Category: Uncategorized

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:45 Meet at Himeji Station North Exit
    • 2. 13:05 Himeji Castle
    • 3. 15:25 Koko-en Garden
    • 4. 16:45 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who spoke among themselves in their own language. One of the guests had been to Himeji before. The weather was fine, and the guests enthusiastically took many photos from various angles as we explored Himeji Castle at a relaxed pace. Next we went to Koko-en Garden, where the tea room was still open, so we enjoyed tea while looking out over the garden. It was their first experience in a tea room. The guests were dressed in summer clothing and applied roll-on insect repellent several times while at Koko-en. After leaving Koko-en, they wanted to head straight to the station, so we walked along Miyuki-dori and said our goodbyes in front of the station.

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:45 Meet up @Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 10:00 @Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple)
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch @Momoya
    • 4. 13:15 @Hiroshima Castle
    • 5. 13:50 @Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 6. 15:45 Disband @Hiroshima

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the group had originally planned to join with more members, some were unable to travel to Hiroshima due to illness on the day, so the tour proceeded with the rest of the group. During the tour, they checked in by phone a few times, and while the guests seemed a little unsettled at first, they gradually relaxed and were able to enjoy Miyajima. Even after seeing many temples and shrines during their stay in Kyoto, they found Daishoin Temple beautiful and liked it very much, and they enjoyed the fried momiji manju and conger eel tempura. At lunch, they said the okonomiyaki was the most delicious Japanese food they had eaten so far. At Peace Memorial Park they listened attentively to the explanations, and also viewed the museum carefully. They also viewed Hiroshima Castle relatively thoroughly. After the tour, I shared with the guests the URL of the English version of "Hiroshima of the Mothers," which can be viewed in the museum, as well as the URL of the testimony video of the Akatsuki Corps, a special feature at the National Peace Memorial Hall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Yokohama & Kamakura in 1 Day Tour

    Yokohama & Kamakura in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 12:15 Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in)
    • 3. 13:00 Hasedera Temple
    • 4. 14:15 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 5. 16:15 Disband at Hotel

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour from Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had stayed in Kyoto for a few days before departing early that morning and arriving at their hotel in Yokohama. After the day's sightseeing in Kamakura, they were scheduled to board a Japan cruise for about ten days starting the following day. Originally, the plan was to have lunch first, since the early departure from Kyoto might leave them hungry, but they had already eaten at the hotel before we met, so we headed to Kamakura without lunch. Kamakura was quite crowded everywhere that day with school excursion students, but the guests had seen many in Kyoto as well and did not seem particularly bothered. I guided them to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and at each place they were impressed by the history and enjoyed the traditional atmosphere. However, one of the guests seemed a little tired, and at the final stop, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, said they did not wish to climb the stairs to the main hall, so they rested at the bottom of the stairs while the rest went up. Since lunch had been skipped and there was extra time, I considered adding another place to visit, but at Hasedera along the way, they said it would be fine to return to the hotel early as long as we could visit the originally planned places. Having traveled from Kyoto early in the morning, the guests seemed to prefer not to have too long a day. For this reason, after visiting the planned three locations, we returned to the hotel a bit early and finished the tour at 16:15. The guests were also able to buy kimonos and hats as souvenirs, and they seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Kamakura356JPY
    Section 2TrainKamakura~Hase200JPY
    Section 3TrainHase~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 4TrainKamakura~Yokohama356JPY
    Total1,112JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel→Shibuya→Meiji Shrine→Imperial Palace East Gardens→Asakusa→17:00 Robot Cafe

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like After Visiting Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Tokyo from Europe after two days of sightseeing in Kyoto, and had already visited a fair number of shrines and temples. During today's tour, since a camera part was not available in Shibuya, I guided them to an electronics store. At Meiji Shrine, they were pleased to see two Shinto wedding ceremonies. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the iris flowers had already begun to bloom early, so they were able to see them. By the time we finished in Asakusa, it was already past the scheduled 4:00 end time, but I judged that the guests would not be able to find the robot cafe on their own afterward, so I guided them to the shop. As a result, the tour ended one hour over schedule at 5:00 (I explained the route back and we parted ways).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Shibuya290JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4TrainTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Mitsukoshimae180JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Osaka in One Day: @Hotel Osaka & @Osaka Castle Park

    Osaka in One Day: @Hotel Osaka & @Osaka Castle Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 @Hotel Osaka
    • 10:30 @Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 12:00 @Hozenji Yokocho~Mizukake Fudo~Doguyasuji
    •     Lunch on your own
    • 15:00 @Osaka Castle Park
    • 16:00 @Disband at Kintetsu Namba Station

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Dotonbori, and Osaka Castle This was a private tour of Osaka for the guests. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the guests listened with great interest to explanations about the architecture and Shinto. In Dotonbori, the guests requested a meal without meat, so I introduced a restaurant, but it was closed or did not offer what they wanted at that moment, so we opted for a free lunch instead. At Osaka Castle, the guests took photographs in the park, and although I offered to guide them inside the main keep, they chose not to enter. As the guests were tired and wished to explore on their own, I let them know that I would guide them along the way back to their hotel, and I saw them off at Kintetsu Namba Station, where we parted ways.

    I was born and raised in Osaka and now I live in Nara where the history of Japan began, so I am familiar with historic sites such as shrines, temples, castles, traditional wooden townhouses, and so on. I like to guide historic and cultural places such as Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Himeji which were designated as world heritage sites. I am a trainee of chado, tea ceremony so I am knowledgeable about Japanese traditional culture related to zen.
    I also like to introduce Japanese food culture in Nishiki in Kyoto or Doubonbori in Osaka. I have guided Nishiki and Kuromon market many times and many guests enjoy a food tour with me.
    I try to make you feel comfortable and enjoyable during the tour. I hope you’ll have a great time with me and enjoy Japan!

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Fish Outer Market & Nezu shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Fish Outer Market & Nezu shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:15 Pick up at Sushi Tokyo Ten Shibuya
    • 13:45 Tsukiji Fish Outer Market
    • 14:40 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Akihabara
    • 17:00 Nezu shrine
    • 18:00 Dinner at Soba restaurant (Yoshibou Rin)
    • 19:30 End of the tour@Kinshicho Station

    What's a Private Tour in Japan Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. Since direct private email or messaging had not been possible beforehand, there was some concern about whether we would be able to meet as planned, but the guests found me and said hello, so we were able to start the tour without any trouble. Although I had prepared a name board, I found the profile photo very helpful. We completed the itinerary as scheduled and saw them off at the nearest station to their accommodation, ending the tour. I believe they enjoyed themselves. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Akihabara324JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Nezu324JPY
    Section 5TrainNezu~Kinshicho345JPY
    Total1,488JPY

    My name is Chikara. I know it is not an easy word to pronounce, so please call me Chas.

    I have dealt with Import and Export Cargoes Insurance while working for an insurance company for 35 years. Such a career gave me opportunities to visit 20 plus over seas countries including 4 year stay in New York as an expat. Through these experiences, I found myself enjoying communiation with people from different countries, appreciating local culture, cuisine and beautiful landscape.

    People have always been kind to me, and I came to think that I want to give back to them by OMOTENASHI to foreign visitors to Japan.

    In addition, as I learned more about different cultures of different countries after years, I came to be more and more aware of how little I know about my own country Japan and it’s unique culture.
    So, I began to study more about Japan, and wish to have good things about my country more understand and appreciated by other countries.

    That’s how I decided to become a national government licensed tour guide.
    Now that I am a guide, I am ready to offer a tailor-made tour in accordance with my guest’s needs. I take it to my job to make the tour enjyoable and memorable, and make my guests fans of Japan.

    My favorite things are
    Walking around not just to follow big strreets but to explore samller “hiden” paths by detour, sometimes excited by the possibility of getting lost.
    Jazz music, Museums, Movies, Architecture, etc.

    Sep 20, 2024
    S9139WWspencerb
    Must do for new travelers
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My girlfriend and I took our tour…

    May 25, 2024
    Timothy_B
    Best tour in Tokyo!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chas Yokoi was an outstanding tour guide! He…

    May 19, 2024
    Geoffrey P
    Japan Guide Agency’s guide in Tokyo (Chas Yokoi) was magnificent!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    CHAS…

    May 19, 2024
    SueJ211
    5 star experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chas Yokoi was an excellent guide. Knowledgeable, fun, responsive…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Hotel Tokyo meeting
    • 0930 Imperial Palace (Otemon Gate ~ Tatsumi Yagura) ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Marunouchi Building pine pilings ~ Tokyo Station
    • 1040 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Kabukiza Theatre ~ Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1200 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise, lunch at Okuyama-dori
    • 1350 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 1445 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 1530 As you wished to walk along the outer moat to the hotel, we part in front of Iidabashi Station (Toei Oedo Line)

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Tokyo from North America. They had traveled through Kyoto, Nara, and Kanazawa, and had arrived in Tokyo the previous evening. Since they would fly home the following night and only had this one day, they requested a private guide. While I was explaining the Imperial Palace, the guests noticed how many joggers were around. I explained that this area is very popular with joggers because there are no traffic lights and the loop is 5 km, making it easy to track records. They said they would go for a run the next morning. I also gave an overview of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and they said they would try to visit if they had time the next day. At Tsukiji, they were more interested in the strawberry daifuku than the seafood, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Afterward, they said they wanted to eat ramen (since they had been having sushi every day), so I rearranged the original plan and moved Asakusa earlier so we could have a meal. The area around Kaminarimon was too crowded, so we gave up on it, and on the way to Kappabashi, which was on our schedule, we found a casual local eatery on Okuyama-dori, where they enjoyed not only ramen but also dishes such as chicken rice. At Kappabashi, they ended up buying only small items, but they enjoyed simply looking at the kitchen knives and other goods. At Koishikawa Korakuen, the Japanese irises were beginning to bloom. Looking at Google Maps, they said they wanted to walk along the outer moat, so I explained the general route before we parted ways. They were people who clearly enjoyed jogging and other forms of exercise.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijubashimae ~ Hibiya~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2TrainGinza~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 3TrainTawaramachi ~ Ueno-hirokoji~Ueno-okachimachi ~ Iidabashi286JPY
    Total673JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • From Shizuoka Station, take the bus to Nihondaira Yume Terrace, then take the ropeway from Nihondaira to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, take the ropeway back to Nihondaira and go by taxi to Miho no Matsubara, from Miho no Matsubara take a taxi to Shin-Shimizu Station, from Shin-Shimizu Station take the Shizutetsu line to Shin-Shizuoka, walk from Shin-Shizuoka to Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, then take the bus from Sengen Shrine to Shizuoka Station, and disband there.

    What's a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nihondaira, Miho no Matsubara, and Sengen Shrine The guests were a calm and pleasant group, with one visiting Japan for the first time and another visiting for the second time. When I asked where they were from, they answered North America. When I mentioned that I also have a friend living in the same region, one of the guests was very surprised and said they lived there too. This helped us break the ice, and it turned into a relaxed and comfortable sightseeing experience for everyone. As it was a weekday, both Nihondaira and Miho no Matsubara were not very crowded, making for a very relaxed tour. The guests also greatly enjoyed the Shizuoka oden we had as a snack on the way to Sengen Shrine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShizuoka Station~Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance570JPY
    Section 2OtherNihondaira~Kunozan Toshogu Shrine1,750JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Shimizu~Shin-Shizuoka350JPY
    Section 4BusSengen Shrine~Shizuoka Station190JPY
    Total2,860JPY

    I am glad to introduce myself to the prospective tourists visiting Japan from abroad. My name is Yasuo Ochiai, but please call me “Yasu” if you have a chance to be my guests in Japan. I have been an English tourist guide for 37 years and having a good reputation from my guests. I am proud of having a good knowledge not only about the scenic spots in Japan but also about Japanese cultures, such as Kabuki, Noh, and Flower Arrangement. When I show you around the sightseeing spots, I always promise to treat you warmly and give the best explanation as much as possible. I hope that you will go back to your countries with good memories of Japan.

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & /11:50 Miyajima Ferry

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & /11:50 Miyajima Ferry

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:35 Hiroshima Station
    • 10:51/11:20 Hiroshima Station/Miyajimaguchi JR 420 yen
    • 11:40/11:50 Miyajima Ferry
    • Miyajima stroll (guided tour of shopping street, torii gate, and shrine area)
    • Lunch: Okonomiyaki (Chinchikurin)
    • 15:04/15:20 Miyajimaguchi/Nishi-Hiroshima JR 330 yen
    • 15:30/15:40 Nishi-Hiroshima/Peace Park bus 220 yen
    • Museum, park shortcut, hypocenter, Orizuru Tower
    • By taxi to the Shinkansen entrance of Hiroshima Station
    • 18:00 Tour ends at the liquor shop

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were delighted throughout the day, and I too was able to spend the day with a happy heart. The day before the tour, I finally received a message from the guests. The message included a request, mentioning that mobility was difficult and asking to arrange a taxi. Rather than getting around entirely by taxi, I suggested making good use of public transportation, and I explained that taxis can be caught fairly easily in most places if needed, and that on Miyajima, sightseeing by car is not common and such options are limited. The tour involves a lot of walking, and especially on Miyajima there is almost no option other than walking, so I was concerned. I considered whether we could use the community bus, but the service is infrequent and it only seats seven people, so it seemed difficult. On the morning of the tour, I suggested a wheelchair, but the guest declined and said they could walk, so we proceeded at a comfortable pace with rest breaks along the way. On Miyajima today, I again saw visitors ignoring the rules and feeding the deer, as well as a car that forced its way into the Miyajima shopping street during hours when vehicles are not permitted, whether lost or intentionally. They appeared to be domestic tourists. There was also a deer devouring a plastic bag containing bread, so today too I pulled the plastic out of the deer's mouth (since eating plastic can be fatal for them). The okonomiyaki at lunch was also very much enjoyed. At the museum, the guests were deeply pained, saying how terrible it was. After the museum, while consulting with the guests, we had planned to visit the Orizuru Tower and do a Hiroshima sake tasting, but time passed by in the blink of an eye. With the guests' consent, I kept my explanation of the latter section of the museum very brief. Then, at the Orizuru Tower, which the guests said they very much wanted to visit, they folded paper cranes, and we headed to the Shinkansen entrance of Hiroshima Station by taxi. I remembered the taxi fare being around 1,000 yen before, but today it came to nearly 1,800 yen. It also took longer than expected, and I wondered why. At the end of the tour, everyone gave me a hug, and the tour came to a close. That is all.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Peace Park220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Hotel
    • 2.9:30 Tsukiji Outer Fish Market
    • 3.10:00Tsukiji Honganji
    • 4.10:30Ameyoko
    • 5.11:00 Asakusa Senso-ji and lunch
    • 6.12:45 Imperial Garden
    • 7.13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 8.14:45 Shibuya Hachiko Crossing
    • 9.15:15 Finish at Ginza line Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Fast-Paced Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the guests wanted to see as many places as possible, we visited each site at a brisk pace. Due to an input error by the guests, the name of their accommodation had been entered incorrectly, but fortunately it turned out to be the hotel next door, so I contacted them via a messaging app and resolved the issue without trouble. We chatted about all sorts of things at each location and enjoyed our conversations together. The guests seemed to especially enjoy the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the azaleas and irises were blooming beautifully, so it may well have been the best season to visit.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Naka-okachimachi178JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3TrainTawaramachi~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4TrainOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total889JPY

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…