Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: @Shitennoji Temple & @Harukas

    Osaka in Half a Day: @Shitennoji Temple & @Harukas

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Hotel Nikko Osaka
    • 9:30-11:00 @Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:40-12:10@Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:30-12:45@Harukas
    • 13:15 Dismissal @Namba Yasaka Shrine

    The guests were visiting from North America. The guests shared that they had Japanese middle names, which created a warm sense of connection. It was also memorable how, before entering a temple, some of the guests thoughtfully put on a jacket to keep certain things covered. The following day they planned to visit USJ, and the day after that they intended to explore Nara on their own, with plans to return during the cherry blossom season.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji~Namba240JPY
    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!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Ritz-Carlton
    • 2. 09:30-10:30 Arashiyama walk; Bamboo Grove, Nison-in Temple
    • 3. 10:50-11:15 Visit Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 4. 11:20-11:50 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 11:55-12:30 Lunch @ Kura Sushi Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 5. 12:45 -13:15 Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 6. 13:40-14:10 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 7. 14:30 Disband @ Ritz-Carlton

    What Is a One-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests came to Japan for a trip, and the group traveled through Hakone before staying two days in Kyoto. Since it was the weekend, I suggested exploring the quieter area around Ginkaku-ji Temple, but as they had only one day for sightseeing in Kyoto, we ended up following a classic itinerary of the standard highlights. Fortunately, for a weekend the crowds were relatively light today, so it was not too congested. The guests moved at a quick pace, so we were able to comfortably visit five spots including lunch, and everyone was satisfied. For lunch, it was the group's first experience at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant like Kura Sushi, and they found it novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. It did not take much time and was a great choice. This restaurant (the Kinkaku-ji branch) was recommended by our driver.

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel 9:45 Miyagawa Morning Market 10:15 Kusakabe Folk Art Museum 10:45 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall), Sakurayama Nikkokan 12:15 Shimo-Ninomachi 13:00 Kami-Sanmachi 13:30 Disband

    What Is a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were calm, knowledgeable, and very kind and lovely people. The temperature in Takayama rose to 27 degrees, and they mentioned they had unintentionally worn long sleeves. I paid attention to our walking pace, but they said there was no problem. Their interests were very clear, which made it easy to guide them and offer suggestions. They had a deep understanding of Japanese culture and were especially familiar with crafts. Knowledge of things like kimono materials is essential. Lunch was not needed; a light snack was fine. The Nonbei Matsuri portions were a bit large, so a standard tasting was plenty. The guests had good stamina, so we finished nicely in four hours. Because of the excitement of an ultramarathon held early the next morning, we occasionally spotted people dressed as runners. Even for a Saturday, there were fewer inbound tourists than usual. Along the way, we passed a family from Europe. The streets were also less crowded than usual. Beautiful flowers were blooming everywhere and the greenery was lush, and the guests enjoyed the scenery. I was truly delighted when they said Takayama City is beautiful and that they love Japan. Thank you very much!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 11:00 Tokyo Skytree – 12:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple – 13:15 Nihonbashi/Lunch – 15:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 16:00 Otemachi/Dismissal

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Skytree, Nihonbashi, and the Imperial Palace The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. We started at Tokyo Skytree, for which they had purchased tickets in advance to avoid the crowds. On the glass floor where you can look straight down to the ground, the guests hesitated out of fear, but when I took their hands and encouraged them, they got through it without any trouble. As they wanted to buy a kitchen knife, I took them to a long-established cutlery shop in Nihonbashi, where they purchased one. They watched intently as the finishing knife was sharpened on a whetstone. I explained the transformation from Edo to Tokyo while showing them the Imperial Palace and the surrounding Otemachi and Marunouchi districts. I believe they thoroughly enjoyed Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosumibashi~Kanie 2-chome210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySumiyoshi~Oshiage178JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Skytree~Asakusa157JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Mitsukoshimae178JPY
    Section 5SubwayNihonbashi~Otemachi178JPY
    Total901JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at hotel (Hotel Musse Kyoto)
    • ② 10:30 Stroll around Pontocho ~ Gion
    • ③ 12:00 Yasui Konpira Shrine
    • ④ 12:20 Yasaka Pagoda
    • ⑤ 12:50  Lunch (Sannenzaka)
    • ⑥ 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ⑦ 16:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑦ 16:45 Disband at Kinkaku-ji Temple

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At their request, this private tour focused mainly on strolling through areas such as Gion and Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. In Gion, the guests were interviewed in English by junior high school students on a school trip, and they enjoyed exchanging small gifts, which I believe made for a wonderful memory. I also took many photos for them. I explained various topics, including the history of Kyoto, what Gion actually is, and the roles of Buddhism and Shinto. In response, the guests shared perspectives comparing these with values and issues in their own society, so I found it a great learning experience as well. There were no reimbursed transportation expenses.

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 2. 10:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple (including Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka)
    • 3. 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch @ Arashiyama Udon
    • 5. 14:00 Bamboo Grove (including Nonomiya Shrine)
    • 6. 14:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 7. 15:45 Disband @ Hotel

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Taxi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from Oceania. We met at the Hotel on time, confirmed the destinations we had discussed in advance, and began sightseeing in Kyoto. All transportation was by arranged taxi, which made everything very smooth. The itinerary started with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. It was unfortunate that, for one of the guests who had trouble with their knees, places involving uphill walks such as Kiyomizu-dera, the Senbon Torii path at Fushimi Inari, and Kinkaku-ji had to be visited while that person waited outside rather than joining. However, at the Bamboo Grove, the guests enjoyed the scenery with smiles. Today was a hot day, warm enough to break a sweat all day long, and the guests were tired by the time we reached Kinkaku-ji, so we decided to head straight back to the Hotel from Kinkaku-ji.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @Hotel Kyoto
    • 2.10:50 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3.12:15 @Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4..13:15 Lunch @Teppanyaki Banryu (Gion)
    • 5.14:50 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 6.15:05 @Maruyama Park
    • 7: 16:20 Dismissal @Hotel Kyoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Yasaka Shrine At the time of booking, the request was for two guests, but three guests arrived. They were young visitors from North America. I had assumed they wanted to go to Nara, but it turned out they had gone there the previous day. As a result, we followed the itinerary described above. Near Kiyomizu-dera, we entered a tonkatsu restaurant for lunch, but the wait was long, so we left, which I felt bad about for the guests. After that, we could not find any restaurant nearby serving what they wanted to eat. It was past 1:00 p.m. when we finally found and entered a teppanyaki restaurant in Gion. Afterwards, I guided them through Gion Shirakawa and Yasaka Shrine. On the shrine grounds, we found a stall selling "10-yen bread," and all of the guests happily bought and enjoyed it. At Maruyama Park, they also enjoyed treats such as soft-serve ice cream, so I think it went well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi~Gion230JPY
    Section 5BusChion-in-mae~Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total990JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kamakura Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kamakura Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel-10:00 Hokoku-ji Temple-10:45 Meigetsu-in Temple-11:30 Jochi-ji Temple-12:00 Lunch-13:15 Great Buddha of Kamakura-13:45 Komachi Street-15:00 Hotel/Disband

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On the final day of the trip in Japan, this was my second time guiding the group, following an earlier tour in Nikko. We started at Hokokuji Temple, located just as you enter Kamakura, where the guests enjoyed the quiet while listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo grove and the songs of birds, and savoring matcha green tea. At Meigetsuin Temple, known as the hydrangea temple, the guests fully enjoyed the blooming hydrangeas and irises along with many other visitors. They were greatly impressed by a wagyu beef sukiyaki lunch, which they had never had before, and it seemed to be a wonderful way to conclude their long journey.

    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 in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Omotesando ~ Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Omotesando ~ Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:55 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 12:15 Tokyo Tower
    • 14:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 16:45 Omotesando ~ Takeshita Street
    • 17:30 Kabukicho (Godzilla Head) ~ Golden Gai
    • 18:15 Disband @ Shinjuku Ward Office Street
    • 15

    What Is a Private Tokyo Museum and City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were people who had worked in the same industry as I had, and we had plenty to talk about. At the Tokyo National Museum, the guests enthusiastically viewed the exhibits while checking the dates against a historical timeline I had prepared. It was especially well received by one of the guests who had a background in art. The guests had lived in several major cities around the world, but said they were "overwhelmed" by the sheer size of Tokyo. By the time we reached Shinjuku, one of the guests was tired, so we canceled the izakaya reservation I had made and they returned to the hotel by taxi. Their stay in Tokyo was two days. The previous day they had toured Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya (they said they skipped Tsukiji) with a guide from another company, so we had agreed on the above itinerary in advance. A suggestion to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/): When a two-day tour is booked separately with different companies (guides) like this, it becomes very inefficient, with a lot of back-and-forth across Tokyo. Therefore, how about promoting a course called "Tokyo 2 days (10hr or 12hr) with the same guide"? With two days, you could plan an itinerary such as the east side on the first day and the west side on the second day, which I believe would increase guest satisfaction. It would also help the guide, since there would be no need to check whether the previous day's guide had explained certain things.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKamiyacho~Ueno209JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Omotesando209JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
    Total564JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. ​5:00 Meet @ Toyosu Market-mae Intersection
    • 2. 5:05 @ Toyosu Market (Tuna Auction Viewing and more)
    • 3. 7:20 @ Tsukiji Starbucks (Morning Coffee)
    • 4. 7:30 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 8:00 Dismissal @ Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is an Early-Morning Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At 5:00 in the early morning, the group met at the intersection in front of Toyosu Market to visit the market. We headed straight to the wholesale building and first secured a window with a good view of the frozen tuna auction area. Since there were still 20 minutes before it began, I divided the guests into pairs and had them take turns going back and forth to the window where the fresh tuna could be seen. Until 5:30, I explained the tuna auction methods and the reasons for the relocation from Tsukiji while we waited for the main event. The guests had arrived in Japan the previous night and were feeling jet-lagged and tired, so after about 20 minutes of viewing they wished to move on to the next place. After visiting the intermediate wholesalers' building and the produce building, we moved to the Tsukiji Outer Market. On the way there, we took a break and had a morning coffee at a coffee shop. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we were lucky enough to see a fresh tuna being cut up at a seafood shop. During our stroll, they bought some beans as souvenirs and enjoyed wagyu skewers, but perhaps due to fatigue and sleepiness from waking at 2:00, their spirits seemed a bit low. I also recommended a sushi breakfast, but they said "no thanks" and wished to return to the hotel quickly by taxi. We flagged down a passing taxi and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae (Yurikamome)~Toyosu (Yurikamome)189JPY
    Section 2SubwayToyosu (Metro)~Shintomicho (Metro)178JPY
    Total367JPY

    Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
    My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
    I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
    I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
    I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
    heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
    and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
    Thank you very much.

    Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
    Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
    Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
    Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
    Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
    Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
    Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
    Terima kasih banyak.

    Jul 10, 2026
    ecthomps17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Tokyo exceeded every expectation. From the energy of the city and…

    Jul 7, 2026
    luisacQ7698XW
    Fabulous and unique experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    The Toyosu tuna…

    Jun 28, 2026
    Roam652182
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Go on this tour!
    My family including…

    Jun 21, 2026
    maf2106
    Amazing Guide, Incredible Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    If you’re considering…