Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Board taxi & Board JR

    Tochigi in One Day: Board taxi & Board JR

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Airbnb (Imaichi City)
    • 9:10 Board taxi
    • 9:50 Kegon Falls (view from top only)
    • 10:15 Yudaki Falls
    • 10:30 Lake Yunoko
    • 10:45 Ryuzu Falls (top) ~11:20 bottom of the falls
    • 11:30 Lake Chuzenji Utagahama
    • 12:10 Get off taxi, lunch at Sanraku
    • 13:00 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo
    • 13:30 Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 16:19 Board JR
    • 16:25 Disband aboard JR train

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Nikko Nature Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Japan four days earlier. After Tokyo, Nikko was their first destination, where they stayed for two nights before continuing on to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and other places during their trip. The guests were staying at a traditional-style house rental near the station one stop before Nikko, so the meeting point was their accommodation. It was a hard-to-find location, but it was a very pleasant and inviting house. We had told the taxi company to pick us up at 9:00, but for some reason they thought it was 9:30 and arrived ten minutes late. The guests understood it as being due to the confusing location, so I left it at that. The guests wanted to see nature such as waterfalls and lakes, so I showed them as many waterfalls and lakes as time allowed. Although it was raining, they were delighted by the beautiful misty scenery and the cool, fresh air. Just as I was talking about the various animals living in the mountains of Nikko, while we were walking at Ryuzu Falls, a passerby kindly told us, "A bear has appeared in the parking lot, so it's best to stay away for a while." We waited for some time partway along the falls. One of the guests wanted to see the bear and wished to go to the parking lot, but I managed to persuade them to wait. They waited reluctantly and were tearfully disappointed at not being able to see the bear. To confirm the right timing to head to where the taxi was waiting, I contacted the driver and we were able to meet up with the taxi safely. However, while we were using the restroom before departing, we spotted a bear up in a tree near the restroom. It was high in the tree, so there was no immediate danger of a sudden attack, but we got into the taxi right away. One of the guests happened to have their wish granted at the very last moment and was very pleased. The guests were delighted to see a bear from a distance, but I was quite alarmed. I told the police who arrived nearby where the bear was and left the area. The guests also wanted to visit Kanmangafuchi, but I explained that on rainy days land leeches appear, which can be dangerous, so I recommended against it, and they gave up on it for the day. Since the next day would be sunny, they planned to try going there on their own. It drizzled all day, which caused some inconvenience, but the guests were delighted by the cool temperature and the beauty of the rainy scenery. At Toshogu Shrine, they were moved by the beauty of the carvings and listened attentively to my explanations, but since one of the guests seemed to be getting bored, I kept things as simple as possible. Since they were only hiring a guide for Nikko, they seemed anxious about how to transfer between transportation options going forward, so I explained it to them. As the guests had wished, we saw a great deal of nature, and they said they had a very wonderful day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinkyo Bridge～JR Nikko Station220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Yumi

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Request Booking

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 9:15-10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:00-10:45 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 11:00-12:00 Monkey Park
    • 12:15-13:15 Lunch
    • 14:00-15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30-16:30 Nijo Castle
    • 17:00 Disband at Kyoto Station
    • Hotel: Sowaka (3-minute walk south of the south gate of Yasaka Shrine)

    What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their accommodation was located near Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama area, and since guiding them through the western part of Kyoto would leave limited touring time if I picked them up at the accommodation, we decided to meet and part ways at Kyoto Station instead. For the first half of the itinerary, we visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then Tenryu-ji Temple, and then the Monkey Park. For lunch, I chose Seishuan (next to the Togetsukyo Bridge), because it was a place where a group of eight could almost certainly be seated together and where the food comes out quickly. The taste was decent, and fortunately the guests were pleased with it. For the second half, we visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Nijo Castle. It was a bit tight on time and the pace ended up being somewhat rushed, but the 8-hour course really does have great substance and is well worth it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto Station～JR Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Saga-Arashiyama Station～JR Enmachi Station190JPY
    Section 3BusCity Bus Enmachi Station～City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 4BusCity Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station～City Bus Enmachi Station230JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Enmachi Station～JR Nijo Station150JPY
    Section 6SubwaySubway Nijo Station～Subway Nijojo-mae Station220JPY
    Section 7SubwaySubway Nijojo-mae Station～Subway Kyoto Station260JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    Tour Report by Ichiro

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.

    Request Booking
  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Miyajima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Hiroshima Station
    • 11:20 Peace Park
    • 12:00 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 13:15 Okonomiyaki Lunch
    • 15:10 Miyajima
    • 18:00 Disband @ Hiroshima Station

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very cheerful, and we enjoyed conversation throughout the tour. It was memorable how they listened while holding back tears at Peace Memorial Park. They also viewed the Atomic Bomb Museum very attentively. They were very pleased with the okonomiyaki lunch as well. Although there was heavy rain at Peace Memorial Park, the rain cleared up at Miyajima and we were able to spend a relaxing time there. We enjoyed gin, tequila, beer, oysters, and momiji manju. Even guests who were not particularly fond of oysters were delighted, saying they were the most delicious oysters they had ever had in their lives. We received feedback that it was a wonderful tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit～Kamiyacho220JPY
    Section 2TrainHondori～Shin-Hakushima190JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Yuko

    Hello! My name is Yuko, and I am delighted to be your guide.

    I currently work as a tour guide in both Tokyo and Hiroshima, two cities that represent very different yet equally fascinating sides of Japan. This unique perspective allows me to share not only famous landmarks, but also the culture, history, and everyday life that make each place special.

    I truly believe that guiding is my calling. For every tour, I focus on creating a personal, authentic, and memorable experience tailored to your interests. Whether we explore Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods or Hiroshima’s rich history and warm local culture, I want you to leave with a deeper understanding of Japan and meaningful memories of your journey.

    I enjoy meeting travelers from around the world and helping them discover hidden stories and local perspectives that are often missed in guidebooks.

    Once you have booked a tour with me, please feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp so I can send you a suggested itinerary. I look forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Rajen14
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Moving and informative day in a historic city with a…

    May 14, 2026
    Natasa_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima with Yuko 🙂
    Yuko was a fantastic guide, outstanding…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Victoria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful personal tour with Yuko
    Yuko is very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima/Miyajima tour
    Yuko guided us in Hiroshima and Miyajima…

  • 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

    • 12:00 Hotel-13:00 Fukagawa Fudodo/Tomioka Hachimangu-14:00 Lunch-15:00 Meiji Shrine-16:00 Harajuku/Takeshita Street-16:45 Omotesando/Kiddy Land-17:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-18:30 Disband at Hotel

    Can You Do a Rainy-Day Private Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The group visiting from North America began a two-week trip to Japan, and the guests started their first full day in Japan under all-day rain. To stay under cover, we began at Fukagawa Fudodo Temple, where a "goma" fire ritual is performed indoors. Everyone was amazed by the mysterious and thunderously loud esoteric Buddhist ceremony. At the neighboring Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, the guests were delighted by the enormous portable shrine used in one of Edo's three great festivals, as well as by the giant handprints and footprints of sumo wrestlers. Next, at Meiji Shrine, the guests exclaimed in wonder at the forest that has grown so dramatically over the past century. While being surprised by an animal cafe on Takeshita Street, the rain grew heavier, so we did some shopping at Kiddy Land in Omotesando while sheltering from the rain. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Monzen-Nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-Nakacho～Yoyogi272JPY
    Section 3BusOmotesando～Shibuya Station West Exit210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Ginza209JPY
    Total869JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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 One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 11:30-12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 12:45-13:30 (Lunch)
    • 13:45-14:45 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 15:30 Arrive at hotel
    • Hotel: Matsubaya Ryokan (across from Higashi Hongan-ji)

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from Asia. As of late the previous night, the forecast had predicted rain all day, but fortunately not a single drop fell, and it turned out to be a comfortable day for traveling. The itinerary followed the classic route: Fushimi Inari, then Nijo Castle. Since there was not much time for lunch, I chose a curry restaurant in front of Enmachi Station. As a result, the guests were very pleased, and they said they would definitely like to visit again even after moving on to Tokyo. I was told that they used to frequent a curry restaurant when living abroad in the past. After that, we went to Kinkaku-ji, and then returned to the Hotel to end the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySubway Gojo Station～Subway Kyoto Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Kyoto Station～JR Inari Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Inari Station～JR Kyoto Station150JPY
    Section 4SubwaySubway Kyoto Station～Subway Nijojo-mae Station260JPY
    Section 5SubwaySubway Nijojo-mae Station～Subway Nijo Station220JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Nijo Station～JR Enmachi Station150JPY
    Section 7BusCity Bus Enmachi Station～City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 8BusCity Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station～City Bus Enmachi Station230JPY
    Section 9TrainJR Enmachi Station～JR Kyoto Station190JPY
    Total1,800JPY

    Tour Report by Ichiro

    Hello!
    I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
    (I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )

    In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.

    I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.

    I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.

    Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.

    Request Booking
  • 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

    • 1.09:00 Meet @ Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo
    • 2.09:30@Meiji Shrine
    • 3.10:30@Takeshita Street
    • 4.11:30@Shibuya
    • 5.12:30 Lunch @ Shibuya PARCO
    • 6.13:40@Shinjuku
    • 7.15:00 Disband @ Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku The guests were a family visiting Japan during the summer holidays, having arrived just the day before. Although there were periods of quite heavy rain, we were able to carry out the tour as planned without letting the weather bother us. One of the guests particularly enjoyed Meiji Shrine. On Takeshita Street, the group enjoyed gashapon machines and shopping together. In Shibuya, they experienced the Scramble Crossing and had a tempura lunch at PARCO, which they also said was delicious. We visited the Pokémon Center and Nintendo Tokyo, where they were amazed by the length of the checkout lines. They had reserved Shinkansen seats but wanted to change to the right side where Mount Fuji is visible, so we had the seats changed and tickets issued in Shinjuku. They plan to go on Sunday. In Shinjuku, since one of the guests wanted to purchase hardware components, we visited electronics stores. We also saw the Godzilla head, and after showing them the locations of a discount store and the Kabukicho Tower, we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Iidabashi Station～JR Harajuku178JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Harajuku Station～JR Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station～Shinjuku Station167JPY
    Total491JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Take a taxi to the museum & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Take a taxi to the museum & Miyajima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the Hotel
    • 9:05　Take a taxi to the museum
    • 　　　　Museum, monument tour
    • 12:30　Monument tour ends
    • 12:35　Meal at Okonomiyaki Micchan
    • 13:20　Meal ends
    • 13:30　Take a high-speed boat to Miyajima
    • 14:20　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 16:15　Finish Miyajima sightseeing and head to Miyajimaguchi
    • 16:25　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 16:44　Take the JR to Hiroshima Station
    • 17:00　Disband at Araiguchi Station

    What Is a Private Wheelchair-Accessible Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan from North America. Since one of the guests had broken a toe during their trip in Japan, we moved around using a wheelchair. I had received an inquiry beforehand asking whether a wheelchair-accessible tour would be possible. At the museum, it was memorable how the guests spent particular time viewing the final section about Hiroshima's reconstruction after the atomic bombing. It is a section that most people pass by without stopping. During the tour of the memorial monuments, unfortunately the rain grew heavy, but the guests looked around with great enthusiasm. We used a high-speed boat to reach Miyajima. One of the guests was eagerly taking photographs with a single-lens reflex camera. I also explained the differences between the deer of Miyajima and the deer of Nara, and the guests listened with great interest. This was because they were planning to go to Nara after sightseeing in Hiroshima.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
    • 2. 10:00 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 12:00 Lunch at Iwasa Sushi and the Toyosu Market fish market
    • 4. 13:30 Disband at Akihabara

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Toyosu, and Odaiba Because it was raining and the guests wished to stay as dry as possible, we avoided the gardens. With only light rain, we took photos with character statues at the Bandai headquarters in Kuramae, and then strolled through Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise in Asakusa while enjoying omikuji fortunes, dog fortunes, and colorful koi. After that, we avoided the outdoor Tsukiji outer market and instead visited the sheltered Toyosu Market, where we experienced authentic sushi and Japanese food culture, including cooking tools, at Uogashi Yokocho. Staying dry, we rode the Yurikamome line to see the futuristic waterfront subcenter, and I explained the civil engineering that supports this city as well as the cannon batteries at Odaiba from the late Edo period. During this conversation, it turned out that one of the guests taught history, and they showed great interest in world history as seen from Japan. Finally, I advised them on how to explore Akihabara and how to make their way back to the hotel, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae～Kuramae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Ginza0JPY
    Section 3Free PassGinza-itchome～Toyosu0JPY
    Section 4TrainToyosu～Shijo-mae190JPY
    Section 5TrainShijo-mae～Shimbashi390JPY
    Section 6Free PassShimbashi～Suehirocho0JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @ JR Nara Station
    • 2. 11:15 Guided tour of Nara Park
    • 3. 11:45 Guided tour of the Great Buddha Hall
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch @ Azekuraya
    • 5. 13:30 Guided tour to the summit of Mount Wakakusa
    • 6. 15:00 Disband @ JR Nara Station

    What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group in Nara. We met at Nara Station, discussed the day's itinerary, and because of the rain, first traveled by bus to Nara Park. At Nara Park, the children enjoyed feeding the deer and had a wonderful time. Despite the rain, we walked slowly from Nara Park to the Great Buddha Hall, and I guided the group there. We viewed the Great Buddha Hall from the outside, which boasts the largest wooden structure in the world, and then entered. Inside the main hall, after explaining the majestic Great Buddha, the attendant statues, and the Four Heavenly Kings, the children enjoyed crawling through the hole in one of the pillars. After the Great Buddha Hall, although it was crowded with school excursion students, we had a lunch break with udon set meals at "Azekuraya." After the break, I recommended climbing Wakakusa Hill, and even though the rain was heavy, the children were thrilled. As they got completely soaked and started to feel cold coming down the hill, we received a request to return to the hotel in Kyoto, so we decided to end the Nara sightseeing for the day. We traveled from the bus stop in front of the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha to Nara Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station～Todaiji-mae Station250JPY
    Section 2BusKasuga Taisha Honden-mae Station～JR Nara Station250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Daiba Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Daiba Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    • 10:10 Depart Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 10:30 Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:45 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Tokyo National Museum
    • 11:45 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 　 Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:10 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Kamiyacho Station
    • Shiba Tokyo Tower
    • 14:30 Depart Kamiyacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 14:50 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Shinjuku Gyoen
    • Break: Komeda's Coffee
    • 15:45 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Shimbashi Station

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America. One of them was visiting Japan for the second time, and the other was visiting for the first time. They had a deep interest in Japanese culture, art, and music, and mentioned great admiration for the composer Toru Takemitsu and a connection to a scholarship associated with Seiji Ozawa. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous night and took a limousine bus to their accommodation. They were staying in Japan for a short period, and the following day they planned to visit Mount Fuji, followed by Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They expressed a wish to enjoy Japanese culture, art, and music. On the way home, they planned to stop in North America to visit a friend before continuing on to South America. The tour took place in hot and humid weather. At the guests' request, it was a full itinerary without a lunch break. At the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, the guests enthusiastically viewed the exhibits and took photographs. They commented that many of the Buddhist statues were wonderful, and asked questions such as, "How are the Ainu, the Ryukyu people, and the Japanese different?" and "Where did the Japanese people originally come from?" The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were very crowded. The guests asked questions such as, "When was it built as a castle?" and "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" They also asked, "Does the Emperor live inside here?", "Does the Emperor have political influence?", and "Who will become the next Emperor?" They commented that the rows of pine trees were wonderful, and mentioned that they always watch "Shogun" on television. At Tokyo Tower, they commented, "Because of the surrounding buildings, it's hard to see the cityscape clearly. Still, I can tell that Tokyo is a very large city." At Shinjuku Gyoen, they said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I would like to create a garden like this in my own yard at home." After that, we moved to Shibuya. At the scramble crossing, they commented, "Why are there so many people here?" and "It reminds me of Times Square." We took photographs in front of the Hachiko statue. They asked and commented on many things, such as, "What is Tokyo's crime rate?", "The city is so clean," "Everyone is so polite," "I don't see anyone using drugs," and "There are no trash cans anywhere in the city, but it's a good thing that everyone takes their trash home." They also said, "I saw small children commuting to school without any adults accompanying them — that's amazing and incredible." Finally, I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station325JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Ueno Station600JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station0JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Total925JPY

    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!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
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    Our tour with Masa was…