Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Kyoto Shijo
    • 2. 10:30 Kyoto Station
    • 3. 11:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4. 13:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 5. 15:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. 16:30 Disband @Subway Shijo Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting Japan from North America. They gathered at the Hotel a little later than the scheduled time, and after greetings we confirmed the day's itinerary. Since they were staying in Kyoto and Osaka for several days, we moved to Kyoto Station to purchase SUICA cards for everyone in the group, and then took a city bus from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Light rain had already begun to fall, but I led them from Yasaka Pagoda toward Kiyomizu-dera. Today too the area was so crowded with sightseeing travelers that it was hard to move, and it took surprisingly long to reach Kiyomizu-dera. After guiding them through Kiyomizu-dera, they had a little karaage as a snack to keep their energy up, and we used the bus and train to move to our next destination, Fushimi Inari. After explaining Shinto at the main hall, we visited together, passed through the thousand torii gates, made our way down, and then took the train and bus from Fushimi Inari Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple. By the time we arrived at Kinkaku-ji it was already close to 4:00, so I guided them quickly at a brisk pace to finish at Kinkaku-ji, and then saw the guests off by bus and subway to Shijo Station near the Hotel. It was already 4:45 by then, and I concluded the day's guiding duties there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo Station～Kyoto Station220JPY
    Section 2BusKyoto Station～Kiyomizuzaka Station230JPY
    Section 3BusKiyomizuzaka Station～Tofukuji-mae230JPY
    Section 4TrainTofukuji Station～Inari Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainInari Station～Enmachi Station200JPY
    Section 6BusNishinokyo Enmachi Station～Kinkakuji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 7BusKinkakuji-michi Station～Kitaoji Bus Terminal Station230JPY
    Section 8SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal Station～Shijo Station260JPY
    Total1,750JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Dotonbori. Umeda-Namba 240 yen

    Osaka in Half a Day: Dotonbori. Umeda-Namba 240 yen

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30　Meet up
    • 9:30～10:00　Move to Dotonbori. Umeda-Namba 240 yen
    • 10:00～10:30　Stay.
    • 10:30～11:35　Move while guiding around to Kuromon Market. Guide around Kuromon Market, Ota Road, etc.
    • 11:35～12:05　Move to Osaka Castle.　
    • Nipponbashi-Tanimachi 9-chome-Tanimachi 4-chome　190 yen
    • 12:05～12:30　Stay outside Osaka Castle.
    • 12:30～13:10　Move to the nearest station to the hotel. Tanimachi 4-chome-Higashi-Umeda　240 yen
    • 13:10～13:10　Disband

    Title: What's a Private Half-Day Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I knew the guests were heading to Tokyo on the 3:30 bullet train, I went to the hotel early. Perhaps because it was the end of the month, the Wi-Fi was not working, so I could not send a message via the messaging app to let them know I had arrived early, and I waited in the lobby. As the meeting time approached, I checked with the hotel staff and learned that the guests had already checked out. I borrowed the hotel's Wi-Fi to send an email, found out they were waiting somewhere in the lobby, and managed to meet the guests, who were seated toward the back, right at the appointed time. They told me they had a reservation to take a taxi to Shin-Osaka after 2:00. They had already visited Shitennoji by taxi on the day they arrived in Osaka, and since the Umeda Sky Building was near the hotel, they had visited it on their own as well. After guiding them around Dotonbori and the Nipponbashi area, we decided to go to Osaka Castle since they had not been there yet. I was not entirely confident, as I am still not very familiar with Osaka and the Wi-Fi was unavailable, but I had done a preliminary site visit, so I quickly changed the plan and we went to Osaka Castle. They wanted to have a meal somewhere close to the hotel, so I chose Higashi-Umeda on the Tanimachi Line, thinking they could get back quickly, but in reality it was far from the hotel (more than a 20-minute walk), and I regretted not using the Midosuji Line instead. The guests said it was fine, as they would have a meal near the station and return to the hotel by taxi, so we parted ways there. This time nothing went according to plan, and it was a nerve-wracking tour in Osaka, where I have less experience. At the very least, I was able to make sure the guests would be in time for their bullet train.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUmeda～Namba240JPY
    Section 2TrainNipponbashi (via Tanimachi 9-chome)～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 3TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Higashi-Umeda240JPY
    Total670JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    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.

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    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Higashi-Ginza – 9:15 Tsukiji – Tsukiji Market
    • 2. 10:45 Tsukiji – Hibiya – Sendagi – 11:20 Yanaka Ginza – Tsukijibei Wall – Tomb of Tokugawa Yoshinobu – Tennoji Temple
    • 3. 12:45 Nippori – Komagome – Ramen Lunch – 13:45 Rikugien Garden
    • 4. 15:00 Disband at Komagome Station

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Yanaka, and Rikugien Garden in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting from North America. The requests were Tsukiji, Nezu, and Rikugien Garden. We first went to Tsukiji and looked into various shops, and the guest was especially delighted by the wholesale fish market. They bought matcha and a bamboo whisk, saying they would make tea at home as well. Along the way, I bought some takoyaki at a street stall and we tasted it together. After that, although the request had been Nezu, this time we went one station further to Sendagi and walked through Yanaka from there. At Yanaka Ginza, the guest found a reasonably priced matcha tea bowl and bought it. While walking through the temple district and cemetery of Yanaka, I became a little anxious about whether this was enjoyable, so I asked whether this town was appealing, and I was reassured to hear that it was very interesting. Afterward, on the way to Rikugien Garden, we had lunch at a requested ramen shop, and I joined in as well. Rikugien is a garden I like too, but since it is somewhat understated, I asked why the guest had chosen it, and they said it had been recommended online. Since there was a drink tour in Shinjuku from the evening, I saw the guest onto the Yamanote Line at Komagome and we parted ways. I think it turned out to be an enjoyable trip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Sendagi210JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori～Komagome180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet up @Tempozan
    • 2. 8:45 @Osaka Castle
    • 3. 10:50 @Ebisubashisuji
    • 4. 11:00 @Dotonbori
    • 5. 12:00 Lunch @Ganko
    • 6. 13:40 Disband @Tempozan

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Dotonbori The guests already had Suica cards, but to secure priority entry at Osaka Castle, I suggested the Enjoy Eco Card, and everyone in the group purchased one. When they saw the long line for buying tickets at Osaka Castle, they were very pleased and said they were glad they had bought it. At Osaka Port Station we used the stairs as usual, but they asked that we use the elevator or escalator going forward. As a result, the travel time took longer than planned. At Osaka Castle we were able to take the elevator all the way up to the top floor of the main keep. Since it did not seem feasible to walk to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, we took the electric car from Sakuramon Gate. Fortunately, since everyone in the group was over 65, the fare was reduced from 300 yen to 200 yen, which made them happy. The route from Sakuramon Gate to Tanimachi 4-chome passes through some surprisingly interesting places, and they were quite delighted, saying it was wonderful. In Dotonbori the wishes of the group were varied, which made things challenging, but in the end everyone was able to do some happy shopping and enjoy delicious sushi, and they were very satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka Port～Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Section 2OtherSakuramon～Tanimachi 4-chome200JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    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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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-10:40 Nihonbashi Pokemon Center-11:30 Imperial Palace Outer Garden-13:00 Meiji Shrine-14:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street/Dismissal

    Family Private Tour in Tokyo from North America: A Guide's Report on Pokémon Center, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine This was a private Tokyo tour for a group visiting from North America. Because the tour details listed the number of participants in a way that affected the count, only one sheet of chiyogami paper was prepared for folding a samurai helmet, but it would have been better to prepare an extra sheet for one of the guests as well. Since light rain was expected until around noon, we started at the Pokémon Center in Nihonbashi, an activity that could be enjoyed indoors. The guests were eager to open the packages of the Pokémon goods they had bought right away, so we popped into a nearby café to look them over. While talking about the Emperor, shoguns, samurai, and ninja, we strolled around the Imperial Palace area and Meiji Shrine, giving the guests a taste of Tokyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Hatchobori167JPY
    Section 2SubwayHatchobori～Kayabacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNihonbashi～Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae～Kitasando209JPY
    Total732JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10：00　Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10；10　By bus to the museum
    • 10：30　Arrive at the museum
    • 　　　　Museum, monument tour
    • 13：30　Finish monument tour, lunch at okonomiyaki restaurant "Benbee"
    • 14：15　Take the Astram Line to Shin-Hakushima
    • 14：34　From Shin-Hakushima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 14：58　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 15：10　From Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima
    • 15：20　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 　　　　Shrine, Senjokaku, Omotesando
    • 17：15　Finish Miyajima sightseeing, head to Miyajimaguchi
    • 17：35　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 17：41　From Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima Station
    • 17：56　Disband at Araiguchi Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America around Hiroshima and Miyajima. The group leader had visited Japan four times before and could speak some Japanese, and this was their first time sightseeing in Hiroshima. They felt Hiroshima was quiet and peaceful, and they liked it very much. They also knew about conger eel (anago), a specialty of Miyajima. Usually I explain anago in English, but most people are not familiar with it. I was surprised by how fond they were of Japan. The Peace Memorial Museum was crowded with students on school trips, so it seemed they could not view the exhibits as fully as they had hoped, but since I had explained this in advance, they were grateful. On Miyajima, they thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and took photos here and there. They also enjoyed freshly baked momiji manju and grilled oysters. They liked Miyajima beer as well and purchased canned Miyajima beer.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station～Museum220JPY
    Section 2SubwayHondori～Shin-Hakushima190JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Total740JPY

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

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Gather at Conrad Tokyo (directly connected to Toei Subway / Yurikamome Shiodome Station)
    • 0920 Tokyo Station ~ Marunouchi Building pine piles ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura Turret
    • 1035 Meiji Jingu Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1220 Shibuya, Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Lunch at Lion in Mark City
    • 1330 Shinjuku, 3D Cat Display, Godzilla Road, Omoide Yokocho
    • 1400 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
    • 1450 Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown, distant view explanation of Roppongi Hills
    • 1500 Disperse at Roppongi Crossing

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Continuing from the previous day, the group was visitors from North America, traveling with a child. It rained from the morning, so I was worried about how things would go, but in the Marunouchi area, I gave explanations while taking shelter from the rain inside Tokyo Station and in the Marunouchi Building, then guided them to each spot afterward. At Meiji Shrine, the rain began to let up and it became possible to walk without umbrellas, though the number of visitors was naturally low. Takeshita Street was also quiet. As we were about to leave, one of the guests said they wanted Rainbow Cotton Candy, so we went back once more, I pointed out the shop, and they were satisfied. The Japanese meal (soba) in Asakusa the previous day had not left a strong impression on most of the group, so I guided them to the food court at Mark City, and in the end they had Fish & Chips and a steak salad for lunch at Lion. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, which I had been most concerned about, worked out because the weather recovered enough to see across the city, and they were very pleased to look out over the places we had visited over these two days. Since they would return to Tokyo for about two days after Kansai and then head home, I also explained the direction and distant views of other areas such as Odaiba.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Tokyo146JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Shinjuku167JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi～Tochomae178JPY
    Section 6SubwayTochomae～Roppongi220JPY
    Total1,066JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel　　Subway & Travel to hotel　Taxi

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel　　Subway & Travel to hotel　Taxi

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 　The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto　Meet up
    • 10:30~11:00 Travel　　Subway
    • 11:00~12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30~13:00 Travel　Taxi
    • 13:00~14:00 Tenryu-ji Temple – Bamboo Grove
    • 14:00~14:30 Travel to hotel　Taxi

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. At Nijo Castle, they marveled at the decorations and murals of the Karamon Gate and the Ninomaru Palace, as well as the carvings on the transoms. They also asked questions about the relationship between the shogun and the emperor, and about the background and reasons that led to the restoration of imperial rule. They seemed very interested in Japanese gardens and were deeply impressed by their beauty. At the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, they mentioned that they have a framed panel of a bamboo grove displayed at their home in North America, and seeing it in person, they truly appreciated the beauty of the bamboo grove and took many photographs.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Hotel→Meiji Shrine→Tsukiji—lunch also at Tsukiji→Imperial Palace Nijubashi→16:10 Asakusa

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like When Guests Arrive Late? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests joined about 40 minutes late. After 20 minutes I sent an email with the agency in cc, but received no reply, and I was considering making a phone call once 30 minutes had passed. Just after the 30-minute mark, I received an email saying they would arrive in another 10 minutes, which meant the tour started about 50 minutes late and ended about 1 hour and 10 minutes over the scheduled time. No additional fee was requested for this. The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had traveled through Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Korea, and were finishing in Tokyo before returning home the next day. They had hired guides elsewhere as well, so I assumed they already had a certain amount of knowledge, but I explained even the basics of religion, and they listened with great interest.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Yoyogi150JPY
    Section 3SubwayYoyogi～Tsukijishijo220JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Nijubashi180JPY
    Section 5SubwaySakuradamon～Yurakucho180JPY
    Section 6TrainYurakucho～Ueno170JPY
    Section 7SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    Tour Report by kazu

    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

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    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…

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.09:42 Meet up @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port ferry terminal
    • 2.10:25 Cold drinks @ Benesse House Museum Cafe (Got up at 5 AM at a Hotel that morning, came to Naoshima via Uno. Want a drink.)
    • 3.11:30 Lee Ufan Museum, Valley Gallery
    • 4.13:00 Benesse House Museum
    • 5.13:20 Lunch @ Benesse House Museum Cafe
    • 6.14:20 Benesse House Museum outdoor works and Yellow Pumpkin
    • 7.15:45 Disband @ Benesse House Park Lobby

    Title: Can You Do a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour from Kyoto by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were kind and pleasant visitors from North America. They left their hotel in Kyoto at 5:00 in the morning, traveled by bullet train, transferred via JR Okayama Station to a local line to reach Uno Port, and then took a ferry to Naoshima, where we met at Naoshima Miyanoura Port at 9:42. Because of the early start, the guests were tired, and one of them mentioned neck pain. The other was in good spirits. Since they had not eaten anything that morning and strongly wished to have something to drink, we first headed to the cafe at Benesse House, which has a restaurant. After that, we visited the Lee Ufan Museum, the Valley Gallery, the Benesse House Museum, and outdoor art works including the Yellow Pumpkin. One of the guests did not have the energy to continue as far as the Yellow Pumpkin and rested on a bench. After viewing the Yellow Pumpkin together with the other guest, we discussed the situation and, since the guests were tired, decided to end the tour there for the day. The plan for the following day was to visit Teshima and the Chichu Art Museum. We were unable to see the Art House Project this time, but given the neck pain, I felt it could not be helped.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…