Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 10:00-10:45 Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:15-12:15 Shinsekai・Tsutenkaku
    • 12:15-13:00 Lunch (Rice Ball Restaurant)
    • 13:30-14:45 Osaka Castle
    • 15:15-15:45 (Break at a cafe)
    • 16:00-17:00 Umeda Sky Building
    • 17:30 Arrive at hotel
    • Hotel: Hotel Nambanaka (just south of Namba Parks)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Tsutenkaku, and Osaka Castle The guests were visitors from North America. (The attached photo was taken on the rooftop of the Umeda Sky Building.) The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private one-day tour of Osaka covered the following: – Sumiyoshi Taisha – Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku – Osaka Castle – Umeda Sky Building The guests were very pleased with the tour overall. It was extremely hot on this day, and in particular the route from the Osaka Castle main keep to Osakajokoen Station is quite long with little shade, so as planned we took a break at a café along the way to avoid heatstroke. For lunch, I took the guests to a restaurant specializing in onigiri, located a few minutes' walk north of Tsutenkaku, and they were absolutely delighted with it.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNankai Namba Station～Nankai Sumiyoshitaisha Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainNankai Sumiyoshitaisha Station～Nankai Shin-Imamiya Station240JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Osakajokoen Station～JR Osaka Station170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUmeda～Namba240JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Tour Report by Ichiro

    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.

    Request Booking
  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome - End

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome – End

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

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel meet
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome – End

    Report from Hiroshima and Miyajima: What Is a Private Food Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had a very calm and composed manner. One of the guests enjoyed conversation and was quite knowledgeable about Japan. In particular, they were familiar with religion, including the differences between Buddhism and Confucianism, and asked me which had a greater influence on Japanese culture. I gave a somewhat nuanced answer, suggesting that while the mental and spiritual outlook draws from Buddhism, the social systems may have been more strongly influenced by Confucianism. Since the usual okonomiyaki restaurant was closed for the day, today I recommended the anago-meshi and tempura set meal at a local eatery in Miyajima. I was relieved that the guests finished everything on their plates.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Yuji

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Nijubashi Bridge

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Nijubashi Bridge

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the Hotel
    • 11:00-11:45 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 12:15-12:45. Sightseeing at Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00-13:30. Purchase Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo Station
    • 13:45-14:00. Lunch at a cafe while traveling
    • 14:00-16:00 Move to Kappabashi, shopping, board the Ginza Line and disband (guide gets off at Shimbashi)

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kappabashi and Tokyo Station The guests were a group visiting Japan. Some of the guests had a strong interest in Japan and, despite it being a first visit, showed impressive knowledge that made me think, "Oh, they really know a lot." We had originally planned to include Asakusa, but since the guests had newly set up a kitchen, they expressed a wish to go shopping in Kappabashi, so we skipped Asakusa and devoted all our time to shopping. (They looked like they were having a wonderful time shopping together, so I think it turned out well.) It was not a harsh summer day but rather a slightly cool one, so it felt pleasant even while walking around the Tokyo Station area.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae209JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Tawaramachi178JPY
    Section 4TrainTawaramachi～Shimbashi209JPY
    Total774JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Osaka Port

    Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Osaka Port

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Depart Osaka Port
    • 10:45-11:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:00-12:45 (Lunch)
    • 13:15-14:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:45-16:15 Fushimi Inari
    • 17:30 Arrive Osaka Port

    What Is a Private One-Day Tour from Osaka Port to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, whom I met at Osaka Port (Tempozan). We followed a classic route covering Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo grove), Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. It had just turned September and was extremely hot. Perhaps thanks to that heat, the crowds were not too heavy, and the roads were generally clear, so the tour went smoothly. The guests were interested in Japanese culture and asked me many questions. At Fushimi Inari in particular, I set things up by sharing something I normally don't explain: that you can tell whether a shrine enshrines a male or female deity by the way the chigi (the crossed finials on the roof) are cut — a vertical cut means a male deity, and a horizontal cut means a female deity. Then, along the way, I introduced a rare shrine building where male and female deities are enshrined together under one roof, and the guests were delighted, saying "Ooh!"

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Ichiro

    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.

    Request Booking
  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 12:30-13:30 Stop off at Akihabara, then board again to Asakusa, sightseeing in Asakusa, then meal
    • 14:10-15:10 Move to Meiji Shrine, worship
    • 15:10-15:30. Move to Shibuya Scramble Square, experience, then disband

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who joined a tour while visiting Japan on a trip, fitting it in between other commitments. They came from different cities in North America and Europe. The request was a slightly challenging one — they wanted to avoid a rushed tour, but still see as much as possible. Starting with Senso-ji Temple, we moved from the east to the west of the city over four hours. The group had good energy and moved easily, so we were able to fit everything within the four hours. That said, I felt that grabbing street food to eat in Asakusa (apart from sweets) was difficult to manage.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Ginza～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 2TrainSuehirocho～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Meiji-Jingumae252JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total754JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:40　Nezu Shrine
    • 10:15　Stroll from Nezu to Yanaka, Old Town, and Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:45　Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 12:40　Lunch, ramen
    • 14:00　Imperial Palace Front Plaza
    • 15:10　Meiji Shrine
    • 15:45　End of guide

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. As I had also studied at a graduate school abroad, we first enjoyed lively conversation about shared experiences. At Nezu Shrine, they admired the beauty and enjoyed walking through the rows of torii gates. At the request of the guests, we strolled through the old towns of Nezu and Yanaka, where I introduced the back alleys in depth, and they seemed very interested. In Asakusa, I explained the contrast between the Buddhist Senso-ji Temple and the Shinto Asakusa Shrine, and they seemed to understand the foundations of daily life in Japan. For lunch we had ramen at a traditional old-style Chinese noodle shop, and they told me it was delicious and ordered another beer. At the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, I explained about samurai, shoguns, and emperors, and introduced the former GHQ headquarters of General MacArthur. At Meiji Shrine, we took a short break with matcha ice cream, and the guests showed interest in the paired camphor trees and the ema votive plaques.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya～Nezu210JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Asakusa330JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashi～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Meiji-jingumae Station
    • 8:40 Meiji Shrine
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 9:50 Yoyogi Station
    • 10:10 Tsukijishijo Station
    • 10:15 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Stroll, Lunch
    • 12:10 Tsukiji Station
    • 12:25 Akihabara Station
    • Stroll
    • 13:00 Suehirocho Station
    • 13:20 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Disband @ Asakusa Station

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Since they wanted to make the most of the tour time, we started near Meiji Shrine and were able to meet up without any trouble. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed biting into handmade onigiri and wagyu beef, and at the sushi restaurant I guided them to, the chef placed freshly made nigiri right on the counter, and the fact that he called out the names of the fish in English made it feel very welcoming. They were delighted, saying it was a wonderful experience. In Akihabara, they were amazed by the completely different atmosphere of the neighborhood, and in Asakusa they were charmed by the old-fashioned ambiance. Finally, they enjoyed a matcha drink, and I saw them off at the station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYoyogi Station～Tsukijishijo Station220JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Akihabara Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total580JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00　Meet in front of the Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center
    • 13:30　Kenrokuen Garden
    • 14:10 Kanazawa Castle
    • 15:10　Higashi Chaya District
    • 16:45　Disband at Kanazawa Station

    # What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania. Since the main contact had injured a foot, they mentioned they would rest inside at each sightseeing spot. At Kenrokuen Garden, we all took a commemorative photo together at the most famous spot, the Kotoji Lantern, including the person who was resting. Everyone enjoyed the Japanese garden that imitates nature. They were also impressed by the pine trees with their beautifully shaped branches. Due to time constraints, we only viewed Kanazawa Castle from the outside, but they took interest in features such as the box-shaped defensive structure of the Ishikawa Gate. While waiting at the bus stop heading toward Higashi Chaya District, I mentioned that Kanazawa Curry, a katsu curry dish, is famous in Kanazawa. When I explained that "katsu" also means "to win," and that athletes often eat katsu curry or katsu-don before a match to win, it was a big hit with them. In the Higashi Chaya District, we entered Shima, and they were interested in the room where geisha danced and the various tools on display. After walking around and explaining the street, we enjoyed gold-leaf soft-serve ice cream before heading back. Whenever we took a group photo, everyone gave a cheerful "cheese" and got right into the mood.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKanazawa Station～Hashiba-cho800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Sho

    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/

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet up @Tempozan
    • 2. 9:45 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 11:15 @Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 4. 11:45 Lunch @Ogura Chaya
    • 5. 13:30 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 6. 14:15 @Nijo Castle
    • 7. 16:15 Disband @Osaka Port

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Nijo Castle, and, if possible, lunch at a teahouse. Since the guests said even a touch-and-go pace was fine, I created an itinerary designed to fulfill every one of their requests. Along the way, I kept the guests informed and consulted with them, saying things like "we are running a little behind schedule," and they were very cooperative. As the guests had never ridden the Shinkansen before, I explained it to them, and when I did, they said, "We would love to ride it — and a round trip would be great." So I quickly changed the plan to use the Keihan train and then the Shinkansen. The guests covered the guide's limited express fare. I was truly glad that we were able to fulfill all of their requests as planned. The guests were delighted, and I received an A+ from one of the guests.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Osaka～Inari770JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 5TrainKyoto～Shin-Osaka580JPY
    Section 6SubwayShin-Osaka～Osaka Port290JPY
    Total2,430JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    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!

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    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet up @ MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi
    • 2. 8:30 Guided tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 10:00 Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 4. 10:30 Guided tour of the Bamboo Grove, Kameyama Park, and Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 5. 12:30 Guided tour of Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 6. 13:30 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 7. 14:00 Disband @ Kinkaku-ji Taxi Stand

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour by Train and Taxi Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Oceania. We met at the Hotel at 8:00 as scheduled, and after discussing the day's itinerary, we decided to visit Fushimi Inari, Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera. We traveled to Fushimi Inari by the nearest Keihan train line, where I explained the torii gates of Inari Shrine, the connection with foxes, the Shinto style of worship, and the Senbon Torii path. The weather today was comfortable, with cooler temperatures and an autumn breeze, making it perfect for sightseeing. The next destination after Inari was Arashiyama, but due to a track problem on the San'in Line our departure from Kyoto Station was delayed; nevertheless, we arrived at Arashiyama safely and I guided them through Tenryu-ji. I showed them the rock garden, the strolling garden, and the botanical garden at Tenryu-ji, and while they enjoyed the beautiful gardens we moved on to the bamboo grove. There we walked through the tunnel of bamboo while taking many photos, then passed through Kameyama Park to reach the Togetsukyo Bridge, taking our time to savor the scenery along the way. Because of the limited time, we traveled from Arashiyama to Ryoan-ji by taxi. At Ryoan-ji, I explained the teachings of Zen Buddhism and the lessons drawn from the rock garden as we strolled through the grounds, completing our visit. We then moved to the next destination, Kinkaku-ji, by taxi. At Kinkaku-ji, I guided them around the vividly golden Rokuon-ji temple, which they thoroughly enjoyed. However, as this marked the end of the guiding time, I explained the highlights of Kiyomizu-dera and we parted ways. Finally, I arranged a taxi there so the guests could travel to Kiyomizu-dera. Although today's travel was planned using public transportation, one of the guests suddenly mentioned being unable to take the bus, so we ended up relying mainly on trains and taxis.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station～Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Inari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…