Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:55  Meet @ Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
    • 8:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 9:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace
    • 13:15 Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:15 Disband @ Asakusa

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed the beauty of the Japanese garden and Japanese tea at Rakuutei. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Edo Shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration. For lunch, we tried to enter a ramen restaurant, but there were too many people waiting, and since they were not very hungry, they said it could wait, so we skipped it. In Asakusa, after visiting Senso-ji Temple, the guests had a reservation for a sumo show at 3:00, so we parted ways in Asakusa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Tokyo0JPY
    Section 5SubwayYurakucho~Asakusa0JPY
    Total750JPY

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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meet at the hotel (Hoshi no Yado)
    • 9:55 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:09 − 10:50 Bus ride (from Shinkyo bus stop to Ritz-Carlton bus stop)
    • 11:00 Lake Chuzenji
    • 11:15 Kegon Falls
    • 12:10 − 12:40 Bus ride (from Chuzenji Onsen to Nishisando entrance)
    • 12:50 Lunch (Sanraku)
    • 14:00 Futarasan Shrine
    • 14:20 Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:30 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 16:30 Return to hotel, tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Overall, I believe they enjoyed the day very much. According to the original itinerary, we were supposed to visit Kanmangafuchi Abyss before lunch, but because of a thunderstorm, I chose a restaurant nearby where umbrellas could be purchased, so we had lunch first, and during lunch the guests obtained their own umbrella. In the afternoon, we visited the temples and shrines first, and then, after the rain stopped, we went to Kanmangafuchi Abyss. The walking path at Kanmangafuchi Abyss had puddles and was a little difficult to walk on, but the guests were delighted, as the scenery after the rain felt all the more mystical.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinkyo Bridge~The Ritz-Carlton1,200JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen~Nishisando entrance1,150JPY
    Total2,350JPY

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Hotel meeting (Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo)
    • ② 11:00 Arashiyama (Heiseiin Temple・Bamboo Grove)
    • ③ 11:45 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • ④ 13:00 Travel by Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad)
    • ⑤ 13:45 Lunch (near Kinkaku-ji Temple)
    • ⑥ 14:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑦ 15:30 Return to hotel briefly, then head straight to JR Kyoto Station (Activate the ticket for Hiroshima)
    • ⑧ 16:30 Disband at Gion

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was their first time in Japan and Kyoto, and they struggled with the hot and humid weather. When I asked why they had chosen this particular season, they explained that this was the only time they could travel because of a summer break. They were traveling to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and would fly home from Osaka. Originally I was supposed to take them to Gion, but they seemed very concerned about arranging their Shinkansen tickets to Hiroshima. When I offered to help them book the tickets instead of visiting Gion, one of the guests said please do, so we changed the plan on short notice. One of the guests loved Japanese manga, and I was amazed at how skilled they were at drawing anime illustrations. This private Kyoto tour 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. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best and is not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan~Nijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Uzumasa Koryuji250JPY
    Total670JPY

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Hotel – 13:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 14:30 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 15:00 Fukagawa Fudodo Temple – 16:00 Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit – 16:30 Disperse at Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit

    Solo Private Tour of Tokyo for a First-Time Visitor to Japan: A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private solo tour for a first-time visitor to Japan from Europe. Having heard from a friend how convenient it was, the guest already had the ICOCA app installed, which made getting around very smooth and was a great help. After visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we went to Fukagawa Fudodo Temple, which happened to be in the middle of its summer festival, though the guest did not seem particularly interested in the festival. The guest planned to travel to Osaka by Shinkansen the next day and had already reserved a ticket, but just to be safe, we tried to issue the ticket at the automatic ticket machine and the ticket counter at Tokyo Station. Unfortunately, since it was unclear which credit card had been used online, we were unsuccessful. The guest ended up purchasing the ticket again and remarked that it was good this happened now rather than on the morning of departure.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKayabacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Total534JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
    • 2. 9:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 3. 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 5. 12:15 Shibuya Crossing
    • 6. 13:00 Lunch at Asakusa Udon Sato Yosuke
    • 7. 13:45 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 8. 14:30 Disband at Asakusa Station

    Under the extreme summer heat, I tried to walk underground as much as possible while moving around. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we entered through the Hirakawa Gate and exited through the Otemon Gate to avoid retracing our steps within the gardens under the scorching heat. At Meiji Shrine, we could pay our respects in the shade of the trees, which is always helpful. Even so, we escaped the heat at an air-conditioned souvenir shop. After exploring the subculture on Takeshita Street, we passed briefly through Omotesando and ducked into the subway. As it was a Sunday, we could observe the lively crowds at the Shibuya crossing very well. After a short break aboard the Ginza Line train, the guests decided that cold udon would be better than hot ramen for lunch, so we waited in a short line but managed to get seats at a long-established udon restaurant. After enjoying Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, I gave directions on how to return to the Hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShiodome~Monzen-nakacho900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMonzen-nakacho~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya~Asakusa0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Taking a train from Hiroshima & Visiting the

    Hiroshima in One Day: Taking a train from Hiroshima & Visiting the

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting at their hotel
    • 11:15 Taking a train from Hiroshima station
    • 12:05 Arriving at Miyajima Island
    • 13:10 Visiting the Shrine
    • 13:20 Having lunch at the TORIIYA
    • 14:00 Visiting the Five-storied Pagoda, Senjyo-Kaku
    • 15:33 Arriving at Hiroshima station
    • 16:25 Visiting the Museum
    • 18:10 Visiting the monuments and the A-bomb Dome in the Park

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They mentioned that they would be working remotely in Japan at night, so they were able to travel around Japan for about a month. Because there had been an earthquake, they asked for my opinion about visiting the Oboke and Koboke gorges in Shikoku. After explaining the terrain and transportation options, I told them that it would probably be fine, but that if they felt strong anxiety, it would be better not to go. Some of the guests had been looking forward to visiting the peace memorial museum, while others were looking forward to visiting Miyajima, and they said, "We were glad we could hear thorough explanations of both." They seemed very pleased with the origami paper crane I gave them as a keepsake.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi840JPY
    Section 2BusHiroshima Station~Peace Park220JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    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…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet up @Nankai Namba
    • 2. 12:30 @Koyasan
    • 3. 13:00 @Danjo Garan
    • 4. 13:45 Lunch @Cafe near Danjo Garan
    • 5. 14:45 @Kongobuji Temple
    • 6. 15:45 Disband @Fukuchiin

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was scheduled to start at Koyasan at 13:00, but the guests wished to travel together from Osaka. With an additional guide fee, I accompanied the guests from Osaka. We were supposed to take the 10:00 limited express train, but due to a fatality accident that occurred at 8:15, the train schedule was significantly disrupted. I explained the situation to the guests step by step, and following the recommendation of the station staff that it would be best to take that train despite a delay of about 30 minutes, we did so. After that, the tour proceeded smoothly, and the guests were very delighted, saying what a wonderful place it was. Since the guests said they would rather stroll leisurely around the nearby area than rush from place to place, they decided to visit Okunoin on their own the following day, and I guided them around the Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temple. The guests were very happy to be able to actually hear the Koya Shiro bell. At the lunch spot, the guests did some star fortune-telling, and although I struggled to translate the content into English, I was glad they enjoyed it so much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Koya Police Station~Koyasan360JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at JR Nara Station 12:45 Horyu-ji Temple  14:45 JR Nara Station 15:00 Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple 16:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine  15:55 Tour ends at JR Nara Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Horyu-ji Temple and Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since Horyu-ji Temple is very spacious, simply walking around worked up quite a sweat. The guests really appreciated the air conditioning in the Treasure Museum. They seemed to know very little about Prince Shotoku. Perhaps due to the heat, the usual souvenir shops on the way to the Yumedono Hall were not open. The round-trip bus from JR Horyu-ji Station was nearly full, with about half of the passengers being foreign visitors. Since we arrived in Nara after 3:00 in the afternoon, many of the deer were resting in the shade. On Sunday, access to Kasuga Taisha Shrine was severely congested and took a long time. The road is narrow, and there is only one entrance to the parking area, so even the route buses had to line up behind ordinary vehicles, making it slow just to get in and out of the parking area. It would be helpful if the entrance and exit could be separated. After arriving at Nara Station and finishing the tour, the guests all headed off to dinner together. The photo was taken at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNara~Horyu-ji Temple230JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Horyu-ji Station~Horyu-ji Temple approach220JPY
    Section 3BusHoryu-ji Temple approach~In front of Horyu-ji Station220JPY
    Section 4TrainHoryu-ji Temple~Nara230JPY
    Section 5Free PassJR Nara Station~JR Nara Station600JPY
    Total1,500JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 14:30-16:30 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 17:00 17:30 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 18:00 Disband @ Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Shitenno-ji Temple The guests were a group visiting from Asia. Because their train from Kyoto was delayed, the tour started about 30 minutes later than planned. At Osaka Castle, although it was hot and humid, an occasional breeze made it pleasant. At Shitenno-ji Temple, the guests were able to take part in the Obon ceremony "Manto Kuyo Ho-yo," in which 10,000 candles are lit within the temple grounds where the five-story pagoda stands, and monks chant the Heart Sutra as they walk in procession. This ceremony has a long history dating back to the Heian period, but since it takes place after 5:00 p.m., it is usually difficult to join on a standard tour, so the timing this time was truly fortunate, and the guests were very moved. Meanwhile, some of the guests took a liking to "kakigori" (shaved ice), which became the only Japanese word they learned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba190JPY
    Total620JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet Osaka Port
    • 08:40 to 10:30 Osaka Castle
    • 10:45 to 11:30 Umeda Sky Building
    • 12:00 to 12:20 Shinsekai
    • 12:40 to 13:00 Kuromon Market
    • 13:00 to 13:30 Dotonbori
    • 14:00 Disband Osaka Port

    What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report Perhaps because the season had progressed a little, today did not have the intense heat of late July to early August. The guests had been staying in Japan since the previous week, arriving by cruise ship, and mentioned that today was comfortable. Since Osaka Castle is always crowded, I picked up the guests at 8:00 at Osaka Port and we arrived at Osaka Castle around 8:40, but there was already a long line at the ticket office, and we waited about 25 minutes to buy tickets. The guests did not seem to mind waiting, which I was glad about. They took photos of popular spots in Osaka and enjoyed sampling food while strolling through Kuromon Market, and I believe they had an enjoyable time in Osaka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Metro Osakako~Osaka Metro Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Osakajokoen~JR Osaka170JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsaka Metro Umeda~Osaka Metro Dobutsuen-mae290JPY
    Section 4SubwayOsaka Metro Ebisucho~Osaka Metro Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 5SubwayOsaka Metro Namba~Osaka Metro Osakako290JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
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