Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa: Kami-Gora & Hakone-Yumoto

    Kanagawa: Kami-Gora & Hakone-Yumoto

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Hakone
    • 9:14 – 9:17 Kami-Gora→Sounzan　（Transport: Hakone Cable Car）
    • 9:20 – 9:40 Stay at Sounzan CU-MO　（Mailing postcards, etc.）
    • 9:40 – 9:55 Sounzan→Owakudani　（Transport: Hakone Ropeway）
    • 10:00 – 10:40 Explore Owakudani　（Photography, black eggs, etc.）
    • 10:40 – 11:05 Owakudani→Togendai　（Transport: Hakone Ropeway）
    • 11:25 – 11:50 Togendai→Hakonemachi Port　（Transport: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship)）
    • 12:00 – 12:40 Lunch @Cafe Komon
    • 12:45 – 12:48 Hakonemachi Port→Motohakone Port　（Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus）
    • 12:55 – 13:00 Motohakone Port→Hakone Shrine　（Transport: On foot）
    • 13:00 – 14:10 @Hakone Shrine
    • 14:15 – 14:35 Hakone Shrine→Motohakone Port　（Transport: On foot）
    • 15:05 – 15:10 Motohakone Port→Amazake Chaya　（Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus）
    • 15:10 – 15:40 @Amazake Chaya
    • 15:40 – 16:21 Amazake Chaya→Hakone-Yumoto　（Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus）
    • 16:38 – 17:19 Hakone-Yumoto→Gora　（Transport: Hakone Tozan Railway）

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The younger members of the group were wonderfully energetic and cheerful, the kind of bright presence that naturally brings a smile, and everyone in the group shared that they were enjoying their trip in Japan. At lunch we split into two tables, and it was nice that we were able to share some personal conversations with each other, including everyday topics about life. During the tour I took many photos, and when I sent them through a messaging app, I also shared information about shops in Kyoto, their next destination. From the replies I could feel their gratitude and how much they had enjoyed the day, and I was very glad to have been such a good companion on their journey.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKami-Gora～Sounzan90JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan～Owakudani1,500JPY
    Section 3FerryTogendai～Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Section 4BusHakonemachi Port～Motohakone Port200JPY
    Section 5BusMotohakone Port～Amazake Chaya320JPY
    Section 6BusAmazake Chaya～Hakone-Yumoto710JPY
    Section 7TrainHakone-Yumoto～Gora460JPY
    Total4,480JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:20　Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:10　Tokyo National Museum
    • 11:40　Ameyoko
    • 12:30　Lunch @ Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya
    • 13:20　Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 15:20　Takeshita Street
    • 16:10　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 16:30　Disband @ Shibuya

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to join a cruise tour departing from Yokohama. Based on the guests' request, we visited the Tokyo National Museum. Some of the guests were very interested in Japanese culture and commented, "It was wonderful to be able to learn about Japanese history and culture." At Ameyoko and Takeshita Street, the guests showed interest in shops selling Japanese goods and clothing. At Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, they listened attentively to explanations about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. Since the guests wanted to shop on their own in Shibuya before returning to their hotel, we parted ways in Shibuya. I responded exactly as the guests wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Ueno170JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa600JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    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

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    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…

  • Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Kawaguchiko Station – 11:30 Mt. Fuji 5th Station – 13:40 Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center – 15:10 Ide Brewery – 16:20 Dismissal at Ide Brewery

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour to Mount Fuji's 5th Station Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The trip to Japan was realized at the wish of one of the guests, who arranged most of the tour itinerary. After the tour, a report was to be submitted to a school and considered for a national-level award, so the tour also involved supporting the collection of materials at the places visited. Things went smoothly up to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji and the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, but when it was time to head to the bus stop, we were caught in a sudden evening downpour, and the bus apparently passed by ahead of schedule. I negotiated with the bus company to arrange a company vehicle so the tour could continue. However, the bus fare for that portion was still paid.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaguchiko Station～Mt. Fuji 5th Station2,800JPY
    Section 2BusMt. Fuji World Heritage Center～Kawaguchiko Station180JPY
    Total2,980JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

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    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: Sensoji Temple & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ Asakusa Station Exit A1 (Meeting moved to 8:20 due to guest's delay)
    • 8:25 – 9:00 @ Sensoji Temple (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Hozomon Gate, Sensoji Temple)
    • 9:27 – 10:09 Asakusa → Shibamata (Transfer: Asakusa → Keisei Takasago (Toei Asakusa Line) → Shibamata (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • 10:10 – 11:00 @ Taishakuten approach and Taishakuten Temple visit
    • 11:10 – 11:45 @ Yamamoto-tei
    • 11:55 – 12:27 Shibamata → Higashi-Ginza (Transfer: Keisei Kanamachi Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
    • 12:33 – 12:35 Higashi-Ginza → Tsukiji (Transfer: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:45 – 14:20 @ Tsukiji Market (Tour and lunch)
    • 14:34 – 14:43 Tsukiji → Tokyo (Transfer: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ Tokyo Station Shinkansen platform

    Can You Do a Private Group Tour of Tokyo and Shibamata? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. At the guests' request, the tour started not with a hotel pickup but with a meeting point in Asakusa. Because the group was large, taking photos at each spot tended to require extra time, so this is a point to keep in mind. The guests seemed to find the omikuji (fortune-telling paper) experience at Sensoji Temple enjoyable, and everyone took part in drawing one. After Sensoji, from the candidates I had proposed — Meiji Shrine and Taishakuten — the guests chose Taishakuten, so we visited Taishakuten. One of the guests who had drawn a "bad luck" fortune at Sensoji tried again with the "lion dance omikuji" at Taishakuten, and drew the very best fortune, which delighted everyone. After visiting Yamamoto-tei, we moved on to Tsukiji. Since they had mentioned wanting to eat sushi during our earlier conversations, we went into a sushi restaurant, but they felt there was nothing there for them to eat, so they only had drinks and then had lunch at the food court "Uogashi Shokudo." The sushi menu was a bit disappointing, but overall I think they were pleased, which I was glad about. Point for reflection: When tourists say "I like sushi" or "I eat sushi," do not take it at face value; show them the specific menu (photos and prices) in advance to confirm. A conveyor-belt-style sushi place might actually be better, as it tends to offer a wider variety of menu options. Request: Just before the tour, there was a request to change the number of guests from 10 to 11, and although I replied by email with a CC to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) asking them to confirm, the page for this booking still lists 10 guests. Does this change in the number of guests have no effect on the pricing?

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa～Keisei Takasago Station380JPY
    Section 2TrainKeisei Takasago Station～Shibamata Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata～Keisei Takasago150JPY
    Section 4TrainKeisei Takasago Station～Higashi-Ginza420JPY
    Section 5TrainHigashi-Ginza～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 6TrainTsukiji～Tokyo180JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Skytree & JUMP SHOP inside Tokyo Solamachi

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Skytree & JUMP SHOP inside Tokyo Solamachi

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Hilton Tokyo lobby
    • 8:20 Take commemorative photos in various poses with robot concierge "ARISA" at Oedo Line Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station
    • 9:10 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:50 Tokyo Skytree
    • 11:40 Animal Playground "Lovely Animore" inside Tokyo Solamachi
    • 12:10 "JUMP SHOP" inside Tokyo Solamachi
    • 13:10 Lunch at "Curry House CoCo Ichibanya JR Akihabara Showa-dori Exit Store"
    • 14:15 Disband in front of "Akihabara Radio Kaikan"

    Title: What's a Family-Friendly Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. From the next day they were scheduled to board a cruise visiting Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Busan, then return to Tokyo for a few more days before heading home. After the booking was confirmed, I exchanged several emails with the guests to plan an itinerary in advance that would keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the day. The guests seemed to greatly enjoy some experiences that were not part of the original plan, such as a commemorative photo with the robot concierge "ARISA" and interacting with animals at the animal playground "Lovely Animore" inside Tokyo Solamachi (the animal shown at the top of the left photo attached is a sloth!). Since I had learned through our earlier email exchanges that everyone in the group loved chicken katsu curry, we had lunch at a curry restaurant that offers an extensive English-language menu with customizable ordering. Finally, I introduced them to a popular anime shop in Akihabara, and we parted ways at the Radio Kaikan building. This private Tokyo 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 and a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station～Toei Oedo Line Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station～JR Chuo Line Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainTobu Skytree Line Asakusa Station～Tobu Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station160JPY
    Section 5TrainToei Asakusa Line Oshiage Station (Skytree-mae)～Toei Asakusa Line Ningyocho Station220JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ningyocho Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station180JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:15 Meet up @Zentis Osaka
    • 2. 13:00 @Umeda Sky Building
    • 3. 14:30 @Osaka Castle
    • 4. 15:30 @Dotonbori
    • 5. 16:10 Disband @Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and Dotonbori The guests were from North America and enjoyed talking a great deal, so I was spoken to almost constantly, and their English sometimes had a flavor of another language, which required a good deal of concentration. From the beginning, they had requested to see Osaka Castle only from the outside and to visit the Umeda Sky Building, which made planning the tour route straightforward. The guests loved taking photos, so they took a great many pictures at the Umeda Sky Building. Shortly after we arrived at Osaka Castle, we began to hear thunder, so we quickly took our photos and headed to Dotonbori. Fortunately, we did not encounter any rain during the tour, and we were able to part ways safely at Dotonbori. Since I had heard it was a special day of celebration for one of the guests, I presented a Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake, and they were delighted, saying, "This is exactly what I wanted to eat!"

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet up @ The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:20 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 10:30 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:55 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 6. 12:05 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:20 Stay @ Akihabara
    • 8. 12:35 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from South America. I had felt that the location of the hotel might be far from each of the spots, but I realized that the Imperial Palace was actually quite close, since it could be reached with a single ride on the Mita Line. As it seemed we had time to spare, and since one of the guests turned out to enjoy photography, at the East Gardens I guided them not only around the Ninomaru Garden but also toward the Honmaru area. Because the guests did not do much shopping along the way, we also had time left over in Asakusa, and since one of the guests was interested in the electronics district of Akihabara, after strolling through Asakusa I took them to Akihabara, explained how to get back to the hotel by subway, and then we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibakoen Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Suehirocho Station180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • 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

    • 1.9:40 Meet at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo
    • 2.10:20 @Nijo Castle
    • 3.11:30 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4.13:15 Lunch @Nijo Station Bivi Takabashi Ramen
    • 5.14:35 @Togetsukyo Bridge (Arashiyama)
    • 6.14:40 @Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 7.15:15 @Bamboo Grove Path
    • 8.15:55 Disband @Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Arashiyama The guests came from Oceania. We toured according to the itinerary I had proposed. I apologized for an oversight: the interior of Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays, so instead the guests visited the Ninomaru Garden and the Honmaru Garden. As the high temperature in Kyoto reached 36 degrees, I gave the guests disposable "cooling towels" once at Nijo Castle and once at Arashiyama, which they were delighted to receive. For lunch, we ate at a ramen shop near Nijo Station. From the group, one ordered beer, gyoza, shrimp tempura, and a small rice, while another ordered only beer and gyoza, though after a while an additional small fried rice was ordered. After lunch we went to Arashiyama, and just as we finished seeing the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the bamboo grove, it began to rain. We took shelter under the gate of Tenryu-ji for a while, and once the rain eased, we returned to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. Although the guests remarked that it was hot and that they were sweating a lot, they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 3BusNishioji Oike～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishinokyo Enmachi230JPY
    Section 5TrainEnmachi～Nijo150JPY
    Section 6TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 7TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    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.

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    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Harima Kokubu Soja Shrine
    • 11:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 13:30 Disband @ Egret Himeji

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were the same group as the previous day's four-hour Osaka tour. One member of the group, who had been unable to join the day before due to feeling unwell, participated today. However, because of the very high temperatures again today, the visit was limited to Harima Kokusousha Shrine as the first stop and Egret Himeji, which was visited on the way back. During the Himeji Castle visit, one of the guests waited on a bench at a souvenir shop, and during the Kokoen Garden visit, waited at a rest area near the castle. At Harima Kokusousha Shrine, all of the guests offered prayers, and one of the group purchased an ema votive tablet. Some of the guests explored Himeji Castle with great enthusiasm, but at Kokoen Garden the visit was rushed out of concern for another member of the group. After this tour today, the guests planned to continue sightseeing in Hiroshima, followed by a tour of Kyoto. I explained that Hiroshima was expected to be very crowded today with the ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing, and that Kyoto is a particularly hot area even within the Kansai region, so ample care would be needed. Still, I think it will be a rather demanding schedule for the group.

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

    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
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    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Park & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Park & Miyajima

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

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel
    • 9:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 12:00 Miyajima
    • 15:30 Miyajima Ropeway

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Early in the morning, on the way to their hotel, I looked around at the surroundings. Seventy-nine years ago, the people who lived here must have been eating breakfast or getting ready for school or work at a quarter to eight. Even in the middle of a war, the people of Japan could surely never have imagined something like an atomic bomb. As someone who knows the reality of the atomic bombing, if I were to travel back in time to this very hour seventy-nine years ago, the mere thought sends chills down my spine. After the Peace Memorial Ceremony had ended, I guided the group through the Peace Memorial Park, where preparations for cleanup were underway. More than any words could ever convey, the relics and photographs in the museum are overwhelming. I once again recognized the significance of the Peace Memorial Park and the museum being located in Hiroshima. It made me feel that traveling may carry a deep meaning that is essential to living. On Miyajima, since the guests had informed me in advance that they would climb Mount Misen on their own after the tour ended, I guided them to the ropeway station and said goodbye there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMatobacho～In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Section 2BusHiroshima Peace Park～Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

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    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…