Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour

    Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour

    Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0640 Meet at Hotel
    • 0715 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 0900 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 1000 Yasaka Shrine
    • 1030 Disband at Gion

    Title: What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were friendly and very polite throughout the tour. It was a very hot day, and at the guests' request they wanted to use taxis (Uber), so we took the train for the first leg and then traveled by car from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Kiyomizu-dera. We walked from Kiyomizu through the Higashiyama area, taking breaks along the way and enjoying ice cream as we strolled. At the end, the guests boarded a car (Uber) in Gion, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Total370JPY

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

    Request Booking

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kyobashi Meet-up – Tsukiji – Hamarikyu – Asakusa – Meiji Shrine – Harajuku Dismissal

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji and Hamarikyu in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report In addition to the requested locations, I added Tsukiji and Hamarikyu, which the guests were very pleased with. At the soba restaurant, the guests ordered sake and enjoyed a toast together, as well as buying some souvenirs. Also, my previous submission was lost, so this is my second time filling this out, and I have kept it simple. This time I will save it first and then attach a reduced-size photo. This never happened with the earlier version. Going forward, I hope a system can be built that allows submissions to go through in one attempt under any circumstances.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKyobashi～Harajuku600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Request Booking

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kokoen Garden & Himeji Castle

    Hyogo in One Day: Kokoen Garden & Himeji Castle

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:45 @ Mount Shosha・Engyoji Temple
    • 13:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 16:00 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Even though today was again unusually hot, they were able to move around smoothly by staying well hydrated frequently. The guests showed genuine interest and curiosity at each spot and asked many questions. One of the guests had knowledge of Japanese history and asked some quite in-depth questions as well. They also shared many rare and truly fascinating stories about their home region in North America, which made the experience very meaningful for me as a guide. After the tour, the guests planned to return to Kyoto, but wanted to have lunch before that, so I introduced some local specialties and a restaurant district before we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Himeji Station～Mount Shosha Ropeway Station1,700JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Meet at Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside (5 min from Tokyo Big Sight Station)
    • 1110 Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 1220 Kabukicho Godzilla Road, 3D Cat Display, Lunch at Yoronotaki in Omoide Yokocho
    • 1340 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 1440 Harajuku, overview explanation at Meiji Shrine First Torii, Takeshita Street, Omotesando, decided to skip at the entrance of Cat Street
    • 1540 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1600 Guided to the Ginza Line boarding area and dispersed

    Title: What Can You See on a Half-Day Private Tokyo Tour Before a Cruise Departure? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three from North America. One of the guests performs on a cruise ship, and since there were only two nights of performances this time, the others joined. Initially, expecting the ship to dock at the Tokyo Cruise Terminal, they had booked a Hotel, and some of the guests arrived at Haneda the previous night. However, since the ship docked at Yokohama Osanbashi Pier, they moved by taxi in the evening to the Hotel. Tonight, after dinner, one of the guests will return to Osanbashi Pier and rejoin the group the next morning at the Hotel. Because they needed to board at Osanbashi Pier by 4:00 PM the next day, they consulted me about sightseeing only in the morning. Given the location, I suggested a round trip by taxi to Sensoji Temple. Since they wanted a kitchen knife, I introduced them to the Kyusuke Hamono Shin-Nakamise branch. Today's itinerary was based on their wish to try traveling by subway. Having heard about a recent trip to Japan from a relative, they also wanted to walk from Harajuku to Cat Street. However, at the entrance to Cat Street, due to the intense heat, one of the guests gave up, and since they still wanted to see Shibuya, we moved there by subway. After this, they will travel to Shimizu, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. They will have time in Osaka, but since the ship's tours were already fully booked and they were considering walking on their own, I suggested they try booking through the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) website.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Big Sight～Shiodome388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome～Tochomae272JPY
    Section 3SubwayTochomae～Shinjuku-nishiguchi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku～Shinjuku-gyoenmae178JPY
    Section 5TrainSendagaya～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 6TrainOmotesando～Shibuya178JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meeting Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 3. 12:20 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Harajuku Street)
    • 4. 13:30 Dismissal Omotesando

    What Can You See in a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Asakusa and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and it was their second day of a stay in Japan. Some of the guests were already familiar with Tokyo from having lived in Japan before, while others were visiting for the first time. On this day the request was to see Asakusa and Harajuku, so I focused the tour on these two areas. In addition to explaining each location, I gave commentary on Japanese history, culture, and religion, and the guests were pleased, saying they had learned a great deal. It was a hot and humid day that felt like the return of midsummer, but since the guests preferred to travel by taxi, this had no real impact on the tour. I really wish we could be spared such midsummer-like weather when we are already approaching late September…

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

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:30 Meet up @Hotel Lutheran
    • 2. 13:30 @Koreatown
    • 3. 14:30 @Minami (Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Namba Yasaka Shrine)
    • 4. 17:00 @Tsutenkaku
    • 5. 18:30 Disband @Namba

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The itinerary had been arranged in advance. On the day of the tour, since the guests had already visited some places on their own, they decided to change the plan on short notice, switching from the Umeda Sky Building to Namba Yasaka Shrine. Looking back, Namba Yasaka Shrine seemed to be the highlight, as the guests happily dedicated ema votive plaques together and took many photos. There was a 30-minute wait at Tsutenkaku Tower, but the guests were delighted with the special observation deck. Since they wanted to have okonomiyaki for dinner, I recommended one of my favorite spots and we parted ways in Namba. I believe the guests had a relaxed and enjoyable time throughout.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Tsuruhashi820JPY
    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

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30　Meet up ＠Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 2. 10:15　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 3. 11:10　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 4. 11:40　＠Ginza (Chuo-dori Street, Kabuki-za Theatre)
    • 5. 12:10　＠Tsukiji (Food Walking Tour, Sushi Lunch)
    • 6. 13:30　＠Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (Main Hall, Shopping at Cafe Shop)
    • 7. 14:20　＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Matcha Cafe Break, Sumida Park, Partial Dismissal at Cutlery Shop)
    • 8. 15:40　Dismissal ＠Ginza Mitsukoshi Cosmetics Section

    # What's a Private Tokyo Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Beyond The guests were a group visiting from North America and the Middle East, though the language they spoke among themselves was Russian, and they were trilingual, also speaking Hebrew and English. It was their first visit to Japan, and after Tokyo they planned to travel to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka, with some of the guests also visiting Hiroshima. One of the guests did not eat fish, so while the others greatly enjoyed a sushi lunch at Tsukiji, that guest ordered only lemonade, which worried me a little, but afterward the guest happily enjoyed soy sauce rice crackers at Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Later, when we took a break at a tea house, the guest tried a matcha latte and delightedly said it was "the most delicious matcha I have ever tasted in my life." The guests listened attentively to my explanations about transportation such as JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway, and asked questions about how some stations keep to the right and others to the left, as well as about the digital countdown displays under traffic signals and the tactile paving blocks on sidewalks. In the end, I guided each part of the group to the shopping spots they were interested in — a specialty knife shop in Asakusa for some of the guests, and a cosmetics brand counter in a department store in Ginza for the others — and we parted ways in two stages.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station～Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station900JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Tokyo Station～Yurakucho Station146JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station～Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Ginza Station0JPY
    Total1,046JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen Park & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen Park & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Tokyo
    • 8:20 Stroll around Shinjuku Kabuki Cho, Goldengai and Hanazono Shrine
    • 9:00 Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
    • 10:30 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 12:00 Asakusa: Viewing from Asakusa Culture Center, Nakamisedori , and Sensoji Temple
    • 13:30 Lunch＠Yoshinoya (in front of Harajuku Station): Stroll around Takeshita Street and Omotesando
    • 14:30 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 The tour ends at Hyatt Regency Tokyo

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. For the itinerary, I took over and followed the plan that had originally been drawn up by the guide first assigned to the tour. Since one of the guests was interested in plants and gardens, the group seemed very interested in Shinjuku Gyoen (especially the greenhouse within the grounds) and Koishikawa Korakuen. As the guests had requested something casual for lunch, and taking into account a preference for not eating seafood, I took them to a Yoshinoya beef bowl restaurant, which was very well received. As the afternoon went on, the temperature rose and the sunlight grew stronger, so I made sure to take frequent breaks for hydration and rest. I believe the guests enjoyed the tour overall.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku-sanchome～Shinjuku-gyoenmae178JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku-gyoenmae～Suidobashi345JPY
    Section 3TrainSuidobashi～Asakusa324JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Section 5TrainOmotesando～Shibuya178JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Tochomae345JPY
    Total1,622JPY

    Tour Report by Chas

    My name is Chikara. I know it is not an easy word to pronounce, so please call me Chas.

    I have dealt with Import and Export Cargoes Insurance while working for an insurance company for 35 years. Such a career gave me opportunities to visit 20 plus over seas countries including 4 year stay in New York as an expat. Through these experiences, I found myself enjoying communiation with people from different countries, appreciating local culture, cuisine and beautiful landscape.

    People have always been kind to me, and I came to think that I want to give back to them by OMOTENASHI to foreign visitors to Japan.

    In addition, as I learned more about different cultures of different countries after years, I came to be more and more aware of how little I know about my own country Japan and it’s unique culture.
    So, I began to study more about Japan, and wish to have good things about my country more understand and appreciated by other countries.

    That’s how I decided to become a national government licensed tour guide.
    Now that I am a guide, I am ready to offer a tailor-made tour in accordance with my guest’s needs. I take it to my job to make the tour enjyoable and memorable, and make my guests fans of Japan.

    My favorite things are
    Walking around not just to follow big strreets but to explore samller “hiden” paths by detour, sometimes excited by the possibility of getting lost.
    Jazz music, Museums, Movies, Architecture, etc.

    Request Booking

    Sep 20, 2024
    S9139WWspencerb
    Must do for new travelers
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My girlfriend and I took our tour…

    May 25, 2024
    Timothy_B
    Best tour in Tokyo!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chas Yokoi was an outstanding tour guide! He…

    May 19, 2024
    Geoffrey P
    Japan Guide Agency’s guide in Tokyo (Chas Yokoi) was magnificent!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    CHAS…

    May 19, 2024
    SueJ211
    5 star experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chas Yokoi was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, fun, responsive…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji & Shibuya

    Tokyo: Tsukiji & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up @ Hyatt Centric Ginza
    • 8:20 Tsukiji (Honganji Temple ~ Outer Market ~ Kabukiza)
    • 10:30 Asakusa (Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Shin-Nakamise)
    • 11:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Mori no Terrace
    • 13:45 Meiji Shrine ~ Omotesando ~ Takeshita Street
    • 14:45 Shibuya (Hachiko ~ Scramble Crossing)
    • 15;55 Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store Basement Food Hall
    • 16:15 Disband @ Hyatt Centric Ginza

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in September? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The itinerary above had been agreed upon with one of the guests before their arrival in Japan, but the weather in September turned out to be unexpectedly extremely hot, and the guests did their best throughout the day. At Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, we took a break in one of the arbors. The guests enjoyed Japanese food, having sashimi at Tsukiji (photo) and snacking on Asakusa menchi in Asakusa. One of the guests was very knowledgeable about Japanese history and quickly grasped my explanations. During our breaks, I gave guidance so that they could travel on their own from the following day onward (the guests plan to move separately). I will also share how things went with the guide handling the Kyoto tour in September.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEidan Ginza～Eidan Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayToei Higashi-Ginza～Toei Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayToei Asakusa～Toei Asakusabashi178JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Asakusabashi～JR Suidobashi146JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Suidobashi～JR Harajuku178JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Harajuku～JR Shibuya146JPY
    Section 7SubwayEidan Shibuya～Eidan Ginza209JPY
    Total1,255JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    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, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, 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

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @ In front of Himeji Station Shinkansen ticket gate
    • 2. 11:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 11:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 15:00 Disband @ Otemae-dori Street on the north side of Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met in front of the Shinkansen ticket gate at Himeji Station and visited the Castle View spot, Himeji Castle, and Koko-en Garden, then bought Kobe beef skewers at a restaurant near Himeji Castle before heading to Himeji Station. On the way back, some of the guests headed to the station separately, but there was an unexpected moment when one of them called and we had to search around for them. We managed to find them safely and headed to the station, but as there was not much time left, we ended the tour on Otemae-dori Avenue. It was quite a hot day again today, but the weather was fine, and the guests took many photos and seemed very satisfied.

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

    Tour Report by Norio

    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!

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    Sep 29, 2026
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    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    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…