Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Kyobashi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Kyobashi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Courtyard Tokyo Station
    • 9:15 Kyobashi Station
    • 9:50 Komagome Station
    • Rikugien Garden
    • 10:30 Kamifujimae Bus Stop
    • 10:50 Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:30 Nippori Station
    • 12:05 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 13:00 Disband @ Asakusa Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Rikugien, Yanaka Ginza, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Because their flight to Japan had been delayed, we changed the original tour date, and the tour ended up falling on the final day of a three-day holiday weekend. We enjoyed the gardens at the quiet Rikugien, then took a Toei bus to Yanaka Ginza. The guests especially loved the pastries at a bakery I recommended, and it was memorable to see how much one of them enjoyed them with a big smile. Since the guests were moving on to Kyoto the next day but had not yet booked their Shinkansen tickets, I helped them purchase round-trip tickets at Nippori Station, which they were very happy about. In Asakusa, the guests were surprised by the crowds, and since the tour needed to end exactly on time (another tour was scheduled an hour later), I showed them just the key points and took them to the station ticket gate.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi Station～Komagome360JPY
    Section 2BusKamifuji Bus Stop～Sendagi 3-chome Bus Stop210JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori Station～Asakusa Station330JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50　Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 11:50　Sensoji Temple
    • 13:30　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:20　Imperial Palace
    • 15:20　Meiji Shrine
    • 16:40　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 17:00　Dismiss @ Shibuya

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were scheduled to depart on a cruise tour from Yokohama Port the next day. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, and enjoyed browsing the souvenir shops along Nakamise Street. For lunch, they enjoyed sushi. At the Imperial Palace, they listened attentively to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. Since they planned to have dinner in Shibuya and return to their hotel on their own, we parted ways in Shibuya. As I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout the tour, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Tokyo170JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up@Hotel Shinjuku East Annex
    • 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:40 Stay@Asakusa
    • 4. 12:10 Lunch@Yukikage
    • 5. 12:50 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 13:35 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 14:20 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:55 Disband@Hotel Shinjuku East Annex

    Title: What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo (Meiji Shrine and Asakusa) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. In the emails, I had heard that they planned to use a stroller, but they managed with a carrier backpack that one of the guests had brought. The young child was in a good mood at first, but became fussy and reluctant when they tried to place the child in the backpack. We visited two spots this time. Although Meiji Shrine was not very far from the Hotel, the tour ended a little later than planned because of the time spent on the situation described above. Having heard that the child could eat chicken and ramen, I quickly searched for a shop in Asakusa serving chicken ramen. The ramen shop I found was close to Kaminarimon, but perhaps because it was on a back street, it was not very crowded even during the holiday period, so the guests were able to enjoy a relaxed lunch. I would like to use it again if the opportunity arises.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku Station～Asakusa Station280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station260JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station～Higashi-Shinjuku Station180JPY
    Total720JPY

    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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    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hotel Cabin President Osaka
    • 10:00 Kuromon Market
    • 10:45 Namba, Doguyasuji
    • 11:30 Dotonbori, Hozenji (including break)
    • 12:45 Disband at Shinsaibashi

    What Is a Private Osaka Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors to Japan, and since they were not quite ready, the tour started about 30 minutes late. Regarding the itinerary, the guests said they no longer needed to visit Osaka Castle and preferred a tour focused on shopping, so I adjusted the plan. (They mentioned that they had already visited many shrines and temples after arriving in Japan and had seen enough historical buildings.) At each spot, the guests eagerly took many photographs. At "Doguyasuji," a street said to be frequented by cooking professionals, the guests purchased a kitchen knife and seemed very satisfied. They also showed great interest in the finely crafted food samples. In Dotonbori, we took a break at a cafe for drinks, which also served as a restroom stop. Afterward, the guests wished to do some shopping on their own, and we parted ways at the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMinamimorimachi～Nipponbashi240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet @ Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 9:20 @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
    • 10:52 @ Asakusa
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Asakusa Tsurujiro
    • 13:30 @ Yanaka Walk
    • 14:50 @ Akihabara
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ GiGO Akihabara Building No.1

    What Is a 2-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Day 2 (Shinjuku, Asakusa, Yanaka, Akihabara) This is Day 2 of a two-day consecutive private tour for a guest visiting from North America. We first walked from the Hotel to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We arrived at 9:20, but there was already a group of about 20 people and one set of individual guests waiting in line. After waiting about 10 minutes for the observation deck to open, we went up to the South Observatory. It was a clear day, and luckily we could see Mount Fuji. I told the guest, "It is rare to see Mount Fuji at this time of year. Seeing Mount Fuji brings good fortune," and the guest was very pleased. The guest also mentioned wanting to visit teamLab Borderless the following day, but when we checked the reservation site, the tickets were already sold out. So I recommended teamLab Planets instead, and it was suddenly decided to go there after this day's tour, so I helped with the ticket reservation. After enjoying the view from the observatory and listening a little to the sound of the memorial piano, we headed to Shinjuku Station. At our next destination, Asakusa, I guided the guest to Azumabashi Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and Chingodo. The guest really liked the atmosphere of Nakamise, lined with small shops. After eating freshly baked ningyo-yaki at Kimuraya Honten, we went to the main hall. The guest had never tried okonomiyaki, so we had planned to have lunch at Tsurujiro HANARE, but it was fully booked that day and we could not get in, so we moved to the main branch. Fortunately, at the main branch we were shown to the second floor right away. We had to take off our shoes, but the guest seemed thoroughly relaxed by the Japanese-style interior and the comfortable sunken kotatsu-style seating, which was a relief. For the food, we ordered a mixed okonomiyaki and a mentaiko mochi cheese monjayaki to share. It was good that I was able to cook the monjayaki on the iron griddle at the table to show the guest. It seemed to suit the guest's taste as well. After lunch, we went to Yanaka. From Nippori Station, we walked to Tennoji, the Jizo statue, Yanaka Cemetery, the Uenosakuragi area, SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, the former Yoshidaya liquor store, the mud wall with roof tiles, and Yanaka Ginza. What particularly interested the guest was the graves. I talked about sotoba and the circumstances surrounding graves in Japan. Finally, we went to Akihabara. That day, the guest had arranged to meet a friend in Akihabara at 3:00 after the tour ended. Since the guest was not interested in anime or manga and did not need guidance there, we passed through the Akihabara Radio Center and I guided the guest to the meeting spot at GiGO Akihabara Building 1, where the tour concluded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station～Asakusa Station356JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa Station～Nippori Station324JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori Station～Akihabara Station167JPY
    Total847JPY

    Tour Report by Miyuki

    Hello, my name is Miyuki. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter since 2019. I was born in Saitama, 30 km north of Tokyo. I have lived there until today. I like Japanese traditional culture. I love bonsai and work as a guide in the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. I am also learning the tea ceremony. Both bonsai and tea ceremonies make you feel relaxed and refreshed. I used to be a member of a Japanese archery club when I was a university student. Visiting shrines, temples and traditional gardens also makes me happy. You cannot miss eating Japanese food and sweets after visiting there. Let’s enjoy walking around Japan together!

    Hallo, mein Name ist Miyuki. Ich bin nationale anerkannte Reiseleiterin. Ich begleite Sie gerne durch Tokyo. Tokyo hat verschiedene Gesichter, mal traditionelle mal moderne. Da gibt es Shinto-Schreine, buddhistische Tempel, und typische japanische Gärten zu sehen, während man z. B. in Harajuku moderne Kultur und Mode erleben kann. Wollen wir zusammen bummeln und entdecken, was Tokyo ist!
    Ich empfehle Ihnen auch einen Besuch zum Omiya Bonsai Dorf. Da kann man sich allerlei Bonsai Bäume ansehen.
    Ich freue mich schon darauf, Sie zu sehen!

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    WolfgangSD
    Tripadvisor review: Omiya Bonsai Village Private Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour
    Miyuki-san was very knowlegdable and friendly, it was…

    Sep 15, 2025
    John B
    Fantastic tour of Bonsai Museum and nurseries with knowledgeable and friendly guide Miyuko
    Tripadvisor review: Private Omiya Bonsai Village Tour…

    Sep 30, 2024
    Resort01967483239
    Great experience, leant heaps
    Tripadvisor review: Private Omiya Bonsai Village Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was delightful, she was very friendly…

    Sep 20, 2024
    enriquels01
    Great prívate Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Everything was great!
    Miyuki was extremely nice and she…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:30 Meet @ Hotel Tokyo (Shiodome Media Tower Front 25F, 1-7-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:50 Shibuya <Hachiko Statue & Crossing>
    • 3) 11:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4) 12:50 Ueno Toshogu Shrine & Former Kaneiji Five-Story Pagoda
    • 5) 13:20 Lunch @ Insho-tei (4-59 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 6) 15:00 Shinobazu Pond & Benten Island
    • 7) 15:20 Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 8) 16:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 9) 16:40 Kappabashi Street
    • 10)17:20 Disband @ Tokyo Skytree Entrance (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like on a Birthday? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shvibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. In advance they had mentioned that the tour day was a birthday and that they wanted a special experience. Since traditional cultural experiences were already booked at other destinations, I recommended an authentic Japanese restaurant, which the guests happily accepted (they chose the menu, and I made the reservation after explaining the cancellation policy). On the day it was cloudy with light rain and a gentle breeze. At the meeting point, when I mentioned the planned Hamarikyu Gardens and a tour of Shibuya, they said they had already visited Hamarikyu the day before. Having lived in a major metropolitan area their whole lives, the guests had no trouble with the subway and enjoyed the transfers. They seemed interested in comparing the bustle of Shibuya, the quiet of the East Gardens, and the lively atmosphere of Ueno. As we had some time before lunch, I also guided them to Toshogu Shrine and the five-story pagoda. Pointing to the Karamon gate at Toshogu, one of the guests exclaimed, "This is exactly what I was looking for!" and was delighted. Lunch was a course meal that took a little over an hour, which was within expectations (I waited outside and took a break). Since they had a reservation for Skytree at 8:00, there was plenty of time. As it was a birthday and a special occasion, I also guided them through the Yanaka shopping street, which they praised, saying it was fascinating to see what kind of homes ordinary people live in and what they eat. After Ueno (on the way to Shinobazu Pond, a person who appeared to be a YouTuber called out to us; when asked where they were from, they said they lived in a major city abroad. The guests seemed to recognize the address, so it may well have been true. This person apparently visits Japan often, travels around the country, and posts tour promotion activities on social media), we continued to Sensoji Temple (both guests drew "great fortune" on their omikuji!), then to Kappabashi Street (one of the guests bought a small serving plate), and finally I confirmed the Skytree entrance before we parted ways. I was surprised that they knew the word "kappa," and when I guided them to the golden kappa statue on Kappabashi Street and explained the origin of the place name, that was what they found most convincing, which was amusing. It was a cute, sprightly, and close-knit group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Subway Oedo Line Shiodome Station～Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Otemachi Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Nippori Station～JR Yamanote Line Ueno Station150JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 7Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 8Free PassToei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station～Toei Subway Asakusa Line Oshiage Station0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
    • 8:45-9:20 Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:35-10:00 Nijo Castle
    • 10:30-10:55 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:05-11:30 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch (Katsukura Ginkaku-ji Branch)
    • 13:00-13:20 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00-14:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 14:45-15:15 Sanjusangen-do
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were visitors from North America who had just entered retirement. The itinerary was: Hotel → Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, and Kiyomizu-dera → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → lunch (a tonkatsu specialty restaurant near Ginkaku-ji) → Ginkaku-ji → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangen-do → Hotel. One of the guests had a background in science, and when I explained the great stage of Kiyomizu-dera and the earthquake-resistant structure of Sanjusangen-do, this guest offered interpretations from the perspective of seismology and physics, and spoke enthusiastically about earthquakes and building standards in North America. For one of the guests it was a second visit to Japan, and since the guests were already familiar with "Edo" and the "Edo period," they seemed to grasp my explanations quickly. For lunch, the guests requested something they rarely have the chance to eat in North America, so I guided them to a tonkatsu specialty restaurant. I believe the guests enjoyed a high-quality tonkatsu set meal.

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

    Tour Report by Masaki

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

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    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Hiroshima: museum

    Hiroshima: museum

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:15 Meet at Hiroshima Station, head to the museum by bus
    • 12:45 Arrive at the museum
    • 　　　　Museum, monument tour
    • 16:00 Monument tour ends
    • 　　　　Take a taxi to Hiroshima Station
    • 16:15 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group visiting from North America. The guests currently split their time between two locations in North America. At the museum, they viewed the exhibits with great attentiveness, and they listened, moved to tears, to the testimony of a hibakusha survivor. They also listened with deep interest to my own experience as a second-generation atomic bomb survivor, particularly the story of how my father passed away early due to an atomic-bomb-related illness. Among their questions, they asked me, "Do you still hold resentment toward the country that dropped the bomb?" I answered, "Because I was very young, I simply felt this was the way things were, so I do not hold such feelings in particular." I also shared that, at the time, I had felt something more like admiration toward that country as a prosperous nation. Just as there is a Japanese proverb about "letting the past flow away like water," many atomic bomb survivors choose not to resent the past but to live straightforwardly toward the future. The guests seemed deeply moved by this attitude.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station～Museum220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjo & Gion area

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjo & Gion area

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Grand M's Kyoto
    • 10:22- 10:30 Sanjo → Fushimi Inari　Keihan 220 yen
    • 10:45-12:00 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:20-12:30 Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-Gojo　Keihan 220 yen
    • 13:20-14:00 Sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera (not entering the main hall)
    • 14:10-14:30 Sightseeing in the Gion area
    • 14:40 Disband @ In front of Gion Hanamikoji

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like When It Rains? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. One of the guests had been to Japan five years earlier, but for the rest of the group it was their first visit to Japan. Since the forecast called for rain followed by clouds, we pushed the start time back by one hour the day before. Even so, we were caught in heavy rain at Fushimi Inari. Afterward we went to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and when I had guided the group to the west gate, one of the guests expressed an interest in Gion and in geiko and maiko. So we cut the planned visits to the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, strolled around the Hanamikoji area of Gion instead, and parted ways there. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Nara in One Day: Yoshikien Garden & Nara-machi : sake tasting etc

    Nara in One Day: Yoshikien Garden & Nara-machi : sake tasting etc

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel (Start of Tour → 15:00)
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 9:10-30 Yoshikien Garden
    • 9:30-10:00 Isuien Garden entrance 1200 yen
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 10:20- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 10:20-30 Nandaimon South Great Gate
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:40-11:20 Great Buddha Hall entrance: 800 yen
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:40 Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:00 Lunuch at Emado Chaya
    • 12:30-13:00 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 13:00-20 Sangatsudo Hall entrance: 800 yen
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance: 500 yen
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:30 Ukimido Hall
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:50- Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town): sake tasting etc.
    • walk for 10 minutes
    • 15:30 Star Bucks at Sarusawaike (End of Tour)

    What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from North America. They had a deep knowledge of the diversity and values of Buddhism, which made explaining things especially rewarding, and we continued to have in-depth exchanges that went into great detail. They shared the opinion, "You often hear people say Nara is a boring place where you only see deer and the Great Buddha, but that's a big mistake." I would love to help change that impression. It is truly a shame, because Nara is a wonderful destination where you can somehow cover Japanese history from ancient times to the present all in a single day.

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

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…