Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50　 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20　Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
    • 10:45　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00　Imperial Palace
    • 12:50　Lunch @ Aoyuzu Tora (Japanese cuisine restaurant in Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:30　Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:30　Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. Their visit was focused only on the Tokyo area; they planned to visit Disneyland and Mount Fuji, but did not intend to travel to Kyoto or other places on this trip. They seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, which contrasted with the lively energy of Shibuya, as well as by the beauty of the gardens at the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen. The guests showed great interest in Japanese history and culture, and purchased a folding fan as a souvenir. Some of the guests enjoy Japanese anime and planned to visit Akihabara on another day. Since I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku-gyoenmae0JPY
    Section 7SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae～Nishi-Shinjuku0JPY
    Total920JPY

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00 Meet the guests at Hotel Sapporo West
    • Travel ([Subway Sapporo Station] ~ [Subway Susukino Station]
    • 2. 12:40 Lunch at Ganso Sapporo Ramen
    • 　Travel (on foot)
    • 3. 13:40 Stroll around Sapporo Nijo Market
    • Travel (on foot, [Chuo Bus Terminal] ~ [Chuo Bus Sapporo Beer Museum])
    • 4. 15:30 Tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum
    • 　Travel ([Chuo Bus Sapporo Beer Museum] ~ [JR Sapporo Station], on foot)
    • 5. 16:45 See off the guests at Hotel Sapporo West

    What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like During the Yosakoi Soran Festival? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group, and because of the pace of the group, the travel time took a little longer than usual. The weather was cloudy, but it did not rain, and I was able to guide the group safely throughout the day. This period happened to coincide with the Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival, and it was also the final day of the event, so the whole city was lively, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. Partway through the tour, some of the guests returned to the hotel by taxi, while the rest of the group enjoyed the tour to the very end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySapporo Station～Susukino Station210JPY
    Section 2BusBus Terminal～Sapporo Beer Museum210JPY
    Section 3BusSapporo Beer Museum～JR Sapporo Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:30 Hotel　　AM9:45 Miyagawa Morning Market　　10:15 Kusakabe Folk Museum　10:45 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine　12:00 Old Townscape・Break　13:30 Shiroyama Park　14:30 Kamisannomachi　15:30 Hotel

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America and South America. Although they each live in different places, they came to Japan together this time. Since they had already seen Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa, they felt Hida no Sato was unnecessary. They also planned to visit Kyoto afterward and see plenty of temples, so shrines and temples were not needed either. Their preferences were very clear, but they were interested in Kokubunji Temple with its large ginkgo tree. They often made jokes, so it was fun. This time there was no sake tour at all, and since the schedule suddenly changed and the train time was altered, the ending felt a bit rushed. The weather was nice with strong sunshine, making it a perfect day for a walk. The shrine had no other visitors, so it felt like a private visit, which the guests were delighted by. I had been worried about them feeling thirsty, but since they live in a warm region, they found Takayama pleasant and comfortable. We mostly followed the basic itinerary, but since there was time to spare, we took it easy and I made various suggestions here and there. This time I guided guests to Shiroyama Park for the first time, and elsewhere we tried feeding the carp. They were interested in the bear warning signs. A cleaning staff member was wearing a bear bell, so they kindly showed it to us. Takayama Jinya was skipped due to physical stamina and time constraints. During the explanation, they patiently listened even in moments where I had held back thinking no explanation was needed. At the antique clocks on the second floor of the Kusakabe Folk Museum, an explanation of the twelve zodiac animals was needed, and the guests were well versed in Japanese and Chinese culture. Since things got hectic at the end and I could not take a group photo, I am submitting the attached photo instead.

    Click here for more details: Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Mitsu

    I was born, raised, and still live in Takayama, and I am a licensed National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

    My guiding philosophy is to create unforgettable memories through warm, cheerful, and engaging experiences. I enjoy sharing not only the highlights of the region, but also the history, culture, and stories that make each place unique.

    I studied International Relations at a national university and have built a diverse career in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and the local tourism association. Today, I primarily guide luxury travelers, as well as private and group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences, visits with local artisans, and in-depth insights into Japanese traditions.

    I also practice Japanese calligraphy, the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, Sencha (Baisa-ryu), and kimono dressing, allowing me to incorporate traditional Japanese culture into my tours.

    I mainly guide in Takayama, Okuhida, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Kamikochi. I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan a truly memorable experience.

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    Sep 26, 2024
    L9503LEstephenr
    Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We did the tour…

    Aug 29, 2024
    Stay19758434714
    Takayama tour with Mitsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu was an amazing…

    Aug 24, 2024
    Joy L
    Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 13, 2024
    sall450
    Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu…

  • 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

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:15 Higashi-Shinjuku 〈Tokyu Kabukicho Tower 2F → Shinjuku Golden Gai〉
    • 3)10:00 Shibuya 〈Hachiko Statue・Crossing〉
    • 4) 10:30 Meiji Shrine 〈Gyoen Garden・Outer Worship Hall, etc.〉
    • 5) 11:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street・Omotesando
    • 6) 12:30 Imperial Palace Main Gate Nijubashi Bridge
    • 7) 13:20 Asakusa 〈Culture Tourist Information Center・Sensoji Temple・Nakamise Street〉→ Lunch @ Asakusa Amairo
    • 8) 15:00 Dismissal @ Matsuya Asakusa (1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Their advance request was for a tour of the main sightseeing spots. I prepared and presented an itinerary, then confirmed it again at the hotel meeting point. We first explored Higashi-Shinjuku, then headed to Shibuya. When I shared the story of the Hachiko statue, one of the guests seemed familiar with the film and took photos. We crossed the famous scramble intersection and then went straight to Meiji Shrine. I also guided them through the inner garden, where lotus and irises were in full bloom. After the visit, they purchased a charm and thoughtfully dedicated an ema votive plaque. Since the guests had eaten a light breakfast, they were getting hungry. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, one of them happily devoured a Marion crepe. They seemed interested in animal cafes, so I showed them several places, and one of the guests wouldn't budge from in front of an otter cafe. In the end, they decided to give it up for the day. They mentioned they planned to visit a cafe when they returned to Tokyo after sightseeing in western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima). As the daytime temperature rose, I kept the visit to the Nijubashi Bridge at the main gate of the Imperial Palace brief and then moved on to Asakusa. Thanks to the group's good walking stamina, we still had about an hour left, so I was also able to guide them to the observation deck of the culture and tourism center. We entered Senso-ji Temple through the Kaminarimon Gate and slowly strolled along the somewhat quiet Nakamise shopping street. One of the guests chose an ice cream monaka. They were also interested in Japanese swords (both antiques and reproductions), so I guided them along the Nishi-Sando shopping arcade and introduced a website of a shop in Tokyo that sells Japanese swords (antiques). For a late lunch in Asakusa, they had tempura at a restaurant on Asakusa Chuo-dori. Afterward, we walked around the knife shops and antique stores on Shin-Nakamise street, where one of the guests immediately decided to purchase a hanging scroll for 18,000 yen. The guests said they would return to the hotel by taxi, so we parted ways at the taxi stand near the department store in Asakusa. Despite the jet lag, the guests were consistently cheerful and courteous throughout the day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Asakusa Lunch @ Yakiniku Jiryu

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Asakusa Lunch @ Yakiniku Jiryu

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 11:00 Meiji Jingu Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:30 Statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:10 Tokyo Station
    • 13:45 Asakusa Lunch @ Yakiniku Jiryu
    • 15:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 16:30 Dismiss @ Sensoji Temple

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Wagyu The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very kind, and it was a pleasure to spend time with them. At Meiji Shrine, since the irises were at their peak in the inner garden, I suggested that this was a rare opportunity to see them now, so they decided to enter. The garden was beautiful and impressive, with lotus flowers also in bloom, and the guests were very pleased. They also wanted to write an ema votive tablet and purchased an omamori charm together. For lunch, they had requested wagyu, so I had reserved a wagyu yakiniku restaurant in advance. Since the meat was delicious, one of the guests ordered an additional portion of meat (6,500 yen) in addition to the lunch set. At Nakamise Street, they leisurely browsed the shops and purchased chopsticks, accessories, kaminari-okoshi, and strawberry daifuku. Afterward, I had planned to take them to Skytree, but since they wanted to explore Asakusa a bit more, we parted ways at Senso-ji Temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYoyogi～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Kanda150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKanda～Asakusa180JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • 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

    • 11:00 Hotel→Shibuya→Meiji Shrine→Imperial Palace East Gardens→14:20 Asakusa

    Title: What Happens When a Private Tour Guest Can't Be Reached? A Licensed Guide's Tokyo Tour Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. From the outset, it had not been possible to communicate with the guests. Even after contacting them immediately upon receiving the assignment, there was no reply. I asked [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to confirm, and although both the guests and the travel company on their side were contacted, there was no response. On the day of the tour, I waited at the second-floor reception of the hotel as clearly stated by email, but the guests did not appear. I emailed them again right away, but received no reply. After searching throughout the hotel, I approached a group seated at the first-floor restaurant (an open terrace) and found that they were the guests. The guests said they had also arrived early and had been waiting at the first-floor restaurant, and they seemed a little upset, mentioning that they had been thinking of cancelling. I showed them the email I had sent through the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site, but the guests appeared completely unaware of it. It remains unclear why the guests had not recognized the emails sent through the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site. In the end, we started 30 minutes late at 11:00. After arriving in Asakusa a little after 2:00, the guests said they would take their time exploring on their own from there, and they proposed ending early, so the tour concluded at 2:20 (after this, the guests planned to return to the hotel, change into formal attire, and attend a 4:30 service at Nikolai-do in Kanda). Tours through [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) do not have fixed meeting points or routes; instead, they are arranged through email exchanges with the guests. Occasionally there are cases where there is no reply from the guests, but as in this case, it is also troublesome when the guests are not aware of the emails being exchanged.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuehirocho～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Total780JPY

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet at Hotel shuttle service to Gora Station, then by bus, get off at Kowakien. Okada Museum of Art. By bus, get off at Hakone Sekishoato (Hakone Checkpoint Site). Maruyama Bussan Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry) and Hakone Checkpoint Site, and lunch. Walk to Hakonemachi Port. 14:25 By pirate ship, 15:05 Togendai. By bus to Odawara Station. 16:20 Disband. Customers will
    • take the 17:44 Shinkansen to Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like Without the Ropeway? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests decided against the ropeway, so we adjusted the plan and set out after everyone agreed to visit the Okada Museum of Art. At the museum, the guests were amazed to see ancient works of art preserved and displayed in almost perfect condition. At a local shop specializing in marquetry woodwork (yosegi-zaiku), the guests were drawn to the unique craftsmanship and made quite a few purchases as souvenirs. At the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho), I helped the guests experience an aspect of Japanese culture that differs slightly from that of Kyoto. The guests had been hoping to see Mount Fuji, and although only a small part of it was briefly visible from the pirate ship at the end, they enjoyed the entire itinerary.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Request Booking

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:45　Ekoin　Meet up
    • 2. 9:25　Mount Gomadan　Rest & sightseeing
    • 3. 10:00　Minase Shrine・Ryujin Village　Suspension bridge experience
    • 4. 10:15　Suspension bridge experience・Near Ryujin Onsen
    • 5. 10:30　B-29 Memorial Monument　Tour
    • 6. 11:00　Tenguiwa Edge　Sightseeing & Tengu legend
    • 7. 12:00　Roadside Station・Gyuba Doji Entrance　Lunch
    • 8. 12:45　Fushiogami-oji　Kumano Kodo walk
    • 9. 13:30　Kumano Kodo Observatory
    • 10. 14:25　Oyunohara　End of walk
    • 11. 15:10　Dorohatcho　Fern glider experience
    • 12. 16:25　Katsuura・Benten Island　Cross to the island
    • 13. 16:50　Hotel Ferry Terminal　Dismissal
    • At the guest's request, the start time was moved up by 1 hour and 15 minutes.

    Title: What Is a Private Tour from Koyasan to Katsuura on the Kii Peninsula Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The route from Koyasan to Katsuura offers many scenic views, so I made sure the guests could enjoy the landscapes unique to the Kii Peninsula. At Mount Gomadanzan, the highest peak in Wakayama Prefecture, I explained not only the scenery but also the many legends of the surviving Heike clan members. Since the Ryujin area has many suspension bridges, the guests enjoyed the thrill of crossing them. There is a B-29 memorial monument, and as the guests reside in North America, I showed them where the 80th memorial service had been held as well as the signature of the ambassador to Japan. Since the guests wished to walk the Kumano Kodo, within the time constraints we walked for just under two hours from Fushiogami-oji to Oyunohara, the site of the former shrine buildings of Hongu Taisha. At Dorokyo Gorge, the guests enjoyed the spectacular scenery, crossed a suspension bridge, and floated ferns on the water. We saw a monument commemorating past flooding, which helped the guests grasp the scale of the flood that occurred in 2011. In Katsuura, we were fortunate that it was low tide, so we were able to walk across to Bentenjima Island. The guests were also able to see the distant Nachi Falls. Exactly eight hours in, we were able to hand the luggage to a staff member at the Hotel. Five minutes later, we saw off the ferry, and the tour ended.

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

    Tour Report by Hira

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

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    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • 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

    • 1. 8:50 Meet up @MIMARU suite
    • 2. 9:30 @Arashiyama
    • 3. 11:00 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 12:30 @Nishiki Market
    • 5. 13:30 @Nijo Castle
    • 6. 14:50 Disband @Shijo

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market Through email correspondence before the tour, the guests decided to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera on their own, so we visited Arashiyama, then Kinkaku-ji, then Nishiki Market, and finally Nijo Castle. Due to the timing of lunch, we included Nishiki Market between Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. Wherever I took them, they were deeply impressed and appeared to be enjoying themselves greatly. When I answered their questions about the route to take after the tour, they were pleased and said, "Since we have only a few days, this was a great help." They also liked Nishiki Market very much and said they would stop by again the next day after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho230JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5TrainKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Section 6TrainShijo～Nijojo-mae240JPY
    Section 7TrainNijojo-mae～Shijo240JPY
    Total1,670JPY

    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 in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

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

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Tempozan Cruise Terminal ➡ By taxi to Osaka Station ➡ By JR to Kyoto Station ➡ By subway and bus to Kinkaku-ji ➡ By taxi to Nijo Castle ➡ By taxi to Sanjusangendo ➡ By Keihan Railway to Fushimi Inari Taisha ➡ By JR to Osaka Station ➡ Disband at Umeda Daimaru Department Store (16:30)

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto and Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although I hesitated about walking for long hours during the daytime in heat exceeding 30°C, they said they were used to it, as their home region was even hotter at that time with large differences in temperature between morning and evening. The places to visit were decided based on the guests' requests through prior communication. Some of the guests were deeply impressed by Nijo Castle and Sanjusangendo, and they purchased a book containing detailed explanations and beautiful photographs of the Buddhist statues. We continued all the way to the final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha, without stopping for lunch (only getting drinks from vending machines). At Osaka Station, I introduced the surrounding restaurants and shopping buildings before we parted ways. They said the next day was the departure day of their cruise ship. It was a very close and wonderful group to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka Station～Kyoto Station580JPY
    Section 2SubwayKyoto Station～Kitaoji Station260JPY
    Section 3BusKitaoji Bus Terminal～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo Station～Fushimi Inari Station170JPY
    Section 5TrainInari Station～Osaka Station860JPY
    Total2,100JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

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

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    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…