Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Lobby
    • 10:00-10:30 Walk to bus stop & bus ride (Gojo Station → Gojozaka)
    • 10:30-11:30 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30-12:00 Visit Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do Temple
    • 12:00-12:15 Walk (Yasaka Shrine → Gion restaurant venue; Gioletto/Italian restaurant)
    • 12:15-12:45 Lunch (Gioletto)
    • 12:45-12:50 Bus ride (Yasaka Shrine-mae → Sanjusangen-do-mae)
    • 12:50-13:30 Visit Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 13:40- 13:50 Train ride (Keihan Shichijo → Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 13:50-14:00 Walk Keihan Gojo → Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was carried out with the group, one fewer than originally planned, as one of the guests was not feeling well. The tour took place in intense heat (37°C–38°C), and it was quite tough on some of the guests, but after lunch at a restaurant, they recovered their energy. After lunch, we discussed whether to continue or cancel the tour. Since the next destination was Sanjusangendo, which is an indoor visit, the guests decided to continue, and we finished the tour as planned. (I also felt that they chose to continue out of consideration for me as their guide.) Many guests spend one to two weeks sightseeing in this extreme heat, which makes it easier to fall ill. I want to keep the guests' physical condition as my top priority while conducting the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojo～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2BusYasaka Shrine-mae～Sanjusangen-do-mae230JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Shichijo～Kiyomizu-Gojo170JPY
    Total630JPY

    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.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sasazuka Station on the Keio Line & Otemachi Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Sasazuka Station on the Keio Line & Otemachi Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting place: Hotel Bougainvillea Shinjuku
    • 9:40 Depart Sasazuka Station on the Keio Line
    • (Keio Line)
    • 14:30 Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kanamachi Station
    • (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • 10:45 Arrive Shibamata Station
    • Shibamata Shibamata Taishakuten
    • Katsushika Ward Yamamototei
    • 11:30 Depart Shibamata Station
    • (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • Keisei-Takasago Station
    • (Keisei Main Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:30 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:40 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 13:30 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 15:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Old Downtown Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family group visiting Japan from North America. Some of the guests had visited Japan once before, about 30 years earlier, while the others were visiting for the first time. The family had roots in Asia. They were staying in Japan for about a week, planning to travel only around the Tokyo area. They had arrived at Narita four days earlier and had already explored the major sightseeing spots on their own. On the previous two days they had visited Disneyland and DisneySea. Their accommodation was at a Hotel in Maihama. They planned to go to Hakone the next day and take a day trip to Mount Fuji the day after, before returning home. They mentioned that they had decided on this trip to Japan to give the group some experience abroad. In the intense summer heat (with some light rain along the way), the tour included several rest breaks. First, we traveled from Sasazuka Station on the Keio Line, via Shinjuku Station, to Shibamata in Katsushika. The guests commented, "It's so quiet, it's hard to believe this is within Tokyo," and "The old townscape is wonderful." On the approach road they bought and tasted kusa-mochi. After that, we went to Nippori. At Yanaka Ginza the guests remarked, "It's wonderful to see an old Tokyo shopping street." Here again, along the way, they bought and tasted ice cream. Next, we visited Nezu Shrine. Passing through the torii gates, they took commemorative photos many times. I explained about "Inari shrines." At the shrine office, I bought protective charms for the younger members of the group. Inside Otemachi Station, we all had a late lunch of standing-style soba. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were very crowded. I explained about "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the Meiji Restoration," and "the current Imperial family." There were questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" and "Why did Edo Castle become the Imperial Palace?" 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?" There were also comments such as "The city is clean and quiet everywhere. There's no litter on the ground," "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?", and "There are really a lot of subway trains, but it's hard to get used to." One of the guests also commented that, compared to their previous visit, they felt the value of respecting one's elders in Japan seemed to have declined, noting that on the subway younger people remained seated without offering their seats to older passengers. I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and the tour concluded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSasazuka Station～Shinjuku Station140JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku Station～Kanamachi Station464JPY
    Section 3TrainKanamachi Station～Arrive Shibamata Station146JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata Station～Nippori Station272JPY
    Section 5SubwaySendagi Station～Nezu Station178JPY
    Section 6SubwayNezu Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 7SubwayOtemachi Station～Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Total1,587JPY

    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.

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    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nakatanidou

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nakatanidou

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 JR Nara Station (Start of Tour) by bus
    • 9:20-50 Ukigumo Enchi on foot
    • 10:10-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:10-20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:30-50 Lunch: Emado Chaya
    • 12:00-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:50-13:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:40-14:00 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk for 10 minutes
    • 14:20 Nakatanidou
    • walk 20 minutes
    • 15:00 (End of Tour) back at JR Nara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Park and Todai-ji Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. Since some of the guests were in their teens, I first took the group by bus to the Ukigumo Enchi area of Nara Park so they could enjoy time with the deer. After nearly 30 minutes of enjoying the deer, I gently pulled the group away from the animals and we headed to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. At the Mikasayama Ukigumonomine worship site, I explained that in original Shinto there were no shrine buildings and no Buddhist statues as in temples, and that there was nothing other than the sacred mountain itself, and the guests listened with interest to various differences from Western religions. As a bonus, members of a professional basketball team happened to be visiting Todai-ji Temple at the same time, and the group got to take a photo together. It was a lot of fun. I am grateful to the guests and to all the staff at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station～Todaiji Great Buddha Hall / Kasuga-taisha Shrine250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
    • 2. 09:05 Travel: Train
    • 3. 09:20 Stay @ Engaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 10:10 Stay @ Kencho-ji Temple
    • 5. 11:15 Travel: Train
    • 6. 11:30 Stay @ Komachi-dori Street
    • 7. 11:50 Lunch @ Mitsuhashi
    • 8. 12:25 Travel: Bus
    • 9. 12:45 Stay @ Hokoku-ji Temple
    • 10. 13:25 Travel: Bus
    • 11. 13:40 Stay @ Myohon-ji Temple, Hongaku-ji Temple
    • 12. 14:15 Travel: Train
    • 13. 14:35 Stay @ Kotoku-in Temple
    • 14. 15:10 Travel: Train
    • 15. 15:25 Disband @ JR Kamakura Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kamakura Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had requested four spots: Kenchoji, Myohonji, Zuisenji, and Hokokuji. However, since Zuisenji is quite far even from the nearest bus stop, I added Engakuji, which is close to Kenchoji, to the course instead. For lunch, I guided the guests along Komachi Street, and since it turned out that one of the guests could not eat meat, we went to a soba restaurant where vegetable-focused menu options were available. As the guests seemed interested in matcha, I suggested purchasing an admission ticket that included matcha at Hokokuji. The scenery there is lovely, so I plan to continue suggesting this in the future depending on the situation. Since Myohonji and Hongakuji, which I guided them to in the latter half of the course, are very close to Kamakura Station, we ended up with a little extra time at the end. Therefore, with the remaining time, I took the guests to Kotokuin in Hase before returning to Kamakura Station to conclude the tour.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Customized Private Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura Station～Kita-Kamakura Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainKita-Kamakura Station～Kamakura Station150JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station Bus Stop～Jomyoji Bus Stop220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji Bus Stop～Kamakura Station Bus Stop220JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura Station～Hase Station200JPY
    Section 6TrainHase Station～Kamakura Station200JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Cerestine Kyoto Gion
    • 2. 10:40@Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 3. 12:00 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch@Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 5. 14:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 6. 15:45 Dismissal@Cerestine Kyoto Gion

    What Is a Private Family Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a very cheerful group. One of the guests had a firm personal policy and did not compromise on it with the rest of the group. The atmosphere was never tense, but even at souvenir shops, purchases could only be made once approval was given. The policy was that there are many cultures to respect while traveling, but that it was not something to bring back home — experiencing and observing was welcome, but only for the duration of the stay in Japan, as they clearly and refreshingly explained. I found it enjoyable to quietly listen to the occasional small grumbles the guests shared with me. I believe they were pleased with the tour.

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

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting point: ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 15:45 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori
    • 16:50 Sightseeing ③: Shinsekai
    • 17:40 Dismissal: Shinsekai

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai The guests on this occasion were a group visiting Japan from North America. The advance contact was handled by one member of the group, and although this was a short 4-hour course, they were eager to visit as many places as possible. Some of the guests had visited Japan several times before, while others were visiting for the first time. The tour took place on a very hot midsummer afternoon, so we conducted it with careful attention to hydration and rest in the shade. At the main site, Osaka Castle, I focused my explanations on the formation of Japan's early modern history, particularly the rise of samurai governance, and the guests were able to view the extensive exhibits at their leisure. In the latter half, I guided them through Dotonbori and Shinsekai, both lively downtown areas of southern Osaka (Minami). They enjoyed the distinctive, down-to-earth atmosphere of Osaka, which is quite different from Tokyo or Kyoto. One of the guests tried the "hankyu" (short bow archery) and a shooting gallery game, experiences not available in North America, and received applause from everyone. The guiding was scheduled to end at 6:00 p.m., but at the guests' suggestion we wrapped up the sightseeing a little early and stopped for an early dinner in Shinsekai. At that point, the guiding concluded. They were a very warm and pleasant group, and it was a truly enjoyable tour to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTemmabashi～Nipponbashi240JPY
    Section 2SubwayNipponbashi～Ebisucho190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Century Southern Tower
    • 10:15 Shinjuku Station
    • 10:50 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Tully's
    • 12:30 Asakusa Station
    • 13:15 Kamiyacho
    • 13:25 Tokyo Tower
    • 14:00 Disband @ Tokyo Tower Observation Floor

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and Tokyo Tower Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They wanted to buy Tokyo-exclusive goods in Asakusa and at a themed cafe, and then visit Tokyo Tower, so I planned the tour around those wishes. However, the guests took a liking to the shops I introduced in Asakusa (Sukeroku and Kiryudo) and spent quite a bit of time there, so for the themed cafe in Roppongi I simply explained how to get there, and after Asakusa Station we headed directly to Tokyo Tower. The guests had a particular interest in taking photographs, so I paid careful attention to composition when taking pictures for them. The guests had researched in advance that there is a photogenic spot at the base of Tokyo Tower, which was a great learning experience for me as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station～Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKanda Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Ningyocho Station180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNingyocho Station～Kamiyacho Station180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:30　Meet in front of JR Kyoto Station (Avanti Building)
    • ②　12:00　Daisen-in (sub-temple of Daitoku-ji)
    • ③　13:20　Lunch (near Daitoku-ji)
    • ④　14:30　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • ⑤　15:00　Tenryu-ji Garden
    • ⑥　16:00　Fushimi Inari
    • ⑦　17:00　Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Hokan-ji
    • ⑧　18:30　Disperse near Hokan-ji

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. This was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto, and they made a day trip to Kyoto while staying in Tokyo. They were interested in a great many things, and it was memorable how they asked thoughtful and detailed questions at each spot. Their main goal had actually been to see Nijo Castle and the Ninomaru Palace, but it was closed that day, so instead we visited a Zen temple (Daisen-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji), where they tried hard to truly understand many things while viewing the national treasure dry landscape garden — the tea ceremony, the concept of wabi-sabi, the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun, and how Buddhism and Shinto coexist among the Japanese people. As a bonus, I taught them the phrase "ookini" and suggested they try using it in Tokyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari290JPY
    Total290JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ JR Nara Station
    • 2. 10:45 Kofuku-ji Temple tour
    • 3. 11:15 Nara Park tour
    • 4. 12:00 Okumura Research Institute tour
    • 5. 13:30 Great Buddha Hall tour
    • 6. 14:30 Lunch @ Azekuraya
    • 7. 15:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine tour
    • 8. 16:30 Disband @ JR Nara Station

    What Does a Private Nara Walking Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report from Nara Station to Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha The guests today were a group visiting from Europe. We met at Nara Station and walked from there toward Kofukuji Temple, guiding them through Nara along the way. After showing them the temple grounds of Kofukuji, including the Jizo Bosatsu statue and the three-story pagoda, the guests enjoyed feeding the deer in the park behind Kofukuji. While admiring the many deer, we continued toward Todaiji Temple and stopped by the Okumura Research Laboratory in front of the Nara National Museum, where the guests experienced cutting-edge earthquake-resistant technology. However, one of the guests began to feel unwell, so we took a break at the Okumura Research Laboratory for a while. After resting, we moved on to Todaiji Temple, walked from the Nandaimon Gate to the Great Buddha Hall, and I guided them to the Great Buddha. After the Great Buddha Hall, we had a noodle lunch at a restaurant, where unfortunately one of the guests had to withdraw and returned alone by taxi to JR Nara Station and then to a hotel in Kyoto. The rest of the group continued the tour, and I guided them to Nigatsudo Hall, Wakakusayama, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Finally, we took a city bus from Kasuga Taisha to the shopping district, and from there walked slowly to JR Nara Station, where we parted ways with the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine～In front of Kintetsu Nara Station100JPY
    Total100JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet @ Hotel Annex Rokku
    • 2. 09:50 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:20 Stay @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:25 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:00 Stay @ Yanaka
    • 6. 12:50 Travel: Train
    • 7. 13:20 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 13:45 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Square

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Including a Japanese Garden? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point Hotel was one I had visited before, and I confirmed again that because it is a bit far from Asakusa Station, it takes quite a while to reach the subway. In advance emails, the guests had listed Shinjuku Gyoen and Shibamata as desired spots, but since Shinjuku Gyoen is closed on Mondays, I guided them to Koishikawa Korakuen instead. The water lilies seemed to be starting to close their blossoms a little, but I could still confirm that several were in bloom. The lotus flowers also had a few large blossoms open, which was more than enough for taking photos. Shibamata is far from other spots, and there are rumors that it is not very welcoming to tourists, so I took the guests to Yanaka instead. Since one of the guests wished to go shopping in Shibuya after the tour, I showed them the Shibuya crossing at the end and guided them to the restaurant floor of Scramble Square before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa Station～Iidabashi Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi Station～Sendagi Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori Station～Shibuya Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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

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

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

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