Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 09:40 Nijo Castle
    • 3. 12:00 Arashiyama　Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 4. 12:15 Lunch　Sushi Naritaya (Arashiyama Nagatsuji-dori)
    • 5. 13:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ＋ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 6. 13:00 Arashiyama Ogura Pond (Lotus Pond ＋ Mikami Shrine)
    • 7. 14:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 8. 15:35　Dismissal　Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop

    Title: Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, both of whom are fond of Japanese history and culture, and this was their first visit to Japan. After the originally planned visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (and Nonomiya Shrine), we made a detour to Ogura Pond (and Mikami Pond), where the lotus flowers were in bloom. Since this stop was unexpected, they enjoyed the lotus flowers in full bloom all the more. Learning that the guests planned to visit Nara the next day, I advised them to stop by Fushimi Inari (which is open 24 hours) on their way back from Nara by JR, and they were delighted. Midway through the day, they decided to change their afternoon plan from visiting Nishiki Market and Gion to visiting Kinkaku-ji instead. They were extremely pleased not only with the Golden Pavilion itself but also with the borrowed-scenery garden in the background. Due to time constraints, we exchanged smiles and a handshake and said our goodbyes on the street at the Kawaramachi bus stop near the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShijo Kawaramachi～Nijojo-mae1,100JPY
    Section 2Free PassNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassUzumasa Tenjingawa～Arashiyama0JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama～Kitano Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 5Free PassKitano Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi0JPY
    Section 6Free PassKinkakuji-michi～Shijo Kawaramachi0JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had exceptional…

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 12:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 13:15 @ Namba Den Den Town
    • 14:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 14:30 @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru Department Store (Pokemon Cafe)
    • 15:30 Disband @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru Department Store

    What's a Private Family Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Den Den Town, and Pokémon Cafe The guests were a group visiting Osaka. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the group looked around with great interest. They picked up the "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles, which are popular at this well-known power spot, and also purchased amulet pouches. At Den Den Town in Namba, which some of the guests had been looking forward to, they were unable to find the items they were hoping for. However, at the Pokémon Cafe inside the Daimaru Department Store in Shinsaibashi, which had also been specifically requested, some of the guests explored very enthusiastically and purchased many goods. (One of the guests bought so much that they were asked to return some of it.) As originally planned, we parted ways at the Pokémon Cafe. Afterward, the guests planned to have dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant that I had introduced during the day's tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine～Namba240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Shinsekai
    • 9:30 Osaka castle
    • 11:30 Kuromon　market
    • 12:00　Dotonbori
    • 13:00　hotel

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori Today I guided a group visiting from North America. One of the guests climbed all the way to the top of the castle keep. At Miraiza, located next to Osaka Castle, the guests enjoyed throwing shuriken. After that, we visited Kuromon Market, Hozenji Temple, and Dotonbori before returning to the Hotel. The tour went smoothly and was enjoyable without any problems. Since it has been extremely hot lately, today I handed out cooling gel sheets to everyone. Many suits of armor were on display inside Osaka Castle today, and the guests found them very interesting.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisucho～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 3TrainNamba～Dobutsuen-mae190JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:25 Meet up @Hotel Kyoto
    • 2.8:30 @Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 3.9:05 @Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 4.9:40 @Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 5.10:30 @Saiho-ji Temple
    • 6.11:45 Lunch @Washoku Now Joy Nishioji Sanjo Branch
    • 7.13:05 @Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 8.14:10 Disband @Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour Visiting Less-Crowded Sights Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private tour in Kyoto for guests visiting from North America. Their request was to depart from their hotel in Arashiyama and visit sightseeing spots where relatively few tourists gather. For this reason, as soon as I was assigned as the guide, I recommended booking Saihoji Temple, a quiet spot in Arashiyama. The guests immediately made a reservation online for the 10:30 admission and let me know. For the other locations, I consulted with the driver and decided together. The guests requested that the tour end with a drop-off at the Hotel in Higashiyama. Therefore, I placed Nanzenji Temple, which has a beautiful garden and relatively few tourists, at the end of the itinerary. The driver kindly provided frozen towels as cold hand towels twice, which the guests were delighted with. The lunch spot was also recommended by the driver, and I made the reservation while the guests were inside Saihoji Temple. As I have mentioned before, at Saihoji Temple even a guide must pay a "worship offering" of 4,000 yen or more. So this time, I guided them to the temple gate and had the guests enter on their own. Before they went in, I explained that they would first quietly copy sutras, then view the garden, and that I would be waiting outside the gate after about 45 minutes had passed, and then they entered Saihoji Temple. The guests were pleased that both the lunch and the itinerary went exactly as they had wished. [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: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Shoko

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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Hyatt Place Kyoto
    • 0900 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1015 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 1120 Kodai-ji Temple
    • 1145 Nishiki Market Lunch
    • 1300 Bamboo Grove
    • 1340 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 1435 Disband at Kyoto Station Ticket Office

    What Is a Private Sedan Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private tour for guests from North America. The sedan Crown was very comfortable. However, it was an extremely hot day, apparently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, and one of the guests seemed a little worn out. The other guest was quite energetic and appeared to be enjoying the tour. They had recently watched the drama "Shogun," so they were interested in stories about samurai and shoguns. At the end of the tour, I helped with reserving Shinkansen tickets for the following days at Kyoto Station, and we parted ways there.

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

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

    Request Booking

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at hotel　7:35 Fushimi Inari　　9:00 Yasaka Pagoda　9:20 Kiyomizu-dera　10:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka　10:30 Yasaka Shrine　10:45 Gion　11:10 Lunch at Issen Yoshoku
    • 12:00 Nijo Castle　13:10 Tour ends at Nijojo-mae, guests take a taxi to the hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle The guests visited Japan from North America. They were a very friendly and cheerful group. They asked many questions, but what left the strongest impression was that at the end of sightseeing at each destination, they would express their gratitude by saying, "Thank you for bringing us here." As a guide, that was truly appreciated. Since we started at 7:00, Fushimi Inari had few visitors, and we were able to take plenty of photos. The approach to Kiyomizu-dera was also uncrowded and easy to climb. It really does pay to get up early. For lunch, we went to a restaurant serving issen yoshoku. It had been a while since I had been inside that establishment, and I felt a strange mix of nostalgia and the sense that things had changed. At Nijo Castle, the restoration of the main keep has been completed, but visiting the interior requires an advance reservation. After leaving Nijo Castle, the guests asked to return to their hotel by taxi, and the tour came to an end. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Shichijo～Tofukuji230JPY
    Section 2TrainTofukuji～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 5TrainGion-Shijo～Sanjo Keihan170JPY
    Section 6SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nanzen-ji Suirokaku Aqueduct

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nanzen-ji Suirokaku Aqueduct

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet @ Kyoto Station Central Gate
    • 9:00-9:50 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:25-11:30 @ Gion
    • 12:25-13:20 @ Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:00-14:30 @ Nanzen-ji Suirokaku Aqueduct
    • 14:40 Disband @ Subway Tozai Line Higashiyama Station

    Title: Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Nanzen-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of the guests had been studying Japanese back home, and spoke Japanese when shopping and on similar occasions. The guests had contacted me in advance to say they would arrive at Kyoto Station a little late, so our meeting time ended up being 10 minutes behind schedule. Although the temperature was high, Fushimi Inari was relatively uncrowded and easy to walk around. While waiting for the train at Keihan Fushimi Inari Station, I was able to explain things such as the difference between maiko and geiko, which helped save time. After arriving in Gion, as a measure against the heat, I recommended buying frozen bottled drinks, and the guests purchased them at a convenience store. We used a city bus from Gion to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It took some time, but the guests said it made for a nice cooling-down break. Since there is almost no shade within the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds either, I suggested buying ice cream and similar items before walking around. Because the guests were staying at Ogoto Onsen on the shores of Lake Biwa, they were very moved when I told them that the water flowing through the Nanzen-ji aqueduct comes from Lake Biwa. When I explained the history behind the construction of the Lake Biwa Canal and what the water is used for, they listened with great interest. At the guests' request, we parted ways at Higashiyama Station on the subway Tozai Line.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari Station～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 3BusShijo Keihan～Karasuma Imadegawa230JPY
    Section 4SubwayImadegawa Station～Keage Station260JPY
    Total860JPY

    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…

  • Tochigi in One Day: British Embassy Villa Memorial & Toshogu Shrine

    Tochigi in One Day: British Embassy Villa Memorial & Toshogu Shrine

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:00 British Embassy Villa Memorial Park
    • 9:40 Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park
    • 10:10 − 10:25 Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Boat
    • 10:50 – 11:15 Route Bus
    • 11:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 12:00 − 12:10 Route Bus (Nikko Green Slow Mobility)
    • 12:10 Lunch (at Sanraku near the Nishisando entrance)
    • 13:25 Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:37 – 15:15 Route Bus
    • 15:20 Arrive at the hotel, tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they wished to start the tour early, we first walked from the Hotel along the quiet lakeside, taking in views of the lake and the mountains of Oku-Nikko, and I guided them to the Embassy Villas Memorial Park area. From there we took a sightseeing boat to Funa-no-Eki Chuzenji. After that we descended into the town of Nikko, visited Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and then entered the shrine and temple area. The rows of Jizo statues at Kanmangafuchi, wearing their red caps and bibs, are popular with international travelers, and the guests found them very appealing as well. Finally, at Toshogu Shrine, they were greatly amazed by its magnificence and by the fact that this complex of buildings was completed within about a year and a half, saying they were glad they had come to Nikko. They appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEmbassy Villa Memorial Park～Chuzenji Boat Station600JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen～Kanaya History Museum1,150JPY
    Section 3BusKanmangafuchi Abyss～Nishisando Entrance200JPY
    Section 4TrainShinkyo Bridge～The Ritz-Carlton1,200JPY
    Total3,150JPY

    Tour Report by Hit

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 10:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:40 Lunch @ Kassuiken
    • 5. 13:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 6. 15:20 @ Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple (Maniden, Daikodo, Jogyodo, Jikido)
    • 7. 17:40 Dismissal @ In front of Himeji Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. We met at Himeji Station and visited Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha. It was another hot day, but everyone stayed energetic while making sure to stay hydrated. The guests had apparently also visited Matsumoto Castle and Hiroshima Castle, but they were truly impressed by the grandeur of Himeji Castle. They had also visited the lively bamboo grove in Kyoto, so they were surprised by the quiet atmosphere of Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha. Because of the heat, it was a relatively calm tour overall, but the guests were very pleased. This private 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.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Kokoen-mae] Station～[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station310JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyoji Microbus Round Trip (from Shinojo Ropeway Summit Station～Manidenshita)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station～[Shinki Bus Himeji Station-mae] Station310JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:40 Meet at the 3rd floor entrance of Kobe Port Terminal, 10 minutes late
    • 2. 12:50 Port Liner → City Loop Bus – Sightseeing of the foreign residences area from the bus window
    • 3. 13:40 Nunobiki Herb Garden – Herb Garden & Ropeway
    • 4. 15:10 Move by Kobe Subway → Hanshin Train
    • 5. 15:35 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 6. 16:40 Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station → JR Sannomiya Station
    • 7. 17:05 JR Sannomiya Station → Disband in front of Kobe Steak Land Kobe

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kobe Beef We met about 10 minutes after the scheduled time of 12:30 near the entrance on the 3rd floor of the Port Terminal building. The designated meeting point had been the Hotel, but the guests apparently thought it meant the cruise ship port terminal, so we decided to meet at the entrance on the 3rd floor of the Port Terminal. We took the Port Liner to Sannomiya, then boarded the City Loop bus and viewed the foreign residences area from the bus window on the way to Nunobiki Herb Garden. As it was Saturday, the ropeway was crowded, and although I asked to ride three at a time since some were larger, we were packed in six to a car. Still, the guests seemed to enjoy seeing the Nunobiki Falls and taking photos and videos. They explored the garden and shops at the summit, enjoyed each of the herb gardens along the path down to the middle station, and had fun taking photos, including with some people dressed in fairy cosplay. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the guests said they rarely drink sake normally, and I think they looked at the sake-brewing exhibits with great interest. During the tasting, they said it was easier to drink than expected and even tried the paid tastings, seeming to enjoy it very much. After the tour, since I had heard in advance that they wanted Kobe beef for dinner, I had them confirm the Port Liner ticket gate and guided them to Kobe Steak Land Kobe near Hankyu Sannomiya Station before parting ways. Later I received an email saying the meal at the restaurant was excellent.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya～Port Terminal210JPY
    Section 2BusKobe City Loop Bus, Sannomiya Center Gai East Exit～Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden/Ropeway260JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe Municipal Subway Shin-Kobe Station～Sannomiya Station210JPY
    Section 4TrainHanshin Train Kobe-Sannomiya Station～Sumiyoshi Station400JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiromi Mizoi, call me Hiro. I mainly have Himeji tours because I live in Himeji. I got my National Guide Certificate in 2017. I started to guide tourists as a volunteer guide in 2004. I had been a volunteer guide for a long time. However, I could not have any tours from April in 2020 to November in 2022 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now, many tourists have come back to Japan. So, I am very excited. I would like to share not only the beauty of Himeji Castle’s Main Tower Complex but also the tricky defense systems of the entire Castle Grounds, which many visitors do not realize, with you. I was born and grew up very close to the west side of the moats of the Castle. So, I love Himeji Castle. I like other tourists’ favorite sightseeing spots such as Kokoen Garden and Engyoji Temple in Mt. Shosya. As one of Himeji locals, I am greatly happy to share the local people’s favorite spots with you. I look forward to your tours.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Ash N
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Guided tour recommended for maximum enjoyment at Himeji Castle.
    Wonderful, informative…

    May 25, 2026
    IrinaVadim
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Himeji Castle and Kokoen park
    Hiromi Misoi is a very knowledgeable and…

    Mar 28, 2025
    esperanzarZ60BH
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a great time. Hiro was fantastic. She provided so…

    Feb 16, 2025
    hayleigho412
    Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent day with our guide, Hiromi Mizoi…