Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Hotel
    • 2. 09:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
    • 3. 11:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple)
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch Tsurukameya
    • 5. 13:30 Ueno (Tokyo National Museum, Ameyoko)
    • 6. 16:00 Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 7. 17:00 Hotel

    Can You Do an 8-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Visiting Senso-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led an 8-hour private tour of Tokyo for a guest who had come to Japan to visit family. The guest was very knowledgeable about Japan, listened attentively to the explanations, and asked many related questions. Although the guest had arrived only the day before and seemed a little tired, I believe the 8-hour tour was enjoyed all the way through. Since the guest requested a Japanese-style lunch, I took them to a local restaurant, where they finished an extra-large tempura rice bowl. At Senso-ji, the guest purchased prayer beads for a family member, and was a kind and wonderful guest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Nijubashimae900JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno-okachimachi~Tochomae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayNishi-shinjuku~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel – 8:15 Toyosu Market – 9:30 Tsukiji Market – 11:30 Hotel

    What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a first-time visit to Japan for a group from North America. Since the guests had some concerns about walking, we traveled mainly by taxi. They were curious about many things, and were surprised when I explained at Toyosu Market that an entire building was a freezer. They also took photos at shops selling traditional knives and sake. For the move from Toyosu to Tsukiji, I suggested the Yurikamome line, and we were lucky enough to get seats in the very front row by the driver's cabin. The guests were captivated by the constantly moving scenery throughout the ride and kept taking photos with a smartphone, enjoying a wonderful half-day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Shimbashi388JPY
    Total388JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Hakodate Morning Market & Motomachi

    Hokkaido in One Day: Hakodate Morning Market & Motomachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 hotel meet
    • 10:15 Hakodate Morning Market
    • 11:15 Goryokaku Tower・Hakodate Magistrate's Office
    • 13:15 Hakodate Hachiman Shrine
    • 14:00 Mount Hakodate
    • 14:15~15:15 Motomachi Walk 
    • 15:45 Red Brick Warehouse Dismissal

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather that day was cloudy and cooler than usual, and the guests mentioned several times how much they appreciated the pleasant coolness. Mount Hakodate was covered in clouds, and although I told them that the view from the summit would not be visible that day, they still wanted to ride the cable car, so we went up Mount Hakodate anyway. The cable car was essentially private, carrying only our small group. As expected, nothing could be seen from the top, so we came back down on the next cable car, but the guests were satisfied. Although it is not a place I usually visit, the guests wanted to see an authentic temple and shrine, so I took them to Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine. After climbing the steep stairs to reach the main hall, they were delighted to soak in its quiet and sacred atmosphere. I explained in detail the differences between shrines and temples, and they listened with great interest. Overall, the guests listened attentively to my explanations, asked many questions, and were a pleasure to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakodate Station Front~Goryokaku Koen-mae Jujigai Yachigashira600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
    So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
    I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
    I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
    and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

    May 22, 2026
    Leanne S
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Cruise port must
    Akira was our tour guide and was great.…

    May 7, 2026
    Narayanan_V
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akira san is a wonderful…
    Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…

    May 1, 2026
    Maria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best of Hakodate
    Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…

    Feb 18, 2026
    Danielle_S
    An insider’s tour of Otaru
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine - Omotesando

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine – Omotesando

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet at Chinzanso
    • 14:40 Meiji Shrine – Omotesando
    • 15:30 Nezu Museum
    • 16:30 Shibuya – Shibuya Sky – Shibuya Crossing
    • 17:30 Shibuya – Nagatacho – Edogawabashi Station
    • 18:00 Disband at Edogawabashi

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Include? A Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe on a private trip. Following their prior requests, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide planned a private one-day tour of Tokyo covering Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Shibuya, Zojoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower, with a plan to finish around 8:00 after seeing them off to a kaiseki restaurant in the Atago area, which they had requested. However, since they wanted to return to the Hotel first to change clothes, we skipped the Roppongi area and, after Omotesando, visited the Nezu Museum instead. To my surprise, at the Nezu Museum the guide's admission fee was not waived. One of the guests kindly paid the fee and we entered together, but at facilities like this, if the guide's fee is not at least waived, it makes me hesitant to return in the future. Perhaps they face financial difficulties, but for that very reason I would hope guides could be admitted free so that we can bring many more guests. Afterward we went to Shibuya, where they enjoyed the Shibuya Crossing. I offered to see them off to the restaurant, but they said there was no need, so we parted ways two hours earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEdogawabashi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Edogawabashi209JPY
    Total596JPY

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Tokyo National

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Tokyo National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:55 Meet at Metropolitan Marunouchi
    • 10:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:15 Rest and light meal at Mori no Terrace
    • 12:45 Guide to Omotesando and the entrance to Takeshita Street
    • 13:30 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Don Quijote)
    • 14:50 Tokyo National Museum
    • 16:30 Disband at Metropolitan Marunouchi

    Tokyo Full-Day Private Tour Report: What Can You See at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, and Tokyo National Museum with a Licensed Guide? The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had worked for 25 years at the U.S. corporation of the same company I am connected with, and we had a mutual Japanese acquaintance, which made for a very lively conversation. My apologies to the rest of the group for that… Since they were interested in history, I began the tour by explaining the timeline of Japanese history. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, I focused mainly on Edo Castle and the Edo period (the Tokugawa era), then moved the discussion on to the Meiji Restoration before heading to Meiji Shrine. I knew that the Tokyo National Museum gets crowded on weekends during the summer holidays, and a past tour report from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) mentioned a case where guests had to give up entering even on a weekday in August. So I made the Tokyo National Museum the final stop and entered just before 3:00 p.m., which turned out to be the right call. As it was extremely hot that day, we proceeded with the tour while taking hydration breaks. At the discount store in Asakusa, the guests purchased items to cope with the heat. We ran slightly over time, but since the health and safety of the guests come first, it could not be helped.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEidan Otemachi~Eidan Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Harajuku~JR Ueno208JPY
    Section 3SubwayEidan Ueno~Eidan Asakusa178JPY
    Section 4TrainEidan Asakusa~Eidan Ueno178JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Ueno~JR Tokyo167JPY
    Total940JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:45 Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 12:30 Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum
    • 13:45 Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 14:30 Disband at Nankinmachi

    Title: What Is a Private Kobe Cruise Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Sake Brewery, and Kobe Beef The guests were a group visiting Japan, and everyone moved smoothly throughout the tour. At the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, they were very impressed by the magnificent scenery and the sheer scale of the bridge itself. At the Kikumasamune Sake Brewery, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations. In addition to the free tasting, they also enjoyed a paid tasting, and commented that the sake was completely different from what they drink at home and was extremely delicious. Since this was a tour during a cruise ship voyage, they said it would be difficult to purchase sake as a souvenir, and seemed very disappointed about that. At the final stop in Chinatown, rather than Chinese food, I introduced them to a restaurant serving "Kobe Beef," which they had wanted from the beginning, and we parted ways there. This restaurant also serves authentic "Kobe Beef" at Dotonbori in Osaka, and I have introduced it to guests several times before with a favorable reception.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko~Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 4TrainSannomiya~Uozaki200JPY
    Section 5TrainUozaki~Motomachi250JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    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

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet up @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 11:00 Shibamata <Taishakuten Approach・Taishakuten Daikyoji Temple・Yamamoto-tei>
    • 3) 13:00 Lunch @ Akizuki
    • 4) 14:00 Sensoji Temple <Nakamise Shopping Street・Sensoji Temple>
    • 5) 14:20 Disband @ Taxi stand near Matsuya Asakusa (1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shibamata and Asakusa Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from North America. During the pre-tour communication, the requests were varied and it took some time to finalize the destinations. The guests requested to meet somewhere other than the hotel, so we decided to meet at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (I had emailed detailed instructions in advance on how to use the subway from the hotel to Shinjuku Station and then to Asakusa Station). We decided to visit Shibamata and Asakusa, and I reconfirmed the itinerary again at the meeting point. At the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten, the guests requested shaved ice at Takagiya (which had air conditioning), and they were delighted. At Daikyoji Temple, we entered the main hall, and at Yamamoto-tei they relaxed in the garden and in the spacious tatami rooms (there was no air conditioning, only electric fans). We returned to Asakusa for lunch and I guided them to Akizuki, a soba and tempura restaurant (the seating was close to the kitchen and the air conditioning was not very effective). One part of the group decided to leave the tour early (the reasons being lack of sleep from jet lag and the daytime humidity and heat). Since health comes first, I escorted them to the taxi stand. The rest of the group ordered lunch and were very satisfied. After guiding them to the main hall of Sensoji Temple, I escorted them to the taxi stand to return to the hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToei Asakusa Line (through service to Keisei Oshiage Line) Asakusa Station~Keisei Kanamachi Line Shibamata Station380JPY
    Section 2TrainKeisei Kanamachi Line Shibamata Station~Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station380JPY
    Total760JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner

    Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:30 Hotel Meet
    • Since a heatstroke alert was issued that day, we started the tour after talking about the history of the geisha district and maiko/geiko in the hotel lobby.
    • 15:50 Gion Kita/Shirakawa Tatsumi Bridge – Furumonzen-dori – Sanjo Ohashi Bridge – Pontocho – 17:15 Hotel
    • *Because it was hot, we temporarily paused the tour and had guests rest at the hotel. The tour resumed 30 minutes later. (The remaining 30 minutes were conducted after dinner)
    • 17:45 Hotel – 18:00 Kaiseki @ Gion Hayakawa (one maiko in attendance) – 20:45 Gion Hanamikoji – Kaburenjo Theater – 21:15 Return to hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Evening Walking Tour and Kaiseki Dinner Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because a heatstroke warning alert had been issued and it was extremely hot, and the tour started at 3:30, I first consulted with the guests about how much time they would like to spend on the walking tour before we began. As a result, we moved the remaining 30 minutes of the walking tour to after dinner when it would be cooler, and the guests rested a little in their room before dinner. The guests were very pleased, saying that the dinner was a truly precious and special experience for them. They finished all nine courses of the kaiseki meal without leaving anything, and the owner of the restaurant was very happy as well. The maiko who joined us this time, Asuha, mentioned that she was not used to dining occasions with international guests, but she answered all the questions from the guests and the guide, and she also actively asked the guests questions herself. The dinner lasted more than two and a half hours, but the guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy the wonderful time.

    Hello, everyone.
    I’m Junko Yoshida, the government licensed national guide.
    I have a deep passion for traveling and enjoying plays and musicals.

    Originally hailing from Kyoto, Japan, I worked as a hotel concierge in Kyoto after completing my college education. Following my retirement, I decided to continue working in the travel industry as a tour guide.
    Kyoto holds a special place in my heart as it is where I grew up and where I have dedicated my career. With a history spanning over 1000 years, Kyoto has fostered a culture that Japan can take pride in.
    Together, let us explore this beautiful city and create a holiday experience that is both special and unforgettable.

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel, depart by private car ➡ Sightseeing around Nijo Castle from the car window ➡ 10:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple ➡ 11:10 Ryoan-ji Temple ➡ 12:00 Bamboo Grove and the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple ➡ 13:30 Lunch at Inoda Coffee Main Store ➡ 14:50 Sanjusangendo ➡ 15:40 Drop off two people near Kiyomizu-dera Temple ➡ 16:00 Disband at the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on a Retro Cafe Lunch and Sanjusangendo The guests were a group visiting Japan. Since they had been eating Japanese food continuously since arriving in Japan, they said they would prefer sandwiches and coffee for lunch, so we went to a long-established coffee shop, Inoda Coffee Main Store in Kyoto. The guests seemed to really like the shop's retro Western atmosphere. They ordered sandwiches, cake, and coffee. They said "amazing!" at how beautifully the sandwiches were presented. At Sanjusangendo, the guests were deeply moved by the sight of 1,001 Buddhist statues lined up densely throughout the hall.

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Nihonbashi Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Nihonbashi Station & Harajuku Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 9:20 Nihonbashi Station
    • 9:45 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Asakusa Station
    • 11:40 Tsukiji Station
    • Fish Market, Tsukiji Outer Market, Sushi Iwa (Lunch)
    • 13:40 Tsukiji Station
    • 14:05 Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 14:50 Harajuku Station
    • 15:00 Disband @ Takeshita Street entrance

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Right after we met up at the hotel, they asked if I could help solve a problem: their SUICA app had become unusable due to a trouble at the exit gate soon after they arrived in Japan. We decided to start the tour first and check at a station counter somewhere along the way. (During the tour, they used an ICOCA card they had installed instead.) They really liked both Asakusa and Tsukiji, as well as the souvenir shops I recommended and guided them to, and although we ran a little behind schedule, after finishing lunch at Tsukiji we made it safely to Meiji Shrine. In particular, they seemed to love the tableware shop at Tsukiji where they bought a Japanese-patterned teapot and matching tea bowls. The guests were affectionate throughout, so taking photos of them was very rewarding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Tsukiji Station290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station~Meiji-jingumae Station210JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
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    Sep 16, 2025
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    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
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    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
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    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
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    Lily is an amazing guide and…