Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Peace Memorial Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Miyajima
    • 11:10 Coffee Shop
    • 11:35 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:15 Daisho-in
    • 13:00 Lunch at Lente
    • 13:55 Five-storied Pagoda, Senjokaku
    • 14:05 Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 15:35 Peace Memorial Park
    •    (Atomic Bomb Dome, Hypocenter, Memorial Monument, Museum)
    • 17:25 Hiroshima Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park The guests were staying at a hotel in Osaka and joined this tour by taking a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima on the shinkansen. They were a cheerful and friendly group visiting Japan for the first time. They loved Japanese food and wanted to try local specialties, and we had lively conversations during our travels about food, sightseeing spots, work, and everyday life. At Miyajima, they were delighted to see the deer, and I acted as their photographer at various photo spots, taking many pictures of the guests. Since they had started early and had not eaten much breakfast, and they seemed to enjoy coffee, we stopped at a coffee shop for a short break on the way to Itsukushima Shrine. At the shrine, they took their time looking around and enjoyed taking photographs. At Daisho-in Temple, they looked with great interest at the various Buddhist statues and buildings, and I received many questions. When they drew an omikuji fortune and got the best possible result, they were very pleased, and when I translated the Japanese into English for them, they seemed very satisfied and took it home as a keepsake. They enjoyed a delicious lunch and appeared to relax comfortably. They also savored the fried momiji manju and liked it very much. At Miyajima, they seemed very relaxed and were enjoying themselves. At the Peace Memorial Park, they carefully viewed the monuments and buildings and I received several questions. They were eagerly taking photographs. After visiting the museum, we took a break while I asked for their impressions and we talked about peace. After returning to Hiroshima Station, I recommended okonomiyaki for dinner, and they said they very much wanted to eat it before heading back, so I introduced a restaurant and said goodbye. Later I received a message of thanks and joy saying they had enjoyed a very delicious okonomiyaki at the restaurant. They told me that today had been the most enjoyable day of their trip so far, which made me very happy. I was truly glad they were satisfied. It was a very enjoyable day for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroden Nishi-Hiroshima Station~Genbaku Dome-mae220JPY
    Section 4BusHeiwa Kinen Koen-mae~Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Hello. I am Miyuki. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love my hometown and l am very excited to show you around this beautiful city Hiroshima soon.
    Hiroshima is a nice city with a great nature, nice food and significant history.
    The city is surrounded by mountains, close to the Seto Inland Sea and rivers, the public transportation is well-developed and convenient. You can see the streetcar running. It has been running since before the atomic-bombing. You can see a lot of relics of war here.
    Today, Hiroshima is known as the city of International Peace and Culture.
    Many people from all over the world are visiting here to see the city as it is now and learn about the history. The city has been delivering peace message to the world. I hope this tour will be a good opportunity for you to think about peace and our brilliant future.

    One of the fun parts in traveling is eating local dishes.
    You will be attracted by a lot of delicious food here. We are blessed with good seafood such as oysters, small sardines, congereels,other fresh fish.
    The local cuisine Okonomiyaki is my recommendation. It became popular during the rice shortage after the war.
    Now,it is a very famous local dish here which is loved by everyone. Why don’t you try?
    If you enjoy drinking alcohol, why don’t you try Sake (rice wine) in Hiroshima? Hiroshima is one of the three famous regions for Sake production.
    There is another popular local food “Momiji-manju “(Maple-leaf shaped cake). The soft cake is baked in a shape of the maple-leaf and has your favorite filling inside. There are various kinds of fillings that you can choose such as custard, chocolate, green tea, cheese, traditional red beans paste, and so on. It is fun to choose and taste. There is the arranged, deep-fried cake as well which is very popular among the tourists. It’s nice and cute.

    I am enjoying seeing many people around the world through this tour every time. I like to talk and learn about your country. Please talk to me a lot. I like traveling,mountain-climbing, jogging, cooking and eating.
    I love animals and nature. I’m a big cat lover. I have four cats at home. It will be nice if you share the picture of your pet, if you have. I’m happy with that.
    I will do my best for you to enjoy fully in Hiroshima. Let’s have fun and make a great day together.
    I look forward to seeing you.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2024
    yasminc961
    Incredible Tour Guide Experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We weren’t sure what to…

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at JR Kamakura Station East Exit ticket gate
    • 2. 10:30 Hokokuji Temple
    • 3. 11:30 Zuisenji Temple
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch at Kamaage Udon Miyoshi
    • 5. 14:30 Kotokuin Great Buddha
    • 6. 14:50 Disband in front of the Great Buddha

    Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hokokuji, Zuisenji, and the Great Buddha The guests enjoyed a matcha experience at Hokokuji Temple against the backdrop of its bamboo grove. We tried to arrange a taxi to Zuisenji Temple, but it did not come, so we walked instead; the path was shaded by trees, so it was not too hot. Although the goal of visiting Zuisenji was to see its rock garden, the walk along that classic Kamakura road had a wonderful atmosphere, and we spent a lovely time. This charmingly rustic temple was modest, but I believe it left a deeply memorable impression. Afterward, we walked down the hill to Komachi Street, where I recommended udon. The guests seemed to greatly enjoy the cold zaru udon, tempura, and shirasu rice. We then took the Enoden line to the Great Buddha, where I gave an explanation before parting ways. This was my first visit to Zuisenji, and I felt that arranging a taxi from Hokokuji Temple, which is in a somewhat out-of-the-way location, is a challenge for the future.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKamakura Station~Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 2TrainKamakura~Hase200JPY
    Total420JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00 Meet up @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 12:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 12:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:40 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 5. 15:50 Disband @ Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Sake Brewery Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After explaining an overview of Himeji Castle at the Castle View point, we headed to Himeji Castle. Perhaps because the tour started late, Himeji Castle was not crowded, but it was very hot. For a moment, I even thought I might get heatstroke. The plan for the day was to visit Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery, but as the Himeji Castle visit was coming to an end, the guests said they wanted to skip Koko-en Garden and go to Nadagiku Sake Brewery. For this reason, we took two taxis to Nadagiku Sake Brewery. At the brewery, after explaining an overview of sake making in the sake cellar used for tours, we went to the tasting corner. At the tasting corner, some of the guests sampled many different kinds of sake and purchased a variety of them. I have been to Nadagiku Sake Brewery many times, but this was the first time I had guests who purchased so much sake. After visiting Nadagiku Sake Brewery, we returned to Himeji Station by taxi and ended the tour. I believe the guests fully enjoyed the tour.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:56 Meet up @Hotel Sapporo
    • 2. 10:10 Former Hokkaido Government Office
    • 3. 10:30 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 4. 11:15 Sapporo Odori Park
    • 5. 11:30 Nijo Market
    • 6. 11:50 Tanukikoji
    • 7. 12:45 Lunch @Rabbi (Sapporo Le Trois)
    • 8. 14:20 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 9. Disband @Hotel Sapporo

    Title: What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like for Photography Lovers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia on their first tour of Hokkaido, traveling to celebrate a special occasion. One of the guests enjoyed photography and took many photos, including flowers at Odori Park and Shiroi Koibito Park. After arriving in Chitose the previous day, the guests had rented a car, and after this day's tour they planned to drive up Mount Moiwa, where they had made a dinner reservation at the summit restaurant. I assisted with making that kind of reservation. The guests were also planning to drive toward Lake Toya, and then to Biei and Furano, in the following days. I provided the necessary information and helped with reservations for those plans.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station~Miyanosawa Station290JPY
    Section 2SubwayMiyanosawa Station~Sapporo Station290JPY
    Total580JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at hotel 9:10 Fushimi Inari  10:30 Sanjusangendo  11:40 Nishiki Market   13:20 Kinkaku-ji   15:35 Return to hotel and tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were a quiet group overall. One of the guests asked the most questions. The drive to Fushimi Inari took about an hour, and some of the guests dozed off along the way, perhaps due to lack of sleep. It was mostly cloudy and not too hot today, which made sightseeing comfortable. They mentioned that the weather was not so different from where they live. At Fushimi Inari, they were approached with questions in English by junior high school students on a school trip, and all of them responded sincerely. They did very little extra shopping. Since one of the guests could not eat fish, I guided the group to a restaurant in Nishiki Market that offered a variety of options, including udon and soba. They stayed hydrated and also enjoyed some ice cream. As they did not have Japanese yen, they exchanged dollars for yen at a currency exchange machine before heading to Nishiki Market. We took photos at Kinkaku-ji. On the way back, the roads were relatively clear, and we were able to return smoothly to the hotel in Osaka.

    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.

    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…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 11:00 @Miyajima @Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3. 11:50 Lunch @Shibai Chaya Mizuha
    • 4. 12:30 @Grilled Oyster Hayashi @Senjokaku
    • 5. 14:00 @Peace Park Museum
    • 6. 15:40 @Hiroshima Castle
    • 7. 16:45 Dismiss @Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Until we met on the day of the tour, a travel agency was acting as an intermediary, and I was not able to contact the guests directly. I explained that a contact number was absolutely necessary for meeting on the day, and I was just barely able to obtain a phone number. I was a little worried until we actually met. The guests were very friendly and pleasant. When we met, they said they would leave everything up to the guide. However, the agency had specified several destinations, and I had planned the tour accordingly. When I asked the guests, though, there were points that differed from what they actually wanted — for example, they said they did not need to visit a café called Tenshinkaku but wanted to try oysters, and although I had been told to take them to Hiroshima Castle, they said they had already visited Osaka Castle so they did not need to go inside. Because of this, I felt it would have been easier if I had been entrusted with the plan from the start, or if I had been able to communicate directly with the guests. The guests thoroughly enjoyed Miyajima, and they also viewed the Peace Park and the memorial museum with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Hotel (10 min from Shinjuku Station)
    • 0900 Harajuku – Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1050 Marunouchi – Tatsumi Yagura ~ Gyoko-dori ~ Marunouchi Building pillars ~ Tokyo Station
    • 1200 Tsukiji Outer Market – Lunch at Sushizanmai Annex
    • 1330 Asakusa – Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • Due to the heat and fatigue, they wished to return to the hotel by taxi, so accompanied them.
    • 1440 Dismissed at the hotel

    What's a First-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from Oceania. The guest had a very sturdy build and some issues with an ankle, but completed the tour energetically. Since it was the guest's first visit to Japan and this was the first day, the guest wanted to learn how to use the trains and get a sense of the area, so I mainly guided them by subway. The guest had actively booked plans for the following days, including Kamakura, Disneyland, then Nikko, and street karts (the so-called Mario Kart activity). After that, the guest planned to travel around Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. At the Forest Terrace of Meiji Jingu, we had iced coffee and soft-serve ice cream in place of breakfast. It was too early for the shops on Takeshita Street to be open, but the guest seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and Marunouchi, the sun was blazing, so we sightseed while searching for shade. At Tsukiji, we had lunch, partly to find a cool place to rest. Originally we had planned to walk from there to Ginza 4-chome, but because of the intense heat and humidity, we skipped that and headed to Asakusa. Asakusa was crowded due to the Hozuki (ground cherry) Festival. Along the way, the guest purchased a desired sake flask and cup set. However, once we reached the main hall, the guest wanted to return to the hotel by taxi, so I accompanied them, saw them off at the hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae (Marunouchi)209JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae (Marunouchi) ~ Hibiya~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji ~ Ueno~Asakusa209JPY
    Total742JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Yanaka Ginza & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Yanaka Ginza & Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Food Court
    • 13:10 Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:00 @ In front of Tokyo National Museum

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a kind group visiting from North America. Because of the ongoing extreme heat, they contacted me the day before to request that we travel by taxi as much as possible. Since the heat was dangerous, I discussed with them what to do after we met on the day. From the original plan, they chose Tsukiji and Yanaka Ginza, and we also decided to visit the Tokyo National Museum. At Tsukiji, they showed great interest in a variety of foods, and purchased udon, soba, and wasabi beans as souvenirs. For lunch, they enjoyed a tekka-don set meal and chicken soba in an air-conditioned indoor food court. They wanted to buy jade, so we went to a stone shop in Yanaka Ginza, but the shape they were looking for was not available, so they purchased a different stone instead. Because of the intense heat, they chose to take a taxi even from Ueno Station to the Tokyo National Museum, and gave a tip to the driver. After the museum there was about an hour left, but they had become tired and said they wanted to return to the hotel and end the tour there, so I put them in a taxi and we parted ways. When temperatures exceed 35 degrees, even walking outside for a short time is difficult and there is a risk of feeling unwell, so I found it challenging to choose destinations. Admission to the Tokyo National Museum was free for those aged 70 and over.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNippori~Ueno150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
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  • Osaka in Half a Day: @Doguyasuji & @Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: @Doguyasuji & @Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
    • 09:45 @Doguyasuji
    • 10:15 @Den Den Town
    • 10:30 @Kuromon Market
    • 11:15 @Dotonbori
    • 11:45 @Pokemon Cafe (Daimaru Department Store Shinsaibashi)
    • 12:30 @Den Den Town
    • 13:00 Disband @Den Den Town

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Den Den Town, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting Japan, though at the start one member of the group could not join due to feeling unwell, likely from the recent heat (possibly a mild case of heatstroke). Despite the considerable heat today as well, we were able to move around smoothly. For the first stop, "Den Den Town," I had expected the shops to open around 10:00, so I first guided the group to "Doguyasuji" along the way before heading there. However, since most of the shops there opened at 11:00 or 11:30, we moved on to the next stop, Kuromon Market (the group mentioned they would visit Doguyasuji again later, as they thought one of the group would be interested). At Kuromon Market, the guests enjoyed sampling takoyaki, dried fruit, pickles, black soybean tea, and more, and also purchased souvenirs. In Dotonbori, they enjoyed the popular soft-serve ice cream performed by a Turkish vendor. Afterward, the group said they definitely wanted to visit the Pokémon Café inside the Daimaru department store, which I had suggested, so I guided them there. We then returned once more to "Den Den Town," which one of the group had been looking forward to most, and after guiding them to their favorite shop, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Imamiya~Namba180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinsaibashi~Namba190JPY
    Total370JPY

    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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
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    We were taken…

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    Our tour with…

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    Our tour guide…

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street ~ Omotesando

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street ~ Omotesando

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Conrad Tokyo
    • 9:15 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Tsukiji Hongwanji ~ Kabukiza Theatre
    • 10:50 Asakusa, Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Asakusa Maruka
    • 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Takeshita Street ~ Omotesando
    • 15:30 Disband @ Conrad Tokyo

    Title: What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Harajuku by a Licensed Guide The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived in Tokyo from Kyoto the previous day. We had agreed on the itinerary before their arrival, and although I suggested visiting the Tokyo National Museum instead of the Imperial Palace due to the extreme heat, we ultimately followed the original plan. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I explained the difference between Toyosu and Tsukiji in terms of their history and current roles to avoid any misunderstanding, and we focused on the fish market area, where at Kitani we were able to catch the very end of a tuna cutting demonstration. At Hongan-ji Temple, I explained how it differs from the Zen temples of Kyoto. In Asakusa, the "Hozuki Market" (ground cherry pod market) happened to be taking place. I noted that inbound visitors often only take photos without buying anything, which seemed to bother the market vendors. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we again took a break at the Ninomaru rest area as a precaution against heatstroke. In Harajuku, the guests seemed impressed by how dramatically the atmosphere of the streets changes within a small area, moving from Meiji Shrine to Takeshita Street to Omotesando. [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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Higashi-ginza~Toei Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayEidan Asakusa~Eidan Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayEidan Otemachi~Eidan Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4SubwayEidan Omotesando~Eidan Shimbashi178JPY
    Total785JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
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    Phenomenal experiance
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    Hideki was, without question, my…

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