Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Marufukuro

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Marufukuro

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ TOKYU STAY Kyoto Sakaiza
    • 9:00-9:40 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:05-10:50 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:55-12:00 @ Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 12:45-13:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00-14:05 @ Marufukuro (former Nintendo site)
    • 14:15 Disband @ TOKYU STAY Kyoto Sakaiza

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari The guests were a family of three visiting from North America. One of them had been to Japan once before, while the others were visiting for the first time. On this trip, they stayed in Tokyo for a while before coming to Kyoto. It rained from the morning and the sky looked uncertain, but throughout the day there was almost no impact from the rain. The temperature did not rise much, making it relatively comfortable. Before strolling around each site, I explained the differences between shrines and temples while in the car. At Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion reflected beautifully in the Kyoko-chi pond, and the guests were delighted. The garden moss, which had been brown, had also regained its green color thanks to the recent rain and looked lovely. While driving, the driver Mr. Ito was thoughtful enough to pass by Nijo Castle, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, To-ji Temple, and the Nintendo headquarters, which gave me the chance to explain about each of them along the way. After strolling around Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests purchased torii-shaped ema plaques and magnets. On the way back, since we had a little time to spare, we stopped by the former Nintendo headquarters "Marufukuro" and I gave them a tour.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car 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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Daiba Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Daiba Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
    • 10:10 Depart Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:40 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • 12:30 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 12:40 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 13:30 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:40 Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • Dismissal: Shimbashi Station Yurikamome platform

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. (Their home country is in Europe, and they had been living in Asia for the past ten years due to work.) They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous night and taken a taxi to their Hotel. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days, then continue to Kyoto and Osaka, staying in Japan for a total of about ten days before returning home. They mentioned they were planning to visit Disneyland the following day. The tour took place during an intense heat wave, so we took several breaks along the way. (They said, "It has been very hot back home this year too, so we are used to it and will be fine.") At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we walked a full loop of the grounds despite the extreme heat. I explained about "the history of Japan and the Imperial family" and "the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration." There were questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" and "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside this Imperial Palace?", "What is the relationship between the Emperor and the Prime Minister?", and "How is the Prime Minister chosen?" We then moved to Shinjuku. In Kabukicho, there was a comment that "it looks somehow different from other parts of Tokyo." We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. We took a break at Forest Terrace. They said, "It is wonderful that there is such a green area in the center of the city." After that, we moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" They also commented, "The whole city is clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is clean, quiet, and comfortable. The air conditioning works well too." I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station325JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi Station～Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku Station～Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Shimbashi Station178JPY
    Total1,182JPY

    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!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Asakusa Sightseeing Cruise

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Asakusa Sightseeing Cruise

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel (there was a request to start one hour earlier)
    • 9:40　Nezu Shrine
    • 10:20　Stroll from Nezu to Yanaka
    • 11:15　Arrived at Ueno Station, but there was a request: "I'm tired, so please cancel Ameyoko and Kappabashi Kitchenware Street and just go to Asakusa."
    • 11:40　Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • 12:20　Lunch
    • 13:45　Asakusa Sightseeing Cruise
    • 14:20　End of guide

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour of Nezu, Yanaka, and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a multi-generational group visiting from North America on the final day of their 16-day trip through Japan. The group had started their Japan tour in Yokohama and Kamakura. Because they had not been able to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, we visited Nezu Shrine and experienced walking through its rows of torii gates, which some of the guests especially loved. Afterward, we strolled from Nezu to Yanaka, exploring streets with a nostalgic, old-fashioned atmosphere, and the guests purchased cat-themed accessories. The plan was to move on to Ueno and guide them through Ameyoko and the Kappabashi kitchenware district, but they requested, "We're tired, so we'd like to just do Asakusa for the rest." I guided them around Senso-ji Temple, and since it was their final day, they said, "We'd like to eat sushi," so we had a sushi lunch. Finally, the group enjoyed a mini-cruise in Asakusa, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Request Booking

    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Hiroshima Station

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee at JR Hiroshima station
    • 10:10 Move to Peace Memorial Museum by taxi (20 min)
    • 10:30 Peace Memorial Museum (60 min)
    • 11:30 Peace Park- A-bomb Dome (40 min)
    • 12:20 Take Ferry boat from Peace Park to Miyajima (45min)
    • 13:05 Arrive Miyajima
    • 13:15 Walk Omotesando St.
    • 13:50 Back to the ferry port to pick up one guest who joined late.
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 14:40 Itsukushima Shrine/Daiganji Temple (60min)
    • 15:40 Machiya St. and tea break (40min)
    • 16:55 Take Ferry boat from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 17:05 Arrive Miyajimaguchi Ferry dock
    • 17:22 Take JR train from Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima station
    • 17:52 Arrive Hiroshima Station
    • 18:00 Tour Finish – Send them to Shinkansen ticket counter

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On the morning of the tour, I received a message via a messaging app from the person who had made the booking, saying that they were feeling unwell and would not be able to come to Hiroshima, but that the rest of the group would still join the tour. I met the guests at Hiroshima Station and, as planned, we headed to Peace Memorial Park. Along the way, I received a follow-up message that the person who had said they would be absent would join us after all. Using the messaging app, I provided directions and information for reaching Miyajima, and we were able to meet up successfully on Miyajima. There was a bit of a scramble as the plans changed, and I was slightly surprised, but I was glad to be able to guide the group I had originally been scheduled to accompany around Miyajima. The guests had already visited quite a number of shrines and temples across Japan and were collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seals). They had the Itsukushima Shrine goshuin recorded in their goshuin book, and kept the World Heritage seal and the Miyajima-guchi seal in a separate notebook, and everyone was very pleased. It was a refreshing surprise, and also a joy, to see the guests take such an interest in the Japanese cultural tradition of goshuin. In the end the tour ran over by more than an hour (I did not charge for the extra time), but at the Shinkansen ticket counter the guests all greeted me with smiles, saying how much they had enjoyed the day, and I was able to end the day with a warm feeling. I was relieved to have safely completed my first full-day tour in the heat of midsummer. For this booking, after it was made I initially had trouble getting in touch with the guest, and being inexperienced I was rather at a loss, but with support from the team at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) I was able to establish contact with the guest. I am truly grateful for the thoughtful support and assistance I always receive from [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/). I look forward to continuing to work with you.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKanayamacho～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima Station～Kanayamacho220JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,960JPY

    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…

  • Okinawa: Okinawa World 2000JPYx2 & Fukushu-en Garden 200JPYx2

    Okinawa: Okinawa World 2000JPYx2 & Fukushu-en Garden 200JPYx2

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart from OMO5 Okinawa Naha by Hoshino Resorts
    • Drive 30min.
    • 9:30-11:10 Okinawa World 2000JPYx2
    • https://www.gyokusendo.co.jp.e.aqs.hp.transer.com/okinawaworld/
    • 10:30-11:00 Drum Dance Performance
    • https://www.gyokusendo.co.jp.e.aqs.hp.transer.com/okinawaworld/7recommendations/#feature5
    • Drive 20min.
    • 11:20-12:20 Sefa Utaki 300JPYx2
    • https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/world-heritage-top/sefa-utaki/
    • Drive 40min.　Eat Bento Lunch in Taxi
    • 13:00-14:00 Shurijo Castle 400JPYx2
    • https://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/
    • Drive 15min.
    • 14:15-14:55 Fukushu-en Garden 200JPYx2
    • https://www.naha-navi.or.jp/en/sightseeing/fukushuen-garden/
    • Drive 5min.
    • 15:00 Back to Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Okinawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: August, 30-33°C, scattered showers in some areas. The guests joined a private tour in Okinawa. They were very cheerful and enjoyable to guide, full of curiosity, and we talked about many things. They were delighted with all of the places we visited. The guests had arrived in Okinawa a few days earlier and had already sightseen in various areas. Since this was their final day, I guided them to places they had not yet visited. It was a learning experience for me as well, as I made some new discoveries and was reminded of the wonderful things about Japan. The tour finished without any injuries, and I believe it was an enjoyable tour from start to finish. This private 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: Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yoshi

    Hello from Japan!
    I’m Yoshi, 55 years old, male.
    I was born in Tokyo and I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 30 years.
    I have been a language teacher, musician, interpreter, diving instructor, and tour guide for so many years.
    As an English guide, I enjoy visiting all the beautiful places in all over Japan, talking about Japan, also learning something new from you.
    I always learn something new every time I go on the tour.
    Not only I give you information of Japan, but at the same time, I can learn about Japan from your perspective.
    This is the joy I get when I go with you.
    I will try my best to make your tour a memorable one for you.
    Let’s start from here together to plan your tour.
    Please feel free to contact me anytime.

    Request Booking

    Aug 14, 2024
    Shubha_I
    Great Okinawa intro
    Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best. Super accommodating and flexible.…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel Blossom Shinjuku　Meet up
    • 5:30 Toyosu Market　Auction viewing　Intermediate wholesaler facility
    • 7:10 Tsukiji Market
    • 8:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, staying in Tokyo before continuing on to another destination in Asia. Some of the guests had spent time in Kyoto before, and I got the impression that they had a great fondness for Japan. They were polite and considerate, and rather than waiting in the hotel lobby, they were waiting outside the entrance early in the morning. The training I attended in May proved very useful again this time. They were surprised to learn that Japan ranks 15th in the world in per capita fish consumption, and were also surprised that the country ranked 16th was in the same region of Asia. We had a wonderful conversation about the evolution of Japanese food culture and more. They thanked me, saying they had a fulfilling and enjoyable time, and told me they planned to continue enjoying shopping at Tsukiji before heading to Shibuya, at which point I concluded my work.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market Management Building～Tsukiji Outer Market210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Okinawa: Katsurenjo Castle Ruins World Heritage & Performance 600JPY

    Okinawa: Katsurenjo Castle Ruins World Heritage & Performance 600JPY

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • August 18, Sunday
    • Kuo Yu 1 Adult.
    • 11:00-17:00
    • 11:00-12:40 I helped her with the damaged retal car transaction
    • 12:40 Depart from Hotel
    • Sunabe Seawall Diving and Surfing Spot
    • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1025634-d8631439-Reviews-Sunabe_No_1-Chatan_cho_Nakagami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture_Kyushu.html
    • 13:00-14:00 Katsurenjo Castle Ruins World Heritage
    • https://www.katsuren-jo.jp/english-1/
    • 13:00-13:20 Performance 600JPY
    • Lunch at Kaichu Doro
    • https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/model-plan/detail/ntjplan35/
    • Nuchi Masu Salt Factory and Cape Kafu
    • https://filmoffice.ocvb.or.jp/en/location-en/chubu-en/uruma-en/27466/
    • Amamichu Secred Site
    • https://tohoryohaku.com/activities/amamichu/
    • Michi no Eki Kadena
    • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g780607-d1232981-Reviews-Michi_no_Eki_Kadena-Kadena_cho_Nakagami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture_Kyushu.html
    • 17:15 Back to Hotel
    • End of Tour

    A Private Local-Spot Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Happens When a Guest Has a Rental Car Problem? The guest was a visitor from North America. When I went to pick up the guest at the hotel, I learned that the personal rental car had been damaged and that no one had been contacted yet. I immediately contacted the rental car company and the insurance company on the guest's behalf and helped with the accident procedures. Because it took time for the tow truck to arrive, the start of the tour was delayed, but the guest was grateful. After that, the tour went smoothly, and although we visited fewer places than originally hoped, the guest was pleased because we went around many local spots known to residents. That was what the guest had wanted.

    Click here for more details: Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yoshi

    Hello from Japan!
    I’m Yoshi, 55 years old, male.
    I was born in Tokyo and I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 30 years.
    I have been a language teacher, musician, interpreter, diving instructor, and tour guide for so many years.
    As an English guide, I enjoy visiting all the beautiful places in all over Japan, talking about Japan, also learning something new from you.
    I always learn something new every time I go on the tour.
    Not only I give you information of Japan, but at the same time, I can learn about Japan from your perspective.
    This is the joy I get when I go with you.
    I will try my best to make your tour a memorable one for you.
    Let’s start from here together to plan your tour.
    Please feel free to contact me anytime.

    Request Booking

    Aug 14, 2024
    Shubha_I
    Great Okinawa intro
    Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best. Super accommodating and flexible.…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: World Heritage Sea Route & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima in One Day: World Heritage Sea Route & Shukkeien Garden

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at Hotel Hiroshima
    • 8:15 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 9:50 World Heritage Sea Route
    • 11:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Iwamura
    • 13:10 Ferry
    • 13:34 Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 13:58 Shin-Hakushima Station
    • 14:15 Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:15 Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:00 Disband at Hotel Hiroshima

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Due to work-related timing, their visit to Japan fell during this period. They traveled through Tokyo and Kyoto, arriving in Hiroshima the day before. Since they were also staying in Hiroshima on the day of the tour, there was plenty of time, so I was able to take them slowly through four of Hiroshima's most iconic sightseeing spots. They shared their impression that Hiroshima has more greenery than other cities and seems like a comfortable place to live. During the travel between locations, we exchanged questions about our families and each other's countries, making for a wonderful cultural exchange. At the end of the tour, they expressed their gratitude.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Shin-Hakushima Station330JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Tour Report by Sumio

    Hi,
    I am Sumio, a licenced regional guide of Hiroshima. I have been doing the guiding since I retired in 2018.
    I was born in Hiroshima and have spent most of my life here in Hiroshima except for eight years in Tokyo and for two years in U.K.
    I like guiding and feel always happy to meet people coming from abroad. Perhaps you might visit Hiroshima to know what Hiroshima has been like since the atomic bombing for the first time in human history in 1945. I guide not only to the historical architecture and monuments but also to the situation and feeling of ordinary people suffered. I believe that knowing Hiroshima could contribute to world peace for the future even at grass-roots level.
    After visiting Peace Memorial Park, I would like to guide you to Miyajima, the sacred island from ancient time. The island is abundant not only in
    history but in natural beauties with a panoramic view if you go up to the top of the island.
    I would be pleased to guide as many sightseeing spots as possible and share fun and joy with you!
    Looking forward to meeting you in Hiroshima.
    Regards,
    Sumio

    Request Booking
  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel – 11:10 Meiji Shrine – 12:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:45 Tsukiji Outer Market 13:20 Lunch – 14:45 Pokemon Center Dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. After explaining an overview of Tokyo and Japan, we roughly decided on places we could cover in four hours and started from Meiji Shrine. When I explained the "omamori" charms, which are believed to offer various kinds of protection and benefits, the guests purchased some as souvenirs for friends. Even though it was a weekday, Takeshita Street was packed with crowds of people, and the guests were amusingly impressed, saying they could never experience such crowds back home. We enjoyed an authentic sushi lunch at Tsukiji, and on the way to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I mentioned that there is a "Pokémon Center" in Nihonbashi, and the guests said they very much wanted to go. Since shopping would take some time, we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku 5-chome～Yoyogi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Nihombashi178JPY
    Total743JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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!
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    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Shibuya Scramble Square
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Uotsuki
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 14:00 Asakusa
    • 15:10 Tour ends at Asakusa

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Europe who love to travel and have visited many countries around the world. Since there were no specific requests, on the morning of the tour I suggested Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa, and they agreed. At the end, they said they wanted to finish by enjoying a beer in Asakusa, so I recommended the observation lounge on the 22nd floor of the Asahi Beer headquarters building. After we parted ways, they sent me a thank-you email along with a photo of themselves enjoying a beer while taking in the view. I was glad to see that they seemed very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon～Harajuku366JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa209JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by An

    Very nice to meet you! I’m An, your guide for Tokyo and Kamakura. I’m honored to have the opportunity to show you around this time. (For the Tokyo Tour)Tokyo offers a wide variety of attractions. For first-time visitors, I highly recommend visiting the must-see places, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and Asakusa (Sensoji Temple). For Anime fans, Akihabara is the place to go. For those who prefer less-known spots, I’d be happy to introduce some hidden gems. As for food, if you’re interested in trying some great ramen, I’d be glad to take you to one of my favorite local spots for lunch. (For the Kamakura Tour) For a 6-hour itinerary, I recommend visiting the Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. On the way back to JR Kamakura Station, we can also stop by Komachi Shopping Street. If you’re interested in visiting Zen temples, I’d be happy to include them in the itinerary as well. For both Tokyo and Kamakura tours, I’m always glad to accommodate your requests. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    tkdmom321
    Best way to start a trip to Tokyo!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Ann (An in…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Mariana_V
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    Jul 19, 2026
    RC1908
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    We (four of us) had a…

    Jul 11, 2026
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    Tokio the easy way
    An hat mir eine…