Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:10　Tsukiji Market
    • 10:10　Hamarikyu
    • 11:15　Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 12:15　Lunch at Meiji Shrine
    • 13:10　Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00　Takeshita Street
    • 14:40　Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:00　After guiding to the anime shop, the tour ends

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had already visited Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, and other places, and had prepared umbrellas as protection against the heat. At Tsukiji Market, they enjoyed oysters, tuna, satsuma-age fish cakes, melon, and muscat grapes. At Hamarikyu Gardens, the tidal pond and the tea house were unfortunately under construction, but they were interested to see the falconry and duck-hunting areas, the view of Mount Fuji, and the horse riding grounds. At the Imperial Palace Plaza, I explained about samurai, emperors, and shoguns. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about Shinto, Buddhism, and related topics. On Takeshita Street, some of the guests did some shopping. After walking across the Shibuya crossing, at the request of one of the guests, I guided them to an anime shop.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total360JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Tokyo by HULIC (2-3 Yurakucho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:20 Tsukiji Market
    • 3) 11:30 Akasaka Palace State Guest House
    • 4) 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 5) 14:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 6) 15:00 Asakusa <Senso-ji Temple / Nakamise Shopping Street>
    • 7) 16:00 Disband @Coffee Kinryu (1-20-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akasaka Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo day tour for guests visiting from North America. At the hotel meeting point, we reviewed together the guidelines for visiting the Akasaka Palace (State Guest House). The guests were staying in Japan for about two weeks and were scheduled to return home the day after this tour. They had already experienced sightseeing in Tokyo (Yanaka, Shinjuku, and the area around the Imperial Palace), a visit to Osaka, and even a climb of Mount Fuji (which took about 8 to 9 hours in total, up and down). Because the guests were sensitive to high humidity, I made a point of choosing shaded and tree-covered paths as much as possible while walking. At Tsukiji, almost everywhere outside the shops is exposed to strong sunlight, so I had them enjoy fried chicken skewers, peaches, and fresh juice in the shade. After a quick tour there, we headed to the Akasaka Palace. After showing them around the air-conditioned main building (photography is allowed in certain halls), we took photos in the main garden and front garden, and then moved on to Meiji Shrine. The guests had enjoyed sports since their student days, but they found Japan's characteristic high humidity quite challenging. We walked through the shaded, tree-lined paths of Meiji Shrine, and rather than visiting for worship, they rested and cooled off at the souvenir shop. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they had French fries and strawberry candy, and then we headed to Asakusa. They had also gone to the Sumida River Fireworks Festival the previous weekend, but the crowds were beyond what they had imagined, and they said they had not been able to stop anywhere in Asakusa. We chose the shaded parts of the arcade-covered Kannon-dori and Nakamise-dori, and they visited the main hall. Two cafés I had in mind were crowded, so I was relieved to finally get them inside a third one. After the tour, the guests were planning to head to Disneyland, and we parted ways right on time. They were lively and energetic, and they candidly shared their impressions and thoughts about their stay in Japan.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station～Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Yotsuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Yotsuya Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kita-sando Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Okura Kyoto
    • 10:30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30　Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:30　Kura Lunch
    • 14:00　Sagano Romantic Train Arashiyama>>Bamboo Grove
    • 14:30　Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 15:00　Kimono Forest
    • 15:20　Meet the private car near Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 15:50　Arrive at hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Ryoanji, the Bamboo Grove, and Tenryuji The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Ryoanji was shaded and not crowded, which pleased the guests. Since they wanted sushi for lunch, I made a reservation at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, and we were able to be seated smoothly. One of the guests won a game prize just once and, wanting to keep playing, became quite hooked on the sushi restaurant experience. The bamboo grove was still comfortable, but at the Tenryuji garden there was little shade and it was too hot. We took a break at a spot across from the Randen tram line. As the guests seemed tired, we did not go up to the second floor, though currently the second floor was open as a rest area with an air-conditioned room (somewhat small).

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

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:10 Harajuku (Look at some shops on Takeshita Street)
    • 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:40 Akihabara
    • 14:00 Disband at Akihabara Maid Cafe

    It was an extremely hot day, and I lent out three parasols to help manage, but it was quite challenging. At Meiji Shrine, we discussed the differences between the religion of the guests' region and Shinto. They found the Japanese view of nature particularly interesting. As they were a group, at Harajuku's Takeshita Street they went into several shops and enjoyed shopping. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were very hot, but the guests expressed astonishment at the atmosphere of Edo Castle. They were especially interested in the changes in the style of the stone walls. They wanted to buy electronic components, so we stopped by several shops in Akihabara, and finally I accompanied them along with a tout to a maid cafe of their choice 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 1TrainGinza～Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi～Akihabara178JPY
    Total565JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi lobby
    • 8:15 JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit Assistance with purchasing SUICA cards exclusively for foreign travelers at the Ekitabi Concierge
    • 9:00 Meiji Jingu, FOREST TERRACE Meiji Jingu shop "Mori"
    • 10:00 Takeshita Street
    • 11:10 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8th floor observation deck
    • 11:25 Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 13:15 Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market "Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 14:15 Purchase matcha and portable tea whisk at "Getsuendo"
    • 14:30 Disband at Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived in Japan the previous day from Europe. The day before, they had visited the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace without a guide. They had found it inconvenient to buy paper tickets each time they transferred trains, so we began by helping them purchase a SUICA card available exclusively for foreign travelers at the station travel concierge. Today was another day of extreme heat. We walked through the shade as much as possible, moving into shaded spots while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green before crossing the streets. Using the SUICA card they had purchased, they bought several drinks from vending machines, and we made an effort to prevent heatstroke.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Chuo Line Tokyo Station～JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station～JR Chuo Line Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Total780JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Nunobiki Herb

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Nunobiki Herb

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:45 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 11:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 14:00 Disband @ Nunobiki Herb Garden

    What Is a Private Sake Brewery and Nunobiki Herb Garden Tour in Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe, and everything went smoothly. They were very interested in the sightseeing and asked many questions. This was my first time guiding guests from Europe, and I got to hear many fascinating stories about their home region. At the sake brewery, they attentively observed the production process, and at the tasting corner they enjoyed sampling not only the complimentary options but also several varieties of premium sake available for a fee. Because they took their time enjoying the visit, it was a little regrettable that we had to cut Ikuta Shrine from the original plan. At the Nunobiki Herb Garden, they greatly enjoyed the view from the hilltop and took photographs. Since they mentioned feeling a bit hungry and wanted to take a break, we had a light meal at the facility attached to the herb garden, after which we parted ways. It was a very enjoyable group, and it was a tour that I, the guide, thoroughly enjoyed as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya～Sumiyoshi200JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi～Sannomiya200JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8：55 　 Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
    • 9：10　 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 9：30　 Meiji Shrine
    • 10：40　Imperial Palace
    • 11：30　Akihabara
    • 12：10　Lunch @ Tempura Hisago (Akihabara)
    • 13：20　Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 14：30　Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho・Kabukicho
    • 15：15　Disband @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Koishikawa Korakuen The guests were visitors from Europe who were visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened attentively to explanations about the Edo Shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, and the Emperor. In Akihabara, some of the guests enjoyed browsing bookstores with anime books. At Koishikawa Korakuen, they appeared to be impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Akihabara0JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara～Suidobashi150JPY
    Section 5SubwayIidabashi～Shinjuku-nishiguchi220JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku～Shibuya170JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit　　10:05 Fushimi Inari　　11:30 Sanjusangendo　　12;50 Lunch (Shijo Kiyamachi Sushi Restaurant)　13:30 Pontocho Walk
    • 14:20 Nijo Castle　　15:50 Kinkaku-ji　　17:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　　18:00 Tour ends at Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were staying in the Namba area of Osaka and traveled by Shinkansen to Kyoto Station in the morning. Today was another extremely hot day in Kyoto, so it turned into a tour where everyone was sweating and wiping their brows throughout. I guided them around each site while making use of shade as much as possible, and the guests listened to my explanations with considerable interest. Because of the heat, we inevitably fell behind schedule. After discussing it, we decided to use taxis from Sanjusangendo to the lunch venue, and from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama, which saved a great deal of time and allowed us to finish sightseeing at all the planned destinations as scheduled. After Arashiyama, I saw the guests off at Kyoto Station, ending the tour. The photo was taken at the lunch restaurant, including myself.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji～Higashiyama Shichijo230JPY
    Section 4OtherHigashiyama Shichijo～Shijo Kiyamachi0JPY
    Section 5SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijojo-mae～Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 7BusNishioji Oike～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 8OtherKinkaku-ji～Arashiyama Nonomiya-mae0JPY
    Section 9TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total1,440JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Heijo Palace Site

    Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Heijo Palace Site

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet JR Nara Station
    • 09:30 to 09:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 10:00 to 11:00 Todai-ji Temple
    • 11:15 to 11:45 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 12:15 to 13:15 Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 to 15:00 Heijo Palace Site
    • 15:30 Disband Kintetsu Saidaiji Station

    Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Nara in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report Nara reached over 35 degrees Celsius today, an extreme heat. Normally, on tours in Nara I introduce the shrines and temples while strolling on foot without using a bus, but this time I decided to use a bus out of concern that something might happen to the guests during the tour in such conditions. However, the guests mentioned that they had walked about 30,000 steps on a tour in Kyoto the previous day, and they still seemed to have plenty of energy left today. Without showing any signs of fatigue, they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. They said today's step count was about 25,000. I was glad the guests were so energetic.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNara Kotsu Bus JR Nara Station～Nara Kotsu Bus Kasuga Taisha Main Hall250JPY
    Section 2BusNara City Bus Kintetsu Nara Station～Nara City Bus Suzakumon Plaza100JPY
    Section 3BusNara City Bus Suzakumon Plaza～Nara City Bus Kintetsu Saidaiji Station100JPY
    Total450JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari shrine by Keihan train & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari shrine by Keihan train & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
    • 08:30 Fushimiinari shrine by Keihan train
    • 10:30 Kiyomizudera temple (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Ninenzaka
    • Yasuikonpiragu
    • 13:30 Gion by walking
    • Hanamikoji by walking
    • 　　　Kobu Kaburenjo
    • 14:20 Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi by walking
    • 　　　End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion The guests were visitors from North America. Their requested destinations for the day were the Higashiyama district, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Gion, so I built an itinerary that fit Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera into the Higashiyama area. One of the guests loved small items and did a lot of shopping at the souvenir shops around Fushimi Inari, which put us about an hour behind schedule for the second destination, Kiyomizu-dera. At Kiyomizu-dera, the guests enjoyed ringing the bell at the main hall, offering incense, and visiting the Otowa Waterfall, and while browsing the various shops along the approach it came to light that they were fond of Studio Ghibli. After taking photos with the Yasaka Pagoda in the background, instead of continuing down Yasaka-dori, we went along Ninen-zaka to the Donguri Republic shop. It was so hot that I felt spending time shopping was a perfectly good option. We made our way to Gion by way of Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine. Around the time we passed through Hanamikoji, it was nearly the finishing time of 14:00, so we walked together to the Hotel and ended the tour. Since it had been decided at the start that the guests would have a late lunch after the tour, we did not take a lunch break. Both of the guests looked relieved when we arrived at the Hotel. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Total220JPY

    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!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…