Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 8:30 @HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 2. 9:10 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 3. 10:30 @Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:25 @Nishiki Market
    • 5. 11:35 Disband @"Cocokara Fine" Shijo Karasuma Store

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Focused on Gardens? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Originally the party was expected to be larger, but when we met, they told me the number of participants had decreased. They had come to Japan for their trip and mentioned they would return to Tokyo by Shinkansen the next day. I had planned to guide them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, but when we met, they said they wanted to focus their sightseeing on gardens, so I guided them to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and finally Nishiki Market. Some of the guests wished to purchase certain medicines, so after the others entered Nishiki Market, I guided them to a pharmacy. There they told me I could go, so we parted ways. All transportation was by taxi.

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

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park　Arrival & Peace Memorial Park　Departure

    Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park　Arrival & Peace Memorial Park　Departure

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:45　Miyajima (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)　Kinsuikan (Hotel)　Pick-up
    • 11:00　World Heritage Sea Route　Boarding
    • 11:45　Peace Memorial Park　Arrival
    • 11:55　Peace Memorial Museum　Tour
    • 12:45　G7 Summit Memorial Hall, A-bomb Ruins Exhibition Hall　Tour
    • 13:00　Lunch (Okonomiyaki)
    • 13:45　Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Aioi Bridge, Peace Bell, Children's Peace Monument, etc.)　Tour
    • 14:30　Peace Memorial Park　Departure
    • 14:45　Hiroshima Castle Ninomaru　Arrival
    • 15:05　Dismissal in front of Hiroshima Castle Ninomaru
    • 　　　(Jose and Cano plan to tour Hiroshima Castle afterward, so this concludes the tour)
    • 　Since I made a digital reservation in advance for the Peace Memorial Museum, no charge will be made in accordance with the terms.
    • 　I am not sure whether it is possible, but I would like to submit the train fare from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi (270 yen) as an advance expense.

    What Is a Private Guided Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I was able to meet the guests at their hotel without any trouble and was glad to guide them. I hope the guests had an enjoyable time. The weather was good, and in addition to guiding, we were able to talk about many topics such as politics, education, and labor conditions in their home region (North America), which was very informative for me. This was the first time I took on a job through this arrangement. I was a little concerned because responses through the travel agency abroad were rather slow. The messaging app I was advised to use was extremely helpful. I look forward to working with you again.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGenbaku Dome-mae～Miyajimaguchi270JPY
    Total270JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I was an English teacher of a high school in Hiroshima.
    I retired early from my job in March in 2024.
    I might be of use to you if you’d like to get to know the present educational situation in Hiroshima.
    I had many opportunities to introduce Japanese culture when I taught Japanese in high school in America for two years.
    I can take you to the place where you can listen to music because I used to be a member of a music band.
    I like Japanese chess, fishing, skiing.
    I’m willing to do some activities with you.
    I would be most happy to help you know culture in Hiroshima.

    license, qualification
    Certified Administrative Scrivener
    English Proficiency Test Grade1
    a health(sanitation) manager license
    small boat operating license
    large size vehicle license
    standard motorcycle license
    amateur radio operator license

    Request Booking

    Jul 9, 2024
    kimberlyhY8158UZ
    Amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was amazing! Our guide Hiro was…

    Jun 30, 2024
    lindarE6785KM
    Hiroshima 4hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had such a wonderful tour. Can’t recommend…

  • Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Gion Corner

    Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Gion Corner

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

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 pick you up in front of Tenpozan port
    • 10:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • 11:20 Ttenryuji Temple
    • 12:10 Lunch
    • 13:00 (leave)
    • 13:20 Kinkakuji Temple (Golden pavilion)
    • 14:20 (leave)
    • 15:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 17:00 Gion Gallery
    • 17:20 Gion Hanamikoji
    • 18:00 Gion Corner
    • 19:00 (leave)
    • 20:15 arrive at the port of Osaka (Tenpozan port)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Taxi from Osaka Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The guests wished to see geiko and maiko, so I took them to the Gion Corner. 2. Since the guests preferred to sightsee around Kyoto by taxi, a large jumbo taxi was arranged, so no transportation costs were incurred on my part. 3. The leader of the group had previously come to Japan as an agent for a travel company and had once bought a kokeshi doll as a gift, so this time they wanted to buy some for their family. They purchased four kokeshi dolls at a shop in Arashiyama. 4. Although Japanese food had been planned for dinner, the guests had eaten their fill on the cruise ship and no longer needed dinner, so we visited Sanjusangendo Temple instead. 5. At the Gion Gallery I introduced the Gion Festival, and at the Gion Corner the guests enjoyed traditional Japanese culture before we returned to Osaka Port.

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

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

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    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Nara in One Day: Kofuku-ji Temple sightseeing

    Nara in One Day: Kofuku-ji Temple sightseeing

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Meet @JR Nara Station
    • 10:20-11:10 Kofuku-ji Temple sightseeing
    • 11:20-11:45 Todai-ji approach & Nandaimon Gate
    • 12:00-13:25 Lunch @Tenpyo Club
    • 13:35-14:15 Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall & Nigatsudo sightseeing
    • 14:30-14:50 Kasuga Taisha Shrine sightseeing
    • 15:25 Disband @JR Nara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were interested in history and listened with great interest to talks about the Buddhist statues at Kofuku-ji Temple, the Great Buddha of Nara, the difference between shrines and temples, and comparisons between Nara and Kyoto. They also bought plenty of deer crackers and enjoyed feeding the deer. At the restaurant, the guests ordered a set meal course with wagyu beef and a beef rice bowl. They praised the beautiful garden as very relaxing. We met at JR Nara Station coming from Kyoto, and the guests did well walking the entire time without using public transportation even once.

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

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

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

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

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

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo: Kobe Synagogue & Hakutsuru Sake Museum

    Hyogo: Kobe Synagogue & Hakutsuru Sake Museum

    Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 9:25-9:40 Visit Kobe Synagogue
    • 9:45-10:10 Stroll around Kitano Foreign Residences District
    • 10:30-11:00 Walk to Nunobiki Ropeway Station
    • (Destination changed due to a huge line for the ropeway to the Herb Garden)
    • 11:50-12:00 Higashi-Rokko Observatory
    • 12:35-14:00 Lunch @ Kisshokichi Kobe Main Store
    • 14:20-15:00 Hakutsuru Sake Museum
    • 15:20 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like During Golden Week? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As it was right in the middle of the Golden Week holidays, the ropeway to the herb garden had a long line of people waiting more than an hour in front of the ticket counter. We quickly changed our plans and went to an observation deck in the Ashiya area instead. For lunch, the group enjoyed teppanyaki featuring Kobe beef at a restaurant. Although the Nankinmachi Chinatown outside was overflowing with people, they were able to enjoy their teppanyaki at a calm, relaxed table and were very satisfied. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the group not only deepened their understanding of Japanese sake, but also enthusiastically photographed a festival float that happened to pass by.

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

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

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

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

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

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel ➡ Randen tram to the bamboo grove ➡ Tenryu-ji Temple garden ➡ Walk to Monkey Park ➡ Taxi to Kyoto Station ➡ JR to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine ➡ Disband at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (13:30)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Family Tour Like? Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, and the Monkey Park — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Kyoto, and they were very excited by the retro atmosphere of the one-car Randen tram. They were moved by the beauty of the bamboo grove and the adjoining garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, but the highlight of the day was without a doubt the Monkey Park. After some of the guests climbed up at great speed with cheerful energy, the rest of the group reached the summit a good while later. They captured photos of the group feeding the monkeys. It was a heartwarming scene, and it made me glad I had included the Monkey Park in the itinerary.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-Omiya～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Total400JPY

    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!!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet up @ Kyoto Station
    • 2. 12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 13:30 Bamboo Grove
    • 4. 14:00 Kameyama Park
    • 5. 14:15 Hozu River, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 6. 14:30 Lunch @ Togakushi
    • 7. 15:30 Kinkaku-ji
    • 8. 16:30 Ippodo Tea Main Store
    • 9. 16:45 Tatsumi Shrine (Tatsumi Bridge area)
    • 10. 17:00 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Kyoto Station? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. They had missed their limited express train at Osaka Namba, so the meeting time was delayed by 30 minutes to just after 11:30. We met safely at Kyoto Station, confirmed the day's itinerary (Fushimi Inari, the bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji, Ippodo, Gion, and Nishiki Market), and first headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha by arranged taxi. On the way, I explained the background of Shinto and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and upon arrival I explained the torii gates, the foxes, the worship hall, and the concept of kami in Shinto. Next, I guided them through the grounds and we visited the worship hall. After that, we passed through the Senbon Torii and the guests enjoyed the power spots ("Omokaru-ishi" and "Neage-no-matsu") before descending Mount Inari. Next, we moved by car to Arashiyama, where I took time to guide them through the bamboo grove full of natural beauty, Kameyama Park, the Hozu River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge, after which we took a lunch break. Then we moved to Kinkaku-ji, and although it was a hot day, I guided them around the golden Kinkaku-ji. Since the guests had Chinese heritage, I spoke about the relationship between the Ming dynasty of China and Shogun Yoshimitsu, as well as Yoshimitsu's lasting admiration for Chinese culture. After Kinkaku-ji, the guests wished to purchase Japanese tea (matcha, sencha, etc.) as souvenirs, so we went directly to Ippodo, where they purchased high-grade teas such as gyokuro. Although the remaining time was limited, I gave a brief explanation of "maiko" and "geiko" near the Tatsumi Shrine area in a corner of Gion. Finally, we moved to Nishiki Market, where the guiding concluded. They were looking forward to a kaiseki dinner at a traditional restaurant in Gion. One of the guests was quiet, while another loved to talk and had a strong interest in Japanese culture, asking many questions, which made for an enjoyable guiding experience.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Request Booking

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • 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. 8:30 Meet at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 9:15 Rikugien Garden
    • 3. 10:45 Shibamata
    • 4. 12:45 Lunch (Tokyo Chicken Paitan Ramen Yukikage Asakusa Main Store)
    • 5. 13:15 Asakusa
    • 6. 14:30 Dismiss at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rikugien, Shibamata, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the day before, and after Tokyo they planned to travel to Kyoto, staying for around ten days in total. I guided them through Rikugien Garden, Shibamata, and Asakusa. Rikugien Garden and Shibamata (Taishakuten Temple and Yamamoto-tei) were hardly crowded, so the group was able to enjoy them at a relaxed pace. Asakusa, by contrast, was quite crowded, and many restaurants required a wait for lunch. However, the guests said ramen would be fine, so we went to "Yukigake." Fortunately, we were able to get in without any wait, and they were satisfied with the taste. Overall, I feel the group enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibakoen～Sengoku272JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome～Nippori146JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori～Shibamata272JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata～Oshiage199JPY
    Section 5SubwayOshiage～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Akabanebashi220JPY
    Total1,287JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet @ Hotel
    • Umeda Sky Building
    • Osaka Castle
    • Dotonbori
    • Shinsaibashi (PARCO & Daimaru)
    • Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori I guided a group visiting from Oceania around the Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi (including PARCO and Daimaru). Since Osaka was their first stop in Japan, they were impressed by the ultra-urban cityscape of Umeda seen from the Umeda Sky Building. At Osaka Castle, we purchased an Enjoy Eco Card so we were able to enter without waiting in line, but to our surprise, the elevator was under construction and unavailable, so we climbed the stairs up to the 8th floor. Fortunately, everyone in the group was in good shape. The construction appears to continue until July 23, so I will need to keep this in mind for future Osaka tours. After that, we made a quick visit to Dotonbori, then took photos at the character shops in PARCO and Daimaru in Shinsaibashi, before heading to the Hotel by subway and parting ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinsaibashi～Umeda240JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Yuko

    Dear guests,

    I’m Yuko, your guide. I’m happy to guide you!

    I have lived in Osaka since I was born(almost 50 years), so I’m a Osaka master!!
    Osaka has a long history, so of course, we have some historical places, but the best thing of all is …… food!!
    I can take you not only to the castle, shrines, temples, but also to the nice restaurants or food stands where you can enjoy Osaka’s local foods

    And, Kyoto, I don’t need to say anything, but it’s the most famous place in Japan where you can know Japanese culture. Of course, I can show you around Kyoto. I have guided the guests in Kyoto many times, so you also enjoy Kyoto tour with me!

    Let’s enjoy the tour with me and have an unforgettable memory!

    Request Booking

    May 9, 2025
    373gauravm
    Day well spent in Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko San is one of the best…

    Apr 21, 2025
    marianacJ7585VZ
    Fun, convenient, friendly guide around Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko was great at guiding us…

    Apr 4, 2025
    K8311RNlaurak
    Great sightseeing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoku was a wonderful guide showing us osaka castle…

    Apr 3, 2025
    andrewfM955FU
    Amazing Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The tour was a great way to see some of…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10：00　Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 12：00　Lunch (Arashiyama food stand)
    • 13：30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15：00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16：00　Disband in front of Inari Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Guide's Report We started with a walk through Arashiyama in the intense midday summer heat, though there were moments when some of the guests grew tired and their mood declined. As they requested that we narrow down the sightseeing spots, we had a light meal at a food stand near the Bamboo Grove path and then moved on quickly to Kinkaku-ji. Since reaching Kinkaku-ji requires taking a bus, I asked whether they would prefer to change the itinerary to Nijo Castle, which is near the station, but they said Kinkaku-ji is very famous and they really wanted to see it. So, as an alternative, the guests took a taxi from Enmachi Station while I traveled by bus. We reunited at Kinkaku-ji and were able to continue the tour as usual. As this was sightseeing while not yet accustomed to the Japanese summer, I imagine they were tired, but they shared that they were satisfied with the sightseeing spots.

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    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Enmachi590JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3TrainOsaka-Uehommachi～Sumiyoshi Taisha420JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Tanimachi 4-chome480JPY
    Section 5TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total1,960JPY

    Tour Report by Tomoko

    I was born and raised in Osaka and now I live in Nara where the history of Japan began, so I am familiar with historic sites such as shrines, temples, castles, traditional wooden townhouses, and so on. I like to guide historic and cultural places such as Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Himeji which were designated as world heritage sites. I am a trainee of chado, tea ceremony so I am knowledgeable about Japanese traditional culture related to zen.
    I also like to introduce Japanese food culture in Nishiki in Kyoto or Doubonbori in Osaka. I have guided Nishiki and Kuromon market many times and many guests enjoy a food tour with me.
    I try to make you feel comfortable and enjoyable during the tour. I hope you’ll have a great time with me and enjoy Japan!

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