a wonderful time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Station~Karasuma Shijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma Shijo~Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3OtherArashiyama Bamboo Grove exit~Otagi Nenbutsu-ji0JPY
    Section 4OtherOtagi Nenbutsu-ji~Ryoan-ji0JPY
    Section 5BusRyoan-ji~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total920JPY

    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 !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:15 Meet up @Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza
    • 2. 10:00 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 11:15 @Yasaka Pagoda
    • 4. 12:30 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 5. 13:30 Lunch @Henko
    • 6. 14:30 @Gion
    • 7. 14:45 Disband @Pontocho

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who had visited Japan several times, together with members of the group who were visiting Japan for the first time. We walked from Kiyomizu-dera to the Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Shrine, and I had understood that shopping and snacking along the way would be part of the fun, but things turned out a little differently. The request for the tour content had come from one member of the group, while some of the guests were scheduled to return home the next day and no longer needed to shop. As a result, the group often ended up scattered, which made things a bit challenging. After Yasaka Shrine, at their request we had lunch at a soba restaurant. The service was not very good, so I decided I would not use that restaurant again. My usual place was closed, so I had the guests choose a restaurant based only on its atmosphere, but despite the relatively high prices the food was not particularly impressive. It reminded me that I need to explore and sample food at more places to gather better information. The guests, however, said the meal was delicious and enjoyed it. I guided them to Pontocho, where we parted ways and took commemorative photos.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi~Gojozaka230JPY
    Total230JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @Hotel It Osaka Shinmachi
    • 13:45-15:00 @Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 15:40-16:40 @Shitennoji Temple
    • 17:00 Disband @Harukas Garden

    Can You Do a Private Osaka Tour Right After Hotel Arrival? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who had booked their tour through a travel agency. Because their flight was delayed en route, they missed their connecting flight to Japan, stayed overnight along the way, and arrived in Osaka only on the morning of the tour. I felt sorry that the tour had to start right after they reached the Hotel, but it was a celebratory trip for the group, and one of the guests, who loved photography, kept getting absorbed in taking pictures here and there. The rest of the group treated it as usual and did not mind at all, and it turned into a fun tour with a warm and close-knit group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishinagahori Station~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 @Meet (Westin)
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:45 Nijubashi/Sakuradamon
    • 12:30 @Shibuya
    • 13:00 Lunch @Nana
    • 14:15 @Dismiss (Westin)

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. Since they were boarding a cruise ship the following day, they intentionally chose not to purchase an IC card and bought individual tickets each time instead. There were occasional differences of opinion within the group, which I was slightly concerned about, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves at lunch, so I was reassured. This tour was arranged through a local travel agency as an intermediary, so I was unable to communicate with the guests before the day itself and could not take them to every place they had hoped to visit, but I believe they were satisfied. Part of the group wanted to visit Golden Gai, while another felt it was best not to overdo it since the cruise began the next day, and there was some disagreement about this. Instead of Golden Gai, I guided them to Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya and the Shibuya Yokocho at Miyashita Park. It seems to have started raining during lunch, but I was able to see the guests off to their Hotel without them getting wet by keeping to indoor routes. I hope they enjoy their cruise starting the next day in good spirits.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakuradamon~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Ebisu150JPY
    Total690JPY

    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.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    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…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:12 Depart Hakata Station JR
    • 10:32 Arrive Kido Nanzoin
    • 11:54 Depart Kido Nanzoin
    • 12:20 Arrive Hakata Station  Buy lunch at Hakata Hankyu
    • 12:40 Lunch At Hakata Station observation deck
    • 13:10 Depart Hakata Station observation deck Espresso specialty shop
    • 13:30 Arrive Jotenji Temple
    • 13:50 Arrive Tochoji Temple
    • 14:20 Arrive Kushida Shrine
    • 14:45 Nakasu Kawabata Arcade Street
    • 15:00 Arrive Hakata Riverain
    • 15:15 Depart Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station
    • 15:20 Arrive Tenjin Subway Station Stroll through Tenjin Underground Mall Daimaru
    • 15:45 Disband at Tenjin Underground Mall

    What Is a Private Fukuoka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very interested in Japanese culture. They were very active and strong walkers. At the end, they said the highlight had been Nanzoin Temple. They seemed captivated by Japan's natural scenery. For lunch, they bought what they wanted to eat at a department store food hall and ate it on the rooftop. They enjoyed this more than going into a restaurant. After lunch, they said they wanted an espresso, so I took them to a specialty shop, and they were satisfied. At Hakata Riverain, at a specialty wine shop, they were delighted to find wine from Europe that was "much cheaper than buying it back home." At a souvenir shop in a traditional Hakata townhouse, they purchased a Hakata-ori folding fan and a business card holder.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakata Station~Kido Nanzoin-mae380JPY
    Section 2TrainKido Nanzoin-mae~Hakata Station380JPY
    Section 3SubwayNakasu-Kawabata~Fukuoka Tenjin210JPY
    Total970JPY

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Sep 25, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Amazing Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sasuke, was very prepared and…

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

  • Kyoto: To-ji Temple & Daiun-ji Temple

    Kyoto: To-ji Temple & Daiun-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel
    • 8:45-9:45 To-ji Temple
    • 10:15-11:00 Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
    • 11:15-12:00 (Lunch)
    • 12:30-13:30 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
    • 13:45-14:30 Nijo Castle (Honmaru Palace)
    • 15:00-15:30 Daiun-ji Temple (Gion-kaku)
    • 16:00 Arrive at hotel
    • Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (east of Sanjusangendo)

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The group were guests visiting from North America. It was the first day of their five-day stay in Kyoto, and their request was: "Please take us somewhere unique, off the beaten path." So I incorporated the "Honmaru Palace" at Nijo Castle, which reopened this September 1st for the first time in 18 years, and "Daiun-in Gion-kaku," which is open only for a period of just under three months for the first time in six years. The guests were very pleased with these choices. In the morning, to let them experience the difference between state Buddhism (a huge main hall enshrining a large Buddhist statue) and popular Buddhism (a huge main hall able to accommodate around a thousand worshippers), I set a course from To-ji Temple to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple. At Nishi Hongan-ji, photography was freely permitted inside the main hall and the Founder's Hall (though visitors were asked to avoid photographing other worshippers as much as possible), so the guests took many photos.

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet up @ Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 09:35 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:05 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:15 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:40 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 12:45 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:00 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 13:05 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens and Meiji Shrine The email address the guests had registered turned out to be a work account, so it was somewhat difficult to reach them just before the tour, but we were able to meet on time without any trouble. Originally I had planned to guide the group through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and then Tokyo Tower, but since I learned that one of the guests was experiencing back pain and found long walks difficult, we discussed it and decided to visit Meiji Shrine instead, as it involves fewer slopes. Even so, at the East Gardens we were able to make our way all the way to the Honmaru area. The guests said they would have lunch in Shibuya and that guiding would be fine to conclude at that point, so I showed them the platform for the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for their return trip and ended the tour at the Scramble Crossing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza Station~Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station180JPY
    Total570JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Yakushiji Temple

    Kyoto: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Yakushiji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 11:15-11:30 Nara Park
    • 11:45-12:30 (Lunch)
    • 12:45-13:45 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
    • 14:00-14:30 Naramachi (Nigiwai no Ie)
    • 15:00-16:00 Yakushiji Temple
    • 17:00 Arrive at hotel
    • *Hotel: Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and were currently based in North America. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day trip by car from a hotel in Kyoto to Nara. The itinerary included Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, the Naramachi district (Nigiwai no Ie), and Yakushiji Temple. Because the five-story pagoda at Kofukuji Temple is currently covered for restoration and can no longer be seen, I have recently been including Yakushiji Temple in the itinerary as an alternative. For lunch I had wanted to take the guests to a chaya restaurant at Yumekaze Hiroba, but since it happened to be closed that day, we changed to an udon restaurant located further back. Fortunately there was a "mini inari sushi set" on the side menu, so I recommended it, and the guests enjoyed it so much that they ordered an extra plate. Overall, I believe it was a thoroughly satisfying day.

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at the hotel. By bus in front of the hotel to Yunessun. Transfer, by bus, as assistance for tomorrow's own activities. Get off in front of the Hakone Open-Air Museum. After guiding to the location, by train to Gora. Guide to the taxi area. After that, cable car, Sounzan, ropeway, Owakudani sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Black egg tasting. Ropeway, Togendai. 12:40 pirate ship. 13:05 disembark at Hakonemachi Port. Since it is near the hotel, afterwards they said they would stroll freely around the area, so they requested to end here. 13:15 dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like After a Cruise Arrival in Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived on a cruise that ended in Yokohama Port. They loved taking photos everywhere, and I often ended up being the one photographed, so I actually had fewer chances to take pictures of the guests themselves. The guests were longtime friends who had also worked together and were now enjoying their retirement together. One of them had difficulty walking and moved quite slowly. Since they very much wanted to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Glass Forest the following day, I first accompanied them along the route from the Hotel, and recommended using a taxi from Gora Station for the Glass Forest. After they agreed, we moved on to today's theme: the ropeway and the pirate ship. Given the walking condition, I judged that Hakone Shrine would be difficult, and the guests agreed. I also purchased the Hakone Free Pass myself and exchanged it for cash on site. We finished a little early, but this was at the guests' request, and I received warm words of thanks from them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdawara Station~Odawara Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari

    Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 10:30-11:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:15-13:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch, Higashiyama Walk
    • 14:30-15:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 17:00 Arrive at hotel
    • Hotel: Hotel (Kintetsu Abenobashi Station Building)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of them had business ties with a company in Nagoya and had visited Japan several times before, while it was the first visit to Japan for the other. Their accommodation was on an upper floor of Abeno Harukas, a 300-meter-tall building in Osaka, where the lobby is on the 19th floor and offers a view looking down on Tsutenkaku Tower. (Given that view, taking them to Tsutenkaku itself might have felt underwhelming.) The tour followed a classic itinerary, covering the following spots: – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Higashiyama area – Fushimi Inari Shrine Although it was mid-September, the weather was still far too hot, which made the day quite tough. Overall, the guests enjoyed the tour very much.

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.