Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:00 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15 Rinnoji Temple
    • 10:40 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:40 -13:30 Lunch (at "Yamabiko" on the approach to Futarasan Shrine)
    • 14:10 Lake Chuzenji
    • 14:30 – 15:15 Sightseeing boat (from Funa-no-Eki to Tachiki Kannon)
    • 15:30 Kegon Falls
    • 16:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 17:10 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station
    • (After lunch, travel by the customer's chartered taxi)

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, making their second trip to Japan, having previously visited Tokyo and Kyoto. For this trip, they chose Nikko as their sightseeing destination for the first day after arriving in Japan, so they could enjoy both history and nature. In the morning we toured the World Heritage area, and they seemed impressed by the long history of Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, as well as the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine. They also appeared to gain an understanding of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism before the Meiji era, as well as the history of the Edo shogunate. In the afternoon, we took a chartered taxi to the Chuzenji area, where they enjoyed a sightseeing boat cruise and Kegon Falls. Unfortunately, the summit of Mount Nantai could not be seen, but they seemed moved by the scenery of the mountains of Oku-Nikko. Although the water volume at Kegon Falls was low, they were delighted to see the magnificent walls formed by erosion and the twelve falls. I believe it turned out to be a very satisfying tour for them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherFuna-no-Eki Chuzenji～Tachiki Kannon1,480JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    Tour Report by Hit

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Central Entrance of Shinkansen Kyoto Station (2nd floor)
    • 10:30 Fushimi inari (0) ( at the second station from Kyoto station)
    • 11:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • 13:30 Gioji (300) by taxi
    • 14:00 Nison-in (500) by walking
    • 14:50 Arashiyama Bamboo path
    • 15:00 Tenryuji (500+300)
    • 16:00 Kyoto Station
    • End of the tour

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like Between Shinkansen Connections? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived this morning by Shinkansen at 9:38, after traveling from Tokyo by cruise ship with stops in Shizuoka, Nagoya, and Kobe. One of the guests took a great deal of video and photos on their phone throughout the tour. Because of this, I gave detailed guidance on the best photo spots. I invited them to lunch, but since they were not hungry, we skipped it. After the tour, they were scheduled to take the 17:02 Shinkansen to Tokyo, so at the end I guided them all the way to the Shinkansen platform. They told me they were happy to have been able to visit so many wonderful places.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • 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 Meet at Conrad Tokyo (directly connected to Toei Subway / Yurikamome Shiodome Station)
    • 0910 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Kabukiza Theatre ~ Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1010 Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise, Lunch at "Tagawa" beside Kaminarimon Gate
    • 1305 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 1430 Pokemon Center at Nihombashi Takashimaya S/C
    • Since the end time is unknown, if there is a request to end the tour here, explain the way back and disband

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They arrived a few days earlier, and yesterday they had gone to Akihabara and Ginza on their own, but seemed to have struggled because they were unfamiliar with the train system. From June they planned to travel on to Kyoto and Osaka. Per their advance request, they preferred a relaxed pace with unhurried movement to suit the group. At Tsukiji Market, seafood was not particularly to their taste, but they enjoyed the lively crowds even more. They had visited Ginza on their own yesterday, but with today's guiding explanation everything seemed to "make sense" to them. In Asakusa, they showed interest in many things, purchasing a daruma and washi paper products, and enjoying drawing omikuji fortunes. At Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, the irises were at their peak and made for a spectacular sight. Afterward, I took them to the Pokemon Center at the group's request and planned to depart 30 minutes later, but since they wished to shop without worrying about time, we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShiodome～Shijomae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa ~ Ueno-hirokoji～Ueno-okachimachi ~ Iidabashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassIidabashi ~ Ueno-okachimachi～Ueno-hirokoji ~ Nihombashi0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at Osaka Port Tempozan Cruise Terminal
    • 2. 9:45-11:15 Transfer: Tempozan-Arashiyama (from here on, all transfers by chartered vehicle)
    • 3. 11:15-12:15 Arashiyama walk; Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 4. 12:45-13:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 5. 13:45- 14:30 Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 6 .15:00- 15:45 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 7. 16:15 Dismiss at Gion Shirakawa

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto During a Cruise Stopover? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, most of whom were experiencing Japan for the first time. During a cruise around Japan, they took advantage of the ship's call at Osaka to enjoy a private one-day tour of Kyoto. As a result, the itinerary followed Kyoto's classic sightseeing route. The driver was new and not yet accustomed to the work, and because they mistook the morning meeting point, the guests had to wait a little. Fortunately, the guests were not difficult people, so we were able to depart with only a 15-minute delay and without much trouble. After that, conversation flowed easily in the car and while walking, and we were able to tour in a pleasant mood. Everyone was interested in Japan's history, culture, and society, and they had many questions, so I ended up talking so much that I got a little tired. Since the cruise ship was staying in Osaka overnight and departing the following evening, there was no need to return early today. After visiting the main sightseeing spots, the guests decided they wanted to walk around Kyoto on their own rather than drive back to Osaka, so I suggested a stroll around Gion. We parted ways in Gion and released the chartered car. On popular routes like today's, everywhere (the Imperial Palace grounds were relatively better) was terribly crowded — the number of school excursion students was astonishing — and the guests seemed a little worn out by it, but I think they enjoyed themselves reasonably well. As for the driver in charge today (who, incidentally, is not the person named above; that was a mistake), they were a good person so I don't want to complain too much, but there were several moments — such as mistaking the morning meeting point — where I felt they were not yet fully accustomed to the work. It was a great help that the guests were all easy-going people.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Shoji

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Mitsukoshimae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Mitsukoshimae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hotel, Tokyo
    • 8:10 Depart Mitsukoshimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 8:30 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 10:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kayabacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:15 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Lunch: Tsukiji Sushisei Shibuya Branch
    • Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 12:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Mitsukoshimae Station
    • 13:00 Dismissal: Mitsukoshimae Station

    What Can You See on a Private Last-Day Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had come to Japan many times before. On this trip they arrived at Haneda and traveled through Nagano, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara before reaching Tokyo. Some of the guests were fans of Kanazawa, describing it as "a calm, quiet, and beautiful city." Today was the final day of their stay in Japan, with a departure from Narita Airport back home that evening. For today, the request was: "We would especially like to visit Tsukiji Market and other places we have never been to before." The forecast called for rain, but it hardly rained at all, though the tour took place in hot and humid weather. Their wish was: "Besides the Tsukiji Outer Market, we'd like to wander around freely as time allows." The guests were first surprised by the crowds at the Tsukiji Outer Market. They said, "We visited markets in Kanazawa and Kyoto too, but there weren't crowds like this." They also commented, "It's interesting to see what people in Tokyo eat." After this, we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. They said, "This is my second time here, but the contrast between the scenery within the gardens and the backdrop of the Marunouchi and Otemachi high-rises is fascinating." There were questions such as "When was it built as a castle?" and "Can we not go inside the Imperial Palace itself?" They also asked, "Does the Emperor live inside here?", "Does the Emperor have political influence?", and "Was the Imperial Palace also affected by the war?" In addition, they asked, "Why do you think the Second World War began?" and "Why do you think the United States and Japan went to war?" Afterward, they said, "We'd like to see the Scramble Crossing" and "We'd like to eat sushi before returning home," so we moved to Shibuya. At the Scramble Crossing, they commented, "Why are there so many people here?" We had lunch at a sushi restaurant in Shibuya. They commented, "The sushi here in Japan is fresher and more delicious than in New York, and the prices are far more reasonable." They also made comments such as: "Even though Tokyo is a city with a large population, it's orderly and clean." "There's no litter on the ground." "The trains are quiet. No one talks loudly. It's completely different from the subway back home." "Tokyo invests more in the subway and other infrastructure and maintains it well. Back home, the subway keeps raising fares but doesn't spend money on maintenance." I saw them off at Mitsukoshimae Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shibuya Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya Station～Mitsukoshimae Station209JPY
    Total774JPY

    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…

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

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

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ W Osaka
    • 10:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 12:15 @ Shitennoji
    • 13:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Osaka Castle

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Tour of Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shitennoji, and Osaka Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Osaka, and everything went smoothly. Some of the guests already had SUICA cards, while another member of the group did not, so they purchased an ICOCA card. At each spot, the guests showed great interest and took many photos. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they picked up the small "Go-Dai-Riki" stones popular as a power spot and also bought a protective amulet pouch. After visiting Shitennoji, the guests said they were a little hungry, so at Tennoji Station they bought the popular Osaka "551 pork buns" and ate them standing inside the station, appearing very satisfied. Finally, since the guests said they would visit Osaka Castle on their own, I guided them to the entrance, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Namba190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Toriimae～Tennoji230JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinsaibashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Total1,090JPY

    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

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

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

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

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @OMO Gion
    • 2. 11:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 14:00 @Nishiki Market
    • 4. 15:55 @Nijo Castle
    • 5. 17:15 Disband @Shijo Street

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle I was initially concerned because there was a guest who used a wheelchair, but we managed to complete the itinerary I had originally planned. At Kyoto Station, the elevator heading toward the subway was under repair, but a staff member operated a special lift for us, which delighted the guests very much. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the group split into those who went up to the summit and those who waited at the base. We ended up waiting at a café for about an hour, but those who went to the summit were pleased, and those who stayed at the base consulted me about their Arashiyama sightseeing scheduled for the day after next, so I was relieved that no one had time to spare. After 15:30, opinions were divided between those who wanted to go to Nijo Castle and those who wanted to return to the hotel, and in the end those who wished to return did so. Since it was 15:45 when we left Nishiki Market, I was worried about whether we would make the final admission at 16:00, but we hurried by taxi and made it in time. The guests were very pleased and told me I was an excellent guide.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Shijo220JPY
    Total590JPY

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: @ Kinkaku-ji & @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in Half a Day: @ Kinkaku-ji & @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 9:50-10:50 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:45-12:35 @ Tenryu-ji
    • 12:35-12:50 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:40 Dismiss @ JR Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour was originally scheduled to meet at 9:30, but at the guests' request it was moved to 9:00. Since they were joining a cycling tour at 14:30, we kept an eye on the time throughout the day to make sure we would be on schedule. At Kinkaku-ji, there was a line at the entrance, so it took some time to get in. At the exit, the guests sampled wasabi peanuts from Mamemasa and purchased a large bag. In Arashiyama, we took a route from the Togetsukyo Bridge along Nagatsuji Street into Tenryu-ji Temple, exiting through the north gate to enter the bamboo grove. The bamboo grove was relatively uncrowded and easy to enjoy. On the way from the bamboo grove to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, the guests bought strawberry daifuku and strawberry smoothies and enjoyed them as they walked. I guided the guests to the taxi stand at JR Kyoto Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama-Shichijo～Shichijo Keihan230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo Station～Sanjo Station170JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nishioji Oike260JPY
    Section 4BusNishioji Oike～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi-Nishinokyo Emmachi～Kinkaku-ji-michi-Nishinokyo Emmachi230JPY
    Section 6TrainEmmachi Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station190JPY
    Section 7TrainSaga-Arashiyama Station～Kyoto Station240JPY
    Total1,550JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market Dismissal

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market Dismissal

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Natural Hot Spring Renka no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Meeting Point
    • 9:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:10 Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 12:40 Nanohana (Ryoanji Temple Grounds)
    • 13:30 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 15:00 Nishiki Market Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they had already visited Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle. At Fushimi Inari Taisha there were many tourists, but they were delighted to find opportunities to take plenty of photos. At Sanjusangendo, they viewed the many Buddhist statues slowly and with great interest. For lunch, the restaurant near Kinkaku-ji that I had planned on was extremely crowded, so at the driver's suggestion we quickly changed plans and had udon and soba at a restaurant within the grounds of Ryoan-ji, which I believe they enjoyed. They had been very much looking forward to Kinkaku-ji, and thanks to good timing they were able to take many photos, which I believe made them very happy.

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.　9:00 　Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • 2. 9:10 Gora
    • 3.　9:30 Sounzan
    • 4.　9:45 Owakudani
    • 5. 10:45 Lake Ashi Cruise
    • 6. 11:40 Hakone Shrine
    • 7. 12:20 Narukawa Art Museum
    • 8. 14:15 Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report When I met the group at the Hotel in the morning, only one of the guests took part, as another was not feeling well and stayed behind. There was also a request to finish a little earlier than planned. The weather was cloudy, but the sun came out in the afternoon. Although Mount Fuji was not visible, the guest enjoyed the nature-filled scenery of Hakone. The ropeway ride from Sounzan to Owakudani, with white smoke rising over the barren landscape, seemed to leave a particularly strong impression. When I recommended the black eggs as a souvenir for the guest waiting at the Hotel, they were purchased. After sightseeing, there was a request for a taxi back to the Hotel, but every company was fully booked and none could be arranged.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora Station～Miyaginobashi Bus Stop5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by SHO

    In February 2017, I registered with Kanagawa prefecture as a National Interpreter Guide in English. Since then, I have guided mainly in Tokyo and Kamakura and Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, except during the corona virus epidemic. In addition, in February 2022, I became a Hakone Adventure Travel Guide certified by the Hakone DMO. I am especially good at walking and hiking tours. Here are my recommendations for Tokyo and Hakone.

    Tokyo – Imperial Palace
    The Imperial Palace is formally known as the Edo castle, the stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This place has been the residence of emperor of Japan since after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The palace with a compound of 1.15 million square metere consists of the main palace where ceremonies and functions are held, the resindence of the Emperor and Empress, and the East Garden containing the ruins of Tensyukaku Donjon. The Chowadn Hall, located in the main Imperial Palace, is noted for the New Year’s visit by the general public to the Imperial Palace.

    Tokyo – Asakusa
    Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo, which is reminiscent of the Edo period. This district has been flourishing as a temple town of Senso-ji, the oldest and the largest temple in Tokyo, Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” the outer gate of the temple is very famous as a landmark of Asakusa for its huge red lantern. Both domestinc and foreign tourists flock to thie venerable temple and the shopping arcade called “Nakamise” in the compound, the best place to buy traditional Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo.

    Hakone – Owakudani Valley
    One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hakone. There are exploded craters, which were formed by the last phreatic eruption of Hakone Volcano about 3,000 years ago, and activer sulfur and hot stream vents. White smoke envelops the desolate ground to this day, and you can feel the intensity of a active volcano. This place is also a popular viewing spot for Mt. Fuji.

    Hakone – Jinja Shrine
    Hakone Jinja Shrine is famous for its Shinto shrine archway of Peace, which was founded in its current location in 757 based on a revelation of the priest Mangan. Manga was famous priest who trained in strict ascetic practices and pacified the nen-headed dragon that lived at the bootm of Lake Ashi, and history is still handed down to people today.

    Hakone – Check Point
    Tokugawa shogun placed 53 sekisy (facility of inspection) on major roads across the nation to defend Edo (current Tokyo). Hakone Sekisho was one of the largest and was thought to be important among them. Hakone Sekisyo was placed on the current location in 1619, during an early period of Edo Era. One of the main roles of sekisho was to control “incoming guns and outgoing women”, which means to prevent wapons from being brought into Edo and wives and children of feudal lords from fleeing from Edo. However, Hakone Sekisho did not inspect “incoming guns” andseverely inspected “outgoing women”. Sekisho which operatef for about 260 years furing Edo Era, was dissoloved in the next years of 1868, when government changed.

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    May 21, 2025
    aileenhs1739
    Great day!
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Mt Fuji with low stress!…

    Apr 5, 2025
    aradhnaa
    Perfect day
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sho was absolutely wonderful. He arrived early at our…

    Nov 9, 2024
    jennifergW1707MI
    Great way to see all the beauty Hakone had to offer
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide…