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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • 2.10:40 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 3.11:45 @Nijo Castle
    • 4. 12:55 @Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 5. 13:50 Buy lunch @7-Eleven Oike Higashinotoin
    • 6.14:15@ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 7.15:50 Disband @Gion Antique Shop Street

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. For the itinerary, it was difficult to hear their wishes in advance, but two days before the tour they requested many locations. In addition to the above, they hoped to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and even Nara. When I explained that we could not fit so many places into a single 6-hour day, it turned out they had mistakenly assumed I would also be their guide the following day. One of the guests had visited Japan once before, five years earlier, while it was the other's first time in Japan. It rained at first, but the weather improved and turned to cloudy skies. Since they wanted to buy lunch at a convenience store, after touring the Imperial Palace grounds I took them to a Seven-Eleven facing Oike-dori. At the end, one of the guests wanted to buy something antique, so with the driver's helpful advice, we dropped off at the antique shop district in Gion and they enjoyed shopping there. The guests were especially delighted.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Shoko

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet-up
    • 9:50 Fushimi Inari
    • 11:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:45 Lunch (sushi restaurant near JR Nijo Station)
    • 14:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:30 Guide to the entrance of Nijo Castle, then the tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like with Kids? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They requested a hotel meeting point, which meant we could not save time on the way to Kyoto Station. Because it was a larger group, restroom breaks took a while, and buying JR tickets with cash also took additional time. In addition, it rained during the first half of the tour, so simply moving between locations required more time than expected. As a result, by the time we reached Nijo Castle, it was already about 30 minutes past our 3:00 finish time. At the suggestion of one of the guests, I provided the basic information about Nijo Castle, and they decided to go in on their own from there. We took photos at the Arashiyama bamboo grove. One of the guests mentioned that public safety in their home city has reportedly worsened recently, with an increase in theft and crime since the pandemic, which is unfortunate to hear. The sushi lunch was very well received.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Nijo190JPY
    Section 5TrainNijo～Enmachi150JPY
    Section 6BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 7BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 8TrainNishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total1,630JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet up @ Conrad Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Travel: Train
    • 3. 09:40 Visit @ Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:20 Travel: Train
    • 5. 10:30 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 10:40 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 11:05 Visit @ Tsukiji
    • 8. 12:05 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 9. 12:45 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 13:15 Visit @ Asakusa
    • 11. 14:30 Travel: Subway (Toei)
    • 12. 14:50 Disband @ Conrad Tokyo

    Because I had also visited the meeting-point hotel the previous Saturday, I was able to specify a suitable landmark and meet the guests without any trouble. This time the guests seemed interested in Japanese kitchen knives, so I made a point of allowing extra time for our visit to Tsukiji. In case they could not find something suitable at Tsukiji, I had also considered guiding them to Kappabashi Kitchen Town, but they were able to purchase a favorite knife at Tsukiji without any issues. Overall, I arranged the itinerary so that we could talk about both Shinto and Buddhism, by taking them to Meiji Shrine in the morning and Sensoji Temple in the afternoon. Also, since the guests had a Suica card, I used JR, the Tokyo Metro, and the Toei Subway selectively while moving around, taking into account crowd levels and travel times.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi Station～Harajuku Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya Station～Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Station～Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 5SubwayToei Asakusa Station～Toei Shimbashi Station220JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.1000 Hotel
    • 2.1020Asakusa
    • 3.1130Tsukiji Honganji+Market+Lunch
    • 4.1315 Omotesando+Cat Street+Takeshita Street
    • 5.1500Meiji Jingu
    • 6.1545 Shibuya Hachi+Crossing

    What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests were on a trip and had only one day in Tokyo. In a short time, they were able to experience many different sides of Tokyo — the Hozuki Market in Asakusa, Ameyoko, conveyor-belt sushi at Tsukiji, Omotesando, a newly opened shaved ice shop at the entrance of Takeshita Street, an animal cafe on Takeshita Street, and the traditional Meiji Shrine — and they were deeply impressed. We also had a lively conversation, as the area where I once lived was quite similar to areas familiar to the guests. They enjoyed the day thoroughly and said that next time they would like to spend more time touring Kyoto. The following morning, I gave them information on how to get to Narita Airport (the NEX) along with a note for the taxi driver, saw them onto the metro at Shibuya Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNaka-okachimachi～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Market～Omotesando286JPY
    Section 5SubwayHarajuku～Shibuya148JPY
    Total999JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

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    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Himeji Castle & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Himeji Castle & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:15 @ Hiromine Shrine
    • 13:00 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who moved smoothly throughout the day. The sky was cloudy at the start, but we managed to finish without encountering rain. At each spot, all of the guests observed everything attentively. Perhaps due to the unstable weather, there were fewer visitors than usual, which actually allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace — a welcome outcome. The second spot of the day, Hiromine Shrine, has poor access, so we had no choice but to use a taxi, and since it is very difficult to call a taxi from the site for the return trip, we had the taxi we used on the way there wait for us during the visit. This is a point to keep in mind for the future. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, the guests greatly enjoyed the tasting and purchased many souvenirs. After the tour, they planned to return to Osaka and had booked a bullet train departing after 17:00, but they wished to change to an earlier one, so I assisted with the change procedure at the ticket counter, after which we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto: Sightseeing: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Sightseeing: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meeting point: JR Kyoto Station, Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 12:20 Sightseeing: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove Path, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 13:30 Lunch: Arashiyama "Soba, Togakushi"
    • 14:50 Sightseeing: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:50 Sightseeing: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:00 Dismissal: Ryokan "Motonago"

    What's a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Tour Like in the Rainy Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. During our prior communication their preferred destinations were clear, but they had requested six locations within a six-hour course, so the itinerary needed to be organized. Since the tour would end at a ryokan in the Higashiyama area, and nearby spots such as Gion and Nishiki Market can be enjoyed without a guide, I suggested removing them from the tour. I also decided to leave out Kiyomizu-dera, judging that its crowds would be too much for young children. The guests understood these suggestions well, and we finalized the itinerary described above. In addition, the meeting point had originally been listed as a hotel in the booking, but since they would be traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen on the morning of the tour, at the guests' request it was changed to the Central Shinkansen Exit at JR Kyoto Station. The means of transportation was a private vehicle. On the tour day in July, the latest forecast predicted rain, with especially heavy rainfall expected from the afternoon into the evening. In reality, at the first destination, Arashiyama, it was cloudy with no rain, and we proceeded smoothly with occasional sunshine. However, around the time we finished lunch, large drops of heavy rain began to fall, and we hurriedly prepared our rain gear, but the heavy rain stopped in a short time, and we were able to walk across Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This rain, however, caused some loss of time. At the next destination, Kinkaku-ji, the rain had almost stopped, but since one of the guests wanted to buy a change of clothes, we spent about 15 minutes shopping at a souvenir shop. This unplanned time also put pressure on the schedule at the final destination, Fushimi Inari. In addition, heavy rain began to fall again during the visit to Kinkaku-ji, and we spent some time taking shelter. By the time we returned to the taxi at the parking area, including the travel time to the next stop, there was hardly any time left for the stay at Fushimi Inari. In the end, after consulting with the guests and taking into account their request to extend the time by 30 minutes, we changed the scheduled end time from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. As a result, the stay at Fushimi Inari lasted about 30 minutes, and the guests were able to enjoy it fully. Regarding the additional fee for the 30-minute extension, the guests offered to pay it, and in accordance with the regulations, they settled the payment for both the private vehicle and the guide. This tour truly made me realize the difficulty of touring during the rainy season, but thanks to the guests' understanding and the advice drawn from the experienced private vehicle driver, we were able to respond well in advance. It was a tour for a close-knit group, and I was especially impressed that the young twins smiled and enjoyed themselves right until the end.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    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…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Daiganji Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Daiganji Temple

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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:45　Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:50　Walk through Peace Park while guiding through the Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial Cenotaph, Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, etc.
    • 12:50　Miyajima
    • 13:20　Lunch
    • 14:00　Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:40　Daiganji Temple
    • 15:20　Purchase chopsticks with names engraved as souvenirs
    • 16:50　Guide ends at Hiroshima Station

    Can You Do a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America who traveled a long way to reach Japan. At the Peace Memorial Museum, they viewed the exhibits carefully, and I provided additional explanations at key points. At the hypocenter, they were deeply moved to learn that the grandchild of the former head of the historic clinic that once stood there now runs a clinic of the same name. For lunch, we enjoyed oysters, a Hiroshima specialty, added as a topping on okonomiyaki, which was very well received, and cheese was also added to another okonomiyaki. At Itsukushima Shrine, the guests purchased charms for family happiness and academic success, and also visited the Tenjin Shrine to pray, as an exam was coming up. On the way back, they bought four sets of chopsticks with names engraved on them for the family. We waited about 30 minutes, so the tour ended a little later than planned, but since the guests were so pleased, I consider it a success. 😄

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima～Fukuromachi220JPY
    Section 2TrainHommachi～Shin-Hakushima190JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    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.

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    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…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet at the hotel @Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi North
    • 2. 10:00 Guided tour of Nara Park
    • 3. 10:30 Guided tour of the Great Buddha Hall
    • 4. 12:00 Enter Mount Wakakusa
    • 5. 12:45 Lunch @Tengyokudo
    • 6. 14:00 Guided tour of Naramachi
    • 7. 14:30 Shopping @Nakagawa Shoten
    • 6. 15:30 Disband @Sarusawa Pond

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a family group visiting from Oceania, some of whom were of elementary school age. We met at a hotel in Osaka and boarded a booked taxi to travel to Nara, and the departure was lively with conversation about introductions and their experiences in Japan. First, in Nara, we did the deer feeding at Nara Park that the younger members of the group had wished to do. They enjoyed feeding the deer while being chased by many of them. After a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, I guided them to the Nandaimon Gate and the Great Buddha Hall. Since one of the guests had a background in teaching, I received many questions about Japan, especially about Japanese food. They showed a spirit of taking on any challenge and were having many experiences. After the Great Buddha Hall, we climbed the long stone steps and enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mount Wakakusa. Although it was hot and humid, the summit was pleasant with a breeze blowing. We descended from the mountain gate, and since they wished to have kuzumochi for lunch, they enjoyed kuzu udon at a restaurant where I had made a reservation the day before, along with kuzumochi for dessert, which was well received. After that, since it began to rain during lunch, we moved to the Naramachi area, where I guided them on a stroll and to a well-known local souvenir shop. As the guests mentioned that it would not be necessary for me to accompany them back to the hotel after strolling around Naramachi, we parted ways at Sarusawa Pond.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
    • 2. 10:45 Asakusa
    • 3. 11:45 Akihabara
    • 4. 12:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 5. 13:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 14:30 Disband at Akasaka-mitsuke Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a trip of about ten days, planning to continue to Kyoto and Osaka after Tokyo. One of the guests had arrived a few days earlier, and the other had arrived the previous day. I guided them around Asakusa, Akihabara, Nezu Shrine, and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but due to the very hot and humid weather, one of the guests began to feel unwell with signs of heatstroke, so the tour ended earlier than planned at 14:30. In Asakusa everything seemed fine, but upon reaching Akihabara, the guests said they wanted to see the planned spots and then return to the Hotel early because of feeling unwell. They said they did not need to have lunch either. For the rest of the visits at Nezu Shrine and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I planned the route so that there would not be too much walking. Along the way I suggested resting at a cafe or taking a taxi, but they said that was not necessary, and in the end we got around by JR and subway without taking a break. Fortunately, the symptoms were mild, and since the guests were able to return to the Hotel on their own, we parted at Akasaka-mitsuke Station, the nearest station to the Hotel, at 14:30. The guest did not particularly look prone to heatstroke at first glance. However, when I asked, I learned that they had not eaten much breakfast because of feeling unwell. This reminded me once again of the importance of communicating well with guests rather than judging by appearance alone.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke～Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara～Ochanomizu146JPY
    Section 4Free PassShin-ochanomizu～Nezu0JPY
    Section 5Free PassNezu～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 6Free PassOtemachi～Akasaka-mitsuke0JPY
    Total746JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

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    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

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

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

  • 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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:25 Meet at the accommodation, but got delayed moving around to contact friends　8:40 Tour start
    • 10:00 Fushimi Inari　11:40 Lunch (sushi)　13:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　14:25 Kinkaku-ji　16:55 Return to the Osaka accommodation and end the tour

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour to Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. Before the tour began, there had been a misunderstanding involving their friends, as everyone had assumed they would all be sightseeing in Kyoto by car. In the end, it turned out there were two separate groups and no vehicle available. After discussing the situation, we decided to visit the classic Kyoto highlights: Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and Kinkaku-ji. We had lunch at a sushi restaurant in the Shijo Kiyamachi area. Until we met on the day, communication had been difficult and there was some concern, but the guests were friendly and easygoing, and we proceeded through the tour enjoying pleasant conversation. Around the time we were leaving Kinkaku-ji, news arrived that a relative of one of the guests had passed away due to illness, and they were understandably low-spirited for a while. However, by the time we reached Osaka, their spirits had lifted. The photo was taken at the sushi restaurant during lunch.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Yodoyabashi240JPY
    Section 2TrainYodoyabashi～Fushimi Inari420JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 4TrainKawaramachi～Omiya170JPY
    Section 5TrainOmiya～Randen Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 6TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 7BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 8BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 9SubwayKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Section 10TrainKarasuma～Osaka-Umeda410JPY
    Section 11SubwayUmeda～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total2,860JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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

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

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

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