Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transport: On foot: Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • AM 09:15 – AM 10:45 Strolling around the Nagamachi Samurai District, visiting the Ashigaru Museum, Takada Family Residence, and Nomura Family Residence
    • Transport: Bus: Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:15-PM 12:00 Visiting Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:00-13:00 Kanazawa Castle Park: visiting Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Tour ends at Gyokusen'inmaru Garden

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. They had studied about Japan beforehand and asked me a variety of questions. Topics such as the connection between the historical samurai society and modern-day Japanese society came up during our conversation, and it made for a rewarding tour as we visited the main sightseeing spots in Kanazawa. Originally we had planned to visit Kenrokuen Garden, the Higashi Chaya District, and the Nagamachi Samurai District area, but since they had already visited the Higashi Chaya District the previous day, we went to Kanazawa Castle Park instead. I believe they enjoyed it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKorinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform
    • 10:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:40 Nijo Castle
    • 13:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 Disband within Kyoto Station

    **What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Cruise Ship Arrival Like? A Licensed Guide's Report** Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were traveling by cruise ship and came to Kyoto from Osaka by bullet train. The weather was pleasant, and since it was a Sunday there were fewer school excursion students, so nowhere was very crowded and it was a very comfortable day. We first went to Kinkaku-ji, which was not too crowded inside, so they could take their time looking around and were very pleased. Nijo Castle was similarly surprisingly empty, so it was nice to be able to explain things at a relaxed pace. It was the same at Fushimi Inari Taisha. They seemed very interested to learn that various things symbolize different meanings. I believe they were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 6TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 7TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa (Skytree photos)

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa (Skytree photos)

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Hatagaya
    • 8:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:25 Shibamata, light meal at a dango shop
    • 12:30 Taishakuten Temple carvings and garden
    • 14:05 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 14:30 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was good, not too hot, and the tour proceeded smoothly. The group moved at a slower pace, and at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace we used a wheelchair, so the overall schedule ran behind. At Meiji Shrine, the guests enjoyed buying charms and photographing a wedding ceremony. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we moved quite slowly using a wheelchair. In Shibamata, the guests enjoyed dango at a shop front and took their time viewing the carvings and garden at Shibamata Taishakuten. In Asakusa, as we were running behind schedule, I guided them at a quicker pace, taking them as far as the main hall before the tour concluded. Received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatagaya~Harajuku290JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shibamata570JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata~Asakusa380JPY
    Total1,450JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 9:45 Gotokuji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch (Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu)
    • 5. 13:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing・Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 14:00 Asakusa
    • 7. 15:00 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Before a Sushi-Making Class? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, staying in Japan for a longer trip in total. Because the guests love cats and had booked a Sushi Making Class in Asakusa at 16:00, I guided them along a route covering Gotokuji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa. Since one of the guests had an injured knee, I made a point of using escalators and elevators whenever possible, and we were able to get around without any trouble. They listened attentively to my explanations and asked a wide variety of questions. As the Sushi Making Class was scheduled for 16:00, they preferred a lighter lunch, so we had a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. Finally, after seeing all of Sensoji Temple, we ended the tour within the temple grounds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji~Sangubashi170JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total790JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:55 Meet at the hotel and depart 10:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:30 Ryoanji Temple 12:20 Lunch (sushi) 13:10 Kinkakuji Temple 14:30 Fushimi Inari 15:45 Guide to Kiyomizu Temple and end the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from Europe. When I went to the Hotel, we were able to meet right away. Perhaps because the Golden Week holiday had ended, the sites we visited were uncrowded despite it being a weekend, which made guiding very easy. The guests did not do any extra shopping, so we were able to smoothly visit four locations. One of the guests took many photographs. Both of the guests seemed to enjoy walking through natural settings such as the bamboo grove and the area around the pond at Ryoanji Temple. After Fushimi Inari, they expressed a wish to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which was near the Hotel, so I guided them to the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple (the top of the approach path) and the tour ended there. The weather was fine, and by the afternoon it was almost hot. The photo was taken at Ryoanji Temple.

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting Point: Hotel Monterey Lasoeur
    • 2. 09:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Center Street)
    • 4. 11:30 Lunch: Sushiman
    • 5. 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 13:15 Dismissal: In front of Otemon Gate

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace The guests were visitors from North America who were scheduled to join a cruise ship tour a couple of days later. They had apparently not read the message I sent in advance and had assumed the tour would include a private car. When I explained that this was a walking tour and that, in principle, we would use public transportation to get around, they became displeased, saying they could not walk long distances. Even so, I explained the details of the information I had sent beforehand and told them that it would be fine to travel by car if they preferred, but that they would need to cover the cost. They accepted this, called an Uber, and we began the tour. As I carefully guided them through Senso-ji Temple, their mood gradually improved, and by the time we headed to Shibuya, the atmosphere had become quite relaxed. After showing them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I asked what they would like to do next, and they said they wanted an early lunch. Since they wished to have sushi, I took them to a sushi restaurant. They seemed to really enjoy the sushi here, which lifted their spirits even more, and at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the tour concluded, they said, "Today was a lot of fun. Thank you very much." Miscommunications sometimes occur before a tour, but as with today, there are many cases where the situation can be turned around and the guests end up satisfied in the end. Experiences like this remind me of both the joy and the challenge of being a guide.

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①10:30 Meet at the hotel, take a taxi to the Imperial Palace
    • ②10:50-12:00 After strolling through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, take a taxi to Asakusa
    • ③12:30-14:00 After strolling through Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, take the subway to Daimon Station
    • ④14:30-14:50 Tokyo Tower (skipped due to a 1-hour wait for observation deck entry restrictions), take a taxi to Tsukiji
    • ⑤15:00-15:50 Food tour in Tsukiji, take a taxi to the hotel
    • ⑥16:00 Arrive at the hotel, disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour in Tokyo for a group visiting Japan for the first time by cruise ship from North America. Based on the group's requests to see the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji, the route was designed to combine these with Asakusa and Tokyo Tower. Under fine weather, the group was delighted by the beautiful Japanese garden at the East Gardens. In Asakusa, they visited many shops along Nakamise-dori and happily shopped for souvenirs such as chopsticks and small goods. Although it was a pity that Tokyo Tower had an admission restriction in place when we arrived, the group appeared to thoroughly enjoy the tuna and beef at the final stop in Tsukiji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Daimon (Tokyo)220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo: Ikebukuro Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Ikebukuro Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro
    • 9:10 Depart Ikebukuro Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 10:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:45 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:15 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:25 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 12:00 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Ikebukuro Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Ikebukuro Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, Tsukiji, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group of four visiting from Oceania, all on their first trip to Japan. The purpose of this visit was an approximately two-week trip around Japan. They were staying in Tokyo for several days, after which they planned to travel around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. One of the guests, however, planned to remain in Japan alone afterward and travel around the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions for about two more weeks. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening and taken a taxi to their hotel. That night, they strolled around the area near their hotel. They said, "Today we'd like to visit the main spots in the city, and tomorrow we'd like to relax at the hotel all day." Although it was cloudy, the tour was completed without any rain. From Ikebukuro Station, we first headed to Asakusa. We started in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the differences between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon and various other spots, and slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are Japan's major religions?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question: "We see people wearing kimono within the temple grounds — why is that?" From here, we moved to the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area. Regarding Yanaka Ginza, the comment was, "It's quiet and calm — this is the kind of place we wanted to come to." At a bakery, they purchased and sampled sandwiches. They also enjoyed some beer at a standing bar. At Nezu Shrine, they passed through the torii gate and paid their respects. They said, "Unlike Asakusa, it's quiet, and this is better." We went to Tsukiji. As always, it was extremely crowded. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyoites come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems there are a lot of tourists." They said, "We'd like to sample something." In the end, they purchased and tasted "tuna nigiri." We moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of tourists. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "About how many people cross here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there's no litter," "There are no trash cans on the streets — why?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines everywhere." Finally, I saw them off at Ikebukuro Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIkebukuro~Ueno210JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Section 5TrainSendagi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 6TrainNezu~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 7TrainTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 8TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 9TrainShibuya~Ikebukuro210JPY
    Total1,680JPY

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

    Jul 21, 2026
    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: ODAWARA station by Shinkansen & Tour end.

    Kanagawa in One Day: ODAWARA station by Shinkansen & Tour end.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:38 Arrive at ODAWARA station by Shinkansen
    • 10:50 Meet the guide.
    • 11:07 Get a train to Hakone-Yumoto.
    • 11:21 Arrive at HAKONE YUMOTO (Hakone Luggage Transport Service counter)
    • 11:33 Bus to MOTOHAKONE Port.
    • 12:05 Arrive at MOTOHAKONE port
    • 12:10-12:40 Walking Tour: Enjoy a stroll through the historic Ancient Cedar Avenue. Stop by Hakone Check point.
    • 12:40-13:00 Tea break.
    • 13:00 – 13:30 Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Hakonemati → Togendai)
    • Lunch: Enjoy your 7-11 snacks while cruising across the lake.
    • 13:40-14:00 Transfer: Take HOKANE Ropeway toward OHWAKU-DANI
    • 14:05-14:55 OHEAKU-DANI (Enjoy Walking, Taste black egg, Museum visit)
    • 15:00-15:45 Transfer to Open air museum
    • 15:50-16:50 Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 17:02-17:05 Transfer to Gora
    • 17:05 Tour end.

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and the Open-Air Museum The guests came to Hakone at the end of their stay in Japan, after a 10-day trip that had taken them through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Since they were scheduled to stay overnight in Gora that evening, we went in the reverse of the usual direction and headed to Lake Ashi first. In addition, on that day heavy fog had suspended the sightseeing boat service, so we had to consider changing the itinerary on short notice during the tour. I had proposed using the bus as an alternative, but in the afternoon only the route between Togendai and Hakonemachi Port resumed, so in the end we managed without any major changes to the itinerary. The guests wanted to experience as much as possible within 6 hours, so they enjoyed Lake Ashi, the old Tokaido cedar avenue, the Hakone Checkpoint, the pirate ship, the ropeway, Owakudani, the Owakudani museum, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. They were delighted to have seen so much on the last leg of their trip in Japan. The next day they planned to return to Tokyo and then travel on to Asia.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara~Gora6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
    Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
    During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
    After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
    My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
    I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
    I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
    I can’t wait to meet you!

    Jul 27, 2026
    25stephn
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    Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…

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  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Shijo Teramachi 

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Shijo Teramachi 

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel meet
    • 9:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:00 Gion
    • 11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:15 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Shijo Teramachi 
    • Tour ends

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They came to Kyoto from Tokyo after traveling around Japan by cruise ship. Since they had already seen many shrines and temples, they requested to be guided to other kinds of places. When I explained about a temple I planned to show them at the meeting time, they became interested, so I guided them there as planned. In the car, they showed interest in Gion, so I added it to the tour. Since they moved through the itinerary at a good pace, I proposed additional stops, but after I recommended lunch options in the Nishiki Market area, they wished to conclude the tour, so I guided them to a tonkatsu restaurant. During the walk, one of the guests fell while walking. It was a narrow path where we had to walk in single file, and I keenly felt the need to take the utmost care.

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 27, 2026
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    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
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    I had a great experience on this local…

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    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…