Category: Uncategorized

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:50 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 08:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 08:45 Stay @ Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market
    • 4. 10:20 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 5. 10:35 Stay @ Toyosu Market Block 7
    • 6. 11:20 Lunch @ Senkyaku Banrai
    • 7. 12:10 Disband @ Senkyaku Banrai

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Market Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Toyosu The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they preferred to meet at their hotel, we joined up at a hotel in Shibuya and then headed to the two markets they wished to see. As they had a reservation for teamLab Planets in the afternoon, I decided to guide them around Toyosu in the latter half of the day. We arrived at Tsukiji just before 9:00, but since I took them to Hongwanji Temple first, we were able to see the wholesale shops inside Tsukiji Uogashi at just the right time. At Toyosu, I had initially thought it would be good for them to have lunch at a sushi restaurant in Block 6, but since everyone showed interest in the shops at Senkyaku Banrai, I had them each purchase the food they liked there. After they finished their meal at the central plaza, I explained how to get to teamLab Planets and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShintomicho (Tokyo)~Toyosu180JPY
    Section 3TrainToyosu~Shijo-mae190JPY
    Total580JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Suitcase repair shop

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Suitcase repair shop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • There was a message around 8:00 that day saying they would be a few minutes late, but in the end they arrived at 8:55.
    • 9:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:10 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:30 Lunch at Tonkatsu Katsukura Ginkakuji branch
    • 13:35 Visited only the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle
    • 14:30 Suitcase repair shop
    • 14:50 Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As they had been to Japan two years earlier, they wished to visit places they had not already seen. Kiyomizu-dera Temple was relatively uncrowded today, which was wonderful. On Sannenzaka, part of the group enjoyed shopping. Afterward, I took them to Sanjusangendo Hall and gave an explanation, which they found very interesting. We then enjoyed lunch at a restaurant near Ginkaku-ji that I had reserved based on their preferences. Although we started 30 minutes late, they had booked another activity after this tour and needed to finish by 2:30, so at Nijo Castle we visited only the Ninomaru Palace. It was truly fortunate that there were fewer people around. One of the guests mentioned that a suitcase had broken and asked to have it sent for repair, so we stopped there before returning to the hotel, ending the tour at 2:50.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Entered Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Entered Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Waiting at Miyajimaguchi Terminal, but according to an email and a phone call from the local agent, the guests had already crossed over to Miyajima and were waiting at Miyajima Terminal
    •   Upon checking, it was confirmed that the meeting point was indeed Miyajima Terminal, not Miyajimaguchi Terminal.
    • 11:20 While having the local agent make contact, met at Miyajima Terminal 20 minutes late
    • 11:40 Entered Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:20 Entered Daishoin Temple
    • 13:00 Guided them to the restaurant Mizuha. The wife is on a gluten-free diet, but since they wanted a restaurant that the children would want to eat at, I chose a place with
    •    a variety on the menu. Since they said they could order by themselves, I left the restaurant for a while
    • 13:40 Departed for Senjokaku
    • 14:00 Entered Senjokaku
    • 14:20 Strolled along Omotesando
    • 15:00 Tour ended at Miyajimaguchi Terminal

    What's a Private Miyajima Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. Even though the start of the tour was delayed, they welcomed me with smiles. They were a very active and cheerful group. In particular, one of the guests asked many questions on a wide range of topics. The weather was hot and humid with rain threatening to fall, and since some of the guests began to look a little tired, I slowed down the pace and guided them through Daishoin Temple. The guests were delighted with the restaurant I recommended. After the meal, they seemed to enjoy strolling through Senjokaku Hall and the main approach, and on the ferry ride back, one of the guests told me it had been a wonderful tour.

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: GOTOKUJI & NEZU / YANAKA

    Tokyo in Half a Day: GOTOKUJI & NEZU / YANAKA

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet at the 18fl lobby in BELLUSTAR TOKYO
    • 10:00 1 GOTOKUJI
    • 11:00 2 IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 12:00 3 NEZU / YANAKA
    • 13:00 See off at the udon restaurant Kamatake

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tour Like With a Japan Guide Agency Guide? A Licensed Guide's Report After the booking was accepted, I sent a greeting email through the listed messaging platform on May 18, but received no reply. Communication began three days before the tour on June 17 through a messaging app. I planned the itinerary exactly as requested by the guests. The guests were a cheerful group visiting from North America. After meeting at the hotel, I was able to guide them in a lighthearted way, sharing jokes along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji~Nijubashimae380JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Nezu180JPY
    Total760JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:15 Tsukiji (including lunch)
    • 4. 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 15:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing・Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 15:30 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the day before, and planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks, visiting Okinawa, Kyoto, and other places in addition to Tokyo. It was the first visit to Japan for all of them. I guided them around Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. They enjoyed listening to the explanations and taking photos, and one of the guests was especially enthusiastic, striking poses in various spots and having the others take photos. Another guest was interested in history and religion, and at Senso-ji Temple asked questions about things such as the meaning of the five-colored curtain. For lunch, we did some food-walking in Tsukiji, trying tamagoyaki, wagyu beef, sushi, and more. In the evening, they had a reservation for Shibuya Sky, so the tour ended in Shibuya. Since their dinner reservation was in Ebisu, I explained how to get to Ebisu and how to return to their hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa390JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon, thought they weren't coming for a while, but they were someone staying at a nearby Airbnb
    • 10:15 Nezu Shrine
    • 10:50 Yanaka
    • 11:20 Tokyo National Museum
    • 12:45 From the five-story pagoda to Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:15 Lunch @ Irori-an Kiraku Soba Ueno
    • 13:50 Asakusa (Skytree photo), currency exchange and restroom break at the Culture and Tourism Center
    • 15:40 Dismissal Street Kart (Shinkiba)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like from Nezu to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained in the morning, and it was a bit tough until we entered the Tokyo National Museum. The guests had a Welcome Suica, but they did not have much Japanese cash on hand, so I guided them to a currency exchange along the way. I expected to meet them in the hotel lobby and had been waiting there for over 20 minutes, but they did not appear. Wondering what had happened, I sent a message and learned that they were staying at an accommodation near the hotel and had been waiting outside. The final confirmation had not been fully worked out. We proceeded through Nezu and Yanaka, and at the Tokyo National Museum the guests showed interest in a variety of artworks. For lunch I introduced a station soba spot, but the reaction was lukewarm. We exchanged currency in Asakusa, and after a full round of sightseeing, I guided them to a go-kart facility in Shinkiba as they had requested, which concluded the tour. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOnarimon~Nezu290JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Shinkiba320JPY
    Total790JPY

    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 in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:50 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:30 Asakusa & Sensoji Temple
    • 13:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Tour ends at Shibuya

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Kappabashi, and Meiji Jingu The guest was a visitor from North America. They had arrived in Japan a couple of days earlier, and after finishing their obligations, today was the only day set aside for sightseeing before returning home the next day, making it a busy Tokyo tour. Based on their prior requests, we visited Tsukiji Outer Market, Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, Kappabashi, and Meiji Jingu. Since the guest wanted to learn as much as possible about Japanese history, culture, and cuisine, I made an effort to provide rich and detailed explanations. At Tsukiji Outer Market, the guest enjoyed fresh tuna sushi and praised it as a deliciousness they had never experienced before, and at an old-fashioned coffee shop in the market they enjoyed coffee in a retro atmosphere. At Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the differences in worship methods, and the guest said they came to understand the background of how Japanese people behave. In Asakusa, the guest enjoyed the unique atmosphere of old Edo, and at a request they searched for a certain "umbrella" said to be found only in Asakusa, which we finally managed to locate. Since the guest also loved cooking, I guided them to Kappabashi, where they were delighted to purchase a favorite kitchen knife. Finally, at Meiji Jingu the guest marveled at the beautiful harmony between natural scenery and the shrine, and to conclude, I introduced a delicious ramen shop in Shibuya to end the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Shimbashi260JPY
    Section 2TrainShiodome~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Yoyogi210JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total1,280JPY

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 10:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (visit)
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari I guided a group visiting from North America on a private Kyoto tour. At Kinkaku-ji, they were deeply impressed by its beauty and said it was the best place they had visited in Japan so far. At Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, they looked with great interest at the moss-covered stone statues, and as one of the guests had an interest in Buddhism, they entered the main hall and the Jizo hall and viewed the Buddhist statues attentively. After that, I guided the group through the bamboo grove, and in the afternoon we visited the Monkey Park. For some of the guests, the Monkey Park was the most memorable place of the tour. Originally the plan was to return to the Hotel afterward, but the group expressed a wish to also visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera on the same day, so we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since I had another commitment after the tour and could not extend, we said goodbye at Fushimi Inari Taisha, after which the driver took over the guiding, and the tour concluded.

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Azabujuban Station & Hibiya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Azabujuban Station & Hibiya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:30 Meeting place: 2-chōme-23-3 Higashiazabu Royal-Higashi Azabu 401, Minato City
    • 13:40 Depart Azabujuban Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 13:55 Arrive Shiodome Station
    • Shiodome Hama-rikyu Gardens
    • 15:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 15:20 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ueno Station・Ekitabi Concierge
    • 15:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa  Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 16:15 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 16:50 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 17:40 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 18:00 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Dinner: Hibiya Chanter
    • 19:00 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kokkai-gijidomae Station
    • Tameike-sanno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
    • 19:30 Arrive Azabujuban Station
    • 19:30 Disband: Asakusa Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Spots Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of five visiting from North America. Some of them were visiting Japan for the first time. Some of the guests had spent twelve days in Asia before arriving at Narita Airport this morning, while another had flown in from North America the day before. This visit was part of a twelve-day trip to Japan. They planned to stay in Tokyo for three days, then visit Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara at a leisurely pace before returning to Tokyo and heading home. For today, they wished to visit the main sights in the city, but specifically "places that ordinary tourists don't often visit." It was a tour under cloudy but hot and humid weather. First, at their request, we went to Hamarikyu Gardens. I explained "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the Edo shogunate," "the origins and history of Hamarikyu Gardens," and "duck hunting." We strolled slowly through the garden while taking photos. They remarked, "A garden surrounded by buildings is similar to Central Park in New York," and "Japanese gardens really are wonderful." They also mentioned that they planned to take part in a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto. Next, to Asakusa. I guided them through the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and on to Kaminarimon. Starting from the gate, I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various other spots, and strolled slowly through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions of Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" The guests purchased omamori charms as souvenirs. We moved on to Nippori. I explained "the history and current state of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas." Yanaka Ginza was very crowded with visitors from overseas. They commented, "Compared to other parts of Tokyo, this is quiet and calm, and this is the kind of place we wanted to come to." From there, we moved to Nezu Shrine. At Nezu Shrine, we passed through the torii gates of the Inari shrine and paid our respects. We met a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San and, with their permission, took a photo. I explained "what Shinto is" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They said, "Compared to Asakusa, this is quieter, and I prefer it here." They expressed a wish to have a light dinner somewhere, so we went to Hibiya Chanter. After browsing around, we went to a soba restaurant. They ordered kamo nanban soba. 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 is that?", and "Everyone is quiet on the trains. It's different from New York." I saw them off at Azabu-Juban Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAzabujuban~Shiodome180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno~Nippori160JPY
    Section 6TrainSendagi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 7TrainNezu~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 8TrainHibiya~Azabujuban180JPY
    Total1,420JPY

    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…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kintetsu Nara Station 10:00 → Yakushi-ji Temple 10:50 → Todai-ji Temple 13:45 → Kasuga Taisha Shrine 14:40 → Kintetsu Nara Station 16:00

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Yakushiji, Todaiji, and Kasuga Taisha The guests were a group visiting from North America. We purchased a one-day pass because it covered the travel by bus and offered a discount at Yakushiji Temple. Since the bus to Yakushiji runs only twice an hour, we felt a little rushed as we had to buy the one-day pass before it arrived. However, when I explained the situation, they understood. At Yakushiji Temple, rather than the National Treasure pagoda which cannot be entered, they asked many questions about the Buddhist statues in the lecture hall and the main hall. At Todaiji Temple, in addition to the Great Buddha, they also seemed interested in the statues of Komokuten and Tamonten. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they were eagerly searching for the stone lantern associated with the Kasuga deity.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKintetsu Nara~Yakushi-ji Temple600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…