Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Miyako City Osaka Hommachi
    • 09:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 11:00 @ Namba (Doguyasuji)
    • 11:45 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:45 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:00 Disband @ Shinsaibashi

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Doguyasuji, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori The guests moved smoothly throughout the tour. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations, experienced the worship customs, picked up the small "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles from the popular power spot, and purchased small amulet pouches. At Doguyasuji, they were especially interested in the remarkably detailed food samples of sushi and fruit, and enjoyed browsing them. At Kuromon Market, they sampled takoyaki, black bean tea, pickles, dried wakame, and dried fruit, and purchased a large amount of souvenirs. At Dotonbori, they mentioned they wanted to eat okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, so I introduced several restaurants and we parted ways there. They mentioned they would visit Osaka Castle after the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySakaisuji-Hommachi~Namba190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine~Namba240JPY
    Total670JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00-10:30 Meet at hotel, then head to Asakusa via Kabukiza
    • 10:30-11:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 11:30-12:30 Move to Suehirocho, shopping at stores
    • 12:30-13:00 Head to Harajuku
    • 13:00-14:00 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00-14:15 Move to Shibuya, disband

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They mentioned that they had prepared for their trip to Japan and had brought their SUICA cards with them, so getting around was smooth. At first, some of the guests seemed to have little interest in things that are popular in Japan, such as anime, but since they ended up shopping later on, I felt it was a good thing that I had taken them there after all. This was the first day of their trip, and since they had not arranged any other guided tours, our schedule was quite tight, but I condensed and guided them through a 6-hour tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Harajuku178JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total722JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shiomi Station & Hatchobori Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shiomi Station & Hatchobori Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 12:10 Depart Shiomi Station
    • (JR Keiyo Line)
    • Hatchobori Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 13:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 14:50 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Uniqlo
    • 16:00 Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 16:30 Hatchobori Station
    • 16:30 Dispersal: Hatchobori Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous night. They planned to visit Disneyland and DisneySea over the following two days. They were staying in Japan for a total of two weeks, planning to travel around Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. They mentioned that they wanted to enjoy a variety of Japanese food. It was a tour under hot and humid weather. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guests eagerly explored here and there, buying and sampling tuna sashimi and strawberry mochi. They also tried grilled beef skewers. They asked questions such as, "Why are there so many people here? Is it always this crowded?" and "Does everyone come here to buy fish?" At Meiji Shrine, they asked questions such as, "What are the torii gates for?" and "Why do Buddhism and Shinto coexist?" They also asked, "Do Japanese people respect the Emperor and the Imperial family?" and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" On Takeshita Street, some of the guests bought T-shirts as souvenirs. They spotted a cat café and said they would definitely like to come back another day. After that, we moved to Shibuya. At the Scramble Crossing, they commented, "Why are there so many people here?" They took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and bought underwear at a clothing store. They made comments such as, "The city is clean and quiet," "No one speaks loudly on the trains," and "There are really so many subway trains." They said that Tokyo's subway system is difficult for beginners when it comes to transfers, so I saw them off at Hatchobori Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi Station~Hatchobori Station167JPY
    Section 2SubwayHatchobori Station~Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya Station~Hatchobori Station209JPY
    Total909JPY

    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
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  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel, travel to Shuri Castle (Monorail Asahibashi Station ⇒ Shuri Station) 『Guide transportation fee JPY600』
    • 10:00 Shuri Castle 11:00
    • 11:20 Okinawa soba lunch 12:00 Travel to Tamaudun (on foot)
    • 12:15 Tamaudun 13:00 Travel to Shikinaen (Taxi JPY1400)
    • 13:15 Shikinaen 14:00 Travel to Monorail Shuri Station (Taxi JPY900) 『Guide transportation fee JPY575』(2300 yen) ÷ 4 =575 yen
    • 14:08 Travel by monorail, Shuri Station ⇒ Asahibashi Station 14:26 『Guide transportation fee JPY600』
    • 14:30 Travel from Asahibashi Station to Naminoue Shrine (on foot)
    • 14:45 Naminoue Shrine 15:00
    • 15:15 On the route back to the hotel from Naminoue Shrine, accompany the customer to a place where they can easily find their way back, then part ways

    Title: What Is a Private Okinawa History and Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Shuri Castle From the moment I met the guests and throughout the monorail ride and at each site we visited, they were very satisfied with the discussions about Okinawan history and culture, which were their main interests. For lunch, they had requested noodles, rice dishes, and local cuisine, so I guided them to a popular "Okinawa soba" restaurant within walking distance of Shuri Castle. As you can see from the photo, it is a hidden-gem restaurant located in a residential area despite being near a tourist site, and it does not usually take reservations. Thanks to arriving before noon, we were seated at a corner table for four in a calm space decorated with Okinawan yachimun pottery, where the guests could rest and enjoy their lunch during a very hot day of walking, which they were also very pleased with. The guests also appreciated the recommendations for nearby dining options. I received a 5-star review and consent to post photos, and I could sense their high level of satisfaction.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsahibashi Station~Shuri Station600JPY
    Section 2TrainShuri Station~Asahibashi Station600JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet up @ Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 2.10:15 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Cafe break @Kaminari Issa, Sumida Park)
    • 3.11:40 @Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit, station building, Midori no Madoguchi ticket office, station square)
    • 4.12:20 Lunch @Suju Restaurant (inside the Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 5.13:45 @Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, in front of the Main Gate)
    • 6.14:30 @The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 7.15:00 @Tokyo Midtown Roppongi
    • 8.15:30 Disband @inside Tokyo Midtown

    What Is a Private Tokyo Food and Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, and in daily life they spoke Italian. They wanted to make their trip something special, so they chose Japan, a country whose different culture, including Japanese cuisine, had interested them. On the subway heading to our destination, the guests were struck by how quiet Japanese subways are, and they spoke softly and politely, almost in a whisper, during their own conversations as well. The rain I had been worried about only fell briefly at one point, so we were able to walk outside without any problems. The day before, the guests had visited Shinjuku and Shibuya on their own and enjoyed sushi and ramen, so today I guided them to try more standard Japanese cuisine. They were delighted, saying it was very delicious. What pleased them most was the shopping at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi at the end. One of the guests was able to carefully examine items at a specialty knife shop they were considering for souvenirs, and the guests also purchased dashi, miso, and dried noodles at a dashi specialty store, seeming very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSubway Marunouchi Line, Nishi-Shinjuku Station~Subway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassSubway Ginza Line, Asakusa Station~Subway Ginza Line, Nihonbashi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassSubway Chiyoda Line, Nijubashimae Station~Subway Chiyoda Line, Nogizaka Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
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    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
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  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:50 Hotel
    • 8:15 Arrive at Peace Memorial Park
    • Visit Peace Memorial Museum
    •    G7 Summit Memorial Hall ~ Atomic Bomb Ruins Exhibition Hall ~ Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims
    •    Visit Atomic Bomb Dome ~ Peace Bell ~ Children's Peace Monument, etc.
    • 11:10 Depart Peace Memorial Park
    • 11:55 Arrive at Miyajima
    •     Visit Five-Story Pagoda ~ Senjokaku ~ Itsukushima Shrine ~ Daigan-ji Temple ~ Daisho-in Temple, etc.
    • 14:00 Depart Miyajima
    • 15:00 Arrive at Hotel, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima We were able to meet without any trouble at the Hotel. Based on the weather forecast, I had been prepared for rain, but fortunately it did not rain at all. Through visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I came to understand that the guests had a deep interest in history. When leaving the Peace Memorial Museum, one of the guests was moved to tears. At first, an extension of the tour time was suggested, and the guests said, "We don't mind paying extra, we would also like to go to another place." However, in the end, we decided to return to the Hotel earlier than planned. The final photo we took shows a smile so bright that it was the best expression of the whole day. I would be delighted if the group enjoyed their time in Hiroshima.

    I was an English teacher of a high school in Hiroshima.
    I retired early from my job in March in 2024.
    I might be of use to you if you’d like to get to know the present educational situation in Hiroshima.
    I had many opportunities to introduce Japanese culture when I taught Japanese in high school in America for two years.
    I can take you to the place where you can listen to music because I used to be a member of a music band.
    I like Japanese chess, fishing, skiing.
    I’m willing to do some activities with you.
    I would be most happy to help you know culture in Hiroshima.

    license, qualification
    Certified Administrative Scrivener
    English Proficiency Test Grade1
    a health(sanitation) manager license
    small boat operating license
    large size vehicle license
    standard motorcycle license
    amateur radio operator license

    Jul 9, 2024
    kimberlyhY8158UZ
    Amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was amazing! Our guide Hiro was…

    Jun 30, 2024
    lindarE6785KM
    Hiroshima 4hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had such a wonderful tour. Can’t recommend…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Yanaka & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Yanaka & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 14:00 Lunch @Hachidaime Denzaemon Meshiya
    • 15:00 @Yanaka
    • 16:00 @Asakusa
    • 17:00 Disband @Asakusa Shrine

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Yanaka and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe. They were very interested in Japan and asked many questions throughout the tour, which I found very rewarding. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private walking tours like this one covering Yanaka and Asakusa in Tokyo. It was cloudy on the day of the tour, but since it was not an extremely hot day, it was good that we could walk around Yanaka. However, as the guests were not used to Japan's heat and humidity, I brought a fan and cooling towels and guided them while taking breaks along the way. The guests seemed to really like the atmosphere of Yanaka. Since they also wanted lunch, I chose a restaurant with a traditional old-house style. I had reserved a table seat to avoid discomfort from sitting on the floor, but the guests showed interest in the tatami seating; although it was possible to eat there, they just took a photo. After strolling through Yanaka Ginza, we moved to Asakusa, where I guided them through Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, and Asakusa Shrine, and then it was time to say goodbye. With a 4-hour tour that also included lunch, we could not cover a great deal, but the guests seemed satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Nippori210JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Ueno150JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total540JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station ➡ 11:50 Move to Nishi-sando Entrance (bus) ➡ 12:00-13:00 Lunch @ Sanraku ➡ 13:10-14:00 Taiyuin ➡ 14:10-15:40 Toshogu Shrine ➡ 15:50-16:20 Break @ Ueshima Cafe ➡ 16:20-16:50 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo (Gomado, Sorinto) ➡ 17:00 Shinkyo Bridge ➡ 17:10 Tobu Nikko Station ➡ 17:24 Return to Tokyo on Kegon No. 24

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Nikko from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were staying in Shibuya, but on the way to Nikko they got lost at Shibuya Station and Tokyo Station, so their planned arrival of 10:17 was delayed to 11:30 (they ended up using the Tobu Railway instead of the JR line they had originally planned to take, so the meeting point also had to be changed at short notice). Since the guests seemed a little tired when we met, we first had lunch and, while chatting, I used a Nikko brochure I had made myself so that they could look forward to an enjoyable time. I also reversed the usual order of the course to avoid crowds, and we managed to visit the two shrines and one temple plus the Shinkyo Bridge, which are the must-sees of Nikko, without rushing too much, and I feel they were satisfied. Because one of the guests had less stamina, I had to adjust the pace accordingly, and I also took care to keep everyone interested at each moment, but with the cooperation of the group we managed it. One of the guests was interested in foreign languages (including Japanese) and Japanese history (the connections among the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Tokugawa periods, as well as the relationship with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the lord of Osaka Castle, which they had seen a few days earlier), so we were able to enjoy not only the explanations of the two shrines and one temple such as Toshogu, but also wide-ranging conversation, and I believe they enjoyed it as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Nishi-sando Entrance350JPY
    Section 2BusShinkyo Bridge~Tobu Nikko Station220JPY
    Total570JPY

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

    May 22, 2026
    michaeliI2370UG
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
    Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…

    May 15, 2026
    Laurent S
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    excellent
    Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…

    May 12, 2026
    H4725BUbarbarab
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichi memorable tour
    Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…

    Apr 5, 2026
    EmilioP6
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great day with Ichi
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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 stanby in the lbby of your hotel (Hotel Granvia Osaka)
    • 12:10 pick up the guests
    • 12:20 Umeda Sky Building
    • 13:20 (leave)
    • 13:50 Shinsekai
    • 14:40 (leave)
    • 14:50 Dotonbori
    • 15:40 (leave)
    • 16:00 return to the hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. At 12:00 I could not meet the guests, and although I tried calling, an automated voice response in another language played and I could not speak with them directly. At 12:10 we met in the lobby. The guests had come to the lobby with their baggage, so I advised them to have the Hotel hold it. Then the tour started. 2. When I introduced the places we would visit today, one of the guests asked whether we would not be going to Osaka Castle. I replied that it would take about two hours, but that we could go if we skipped the planned Shinsekai and Dotonbori. In the end, they decided to keep the original plan. 3. At the entrance of Umeda Sky Building there were Tanabata wish strips, so I explained the Tanabata festival. 4. At Dotonbori we took many group photos. 5. At Osaka Station I introduced the water clock, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUmeda~Dobutsuen-mae240JPY
    Section 2SubwayEbisucho~Namba190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total670JPY

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
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    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
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    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
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    Sep 29, 2024
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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting point: Celestine Gion
    • 2. 09:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • 4. 13:10 Lunch: Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 5. 14:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 6. 15:40 Dismissal: Karasuma Imadegawa Intersection

    Title: What Is a Private Rainy-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were visitors from North America who were realizing their first-ever visit to Japan. They had developed a deep interest in Japanese culture, which they found completely different from what they knew in the West. Although it rained from the morning, they had strongly requested Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine during our pre-departure briefing, saying that rain would be no problem at all, so we visited it first. Next we toured Sanjusangendo, which is mainly an indoor viewing experience and allowed us to stay out of the rain. For lunch we stopped at a noodle restaurant where guests could enjoy a garden view from inside. One of the guests was an expert at photography and was constantly taking photos with a smartphone throughout the tour, briefly stepping away many times to capture shots. In the afternoon we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where photography is permitted throughout (unlike the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle or the interior of Sanjusangendo). After viewing the Imperial Palace, we exchanged smiles and hugs on the street at Karasuma-Imadegawa and said our goodbyes. Because of the rain, all of our transportation was by taxi.

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
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    Jul 30, 2026
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    Mar 20, 2026
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    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…