Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Museum of History & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Museum of History & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Plaza Osaka
    • 10-45-12:15 @Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 12:30-13:30 @Osaka Museum of History
    • 13:50-14:05 @Dotonbori
    • 14:20 Disband @Osaka Umeda Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, scheduled to fly home from Kansai International Airport on the evening of the tour day. At the guests' request the day before, the start time was moved up by one hour to 10:00. At the start of the tour, due to the ongoing heat and travel fatigue, the guests requested indoor sightseeing, so the plan was quickly changed from Shitennoji Temple to the Osaka Museum of History. As the group had varied interests, I was concerned about whether everyone would be satisfied, but I was relieved when they told me they had enjoyed Japan right up until the very last moment before their departure. [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 1TrainJuso~Osaka Umeda170JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba240JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total890JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 9:25 Shibuya – Hachiko photos, etc.
    • 9:10 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 9:40 Cat Street
    • 10:00 Takeshita Street
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:25 Shinjuku – Godzilla Head, souvenirs, etc.
    • 11:40 Lunch @ Yakitori Izakaya Torishishi
    • 13:20 Asakusa
    • 15:10 Disband at Shinagawa Station

    At Shibuya, the guests were pleased to finally photograph the long-awaited Hachiko statue. Next, we headed to Cat Street, which they had requested. As I had explained in advance, most of the shops were not yet open. However, they walked all the way to Harajuku and enjoyed the atmosphere of the street. We entered Takeshita Street at 10:00, and since there were not yet many people or lines, the guests were able to leisurely enjoy the atmosphere. They were very interested in a mini pig café. At Meiji Shrine, they delighted in the beauty of the trees. In Shinjuku, they came face to face with the long-awaited Godzilla (they seem to love the old Godzilla special-effects films). They were so delighted that I guided them all the way to the hotel lobby. They enjoyed a yakitori lunch and had some beer, remarking that Japanese beer is delicious. In Asakusa, they bought souvenirs such as beckoning cat figures and were very satisfied. The tour ended at Shinagawa Station after I showed them the direction toward their hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Kanda178JPY
    Section 4TrainKanda~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Shinagawa422JPY
    Total1,102JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:30 Atomic Bomb Dome

    What Is a Private Group Walking Tour in Japan Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was another extremely hot day. When I mentioned that Japan is inhabited almost entirely by Japanese people, the guests noted that their home country is a nation of immigrants where many different backgrounds live together, and that while there is some friction, it brings stimulation to society. At lunch, the guests enjoyed quite a bit of beer and chuhai, and afterward they seemed to find it rather difficult to walk in the intense summer sun and heat. In cases like this, it is hard to judge whether it is better to advise guests in advance or whether doing so would be unnecessary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of the Broadcasting Hall~Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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 by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: Accommodation (The Villa So-So)
    • 09:10 Sightseeing ① Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 10:00 Sightseeing ② Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ③ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch: "Kura Sushi" Kinkaku-ji branch
    • 13:40 Sightseeing ④ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 Dismissal: Accommodation

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report This time the guests were a group of young visitors from North America, and travel by private car was very comfortable. Communication beforehand and coordination of the itinerary went smoothly. However, their accommodation was a private lodging with no known contact information such as a phone number, and it was located in a somewhat complicated area, so the guests seemed a little worried about the meeting point with me, the guide. With the help of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), however, we were able to pinpoint the exact location, so there was no trouble meeting up. On the day of the tour, even though it was already past mid-September, it was extremely hot with a maximum temperature exceeding 37 degrees, and both the guests and I ended up sweating a great deal throughout the tour. Still, the guests were full of energy, and we were able to complete the tour in high spirits.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Gora
    • 10:00-10:45. Purchase tickets at Gora, take the cable car to Owakudani
    • 10:45-11:40. Sightseeing and shopping at Owakudani
    • 12:00-12:40. Lake Ashi cruise, to Moto-Hakone
    • 13:00-13:50. Lunch
    • 13:50-14:40. From Moto-Hakone to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 14:50-15:45. Sightseeing at the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:45-16:00. From the Hakone Open-Air Museum to Gora

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, traveling in Japan while their family stayed home this time. One of the guests was very curious, and it was memorable how they explored the Hakone Open-Air Museum along an unusual route rather than the standard course. The guests also seemed to love nature, pointing their camera even at the wild grasses along the roadside. For lunch we had soba noodles, and the guests appeared quite accustomed to Japanese food; the restaurant was crowded, so I suggested a cafeteria, but they patiently waited and we went into the soba restaurant. Since they had already been sightseeing in Kyoto, and because they preferred nature, we skipped Hakone Shrine and headed straight to the Open-Air Museum.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora~Kowakudani5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:25 Meet at Hakodate Port Terminal 9:15 Goryokaku Tower 10:00 Hakodate Magistrate's Office 11:20 Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market 12:00 Shopping at the morning market 12:40 Return to the cruise and end the tour (because Diane can no longer walk)

    What Is a Private Cruise Port Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan on a cruise from North America. One of the guests walked well and could eat anything, while another followed a vegetarian diet, had difficulty with their legs, and could not climb stairs. This guest walked very slowly, so the other guest and I matched our pace accordingly. We used a one-day train pass, but assistance was needed both when boarding and getting off. First, we headed to Goryokaku Park and visited Goryokaku Tower. The guests slowly enjoyed the view of Hakodate. To go down, visitors normally walk down one floor and then take the elevator, but since stairs were not possible, I made a special request and we were allowed to board the elevator directly from the top floor. After visiting the magistrate's office inside Goryokaku, one of the guests sat on a bench for a short rest. We then took the train again and had lunch at the Hakodate Morning Market. I had searched for a vegetarian restaurant in advance, but some were closed on Wednesdays or located up a hill where walking was not possible, so we looked for something suitable to eat at the morning market. We entered a set-meal restaurant, ordered a set meal, and selected the items that could be eaten (rice, tofu, miso soup, pickles, and kelp). After the meal, the guests did a little shopping, but one guest was tired and wished to return to the ship, so the tour ended after a little over four hours. I had hoped to show more of the town of Hakodate, but it could not be helped, so I escorted the guests to near the cruise ship, and the tour ended. The photo was taken at the Hakodate Magistrate's Office.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakodate Station~Hakodate Station600JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • Kanagawa: Toured the Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa: Toured the Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Barhotel Hakone Kozan lobby, tour begins
    • 8:30-8:35 Walk to Kowakien bus stop
    • 8:41-8:46 Take the sightseeing facility loop bus to Gora Station
    • 9:06-8:56 From Gora Station to Sounzan Station by cable car
    • 9:10-9:30 From Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station by ropeway
    •      When we left Sounzan Station, it was foggy and we could barely see our surroundings, but as we approached Owakudani Station, the view opened up. I thought it would be empty in the morning, but many elementary school students on a school trip arrived and it became lively.
    • 9:30-10:00 Owakudani free time. We could clearly see Mt. Fuji, so we were able to take lots of wonderful photos.
    • 10:00-10:30 From Owakudani Station to Togendai Station by ropeway
    •       We could see Mt. Fuji here as well.
    • 10:30-10:45 Togendai. We decided to take the 10:45 pirate ship. Applying what Andy taught in the recent training, I recommended first class to the guests, and we decided to take first class. After a while, a group of elementary school students on a school trip arrived, took a commemorative photo by the lakeside, and boarded the same ship, so I was glad we chose first class.
    • 10:45-11:25 By pirate ship from Togendai Port to Motohakone Port
    •       The guests were delighted to spend time relaxing in the first class cabin. Since lunch was planned at Motohakone, they looked at the menus of several restaurants that I had printed out in advance on the ship, and decided on Hotel de Yama.
    • 11:30-12:30 Toured Hakone Shrine on foot. Kyudo (Japanese archery) practice was underway at the martial arts hall on the grounds, so we watched from outside. We climbed up to the main hall to pay our respects and then moved to Hotel de Yama.
    • 12:30-13:30 Japanese lunch at Hotel de Yama. The husband had the 3000 yen seafood bowl set. The wife had the 2200 yen nigiri sushi. This is a calm restaurant with a view of Lake Ashi, and we could dine leisurely without waiting outside. The prices are somewhat high, but meals in the 2000 yen range are also available, so I recommend it for adult guests who value atmosphere.
    • 13:30-14:00 Walk from Hotel de Yama to Motohakone bus stop
    • 14:00-14:20 By bus from Motohakone bus stop to Ninotaira-iriguchi bus stop
    •       It started raining when we got off the bus.
    • 14:00-14:15 Walk from Ninotaira-iriguchi to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 14:20-16:00 Toured the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    •       The rain got stronger around the time we entered, so I asked at the entrance if umbrellas could be borrowed, and they said they could be borrowed at the reception of the main gallery inside. So I borrowed two, one for each guest. The guests were impressed that the museum's exhibits were more substantial than expected, and both of them enjoyed it very much.
    • 16:00 We had planned to return to the hotel from here, but the guests said this was fine, so we parted ways in front of Chokoku-no-Mori Station.

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began early in the morning from a hotel in Hakone, so the guests were able to see a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from Owakudani. Before meeting the guests, I checked the conditions on the Hakone live camera, and since Mount Fuji was visible from around Lake Ashi and from Mount Kintoki as well, I had hoped for a good view — and it turned out even better than expected, which was a relief. Since it was a weekday in September and relatively uncrowded, we were able to board every attraction without waiting. The tour progressed much faster than planned, so I considered adding one more sightseeing spot, but the guests said they had seen everything on the itinerary and were satisfied. It was my first time using the first-class option on the pirate ship, but with a free pass it only costs 700 yen, so I felt it was not expensive. The guests were a calm and lovely group, and I greatly enjoyed the many conversations we had. Note: Just before meeting the guests, I twisted my right foot while walking near the Kowakien area. There was some pain, but I was relieved to finish the tour safely. When I went to the hospital after returning home, I was diagnosed with a fracture below the little toe of my right foot. Since this occurred before the tour, I am wondering whether this would fall outside the coverage of the insurance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    My name is Midori Katayama. I have been working as a national licensed English-speaking tour guide since 2024. I have guided group bus tours as well as FIT guests. I truly enjoy showing visitors from overseas the wonderful places in Japan and sharing our culture with them.

    I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is located just south of Tokyo and offers great sightseeing destinations such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone. There are four people in my family—my husband, my son, and my mother. My son has already moved out and lives on his own, so now the three of us live together.

    I also study tea ceremony, and I look forward to sharing Japanese culture with all of you.
    Thank you very much, and I hope to see you soon.

    Apr 27, 2025
    202travelor
    Magical birthday!
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Middy arranged a bespoke day in Yokohama for my husband’s…

    Sep 22, 2024
    M-N-M-FAB4
    Perfect Day And we saw Mt Fuji
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a pleasant…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.5:00 Hotel
    • 2.525 Toyosu shijo & Tuna Auction + Sushi Breakfast
    • 3.6:30 Intermediate Building bought Grape & Melon
    • 4.7:00 Yurikamome Shijoumae to Shiodome
    • 5.7:30 Shiodome-Tsukiji Shijo Shijo sight seeing
    • 6.8:30 Tsukiji SHijo – Tsukiji Honganji – Hotel
    • 7.9:00 Finish at the Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji and Waterfront Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report There were many questions, particularly from one of the guests who is studying a little Japanese. They were amazed by the large amount of tuna. Afterward, we had breakfast at a sushi restaurant, and for one of the guests, miso soup and rice were specially prepared. At the intermediate wholesalers' building, the guests wanted to buy dried scallops but gave up because it was cash only (20,000 yen), and instead purchased Shine Muscat grapes and melon. They mentioned that these are very expensive in Asia. On the Yurikamome line, the guests enjoyed the scenery of Odaiba, saw the Hayao Miyazaki mechanical clock in Shiodome, and then headed to the Tsukiji market. At Tsukiji Uogashi, they were excited by the blocks of tuna, the variety of seafood, and more. They looked around the shops and then I walked them back to the Hotel. Everyone seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijomae~Shiodome388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Shijo178JPY
    Total566JPY

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:30 Meet at hotel (The Rykan Hostel Gion)
    • ② 10:40 Explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④ 13:00 Stroll around Nishiki Market・Lunch
    • ⑤ 14:00 Shopping on Teramachi Street
    • ⑥ 14:45 Pontocho~Gion stroll~Yasui Konpira Shrine~Sannenzaka
    • ⑦ 16:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ⑧ 17:00 Disband (in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Kyoto for the first time. Today's route was decided according to the guests' wishes. They were very easygoing, and asked with great interest not only about the history of Kyoto but also about the structure of present-day Japanese society and views on religion. While answering their questions, they in turn shared various aspects of contemporary society in their home region, including their own personal impressions. For example, we discussed how gun violence is perceived in their society. Such conversations were so interesting that I kept asking questions, and we ended up running slightly over time. No transportation expenses were advanced.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting point: BELLUSTAR TOKYO, Hotel
    • Shinjuku West Exit Station Tourist Information Center
    • World Currency Shop
    • 11:40 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:50 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 14:30 Depart Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:40 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Lunch: Marugame Seimen
    • 16:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • 16:10 Arrive Shimokitazawa Station
    • Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa South Exit Shopping Street
    • Village Vanguard
    • Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street
    • Mikan Shimokita
    • 17:10 Depart Shimokitazawa Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and took a taxi to their hotel. They were staying in Japan for a total of ten days, planning to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara after Tokyo, and then return home. They expressed the wish, "We're not interested in the usual tourist spots. We want to go to unique places." They also mentioned, "It's hot back home too, but the air is dry there. Tokyo is very humid, so it's tough." Despite the intense heat, we were fortunate to avoid rain, and the tour proceeded with several breaks along the way. Before departure, they requested, "We'd like to buy a Suica card," and "We'd like to exchange some US dollars in cash." Instead of a Suica, they purchased a 72-hour subway pass, and after exchanging their dollars, we set off. First, following their wishes, we headed to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history of Shinjuku Gyoen. They commented, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. It's amazing to have such a large park in the middle of the city," and "I grow bonsai at home, so this is a great reference." We then moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the history of Edo and Tokyo, the Meiji Restoration, and the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. They said, "It's wonderful to have such a green place in the heart of the city." After this, we strolled through Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando. They took a liking to the vintage clothing shops on Cat Street and said they would return another day. Next, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. One of the guests mentioned volunteering to rescue lost dogs. They asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" They said they wanted to try "a typical office worker's lunch," so we went to Marugame Seimen. They commented, "It was great to eat cold noodles in this heat." After this, we moved to Shimokitazawa. I explained the recent state of Shimokitazawa. They said, "I looked it up online beforehand, and it seems there are many vintage clothing shops." We toured the shopping street, and they said, "This is exactly the kind of place we wanted to come to." Here too they seemed fond of the vintage shops and said they would return another day. They also made comments such as, "The town is so clean. There's no litter on the ground," "The public toilets are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is clean, quiet, and comfortable. The air conditioning works well too." They also remarked and asked, "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?" They also had a question about how to exchange the JR Pass, which I explained before we parted. I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku Station~Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae Station~Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando Station~Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya Station~Shimokitazawa Station140JPY
    Section 5TrainShimokitazawa Station~Shinjuku Station167JPY
    Total841JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
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