Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    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.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at hotel, confirm today's destinations 9:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Okochi Sanso Villa 10:15 Togetsukyo Bridge, rickshaw experience 11:20 Sanjo Shopping Street 11:45 Break with wine and beer 12:50 Nishiki Market 13:30 Lunch 14:30 Drop off at Fushimi Inari, tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from Oceania. We had been communicating via a messaging app until the day before, and they expressed that they no longer wanted to visit temples or shrines and preferred places not frequented by tourists. I made various suggestions, but nothing was clearly decided. However, it was agreed that we would visit Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari. On the morning of the tour, when I went to the Hotel, they were waiting at a nearby coffee shop and said they had already been to Fushimi Inari. As the discussion continued without much direction, we set off toward Arashiyama for the time being. We went to the bamboo grove, Arashiyama Park, and Togetsukyo Bridge, and since they wanted to ride a rickshaw, they took a short course. After that, they wanted to drink wine somewhere with few tourists, so we went to Sanjo Shopping Street and they had wine and beer at a quiet Italian restaurant. Next, they said they wanted to see Nishiki Market. Although it is a place full of tourists, we took a taxi to Nishiki Market. There, the guests seemed hungry and bought and ate some very expensive tempura. After that, we had a late meal at a sushi restaurant in Kiyamachi. There, they suddenly said they wanted to go to Fushimi Inari. In the morning they had confirmed that they had already been there, but that turned out not to be the case. So, we took the Keihan train and I guided them to Fushimi Inari, where the tour came to an end. The photo was taken at Okochi Sanso in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall Front~Nijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total910JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Station & Tobu Asakusa Station

    Tokyo: Tokyo Station & Tobu Asakusa Station

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meeting place: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
    • 7:40 Depart Tokyo Station
    • (Tohoku Shinkansen: Yamabiko No. 125)
    • 8:46 Depart Utsunomiya Station
    • (JR Nikko Line)
    • 9:28 Arrive Nikko Station
    • (On foot)
    • 9:35 Tobu Nikko Station
    • Tobu Nikko Station: Lockers
    • 9:45 Depart Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 9:51 Nishisando entrance
    • Nikko Nikko Rinnoji Temple
    • (On foot)
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • (On foot)
    • Nikko Futarasan Shrine
    • (On foot)
    • Nishisando Cafe: Break
    • (On foot)
    • Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • (On foot)
    • 13:22 Depart Nishisando entrance bus stop Nishisando
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 13:24 Arrive Shinkyo bus stop
    • Shinkyo Bridge
    • 13:44 Depart Shinkyo bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 13:50 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • 13:56 Depart Tobu Nikko Station
    • (Tobu Nikko Line)
    • Arrive Shimoimaichi Station
    • Depart Shimoimaichi Station
    • (Spacia X No. 7)
    • 14:32 Arrive Kinugawa Onsen Station
    • Disband: Kinugawa Onsen Station
    • 15:06 Depart Kinugawa Onsen Station
    • (Tobu Kinugawa Line)
    • 15:33 Arrive Shimoimaichi Station
    • 15:34 Depart Shimoimaichi Station
    • (Spacia X No. 62)
    • 17:15 Arrive Tobu Asakusa Station
    • 17:30 End: Tobu Asakusa Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen Day Tour by Train Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. This trip was part of an approximately three-week summer holiday to Japan. After arriving in Japan, they had already visited central Tokyo as well as Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, returning to Tokyo the previous evening. Today, after sightseeing in Nikko, they would stay one night at Kinugawa Onsen. Tomorrow, they planned to travel from Haneda Airport to Okinawa (where they planned a road trip by rental car), and then return to Tokyo before heading home. They said, "We want to visit and enjoy as many spots in Japan as possible." Following the passing of a typhoon, Nikko had almost hot, clear weather, and we were able to complete the tour without any rain. We met at the Hotel and traveled to Nikko by Shinkansen, as the guests had requested. On the train, I explained topics such as "the direction of Nikko as seen from Tokyo," "the origins and history of Nikko," "the Edo period of Japan, and the Edo period and Tokugawa Ieyasu," and "the Five Highways and the sankin-kotai system." First, from Tobu Nikko Station, we took a bus to central Nikko. We walked around Rinno-ji Temple and, after paying the admission fee, also viewed the interior of the main hall. There were many questions "about Buddhism" and "about Buddhist statues." At the Gomado hall, a "goma ritual" was being performed, so we observed it for a while. The guests said, "We don't fully understand it, but we could feel the solemn atmosphere." I explained topics such as "about Buddhism" and "about Buddhism and Shinto." From here, we walked to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Despite it being a weekday, it was very crowded with overseas tour groups and groups of elementary and junior high school students. We toured the Yomeimon Gate, the main shrine, the crying dragon, and other spots in turn. The "three monkeys" and the "sleeping cat" seemed to be particular favorites, and the guests spent time photographing them. Regarding the "three monkeys," they said they "had heard about it in advance," while "they had never heard about the sleeping cat before." We then walked to Nikko Futarasan Shrine. There was a question, "The rows of cedar trees are wonderful. How old are they?" We strolled slowly around the grounds. We walked to the entrance of the West Approach and took a short break at a coffee shop. After resting, we walked to Kanmangafuchi Abyss. The Daiya River was swollen with a powerful current, and we took photos here and there. We walked back to the West Approach entrance and headed to the Shinkyo Bridge. There were many tourists here as well, and we took our time photographing various spots. The guests said, "The Toshogu is quite gorgeous, with many decorations. Very interesting." Arriving at Tobu Nikko Station, the guests bought ekiben (station bento boxes) at a shop in the station and enjoyed them on the train. (They said they had tried ekiben once and become big fans.) From here, we traveled to Kinugawa Onsen via Shimo-Imaichi. The guests commented, "In Japan, no matter where you go, there is no litter on the ground—it's clean." I saw them off at Kinugawa Onsen Station and we parted ways. I returned via Shimo-Imaichi Station and Tobu Nikko Station to Asakusa Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTokyo~Nikko6,190JPY
    Section 2OtherTobu Nikko Station~Tobu Nikko Station600JPY
    Section 3OtherTobu Nikko Station~Kinugawa Onsen Station940JPY
    Section 4OtherKinugawa Onsen~Asakusa3,540JPY
    Total11,270JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimiinari by JR train & Kyoto Station by taxi

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimiinari by JR train & Kyoto Station by taxi

    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!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Kyoto Station arriving at 12:21pm
    • 13:00 Fushimiinari by JR train
    • 14:30 Ninenzaka by taxi
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Yasakakoshindo by walking
    • Yasuikonpiragu by walking
    • 15:00 Kenninji (800) by walking
    • Gion
    • Hanamikoji by walking
    • Tatsumi bridge by walking
    • 16:30 Kyoto Station by taxi
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting from North America and had a free-spirited approach to travel, journeying to various places to fish for large fish on a bucket list. Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, the guest wanted a quick and simple meal, so we stopped at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in the station building before starting the tour. It was a very fast-paced four-day trip that included one day in Tokyo and one day in Kyoto. The guest did not seem particularly interested in history, but during the short time available, made sure to secure souvenirs, buying chopsticks on Ninenzaka and perfume on Sannenzaka. It was an extremely hot day, so we drank plenty of water.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total150JPY

    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!

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

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

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

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

  • Miyagi in Half a Day: @ Godaido

    Miyagi in Half a Day: @ Godaido

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at the hotel ~ Walk to Aoba-dori Station
    • 9:12 – 9:45 Take the Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama Station
    • 10:00 @Matsushima Sightseeing Boat Basho Course (Shiogama-Matsushima Course)
    • 11:00 @ Godaido
    • 12:00 @Zuiganji Temple and Treasure Hall
    • 12:45@Disperse in front of Nihachiya Restaurant

    What Is a Private Matsushima Sightseeing Boat and Lunch Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a rare tour with domestic guests, something that happens perhaps once a year. The way of guiding differs from the foreign guests I usually accompany. Since the guests already had basic knowledge of Japanese culture, the key was how to help them enjoy it. But talking through all the knowledge I have, like a volunteer guide might, would tire the listeners, so I focused on enjoying a back-and-forth conversation. The guests said, "Having a local tell you all sorts of things, insider information and so on, is really fun, isn't it?", so I felt the approach worked well. The request from the guests was for the Matsushima sightseeing boat and a recommendation for a lunch spot. For the boat, I recommended the Shiogama-Matsushima course (the Basho course), where you can enjoy both dynamic and delicate scenery at the same time, and they sighed repeatedly at the beauty of the rock faces. Today a fire along the Senseki Line caused significant schedule disruptions, so I kept a close eye on the clock, but we managed to make the 10:00 boat, which was a relief. When we parted, they said, "It's hot, so maybe it's about time to have you introduce a place to eat," and I confirmed, "There are still 20 minutes left, is that alright?" Based on the guests' preferences (fond of seafood, one of the guests not keen on raw fish, wanting grilled skewers), I recommended Nihachiya. The savory aroma of the grilled skewers at the storefront led to "This place is fine," and we parted in front of the shop.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAoba-dori~Hon-Shiogama350JPY
    Total350JPY

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo visit & Ryoan-ji visit

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo visit & Ryoan-ji visit

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Meet
    • 10:30-10:50 Travel (chartered car; Hotel → Sanjusangendo)
    • 10:50-11:40 Sanjusangendo visit
    • 11:40-12:00 Travel (chartered car; Sanjusangendo → Kiyomizu-dera / Chawanzaka)
    • 12:00-13:00 Kiyomizu-dera visit
    • 13:00-13:30 Travel (chartered car; Kiyomizu-dera / Chawanzaka → Nijo Castle)
    • 13:30-14:50 Nijo Castle visit
    • 14:50-15:10 Travel (chartered car; Nijo Castle → Ryoan-ji)
    • 15:10-16:00 Ryoan-ji visit
    • 16:00-16:30 Travel (chartered car; Ryoan-ji → Hotel)
    • 16:30 Said goodbye to the guests in front of the hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was everyone's first time in Japan and Kyoto. I took them to Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, and Ryoan-ji. The guests requested to visit as many places as possible, so we skipped meal time and traveled by car (a contracted vehicle) to visit these four sites. When we discussed the schedule, I also introduced destinations for another day. The tour today took place under high temperatures of 35°C, but since Sanjusangendo, Nijo Castle, and Ryoan-ji involve viewing inside the buildings and we traveled by car, I think the heat was not too much of a burden. Everyone said that Sanjusangendo, the first destination, was the best. They commented that the 1,001 Buddhist statues could not be seen anywhere else.

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Ginza Seiko

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Ginza Seiko

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 13:20 Ueno – Statue of Saigo Takamori, Grave of the Shogitai, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:20 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 15:20 Tokyo Tower
    • 16:20 Yurakucho Bic Camera
    • 16:40 Ginza Seiko
    • 17:00 Disband @ Seiko

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? Ueno, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Tokyo Tower — A Licensed Guide's Report I guided one visitor from North America on a private day tour of Tokyo. After Tokyo, the guest planned to travel to Hakone and Kyoto. In the morning, the guest had independently visited a bonsai museum, and for this tour chose quite a refined itinerary of Ueno, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and Tokyo Tower. The guest mentioned a love of nature. The guest listened carefully to each of my explanations. The itinerary progressed faster than expected, so with some time to spare I asked what the guest would like to do, and we visited a large electronics store in Yurakucho to buy a mobile battery, after which the guest purchased a wristwatch at Seiko in Ginza. The guest apparently collects watches. It was a pleasure to guide such a calm and pleasant person.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Suidobashi200JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuidobashi~Onarimon220JPY
    Section 4SubwayKamiyacho~Hibiya180JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    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.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:25 Depart hotel 8:55 Fushimi Inari  10:00 Kiyomizu-dera 11:15 Lunch 12:00 Higashiyama area (Yasaka Pagoda・Sannenzaka・Ninenzaka・Ishibei-koji・Yasaka Shrine)
    • 12:30 Gion  13:30 Nishiki Market  14:25 Arrive at hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market The guests visited Japan from North America with friends. They had visited Japan before, but this was their first time in Kyoto. The tour was originally planned for a group, but some of them could not join due to feeling unwell, so some of the guests stayed at the hotel while the rest took part. The weather was fine, and it felt like the heat had returned. Everyone gathered early, so we were able to start smoothly. At Fushimi Inari, the guests worshipped without any particular concerns. Some of the guests were collecting goshuin (temple and shrine stamps). We spent a little extra time at Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Yasaka Shrine, but the number of people in line was small, so there was no impact. At the final stop, Nishiki Market, the guests who had not joined in the morning also met up with us. One of the guests decided to stay in the downtown area together with them, and I brought the rest of the group back to the hotel. The photo was taken at Kiyomizu-dera.

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
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  • Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet up at Toyosu Market
    • 05:10-05:30 Explain in advance related information such as tuna capturing methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll around the Tsukiji market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Tuna Auction Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors, with one member of the group residing in Japan. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide TORU led a private tour that included the tuna auction, a sushi breakfast, and the Tsukiji Outer Market. The guests asked many detailed and in-depth questions about Japanese food culture, which made me approach the tour with a bit more focus than usual, and it turned out to be a very rewarding experience. Right after watching the auction, both of the guests remarked, "The auction was incredibly speedy — it was amazing." At the sushi breakfast, they enjoyed a full tuna course and savored the differences in flavor between the various cuts. One of the guests, who enjoys fishing and prepares fish personally, asked the sushi chef about the methods of preparing sushi and handling fish, and seemed to appreciate the depth of Japanese cuisine. One guest asked, "The first piece of chutoro and the second piece tasted slightly different — why is that?" The chef was impressed and replied, "Even from the same cut, the fattiness can differ slightly, so the flavor can vary. But it's remarkable that you could sense the difference." At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we visited a Japanese knife shop I am familiar with, and one of the guests carefully examined a deba knife made of Gin-san (a high-grade stainless steel). Because of the high price, they initially held off on buying it, but after visiting other Japanese knife shops as well, they said, "The knife at the very first shop TORU recommended was actually reasonable, so let's go back," and purchased a deba knife there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
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    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara Station & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara Station & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Choei-Kan, 2-7-29 Sakaemachi, Odawara-City, Kanagawa Pref.
    • (A Japanese inn near Odawara Station)
    • 9:24 Depart Odawara Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:15 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Observation Deck
    • Owakudani Kuro-tamago Kan
    • 12:00 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:15 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 12:00 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 12:40 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Lunch: Bakery & Table
    • 13:00 Depart Motohakone Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 13:20 Arrive Kowakien Bus Stop
    • Kowakien Okada Museum of Art
    • 14:06 Depart Kowakien Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 14:34 Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 14:50 Arrive Odawara Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Odawara Station Shinkansen Gate

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Odawara to Hakone? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan from North America. The group consisted of three people, all visiting Japan for the first time. This visit to Japan was arranged around a summer holiday of about two weeks. So far they had already toured central Tokyo, as well as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. This morning they traveled from their accommodation in Tokyo to Odawara. This evening they would return to Tokyo, tomorrow they planned to watch the morning practice at a sumo stable in the city, and the day after they were scheduled to fly home from Narita Airport. They said, "We really want to see Mount Fuji from Hakone." Unfortunately, due to the aftereffects of heavy rain from a typhoon the previous day, the weather did not cooperate, and in the end we were unable to see Mount Fuji. From Odawara Station, via Hakone-Yumoto Station, we transferred between the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, and the ropeway to reach Owakudani. I had made an advance reservation for the "Owakudani Nature Study Course Tour," but unfortunately the tour itself was canceled due to the bad weather. I explained "the formation of Hakone," "its history as a hot spring resort and summer retreat," and "an overview and history of Owakudani." There were questions such as, "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it last erupt?" We bought the "black eggs" and everyone tried them. They remarked, "The smell of sulfur is intense." We then took the ropeway further to Togendai Port. There we boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Here the weather was better, with some patches of sunshine. I explained "the history and current state of Lake Ashi." It was a little chilly, but we went up to the topmost observation deck. There were also questions such as, "Can you swim in it?" "What kind of fish live here?" and "Does it freeze in winter?" We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port and had lunch at "Bakery & Table." From here we took a bus to the "Okada Museum of Art." All three of them said they loved art museums and viewed the exhibits with great enthusiasm. In particular, they said, "We really liked the ceramics." They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan the towns are clean. There's no litter on the ground." "There are no trash cans around." "Everyone is so polite." Furthermore, there were many questions such as, "What is the average annual income in Japan?" "What are the population trends?" "What is the income tax like?" and "How do taxes and social insurance premiums work?" I saw them off at the Shinkansen gate at Odawara Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Guide (Kogure) arrives at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 10:55 Meet the guests in the hotel lobby
    • 11:00 Depart Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, walk toward Shinjuku Station
    • 11:10 Arrive at Shinjuku Station East Exit, guests purchase PASMO cards
    • 11:20 Depart Shinjuku Station, head to Kanda Station via JR Chuo Line Rapid
    • 11:31 Arrive at Kanda Station, transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
    • 11:39 Depart Kanda Station, head to Asakusa Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
    • 11:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station, walk toward the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 11:55–12:05 Guide the observation deck on the 8F of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 12:05–12:45 Guide Senso-ji Kaminarimon, Nakamise-dori, Hozomon, the five-story pagoda, the giant straw sandal, omikuji, the incense burner, the purification fountain, the main hall, and Asakusa Shrine
    • 13:00–13:50 Lunch at Matsunami Steakhouse in Asakusa (steakhouse reserved in advance at the guests' request)
    • 14:08 Depart Asakusa Station, head to Shibuya Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
    • 14:42 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • 14:45–15:05 Guide Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko
    • 15:09 Depart Shibuya Station, head to Harajuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line
    • 15:11 Arrive at Harajuku Station, walk toward Meiji Jingu
    • 15:15–16:30 Guide Meiji Jingu (the first torii, sake barrels, the second torii, waka poetry, the purification fountain, the main hall, the married couple trees, ema, restroom break, etc.)
    • 16:35 Depart Meiji Jingu, walk toward Takeshita-dori
    • 16:40 Arrive at the entrance of Harajuku Takeshita-dori (photo)
    • 16:45 Depart Harajuku Station, head to Shinjuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line
    • 16:51 Arrive at Shinjuku Station, after guests recharge their PASMO, walk toward the hotel
    • 17:00 Arrive at the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku lobby, greet the guests and end the tour

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine The guests, who arrived in Japan yesterday from Oceania, thoroughly enjoyed today's tour. I had exchanged emails with the guests in advance, and since they wanted to eat steak in Tokyo, after guiding them through Senso-ji Temple today, I took them to a steak house, and they were very pleased. They said Japanese beef was tender and delicious. They took many photos at each place we visited today. At Senso-ji Temple, they enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes, and at Meiji Shrine they purchased many omamori charms as souvenirs for family and friends. They also learned about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the proper way to worship at each. On the other hand, one of the guests loves beer, so I gave them a brochure for a beer garden venue that we could not visit today (I had scouted it in advance) and explained how to get there. After the tour ended, I asked the guests which of the places we visited today — Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Nakamise Street, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the entrance of Takeshita Street — they liked best. One of the guests said everything was wonderful, while another remarked that the view of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing seen from the second floor of Shibuya Station was especially impressive because of the crowds of people.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Kanda (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2SubwayKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Total970JPY

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
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