Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: @Nakano Broadway & @Shimokitazawa

    Tokyo in One Day: @Nakano Broadway & @Shimokitazawa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hilton Tokyo
    • Shinjuku: Omoide-yokocho/ Giant Cat Screen/ Don Quijote
    • 11:30 @Nakano Broadway
    • 12:30 @Kichijoji
    • Lunch @Minmin
    •    Hamonika-yokocho/ Snoopy shop
    • 14:30 @Shimokitazawa
    • 16:00 Disband @Shinjuku Station

    What Are Some Off-the-Beaten-Track Tokyo Spots? A Private Tour Report from a Licensed Guide The guests came from North America. They had already finished a cruise tour and were spending a few days in Tokyo before returning home, and had already visited the major sightseeing spots. Through our prior communication I received a list of places they wanted to see, and from that list I guided them to the spots that would be difficult to reach on their own. One of the guests had twisted a leg during the trip and tended to walk a little slowly, so we moved by escalator or elevator whenever possible, and after consulting with the guests we reduced the number of destinations a little. Since Shimokitazawa has small shops scattered all around, I had one of the guests wait at a coffee shop near the station and guided only the other guest around. The route ended up being quite off the beaten track, covering Nakano Broadway, Harmonica Yokocho, and Shimokitazawa, and I was glad they seemed to enjoy it. However, perhaps because it was still early in the day, many of the shops in Nakano Broadway and Harmonica Yokocho were still closed, which I felt a little sorry about.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Nakano170JPY
    Section 2TrainNakano~Kichijoji180JPY
    Section 3TrainKichijoji~Shimokitazawa210JPY
    Section 4TrainShimokitazawa~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total730JPY

    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.

    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…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Himeji
    • 2. 10:20 @ Shosha-zan Engyoji Temple (Bell of Compassion, Maniden Hall, Great Lecture Hall, Jogyodo Hall, Dining Hall)
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch @ Kassuiken
    • 4. 13:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 13:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 6. 15:50 Disband @ Himeji Station North Exit

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Himeji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Engyoji, Koko-en, and Himeji Castle Today's guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They were planning to stay in Japan for about a month and had already visited many sightseeing spots. Today we met at a hotel in Himeji, visited Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha, Koko-en Garden, and Himeji Castle, and then ended the tour at Himeji Station. Although it did not rain, it was a hot and humid day, and frequent hydration was necessary. Even so, the guests kept exclaiming "beautiful, beautiful" wherever we went and took many photos. Since schools overseas were on summer vacation, there were many student tourists visiting Japan, but overall there were not too many tourists, so we were able to move around smoothly. The guests were delighted, saying that today's sightseeing was a "double thumbs up." I was very glad.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Himeji Station Front] Station~[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station310JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyoji Microbus Round Trip (Shinojo Ropeway Mountaintop Station~Maniden below)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station~[Shinki Bus Koko-en Front] Station310JPY
    Total1,120JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 11:00 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:45 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 12:30 Tsukiji Outer Market – 13:15 Lunch – 14:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 16:00 Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit – 16:40 Dismissal at the Keiyo Line Tokyo Station platform

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. On this private Tokyo tour, I first recommended the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudodo, where they experienced the striking, powerful sound of the ceremony, which became their first stop. It gave them a chance to encounter Buddhism, which was largely unfamiliar to them. At the neighboring Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, they were astonished by the height of sumo wrestlers and the size of their handprints. When we visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where one can learn about history, they thoroughly enjoyed the contrast between the modern cityscape of Otemachi and Marunouchi and the traditional features dating back to the Edo period, such as the stone walls, moats, and the Fujimi-yagura watchtower.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Hatchobori167JPY
    Section 2SubwayHatchobori~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Tsukiji-shijo178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Otemachi178JPY
    Total701JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Bus ride & Kyoto Pokemon Center

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Bus ride & Kyoto Pokemon Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • Due to sudden circumstances of the customer (son fell ill), the start time was changed to 11:30 (originally 10:00-)
    • 11:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:40-12:30 Bus ride (Sanjo → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 12:30-13:00 Lunch
    • 13:00-13:50 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:50-14:10 Bus ride (Kinkaku-ji → Nijojo-mae)
    • 14:10-14:15 Subway/Tozai Line ride (Nijojo-mae → Nijojo)
    • 14:20-14:50 Surpla Kyoto Asobi Town
    • 14:50-15:00 Subway ride (Nijojo → Karasuma Shijo)
    • 15:00-15:20 Kyoto Pokemon Center
    • 15:20-15:30 Subway ride (Karasuma Shijo → Keihan Sanjo)
    • Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like When the Itinerary Changes at the Last Minute? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested a change to the tour content the day before, so part of the itinerary was adjusted on short notice. The start time on the day of the tour was also changed at their request. (Originally planned / agreed in advance with the guests) Kinkaku-ji → lunch → Nijo Castle (Changed on the day / a request was made to reconsider the content to something more enjoyable / what was actually carried out) Lunch → Kinkaku-ji → an amusement town in Kyoto (a game arcade) → the Kyoto Pokemon Center Kinkaku-ji was quite hot, so sightseeing there seemed a little tough for the guests. I believe the game arcade and the Pokemon Center were satisfying for the guests. There were various changes, including the request to reconsider the itinerary the day before and the change of time on the day of the tour, but since the guests had their own circumstances, I proceeded in a way that met their requests as much as possible. I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKeihan Sanjo~Kinkaku-ji-mae230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkaku-ji-mae~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae~Nijo220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijo~Shijo Karasuma220JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo Karasuma~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Mimaru Kyoto Station
    • 2. 10:25 @Nijo Castle
    • 3. 12:10 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4.13:20 @Ryoan-ji
    • 5.14:10 Disband @Inside the JR bus bound for Kyoto Station

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Tour of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They entrusted me with a 4-hour itinerary, so I selected the three UNESCO World Heritage sites mentioned above. Although it was hot, the guests enjoyed the tour. When I asked about lunchtime, they chose to prioritize sightseeing and skip lunch, planning to eat near Kyoto Station after we parted ways. I provided recommendations for restaurants around Kyoto Station, and in front of Ryoan-ji Temple we boarded a bus heading in the same direction before parting ways. They were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 3BusNishioji Oike~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Ryoanji-mae230JPY
    Total940JPY

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Meet at Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai (midway between JR Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station). Had trouble adjusting the smartphone SUICA which wasn't working in Hamamatsucho.
    • 1000 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, scramble crossing
    • 1030 Harajuku, overview explanation at Meiji Jingu First Torii, Takeshita Street
    • 1150 Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza
    • 1330 Asakusa, lunch at Hidakaya, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise
    • Originally we planned to disband at Akihabara afterward, but due to the extreme heat and jet lag, they wanted to return to the hotel once and go out again after sunset, so I saw them off to Shimbashi Station and we parted ways.

    # What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for a Group of Young Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Because a travel agency acted as an intermediary, the profile of the guests was completely unknown until we met. As I had neither an email address nor a phone number, there was no way to contact them even after arriving at the Hotel. Just as I was thinking of asking the front desk to make an in-house call, the guests appeared. (The SMS I had sent earlier had actually gone to the agency in North America.) The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East. They had backgrounds from various countries and had just finished school. There seemed to be a slightly delicate atmosphere within the group. Since they came from the Middle East, I was mindful about whether there might be dietary restrictions such as Islamic ones, but there were no restrictions at all. After arriving the night before and for breakfast this morning, they thoroughly enjoyed rice balls from a convenience store. During the tour as well, whenever they spotted a convenience store, they would go in to stock up on water, and each time they would also eat rice balls and fried chicken. In the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, they did not eat anything besides convenience store items, so I thought lunch might not be needed. However, in Asakusa they asked, "What about lunch?" When I asked what they would like, they said ramen, so we ended up eating at a ramen restaurant. After visiting Senso-ji Temple, the original plan was to guide them to Akihabara and then part ways. However, today was extremely hot, and they were overwhelmed by a level of humidity they had never experienced back home, so they decided to return to the Hotel once and go out again in the evening. We parted ways at Shimbashi Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Shibuya208JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nezu209JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno146JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi209JPY
    Total1,096JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo: @ Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo

    Hyogo: @ Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Sannomiya Station
    • 10:45 @ Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo
    • 11:30 @ Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum
    • 12:30 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 14:00 Disband @ JR Sannomiya Station

    Title: What Is a Private Sake Brewery Tour Around Kobe and Sannomiya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests appeared a little tired and moved at a somewhat slow pace, and did not seem particularly interested in sake, which made me wonder if there may have been some misunderstanding about the tour. There was even a question such as "Aren't we going to visit Suntory?" In the end, after visiting the third sake brewery, the guests mentioned they had plans in Osaka, so we parted ways at Sannomiya Station, the meeting point, about two hours ahead of schedule. I felt somewhat apologetic about it. This time a local travel agency served as the point of contact, and communication was not smooth. The phone number listed on the confirmation form was also the agency's, and although I repeatedly asked to be given the guests' contact address, I received no reply. When I asked again the day before, the response was that they did not want to trouble the guests during their trip and that everything regarding the tour should go entirely through the agency, so I was unable to request anything further. Then, on the day itself, I received a message via a messaging app saying, "There was a slight misunderstanding; it is fine to contact the guests directly," along with the guests' contact address and phone number. English communication was somewhat difficult, which may have been one reason the agency acted as an intermediary. In any case, since this was a somewhat last-minute booking, I keenly felt that there had been insufficient advance coordination.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya~Uozaki200JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi~Sannomiya200JPY
    Total400JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at Hyatt. Get off at Nihon-odori Station, then Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hase. Goryo Shrine, Hasedera Temple, Great Buddha of Kamakura. From here take the bus to Kamakura Station, then another bus to
    • get off at Jomyoji. Hokokuji Temple. By bus to Kamakura Station, then get off at Yokohama Station. At the customer's request, from here take a taxi to the hotel. At 2:20 see off the taxi and disband.

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests, who had arrived in Japan the previous night, set off energetically despite the jet lag. However, as it gradually became hot and humid, it turned into a battle with a climate completely different from where they live, so we proceeded while taking breaks here and there. As some of the guests liked matcha, we walked around looking for matcha ice cream, which they enjoyed twice. Some of the guests also liked riding the bus because the air conditioning inside was pleasant. In the cool breeze of the long-awaited bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple, we all enjoyed matcha together, and the guests said this scenery and atmosphere were exactly what they had been longing for. Since I created opportunities to interact with local people at various points, I believe the guests were able to experience firsthand the charm of Japan. Each place we visited was surprisingly quiet, so the guests were able to fully enjoy them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainVia Nihon-odori Station, Yokohama Station, Kamakura Station~Hase Station780JPY
    Section 2BusGreat Buddha of Kamakura~Kamakura Station200JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station~Jomyoji (Hokokuji soba)220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji~Kamakura Station220JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura Station~Yokohama Station356JPY
    Total1,776JPY

    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

    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…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kyoto: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Ryoanji

    Kyoto: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Ryoanji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
    • 10:40-11:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:40-12:25 @ Nijo Castle
    • 12:40-13:25 @ Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:40-14:10 Lunch @ Hama Sushi Kinkakuji Branch
    • 14:15-14:50 @ Kinkakuji
    • 15:00-15:35 @ Ryoanji
    • 16:05 Disband @ Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Gosho, Kinkakuji, and Ryoanji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a very humid and hot day from the morning. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests each dedicated an ema votive plaque at the auxiliary shrine of Higashimaru Shrine, praying for success in their studies. Before entering the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), we stopped by an air-conditioned facility displaying a diorama of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and it was helpful that I could explain an overview of the palace there. For lunch, since some of the guests wanted to eat sushi while others wanted to eat udon, I guided them to a restaurant near Kinkakuji that offers both. At Kinkakuji, we strolled under the blazing sun, becoming drenched in sweat. After the walk, the guests bought ice cream and other treats to cool down. At Ryoanji, the guests purchased several furoshiki-style wrapping cloths as souvenirs. On the taxi ride back to the hotel, perhaps due to fatigue, some of the guests appeared to have fallen asleep.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo 6hr Private Tour including Wadaiko Drumming Experience

    Tokyo 6hr Private Tour including Wadaiko Drumming Experience

    Tour Itinerary

    • Shimbashi 1899 Hotel → Onarimon → Hibiya → Meiji-jingumae → Meiji Shrine sightseeing → Meiji-jingumae → Otemachi → East Gardens of the Imperial Palace sightseeing → Otemachi → Nihombashi → Asakusa → Asakusa sightseeing → Asakusa → Suehirocho Station → Check Tai Lab and finish

    What Is a Private Family Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since one of them primarily spoke Spanish, another member of the group interpreted throughout the tour. Everyone in the group was very curious about a wide range of topics, and they asked many questions all at once. Covering three locations in five hours proved challenging, and we ran considerably over the scheduled time (with the guests' agreement), but they seemed to have enjoyed themselves very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOnarimon~Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…