Category: Uncategorized

  • 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) 10:00 Meet up @ Hilton Tokyo (6-6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:15 Higashi-Shinjuku 〈JR Shinjuku Station East Exit → Godzilla Head → Tokyu Kabukicho Tower 2F → Shinjuku Golden Gai〉(~10:40)
    • 3) 11:00 Meiji Shrine (~11:30)
    • 4) 12:00 Imperial Palace Main Gate Nijubashi (~12:30)
    • 5) 12:30 Akihabara → Lunch @ ABURI Hyakkan → Uniqlo Yodobashi Akiba Store (Yodobashi Akiba 7F, 1-1 Kanda Hanaoka-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)(~14:40)
    • 6) 15:00 Purchase Japanese sword @ Eirakudo (1-13-14 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo) (~15:40)
    • 7) 16:10 Disband @ Tokyo Skytree Entrance (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like, Including Antique Japanese Sword Shopping? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. There were many requests in advance, including a wish to purchase an antique Japanese sword. I contacted and inquired with several sword dealers in Tokyo, and created and presented an itinerary that included a visit to the shop that responded the quickest. After meeting at the hotel, since the guests had ICOCA cards and were comfortable using public transportation, we got around easily. They were on a milestone anniversary trip (having already visited Dubai and Singapore) and had already toured Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. They had also joined a three-hour food tour around the Shinjuku area the previous evening. At Meiji Shrine, we were lucky to see a procession of a wedding party and relatives, as well as a bonsai exhibition (one of the guests enjoys bonsai as a hobby). After the Imperial Palace's main gate and the Nijubashi bridge, we headed to Akihabara. Following a simple lunch at a sushi restaurant, some shopping at UNIQLO took place. Then we went to a sword dealer in Ryogoku. The sword did not come with an authentication certificate (according to the shop owner, a certificate would double the price), but after carefully examining a sword from the Muromachi period, as described by the owner, one of the guests decided to purchase it (total 670,000 yen). It was understood that the process of purchase, application for an export inspection certificate, approval, and shipment by EMS to their home would take more than a month, and the guests accepted this. Having their wish fulfilled, they seemed very satisfied and said, "Once it arrives home, we plan to display it on the wall or in a glass case, and we will take a photo and send it." Finally, we parted ways at the Skytree entrance, where a 5:00 PM reservation had been made.

    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 Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station～Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kita-sando 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 Hibiya Line Akihabara Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Chuo-Sobu Line Akihabara Station～JR Chuo-Sobu Line Ryogoku Station150JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Chuo-Sobu Line Ryogoku Station～JR Chuo-Sobu Line Kinshicho Station150JPY
    Section 7Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Kinshicho Station～Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Oshiage Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • 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

    • 9:00 Meet at Kin no Take Tower no Sawa　9:30 Departure　By bus to Motohakone　Hakone Shrine　By bus to　Hakone Checkpoint Ruins　Maruyama Bussan　Trick Box　Lunch　Move by bus to Motohakone　Pirate Ship　From Togendai　Ropeway　At Owakudani　Black Eggs　By ropeway to Sounzan　Here the guests go by taxi to　the Hotel　See-off and dismissal at 3:00 PM

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hakone Shrine, Owakudani, and Local Crafts The guests were a friendly group visiting Japan. Some of them were enthusiastic about photographing the Japanese scenery and taking group photos, and I helped with this on several occasions. At Hakone Shrine, the guests became interested in the portable shrine (mikoshi). I explained the connection between Shinto, Buddhism, and daily life in Japan, and I believe they gained at least some understanding of it. During the meal, I introduced kanji, hiragana, katakana, and how sentences are constructed — and by the way, the guests treated me to the meal. The guests were greatly impressed by the presentation of the karakuri (trick) boxes at a local shop, and they purchased a karakuri box as a souvenir. At Owakudani, the guests were finally able to try the famous black eggs. After we came down as far as Sounzan, at the guests' request they took a taxi back to their Hotel, and I said goodbye to them there, ending the tour.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & /14:30 Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & /14:30 Museum

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

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Hiroshima Station
    • 　　　Hiroshima sake tasting
    • 　　　By taxi, coin locker at the bus center via Hiroshima Castle
    • Leave the suitcase and eat at a restaurant inside SOGO (sushi)
    • Double-baked cake at Gozasoro inside SOGO
    • Through the Shareo underground shopping mall, to Orizuru Tower
    • Enjoy drinks at a downtown blueberry farm
    • The shadow of a person on the stone at the Hondori bus stop
    • Through the park to the museum.
    • 13:50/14:30 Museum
    • Send the luggage to the bus center by taxi and go to the high-speed boat dock by taxi
    • 15:00/15:45 Peace Park/Miyajima (arrange hotel van)
    • 15:45 Leave the luggage in the van and go sightseeing in Miyajima
    • Head to the ferry dock while viewing the shopping street, torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, five-story pagoda, giant rice scoop, and Edo-period townscape (arrange hotel van on the way)
    • 17:20 See off the hotel van and end the tour

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like With Luggage? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima for guests traveling with suitcases. 【Realizing How Challenging Sightseeing With Suitcases Can Be】 The guests informed me in advance that they would have suitcases because they were staying overnight on Miyajima. I managed to obtain advance information about lockers that were not too crowded. During the tour, I planned the route so we could move around with as little luggage as possible. We used lockers in the town center. While the luggage was stored, we could sightsee freely and lightly, but once we retrieved the luggage and started walking, I found that even a distance that would normally take five or six minutes was much harder and took more time than expected. In particular, the tactile paving blocks seemed to throw the luggage off balance. As soon as we retrieved the luggage and began walking, the guests said they wanted to take a taxi, so we used a taxi even though it was a distance where I would normally never take one. It was a day when I truly realized how difficult it is to travel to Miyajima carrying luggage. Suitcases can be loaded onto the high-speed boat, but there are stairs to get into the cabin, so loading and unloading were difficult. Compared to the JR line, I thought the direct route was somewhat easier. The JR line is always crowded. It also involves transfers, and to get from Miyajimaguchi to the ferry terminal you have to go down and up underground, so I felt it would be better for the guests to send their luggage ahead to the next hotel by delivery service so they could move around more freely. 【About Taxi Fares and Drivers】 Taxi ① Took a long detour, and the fare was high. As arranged in advance with the guests, we had planned to take a taxi from Hiroshima Station to a locker in the city center to store the luggage. Along the way, I asked the driver to give us time to take photos on the grounds of Hiroshima Castle. Since the driver said OK before we boarded, we got in, and then the driver said, "Where are you going today? If it's Miyajima, why not hire the taxi all the way to Miyajima? It would cost about 10,000 yen, and you wouldn't have to worry about storing the luggage." I said, "Well, the guests are paying, so…" When I asked for time to take photos on the castle grounds, the driver said, "You can't go in there (actually you can), but I can park at the Gokoku Shrine (from there it's far to the castle keep). Instead of the castle grounds, I always let my passengers take photos from the north side. You don't know that spot, do you?" (As a guide I move while watching the time, and being a local, I do know that spot.) I had told the guests not to speak loudly in enclosed spaces (public transportation) as a COVID precaution, yet the driver talked about himself loudly, saying things like "when I was young I often went abroad for business," and although we had taken a taxi to save time, he suggested photographing the castle keep from a spot quite far off route from the coin lockers. (I asked the guests, "The driver is suggesting we photograph the castle keep from the north side; what would you like to do?" and then we went to the north side.) The guests were pleased because they could see the moat and the castle keep, so I was relieved, but the driver took a big detour to the building with the coin lockers, and the guests paid as much as 2,670 yen. I sometimes take taxis for other work, and for that fare you could go 20 to 30 minutes away from the station, all the way near the sea. Since I'm not used to taking taxis on tours, I was flustered dealing with the driver. I didn't expect the driver to make so many suggestions on his own initiative, and I found it a bit uncalled for. Taxi ② Very good. Took the shortest route, one-meter fare of 670 yen. Since the high-speed boat's departure time was approaching, at the guests' suggestion we took a taxi from in front of the museum to SOGO, where there were coin lockers. The driver said, "You could walk there passing by the Dome," but when I said, "I know, but the boat's departure time is approaching, so please take us there," he said, "I see." In the car, I wanted the guests to watch a video I had made, but the radio in the car was very loud, so I asked the driver to lower the volume. Although he looked tough, he immediately said, "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll turn it down right away," and lowered the volume. He then took us to SOGO by the shortest route at the one-meter fare. Taxi ③ Average. Perhaps because the destination was in the opposite direction of travel, it was 750 yen even though the distance should have been shorter than Taxi ②. 【The Guests' Reactions】 They were very pleased and gave me many words of thanks both during and after the tour. This was almost my first tour with guests carrying suitcases, and today I learned how difficult it is to move even short distances carrying suitcases. The guests were the kind who clearly express likes, dislikes, yes, and no, so I made suggestions and proceeded with the tour after consulting with them. When I met them and asked about several requests, they said they wanted to look for a Noh mask, so we searched in the city and on Miyajima Island, but unfortunately there were few shops selling them, and it seemed none matched the guests' eye in terms of material or shape, so we could not find one. However, since we entered every shop they wanted to visit to look for a Noh mask, the guests seemed satisfied. Surprisingly, what they enjoyed was a blueberry garden in the town center that opens only in June. As part of a community revitalization effort, there is fruit picking on the rooftop of a department store, and on certain days of the week they sell drinks, ice cream, and jam made with blueberries harvested from the garden. They were delighted, saying how delicious it was, which made me happy. At a sushi restaurant we found while walking at lunchtime, one of the guests said, "I like sushi and wasabi," and ordered an extra tube of wasabi. What the restaurant brought out was not a tube but freshly grated wasabi, and when I explained this, they were very pleased. They said the anago's seasoning was a bit sweet and not to their taste, but the sushi one of the guests had and the tempura the other had seemed delicious. When one guest said to the other, "You're quiet," the reply was "It's so good I'm at a loss for words." When I conveyed this to the restaurant staff at checkout, the chefs who had prepared the sushi came to the counter looking pleased. Since Hiroshima had been holding a yukata festival up until today, I told the guests they could walk around town in yukata. They said they wanted to buy a yukata but did not want to wear it. They planned to see yukata in another prefecture. Although the hotel where they were staying was far from the ferry terminal, when they called, the shuttle came to pick them up right on time, so the guests seemed reassured. They said that the next day they would return to Hiroshima Station by a different route from today's. Traveling with luggage takes time, and moving around an unfamiliar town goes smoothly if you know the tricks. Before the tour ended, I shared some tips for the next day's travel and saw off the hotel's van. That is all. Since the guests paid for everything today (including the World Heritage Sea Route), there were no advance transportation expenses.

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

    Tour Report by miki

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

    Request Booking

    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @ Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & @ Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel KADO Gosho-Minami Kyoto
    • 9:35-10:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:00-12:00@ Gion
    • 12:10-12:50 Lunch @ Kamukura Gion Shijo Ekimae Store
    • 13:30-14:30 @ Nijo Castle
    • 15:20 Disband @ Kyoto Imperial Palace Seishomon Gate

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Fushimi Inari to Nijo Castle The guests were a family visiting from North America. They showed an interest in Japanese culture through martial arts and anime, and one of the guests was especially curious about Japanese history and culture, asking many questions throughout the day. The weather forecast had predicted rain all day, but fortunately it stayed at only a light drizzle and did not affect the tour much. At Fushimi Inari, the guests walked under the "Nenagari no Matsu" (root-lifted pine). After strolling through Gion, the guests said they were getting hungry, so we took a lunch break at a ramen shop in Gion. After guiding them through Nijo Castle, since there was not much time left, I gave a brief explanation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and we parted ways just before the entrance gate.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi Station～Kyoto Station260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari Station～Gion-Shijo Station220JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo～Sanjo Station170JPY
    Section 5SubwaySanjo Keihan Station～Nijojo-mae Station220JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijojo-mae Station～Imadegawa Station220JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo 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

    • Tokyo Station → Harajuku (Meiji Shrine) → Shibuya → Asakusa → Otemachi (Tokyo Station)

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa We met at Tokyo Station, and since the guests were interested in traditional Japanese culture, we visited Meiji Shrine to pray. They seemed to enjoy the sacred atmosphere very much. From there, we walked to see Takeshita Street, then took the train to Shibuya Station, where they experienced the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Since it appears in the movie Fast & Furious, they were very excited. In Asakusa, the guests did not seem very hungry, so they enjoyed a light bite of dango and ice cream. Although it was a short time, they told me they were able to thoroughly enjoy Tokyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station～Harajuku Station208JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Total784JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hi! Nice to meet you!
    I’m Riko, and I would love to be your guide.
    Let me tell briefly about myself.
    When I was in elementary school and middle school, I used to live in the United States for four and half years. I went to typical middle school and high school in my home town Aichi, and then, I studied abroad in France for a year and happily graduated Waseda University in Tokyo.
    I decided I would like to introduce more about Japan and know more about other country’s culture too, so, I became National Tour Guide in 2022 and have guided over 150 guests.
    Since I am huge fan of manga and anime, I’m especially deep in knowledge about Japanese pop culture. Also, as I really love Japanese history and cuisine, I hope I can entertain you with these genres too!
    With huge hospitality which I earned from working at amusement parks and restaurants, I will certainly illustrate your great memory in Japan.
    Thank you for reading.

    Request Booking

    Oct 16, 2024
    beaulaskey
    Amazing host
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was awesome and she gave us a personal…

    Jun 10, 2024
    sethualt
    Exceeding more than all of my expectations!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I have always loved and…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Stroll through Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Stroll through Koko-en Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:45 Gather at Himeji Station North Exit
    • 12:05 Arrive at Himeji Castle on foot, sightseeing
    • 14:50 Stroll through Koko-en Garden
    • 15:30 Board bus in front of Koko-en
    • 15:40 Himeji Station, dismissal

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had come to Japan to visit someone studying in Kyoto. They appeared to have already toured various parts of Japan, but they had an interest in Japanese history and, as I had learned in our prior communication, wished to see Himeji Castle before returning home in a couple of days. Because of this, even on the way from where we met to Himeji Castle, we had a lively conversation about the castle moats and the drama "Shogun," and the tour proceeded in a very pleasant atmosphere. After entering the castle grounds, the guests listened with great interest to everything from stories about the castle's defenses to the details of its construction techniques. After visiting Koko-en Garden, when we took the bus back to Himeji Station, the guests both had ICOCA cards, but they were not aware that you need to tap the card twice, once when boarding and once when getting off. I felt I should have mentioned this before we boarded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Koko-en～Himeji Station North Exit190JPY
    Total190JPY

    Tour Report by Rie

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & S-Pulse Dream Plaza

    Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & S-Pulse Dream Plaza

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Shimizu Port
    • 11:15 Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Nihondaira Tea Museum
    • 12:30 Miho no Matsubara
    • 13:30 S-Pulse Dream Plaza
    • 14:00 Lunch (soba) at Shimizu Station
    • 14:45 Tokaido – Seikenji Temple – Tokaido
    • 16:30 Disband at S-Pulse Dream Plaza

    What Is a Private Shimizu Port Taxi Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara, and Seiken-ji I arranged a taxi at Shimizu Port, but it was very crowded and we waited about 30 minutes. Since I had prepaid for three hours at the port taxi reception, I could not shorten the morning itinerary despite the 30-minute delay, so I had to adjust the afternoon plans. The weather was cloudy, but Mount Fuji appeared between the clouds, and the guests were delighted by the views from the car window, from Nihondaira, and from Miho no Matsubara. In particular, during the tea plantation visit at the Nihondaira Ochakaikan (Tea Hall), the guests asked the staff many questions about green tea and were very satisfied to be able to buy the genmaicha they said they loved. As some of the charter time remained, one guest wanted to eat sushi, so I guided the group to Esards Dream Plaza, but unfortunately there was a long line, so we gave up on entering and instead they bought satsuma-age (fish cake) that they could eat while walking. However, even though I explained it was "Fish Cake," a portion was also bought for a guest who was vegetarian, and there was an incident where a few bites were eaten before I noticed, which flustered me. The guest laughed and said "No Problem," but I should have been more careful. Based on prior information, one of the guests had requested vegetarian and gluten-free meals, so I had suggested CoCo Ichibanya for lunch. However, on the day the guest said they could eat a small amount of wheat and wanted to have Japanese food, so after consulting with the guests I quickly guided them to a nearby soba restaurant instead. The guest had tempura and rice, and did not appear to feel unwell afterward. The other guests were also very satisfied with the soba and tempura. In the afternoon we took the train toward the Okitsu area and I guided them along the Tokaido to Seiken-ji Temple. During the Tokaido walk, the guests asked questions about the shops and houses along the old road and seemed very interested. When visiting inside the Seiken-ji hall, one guest was unable to take off their shoes for a certain reason, so they waited while viewing the garden. I had informed the guests by email in advance that we would enter the hall, but I should have also told them that they would need to remove their shoes. The other guests went up into the hall and viewed the scenic garden and Japanese-style rooms. They listened attentively. Finally, there was a bit of trouble when the guests exited the ticket gate at the station without inserting their tickets into the automatic gate. (This was resolved after talking with the station staff.) I should have explained more carefully how to handle the tickets. Although there were some irregular situations, I was helped by the bright, good-humored guests. I would like to work on improving the points I reflected on for the future.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimizu Station～Okitsu Station190JPY
    Section 2TrainOkitsu Station～Shimizu Station190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Anne

    Hello, I’m Anne. I was born and raised in Shizuoka. As a student, I volunteered as an interpreter guide in Kyoto. I love traveling and even worked for a travel company in the past. I like learning different cultures, too. After graduating from a graduate school in Australia, I came back to Shizuoka and have been teaching at a high school and a university. I am also certified as a Japanese (language) teacher. Through my experiences living in different places and my interest in Japan, I realized again the charms of Japan and Shizuoka. This passion for sharing the attractions of Japan, especially Shizuoka, led me to become a national licensed guide interpreter in March 2024. Shizuoka is an attractive destination for its rich nature, fascinating history and culture, and delicious local foods. I would be delighted to help you discover more about Shizuoka and make your stay even more memorable!

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    Sep 22, 2024
    Bertold_K
    Beautiful landscape
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Anne war eine freundliche und flexible Stadtführerrin.…

    Aug 30, 2024
    G
    Guy_P
    Great all around view of Shimizu!
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Anne was…

    Jun 17, 2024
    Travis_P
    Great tour
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    We had a great tour with Anne.…

    Jul 16, 2024
    Cosmopolitan227787
    Beautiful Shizuoka !
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    This tour was amazing. Anne our…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Miho no Matsubara, Mihoshirube, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, Nihondaira Yume Terrace, Kashi no Ichi, Miyamoto Shoten

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan, and they had only arrived the day before, so I explained the basics of Japan to them from the ground up. We even had a little lesson on how to read numbers in Japanese. At Mihoshirube there was an origami class being held, so we took part in it. At Kunozan Toshogu Shrine the ropeway was under maintenance, so we climbed up from the bottom and came back down on foot, which turned out to be good exercise. Since the guests wanted to eat sashimi, we chose Miyamoto Shoten at Kashi no Ichi market for lunch. In the morning, Mount Fuji was clearly visible, which delighted the guests.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by TerryHirao

    My name is Terry Hirao, Shizuoka’s local tour guide. You can call me Terry, as in Teriyaki. I love Japan and Japanese culture and can show you the best of Japan, its history, breathtaking beauty, delicious foods, Japanese Tea. Shizoka is located in the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, two largest metropolitan cities and famous for Mt. Fuji, Japanese Tea and a lot more. The most popular destinations in Shizuoka are Nihon Daira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrines (National Treasure), Miho Pine Tree Grove (World Cultural Heritage). I hope I can help you enjoy your trip!!

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    Nov 6, 2024
    andrew h
    Very knowledgeable tour guide of the area
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Very…

    Oct 21, 2024
    Adventurer_from_Cda
    We had a great time – we enjoyed having Terry H as our guide for Shizuoka/Shimizu! Thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Jane_R
    Great experience on this Mt Fuji private tour
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Terry…

    Aug 21, 2024
    Go02797182361
    Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:53 Start of Tour (on the train at JR Horyuji Station)
    • 9:04 JR Nara Station
    • 10:30-11:00 Kofukuji Temple, Kokuhokan Museum
    • 11:20-11:40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • 11:50 Lunch at Mizuya-chaya
    • 12:00 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • 12:20 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • 13:00-13:30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • 13:40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • 13:50 Yoshikien Garden
    • 14:10 Rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Government Office
    • 14:30 Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town)
    • 15:30 back at JR Nara Station
    • 15:55 End of Tour (on the train at JR Horyuji Station)

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because of an intermediary travel agency involved in the arrangements, there were ongoing troubles right up until two days before the tour. The agency repeatedly demanded, as if it were a matter of course, that I front the admission fees and other costs (apparently without properly reading the messages I had sent). No matter how many times I explained that this was not acceptable, they kept saying things like "keep the receipts," perhaps because they were not reading carefully or were simply too busy to remember. It seemed they had taken on more work than they could handle. The guests, however, seemed completely unaware of any of these troubles. Despite the rain — and in fact thanks to the rain, since it meant fewer crowds — the tour itself turned out to be very enjoyable. Since I had known from the start that the guests were a group visiting from North America on a graduation trip, I did not want to disappoint them, so I patiently negotiated with the rather unreliable agency, in the end even scolding them via a messaging app. The time and effort I put in seemed to pay off. It was an interesting experience. The guests say they plan to revisit Nara in the near future. I would like to sincerely thank all the staff at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for their kind support.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Horyuji～JR Nara230JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nara～JR Horyuji230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • 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 up @ Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00　@ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, cafe break @ Kaminari Issa, Sumida Park)
    • 3. 11:40　@ Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 4. 13:00　Lunch @ Omotesando Hills
    • 5. 14:30　Harajuku・Takeshita Street
    • 6. 16:00　Disband @ Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, and Harajuku The guests were a group from North America who were visiting Japan for the first time, arriving in Tokyo after traveling through Asia and Hiroshima. At the start of the tour, they listened attentively to my explanation of public transportation in Tokyo. At Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, the entire group actively took part in drawing omikuji fortunes, purifying themselves at the water pavilion, offering prayers, and purchasing omamori charms. As the trip had long been of interest to the guests and was undertaken as a celebration, the tour proceeded with their preferences given priority. Along Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa, they bought strawberry sweets and took photos. They spent plenty of time enjoying shopping for clothes and shoes in the Yanaka shopping district, Takeshita Street, and around Harajuku Station. Originally, Hamarikyu Gardens was planned as the final destination, but as the desire to prioritize shopping grew stronger among the guests, the plan was changed by mutual agreement, and the garden was left for another occasion. When I saw them off at their Hotel, they seemed tired but very satisfied. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSubway Ginza Line, Mitsukoshimae Station～Subway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassSubway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station～Subway Ginza Line, Kanda Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line, Kanda Station～JR Yamanote Line, Nippori Station167JPY
    Section 4Free PassSubway Chiyoda Line, Sendagi Station～Subway Chiyoda Line, Omotesando Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSubway Chiyoda Line, Meiji-jingumae Station～Subway Ginza Line, Mitsukoshimae Station0JPY
    Total767JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…