Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel 10:30 Fushimi Inari 12:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:10 Short break 14:15 Ryoanji Temple 15:15 Kinkakuji Temple 16:30 Guide to Kyoto Station and tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were waiting in front of the Hotel before the meeting time, which I was very glad about. They mentioned that the climate back home is similar to Kyoto but somewhat less humid. They got along very well and clearly respected each other's wishes. One of them was the type to be interested in everything and took photos enthusiastically, while the other had a calm demeanor and seemed happy to go along with the requests. They were very moved by Fushimi Inari. They also enjoyed Arashiyama and the moss at Kinkaku-ji. Since they wanted to exchange their Shinkansen tickets, after Kinkaku-ji I guided them to the "Midori no Madoguchi" ticket office at Kyoto Station, where the tour ended. The photo was taken at Ryoan-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 4BusRyoanji~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    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.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kamakura from Yokohama by Private Car

    Kamakura from Yokohama by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Osanbashi Pier, by hired car, Inamuragasaki, Mt. Fuji (60%), Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple Garden, Raitei, meal, Jochiji Temple Shihochiku bamboo, return to Osanbashi Pier, disband at 14:50

    **Title:** What's a Private Kamakura Day Trip by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** On the way to the destination, the guest sent an email saying they had been double-charged for the car and guide fees. I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) by phone, and a staff member explained to the guest that there was no error on the Japan side, and that the matter was essentially something to be resolved between the guest and the booking platform. The guest understood, and we set off. One of the party did not join today in order to rest. The actual itinerary was very enjoyable, with lively and cheerful conversation in the car. The driver was very thoughtful and accommodating, and was able to point out a distant view of Mount Fuji from Inamuragasaki, which delighted the guests greatly. At the Great Buddha of Kamakura, the guest appeared moved to tears, as if a long-held wish had come true. At a Japanese restaurant, the guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine. Since walking placed a considerable burden on the guest, we returned to Osanbashi Pier after fully enjoying the above itinerary. On the way back, we took photographs of Yokohama Stadium from inside the car.

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Fish Market & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Fish Market & Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 @Meeting point (Indigo 12F)
    • Shibuya Crossing. Hachi statue
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
    • 11:00 Double Bridge(Imperial Palace)
    • 11:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 12:10 Lunch
    • 13:00 walking tour from Nezu to Ueno
    • 14:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:15 tour end

    What Is a Private Yanaka and Ueno Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of the guests was fond of Japan, having previously hosted a Japanese guest with their family, and another had watched the drama "Shogun" and actively tried to use Japanese. The day of the tour was extremely hot, so I was a little worried about walking around Yanaka, but by checking in with the guests along the way, I was able to guide them through the itinerary as planned. They did not do much shopping, and since the train transfers and getting seated for lunch all went smoothly, we finished visiting all the planned spots an hour ahead of schedule, so I additionally guided them through the Tokyo National Museum. At the end, in a rest area, I told them about the teahouse behind the museum, recommended spots in Ueno Park, and how to get back, before saying goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShintomicho~Sakuradamon180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Total570JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was a tour filled with a very happy atmosphere. At Itsukushima Shrine, the group drew omikuji fortunes together. To my surprise, they stacked their two omikuji on top of each other and tied them to the omikuji bar together. One fortune read "good luck" (kichi) and the other read "great good luck" (daikichi). It was truly a joyous day. This week was another three-day weekend, and both Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park were packed with visitors. However, since e-tickets can now be used, we no longer have to wait in line to buy tickets for the Peace Memorial Museum as we did before, which allows for a more efficient use of time and is very helpful.

    Transportation cost per person

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 7:00 Meet up @Alza Kyoto
    • 2. 7:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 9:00 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 10:30 @Ginkaku-ji
    • 5. 12:50 @Kiyomizu-Gojo
    • 6. 13:15 Disband @Gojozaka

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, I had proposed several possible itineraries based on the guest's wishes. Since the guest's interests were quite wide-ranging, we agreed to decide on the itinerary on the day depending on the weather and how the guest was feeling. Because it was a hot and humid day, the guest said walking the Philosopher's Path would be too much, and since they also expressed a wish to buy a vase, I guided them to several small pottery shops near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guest was very pleased and told me that hiring a guide had truly been worthwhile. I explained how to get back to the accommodation, and we parted ways at the pottery hall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusGinkakuji-michi~Sanjo-Keihan230JPY
    Section 6TrainSanjo~Kiyomizu-Gojo170JPY
    Total1,280JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Gather @Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
    • 9:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:20 Nijo Castle
    • 12:25 Tenryu-ji Temple ∼ Bamboo Grove Path
    • 13:05 Lunch @Koto Kiki Chaya
    • 13:50 Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:30 Dismiss @Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first day in Kyoto, so I guided them according to their requests, and I believe they were all very pleased with the tour. One of the guests was especially lively and, being in Japan for the first time, was full of curiosity, asking "What is this?" about almost everything we saw, and listened intently to my explanations at Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. As we parted, one of the guests told me it had been "a very meaningful tour."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji BT~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa-Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 5TrainRanden-Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 7TrainOmiya~Karasuma170JPY
    Total1,650JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel Ryokan Yado Kiramachi Meeting point
    • 12:45~13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:20~15:50 Arashiyama Tenryu-ji Temple – Bamboo Grove – Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Saga Elementary School bus stop Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Kyoto today from Osaka via Kansai Airport. Their accommodation was a Japanese ryokan-style hotel, which they said they liked very much. Following the guests' wishes, the tour covered Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, the bamboo grove, and Jojakko-ji, using the subway and taxis. One of the guests found Kinkaku-ji the most impressive, admiring its grandeur, the powerful combination of the garden and the borrowed scenery, and the authority of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu at the time. Another of the guests moved around busily at each site searching for the best photo angles, and also enjoyed choosing souvenirs such as omamori charms. They commented that Jojakko-ji was the most impressive of all.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma~Kitaoji260JPY
    Total260JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at NOKU Kyoto
    • 9:20 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 10:45 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30 Lunch at Honke Tagoto
    • 2:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 3:10 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 3:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4:20 Break at Le Palais Gourmand Sugimoto (Higashiyama Sanjo)
    • 5:20 Disband at Karasuma Oike Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visitors from North America. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was uncrowded and quiet, so the guests could enjoy it slowly and at a relaxed pace. At Nijo Castle, perhaps because of poor air circulation, the heat and humidity were quite severe even amid this intense heat wave, and the guests began to walk more quickly partway through, so I gave only a brief explanation. The guests very much enjoyed the soba noodles at the restaurant we visited for lunch. At Kiyomizu-dera, the guests appeared tired due to the large crowds and the long day, so they did not go inside, and I gave a short explanation from the front. Afterward, they rested at a café, regained their energy, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayImadegawa~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae220JPY
    Section 3TrainGion-Shijo~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo~Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 5BusShijo-Keihan~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusGojozaka~Higashiyama Sanjo230JPY
    Section 7SubwayHigashiyama~Karasuma Oike220JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Koyasan Station Meet up→Bus travel
    • Daimon Gate Sightseeing
    • Nyonin-michi (Women's Pilgrimage Route) Daimon Gate→Short walk→Beside Reihokan Museum→Danjo Garan
    • Danjo Garan Sightseeing→Bus travel
    • Okunoin Path Sightseeing
    • Lunch 
    • Return to Okunoin Path Sightseeing
    • In front of Okunoin→Bus travel
    • Kongobuji Temple Sightseeing
    • Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia, so I introduced them to the quiet mountain path (the Nyonin-do women's pilgrimage route). I explained the history and Buddhism, and also touched on India's historical background, including the influence of Hinduism. To save time, I minimized the walking distance, stopping at a restaurant partway along the Okunoin path before returning to the trail, so that we walked about two-thirds of it. Since the Okunoin path has many graves of Sengoku-era warlords, I explained while showing a map of Japan on which I had marked their home territories. Because I adjusted the itinerary while checking the timetable, we were able to use all the buses with almost no waiting time (the fact that everything is currently on a special route via Daimon actually turned out to be convenient).

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijojo Castle & front of Nishiki Food Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijojo Castle & front of Nishiki Food Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 I'l pick you up in the lobby of your hotel "Hilton Kyoto"
    • 10:20 Nijojo Castle
    • 11:10 (take taxi)
    • 11:30 Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 12:20 (take taxi)
    • 13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • (take taxi)
    • 14:10 in front of Nishiki Food Market

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market 1. The guests were visitors from North America, and I picked them up at a hotel in Kyoto that had opened just one week earlier. 2. It was hot again today, so we took the subway to Nijo Castle first, but after that we traveled by taxi at the guests' request. 3. The guests mentioned that they had visited Osaka Castle the day before, so I introduced Nijo Castle while weaving in stories about the Tokugawa and Toyotomi families. 4. There were many students out today, and when I explained that Japan's school year runs from April to March, the guests shared that in their region it starts in September and ends in July. 5. After the tour, the guests wanted to have lunch, so I took them to the entrance of Nishiki Market, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIn front of Kyoto City Hall~In front of Nijojo Castle220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…