Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Owakudani via ropeway

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Owakudani via ropeway

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:00-10:15 Travel on foot from the hotel, then by bus from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone
    • 10:15-11:30. Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 11:30-12:00. Lake Ashi cruise
    • 12:00-13:30. Sightseeing at Owakudani via ropeway
    • 13:30-14:30 To Gora, then lunch
    • 15:00-16:00. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, then disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Mount Fuji, Owakudani, and the Open-Air Museum The guests were a group visiting from North America, and they had a bright, cheerful spirit. They had been looking forward to seeing Mount Fuji, but there were many clouds and only the base of the mountain was faintly visible, which was unfortunate. They also enjoyed Owakudani. However, they seemed especially fond of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, taking many photographs and viewing everything carefully, which left a strong impression on me. Guiding the group, I felt a real sense of energy and momentum, and despite the heat, it was a memorable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto~Hakone Open-Air Museum5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Kyoto meeting point
    • 11:00~11:40 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 12:00~12:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:00~13:45 Sanjusangendo
    • 14:00~14:40 Lunch break
    • 15:10~16:30 Pontocho – Gion Festival Gallery – Yasaka Shrine – Chion-in Temple – Maruyama Park – Ninenzaka – Yasaka Pagoda – Sannenzaka Dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and Kyoto was the final stop of their trip after traveling to Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, and Osaka. They were deeply impressed by the massive scale and delicate craftsmanship of the historic wooden architecture, such as the main gates and halls of Nanzen-ji and Chion-in temples, as well as by the solemnity of the Buddhist statues at Sanjusangen-do and the beauty of the Japanese gardens. We also discussed the Japanese view of religion, in which Shinto and Buddhism coexist. At the Gion gallery, they were fascinated by the footage of the Gion Festival and the size of the festival floats, and they said they wanted to go see the floats at night.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo~Keage260JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeage~Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 5TrainShichijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Total1,040JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00  M's plus shijou omiya hotel
    • 10:30  Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Bamboo Grove
    • 14:20 End at Randen Arashiyama

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour of the West Side and Arashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests wished to visit Kinkaku-ji, so I arranged a tour of the western side of Kyoto. The guests were very satisfied with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, which went well. However, before heading to the next location, some of the guests dropped out at the Sagano Romantic Train in Arashiyama. Since the others said they would meet up later and it would be fine, we proceeded that way. Along the route, I considered having those who had stopped go ahead by taxi to Randen Arashiyama, but they said it was fine, so we continued the tour. That left me with some regret. I also considered taking the bus, but in the end we did not, and it was a misjudgment on my part. Aside from that, the guests enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOmiya~Sai170JPY
    Section 2BusNishioji Shijo~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total400JPY

    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.

    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: Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Skytree

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main
    • 10:30 JR Tokyo Station Eki Tabi Concierge, to help purchase Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto and SUICA cards for foreign travelers
    •    Waited in a long line (due to Tokaido Shinkansen suspension). Since it would take over 40 minutes, we suddenly decided to make the purchase at Ueno.
    • 11:10 JR Ueno Station Eki Tabi Concierge, to help purchase SUICA cards for foreign travelers
    • 11:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8th floor observation deck
    • 12:30 Tokyo Skytree
    • 13:45 Lunch (Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan)
    • 14:35 Disband Tsukiji Outer Market

    Can You Get a Suica Card and Bullet Train Tickets in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived in Japan the previous day and taken a taxi directly from the airport to the hotel, so today was their first time using a train in Japan. By email, the guests had asked for assistance in purchasing bullet train tickets to Kyoto. Anticipating that the guests might also want to buy a regular Suica card (not the Welcome SUICA that can only be purchased at the airport, but the standard Suica available to foreign travelers), I checked the crowd situation at Tokyo Station before heading to the meeting point, as it is one of the few stations with a Station Travel Concierge where foreign travelers can purchase a regular Suica. As expected, due to a suspension of Tokaido Shinkansen operations until early afternoon caused by a derailment of a track maintenance vehicle, there was a longer line than usual. With faint hope that the crowd would ease within a few hours, I went with the guests to the Station Travel Concierge. The crowds had not cleared and there was a very long line. I explained the situation to the guests, and we moved to Ueno Station, where the guests were able to purchase a Suica at the Station Travel Concierge after only a few minutes of waiting. I explained the Suica deposit and how to top up the card. Although purchasing the Suica took some time, the guests understood the situation and seemed satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Akasaka-mitsuke Station~Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Tokyo Station~JR Yamanote Line Ueno Station170JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Skytree Line Asakusa Station~Tobu Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station160JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Oshiage Station~Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station180JPY
    Section 5TrainToei Oedo Line Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station~Toei Oedo Line Tsukijishijo Station220JPY
    Total910JPY

    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).

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel pickup @ Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • ①TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OBSERVATION DECK
    • ②SHINJUKU KABUKICHO
    • ③SHIBUYA SCRUBLE CROSS/NINTENDO TOKYO
    • ④HARAJUKU
    • Disband at Omotesando

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In Shinjuku and Shibuya, in addition to the stops I had prepared in advance, I guided the guests to places they requested, looking up information on the spot as we went. I was able to deepen my understanding of what visiting guests are interested in. The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour started with a hotel pickup, but the meeting location listed in the booking information was a Hotel, and the pickup instructions were incorrect. Had the guests not pointed this out by message, there was a risk of a No Show / non-performance incident causing a disadvantage. Please share the reason and measures to prevent recurrence.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToei Marugoto Ticket~1-Day Pass700JPY
    Total700JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi-Inari

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi-Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
    • Walk to Kiyomizu-dera
    • 8:40-10:00 Sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera
    • 10:25-10:33 Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi-Inari, Keihan ¥220
    • 10:40-11:20 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:36-11:47 Fushimi-Inari → Sanjo, Keihan ¥220
    • 12:00-13:30 Lunch @ Kisshokichi Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
    • 13:40-14:00 Stroll through Kyogoku Shopping Street & Nishiki Market
    • 14:10 Disband @ In front of Daimaru

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour With a Government-Licensed Guide Like? A Traveler's Review Good way to see Kyoto Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6-Hour Private Tour with a Government-Licensed Guide Great 6-hour guided tour around Kyoto with a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide. The guide was polite, spoke good English, and was very accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi-Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi-Inari~Sanjo220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Philosopher's Path

    Kyoto in One Day: Philosopher’s Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30…Meet the guide at the hotel
    • 8:40…Take a taxi to Kyoto Station
    • 9:10…Take the subway to Nanzen-ji Temple
    • ※Sanmon Gate ~ Suirokaku Aqueduct ~ Hojo Hall
    • 10:10…Stroll along the Philosopher's Path
    • 11:00…Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30…Lunch
    • 12:10…Take a taxi to Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00…Fushimi Inari
    • 13:50…JR Inari Station
    • 14:00…Kyoto Station
    • 14:30…Guide ends at the Asty Kyoto anime shop

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Due to the extreme heat, I started the tour earlier than the scheduled start time. The guests were visiting Japan for a trip and enjoyed the tour throughout with cheerful expressions, asking many questions out of great interest in Japanese culture and history. They were also collecting goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) and purchased goshuin at Nanzenji Temple, Otoyo Shrine, Ginkakuji Temple, and Fushimi Inari. For lunch, I guided them to a specialty onigiri shop near Ginkakuji Temple. They tried tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg) for the first time and were delighted, saying it was delicious. Since they mentioned they planned to go to Shijo Street in the evening, we stopped by a tourist information center so they could enjoy the Gion Festival, and I obtained an English-language pamphlet about the Gion Festival for them. As they said they wanted to visit an anime shop, I guided them to an anime shop inside Asty Kyoto and concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Keage260JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total410JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Yuriko Suematsu, a government licensed tour guide. Please call me Lily, because Yuri means Lily in English.
    I like Japanese history, culture, and Japanese castles. Especially, I like tea ceremony in kimono.(I’m also a licensed kimono dresser.)
    So, I sometimes guide around Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Osaka, Nara and Nagoya in kimono.
    There are lots of beautiful places to visit in Japan.
    Especially, I recommend you to visit Kyoto and Nara if you are interested in Japanese ancient history. Nara and Kyoto are both ancient capital cities over 1000 years ago.
    I also recommend you to visit Gifu(Shirakawa-go and Takayama), my hometown if you want to enjoy rural nostalgic atmosphere.
    If you’re interested in Japanese castles, I recommend you to visit Himeji, Osaka, Kanazawa and Nagoya. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time to see beautiful castles.
    Let’s enjoy Japanese culture and history together!

    Sep 30, 2026
    edmondc795
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful walking tour in Takayama
    The 4 hour tour was arranged…

    Apr 16, 2026
    maerlaeb
    Wonderful tour on the Nakasendo Trail
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Andrew K
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour
    Highly recommended! Yuriko-san was so knowledgeable and patient.…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Sydney_N
    We had a wonderful tour…
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour in…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Okunoin Stay & Miroku Ishi Main Store Stay

    Wakayama in One Day: Okunoin Stay & Miroku Ishi Main Store Stay

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Gather at Koyasan Station
    • 10:30 Travel Koyasan Station~Okunoin-mae (510 yen)
    • 10:55 Okunoin Stay
    • 12:10 Stay at the restaurant "Hachiyo" at the Okunoin exit
    • 13:20 Travel Okunoin-mae~Senjuinbashi (270 yen)
    • 13:30 Juzuya Shirobei Stay
    • 13:40 Danjo Garan Stay
    • 14:40 Kongobuji Temple Stay
    • 15:45 Miroku Ishi Main Store Stay
    • 16:00 Travel Senjuinbashi~Koyasan Station (360 yen)
    • 16:24 After viewing the mountain range from the 2nd floor of the station, travel to Gokurakubashi Station by cable car
    • 16:30 Confirm the Koya No. 8 bound for Namba at Gokurakubashi Station and disband

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came on a day trip from Osaka to Koyasan. Their tickets appear to have been arranged by a travel agency. They arrived on time, and we immediately took a bus to Okunoin. Since it was a hot season there were fewer international visitors, but the guests were pleased that it was cooler than Osaka or Kyoto and there was no concern about heatstroke. They enjoyed the various corporate graves and monuments and took many photos of the old five-story stone pagodas. The guests seemed tired from sightseeing in the daily heat, and at Koyasan they enjoyed the natural greenery of the trees and the old buildings and pagodas. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography and took many pictures, and I also took some group photos for the guests. Since they wanted to eat Japanese cuisine, the restaurant "Hachiyo" at the Okunoin exit suited their tastes perfectly. They also wanted to try manju and mochi, so we stopped by afterward and bought various sweets to eat as snacks on the train. They were interested in Japanese culture and the legends of Kobo Daishi and listened attentively. Because it was a 6-hour guiding assignment, I was able to guide with plenty of time to spare, which was great.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station~Okunoin-mae510JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae~Senjuinbashi270JPY
    Section 3BusSenjuinbashi~Koyasan Station360JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Hotel Kyobashi
    • 08:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 09:40 Ueno (Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum)
    • 12:30 Lunch at Shabu-Sai Ueno Branch
    • 13:50 Akihabara
    • 15:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Center Street)
    • 16:10 Disband at Shibuya

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Akihabara, and Shibuya Body: The booking came through a travel agency, and since there had been almost no communication in advance, I began the day by first asking about the guests' wishes before deciding on the route for the day. The guests were visiting from abroad, and while they did not state it clearly, they seemed interested in art and pop culture, so I included the Tokyo National Museum and Akihabara in the itinerary. The guests seemed to really enjoy the Tokyo National Museum and stayed for nearly two and a half hours. Since it was extremely hot outside, this was very welcome. As there was a request to eat shabu-shabu for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant in Ueno, and they were very pleased. They enjoyed games in Akihabara and shopping in Shibuya, and the tour concluded on Center Street in Shibuya. Despite the heat, I built the itinerary around the museum and shopping, so we were able to finish without much discomfort. I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Akihabara0JPY
    Section 4SubwaySuehirocho~Shibuya0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 11:00 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:45 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 12:30 Pokemon Center – 14:00 Lunch – 15:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 16:40 Hanzomon Line Otemachi Station / Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fukagawa The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. After outlining the plan for the tour, I presented origami "kabuto" helmets folded from large chiyogami paper as a gift to the younger members of the group in the lobby of the Hotel. One of the guests had done extensive research about Japan and had planned most of the two-week itinerary in Japan. When I explained the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudodo, the group was eager to experience it, so we started the tour from Fukagawa. After a short break at a café attached to a bakery, we strolled through the old downtown area of Fukagawa. The guests fully enjoyed the traditional side of Tokyo, even buying a folding umbrella that could also be used as a parasol.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Monzen-nakacho286JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Nihonbashi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMitsukoshimae~Otemachi178JPY
    Total642JPY

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

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

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

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

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