Category: Uncategorized

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. ​5:00 Meet @ Toyosu Market Front Intersection
    • 2. 5:05 @ Toyosu Market (Tuna Auction Viewing, etc.)
    • 3. 7:20 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4. 8:00 Dismissal @ Tsukiji Outer Market

    Early Morning Private Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Outer Market Tour in Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 5:00 in the early morning, meeting in the rain at the intersection in front of Toyosu Market to visit the market. We headed straight to the wholesale building and first secured a window with a good view of the frozen tuna auction area. Since there were 20 minutes until the auction began, I divided the guests and took them in turns back and forth to a window where fresh tuna could be seen. Until 5:30, I explained how the tuna auctions work and the reasons for the relocation from Tsukiji while we waited for the main event. However, the window glass of the observation deck gradually fogged up and became hard to see through, so we moved to the window glass further inside. Other visitors also began gathering, and it became quite crowded. We observed while sharing the space with others, then moved on to the next location. After visiting the intermediate wholesalers' building and the produce building, we took a bus in the rain to the Tsukiji Outer Market. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we were lucky enough to see a fresh tuna being cut up at a seafood shop. While strolling around, the guests bought souvenirs such as beans and dashi stock, and enjoyed fresh seafood, and before we knew it, it was time to part ways. The guests said they would continue to wander around on their own.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijomae Station Front～Tsukiji 6-chome210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by goreilo

    Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
    My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
    I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
    I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
    I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
    heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
    and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
    Thank you very much.

    Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
    Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
    Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
    Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
    Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
    Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
    Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
    Terima kasih banyak.

    Request Booking

    Jul 10, 2026
    ecthomps17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Tokyo exceeded every expectation. From the energy of the city and…

    Jul 7, 2026
    luisacQ7698XW
    Fabulous and unique experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    The Toyosu tuna…

    Jun 28, 2026
    Roam652182
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Go on this tour!
    My family including…

    Jun 21, 2026
    maf2106
    Amazing Guide, Incredible Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    If you’re considering…

  • Kyoto in One Day: @ Nijo Castle & @ Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: @ Nijo Castle & @ Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Nazuna Kyoto Gosho
    • 10:25-11:15 @ Nijo Castle
    • 11:45-12:45 @ Gion
    • 13:00-14:20 @ Higashiyama area
    • 14:45-15:40 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 16:20 Disband @ Nazuna Kyoto Gosho

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were visitors from North America. They had come to Japan while their children were away at summer camp. They had traveled from Tokyo to Hiroshima and had arrived in Kyoto the day before. All of the sites the guests had mentioned in advance were outdoor locations, but the forecast called for rain all day, so I suggested some recommended indoor spots and conducted the tour while keeping an eye on the weather. After meeting the guests, it looked like the rain would continue for a while, so we decided to start with Nijo Castle, where much of the visit is indoors. In Gion, while I was explaining about the okiya (geisha lodging houses), we happened to encounter a maiko entering one of them, which delighted the guests. In the Higashiyama area, the guests were mainly interested in shopping, so they stopped at souvenir shops several times and browsed a variety of items. When I mentioned that Higashiyama is famous for Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, they showed great interest, so I took them to Asahido, located right near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There they purchased four tea bowls. Since I had heard that they enjoyed spicy food, I introduced them to a specialty seasoning shop, where they bought shichimi togarashi (seven-spice blend) and other items. After that, although the rain had mostly stopped, the guests said they wanted to see the thousand Buddhist statues at Sanjusangendo, so we headed there. After exploring Sanjusangendo, I saw the guests off at their accommodation and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusBunkacho Prefectural Office～Horikawa Marutamachi230JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 3BusYasui Konpira-mae～Museum Sanjusangendo-mae230JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo～Jingu Marutamachi280JPY
    Section 5TrainMarutamachi Keihan-mae～Karasuma Marutamachi230JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    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!

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:45 Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo
    • 2. 11:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 13:15 Lunch (Tsukiji Sushisei Tsukiji Annex)
    • 4. 14:00 Tsukiji
    • 5. 14:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 15:45 Takeshita Street
    • 7. 16:15 Shibuya
    • 8. 16:45 Dismissal at Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although the meeting time was set for 11:00, I arrived a little early at the hotel lobby around 10:45, and since the guests were already there, we started the tour at 10:45. We first headed to Asakusa, did some shopping along Nakamise, and visited Senso-ji Temple. Next, we went to Tsukiji for lunch. I had explained in advance that many shops in the Tsukiji market are closed on Sundays, but since the guests wanted to have lunch there, we went to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. Although the guests also eat Japanese food back home, they were very satisfied, saying the quality here was different and delicious. After lunch, we took a quick look at the shops that were open in the Tsukiji market and then went to Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine, we were able to see a wedding ceremony and observe a car purification ritual at the vehicle blessing hall. The original plan was to end the tour in Shibuya afterward, but since we had time to spare, we also stopped by Takeshita Street in Harajuku. In Shibuya, we saw the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. Since some of the guests had come to Japan separately and were going to have dinner together in Shibuya, we parted ways there. Many places were crowded because it was a Sunday, but the guests were generally very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIidabashi～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 4. 12:15 Cat Street
    • 5. 12:30 Shibuya Crossing
    • 6. 13:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 7. 15:00 Akihabara
    • 8. 15:30 Disband at Akihabara

    What Does a Private Subculture-Focused Tour of Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests asked to finish at Meiji Shrine a little early, so we promptly moved on to explore the subculture along Takeshita Street. We wandered through numerous shops and restaurants. Passing through Cat Street, we reached the much-anticipated Shibuya Crossing, where we crossed it ourselves and also looked down on it from the second floor, taking our time to appreciate its impressive scale. On the Ginza Line heading to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we were able to rest a little during the ride. After the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests fully enjoyed a wide variety of subculture in Akihabara. We finally parted ways at Akihabara Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNogizaka～Meiji Shrine600JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTakebashi～Suehirocho0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Station & Asakusa Station

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Tokyo Station・Hotel
    • 9:10 Tokyo Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:15 Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:30 Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:30 Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • Nihonbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Asakusa Station
    • Dismissal: Asakusa Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? Tsukiji Market and the Imperial Palace East Gardens — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was a return visit to Japan for part of the group, while for others it was their first time. A week earlier, they had arrived at Narita and headed straight to the Kansai region by shinkansen. After visiting Kyoto and Osaka, they arrived at Tokyo Station by shinkansen this morning. We met at the Hotel. Their stay in Japan was two weeks in total, and they planned to return home the next day. It was a hot and humid day for the tour. After meeting successfully at the Hotel, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. We visited and photographed Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, and then first went to "Tsukiji Uogashi." The guests were very knowledgeable about Japanese food and asked, "Why was the Toyosu Market newly built?" At Namiyoke Shrine, I explained the history of Tsukiji as well as Edo and Tokyo. They paid their respects carefully. At Tsukiji Uogashi, they eagerly looked around everywhere and asked many questions about the types of fish, prices, and places of origin. We then moved to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where they browsed everywhere with great interest and care. They commented, "For a fish market, it is clean and there is no strange smell." They also asked, "Why are there so many people? Is it always this crowded?" We entered one shop and purchased and sampled "tuna nigiri sushi" and "grilled beef skewers." They commented, "It's fresh and delicious." They also asked, "Why are there so many people? Is it always this crowded?" They requested, "After this, we'd like to go to the Imperial Palace East Gardens," so I guided them through the East Gardens. They asked questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" and "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" They also asked about things like "Does the Emperor live inside here?" "Does the Emperor have political influence?" and "Who will be the next Emperor?" They remarked, "The whole town is clean, and there is no litter on the ground."

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Total534JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:25 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo by HULIC
    • 2. 08:30 Travel: Train (Yurakucho Station ~ Shinjuku Station)
    • 3. 09:30 Travel: Train (Shinjuku Station ~ Kawaguchiko Station)
    • 4. 12:10 Lunch @ Gateway Fujiyama
    • 5. 13:00 Travel: Bus
    • 6. 13:50 Stay @ Mt. Fuji 5th Station
    • 7. 14:50 Travel: Bus, Train
    • 8. 16:20 Stay @ Arakurayama Sengen Park
    • 9. 17:15 Travel: Train
    • 10. 19:50 Disband @ JR Yurakucho Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report This was my first time guiding a Mount Fuji tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). I conducted two preliminary site visits in advance, and I had expected that a tour departing from Tokyo would likely only allow us to visit two spots. In the end, even with just two spots, we still ran significantly over the planned time. A tour departing from Kawaguchiko Station might make it possible to visit three locations. It was a day with thick clouds covering the sky, though no rain fell. Hoping to give the guests at least some chance of seeing Mount Fuji, I guided them to the Mount Fuji 5th Station and Arakurayama Sengen Park. As it turned out, Mount Fuji was not visible at all, but the guests still seemed to enjoy the day well enough. In particular, Arakurayama offers a great view even when Mount Fuji cannot be seen, and the Chureito Pagoda (a five-story pagoda) has its own appeal, so I felt it is a must-see spot in this area. On the way there, I stopped by the Busta bus terminal to see if we could catch a bus from Shinjuku Station, but there were no available seats at all, so we took a JR limited express train and transferred to a Fujikyuko local train. The transportation cost is calculated after deducting the reserved-seat fare for the limited express.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho Station～Shinjuku Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku Station～Kawaguchiko Station3,530JPY
    Section 3BusKawaguchiko Station Bus Stop～Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station Bus Stop1,400JPY
    Section 4BusFuji Subaru Line 5th Station Bus Stop～Kawaguchiko Station Bus Stop1,400JPY
    Section 5TrainKawaguchiko Station～Shimoyoshida Station310JPY
    Section 6TrainShimoyoshida Station～Otsuki Station980JPY
    Section 7TrainOtsuki Station～Yurakucho Station2,540JPY
    Total10,370JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Meet at Hotel Nihombashi Premier (Ginza Line Mitsukoshi Station)
    • 0930 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Kabukiza Theatre ~ Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1140 Shibuya Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing ~ PARCO Pokemon Center ~ Cat Street ~ Omotesando ~ Meiji Shrine visit
    • 　　Lunch at Forest Terrace inside Meiji Shrine ~ Takeshita Street
    • 　　It started raining, so we moved to Roppongi Hills by taxi at the guest's expense
    • 1515 Roppongi Hills City View
    • 1640 Shinjuku West Exit, Godzilla Road, 3D Cat Display, Omoide Yokocho
    • 1700 Since the guest wanted to relax at Omoide Yokocho, explained the way back and dismissed

    Title: What Is a Private 8-Hour Tokyo Tour of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Roppongi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Their trip began right at the start of the summer holidays. The day before, they had visited TeamLab Planets and Akihabara. They planned to go to Nikko the next day, Hakone the day after, and then continue on to Kyoto and Okinawa. This time, the tour was arranged entirely through an intermediary travel agency, and I was unable to communicate directly with the guests until after they arrived at their hotel the day before. Everything was controlled by the agency in between. The agency representative had been to Japan many times, so there was little room to offer input. It goes without saying that you can make arrangements on the spot. However, this is a very proven route that I take many times a year when I'm in Tokyo with people who have never been to Japan or Tokyo. But this program I'm presenting will fit perfectly into an 8 hour tour. >>please do not take them to Metropolitan Government Building – the view from there is not worth it. It is for budget travellers who save money. These people are not them. They come to Japan to enjoy it, not save money. I am absolutely sure that they will appreciate if they could see Tokyo from above. The agency had been very insistent on Cat Street, but the guests seemed to have little interest in it. Instead, they were delighted by the Pokémon Center in Parco, which was requested by one of the guests. Otherwise, we followed the course specified by the agency, though I personally felt it was a little unsatisfying. Over the course of 8 hours, we spent most of the time around Shibuya, Harajuku, and Roppongi. From the viewpoint at Roppongi Hills, the guests also showed interest in the area around the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo Skytree. Since their schedule for the following days was firmly set, it seemed unlikely they would have free time to explore on their own. The guests were lovely people, and I did my best to meet their wishes, but I was left with a feeling that I could have done a little more. *Additional information Regarding Roppongi Hills: "The rooftop Sky Deck has ended its general operation due to a change in operating policy." As a result, only the indoor Tokyo "City View" is available. Perhaps because of this, presenting a "National Guide-Interpreter" (National Government Licensed Guide) certificate allows free admission. Therefore, I think it could be included in the "What to expect."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae ~ Ginza～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza～Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3SubwayRoppongi～Shinjuku West Exit220JPY
    Total607JPY

    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.

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    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
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    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
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    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
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    Beth56646
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    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji　Stay & Osaka Castle area　Stay　

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji　Stay & Osaka Castle area　Stay　

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00-14:30　Travel　Tennoji～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka　190 yen
    • 14:30-15:30　Shitennoji　Stay
    • 15:30-16:00　Travel　Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome　190 yen
    • 16:00-16:20　Osaka Castle area　Stay　
    • 16:20　Disband in front of the Osaka Castle taxi stand

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Afternoon Tour of Shitennoji and Osaka Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally scheduled to meet at Tennoji Station at 14:30, but the guests contacted me via a messaging app to say they had already arrived at Tennoji Station by 13:30, so we started the tour at 14:00. The guests were a cheerful group who seemed to be enjoying themselves. They appeared to have come to Osaka from Kyoto and planned to return to Kyoto, and they were pleased that places like Shitennoji Temple and Osaka Castle had plenty of greenery and were not crowded, making them feel quiet and calm. The rain had stopped, but the southerly wind was warm and humid, and the temperature was high. The guests were glad that the subway was cool and comfortable. This time of year really does seem to be the limit for traveling, so after Osaka Castle, being considerate of the group, we rested before returning to the station early by taxi. As the guests planned to meet friends and have a meal in Kyoto, we parted ways at the taxi stand at Osaka Castle.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTennoji～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 2TrainShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

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    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
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    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
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    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
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    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
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  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Tsukiji Honganji & Otemachi Station

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Tsukiji Honganji & Otemachi Station

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Front of Tsukiji Honganji Main Gate Meeting place：At the Entrance of Tsukiji Honganji
    • 7:30 Tsukiji Tsukiji Honganji
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Namiyoke Shrine
    • Breakfast/Lunch：Itadori Bekkan
    • 9:30 Tsukijishijo Station
    • （Toei Subway Oedo Line）
    • 　 Tsukishima Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 10:00 Shijo-mae Station
    • Toyosu Seafood Wholesale Building
    • Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • Fruit and Vegetable Market
    • 11:00 Shijo-mae Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Monzen-nakacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:30 Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:30 Dismissal：Otemachi Station

    What Is a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had previously studied abroad at a university in Japan for a year, while the others were visiting Japan for the first time. The group had arrived at Narita two days earlier and traveled by the Narita Express and other transport to their accommodation in Asakusa. Their stay in Japan was for ten days. They planned to spend three days in Tokyo, then travel to Kyoto and Osaka, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. The previous day they had strolled around Asakusa and enjoyed sukiyaki in the evening. This evening they had a reservation at teamLab. It was a tour in hot and humid weather. First, we briefly visited Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and took commemorative photos. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the group looked around eagerly here and there, browsing various shops. They purchased and sampled bean confections and strawberry mochi. They also sampled grilled beef skewers. Saying "We really want to eat sushi here," we went to a restaurant in Tsukiji. Everyone enjoyed chirashi sushi and remarked, "It's completely different from sushi back home — so fresh and delicious." They also commented, "For a fish market, it's clean and doesn't have any strange smell." They asked, "Why are there so many people here? Is it always this crowded?" At the Toyosu wholesale seafood building, they asked many questions such as, "Is all the tuna caught in Japan?" "How is it transported here?" "How much tuna goes to auction?" "What is the price per fish?" and "What kind of tuna is the most expensive?" They also asked, "Which part of the tuna is the tastiest?" and "What exactly is the difference between Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Market?" At the intermediate wholesale seafood building, they asked, "What kind of people come here to buy fish?" and "Why aren't we allowed inside?" They said, "The whole town is clean, and there's no litter on the streets," and "Even the subway is quiet and clean." They then requested, "We'd like to go to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace next, so could you take us to the nearest station?" I escorted them from Otemachi Station to the entrance of the East Gardens, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo-mae Station～Toyosu Station286JPY
    Section 2OtherToyosu Station～Shijo-mae Station189JPY
    Section 3OtherShijo-mae Station～Toyosu Station189JPY
    Section 4SubwayToyosu Station～Monzen-nakacho Station286JPY
    Section 5SubwayMonzen-nakacho Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Total1,128JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
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    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
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    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
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  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & return to your hotel

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & return to your hotel

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 pick you up in the lobby of your hotel (W Osaka).
    • (take taxi)
    • 9:50 Osaka Castle
    • 10:40 Main tower
    • 11:50 (take taxi)
    • 12:10 Shinsekai
    • (lunch..how about loacal food Okonomyaki)
    • 13:30 Shinsekai
    • 14:10 Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 14:40 Dotonbori or Kuromon Market
    • 15:10 (take taxi)
    • 15:20 return to your hotel

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. At the guests' request, all transportation was done by taxi. 2. Rain had been forecast for the morning, but upon arrival in Osaka it was only a light drizzle, so we did not need umbrellas. 3. The day before, the guests had joined a Dotonbori food tour, so they were already familiar with Osaka's local food. At the lunch restaurant, everyone ordered takoyaki, sushi, kushikatsu, udon, and more. 4. After lunch, the guests wished to buy a kitchen knife in Shinsekai, so I introduced them to Tower Knives, where they purchased three knives. 5. At Namba Yasaka Shrine, the guests were amazed by the lion-head shrine, and we took commemorative photos. 6. Since they had already walked around Dotonbori the day before, I introduced the history of the Glico sign, took photos with the Meiji-era sign, and showed them the Dotonbori figures, bringing the tour to a close.

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

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

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

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
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    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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