Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at guest's hotel
    • 9:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20 Sannenzaka – Ninenzaka – Yasaka Koshindo – Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:20 Disband at the entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. We first went to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Since it was extremely hot again today, there were fewer people than usual, so we were able to look around at a relaxed pace. One of the guests tried the Tainai-meguri at Zuigu-do Hall. After that, we browsed the shops along Sannen-zaka and they enjoyed matcha lattes and other treats. They were also amazed by the Starbucks on Ninen-zaka. We then moved on to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which was relatively more crowded. Nevertheless, I believe they had a wonderful time strolling through the Senbon Torii and more.

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Travel to Miyajima & Shopping at EKIE

    Hiroshima in One Day: Travel to Miyajima & Shopping at EKIE

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:45 Meet at the Shinkansen Central Exit of Hiroshima Station
    • 07:52 Travel to Miyajima
    • 08:50 Miyajima sightseeing
    • 12:00 Travel to Hiroshima
    • 12:45 Visit Hondori
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 13:45 Travel to Hondori & shopping
    • 14:00 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:00 Travel to Hiroshima Station taxi 1600 yen
    • 16:15 Shopping at EKIE
    • 16:45 Disband at EKIE, Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan with great happiness, traveling through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, and taking a day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima. During a stretch of extreme heat, the temperature in Kyoto reached 40 degrees, and the guests said, "It was too hot, so we gave up on sightseeing." The day before Hiroshima, the guests had a Himeji Castle tour, but because the meeting point was hard to find, they missed it by 15 minutes and had to cancel the bus tour. On the day heading to Hiroshima, thanks to the guests leaving Osaka early in the morning, we were able to make an early start. A heatstroke alert had been issued that day, so keeping cool was my top priority. After visiting Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple, the guests also enjoyed shopping along the main approach. At a shop we stopped by, the guests were very fond of momiji manju, and while having tea, they showed me a photo of a large maple tree at their home in North America. We took the Miyajima World Heritage sea route to Hiroshima, and after much thought, considering the dietary needs of one of the guests, we had lunch at a vegan restaurant. The guests said, "It was the most delicious meal so far, and I was glad the portions weren't too large." After recharging, the guests attentively visited the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and I was very happy when they said, "We want to come back to Japan again in May." It was a joyful day, safely getting through the heat. Thank you so much!

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Hyogo: Travel & Sightseeing at Meriken Park

    Hyogo: Travel & Sightseeing at Meriken Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Port Terminal
    • 9:00-10:30 Sightseeing in Arima Onsen town
    • 10:30-10:55 Travel
    • 11:00-11:45 Sightseeing at Rokko Garden Palace
    • 11:45-12:10 Travel
    • 12:15-13:00 Sightseeing at Meriken Park
    • 13:30 Disband @ RED EYE

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arima Onsen and Mount Rokko The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were all incredibly cheerful, and there were smiles throughout the entire day. After soaking in the hot springs at Arima Onsen, we headed to Mount Rokko. We were blessed with wonderful weather and were able to take many great photos. After that, at Meriken Park, I explained about the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Finally, I guided them to a lunch spot, and the tour came to an end. The driver was also full of hospitality, not only preparing water at their own expense but also getting out of the vehicle to guide us around Arima Onsen.

    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

    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.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    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

    • 7:00 Meet at the hotel 8:15 Fushimi Inari 9:35 Gion 10:30 Kinkaku-ji 11:40 Lunch 12:45 Arashiyama 14:40 Arrive at the hotel

    The guests came to Japan from the Middle East. One of them had visited Japan several times before and had also been to Kyoto previously, while the other was visiting for the first time. One of the guests had been born in Asia but had only spent early childhood there and could not speak the language. The other had a background in South America, and their conversation combined two languages. It seemed that the guest could roughly understand the explanations given in English. Partly due to the rain the night before, the morning was relatively cool, but the afternoon became quite hot as expected. In the morning, the trip to Kyoto took a little longer because of the effects of an accident along the way, but the return was fairly smooth and we were able to arrive at the hotel earlier than planned. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.

    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 in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya Crossing

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Depart from hotel
    • 10:20-12:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:20-13:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 14:00-15:00 Akihabara
    • 15:30-16:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 Tour ends

    The guests were visiting from North America. Before coming to Japan, they had stopped over in Asia and enjoyed snorkeling. At the East Gardens, they were amazed by the scale of the stone walls. Some of the guests were also delighted to see the turtles in the moat. At Tsukiji, they said the wagyu beef steak was delicious and had it twice. Afterward, at Akihabara, some of the guests found favorite figures at an electronics store and purchased them. Finally, at the Shibuya crossing, they crossed back and forth many times, taking photos and videos.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Takebashi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Shibuya260JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

    Jun 17, 2026
    Shoney M
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kahori Tour
    Kahori was an excellent tour guide. We also worked…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Sannomiya Station~12:00 Akashi Kaikyo Bridge~14:00 Nunobiki Herb Garden~16:30 Kobe Beef Restaurant

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Nunobiki Herb Garden I guided a group during a private day tour in Kobe. Everyone was very pleasant, and we were able to proceed throughout the tour in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The guests currently reside within Japan, and they enjoyed with great interest the scenery and streetscapes that differ from what they are used to. At the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, they were moved by its magnificent scale, and at Nunobiki Herb Garden they fully enjoyed the views from the ropeway and the natural surroundings within the garden. The guests were also very satisfied with the Kobe beef restaurant at lunch, and it was memorable how they happily told me it was "very delicious." I was able to guide them smoothly throughout, and it turned out to be an enjoyable day for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)320JPY
    Section 3TrainSannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 4TrainShin-Kobe~Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Depart The Rise Universal ~11:00-12:30 Umeda Sky Building (Lunch) ~13:00~14:00 Osaka Castle ~15:00~16:09 Dotonbori

    What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori The accommodation was a condominium-type property, and since the door would not open without entering a passcode, it caused a little difficulty. The guests were a lovely group and seemed very happy and full of energy. We visited representative sightseeing spots including the Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori. Everyone seemed to find each spot fascinating and enjoyed themselves throughout. At the guests' request to purchase a SUICA card, I guided them to the ticket counter, but there was a wait of about 30 people, so they gave up on the purchase. It was what the guests had wanted, but the time spent felt like a waste.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAjikawaguchi~Osaka180JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka-Umeda (Hanshin Line)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:15 Tsukiji Market
    • 11:30 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple)
    • 13:00 Ginza Mitsukoshi Lunch (Soba & Tempura)
    • Department Store Basement Food Hall
    • 14:30 Disband @ Ginza

    The guests were visitors from Oceania. As I had been informed beforehand that walking was difficult, we moved at a slow pace and used elevators. After taking our time around Tsukiji, we rested at a cafe and then headed to Asakusa. We went up to the main hall of Sensoji Temple by elevator as well. It was a shame that we could only see a few of the carp that are usually there in great numbers. In Ginza, the guests enjoyed a lunch of soba and tempura at Mitsukoshi, which was very well received. Afterwards, they looked around the department store's basement food floor and returned by taxi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:08 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 8:30 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 8:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:15 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They came to Kyoto on an early morning bullet train departing from Tokyo. They mentioned they were on a tour visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other destinations in Asia. Since they wanted to visit Kyoto's popular spots, we first went up Sannenzaka from Yasaka Pagoda toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and afterward we went to Sanjusangendo. Thanks to the heavy rain the previous night and the cloudy sky, it was cool, and since it was early in the day there were few people, so we were able to enjoy it greatly. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which was relatively crowded, but I believe the guests were able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2BusKyoto~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus~Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 5TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total940JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station
    • ② 10:05 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Nara
    • ③ 10:40 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • ④ 11:40 To Todaiji Temple via back roads while viewing Mount Wakakusa
    • ⑤ 12:00 Todaiji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo)
    • ⑥ 12:30 Lunch break
    • ⑦ 13:40 To the main hall of Todaiji Temple
    • ⑧ 14:30 Yoshikien Garden~Nara Prefectural Office
    • ⑨ 15:10 Gangoji Temple~Naramachi・House of Bustle
    • ⑩ 15:45 Disband at the shopping district around Kintetsu Nara Station

    The guests were visiting from North America. The group had originally planned to include another member, but that person became exhausted by the extreme heat, so I ended up with two of the guests. We met at the station and took a taxi to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. From there the route was simply downhill for the rest of the day, so they could easily return to the station on their own at the end. They were amazed that deer were everywhere, but they said that in their home area encountering bears and foxes was completely ordinary, so when I asked, "Really bears? Could it have been wild boar?" they insisted it was bears — which made me wonder just what kind of place they live in. One of the guests worked as a doctor in private practice. There was a moment when I shared a little about my own background, and I mentioned that being a tour guide — where every day is a serious challenge — is quite different from the world of fulfilling responsibilities within a corporate organization, and that I was getting to experience a completely different world from before. One of them said this resonated with the difference between their earlier working life and their current way of working, and that they understood it well. In that way the two of them shared a sense of connection. One of the guests was the quiet type and at first mainly talked with the other guest, but when we sat down together at the Sangatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple and started talking about Buddhism and Buddhist statues, the conversation really opened up, and by the end it drifted off into lively discussions about onmyodo, the Four Guardian Gods, and Sun Wukong. It was memorable how the other guest just watched quietly with a happy smile. Although one member was absent due to the heat, these two were very tough. At first I had wondered whether they would make it as far as Naramachi, but they kept walking, asking questions as they went. And when I asked, "There's a place where you can see what I'm talking about — shall we backtrack about seven minutes the way we came?" they were like, "Alright, let's go back!" We really walked a lot today under the blazing sun. At the end they wanted to buy a souvenir in the shopping arcade, so we parted a little early. They said they were heading back to their hotel in Kyoto.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…