Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Osaka in One Day: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Fushimi Inari Taisha

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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:35 Meet up Mimaru Osaka Namba North
    • 10:00 – 11:00 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 11:45 – 12:45 Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:30 – 14:30 Nishiki Market
    • 15:00 – 16:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 16:45 Disband　 　　　 JR Osaka Station

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I was waiting in the hotel lobby, but the guests were waiting at the entrance, so we met about five minutes late, at 8:35. They mentioned that since arriving in Japan last week it had been very hot, but today the sky was cloudy and the temperature was below 30 degrees, so they said it was comfortable to be out. They planned to spend two days in Kyoto, today and tomorrow. Since I guided them around the popular spots mentioned above today, I recommended Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the area around the Yasaka Pagoda, and Gion for tomorrow. I hope tomorrow will also be an enjoyable day of sightseeing in Kyoto for them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYotsubashi～Nishi-Umeda240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka～Saga-Arashiyama990JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 4BusNishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Shijo-Kawaramachi230JPY
    Section 6TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi-Inari220JPY
    Section 7TrainInari～Osaka860JPY
    Total2,960JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Yushima 1-chome Bus Stop & Hagoromo Saryo

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Yushima 1-chome Bus Stop & Hagoromo Saryo

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Shin-Ochanomizu Station Bus Stop
    • 10:20 Yushima 1-chome Bus Stop
    • 10:30 Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 11:00 Suehirocho Station
    • 11:20 Asakusa Station
    • 11:30 Asakusa Tourist Information Center
    • 12:00 Sensoji Temple Main Hall
    • 12:20 Hagoromo Saryo
    • 14:00 Disband @ Around Asakusa Shin-Nakamise

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kanda Myojin and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Europe. It was their first time in Japan, and they had expressed an interest in Japanese culture and food, so we began at Kanda Myojin Shrine near their hotel, where they could see the shrine and how it is rooted in the local community, and then continued on to guide them around the Asakusa area. At the shrine, the guests found it meaningful to learn how to worship properly. Since Asakusa was crowded, they were also pleased that we could stop by a quiet shrine as a contrast. During a break, we were able to have an in-depth conversation about the differences in the social systems and education systems between Japan and their home region, and on the way back we stopped at a traditional souvenir shop, which they found very interesting.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShin-Ochanomizu Station～Yushima 1-chome100JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuehirocho Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total280JPY

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Oji (Start of Tour) & Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower

    Nara in One Day: JR Oji (Start of Tour) & Todaiji’s Shoro Bell Tower

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:18 JR Oji (Start of Tour)
    • 　　bus to
    • 9:50-10:40 Horyuji Temple
    • 10:50 Horyuji-mae bus stop
    • bus to
    • 11:00 JR Horyuji Station
    • 11:20　JR Nara Station
    • 　　　　　walk to
    • 11:40-12:10 Kofukuji Temple
    • walk
    • 12:40-13:00 Ukimido
    • 13:30-13:50 Ninai Chaya　snack
    • walk
    • 14:00-14:30 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk
    • 14:50-15:20 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk for 5 minutes
    • 15:30 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk for 5 minutes
    • 15:50-20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk for 5 minutes
    • 16:30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk for 15 minutes
    • 16:10 Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town):
    • typical traditional Japanese house etc.
    • walk for 15 minutes
    • 17:20 back at JR Nara Station
    • 17:36 on the train at JR Horyuji Station (End of tour)

    Can You Do an 8-Hour Private Nara Tour Including Horyuji from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested a Nara tour that would include Horyuji Temple. When I replied that fitting Horyuji into a 6-hour tour would make it incredibly rushed, with no time to enjoy the deer in Nara Park, and suggested adding 2 hours for an 8-hour tour instead, they responded that this sounded ideal, and so it became an 8-hour tour. Thanks to the lingering rainy season, we were lucky to avoid harsh sunshine, with mostly cloudy skies and light rain, but 8 hours turned out to be a bit long for both the guests and me. The area of "Kofukuji Temple → Kasuga Taisha Shrine → Todaiji Temple" already has very few places to get a proper meal, and on top of that, many shops were closed due to the rain forecast. Even the ones that were open had stopped serving food menus at 2 p.m., so two soft-serve ice creams ended up being lunch. Usually I buy rice balls at a convenience store before entering the park, calling them a "ninja lunch," but this time, perhaps due to letting my guard down, I forgot. Still, it was a relief to hear the guests say "It was fun" many times over.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusOji～Horyuji-mae340JPY
    Section 2BusHoryuji-mae～Horyuji Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainHoryuji～Nara Nara230JPY
    Section 4TrainNara～Horyuji230JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @Ginkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @Ginkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @10:00
    • 10:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30 @Sanjusangendo
    • 12:30 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:00 @Kiyomizuzaka Takeout lunch
    • 15:00 @Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Disband @Hotel Kyoto

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were traveling by rental car. For this tour as well, I rode along in the rental car driven by the guests, so no transportation costs were incurred on my part. The guests were familiar with Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, but they did not seem to know about Sanjusangen-do. They remarked that this is the only place where you can see so many Buddhist statues in a single hall, and they appreciated that it was different from the temples they had seen so far. For lunch, at the guests' request, we simply got takeout. At our final stop, Ginkaku-ji, we were suddenly caught in heavy rain, but I hope the guests were satisfied.

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

    Tour Report by Yuri

    I’m Yuri Takeda, a goverment lisenced English tour guide. I’ve been working as a tour guide for about two years. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been in Nara for about 40 years. I can guide you Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. I like visiting historical sites, eating and cooking. I also like meeting people from different backgrounds. In Japanese, we have a wonderful phrase “Ichigo Ichie”. It means we have to treasure every encounter is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This word came from the spirit of tea ceremony. I’d like to help you discover, enjoy, experience and feel Japanese culture with the heart of Japanese hospitarity, “omotenashi”.

    Request Booking

    Jun 6, 2026
    Jason_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent, well rounded…
    Excellent, well rounded itinerary with pertinent facts and answers…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Dunka591
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend.
    Yuri is an incredible woman! What an amazing experience, we…

    Jul 28, 2025
    C
    Cedric_S
    Incredible Kyoto Adventure with Yuri
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuri was the heartbeat…

    Jun 25, 2025
    983whitneym
    Beautiful Kyoto Guided Tour With Yuri
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We loved…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Chinchikurin & Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Chinchikurin & Peace Park

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

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:50 Meet at FAV Hiroshima stadium
    • 12:50 Chinchikurin
    • 14:15 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:20 World Heritage Route
    • 16:05 Peace Memorial Park
    • 17:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:30 Peace Park
    • 18:10 End the tour in a tram

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. The guest mentioned feeling reassured that English was understood more widely in Japan than expected. Since the guest had not yet had lunch, we enjoyed okonomiyaki at Miyajimaguchi. The guest learned that there was a branch of the same chain a ten-minute drive from home in North America and said they would definitely visit it. During the tour, the guest took many photos for social media. As the guest viewed the museum in less time than expected, we finished a little earlier than planned. I also explained how to get back to the hotel, and we said goodbye on the train. The weather looked typical of the rainy season, but luckily it did not rain.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima pier～Peace Park Pier1,100JPY
    Section 3TrainGenbaku-dome mae～Hatchobori220JPY
    Total1,740JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:13 Meet @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Gate
    • 10:35-11:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30-13:15 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 14:00-15:00 @ Nijo Castle
    • 15:40-16:30 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:45 Disband @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Hachijo Gate

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since their return Shinkansen departed from Kyoto Station at 17:45, I planned the tour with a clear focus on returning to Kyoto Station in time to catch it. One of the guests was interested in gods and spirits, and asked many questions when I talked about the deities of Shinto and the animals regarded as their messengers. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, preparations were underway for the Motomiya Festival, and many red-and-white lantern stands had been set up throughout the grounds. Nijo Castle was surprisingly empty, with no school excursion groups in sight. Inside the Ninomaru Palace, there were even moments when we had certain areas entirely to ourselves. At Nijo Castle, one of the guests had watched a television series about the shogun, so they explored the site with great interest. After walking around Nijo Castle, one of the guests seemed to be getting tired, so I encouraged them along as we made our way to Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Higashiyama subway station to Kiyomizu-dera. After arriving at Kiyomizu-dera, it began to rain, so we put on rain ponchos, but I could not give much explanation in open areas such as the top of the Kiyomizu stage. At Kiyomizu-dera, the guests experienced drinking the water at the Otowa Waterfall. Near Sannenzaka we caught a taxi to Kyoto Station, and we parted ways at the Shinkansen platform at the Hachijo exit.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama Station～Randen Tenjingawa Station250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa Station～Nijojo-mae Station260JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae Station～Higashiyama Station220JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet up @Mimaru Namba station
    • 2. 13:45 @Osaka Castle
    • 3. 16:30 @Dotonbori
    • 4. 17:00 Disband @Chibo-mae

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle The guests were a relaxed and friendly group. Although it was cloudy, it was quite humid, and I guided them while keeping an eye on how the guests were doing. Because they bought water several times along the way, the walking took some time, but everyone stayed in good spirits throughout. They had decided in advance that they wanted to take a photo wearing a samurai helmet at Osaka Castle, so even the guests who had lost some energy inside the castle, where the elevator was unavailable, ran eagerly to the photo booth. From Osaka Castle to Tanimachi 4-chome, I recommended an electric cart, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much. Since the tour progressed at a leisurely pace, we were only able to visit two places, but the guests booked the sumo performance I had introduced and went to the okonomiyaki restaurant I had recommended, and I believe they were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Total820JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Fushimi Inari Taisha entrance
    • 10:20 Nijo Castle
    • 11:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:45 Disband at Kinkaku-ji exit

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. Today was again cloudy, which made for very comfortable conditions. Fushimi Inari Taisha was not too crowded, which was nice, but Nijo Castle coincided with group tours, so there were many people, and it was extremely hot and humid, which I think left the guests tired. I also believe they took an interest in the beauty of the Japanese garden. To save time, we used a taxi to visit Kinkaku-ji, so I think we were able to get around efficiently. They seemed to be thoroughly enjoying Kyoto, having already visited Uji and met a maiko.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:55　Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:30　Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 10:50　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:10　Imperial Palace
    • 12:50　Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Aka-noren Marunouchi Branch
    • 14:00　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:20　Tokyo Tower
    • 16:15　Dismissal @ Hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to continue to Kyoto and Hiroshima after sightseeing in Tokyo. They appeared deeply impressed by the vast and solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanation that the site was originally Edo Castle, where the shogun lived, and that after the Meiji Restoration the Emperor relocated there from Kyoto. At Senso-ji Temple, they seemed impressed by the historic structures such as Kaminarimon Gate, Hozomon Gate, the five-story pagoda, and the main hall. At Tokyo Tower, they were moved by the spectacular views of Tokyo. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, 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 1SubwayHibiya～Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Kamiyacho0JPY
    Section 7SubwayKamiyacho～Hibiya0JPY
    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

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
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    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
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    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
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  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Hotel
    • 13:00 　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00　Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 15:30　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:30　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 17:30　Yasaka Shrine ＞ Gion
    • 18:00　Nishiki Market

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests, visiting from North America, on a private tour of Kyoto. Since they had only a short time in Kyoto, they wanted to see the famous highlights, so we visited the places they requested. The guests kept up a brisk pace, and over the course of six hours we managed to cover more than I had expected. I thought we might finish around Gion, but we were able to continue all the way to the end of Nishiki Market. Along the way, the guests treated me to ice cream, and they also stopped at a convenience store to buy and enjoy some snacks. At a few points we took taxis to cool off. It seemed to be a lull between school excursion groups, so Kinkaku-ji was not crowded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEnmachi～Inari200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

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    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
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    Oct 30, 2024
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    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
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