Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:00 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 10:40 Hamarikyu
    • 4. 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch at Uogashi Food Court
    • 6. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 14:30 Dismiss at Meiji Shrine

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Hama-rikyu, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine We began this first visit to Tokyo, Japan, with a tour of Sensoji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa. It was quiet and full of atmosphere. The shops were gradually starting to open, and the guests were pleased to arrive before it became crowded. As they were not used to the humid heat, I lent them a portable fan and recommended cooling paper towels to help them stay comfortable, which was very well received. We traveled comfortably on the relatively empty Oedo Line, which also allowed for some rest. At the Hama-rikyu Gardens we were caught in a torrential downpour, and it was so intense that the guests and I could only laugh. On top of that, thunder began to roar, giving a sense of emergency, so we immediately took shelter at the nearest tea house. Inside the tea house, while relaxing at ease, I explained that it was as if the thunder god of Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate was beating his drums. At the Tsukiji outer market, they said the tempura and soba were delicious, which made me happy. In response to their questions, at the Meiji Shrine I explained Japan's struggles with Western modernity, and they experienced the unique space of Shinto before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Kuramae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKuramae～Shiodome0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • Kyoto Sta. → Inari Sta. by JR train
    • 09:30 Fushimi inari (0)
    • Inari Sta.→ Kyoto Sta. → SagaArashiyama Sta. by JR train
    • 11:40 Arashiyama Bamboo path by taxi
    • 11:50 Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking
    • 12:45 Arashiyama Togetsukyo by walking
    • Lunch(Yoshiya Hondori branch）
    • 14:10 Kinkakuji by taxi
    • 15:10 Gion Kagai Art Museum　by taxi
    • 15:40 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Africa. They had been communicating with an agent. It seems the agent had told them the tour was the previous day, and the previous day the hotel had called to confirm. Getting the date wrong is a significant problem. On the day of the tour, before meeting, one of the guests emailed to say they wanted to take a photo with a geisha, so after some consideration I suggested either visiting the Gion Kobu Kyoto Art Museum of Traditional Performing Arts in Gion or arranging a private meeting. Since they said a private arrangement was not necessary, I changed the final destination from Nishiki Market and we went there instead. However, the photo session with the geiko and maiko was from 15:20, so I accompanied them for that, explained some of the museum exhibits for a while, and then concluded the tour. Afterward, the guests watched a geiko and maiko dance performance (from 16:00) and then headed back.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

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

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal　11:35 Arashiyama・Togetsukyo Bridge　12:10　Gioji Temple　12:50 Ryoanji Temple　14:10 Nishiki Market (lunch and shopping)　15;25 Gion
    • 16:45 Return to Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal, tour ends

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Trip from Osaka Port by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Asia, traveling as a group. Because one member of the group could not walk quickly, moving between sites took extra time, and sightseeing would have been very difficult without a private vehicle. For this reason, at Togetsukyo Bridge and Gioji Temple, the guests mainly stopped to take photos at those spots. Ryoanji Temple requires a fairly long walk from the entrance, so it took time, and the visit was limited to seeing the rock garden and a few other areas. At Nishiki Market, we allotted about one hour and ten minutes of free time for lunch and shopping, but it seems that was not quite enough time. According to the driver, if we had moved the departure time one hour earlier and returned to Osaka Port one hour earlier, we could have avoided traffic congestion and had a little more time for sightseeing. At the guests' request, we started at 10:00, but starting at 9:00 might have given us about ten extra minutes at each site. The visit to Gion was also limited to the basics. On the way back, we were able to return to Osaka Port relatively smoothly. The photo was taken at Gioji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Port Tempozan Terminal～Osaka Port Tempozan Terminal0JPY
    Total0JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Water Clock

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Water Clock

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Osaka Port Tempozan Passenger Terminal
    • 11:00 at Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:45 at Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:00 at Umeda Sky Building
    • 15:15 at Umeda Water Clock
    • 15:30 Disband at JR Osaka Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building The guests were an elderly group who had done a nine-hour tour in Kyoto the previous day and seemed a little tired. Some of the guests were very strong walkers, while others moved at a much slower pace and needed to rest frequently. On top of that, the day was again unusually hot, which seemed to double their fatigue, and I was frequently asked, "How far do we have to walk to the next spot?" We visited the Umeda Sky Building, but there had been a slight misunderstanding about the "Floating Garden Observatory," as the guests seemed to have expected an ordinary park with lots of trees; some of the guests were also uncomfortable with heights. At the Umeda Sky Building, we took a rest at the guests' request. Because the pace was quite slow, we ran significantly over time, and the guests said it was fine to skip the final spot, the "Water Clock," and end the tour there. However, since this spot is located on the way to the taxi stand, we stopped by, and the guests were very pleased. Special note 1) Today, I, the guide, made a major mistake. The correct meeting time was a 10:00 start, but I had mistakenly understood it to be 10:30. As a result, I kept the guests waiting for about 30 minutes, which caused them great inconvenience, and I apologized sincerely and politely. The original confirmation document had stated 10:30, but it had been changed to 10:00 when the itinerary was confirmed, and I had failed to verify this change. The guests also seemed to have noticed that the guide had arrived at the meeting point 30 minutes early, and I believe they accepted my apology. Throughout the rest of the tour they remained smiling the entire time, for which I was grateful. Going forward, I will pay even closer attention when confirming itineraries so that this kind of thing does not happen again. Special note 2) As mentioned in your recent communication, I felt that the fact that this was a "walking tour" was not entirely understood by the guests. Again today there were many questions about how far we would walk and how long it would take. Although I carefully explained that this was strictly a walking tour and I believe they understood, there was also a comment that "we thought each spot would be right in front of the nearest station." Going forward, I would like to keep this point in mind when communicating with guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Morinomiya290JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Tennoji170JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Higashi-Umeda240JPY
    Total700JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet up @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 09:30 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:10 Visit @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:10 Visit @ Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
    • 5. 11:30 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 12:00 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 7. 12:20 Lunch @ Ginza Lion
    • 8. 12:55 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 13:25 Visit @ Nezu Shrine
    • 10. 13:55 Travel: Subway
    • 11. 14:00 Visit @ Yanaka
    • 12. 14:40 Travel: Subway
    • 13. 15:25 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of the Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest did not use a messaging app and had replied only briefly to emails beforehand, but arrived early in the hotel lobby, so we were able to start the tour smoothly. As expected, the guest enjoyed taking photos. While guiding through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I realized the guest was especially interested in the Nijubashi Bridge and the Fushimi-yagura Turret, so I also showed them the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. I had been refraining from guiding the Outer Garden during the hot summer season, but I truly felt that it remains popular as a photo spot even among international visitors. Since lunch was finished quickly, I also took the guest to Yanaka after Nezu Shrine. Nezu Shrine had unexpectedly few worshippers, so we were able to take many photos in front of the "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates). The guest seemed a little tired in the afternoon, but I felt they took an interest in the distinctive temples in Yanaka as well. Although it rained in the morning, the weather was fortunately good during the tour, which was a great help. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku Station～Otemachi Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassHibiya Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya Station～Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNezu Station～Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSendagi Station～Shinjuku Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00-10:15 Travel (Subway Tozai Line: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae → Subway Karasuma Line: Shijo)
    • 10:15-10:30 Travel (Hankyu Railway: Karasuma Shijo → Arashiyama)
    • 10:30-11:40 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge → Tenryu-ji Temple / Sogenchi Garden → Bamboo Grove)
    • 11:40-12:20 Travel (Randen: Arashiyama → Kitano Hakubaicho)
    • 12:20-12:30 Travel (City Bus; Kitano Hakubaicho → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 12:30- 13:10 Lunch
    • 13:10-14:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 Dismissal on site

    What Is a Half-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's tour was for guests visiting from Europe. They were visiting Japan for the first time, staying for their trip and heading to the Kanto area (Kamakura and other places) before arriving in Kyoto yesterday. There were no particularly in-depth questions, but I received many general questions (How many kanji characters are there in Japanese? Why is there both horizontal and vertical writing? What percentage of people can speak English? About the mandatory retirement system, and so on). Since the travel time during the tour was long, I used that time to explain Japan's geographical characteristics and the natural threats and blessings that stem from them, as well as the nature worship that forms the basis of Japanese culture. I also explained the culture of wood and washoku (Japanese cuisine) centered on rice. Since it was their first time in Japan and it was a 4-hour tour, it may have been a little difficult to fully understand everything. As for the guests' impressions of the tour, there was a comment that Kinkaku-ji in particular was beautiful and wonderful. Another interesting point shared by the guests was that Japan is an easy country to visit for tourism (you can come easily for sightseeing without complicated paperwork), and this was one of the reasons they decided to travel to Japan.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Shiyakusho-mae～Karasuma Shijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo Karasuma～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama～Kitano Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-mae230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ Hotel Okura Kyoto
    • 9:00-9:50 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:25-11:25 @ Nijo Castle
    • 11:55-12:20 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:35-13:00 Lunch @ Gyoza no Osho Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:35-14:05 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 14:45-15:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:40 Dismissal @ Hotel Okura Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Communication in English was extremely difficult, and even basic conversation required the use of a translation app. At the pre-tour stage, the destinations had not been decided, so we agreed to determine where to go after meeting on the day. The guests showed me photos of places they wanted to visit one after another, and I built the day's itinerary based on those. I considered how to travel efficiently using public transportation, but in the end all transportation was done by taxi. The taxi driver we used to travel from the Hotel to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove did not know how to get to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which was both surprising and challenging. Since the driver was looking at a smartphone with one hand while driving, I signaled each time the light turned green and directed the route partway through, and we finally reached the bamboo grove. During our walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the guests wanted to use the restroom, so I guided them to a restroom at a nearby park, but it appeared there was no toilet paper available, which caused some difficulty. Before heading to Kinkaku-ji, as a measure against the heat I recommended purchasing frozen bottled drinks, and we walked while each of the guests carried one. One of the guests was a smoker, so I pointed out smoking areas at various locations. The finishing time was a little early, but after walking around Fushimi Inari Taisha, I took the guests back to the Hotel by taxi and we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0800 Meet at Hotel Kanra
    • 0840 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 1030 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 1145 Nishiki Market
    • 2315 Disband at the same place

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As the day was expected to be very hot, we changed the departure time from the original 10:00 to 8:00. Some of the guests found the heat a bit challenging but did very well and stayed patient. Some of the guests were interested in the architecture of Nanzen-ji Temple and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and asked various detailed questions and shared insights that I also found valuable. At Nishiki Market, the guests showed great interest in the wide variety of foods. After I gave an overview of the market, they preferred to explore on their own, so we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo～Keage260JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeage～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayImadegawa～Shijo260JPY
    Total780JPY

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    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel
    • 9:00 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 14:30 Atomic Bomb Dome

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Miyajima and the Hiroshima Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. Due to a medical emergency, the train was delayed by about ten minutes, but on the platform we started the tour smoothly by chatting about topics such as the local Carp baseball team. On the ferry boat, the conversation turned to the U.S. military base in Iwakuni, and one of the guests asked whether U.S. military bases are still necessary in Japan. As this is a very delicate issue, I simply answered that people hold different views depending on their perspective. In the shopping arcade, a calligraphy performance was taking place, and I thought it might be a good opportunity to explain Japanese culture through calligraphy, so I gave it a try. I attempted to explain that Japanese people seek to perfect their ideal selves through their respective arts and skills, that this is called a "do" (a path or way), and that it is cherished and passed down to the next generation. However, an "insufficient expressive power crisis alarm" went off in my head, so I decided to stop there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station～Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Tour finish

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Tour finish

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Hotel
    • Move/Walk to ferry dock at Peace Park
    • 08:30 Take ferry boat from Peace Park to Miyajima (Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route)
    • 09:15 Arrive Miyajima
    • Move/Walk through Omote Sando Street
    • 09:40 Visit Itsukushima Shrine (40 minutes)
    • 10:20 Visit Daiganji Temple (15minutes)
    • 10:35 Visit Miyajima History and Folklore Museum (30 minutes incl. 10 minutes video)
    • 11:05 Shopping/ Move to Etto Miyajima Kouryuu Kaikann to have break (20min)
    • 11:25 Machiya St and back to ferry dock
    • 11:45 Arrive ferry dock (Tour finish)
    • 12:00 Take Ferry boat back to Peace Park
    • 12;45 Arrive Peace Park
    • 12:50 Pick Up taxi for guest and provided instruction to taxi driver (going to hotel, wait there and take the to Hiroshima station for them to take 13::32 train)
    • 12:50 Tour finish

    What Is an Early Morning Private Tour of Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and this was an early morning tour to Miyajima. Since they needed to return to the hotel and catch the 13:32 bullet train to Fukuoka, time was limited, but they were very pleased with Itsukushima Shrine and the Museum of History and Folklore. They described Miyajima as "stunning." Beyond Itsukushima Shrine, at the Museum of History and Folklore they showed great interest in the delicate craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, as well as the architecture, garden settings, and subtle nuances of old Japan, and seemed genuinely moved. I felt they shared an aesthetic sensibility in common with Japanese people. From the bullet train they sent a thank-you message and photos via a messaging app, and even shared their home address, saying I should contact them if I ever visit Europe. Although our time together was short, I felt that our hearts truly connected. It made me want to visit Mont Saint-Michel someday.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryPeace Park～Miyajima2,200JPY
    Total2,200JPY

    Tour Report by Roko

    Hello there!

    I’m Hiroko Aikawa, your local host in Hiroshima. I am here to provide full support to ensure you have a wonderful time and experience in Hiroshima and Japan.

    I am eager to introduce and share my passion for Japanese culture, Japanese gardens, pottery, kimono, dyeing, and weaving that is beautiful Japanese art for those (guests) who are interested in them.

    As a food enthusiast, I can also recommend the best culinary experiences in Hiroshima for those who love delicious food.

    As for my work background, I worked for Ford Motor Company from Japan/Asia Pacific for 30+ years to work with many people in the world and now it is the time for meeting many guests from the world.

    I look forward to welcoming you in Hiroshima and Miyajima!

    Request Booking

    May 7, 2025
    stevene928
    We did more than we thought we would in one day – 19,000 steps!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private…

    Apr 28, 2025
    StephanieMcGovern17
    Ask for Hiroko!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This trip was amazing thanks to…

    Apr 8, 2025
    ancas
    Best experience!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroko was the best guide ever!!! She introduced…

    Apr 4, 2025
    500ericav
    Hiroshima and Miyajima stole our hearts
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    My husband and…