Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:25 Meet at Hakone-Yumoto
    • Take the mountain railway to the Open-Air Museum
    • Have lunch at the cafe inside the same facility
    • By train and cable car to Sounzan
    • By ropeway to Owakudani, sample the black eggs
    • By ropeway to Togendai
    • 14:30 Board the pirate ship to Hakonemachi Port
    • Maruyama Bussan yosegi woodwork
    • By bus, get off at Yunessun
    • Disband at Tenyu at 16:15

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a cheerful and friendly group who spent an enjoyable day together. They were gracious and lively, and we had a wonderful time throughout the day. They enjoyed the hydrangeas from the mountain railway, which were in full bloom. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they spent the time light-heartedly among the exhibits that blended beautifully with the greenery, as you can see in the photos. On the ropeway, Mount Fuji was not visible, but they were happy with the black eggs and ice cream. On the pirate ship, they enjoyed the greenery from the deck the whole time. At the local craft shop, after a presentation on marquetry woodwork, everyone tried opening the magic boxes and enjoyed some shopping as well. We parted ways as they looked forward to the hot spring they had been eagerly anticipating at their accommodation.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku (8 min from Toei Subway Tochomae, 15 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meet
    • 1050 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Tsukiji Hongwanji ~ Kabukiza Theater ~ Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1225 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 1340 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1420 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    Title: What Can You See on a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Tokyo from Europe for the first time. In Tokyo, they planned to visit TeamLab Planets, the beckoning cat temple Gotokuji, the "Chara-Morri" event at Sunshine City, and Akihabara. I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and a metro route map, and explained the routes to these places as well as other sightseeing spots. Some of the guests were especially fond of Studio Ghibli, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Ghibli Park in Nagoya. After that, they would travel around Kyoto and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. It seemed to be a celebratory trip. Anime-related destinations had all been researched thoroughly in advance, so no particular explanation was needed. Since today was the first day, the goal was to get used to using public transportation and to visit historical and cultural sightseeing spots, which is how the above course was decided. After Asakusa, they were planning to go to either Ginza or Akihabara. Today was again quite hot and humid, so I guided while paying careful attention to staying hydrated.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Market272JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza ~ Ueno-hirokoji～Ueno-okachimachi ~ Iidabashi286JPY
    Section 3SubwayIidabashi ~ Ueno-okachimachi～Ueno-hirokoji ~ Asakusa286JPY
    Total844JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Hiroshima: Hondori bus stop & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Hondori bus stop & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00　FAV　Meet at the hotel
    • 13:09　Head from Hiratsukamachi bus stop to Hondori bus stop
    • 13:24　Arrive at Hondori bus stop
    • 13:30　Start monument tour from the hypocenter
    • 　　　　Museum
    • 15:45　Finish museum visit and head to Shukkeien Garden
    • 16:05　Arrive at Shukkeien Garden
    • 16:50　Finish Shukkeien Garden visit and take the bus to Namiki-dori
    • 17:20 Disband at Namiki-dori

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania around Hiroshima. In light rain, I first took them to the hypocenter, and then we walked around the monuments in the Peace Memorial Park. In front of the Children's Peace Monument, the guests wrote messages on recycled paper made from paper cranes and placed them there. The main museum displayed some graphic and disturbing images, but the guests viewed them very earnestly. One of the guests asked, "Do the effects of the atomic bomb's radiation extend across several generations? Is there any support from the government?" The official announcement states that "there is no effect of radiation on the next generation," but I answered that "there may be some effect." At Shukkeien Garden, I provided some carp food to the guests, and they enjoyed feeding the carp.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiratsukamachi～Hondori220JPY
    Section 2BusMuseum～Shukkeien Garden220JPY
    Section 3BusShukkeien Garden～Namiki-dori220JPY
    Total660JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto & Kyoto Sta.

    Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto & Kyoto Sta.

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:00 Kiyomizudera
    • Sannenzaka
    • Yasaka-no-to
    • Yasaka Koshindo
    • 12:00 Kenninji
    • Gion
    • Hanamikoji
    • 12:00 Lunch (Chinmin)
    • 14:30 Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Store
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto
    • 16:00 Fushimiinari
    • 17:00 Kyoto Sta.
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Matcha The guest was a person visiting from Oceania. They had traveled from Tokyo to Hakone, Hiroshima, and Osaka, but the weather had been poor, so they had not done much active sightseeing along the way. Although some rain was forecast for today, it stayed cloudy and the temperature was not too high, allowing for a comfortable tour. After visiting the sightseeing spots requested through the travel agency, we decided to go to Fushimi Inari. Since the guest mentioned a love of matcha, I introduced them to the Nishinotoin branch of Marukyu Koyamaen, a brand I personally favor. I recommended the koicha (thick matcha), which is not often an easy experience to have. As the guest purchased a large amount of matcha as souvenirs for friends, we first returned to the Hotel to drop off the luggage, and then took the JR line to Fushimi Inari. Because the guest had a company meeting to attend, the tour finished a little earlier than planned. I shared a lot of information while we walked, so I believe it was a fulfilling and enjoyable time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total300JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ●Hotel 10:00→(Subway; Nijojo-mae→Keihan Sanjo, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo→Keihan Shichijo)→Sanjusangendo (viewing 10:30-11:10)
    • ●Sanjusangendo→(by taxi)→Kiyomizu-dera (viewing 11:30-12:20)
    • ●Kiyomizu-dera→(by taxi)→Nanzen-ji (viewing 12:30-13:10) including Suirokaku
    • ●Nanzen-ji→(by taxi)→Gion (stroll 13:20-13:40)
    • ●Gion→(by taxi)→Ramen Factory [dismissal 14:00]

    What Is a Private Tour with Japan Guide Agency Like When Plans Change? A Licensed Guide's Report I had prepared a tour, but at the guests' request I quickly changed the content and guided them accordingly. The guests commented that I had responded flexibly, so I believe they were satisfied with the guiding itself. The one point of concern was why the guests' request had not been communicated to me in advance, and it seems this left the guests with a sense of doubt. Based on this experience, I will make sure to listen carefully to the guests' requests and do my best to provide guiding that matches what they are looking for. Thank you for your continued support.

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

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

    Request Booking

    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 2. 9:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 11:00 @Arashiyama
    • 4. 12:45 @Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 5. 13:30 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. 15:15 Disband @Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Ryoanji The guests were very calm and gentle. They listened carefully to each of my explanations, and at Fushimi Inari Taisha they were delighted from the very beginning, saying, "We're so glad we asked for a guide — without one we would have just walked past everything without understanding it." Since the guests were visiting from Europe, we enjoyed talking about topics such as the royal family. We also touched on Queen Elizabeth, and when I took them to Ryoanji, which she had once visited, they spent some time meditating at the rock garden. As we had arranged in advance to have a late lunch at Nishiki Market, I walked with them a little through the market to show them around, explained how to get back to their hotel, and then we parted ways. They appeared to enjoy themselves throughout the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5TrainKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Miyajima

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

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:30 Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:30 Hiroshima Castle
    • 12:00 Ramen Lunch
    • 13:10 Miyajima
    • 16:30 Disband @ Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the guests planned to visit the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum on their own beforehand, I proposed a tour plan excluding those two sites via email and a messaging app. There was no response at all, and only 30 minutes before the tour on the day did I receive confirmation that the proposed plan was fine. During the tour, the guests seemed to enjoy themselves, taking many videos and photos, though at times they appeared busy replying to work emails. Since they had not yet eaten ramen since arriving in Japan, we had ramen for lunch. In Miyajima, the guests were very fond of the deer and enjoyed interacting with them. When we took a break with gin and tonic and lemon soda, they said it was delicious and ordered another round. I was a bit anxious because the tour content was not decided until the last minute, but I was glad that the guests seemed satisfied.

    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～Shukkeien-mae220JPY
    Section 2TrainKenchō-mae～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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Glanz Kei Kyoto
    • 0900 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1030 Nijo Castle
    • 1130 Nishiki Market
    • 1220 Kinkaku-ji
    • 1320 Bamboo Grove
    • 1430 Disband at Glanz Kei Kyoto

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Through email exchanges beforehand, arrangements were made regarding accessibility, so at Fushimi Inari Taisha we used the elevator, and for the bamboo grove we drove up to Okochi Sanso before walking down the sloping path of the Bamboo Grove trail. After the tour, the guests told me that everything went smoothly and without any problems. Although it was hot and humid during the rainy season, fortunately it did not rain, and the tour was carried out smoothly overall.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Nara in One Day: 40 Kofukuji Temple & JR Nara Station

    Nara in One Day: 40 Kofukuji Temple & JR Nara Station

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:51 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)　 walk for 5 minutes
    • bought mochi at Nakatani-do
    • 10:10-40 Kofukuji Temple
    • walk for 10 minutes while feeding and playing with deer
    • 11:00 Ukimido　 walk for 10 minutes
    • 11:20-11:50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • entrance: 500 yen　 walk for 10 minutes
    • 12:00 Muzuya-chaya (Udon lunch)
    • 12:30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk for 10 minutes
    • 13:00-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • 　walk for 5 minutes
    • 13:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • 　walk for 5 minutes
    • 13:50-14:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk for 5 minutes
    • 14:30-40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk for 15 minutes or bus
    • 15:00-40 Nara-machi
    • taxi to
    • 15:50 JR Nara Station
    • 16:11 on the train at JR Horyuji Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Nara History and Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors whose interests overlapped closely with mine, as I had expected, which made for a wonderful exchange of ideas. We discussed Shinto and Buddhism as religions without an absolute god, a creation deity, or fixed dogma, and I was able to explain the history of Nara and Japan from ancient to modern times in an engaging way, sharing views back and forth throughout the tour. Toward the end of the tour, one of the guests shared with me a personal background of growing up in an environment where each of two very different religious traditions insisted that it alone was right and the other was wrong. It seemed the guests came to feel from the bottom of their hearts the appeal of the flexible, easygoing nature of Buddhism and Shinto. In our conversation near the end of the tour, we reflected that if other major religions were as inclusive as Buddhism and Shinto, the modern world might be more peaceful and certain tragedies might not have occurred. Thanks to a young member of the group, even the more serious topics never felt heavy, and it turned into a day full of smiles. I am grateful to the guests, and grateful as well to all the staff of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/)!

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNara～Horyuji230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace Sakuradamon & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace Sakuradamon & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meeting up @ Hotel
    • 10:20　Imperial Palace Sakuradamon
    • 11:00　Tokyo Station Character St./ Ramen St.
    • 12:30　Takeshita St.
    • 13:00　Togo Shrine Garden
    • 13:30 Lunch @Guzman Gomez
    • 14:10 Meiji Jingu
    • 15:15 Shibuya
    • 16:00 End @Parco

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group now living in Oceania. Everyone was very pleasant, and we had lively conversations about various topics. Some of the guests were very interested in Japanese subculture, and they asked many questions about shops and neighborhoods they had researched in advance. They also listened attentively to explanations about Tokyo, the Imperial family, religion, and Japanese gardens, and asked a variety of questions. The guests were collecting station stamps, so we visited the stamp locations at each station. At Tokyo Station, we were able to exchange their Shinkansen tickets and confirm the platforms, which put them at ease. We had originally planned to visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, but because we spent more time than expected at Tokyo Station, and because the Chuo Line and Sobu Line were suspended due to an accident, we changed the plan and headed to Takeshita Street instead. I believe the guests were satisfied, as they were able to see many different sides of Japan and encounter information they had not found on social media.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza 1-chome～Sakuradamon180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Station～Harajuku210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Motoko

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Request Booking

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…