Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ mesm Tokyo, Hotel (Hamamatsucho)
    • 9:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Uotsuki (Tsukiji)
    • 13:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 14:00　Disband @ Tsukiji

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days before continuing on to Kyoto. In Shibuya, they enjoyed viewing the famous scramble crossing from a coffee shop. At Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which offered a striking contrast to Shibuya. As they were fond of Japanese cuisine, they enjoyed a lunch of sushi and tempura at a Japanese restaurant in Tsukiji. After Tsukiji, we stopped by Hamarikyu Gardens, and since the guests said they could return to their hotel on their own and the four-hour guiding time had passed, we parted ways in Tsukiji.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 4SubwayHibiya～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total960JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Shangri-La Tokyo
    • 10:10 Depart Tokyo Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 　 Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 11:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:40 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya 　Lunch: Hibiya Midtown
    • 14:00 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:15 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 15:15 Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:00 Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya　Scramble Crossing
    • 　 Hachiko Statue
    • 16:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Arrive Tokyo Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Tokyo Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had joined a group tour from North America and arrived at Kansai Airport 10 days earlier, then traveled through Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Kanazawa before arriving in Tokyo yesterday. Tomorrow they plan to visit Asakusa and Skytree, and the day after they are scheduled to return home. Some of the guests are fans of Japanese anime and strongly wished to visit Japan, which was the reason for the trip. It was a hot and humid day for the tour. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they were surprised by the huge crowds. They purchased and sampled tuna sashimi, tuna nigiri, fried food, and grilled beef skewers. One comment was, "There is none of the fishy smell you would expect at a market." After this, we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There were questions such as, "As a castle, when was this built?" and "Can we not go inside the Imperial Palace?" There were also questions such as, "Does the Emperor live in here?" "Does the Emperor have political influence?" and "Who will become the next Emperor?" For lunch, we went to the Hibiya Food Hall at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, since each of the guests had different food preferences. In Harajuku, Takeshita Street, and Cat Street (which the guests wished to visit), they stopped at various shops and did some shopping. They also visited the "mipig café." After that, since they wanted to see the scramble crossing, we moved to Shibuya. At the scramble crossing, there was a comment, "Why are there so many people here?" There were also comments and questions such as, "Tokyo is so orderly and clean," "There is no litter on the ground," "It is quiet inside the trains — no one speaks loudly," and "There are no trash cans to be found around the city. Why is that?" I saw the guests off at Tokyo Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station～Hibiya Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayHibiya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Tokyo Station209JPY
    Total1,067JPY

    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 Half a Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting Point: Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:10 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • 　 Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:45 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 13:45 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Lunch: Tsukiji Sushisei Shibuya Branch
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous night via a connecting flight. After three days of sightseeing in Tokyo starting the next day, they planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagasaki, then return to Tokyo before heading home. They mentioned, "We are interested in Japanese food. We would also like to explore the history of exchange between our home region and Japan." The tour took place under clear but hot and humid weather. At Asakusa, there were many questions such as "When was this built?", "Is it always this crowded?", "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", and "Are there Christians in Japan?" They bought and ate strawberry candy and strawberry mochi while standing. Some of the guests drew omikuji fortunes, getting both good and bad results, which caused quite a lively commotion. Seeing many people wearing kimono, one asked, "Do you need to wear a kimono to visit a temple?" At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they were first amazed by the huge crowds. They said, "People in our country also eat a lot of fish. But we are surprised there are so many kinds of fish here." They purchased and sampled tuna nigiri, sashimi, and grilled beef skewers. At Meiji Shrine, there were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto? How is Buddhism different from Shinto?" and "What are the torii gates for?" Within the grounds, they came across a wedding procession and took photos. They commented, "It is wonderful to have a place like this in the middle of the city." Afterward, we moved to Shibuya. At the scramble crossing, they commented, "Why are there so many people here?" and spent a good deal of time taking photos. Since they were eager to eat sushi, we had a late lunch at a sushi restaurant in Shibuya. They commented, "Sushi eaten in Japan really is different. It is fresh and delicious, and the price is far more reasonable." They also made comments such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter, though it is inconvenient that there are no trash bins," "No one talks loudly on the trains," and "We don't see any homeless people." We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Tsukiji Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Station～Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shinjuku Station146JPY
    Total994JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet up @InterContinental Osaka
    • 2. 10:15 @Osaka Castle
    • 3. 12:30 @Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 4. 13:30 Dismiss @Namba

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour of Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had a keen interest in Japanese history and viewed each exhibit at Osaka Castle carefully, one by one. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they were delighted by how quiet and pleasant it was despite being within Osaka city. We happened to meet someone who was collecting the "Godairiki" stones, and they kindly showed us in detail what kinds of stones to look for. The guests found their own "Godairiki" stones, purchased amulet pouches, and took them home carefully. I was also able to explain Shinto and shrines, which they were very pleased about.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Umeda～Tenmabashi820JPY
    Section 2TrainAbeno～Sumiyoshitoriimae230JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Nankai Namba240JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    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…

  • 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

    • I had arranged to meet the customer at Kyoto Station at 12:30 in advance, but on the day the customer arrived around 13:00, and because the actual start of the tour was delayed by nearly an hour due to luggage and shopping at a convenience store, I consulted with the customer and set the course as Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji) → (Yasaka Pagoda) → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion To confirm the meeting arrangements for the tour day, I sent an email and an international SMS a few days beforehand, but received no reply. As a precaution, I sent a fax to the hotel where the guests were scheduled to stay and asked the staff to hand it over at check-in. On the day, when the guests had not arrived even ten minutes after the meeting time (12:30), I called the hotel and was told they had not yet checked in. I apologize for any inconvenience, but I called [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to confirm, and they told me an email had arrived saying the guests would be late. Shortly afterward, the guests came directly to the meeting point without stopping at the hotel, but due to storing luggage and shopping at a convenience store, the actual start of the tour was delayed by about an hour. Since the guests wished to visit Arashiyama and Gion, I planned a route of Arashiyama → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion. In Arashiyama, I guided them to the bamboo grove and Nonomiya Shrine, and took photos of the group in the bamboo grove. They seemed to really like the bamboo grove. I also made time for them to eat a bento they had bought at the observation deck. After that, we took photos at Tenryu-ji and Togetsukyo Bridge, then traveled via the Randen tram, subway, and bus to Kiyomizu-dera by way of Yasaka Pagoda. Some of the guests were children, so rather than just looking, I wanted them to experience a little, so I had them ring the large orin bell in the main hall, pour water over the wet Kannon statue, and scoop and drink water at the Otowa Waterfall. I took photos of these moments as well, and the guests all seemed to enjoy it. After that, we moved to Gion, and after explaining the workings of the geisha district, the tour ended around the Hanamikoji area (just after 18:10). It was a very hot day, and both the guests and I made sure to stay hydrated. Although we got off to a late start, I was glad we managed to complete the tour. After the tour, the guests went into a restaurant near Gion-Shijo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama Station～Randen Tenjingawa Station250JPY
    Section 3SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa Station～Higashiyama Station260JPY
    Section 4BusHigashiyama-Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Request Booking

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Hotel gathering & Yasaka Shrine - Chion-in

    Kyoto in One Day: Hotel gathering & Yasaka Shrine – Chion-in

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　　Hotel gathering
    • 9:30 ~ 10:30 Nijo Castle
    • 11:10~12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30~13:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:40~14:30 Yasaka Shrine – Chion-in
    • 14:40~15:00 Ninenzaka – Yasaka Pagoda　　Dismissal

    Kyoto Private Tour Report: What Can a Family See on a Full-Day Guided Tour with a Licensed Guide? The guests were a family visiting Japan from North America. They shared an interest in Japanese history, culture, and food, and even the younger members of the group were familiar with the names of Japan's Warring States samurai, as well as Meiji Restoration events such as the arrival of Commodore Perry at the end of the Edo period, exploring the sights with great curiosity. They mentioned they had learned much of this through games. At Fushimi Inari, we discussed the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, as well as the relationship between the Emperor and Shinto. We also talked about the meaning of the vermilion torii gates, how the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) came to be, and the feelings Japanese people hold toward Inari shrines. The group was deeply impressed by everything we visited, including the buildings of Nijo Castle, the decorations of the Karamon Gate, the fusuma paintings, the carvings, the buildings of Sanjusangendo, the Buddhist statues, and the Sanmon Gate and Miedo Hall of Chion-in Temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 5TrainShichijo～Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • 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

    • AM10:00 Hotel Shijo meeting point
    • AM10:40 Arrive at Arashiyama
    • AM11:00 Monkey Park
    • AM12:00 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • PM13:00 Nijo Castle
    • PM15:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • PM17:00 Disband at Sannenzaka

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for a group of three visiting Kyoto. The main concerns were the high temperature and keeping the group engaged and comfortable throughout the day. I had asked in advance that snacks and plenty of water be prepared, which helped us complete the planned itinerary. For getting around, I made a point of using well-air-conditioned trains where we could sit down. The group was very curious, and at Nijo Castle I was met with a barrage of questions such as "Why did the age of the shoguns come to an end?" and "Were the shoguns overweight?" At Kiyomizu-dera, questions like "What is written on the inscription?" and "Why is only this area off-limits?" kept me on my toes and breaking out in a nervous sweat. The highlight was enjoying samples at a yatsuhashi shop before we said goodbye. I received thanks from the group at the end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHankyu Karasuma～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Saga～Uzumasa-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae～Shijo220JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Karasuma～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Station 2F Observation Deck & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Station 2F Observation Deck & Kokoen Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Himeji Station
    • 10:05 Station 2F Observation Deck
    • 10:20 Himeji Castle
    • 12:20 Kokoen Kassuiken Lunch
    • 13:00 Kokoen Garden
    • 13:50 Egret Rooftop (Panoramic Castle View)
    • 14:00 Dismissal

    What's a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The train was slightly delayed, but the guests kindly contacted me in advance via a messaging app. The guests were a group visiting from South America. Only one of them spoke English, so I made an effort to use simpler English whenever it seemed that parts of my explanation were not understood. Since one of the guests requested a restaurant with a nice view, I guided the group to a restaurant inside Koko-en Garden. Both the castle and Koko-en Garden were uncrowded, so I was able to guide them smoothly. As it was their third day in Japan, I explained how to worship at a shrine and told them about the "inome" (boar's-eye) heart-shaped motif, hoping it would be helpful for the rest of their sightseeing. Thinking that visiting only temples might become tiresome, I also recommended the Goldfish Museum in Nara as another option.

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

    Tour Report by Mariko

    Hello! I’m Mariko. I have guided Himeji Castle 400 times for 14 years. I also guide Kokoen Garden and Mt.Shosha. I have lived in Himeji for 74years
    That’s why I know everything ,good restaurants ,souvenir shops and the panoramic view a lot of local people don’t know.
    I can also tell you anecdotes about Tom Cruise. Last Samurai filmed at Mt.Shoha.I worked as an English teacher at a junior high school on the bottom of the mountain.I have some anecdotes about Tom.For example he came there by a private pericoputer from Kobe,big city.Because our city doesn’t have any gorgeous hotels. I have learned tea ceremony for 14 years.So I would like to take you an authentic tea house in Kokoen Garden.You can enjoy Maccha, green powdered tea and wagashi, Japanese confectionery there.I am looking forward to seeing you!

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    Jul 16, 2024
    isabelaaY4971VE
    Beautiful walk through the castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide – Mariko was amazing.…

    May 21, 2024
    SharonC32
    Beautiful castle, fantastic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mariko was a fantastic guide. She made our…

  • Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge & Kiyomizu Temple

    Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge & Kiyomizu Temple

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
    • 10:30 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 10:45 Tenryuji Temple Garden
    • 11:15 Bamboo Grove Walk, Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:45 Lunch at Arashiyama Seishuan
    • 13:00 Nijo Castle
    • 14:30 Kiyomizu Temple
    • 15:30 Disband at Kiyomizu Temple Entrance

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. We first went to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, but as expected there were many people and it was quite crowded. Since the guests preferred an early lunch, we were very lucky to reach Seishuan before it got busy. Nijo Castle did not have many school excursion groups, so it was nice to view it in a relaxed way. As it was again extremely hot and demanding today, we took a taxi from Nijo Castle to Kiyomizu-dera. The guests seemed to take an interest in Kiyomizu pottery. Because of the heat, I imagine they were quite tired. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi～Umeda190JPY
    Section 2TrainHankyu Umeda～Hankyu Arashiyama410JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Travel & Hayatama Taisha sightseeing

    Wakayama in One Day: Travel & Hayatama Taisha sightseeing

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00　Meeting at Guesthouse Okagesan (meet before 8:00 and move to a road where a taxi can enter)
    • 8:00-8:20　Travel
    • 8:20-8:40　Hongu Taisha former shrine site, stroll around Oyunohara
    • 8:40-9:20　Travel, sightseeing at Doro Gorge on the way
    • 9:20-10:20　Kamikura Shrine, Gotobiki Rock, mountain climbing
    • 10:20-10:30　Travel
    • 10:30-11:00　Hayatama Taisha sightseeing
    • 11:00-11:20　Travel
    • 11:20-12:10　Lunch (Maeda)
    • 12:10-12:30　Travel
    • 12:30-13:00　Daimonzaka, stroll
    • 13:00-14:30　Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Three-storied Pagoda, sightseeing
    • 14:30-15:00　Nachi Falls, sightseeing
    • 15:00-15:20　Travel
    • 15:20-15:40　Fudarakusan-ji Temple, sightseeing
    • 15:40-15:55　Travel to Yukai Resort Koshinoyu
    • 15:55　Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guesthouse was an old traditional house at the end of a narrow lane, and without a hanging lantern it was the kind of place you would walk right past. I was glad I had checked the location the day before by walking over a kilometer to find it. The owner of the guesthouse also ran a yakitori restaurant and was away the entire time, so I happened to meet a guest who came out. The guests had walked about 7 kilometers from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Taisha the previous day, so on this day we visited Oyunohara, the former shrine site, which they had not yet seen. The guests did not mind walking at all, so we completed a full course: climbing up to Gotobiki-iwa to touch the sacred rock, walking the entire Daimon-zaka, and climbing the more than 470 steps up to Nachi Taisha. One of the guests was studying Japanese culture and history at university and understood the explanations very well. They collected goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) at each place we visited. It was a fine day and the temperature rose during the daytime, but with many trees the natural breeze felt pleasant, and the guests were moved by the beautiful scenery. I also took many photos for them.

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    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.

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    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
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    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
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    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
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    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…