Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Travel by car & Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Travel by car & Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo
    • 9:00-9:30 Travel by car
    • 9:40-10:50 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:05-11:45 Travel by car
    • 11:50-12:50 Stroll through Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove Path
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch @ Washoku Sato Saga Branch
    • 14:00-14:15 Travel by car
    • 14:20-15:00 Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:00-15035 Travel by car
    • 15:40 Disband @ Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Kyoto together. At the first destination, Fushimi Inari Taisha, an unexpected situation occurred: possibly due to a train incident, the railroad crossing barrier would not rise, so we could not enter the parking area. As a result, everyone walked to the shrine for their visit. Walking was difficult for one member of the group, but they made a great effort to see Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo grove, and Kinkaku-ji as well. While the visits to temples and shrines were honestly a bit dull for some of the guests, they happily enjoyed making their own soft-serve ice cream at a Japanese-style family restaurant.

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

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • 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

    • Guest accommodation (Kyoto Machiya Rokkon House) → Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari → Kyoto Station → Arashiyama・Tenryu-ji → Arashiyama・Bamboo Grove → Hozu River・Togetsukyo Bridge → Arashiyama Electric Railway → Shijo-Omiya → Teramachi Shopping Street End here

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Guide's Report Before the tour, I carefully confirmed the requested destinations (Fushimi Inari and the Arashiyama area). The guests were all in good spirits and had high expectations for sightseeing in Kyoto. They were surprised by the extreme crowds at Fushimi Inari, but they enjoyed the remarkable rows of 2,000 torii gates. As the guests wished to have Japanese cuisine for lunch, we ate at a restaurant in Porta underground at Kyoto Station, and they were very pleased, saying it was delicious. Afterward, we traveled to Arashiyama by JR. The guests listened with great interest to the explanation of the history of Tenryu-ji Temple and Zen Buddhism. We then took the Randen tram to Shijo-Omiya Station, transferred to the Hankyu line to Shijo-Kawaramachi, and toured the Teramachi shopping street. I introduced a Shiba Inu cafe, which one of the guests loved, and they were delighted. Finally, I recommended a sukiyaki restaurant, where we parted ways. Overall, it was a satisfying day for the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKinrin Garage～Karasuma230JPY
    Section 2BusShijo-Kawaramachi～Kinrin Garage230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Shin

    Hello. Welcome to Japan! Would you like to enjoy the charm of Japan with me? Japan has interesting history, culture, food, and abundant nature.
    I’m sure you will have a memorable time in your life. I have been working as a government certified tour guide who speak English and German. Many of my guest are from Germany, Austrial and Switzerland too. My service area, for example, Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and others.
    I was originally an engineer at a japanese steel company. I was stationed overseas and worked with overseas companies. Through the life my dream is to become a cultural bridge between many other countries and Japan. If there is any information you would like to know about Japan tour, please let me know. I will be happy to help you. Shin.

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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine　Stay & Kuromon Market　Stay

    Osaka in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine　Stay & Kuromon Market　Stay

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00～9:30　　　Photo in front of the Glico sign, tour of Hotel
    • 9:30～10:00　　Travel　Namba～Tanimachi 4-chome　240 yen
    • 10:00～10:30　Hokoku Shrine　Stay
    • 10:30～11:00　Around Osaka Castle　Stay
    • 11:00～11:30　Travel　Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka　190 yen
    • 11:30～12:30　Shitennoji　Stay
    • 12:30～12:50　Travel　Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nippombashi　190 yen
    • 12:50～13:20　Kuromon Market　Stay
    • 13:20～14:00　Travel　Nippombashi～Umeda　240 yen
    • 14:00～14:00　Disband in front of Umeda Sky Building

    What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan and had gone to Dotonbori the previous day to try takoyaki, so we visited other places instead. At Osaka Castle, they were interested in the history of the castle and listened attentively. At Shitennoji Temple, they were also interested in the history of its founding, the different types of Buddhist statues, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, and we toured the temple grounds and climbed the five-story pagoda. They were delighted when I took photos of them in front of the buildings. At Kuromon Market, they were surprised by the high price of sea urchin, and since everything was rather expensive, they settled for something like a fruit juice, and we then moved on to the Umeda Sky Building so they could have a meal and see the building. As four hours had already passed, I guided them so that afterward they could enjoy a relaxed meal and go up the building on their own before we parted ways. Although they were interested, moving around by subway on their own would have been difficult, so they were happy to be able to visit a variety of places. This private one-day tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3TrainShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 4TrainNippombashi～Umeda240JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Request Booking

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: 12-40 @Harukas & @Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka in Half a Day: 12-40 @Harukas & @Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
    • 10:30-12:00＠Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 12:30-12-40 @Harukas
    • 13:10-13:55@Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 14:15 Disband@ near Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

    What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha The guests were a group visiting from North America. On the day of the tour, one member of the group was feeling under the weather and rested at the hotel instead of joining. They were touring Tokyo and Mount Fuji, arriving in Osaka by Shinkansen, with plans to visit Kyoto later, return to Tokyo, and then head home. In Osaka, they wished to experience something different from the other places they had visited, so I guided them to Osaka Castle and to Sumiyoshi Taisha, where a rice-planting festival happened to be taking place. The day before, they had explored Dotonbori near their hotel on their own, but the okonomiyaki restaurant they had been looking forward to had a long wait, so they gave up and had conveyor-belt sushi instead. I recommended a good okonomiyaki restaurant near their hotel before we parted ways. They were a very calm and pleasant group, and I learned a great deal from spending time with them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Tennoji240JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji-ekimae～Sumiyoshitorii-mae230JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Nankai Namba230JPY
    Total940JPY

    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,…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet up @Sotetsu Fresa Shinsaibashi
    • 2. 10:00 @Osaka Castle
    • 3. 12:30 Disband @Kuromon Market

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Tour to Osaka Castle and Kuromon Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We visited Osaka Castle after the guests agreed in advance that the elevator would not be available. To avoid the ticket-purchase line, they also bought tickets online beforehand. In the end, it turned out that even the station stairs were difficult on the way to Osaka Castle, so we had to take detours to reach our destination, and getting around took extra time. Everyone in the group was very kind, but since it was a group, we sometimes became separated along the way, which was a bit challenging. We had also planned to visit Nanba Yasaka Shrine, but the guests were quite tired and said it would be fine to part ways at Kuromon Market, so I proceeded according to their wishes. Because I moved through the tour at a relaxed pace to match the group, they were actually very grateful, saying, "You were a wonderful guide. We would like to book a similar tour in the future, but how should we go about it?" I told them to please choose a tour by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) through Tripadvisor.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome620JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Ferry to Miyajima & Bus to Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Ferry to Miyajima & Bus to Hiroshima Station

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

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:15 Take JR from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi
    • 13:00 Ferry to Miyajima
    • 13:20 Explore Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Daishoin Temple, Sarasvati, etto Miyajima Exchange Hall, Omotesando)
    • 14:15 World Heritage Sea Route to Peace Park
    • 15:00 Okonomiyaki at Wakataka
    • 15:45 Explore Peace Park
    • 16:30 Museum
    • 17:30 Bus to Hiroshima Station
    • 18:00 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Our conversation flowed easily from the moment we were on the train, and they were very cooperative throughout the tour, so I had a very enjoyable time myself. It seemed to be their first time taking a tour with a guide, and I felt it had been a while since I explained the history of the separation of Shinto and Buddhism to guests (most guests already know about it). It was a very hot day, so they were delighted with the lemon squash we had during a break at a cafe. They also mentioned that although they were not especially fond of oysters, they would try them if they were a local specialty, so I recommended oyster gratin, which they found delicious and really enjoyed. At the Peace Park as well, they listened attentively, and they said the museum was wonderful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryMiyajima～Peace Park1,100JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Park～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Tour Report by Aki

    Hello! My name is Akie, and I’m a local tour guide based in Hiroshima.
    Since becoming a guide in 2024, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming more than 300 groups from around the world. I specialize in tours of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum, and Miyajima, sharing not only the history but also the local culture and everyday life of Hiroshima.
    I believe every traveler is different, so I always tailor my tours to your interests, pace, and travel style. Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, local food, or simply want to experience Hiroshima like a local, I’ll do my best to make your visit both enjoyable and memorable.
    When I’m not guiding, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors. If you’re interested in nature or hidden local spots, I’d be delighted to share some of my favorite places with you.
    I love meeting people from different countries and sharing the stories that make Hiroshima such a special place. I look forward to welcoming you and helping you create wonderful memories during your stay in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 15, 2026
    Gary_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Hiroshima walking tour 2026
    Amazing experience, would highly recommend. Very…

    Jul 14, 2026
    199johanv
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    AKI brings history to live – highly recommended
    Aki…

    Jun 19, 2026
    dmerri5
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Best day in Japan
    We had the best day…

    Jun 9, 2026
    809katrim
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Delightful day in Hiroshima
    We had a lovely day…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel→Meiji Shrine→East Gardens of the Imperial Palace→Akihabara→13:00 Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour with an Asakusa and Akihabara Visit Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they wanted to explore Akihabara after the tour, we stopped by Akihabara on the way, where they received an English-language map at an information center. I marked the Radio Kaikan building and an anime goods shop on Chuo-dori for them so they could explore on their own. The guests had a reservation for a 3:00 p.m. sumo show in Asakusa, so after guiding them around Asakusa, they spent some time strolling through Nakamise and then continued on their own. On the way, at the intersection of Nakamise and Denboin-dori, I showed them how to get to the sumo show venue. The sumo stable venue that opened this January near Rock-za (a set of a sumo show and a meal, a two-hour course) seems to have been growing in popularity recently.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTakebashi～Iidabashi180JPY
    Section 4TrainIidabashi～Akihabara150JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara～Ueno150JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by kazu

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Kamiyacho Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Kamiyacho Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
    • 10:10 Depart Kamiyacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 12:45 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Lunch: Marugame Seimen
    • 14:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:15 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 15:15 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • 16:00 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Kamiyacho Station
    • 16:30 Disband: Kamiyacho Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had been encouraged to come by a family member who had visited Japan many times for work. They had recently finished their studies and were traveling during a break before the next stage of their education. They planned to stay in Japan for a while, and in addition to sightseeing in the city, they intended to visit Disneyland (out of curiosity about how it would differ from the one in North America), Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Nara. Having studied Japanese history, they were quite knowledgeable about it. The tour took place under summer-like weather. At Asakusa, they asked questions such as "What is the history of this temple?", "Is it always this crowded?", and "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" They also asked "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" Seeing many people in kimono, they asked, "Do Japanese people wear kimono in daily life?" At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they were amazed by the crowds. They mentioned that they did not like or eat fish, but commented that it was interesting to get a sense of the Japanese diet. They bought and tried a strawberry daifuku. Afterward, we moved to Shibuya. At the Scramble Crossing, they asked "Why are there so many people here?" and commented that it reminded them of Times Square. We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. As they both love udon, we had a light lunch at a Marugame Seimen. At Meiji Shrine, they asked "What kind of religion is Shinto? How does it differ from Buddhism?", "What is the purpose of a torii gate?", and "Why do Buddhism and Shinto coexist?" They also asked "What was the balance of power between the Emperor and the Shogun?", "Do Japanese people respect the Emperor and the Imperial family?", and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" In Shinjuku, after exploring the basement food floor of a department store, we went to Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho. They remarked that it had a different atmosphere from Shibuya or Roppongi. They also commented, "Tokyo is orderly and clean," "Everyone is polite," "The subway is quiet, with no one being noisy," and asked, "We don't see homeless people. Why is that?" We saw them off at Kamiyacho Station and parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKamiyacho Station～Asakusa Station600JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya Station～Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shinjuku Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShinjuku Station～Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Total892JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Himeji Castle & @ Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Himeji Castle & @ Kokoen Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:15 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 13:00 Dismiss @ Himeji Norengai

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Himeji, and the heat of the day seemed to tire them from the start. They took an interest in Himeji Castle and enjoyed exploring it, but after climbing to the third floor, about halfway up, they said they were tired and decided to turn back. Due to tiredness and hunger, we also decided to skip the final shrine, and after I guided them to the restaurant district near Himeji Station, we parted ways earlier than planned. As a guide, I felt the tour was somewhat unfulfilling today. I also think that Himeji Castle can be quite demanding for guests who find walking difficult.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
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    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
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    Castle journey worth your time!
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    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting @ Hoshinoya Tokyo
    • 10:15 Motomachi-Chukagai St. – Harbor View Hill Park – Berrick Hall – Motomachi Shopping Street – Chinatown
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Manchinro – Red Brick Warehouse – Yokohama Air Cabin – Minatomirai St.
    • 14:15 Shibuya – Shibuya Sky Observation Deck – Dismissal 14:45 @ Shibuya Sky 12F

    What Is a Private Yokohama and Shibuya Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Following on from the previous day, I guided the group again. Today we visited the Yamate area and the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. The park overlooking the sea had beautiful flowers, and the foreign cemetery had a quiet atmosphere, so the guests enjoyed a mood different from Tokyo. They found the Motomachi shopping area stylish and fun, and enjoyed some window shopping. In Chinatown, I took them to a restaurant for dim sum. They were delighted with the sweet miso pork buns I had recommended, saying they were delicious. From there we took a taxi to the Red Brick Warehouse, and after looking inside, we rode the Air Cabin. The air conditioning was pleasant, and they thoroughly enjoyed the view of Minato Mirai from the sky. After returning to Shibuya, I introduced the streets of Shibuya from the 12th floor of Shibuya Sky. They liked the shops at Shibuya Sky and decided to stay there to shop, so we parted ways a little earlier than planned. The guests told me they had a wonderful time over the two days, and it turned out to be a very good tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Shibuya210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    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!

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    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
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    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
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    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
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