Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:50 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:30 Kurawanka (Restaurant)
    • 13:40 Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:30 Children's Peace Monument, Rest House, Flame of Peace
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome

    Can You Do a Private Hiroshima Sightseeing Tour by Limousine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests told me that sightseeing in Hiroshima was the final stop of their trip in Japan. Overall, my impression was that on this trip the guests came mainly to take photos and to buy plenty of souvenirs for family and friends. The sightseeing in Hiroshima was done by limousine. For Itsukushima Shrine, since the guests had visited many shrines during their trip to Kyoto the day before, this time they did not go inside and instead took photos of the exterior. They were also very pleased to take photos in front of the Great Torii Gate. As one of the guests had already been to Hiroshima before and recommended Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the okonomiyaki we had for lunch was greatly appreciated. The guests were very interested in the history of Hiroshima, and we talked a lot about Hiroshima and the war. Many questions came up, such as "Why was the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?" and "Why did people continue to live here even after the atomic bombing?" At Hiroshima Station, the guests wanted to change their tickets, so I helped them make the change. When we said goodbye at the end, they told me, "It was so much fun, thank you," and the guiding came to a close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima300JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Total500JPY

    Hello, I’m Minami Michimoto, your guide. Thank you for planning to visit Japan. Let me introduce myself. I have lived in Indiana, USA, for 9 years. Later, I grew up in Hiroshima and I have stayed my life mostly in Hiroshima. Hiroshima has two world heritage that is The Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. The localities are lemon, oysters, Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), and conger eel.
    My favorite foods are tofu and natto, and my favorite color is green. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and swimming. How about you? Please share some information about yourself with me while I guide you. I am committed to ensuring you have a memorable trip. Feel free to let me know if you have any specific places you’d like to visit or places you’d prefer to avoid. I will tailor a plan to suit your preferences. I know a lot about Hiroshima, so I definitely can share a good spot for you.

    Jul 7, 2025
    The4Monkeys
    Hiroshima tour—Excellent experience even in the heat!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yesterday we…

    Aug 10, 2024
    Rudy_P
    Half day tour to Peace Memorial.
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi was an excellent…

    Aug 3, 2024
    FabioC2492
    Amazing tour Hiroshima with Minami Michimoto
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A beautiful day…

    Jul 15, 2024
    John L
    Fascinating day out
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi was a fantastic guide…

  • Hiroshima: 〜12:25 Peace Park & 〜14:45 Okonomiyaki Lunch

    Hiroshima: 〜12:25 Peace Park & 〜14:45 Okonomiyaki Lunch

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:25〜12:25 Peace Park
    • 12:25〜13:25 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 13:45〜14:45 Okonomiyaki Lunch
    • 14:45〜15:20 Tokasan Festival Stroll and Enryuji Temple
    • 15:20 Disband near Enryuji Temple

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima for a group of guests from North America. The original plan was to visit Hiroshima Castle after lunch, but I adjusted the itinerary and instead spent more time at the Peace Memorial Park, where the guests were able to see the recently opened exhibition related to the G7 Summit. At an okonomiyaki restaurant, the guests enjoyed watching the dishes being cooked right in front of them on the iron griddle, along with teppanyaki and beer, and seemed very satisfied. As the Toukasan Festival happened to be taking place, after lunch the guests were also able to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Genbaku Dome Station220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hi, I’m Nao. It’s very nice to meet you. I will be your guide in Hiroshima.
    I love travelling abroad and meeting new people, learning about new cultures and eating local food.
    Hiroshima has a lot of places to see and delicious local foods to try such as oysters, conger eel rice and I highly recommend Okonomiyaki.
    Okonomiyaki is the soul food of Hiroshima. I’d love to tell you more about its history when I finally get to meet you.
    Since I was born and raised in Hiroshima, I know all kinds of great spots to visit.
    Please feel free to tell me about any concerns or requests you may have before the tour starts.
    I look forward to seeing you in my lovely hometown Hiroshima.
    kind Regards,
    Nao

  • Hiroshima in One Day: See-off at Miyajimaguchi

    Hiroshima in One Day: See-off at Miyajimaguchi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Hotel 8:30 Peace Memorial Museum 9:50 Memorial Cenotaph・Children's Monument・Atomic Bomb Dome 12:00 Miyajimaguchi Restaurant 13:10 Miyajima Great Torii Gate・Omotesando
    • 15:30 See-off at Miyajimaguchi

    Private Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima: A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. On the previous night, their arrival in Hiroshima had been delayed, so a request message came in to change the start time from 8:00 sharp to 8:15. After borrowing umbrellas at the Hotel, we walked to Peace Memorial Park in the rain (about 10 minutes). At first the group had assumed the tour included a chartered private vehicle. There was no sign of any such arrangement, and I myself had not been informed of any private vehicle booking, so the guest called the travel agency in charge and, after the explanation, was satisfied with using public transportation. The group was very intelligent, and I believe they learned a great deal in Hiroshima and Miyajima. At the Hiroshima ramen shop "Momiji" on the 2nd floor of Etto near Miyajimaguchi Port, there was a vegan ramen option, and everyone was delighted with it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae~Miyajimaguchi270JPY
    Total270JPY

    I have been an English and Italian guide for 10 years in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Iwakuni, Himeji, Osaka, Kochi and Sanin. I used to work for the Japanese trading house in Milan Italy for 9 years, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam for 2 years and Kobe /Osaka for 25 years. I was engaged in the textile and apparel division covering European and Asian market. Moreover, I worked for a food company who produce special sauce for okonomiyaki, famous local food. After retiring, I live in Hiroshima, my hometown, working as a tourist guide mainly, sometimes as an Italian interpreter for A-bomb survivor testimonies and translation. I guide you about history, culture, architecture, art, industry, economy and so on according to your interests and wishes. My hobby is oil painting of the scenery of the Inland Sea of Seto, the first national park of Japan and visiting art museum. I am interested in impressionists and works during renaissance.

    Mar 21, 2025
    Carol B
    Peaceful Tour with Kind Local
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Relaxed tour with…

    Dec 10, 2024
    Catherine_U
    Great Half Day with Shin!
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our half day tour…

    Dec 8, 2024
    William W
    11/10 Great Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Mr. Itaki, is…

    Oct 7, 2024
    Shiv_K
    We had a lovely visit of…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:09-9:39
    •  Keage→Sanjo Keihan Subway 220 yen
    •  Sanjo→Fushimi Inari Keihan 220 yen
    • 9:40-10:30 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:53-11:19 Inari→Saga-Arashiyama JR 240 yen
    • 11:40-12:30 Lunch @ A Pizza Burger Arashiyama Main Store
    • 12:50-13:50 Sightseeing at Tenryu-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path
    • 14:02-14:24
    •  Saga-Arashiyama→Enmachi JR 190 yen
    •  Enmachi→Kinkaku-ji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 14:30-15:15 Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:20 Disband @ Kinkaku-ji Front Taxi Terminal
    • Put only the guests in the taxi and send them to the hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Guest Review of a Japan Guide Agency Guide Our guide was amazing and we had such an amazing day in Kyoto. Since some of the guests had specific food preferences, the guide arranged a local burger restaurant for lunch. We learned so much about the temples (versus shrines) from the guide throughout the day. The guide also had all the transportation pre-routed for our day. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience in Kyoto and thank the guide for all the help. This private one-day tour of Kyoto was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi190JPY
    Section 5BusSaga-Arashiyama~Nishinokyo-Enmachi230JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 3. 12:30 Tokyo Station ~ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 14:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 16:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 16:30 Disband at Shimbashi

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Based on requests made in advance, I guided the group to the main highlights. The group also wanted to purchase train tickets from Kyoto to Narita Airport, so I provided purchase support at Tokyo Station. One of the guests had visited Japan before, but since the previous visit was about 30 years ago, they were surprised at how much everything had changed. In the afternoon there was some concern about rain, but we managed to finish the tour without getting rained on, and I believe the guests were satisfied. Although they had only arrived the day before and seemed to be dealing with jet lag and fatigue, at the end they commented that they had a wonderful time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYakuendai~Shimbashi650JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya~Shimbashi178JPY
    Section 7TrainShimbashi~Yakuendai650JPY
    Total2,263JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel – 9:10 Fukagawa Fudodo/Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 11:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 12:30 JP Tower/Lunch – 13:15 Nihonbashi Sanno Festival – 14:30 Meiji Shrine/Harajuku Takeshita Street – 15:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – 16:00 Hotel/Dismissal

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo from Fukagawa to Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from North America. Before setting out, I explained an overview of Tokyo using a map and gave an introduction to Japanese history, including samurai, shoguns, and ninja, before we started the tour. In the grounds of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, there were several dozen stalls at the Sunday antique market. The guests were very interested and purchased a few items as souvenirs and keepsakes. They were amazed at the size of the handprints and footprints on the sumo wrestlers' monument in the shrine grounds, which is also the birthplace of charity sumo (kanjin-zumo). On Chuo-dori, they experienced the procession of festival floats for the Sanno Festival, held for the first time in six years. At Takeshita Street in Harajuku as well, they strolled while eating rainbow-colored cotton candy and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKamiyacho~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMitsukoshimae~Yoyogi286JPY
    Section 4BusJingumae 1-chome~Shibuya Station West Exit210JPY
    Section 5OtherShibuya~Kamiyacho324JPY
    Total1,176JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Namba → Dobutsuen-mae & Shinsaibashi → Namba

    Osaka in Half a Day: Namba → Dobutsuen-mae & Shinsaibashi → Namba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 9:44-9:52 Namba → Dobutsuen-mae
    • 10:00-11:10 Shinsekai sightseeing (Tsutenkaku, etc.)
    • 11:24-11:43 Dobutsuen-mae → Morinomiya
    • 11:50-12:20 Osaka Castle Park sightseeing
    • 12:36-12:53 Osaka Business Park → Namba
    • 13:00-14:20 Lunch @ New Matsusaka Namba Midosuji Branch
    • Stroll around the Dotonbori area
    • 14:44-14:45 Shinsaibashi → Namba
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ Hotel Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsutenkaku, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting Japan together. Despite the occasional light rain and unfortunate weather, we visited Tsutenkaku and Osaka Castle. From Tsutenkaku, the guests enjoyed a 360-degree view of the city. At Osaka Castle, we did not go inside but walked around the grounds and took photos. For lunch, the teppanyaki was very well received, as the dishes were cooked right in front of the guests. The performance with large flames was also popular, and they were delighted, saying they had captured a great video. After lunch, the guests wanted to go to Dotonbori, so we passed by Ebisubashi Bridge, walked north along Shinsaibashi-suji for one station, and returned to the Hotel by subway.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNamba~Dobutsuen-mae620JPY
    Section 2SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Morinomiya0JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsaka Business Park~Namba0JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi~Namba0JPY
    Total620JPY

    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

    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…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:07 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:15 Take the train to Miyajimaguchi
    • 11:41 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:10 From Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima
    • 12:20 Arrive at Miyajima
    •     Shrine Senjokaku Omotesando
    • 14:25 From Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 14:35 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Okonomiyaki Chinchikurin
    • 16:04 From Miyajimaguchi to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 16:22 Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 16:27 From Nishi-Hiroshima to the museum
    • 16:40 Arrive at the museum
    •      Museum Monument tour
    • 18:00 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Asia. At Miyajima, I showed them excellent photo spots, and they were very pleased. We went to a restaurant that serves okonomiyaki suited to their preferences. The guests were very fond of the okonomiyaki and ordered additional servings. As a result, lunch took longer than planned, which shortened the time available for the memorial museum and the tour of the monuments. To make up for this, I gave the explanation that I normally provide before entering the main building while we were on the train. Thanks to this, I managed to secure enough time for the museum and the monument tour. The guests wanted to share one okonomiyaki among the group, but I was privately concerned that it might not be enough. As I suspected, they placed additional orders, and lunch ran long. I had explained the portion size of okonomiyaki beforehand by showing an actual example, but on reflection, I feel I should have explained the portion size in a little more detail.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Museum220JPY
    Total970JPY

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

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • JR Hiraizumi sta. (JR平泉駅)                               
    • Môtsû-ji Temple (Môtsû-ji Temple)                                           
    • Stroll in the grounds of the temple (Stroll in the grounds of Môtsû-ji Temple)                                                       
    • Kanjizaiohin  (Kanjizaiohin)
    • Takkoku-no-Iwaya (Takkoku-no-Iwaya)
    • Chūson-ji Tsukimizaka Slope (Parking Lot 1) (Chūson-ji Tsukimizaka Slope)                           Chūson-ji Higashi-Mono-mi Eastern Lookout Chūson-ji Eastern Lookout)                           Chūson-ji Hondo (Main Hall) (Chūson-ji Main Hall)                                                Lunch at Kanzantei (Kanzantei)                                                 Chūson-ji Sankôzô Museum (Chūson-ji Sankôzô Museum)                                     Chūson-ji Konjikidô (Golden Hall) (Chūson-ji Golden Hall)                                       Chūson-ji Akkad Inari Shrine (Chūson-ji Akadô Inari Shrine)                                                          Hiraizumi Rest House (Hiraizumi Souvenir Shop)                                                   Hiraizumi Rest Stop  (Roadside Station Hiraizumi)                                                   JR Hiraizumi sta. (JR平泉駅)

    What Is a Private Hiraizumi Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Motsuji, Takkoku no Iwaya, and Chusonji The guests were two visitors from North America who had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture. At Motsuji Temple, we spent a good deal of time on the explanation of the three generations of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. The irises at Motsuji had only just begun to bloom, and it looked like it would be another few weeks before the colorful irises could be seen in full. After Motsuji, we strolled through the grounds of Kanjizaioin, as the green of the lawn was beautiful now and the guests had requested to walk through it. Our next destination was Takkoku no Iwaya, a national historic site. There used to be a bus that ran from Motsuji to Takkoku no Iwaya, but due to low ridership the bus service was discontinued, so we had no choice but to use a taxi. Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo is famous for offering the most powerful protective charms. The guests also purchased the "Goou Hoin" talisman. Even for non-Japanese visitors, one can feel the solemn history and spiritual power of Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo. After Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo, we took a taxi to Chusonji. The taxi fare for the round trip was ¥4,800. Recently, it seems more people are going to Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo by bicycle. There are rental electric bicycles available, which I think is convenient, but the roads are narrow, so isn't there a risk of danger? I think insurance would be necessary. At Chusonji, the guests seemed to enjoy the scenery from the Higashi-monomi lookout. We ate soba at Kanzantei, and the jinenjo (wild yam) soba was very delicious. Kanzantei allows you to enjoy the meal while taking in the beautiful scenery, so I would recommend it. Jinenjo is translated as "yam," and I nearly made a pun on "yummy," but since it was a corny joke I refrained. After lunch, we spent a little time viewing the Sankozo museum and the Konjikido (Golden Hall). This time as well, large groups of high school students from Hokkaido had arrived on a school trip. From Chusonji, we stopped by the Hiraizumi Rest House (a souvenir shop) and the Michi-no-Eki Hiraizumi roadside station, where we looked around at the special products of Iwate Prefecture. We walked to JR Hiraizumi Station, and the conversation turned to the Edo Kiriko cut glass the guests had purchased in Tokyo. They had bought one Edo Kiriko whiskey glass, which cost ¥44,000. They said that purchasing something equivalent in North America would cost more than double the price.

    Hello and welcome! If you’re an inbound guest, I’d like to extend a warm greeting to you. I hope you have a pleasant stay in our beautiful city. If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask – I’m here to assist! My name’s Toshiya Ozawa. Please call me Toshi. I have 25 years’ experience as National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter guiding in English. Presently, I live in Ohsyu-shi, Iwate-ken where the Major Baseball player Shohei Ohtani was born and bred. The followings are the places where I attended as a tour guide for your reference. [Guide experience] Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Japan’s largest lake Lake biwa and Azuchi-jyo Ruins in Shiga prefecture. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara:Horyu-ji, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple. Former Site of the Imperial Palace at Heijokyo, Todaiji Temple, along with Kasugataisha Shrine and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Koyasan (Shukubo Rengejo-in) shukubo literally means sleeping with the monks. Yagyu-no-sato (or the swordsman village of Yagyu), known as the home of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (traditional style of swordsmanship), is located in Northeast of Nara-city with rich natural environment. In Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station, The Golden Pavilion, World Heritage Site Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle, Ryoan-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple. In Mie Prefecture: Ise Shrine, Wadakin (Japan’s one of the best wagyu-beef restaurant, Matsusaka-shi). In Shiga prefecture: Mother Lake Lake Biwa, Azuchi Castle ruins.
    In Tokyo: Meiji shrine, Odaiba, Imperial Palace, Takeshita Street in Harajyuku, Akihabara (the otaku mecca and has its own unique atmosphere), Asakusa Kannon (Bodhisattva of Mercy) Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower.
    In Shizuoka Prefecture: Mt. Fuji.
    In Aichi prefecture: 1. Atsuta Shrine 2. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 3. Inuyama Castle (Inuyama-shi) 4. Ohsu Shopping District 5. Konomiya Naked Festival (Inazawa-shi) 6.Tagata Jinja Shrine’s Honen Festival 7. Toyota Automobile Museum (Nagakute-shi) 8. Thousand Rice Paddies of Yotsuya (Yotsuya Senmaida) (Shinshiro-shi) 9. Asuke/Korankei (Toyota-shi Asuke-cho) 10. Chubu Centrair International Airport 11. Rest Stop (Highway Oasis Kariya, Donguri-no-sato Inabu)


    10 years’ experience in a trading operations position and 7 years’ experience as an Exporting Manager and 5 years’ experience as a Domestic Sales Representative: All of the experiences above included contacts with respective customers both externally and internally.
    I spent more than 2 years in the United States and Canada. Attended Kibbutz Hebrew class for six months in Israel.


    Aug1991– present MASPRO DENKOH Corporation, Aichi prefecture in Japan.
    Sales presentative/Exporting Manager “Export of TV reception and related equipment to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand”
    Negotiated prices and specifications with the makers “Drafting and arranging the needed documentations requested by custom houses”
    OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supply of CS antennas to SONY Corporation
    OEM supply of U.S. DirecTV Satellite Dish Antenna Dual LNB to Sony Corporation
    Attended the customers from overseas when they came to the head office
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O. (engaged in direct report to the company president)
    Import of invaluable western style paintings, Japanese potteries and porcelains
    Export of receiver and transmitter for Qualcomm Omni TRACS Ku-band satellite fleet tracking system in the U.S.
    Export of CATV Tap-off for Time Warner Cable in the U.S. OEM supply of ETC In-Vehicle Unit in Singapore to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
    Apr. 1989–March 1991, employed by ESPO Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Manager of secretarial section to the C.E.O
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O “Assisted M&A transactions”
    Formula 1 ESPO-LARROUSSE Team negotiation and interpreter. Was in charge of training new staff (26 university graduates )
    Supervised new graduate recruitment activities as a part of training new staff and successfully recruited 40 prospective employees
    Apr 1976 – March 1991 Nissait English School in Tokyo, Japan
    1989 Director of Nissait English School “Management of English schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture”
    Instructor: Taught English conversation more than 1000 students “Was in charge of training new instructors (12 vocational college graduates )”
    Supervised new student recruitment activities as a part of training new instructors and successfully recruited 420 students at ten different schools for 5 years
    Was in charge of International Exchange program
    Chaperoned and supervised 160 Japanese youth delegates for cultural immersion homestays in the U.S.A. and Canada.
    Education: In 1976, Completed the curriculum at a university, received a degree of B.A. in Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University, in Tokyo.


    Windows MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint


    Certified as a National Licensed English-Speaking Tour Guide in 2009 (License No. Aichi EN00307)
    Passed Grade 1 of the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency in 1989.

    Apr 29, 2026
    447dags
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full service tour of Morioka
    Full service tour with Toshiya Ozawa, who…

    Apr 2, 2025
    Calder_L
    Best way to spend the afternoon in Morioka.
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshisan was an amazing…

    Jun 14, 2024
    Pelle S
    Great insights on Morioka!
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi-san is a very knowledable guide with…

    May 30, 2024
    Juan Ignacio G
    Experiencia recomendable!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiraizumi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi nos acompañó con mucho entusiasmo a recorrer…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 ヒルトンホテルで集合
    • 2. 9:15 タクシーで縮景園へ移動
    • 3. 11:30 縮景園と広島城を見学
    • 4. 12:10 爆心地とグルテンフリーレストランへ徒歩で移動
    • 5. 12:40 カフェ・ポンテで昼食
    • 6. 15:30 原爆ドーム、慰霊碑、資料館を見学
    • 7. 15:45 白神社の前で解散

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Hiroshima City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests emailed two days in advance to say that they would visit Miyajima on their own, and asked me to guide them around the city instead. Around 10:00 the night before, they also sent a message saying they had changed to a different hotel and asked whether I could pick them up at 9:00 a.m. I replied around 10:40 p.m. that it would be fine, but kindly asked them to inform me of any hotel change a few days in advance. I quickly checked the bus schedule and found that buses ran every 30 minutes. It rained heavily during the tour, but the guests were delighted by the beauty of the hydrangeas and irises at Shukkeien Garden. They found the keep of Hiroshima Castle beautiful against the greenery, and were interested in the dramatic changes brought about by the Meiji Restoration. At the Atomic Bomb Dome, they were interested in the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the effects of radiation, and they observed the exhibits at the museum with great attention. It was unfortunate, however, that the heavy rain made it difficult to give explanations while showing photographs.

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

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…