Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto → Moto-Hakone & Hakone Open-Air

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto → Moto-Hakone & Hakone Open-Air

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:50 Hakone-Yumoto → Moto-Hakone
    • 11:30-12:30 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 12:45-13:10. Moto-Hakone → Togendai
    • 13:10-14:30 Lunch
    • 14:30-15:30. Togendai → Owakudani → Sounzan
    • 16:10-17:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 18:00 Disband at Hakone-Yumoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The requests were Hakone Shrine, the pirate ship, Owakudani, and the ropeway, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum was added on the day, so since it was also a Saturday and considerable crowds were expected, I focused mainly on time management. The group's hotel was in Hakone-Yumoto, and since it was a tour where I could introduce shops I had visited when I was young, it was personally enjoyable for me as well. There were specific requests from the group, such as wanting to eat local food and the black eggs, and interest in the Hakone Open-Air Museum from a member interested in sculpture, and although it took more time to get around than I had expected on a holiday, I was glad we managed to accomplish everything. It was an energetic group, and it was a fun tour that felt like I received energy along with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHakone-Yumoto~Hakone-Yumoto5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Hiroshima: Itsukaichi & front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima: Itsukaichi & front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:30 Meet at Itsukaichi Wharf
    • 13:50 Take the shuttle bus to Itsukaichi
    • 14:00 Arrive at Itsukaichi
    • 14:10 From Itsukaichi to the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 15:00 Arrive in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome
    •     Monument tour Museum
    • 17:30 End of museum tour
    • 18:00 Guide to Okonomiyaki Wakaki, disband there

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The leader of the group had lived in Japan long ago and was very fluent in Japanese. The guests were very earnest and listened attentively to my explanations. In particular, when one of the guests viewed an exhibit about the many people who had been exposed to radiation from nuclear testing in North America, they reflected, "I used to work in that field, so I saw many such patients." At the end, the guests said they wanted to try a special Hiroshima dish, so I introduced them to an okonomiyaki restaurant. Finally, the leader told me, "There is no tipping custom in Japan, but there is in North America, so I would like to give you a five-yen coin as a tip. This carries the meaning of 'a good connection,' and I would like to introduce travelers coming to Hiroshima in the future." I felt they knew Japan through and through, though it left me with somewhat mixed feelings.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainItsukaichi~In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome230JPY
    Total230JPY

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

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meeting point: Pick-up at Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • ①Owakudani
    • ②Lake Ashi Cruise
    • ③Lunch at Moto-Hakone
    • ④Hakone Shrine
    • Drop-off near the hotel

    What Is a Private Tour of Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Thanks to their wonderful personalities, the tour was carried out enjoyably, with communication full of smiles and jokes. In addition to the topics at each stop along the route, our conversation flowed freely about Japanese society and culture (e.g. the declining birthrate and aging population, social security, health, earthquakes, eating and drinking in business and family settings, the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and each other's lives and families). The guests told me that they were able to deepen their understanding of Japan. I suggested that the guests enjoy lunch on their own, but they invited me to join, declined my offer to split the bill, and treated me to the meal. I am truly grateful and a little embarrassed. I will continue to do my best with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMiyagino~Gora5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassGora~Owakudani0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOwakudani~Togendai0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai Port~Moto-Hakone Port0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMoto-Hakone Port~Miyagino0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:15 JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Lunch (Pasta Sabrina @ Shibuya Hikarie)
    • 12:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 13:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:40 Imperial Palace
    • 15:40 Disband at Hotel

    What Can You Do on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The guests asked for help exchanging their JAPAN RAIL PASS and making Shinkansen reservations, so we first went to the JAPAN RAIL PASS office at Ueno Station to complete the exchange and book the Shinkansen. After that, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed deeply impressed by the beauty of the rose garden and the Japanese garden. They also showed great interest in the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, which contrasted with the lively energy of Shibuya. Since I responded to all of the guests' requests, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno~Shinjuku-gyoenmae600JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayYurakucho~Ueno0JPY
    Total750JPY

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

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Shimane in One Day: Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum & Ohashikan

    Shimane in One Day: Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum & Ohashikan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart Ohashikan
    • 9:20-10:00 Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
    • 10:00-10:30 Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence
    • 10:30-12:00 Matsue Castle grounds
    • 13:50-15:20 Izumo Taisha Shrine
    • 16:20 Arrive at Ohashikan

    What Is a Private Matsue Tour Following Lafcadio Hearn's Footsteps Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a tour using a rental car driven by one of the guests. One of the guests was a fan of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and viewed the exhibits at the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum with great enthusiasm. An exhibition of works by Hearn's son, the painter Kiyoshi Koizumi, was being held at the time, and when the guests said they wanted a poster of it, I asked a staff member, who kindly gave them one for free, which delighted them greatly. At Lafcadio Hearn's Old Residence, the guests loved the garden of the old residence and took many photographs. At Matsue Castle, I also guided them to Jozan Inari Shrine, which Hearn was fond of. When I asked whether the guests had chosen the Hotel where they were staying because they knew it stood on the site of the inn where Hearn had stayed during his first month in Matsue, they said they had not known this. They were surprised by the coincidence.

    I was born and brought up in Matsue City. I taught English at senior high schools in Shimane Prefecture for more than 30 years. I obtained certification as a national guide and interpreter after I retired. Unfortunately I could hardly work as a guide during the pandemic. Now I am very happy that more and more people have resumed visiting Japan. I like traveling in Japan and abroad. It is my pleasure to show my guests around my hometown and surrounding areas. They are full of historic sites, scenic spots and good places to eat. I am sure you will never regret visiting this region.

    Oct 15, 2025
    out_of_VA
    Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel→Shibuya→Tsukiji—(lunch)—→East Gardens of the Imperial Palace→15:50 Asakusa

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like in June? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Imperial Palace East Gardens The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. In a case like this, there was a concern that the tour might be interrupted because younger members of the group could tire or lose interest quickly, so I made sure not to spend too much time on very detailed explanations and instead kept things simple and engaging. That said, if the explanations are too simple, the adults may feel unsatisfied, so striking the right balance is difficult. In Asakusa, I briefly explained the main hall of Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, and that concluded the guided portion. On the way, I pointed out popular shops along Nakamise so that the guests could take their time shopping on their own after the tour. Since there was also a request for a dog cafe, I showed them how to get there, indicating a shop about 100 meters off partway along Nakamise. In June, I highly recommend the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Admission is free, the irises were in full bloom, the narcissus were also in full bloom, and the hydrangeas were just beginning to flower. Please share this information with other guides as well: during this season, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are more recommended than other Japanese gardens. Incidentally, the irises at the Imperial Palace East Gardens were propagated from the irises at the Meiji Shrine Inner Garden. Also, please note that the Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays (I often hear of people going on a Friday and finding it closed).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji Market290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Otemachi180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total860JPY

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple sightseeing & Disperse @ Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple sightseeing & Disperse @ Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:36-10:21 Kyoto Station → JR Nara Station JR 720 yen
    • 10:45-11:20 Kofukuji Temple sightseeing
    • 11:30-12:40 Nara Park & Todaiji Temple sightseeing
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch @ Tenpyo Club
    • 14:16-14:29 Tegaicho → JR Nara Station Bus 250 yen
    • 15:07-16:09 JR Nara Station → Sagaarashiyama Station JR 990 yen
    • Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryuji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path)
    • 17:47-18:04 Sagaarashiyama Station → Kyoto Station JR 240 yen
    • 18:10 Disperse @ Kyoto Station

    Title: Can You Combine Nara and Arashiyama in One Private Day Tour from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. On the day of the tour, some of the guests mentioned they wanted to see the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, so we wrapped up our time in Nara a little early and headed to Arashiyama. The guests showed interest in the Great Buddha of Nara and the collection of Buddhist statues at Kofuku-ji Temple, but what pleased them most was being able to take photos in the bamboo grove. For the meal, we went to a restaurant I often use, where the guests were able to enjoy a beautiful garden and a Japanese-style dining experience. Since we went to Arashiyama, we also visited Tenryu-ji Temple, which made the tour end a little later than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Nara720JPY
    Section 2BusTegaicho~JR Nara Station250JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Nara~Sagaarashiyama990JPY
    Section 4TrainSagaarashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Total2,200JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: THE BLOSSOM KYOTO & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: THE BLOSSOM KYOTO & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
    • 9:20-10:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 10:15-10:45 Nijo Castle
    • 11:15-11:35 Gion Walk
    • 11:45-12:45 Lunch (Nomura Nishiki Store)
    • 12:45-13:00 Nishiki Market
    • 13:15-14:15 Tea ceremony experience and shopping at Fukujuen Main Store
    • 14:45-15:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 15:45-16:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:30 THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari and a Tea Ceremony? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The itinerary went as follows: Hotel → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Nijo Castle → Gion → lunch (at a local restaurant) → Nishiki Market → tea ceremony experience at a long-established tea shop's main store → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → Hotel. In Gion they bought hand towels and hair ornaments, and after the tea ceremony experience at the tea shop, they purchased a large amount of matcha, genmaicha, and sencha at the shop on the first floor (so much that it was surprising how much tea they enjoyed). At Fushimi Inari they also bought many amulets. One of the guests, who seemed to be at a somewhat challenging age, nonetheless prayed properly at Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo. During the tea ceremony experience, they appeared to fully understand things such as the meaning of turning the tea bowl before drinking. They also skillfully whisked the thin tea themselves using a chasen. Near the shop at Sanjusangendo there was a mandala image on display (for sale), so I used it to talk about the mandala image of the Dodgers player Ohtani, and they listened with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGojo~Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo~Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Total870JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: at Sumiyoshi Taisha & at Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: at Sumiyoshi Taisha & at Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 09:45 at Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:00 at Umeda Sky Building
    • 12:15 at Dotonbori
    • 13:15 Dismissal at Dotonbori, kushikatsu "Ittoku"

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Dotonbori The guests visiting Japan moved around smoothly during the tour. Since stairs were difficult, we used elevators, escalators, and ramps as much as possible. At the Umeda Sky Building, one of the guests preferred to wait at the entrance. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the guests explored with great interest, picked up the small "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles at the power spot, and purchased amulet pouches. On the way back, after seeing a zodiac amulet (keychain) in a brochure, the guests wished to buy one, so we returned to purchase it. In Dotonbori, I guided the guests to a kushikatsu restaurant that I recommend, and after their order was placed, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Section 4SubwayUmeda~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total960JPY

    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

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
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  • Iwate in Half a Day: Motsuji Temple    & JR Hiraizumi Station Arrival

    Iwate in Half a Day: Motsuji Temple    & JR Hiraizumi Station Arrival

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:32 JR Hiraizumi Station Meeting
    • 10:45 Motsuji Temple   
    • 11:30 Kanjizaioin Ruins
    • 12:00  Chusonji Temple Tsukimizaka Arrival
    • 12:10  Chusonji Temple Higashi-monomi
    • 12:20 Chusonji Temple Benkeido
    • 12:30 Chusonji Temple Main Hall Worship
    • 12:50 Lunch at Kanzantei
    • 13:15 Chusonji Temple Sankozo 
    • 13:30 Chusonji Temple Konjikido, Old Covering Hall
    • 14:10 Grave of Musashibo Benkei
    • 14:30 JR Hiraizumi Station Arrival

    What Is a Private Tour of Hiraizumi and Iwate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from South America and were traveling in Japan for seven days, visiting Hiroshima, Hida-Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo, and other destinations. In Iwate Prefecture, they stayed at a hotel in front of JR Morioka Station and used Morioka City as a base to enjoy sightseeing both within the prefecture and in neighboring prefectures. At Jodogahama in Miyako City within the prefecture, they took a sightseeing boat and enjoyed the spectacular scenery. They must have researched Japan's tourist destinations very enthusiastically even before arriving. I could feel their passion overflowing. Their overnight stay in Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture seemed to have been especially memorable. On the day we visited the Sankozo treasure hall and the Golden Hall (Konjikido) at Chusonji, groups of junior high and high school students were visiting the temple on school trips. There were also many tourists from Asia, and in front of the main hall of Chusonji the path was almost blocked. When I asked the guests for their thoughts, they said, "Compared to places like Kyoto, this level of crowding doesn't even count as crowded," and were not bothered at all. South America is located on virtually the opposite side of the globe from Japan, and the flight time, including transfers, takes as long as thirty hours. They were truly enjoying their sightseeing in Japan. Finally, we had Japanese soba for lunch, and they were curious about what was in the dipping sauce. They said they had no allergy, but that they could not eat fish. At the shop's suggestion, the dipping sauce was changed to one made with kombu (kelp) stock, and they seemed to enjoy it very much. It was a day full of learning for me as well.

    Hello and welcome! If you’re an inbound guest, I’d like to extend a warm greeting to you. I hope you have a pleasant stay in our beautiful city. If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask – I’m here to assist! My name’s Toshiya Ozawa. Please call me Toshi. I have 25 years’ experience as National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter guiding in English. Presently, I live in Ohsyu-shi, Iwate-ken where the Major Baseball player Shohei Ohtani was born and bred. The followings are the places where I attended as a tour guide for your reference. [Guide experience] Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Japan’s largest lake Lake biwa and Azuchi-jyo Ruins in Shiga prefecture. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara:Horyu-ji, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple. Former Site of the Imperial Palace at Heijokyo, Todaiji Temple, along with Kasugataisha Shrine and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Koyasan (Shukubo Rengejo-in) shukubo literally means sleeping with the monks. Yagyu-no-sato (or the swordsman village of Yagyu), known as the home of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (traditional style of swordsmanship), is located in Northeast of Nara-city with rich natural environment. In Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station, The Golden Pavilion, World Heritage Site Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle, Ryoan-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple. In Mie Prefecture: Ise Shrine, Wadakin (Japan’s one of the best wagyu-beef restaurant, Matsusaka-shi). In Shiga prefecture: Mother Lake Lake Biwa, Azuchi Castle ruins.
    In Tokyo: Meiji shrine, Odaiba, Imperial Palace, Takeshita Street in Harajyuku, Akihabara (the otaku mecca and has its own unique atmosphere), Asakusa Kannon (Bodhisattva of Mercy) Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower.
    In Shizuoka Prefecture: Mt. Fuji.
    In Aichi prefecture: 1. Atsuta Shrine 2. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 3. Inuyama Castle (Inuyama-shi) 4. Ohsu Shopping District 5. Konomiya Naked Festival (Inazawa-shi) 6.Tagata Jinja Shrine’s Honen Festival 7. Toyota Automobile Museum (Nagakute-shi) 8. Thousand Rice Paddies of Yotsuya (Yotsuya Senmaida) (Shinshiro-shi) 9. Asuke/Korankei (Toyota-shi Asuke-cho) 10. Chubu Centrair International Airport 11. Rest Stop (Highway Oasis Kariya, Donguri-no-sato Inabu)


    10 years’ experience in a trading operations position and 7 years’ experience as an Exporting Manager and 5 years’ experience as a Domestic Sales Representative: All of the experiences above included contacts with respective customers both externally and internally.
    I spent more than 2 years in the United States and Canada. Attended Kibbutz Hebrew class for six months in Israel.


    Aug1991– present MASPRO DENKOH Corporation, Aichi prefecture in Japan.
    Sales presentative/Exporting Manager “Export of TV reception and related equipment to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand”
    Negotiated prices and specifications with the makers “Drafting and arranging the needed documentations requested by custom houses”
    OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supply of CS antennas to SONY Corporation
    OEM supply of U.S. DirecTV Satellite Dish Antenna Dual LNB to Sony Corporation
    Attended the customers from overseas when they came to the head office
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O. (engaged in direct report to the company president)
    Import of invaluable western style paintings, Japanese potteries and porcelains
    Export of receiver and transmitter for Qualcomm Omni TRACS Ku-band satellite fleet tracking system in the U.S.
    Export of CATV Tap-off for Time Warner Cable in the U.S. OEM supply of ETC In-Vehicle Unit in Singapore to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
    Apr. 1989–March 1991, employed by ESPO Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Manager of secretarial section to the C.E.O
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O “Assisted M&A transactions”
    Formula 1 ESPO-LARROUSSE Team negotiation and interpreter. Was in charge of training new staff (26 university graduates )
    Supervised new graduate recruitment activities as a part of training new staff and successfully recruited 40 prospective employees
    Apr 1976 – March 1991 Nissait English School in Tokyo, Japan
    1989 Director of Nissait English School “Management of English schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture”
    Instructor: Taught English conversation more than 1000 students “Was in charge of training new instructors (12 vocational college graduates )”
    Supervised new student recruitment activities as a part of training new instructors and successfully recruited 420 students at ten different schools for 5 years
    Was in charge of International Exchange program
    Chaperoned and supervised 160 Japanese youth delegates for cultural immersion homestays in the U.S.A. and Canada.
    Education: In 1976, Completed the curriculum at a university, received a degree of B.A. in Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University, in Tokyo.


    Windows MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint


    Certified as a National Licensed English-Speaking Tour Guide in 2009 (License No. Aichi EN00307)
    Passed Grade 1 of the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency in 1989.

    Apr 29, 2026
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    Best way to spend the afternoon in Morioka.
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    Great insights on Morioka!
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    Experiencia recomendable!
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