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  • Hyogo: Kobe Port Terminal & Kobe Port　Dismissal

    Hyogo: Kobe Port Terminal & Kobe Port　Dismissal

    Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30　Kobe Port Terminal
    • 11:00　Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 12:30　Konan-zuke Museum, Tour of the former Takashima Residence
    • 14:00　Cat Cafe (near Sannomiya)
    • 14:40　Kobe Harborland, Shopping, Lunch at a restaurant
    • 16:20　Pass by Chinatown to the port
    • 16:30　Kobe Port　Dismissal

    What Is a Private Sake Brewery and Kobe Harborland Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the sake brewery, I gave a detailed explanation, and the guests listened with great interest. They purchased some very fine sake, including bottles they had tasted and enjoyed. I also suggested an additional visit to the Konan-zuke Museum and the former Takashima Residence. Since the guests had expressed a wish to visit a cat cafe, I took them to a popular one. At Harborland, the guests enjoyed a restaurant where they could grill their own kushikatsu skewers and eat as they cooked. Afterward, we explored various shops around Harborland. I also guided them to a spot with views of the seaside and showed them "the Kobe." They seemed very pleased, and I finished the tour feeling very happy myself.

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

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Request Booking

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…

  • 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

    • 0930 Meet at Hotel
    • 1015 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1130 Nanzenji Temple
    • 1240 Lunch "Manryo"
    • 1330 Chionin Temple
    • 1430 Yasaka Shrine
    • 1500 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 1540 Disband at Shijo Karasuma

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The itinerary was not finalized until close to the last minute, and there were some requests that were difficult to accommodate, so adjustments were made, including a change on the day itself. Initially the guests had wished to visit Nishi Honganji, but this was changed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace at their request. During lunch, the restaurant staff made a mistake and no substitute was available, which caused some concern, but the restaurant offered that portion free of charge, so it did not become a real problem. It was a hot and humid day, and although it was at the guests' request, we walked quite a lot, so everyone, including myself, ended up a little tired, which is a point for reflection.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan～Keage220JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage～Higashiyama220JPY
    Section 5BusGion～Doshisha-mae230JPY
    Section 6BusKarasuma Marutamachi～Shijo Karasuma230JPY
    Total1,340JPY

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

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    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: at Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: at Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:45 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:45 at Nankinmachi (Chinatown) => Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 13:15 Disband at Kobe Daimaru Department Store

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Herb Garden and Nankinmachi Chinatown The guests were visitors who preferred a slow pace throughout the tour. At the Herb Garden, the guests showed great interest during the visit, observing the flowers and plants very attentively and taking many photographs. Even on routes where a taxi is normally used, the guests specifically requested to walk, and we proceeded accordingly, though it appeared to be quite tiring. Partly for this reason, we cut the originally planned Harborland and headed to the final stop, Nankinmachi (Chinatown). However, the long-established pork bun shop I recommended had a very long line, so the guests gave up on purchasing. The guests were hungry and wanted to eat sushi, but we could not find any in this area, and it was only at the restaurant floor of the nearby Daimaru department store that we finally found a sushi restaurant. After helping with the order, we parted ways a little earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3TrainSannomiya～Motomachi140JPY
    Total560JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto Station & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto Station & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Kyoto Station
    • 9:35 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:25 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 11:25 Sagano Romantic Train Arashiyama～Bamboo Grove Path～Tenryu-ji Temple Parking
    • 13:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:15 Hotel Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and they were very excited about it. The guests were interested in history and culture, and I received some quite in-depth questions, which I believe I was able to answer to their satisfaction. Although the weather forecast for the day was unstable, fortunately it did not rain until we reached our final stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and we completed the itinerary without any trouble. When I asked how they had enjoyed the tour, they told me it had been excellent.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ National Bunraku Theatre

    Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ National Bunraku Theatre

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet @ OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resort
    • 12:40-14:00 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 14:30-15:20 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:35-15:50 @ National Bunraku Theatre
    • 16:10 Disband @ Sushi restaurant in the Osaka Exchange Building

    **Title:** What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Local Sushi The guests were friends visiting from North America. This tour request came about because I had guided a related group a few weeks earlier, which led them to request a guide again this time. At the guests' request, the meeting time on the day before the tour was changed from 10:30 to 12:00. They mentioned that they had joined a cycling tour in Kyoto two days prior, arrived in Osaka the day before and strolled around the Dotonbori area, and planned to return to Tokyo the next day. On the day of the tour, the request was to visit sites that would show the differences from the other cities they had visited, and to be introduced to a good sushi restaurant. So after guiding them to Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and the National Bunraku Theatre, I introduced them to a locally popular sushi restaurant with easy access to their accommodation, which they were very pleased with.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Imamiya～Osakajokoen190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 4SubwayNipponbashi～Kitahama190JPY
    Total760JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 10:30 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 12:50 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 13:30 @ Kobe Motomachi-dori Shopping Street
    • 5. 14:00 Disband @ In front of Nankinmachi Changan Gate

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met at the port terminal, and at the guests' request we started the tour 30 minutes earlier than originally planned. Taking the Kobe New Transit line, the subway, and a ropeway in succession, we first went to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. The guests said they loved flowers, so they took many photos there. Although it rained from the evening on this day, fortunately the weather was good during the tour, and the Kobe cityscape could be seen clearly. After this, we visited Sorakuen Garden and the Motomachi shopping street, ending the tour in front of the Choan Gate in Nankinmachi. The guests took many photos at each location and thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train[Kobe New Transit Port Terminal] Station～[Kobe New Transit Sannomiya] Station100JPY
    Section 2Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Sannomiya] Station～[Kobe Municipal Subway Shin-Kobe] Station110JPY
    Section 3Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Shin-Kobe] Station～[Kobe Municipal Subway Kenchomae] Station110JPY
    Total320JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:20-9:30 Meet with the customer at the Port Terminal, confirm the destination
    • 2. Travel (Port Liner, JR, Rokko Liner)
    • 3. 10:40-11:20 Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum
    • 4. Travel (Rokko Liner, JR)
    • 5. 12:00-12:30 Ikuta Shrine
    • 6. Travel (on foot, JR)
    • 7. 13:00 Motomachi Shopping Street (Daiso)
    • 8. 13:10 Nankinmachi (eat Kobe beef standing)
    • 9. 13:40 Disband at the free shuttle bus stop in front of Daimaru

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Tour Like for a Large Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a large multi-generational group visiting from North America and Europe. I had initially understood there would be six guests, but it turned out that they had booked two separate six-guest tours at the same time and wished to be guided together, so I suddenly guided a group of twelve. Until just before the tour, there were no replies at all by email or messaging app, so I was anxious about whether we would be able to meet. However, just before the meeting time I received a short reply on the messaging app saying "Got it, see you soon," and we were able to meet without any trouble. At the Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum, the guests enjoyed sampling and buying Japanese sake. A staff member at the museum gave me a gentle reminder that they would like advance notice for groups of more than ten people, so I intend to always give advance notice in the future. After that, we went to Ikuta Shrine, where by good fortune we came across a bride and groom having wedding photos taken, which delighted the guests. They also tried one of the water fortune slips, which they found interesting. Since the guests had also expressed interest in a 100-yen shop, Nankinmachi, and Kobe beef, we stopped briefly at a 100-yen shop in the Motomachi shopping street, and then enjoyed Kobe beef in Nankinmachi. Moving around with twelve people took a considerable amount of time just for buying tickets and getting on and off trains, and at times the guests looked a little tired from the travel, but I believe they enjoyed themselves. (According to a station attendant, when buying tickets for eleven or more people, purchasing a booklet of tickets allows you to buy eleven at once, which saves time.) Guiding such a large group was a very valuable experience. Going forward, I will continue to improve so that I can handle unexpected situations like this with more composure. Thank you very much for this opportunity.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Sumiyoshi190JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi～Minami-Uozaki210JPY
    Section 4TrainMinami-Uozaki～Sumiyoshi210JPY
    Section 5TrainSumiyoshi～Sannomiya190JPY
    Section 6TrainSannomiya～Motomachi140JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by Yumiko

    Welcome to Japan! I’m Yumiko. I’ll be your guide.
    I’m from Kakogawa, a small city located in Hyogo Prefecture. Since it’s located near Himeji and my grandparents used to live in Himeji, I like showing my guests around places in Himeji, especially Himeji Castle and Mt. Shosha – Engyoji Temple. I’ve also lived in Osaka for about 10 years, so Osaka is also my favorite place. I’m familiar with Kobe as well, so it’s also a great pleasure to show you around these areas. I like traveling, reading, and of course, tour guiding. It’s great to see people from all over the place while living in Japan. I’d love to share Japanese history, culture, and food with you. I’m also looking forward to learning about your country – about your culture, history, and food. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

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    Apr 7, 2025
    VHerzberg
    A wonderful Himeji castle tour with Yumiko
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Himeji castle tour was…

    Apr 1, 2025
    Sightseer39112583641
    Yumiko is the best
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yumiko was such an amazing and sweet guide!!…

    Jul 12, 2024
    jennarD7008EA
    A MUST DO in Kobe!!! Amazing Sake Tour and Kobe Beef Lunch with Yumiko
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe…

  • 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

    • 1. 11:00 Meet the guest at Kyoto Station
    • 2. 11:30 Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 12:30 Guide to Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4. 13:30 Guide to Nishiki Market
    • 5. 14:00 Guide to Kyoto Tower
    • 6. 15:15 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who had arrived by cruise ship. We met at Kyoto Station and discussed the day's plans, settling on a route covering Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Kyoto Tower. At Fushimi Inari Taisha we prayed together, tried our luck with omikuji fortunes and at a power spot, and then made our way down via Senbon Torii. After Fushimi Inari Taisha, we moved to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's most representative temples, but the approach was extremely crowded, so we adjusted our pace as fatigue set in for one of the guests. Feeling hungry and tired, we decided to quickly grab a few bites at Nishiki Market. However, it was also very crowded, and since the guests were not used to such crowds, they wished to leave Nishiki Market early and move on to Kyoto Tower. We bought some snacks at a convenience store and headed to the tower. We parted with the driver at the taxi drop-off area at Kyoto Station and made our own way to the tower. We went up to the observation deck, which offers a sweeping view of Kyoto, and the guests enjoyed the cityscape from there. However, because of their cruise ship schedule, they had already purchased Shinkansen tickets, so we ended the guiding a little early. As the humidity and heat had taken their toll and they wished to spend some relaxed time at the Shinkansen terminal, we said our goodbyes at the Shinkansen ticket gate of Kyoto Station.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yamagata in Half a Day: Departure & Yamagata Station

    Yamagata in Half a Day: Departure & Yamagata Station

    Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel pickup
    • 8:45 Departure
    • 9:25 Yamadera Konpon Chudo
    • 9:45 Sanmon Gate
    • 10:30 Godaido
    • 11:20 Sanmon Gate
    • 11:30 Lunch
    • 13:00 Yamagata Station

    What Is a Private Yamadera Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were retired travelers from Asia. They love traveling and appeared to have visited Japan many times before, seeming very accustomed to travel, and they were a very likable group. On the stone steps going up and down, they graciously gave way to others and were very friendly and considerate. I am confident that they fully enjoyed the overwhelming natural beauty and solemn atmosphere of the mountain temple. It was truly regrettable that part of the group became unwell partway and could not make it to the summit. We finished a little earlier than planned. Even so, it was a wonderful trip.

    Click here for more details: Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by PureWater

    Born in Yamagata, I’ve been involved in English teaching for more than 40 years. Now retired, I’m a freelance government-licensed guide/ interpreter. My clients are for the most part passengers on the cruise ships dropping by Sakata Pier, Yamagata Prefecture. I can show you around not only Sakata area , Tsuruoka area as well, which is literally a treasure house of scenic beauty and historical interest all over the regions. You can experience everythig from
    matcha drinking, sake tasting to hiking on the 2,4446 stone steps lined with gigantic 500-year-or-over-old cedar trees all the way to Mt. Haguro.
    Why don’t you forget about the hustle and bustle of your urban lives and visit Yamagata just to get off the beaten track! I’m sure that you can definitely dive deep into Yamagata’s amazing nature and rich cultures. My motto in life is treasuring “once-in-a lifetime encounter. You should have unforgettable experiences with me. Thanks. Pure Water

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    Jun 19, 2024
    tas2022
    Impeccable experience at Yamagata
    Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
    Mr. K Shimizu did a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1230 Meet in front of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 1230 Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise ~ Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 1510 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Ameyoko
    • 1610 Nihonbashi Takashimaya S/C, Pokemon Center
    • 1650 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, explain the way back and disband

    Title: What's a Private Asakusa, Ueno, and Kappabashi Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The meeting point was originally specified at a hotel, but it was later changed to Kaminarimon (because their meal was to be at a soba restaurant nearby). Since Kaminarimon gets crowded, I asked to change it to the front of the Culture and Tourism Center, and sent them an explanation of the location using a map and Google Street View. It turned out they were not actually staying at that hotel; it had simply been designated as a meeting point. It is right next to the soba restaurant. They actually mentioned they were staying at an apartment near Yoyogi Park. They had downloaded Mobile SUICA, but this morning they were not sure how to use it, so it seems they came from Shibuya to Asakusa by taxi. One of the guests especially wanted to shop for knives in Kappabashi, and purchased several. Meanwhile, the other members of the group looked around other shops, but having names engraved on the knives took a while, so we ended up waiting quite some time. At Ueno Park, we skipped Ueno Toshogu Shrine and visited Kiyomizu Kannon-do, the Shogitai monument, and the Saigo statue, where I explained the Tokugawa Shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. We stopped by the Pokemon Center at the guests' request, but there were no particular purchases. The start of the rainy season was announced, and the rain grew heavier from midday. Originally, after this we were to part ways in Ginza, where they had a dinner reservation (20:30), but since they wanted to change out of their wet clothes and shoes, they decided to return to their accommodation first. So I accompanied them to Shibuya Station and explained the route. Although they had come as far as the scramble crossing the previous night, they had not known about Hachiko, so I gave an explanation of it before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTawaramachi～Ueno178JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno-hirokoji～Nihonbashi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNihonbashi～Shibuya209JPY
    Total565JPY

    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…