Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the hotel in Korinbo
    • 13:10 Stroll around the Nagamachi Samurai District, visit the Nomura Family Residence
    • 14: 10 Take the Flat Bus to Omicho Market
    • 14:30 Visit Omicho Market, walk to Owaricho, from Kazuemachi Chaya District to Higashi Chaya District
    • 15:10 Take a break at Amano Chaten Cafe
    • 15:40 Visit and shop at Gold Leaf Sadamoto Main Store, stroll around the Higashi Chaya District
    • 16:30 Take the loop bus to Kenrokuen, stroll around Kenrokuen
    • 17:10 Walk to visit the free zone of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
    • 17:30 Send off at the hotel in Korinbo, tour ends

    A Private Kanazawa Walking Tour in Summer: A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. All of them spoke English. Despite the heat, they explored the famous sights of Kanazawa with great curiosity. They especially enjoyed the streetscape of the Nagamachi Samurai District, strolling along the back streets from the Kazuemachi Chaya District to the Higashi Chaya District, watching the gold leaf production process, and walking through Kenrokuen Garden. Along the way, at a tea shop near the Higashi Chaya District, they enjoyed matcha ice cream, shaved ice, and matcha-flavored daifuku mochi. Since the tour started at 1:00 p.m. in the intense heat, I paid close attention to taking frequent breaks indoors to avoid heatstroke.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNagamachi Samurai District～Omicho Market100JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho～Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle210JPY
    Total310JPY

    Tour Report by Masayo

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Request Booking

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamacho Station & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamacho Station & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel Premier Nihonbashihamacho
    • 10:10 Hamacho Station
    • (Toei Subway Shinjuku Line)
    • Bakuro-yokoyama Station
    • (Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Asakusa Shrine Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Tokyo National Museum
    • 13:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive at Shibuya
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
    • Kudanshita Station
    • 14:30 Hamacho Station
    • Disband: Hamacho Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Covering Asakusa, Ueno, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and it was their first time in Japan. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and taken a taxi to their Hotel, and had spent the evening strolling around the area. They had originally come from Europe and had relocated to Oceania after retiring. They were staying in Japan for a short time before continuing on to Europe, where they planned to spend a holiday of about three weeks traveling to various places. The tour took place during intense summer heat, so we took several breaks along the way. We first went to Asakusa, where I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo. There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", "What kind of religion is Buddhism?", and "Are there people who believe in religions other than Buddhism?". The guests purchased a lucky charm (omamori) as a souvenir. After that, we went to the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno. The guests were interested in Japanese history, and especially in ukiyo-e and lacquerware, and were enthusiastic about taking photographs. Regarding Ainu culture, one comment was that "In Oceania as well, there are indigenous people who carry on a unique culture." They purchased a ukiyo-e calendar as a souvenir. We then moved on to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?". The guests also shared comments such as "The city is so clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant to use," and "The subway is clean, quiet, and pleasant, but it is difficult to navigate."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHamacho Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Shibuya Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya Station～Hamacho Station317JPY
    Total882JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet up @ Tokyu Stay Shinjuku (7-1 Shinjuku 3-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 3) 11:50 Akihabara
    • 4) 13:00 Yanaka <Shopping Street, Cemetery, Ueno Sakuragi Area, Former Yoshidaya Liquor Store>
    • 5) 14:00 Ueno Park <Ueno Toshogu Shrine>
    • 6) 15:10 Asakusa <Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street>
    • 7) 16:00 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Europe who requested a Tokyo highlights tour. Communication via a messaging app beforehand had been smooth. After meeting them at their Hotel, we visited Meiji Shrine, where they drew omikuji fortunes and received goshuin stamps. They also wrote wishes on ema votive plaques and offered them, then prayed at the main hall. We actively exchanged views about each other's cultures and customs, and found a slight generation gap when it came to movies and music. Since they were interested in anime cosplay, they purchased anime figures in Akihabara. They mentioned they were fairly used to heat and humidity. In the quiet Yanaka area, I recommended grilled squid and scallop skewers from a fishmonger in the local shopping street. We walked through the cemetery so they could see buildings symbolic of the early Showa era, and then continued on foot to Ueno Park. Near the fountain, a Pakistan festival was being held, and the guests enjoyed their first taste of lassi. We stopped by Toshogu Shrine, where they successfully received a goshuin stamp, and then headed to Asakusa. Here too they of course requested a goshuin stamp, and while they enjoyed melon bread, time ran out and we parted ways at Asakusa Station. Perhaps influenced by Japanese anime, the guests were very eager to understand the Japanese language as well, and they were a very positive and enthusiastic group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kita-sando Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at JR Osaka Station
    • 11:45 at Osaka Castle (including a break and a visit to Hokoku Shrine)
    • 13:30 at Shinsaibashi
    • 14:00 at Dotonbori
    • 14:30 Disband at Dotonbori

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting Osaka, and despite the intense heat today, everything went smoothly. At Osaka Castle, some of the guests rested indoors at the top-floor observation deck. The line to buy admission tickets at Osaka Castle was very long, with a wait of more than 30 minutes, but I had recommended purchasing tickets in advance and the guests had done so. However, the line for the elevator inside the castle was also long, resulting in a wait of nearly 30 minutes. The guests appeared a little tired, so we took a break at "Miraiza," the facility attached to the castle, where they enjoyed shaved ice ("kakigori"). Because we visited Hokoku Shrine and took breaks at Osaka Castle, we ran over the scheduled time, so we had to move at a quick pace through Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. One of the guests collects goshuincho (temple/shrine stamp books) and received stamps at Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine. Another of the guests enjoys character goods as a hobby, so I introduced the Daimaru department store in Shinsaibashi, which has a specialty goods section, and they planned to visit after the tour ended. Since the guests wished to have authentic Kobe beef for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant in Dotonbori that I recommend, where we parted ways a bit earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Morinomiya170JPY
    Section 2SubwayMorinomiya～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total410JPY

    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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 10:40 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:40 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 12:10 Lunch – 13:10 Tsukiji Outer Market – 13:50 Disband at Hotel

    Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Fukagawa and Tsukiji in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and this was the final day of their week-long tour of Japan covering Kyoto and Tokyo. We purchased a one-day subway pass and started at Fukagawa Fudoson Temple. At Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, one of the guests compared their height against the monument of a champion sumo wrestler, whose stone marker showed a height of over two meters. Walking through the Fukagawa shopping street, the guests spotted paving stones illustrated with sumo wrestlers and took photos with their smartphone. While traveling by subway, they stopped for a while in front of the air conditioning on the platform to enjoy the cool breeze. They mentioned that Tokyo summers are hot and humid and can be tiring. When I took them to a slightly upscale sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, they were very pleased, saying they had finally encountered authentic Japanese food.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho～Tsukiji178JPY
    Total356JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    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: Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting place: Hilton Tokyo
    • 　 Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 12:10 Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Asakusa Shrine Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 14:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 14:30 Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 15:00 Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 16:00 Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 16:20 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 17:00 Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 17:10 Arrive Shibuya
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 17:50 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 18:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 18:00 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Families? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting Japan from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived at Narita Airport last night via Hawaii and took a taxi to their hotel. In the evening, they explored the surrounding area. They planned to stay in Japan for ten days. After spending three days in Tokyo, they would travel to Kyoto and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. They mentioned that they had come to Japan to give the younger members of the group an experience abroad. In the intense summer heat, the tour included several rest breaks along the way. We first went to Asakusa, where I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple and the history of Edo and Tokyo. There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who follow religions other than Buddhism?" A protective charm was purchased as a souvenir. We then moved to Akihabara and strolled through the electronics district. Several character figures were purchased. There was also a question about maid cafes: "What kind of place is that?" The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were crowded despite the heat. I explained "Japanese history and the imperial family." There were questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" and "What was the Meiji Restoration?" There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor live inside here?" "Can we meet the Emperor?" "What is the relationship between the Emperor and the Prime Minister?" and "Who will become the next Emperor?" At Meiji Shrine, the comment was, "This green environment is wonderful." There were also questions about the Japanese imperial family, such as "What was the Meiji Restoration?" and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street. We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" There were also comments such as "The whole city is clean. There is no litter on the ground." and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku Station～Asakusa Station600JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Section 4SubwayAkihabara Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya Station～Shinjuku Station167JPY
    Total1,091JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:00-10:30 Train travel [→Arashiyama] (Keihan Railway; Kiyomizu-Gojo→Gion-Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Kawaramachi→Arashiyama)
    • 10:30-11:30 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 11:30-12:10 Train travel [→Sanjo: Restaurant] (Randen; Arashiyama→Tenjingawa, Subway Tozai Line; Uzumasa-Tenjingawa→Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae)
    • 12:10-12:40 Lunch (Japanese restaurant; Takayama)
    • 12:55-13:10 Train travel [→Fushimi Inari] (Keihan Railway; Keihan-Sanjo→Fushimi-Inari)
    • 13:10-13:50 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 13:50-14:00 Train travel [→Keihan-Gojo: Hotel] (Fushimi-Inari→Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 14:00 Farewell

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report This time the tour was conducted in even more severe heat, at 39°C. As a countermeasure against the heat, I prepared parasols (3 sets), cooling towels (for everyone), and hanging fans (4 sets) for the guests to use. The guests were a group from Europe who were visiting Japan for the first time. Because a young child was among the group, we proceeded with rest breaks in both the first and second halves of the itinerary. I believe we were able to proceed without any major problems or trouble. This trip was for 12 days and was their first visit to Japan, and I understand they had saved up over the course of a year for this journey. It made me appreciate once again how meaningful it was.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 2TrainKawaramachi～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4TrainUzumasa-Tenjingawa～Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae260JPY
    Section 5TrainKeihan-Sanjo～Fushimi-Inari220JPY
    Section 6TrainFushimi-Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • 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. 10:00 Meet @Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
    • 2. 10:45 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 12:30 @Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji)
    • 4. 14:00 @Ryoan-ji
    • 5. 14:30 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 6. 16:20 Disband @Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like on a Hot Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived at the meeting point on time. Right at the start, they reported that one of the guests was feeling unwell due to the heat, and requested that we proceed slowly. I ran the tour with the guest's condition as the top priority, seeking out places to sit and spots with cooling mist. Since the guests were from Europe, I felt I really wanted to show them Ryoanji Temple, so I took them there, and they were very pleased. They mentioned that the heat had reduced their appetite, so I checked with them from time to time to see if they were hungry, but in the end they did not eat anything throughout the tour. After visiting Kinkakuji Temple, one of the guests appeared quite tired, so after explaining the time it would take, we took the bus back from Kinkakuji-michi to Sanjo Keihan-mae. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Sanjo Keihan-mae230JPY
    Total940JPY

    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!

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    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet at Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai
    • 2. 10:00 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 3. 13:00 Asakusa (Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 15:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 5. 15:20 Harajuku (Takeshita-dori, Meiji Shrine)
    • 6. 15:50 Disband at Harajuku Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report Although the start was delayed by more than 30 minutes because breakfast and getting ready took longer than expected, the guests were visiting Japan on a special trip, so I focused on helping them enjoy Tokyo without any frustration. The itinerary had been provided in advance by the agency, but since I was told it could be adjusted to match the guests' wishes, I made several changes along the way. I had been concerned about the heat and humidity, but the guests currently live in the Middle East and did not find the heat to be a problem at all. The guests were interested in Japanese history and culture, and they asked many quite detailed questions about the era of samurai rule. Because of the delayed start, the tour ended later than planned, but overall I believe the guests were able to fully enjoy the day. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOnarimon～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya252JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Total786JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 The Thousand Kyoto Meet-up
    • 9:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:35 Mikami Shrine〜Arashiyama Bamboo Grove〜Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:20 Gion Hanamikoji Street〜Tatsumi Bridge
    • 14:10 The Thousand Kyoto Dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. We first went to Fushimi Inari Taisha, and since we arrived early, it was not too crowded, which was ideal. When I mentioned that the Nintendo headquarters was nearby, they said they would love to take a photo in front of the building, so we stopped the car and took pictures. After that we headed to Arashiyama, where the lotus flowers in the pond in front of Mikami Shrine, near the Sagano Romantic Train, were astonishingly beautiful, and the guests were delighted. They then enjoyed the bamboo grove and the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. They were also impressed by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji, our next stop. We strolled a little through the Gion district, but as it was extremely hot, the guests said they would like to return to their cool hotel for lunch, so we wrapped up a little early. I believe they had an enjoyable time.

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

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…