Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel – 11:30 Otemachi – 12:15 Lunch – 13:30 Meiji Shrine – 14:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing/Department Store – 17:40 Hibiya/Disband

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Covering the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private full-day Tokyo tour for guests visiting Japan for the first time from North America. On the morning of the tour, the guests had already walked for about two hours around Hibiya Park and the area near the Imperial Palace, and it was clear they enjoyed being active. Before setting off, I explained the history of the Emperor and the samurai, and we began the tour at the Otemon Gate. At lunchtime the guests requested ramen, so I took them to a well-known tsukemen restaurant, which they enjoyed so much that they said they would like to bring family members next time. While strolling through the forest of Meiji Shrine, I explained the Japanese view of religion, touching on both Shinto and Buddhism. Along the way, the guests were amazed by the large variety of drinks available in the vending machines, and in Shibuya they enjoyed shopping at a department store.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2TrainOchanomizu~Yoyogi178JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Hibiya178JPY
    Total680JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:40 Meet up @ The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:30 Visit @ Ginza
    • 4. 10:20 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:45 Visit @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 11:40 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 11:55 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 12:10 Lunch @ Sobashiki
    • 9. 13:05 Visit @ Shibuya Station
    • 10. 13:20 Travel: Subway
    • 11. 13:50 Visit @ Yanaka
    • 12. 15:00 Travel: Subway
    • 13. 15:40 Disband @ The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

    The guests were visitors who had booked through an online booking platform. In one instance, an email could not be sent successfully just beforehand, but they noticed a message sent via a messaging app, so we were able to get in touch without any trouble. There was a request to visit a department store in Ginza at opening time, so I took them to Ginza first. Since we arrived a little early, I guided them along Ginza Chuo-dori before the store opened. In Shibuya, we activated the Japan Rail Pass, which made our stay there a little longer. The guests were interested in the Oedo Antique Market, but the event was scheduled for a week later, so I guided them around Yanaka instead. They purchased some inexpensive chopsticks, among other things, and I feel they found it interesting.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassRoppongi Station~Ginza Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShibuya Station~Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSendagi Station~Roppongi Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Orizuru Tower & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Orizuru Tower & Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet up @ Hiroshima Station
    • 10:10 Orizuru Tower
    • 10:50 Peace Park
    • 11:30 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 12:30 Okonomiyaki Lunch
    • 14:30 Miyajima
    • 17:20 Disband @ Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very cheerful and had been very much looking forward to visiting Hiroshima. They had requested Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki even before arriving in Japan. Since a request for the Orizuru Tower came in two days beforehand, I added it to the plan. While enjoying the view from the observation deck, I explained the history of the atomic bombing and the city's recovery. The guests listened with tears in their eyes. They folded paper cranes and dropped them from the top of the tower, and seemed to enjoy it very much. We then moved to the Peace Memorial Park, took photos up close at the cenotaph and other monuments, and entered the museum. It was quieter than usual, so we were able to view everything calmly. The guests were also very pleased with the okonomiyaki they had been looking forward to, and were highly satisfied. We had an enjoyable time in Miyajima as well, but since one of the guests began to experience back pain, I guided them while taking breaks along the way. They said they were very satisfied and promptly posted a highly favorable review.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit~Genbaku Dome-mae220JPY
    Section 2TrainHondori Station~Shin-Hakushima Station190JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Hello! My name is Yuko, and I am delighted to be your guide.

    I currently work as a tour guide in both Tokyo and Hiroshima, two cities that represent very different yet equally fascinating sides of Japan. This unique perspective allows me to share not only famous landmarks, but also the culture, history, and everyday life that make each place special.

    I truly believe that guiding is my calling. For every tour, I focus on creating a personal, authentic, and memorable experience tailored to your interests. Whether we explore Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods or Hiroshima’s rich history and warm local culture, I want you to leave with a deeper understanding of Japan and meaningful memories of your journey.

    I enjoy meeting travelers from around the world and helping them discover hidden stories and local perspectives that are often missed in guidebooks.

    Once you have booked a tour with me, please feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp so I can send you a suggested itinerary. I look forward to meeting you!

    May 31, 2026
    Rajen14
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Moving and informative day in a historic city with a…

    May 14, 2026
    Natasa_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima with Yuko 🙂
    Yuko was a fantastic guide, outstanding…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Victoria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful personal tour with Yuko
    Yuko is very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima/Miyajima tour
    Yuko guided us in Hiroshima and Miyajima…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ In front of Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 2. 10:00 @ Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 3. 10:20 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4. 12:00 @ Toyosu Market & Senkyaku Banrai
    • 5. 13:30 Dismiss @ Toyosu Market Front Intersection

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At 10:00, I met the guests as requested in front of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and guided them through the temple. They experienced traditional Japanese culture, including purification at the water pavilion and prayer in the main hall. After that, we headed to the eagerly awaited Tsukiji Outer Market. While strolling through the outer market, the group thoroughly enjoyed a food tour of sweets, wagyu skewers, and sushi, as well as souvenir shopping for items such as sesame furikake. Next, we moved to Toyosu. Since it was already 12:00, the tuna auction area was quiet, but I explained the tuna auction process and the reasons for the relocation from Tsukiji, and had them enjoy a simulated experience by watching a video. We then moved to Senkyaku Banrai. We took photos while enjoying the view from the foot bath garden. The guests seemed very sleepy, as they had enjoyed drinks until 1:30 the previous night. We ended the tour a little earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShintomicho (Metro)~Toyosu (Metro)178JPY
    Section 2TrainToyosu (Yurikamome)~Shijomae (Yurikamome)189JPY
    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…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 2. 10:40 @ Nara Park
    • 3. 11:15 @ Himuro Shrine
    • 4. 12:15 @ Todai-ji Temple
    • 5. 13:30 Lunch @ Castle
    • 6. 14:30 @ Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 7. 15:30 @ Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 8. 16:00 Disband @ Kintetsu Nara Station

    What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report On the morning of the tour, I received a message that the group would come to Nara by taxi, so we changed the meeting point from JR Nara to Kintetsu Nara Station, as it involves less walking. At Nara Park, one of the guests cautiously fed rice crackers to the deer. The group seemed to greatly enjoy the omikuji fortune slips at Himuro Shrine. At Todaiji Temple, one of the guests began to feel unwell due to the scent of incense and the crowds, and stepped outside ahead of the others to rest. After that, when I took the group to Nigatsudo Hall, the pleasant breeze helped the guest feel better, and we had lunch at a restaurant near Todaiji Temple. I proceeded with the rest of the itinerary while making the guest's well-being my top priority. After buying some Nara souvenirs, the group returned to Osaka by taxi. At the end, one of the guests told me, "I had a wonderful time today, thank you so much."

    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!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Kyoto: Miyagawacho & Dispersal at Shijo-dori

    Kyoto: Miyagawacho & Dispersal at Shijo-dori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 16:00 Hotel meeting point
    • 16:15 Miyagawacho
    • 16:40 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannenzaka ~ Ninenzaka
    • 17:30 Yasaka Shrine
    • 18:00 Tatsumi Daimyojin ~ Tatsumi Bridge
    • 18:20 Gion stroll ~ Gion Hayakawa
    • 18:30 Banquet start ~20:30
    • 20:45 Dispersal at Shijo-dori

    Title: What Is a Private Evening Maiko Banquet Experience in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very friendly group. They took many photos at spots such as Yasaka Pagoda. At the banquet, they enjoyed conversing with a maiko. They described this experience as very "special." They enjoyed wine and sake, and ate almost all of the dishes served. Even a guest who normally does not eat fish happily enjoyed it. The "Konpira Fune Fune" game was truly lively and fun. The maiko on the day was in her fifth year and gave a wonderful dance, gracefully moving two fans. This banquet became a truly memorable and wonderful experience for the guests.

    Hello, I am Atsuko Hori. My nickname is “Anne” because I’m a big fan of ” Anne of Green Gables”. I am cheerful, talkative and punctual. I’ve been doing guiding more than ten years mainly in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I am especially familiar with ” Geisha Districts”, where traditional Japanese dancers live. I graduated from the university of Education in Nara. I love kids. Actually I have three grandchildren. I like history, architecture and local foods. My motto is giving the best hospitality to my guests. I think we will have a good time during the tour. Would you like to join my tour?

    Sep 13, 2024
    connormA415PD
    Memorable Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very…

    Jul 3, 2024
    Cosmopolitan691874
    Private Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our family had an amazing time with Anne in…

    May 31, 2024
    Clare_A
    Once in a lifetime experience
    Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
    Great tour with Ann who was…

  • Others: Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo & Kenninji (800) temple

    Others: Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo & Kenninji (800) temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo
    • 09:15 Sanjo Sta. → Demachi Yanagi Sta. by Keihan train
    • 09:30 Demachi Yanagi Sta.  
    • 10:01 Kurama Sta. by Eizan Dentetsu train
    • 10:05 Kurama Dera temple (500) by walking in the mountain
    • 10:45 Main Hall (Cable car is used for both going up and down)
    • 11:50 Kurama Sta. by walking
    • 12:05 Kibuneguchi Sta. by Eizan train
    • 12:15 Kibune Jinja shrine by bus
    • 12:50 Kibuneguchi Sta. by Eizan train
    • Demachiyanagi → Ginshijo by Keihan train
    • 13:40 Lunch(Gion Chinmin
    • 15:00 Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
    • 15:45 Kenninji (800) temple
    • 17:00 End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private Kurama and Kifune Day Tour from Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report During our advance email discussions about the desired destinations, the guest expressed an unusual wish to visit Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine. I had been there several times personally, but had never guided guests there, so I made a preliminary survey trip to check the travel time and advised them to come dressed appropriately for trekking. Later, I received a request for a two-hour extension, so I added a destination and obtained their approval regarding the itinerary. When I met the guests at the hotel, one of them had a walking stick and seemed to have some difficulty walking. We arrived at Kurama safely, took the cable car up to the main hall, and were about to cross over the mountain toward Kifune, when one of the guests said they would wait there. So I reworked the itinerary, returned to Kurama Station, took the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi, and visited Kifune Shrine. The guests came from Europe and were very calm and cultured people. They had joined a Gion night tour the previous day, and since they were interested in maiko and geiko, I showed them the location of Gion Corner and the recently opened Gion Hanamachi Art Museum. When they said they wanted to go there right away, I changed the plan, entered the museum, and additionally watched a geiko dance performance. On the way back from Kennin-ji Temple, I guided them through the back streets of Gion Kobu to Ryokujuan Shimizu, a konpeito confectionery shop, which they enjoyed, buying some konpeito as souvenirs. They told me it was a very good tour. (I am writing this text for the two-hour extension as well.) To the person in charge, I received the following email regarding the time extension, but why is the amount reduced to 7,637 yen? Guest: (name removed) [Main booking] Booking number: JGA-T68211663 Identification number: none Tour date and time: 2024/06 09:00 [Extension booking] Booking number: JGA-T69469294 Extension: 2 hours Extension guide fee: 8,000 yen (2 hours) With 6 hours plus the 2-hour extension, the total is 8 hours. Thank you very much for your continued support.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

    Area not found: "Others". Use the exact published Area title.

  • Kyoto in One Day: Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo & Kenninji (800) temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo & Kenninji (800) temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo
    • 09:15 Sanjo Sta. → Demachi Yanagi Sta. by Keihan train
    • 09:30 Demachi Yanagi Sta.  
    • 10:01 Kurama Sta. by Eizan Dentetsu train
    • 10:05 Kurama Dera temple (500) by walking in the mountain
    • 10:45 Main Hall (Cable car is used for both going up and down)
    • 11:50 Kurama Sta. by walking
    • 12:05 Kibuneguchi Sta. by Eizan train
    • 12:15 Kibune Jinja shrine by bus
    • 12:50 Kibuneguchi Sta. by Eizan train
    • Demachiyanagi → Ginshijo by Keihan train
    • 13:40 Lunch(Gion Chinmin
    • 15:00 Gion Kagai Art Museum
    • 15:45 Kenninji (800) temple
    • 17:00 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kurama, Kifune, and Gion Walking Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In our pre-tour email discussions about desired destinations, the guests mentioned wanting to visit Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine, which is a relatively unusual request. I had been there several times personally but had never guided guests there, so I did a preliminary survey to confirm the travel times involved, and asked them to come dressed appropriately for trekking. Later I received a request to extend the tour by two hours, so I added destinations and got their approval for the itinerary. When we met at the Hotel, one of the guests was carrying a walking stick and seemed to have some difficulty walking. We arrived at Kurama without trouble, took the cable car up to the main hall, and were about to continue over the mountain toward Kifune when one of the guests said they would wait there. So I reworked the itinerary, returned to Kurama Station, took the Eizan train to Kibuneguchi, and visited Kifune Shrine. The guests were visiting from Europe and were very calm and cultured people. They had joined a Gion night tour the previous day, and since they were interested in maiko and geiko, I showed them the location of the Gion Corner and the recently opened Gion Hanamachi Art Museum. They wanted to go right away, so I changed the plan, we entered the museum, and additionally watched a geiko dance performance. On the way back from Kennin-ji Temple, I guided them through the back streets of Gion Kobu to Ryokujuan Shimizu, a konpeito confectionery shop, which they were delighted with, and they bought some konpeito as souvenirs. They told me it was an excellent tour. (I am writing this text to cover the two-hour extension as well.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo~Demachiyanagi230JPY
    Section 2TrainDemachiyanagi~Kurama470JPY
    Section 3OtherDown~Up200JPY
    Section 4TrainUp~Down200JPY
    Section 5TrainKurama~Kibuneguchi220JPY
    Section 6BusKibuneguchi~Kibune400JPY
    Section 7TrainKibuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 8TrainDemachiyanagi~Gion-Shijo230JPY
    Total2,420JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Stayed at Osaka Castle. & Walked to Tsutenkaku.

    Osaka in Half a Day: Stayed at Osaka Castle. & Walked to Tsutenkaku.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meeting (Although the start was scheduled for 10:00, when I emailed that I had arrived at the hotel, they came down right away, so we started before the scheduled time)
    • 9:50~ 10:20 After stopping by Ohatsu Tenjin near the hotel, we took the subway from Higashi-Umeda Station to Tanimachi 4-chome and walked to Osaka Castle.
    • 10:20~12:10 Stayed at Osaka Castle.
    • 12:10~12:30 Took the subway from Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka.
    • 12:30~13:25 Stayed at Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:25~13:40 Walked to Tsutenkaku.
    • 13:40~13:50 Toured around Tsutenkaku, Tower Knives, etc.
    • 13:50 Dismissed (The guests had a meal in Shinsekai)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Shinsekai It was fortunate that we could confirm details the day before. While communicating through a messaging app, I noticed that the guests had mistakenly registered the wrong hotel, confusing two similarly named accommodations. On the day of the tour, I notified them of my arrival by message, and they came down to the reception on the first floor right away, so we were able to start early. Getting around using the Tanimachi subway line was smooth. At Osaka Castle, the guests' smartphone froze so they could not buy the electronic ticket, but we did not have to wait long to get in. Since they had visited Dotonbori the day before, after Shitennoji Temple we went to Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai. They wanted to see both quiet places and lively ones. At this point four hours had passed, so we parted ways and the guests decided to have lunch.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Umeda~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2TrainTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
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    There is much to do in…
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    Duncan_R
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    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

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    ignaciosilenzi
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    Miyuki was…

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    189mirjamf
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    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station→9:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine→11:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove→12:00 (Short break)→13:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple→14:40 Gion Area→15:15 Tour ends and dismissal

    What's a Private Kyoto Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since it was a larger group with several younger members, I guided them holding a flag as a marker for the first time in a while. It was a little hot, but I also wore a red raincoat. Many of the younger members of the group were cheerful and well-behaved. At Gion, the last stop I guided them to, I explained why there are signs prohibiting photography and other activities, and everyone in the group was very understanding. Depending on the day of the week, Hanamikoji Street can be full of security guards, but today there were none, so tourists kept taking photos. This photo was taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo~Gion230JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
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    My friend and I had a great experience…

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    margaretsM7923ON
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    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
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    Kazuo was great and…
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