Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara in One Day: Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara in One Day: Todaiji’s Nigatsudo Hall & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:55 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour) → 17:00 End of tour
    • Bus
    • 11:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance: 700 yen
    • walk10 minutes
    • 12:10-20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:30- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:30-13:00 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • (Lunch at Emado Chaya)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:10-20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes & cofee break
    • 14:50-15:00 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:10-15:50 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 3 minutes
    • 16:00-30 Traditional Japanese house:
    • the former residence of Photographer Taikichi Irie
    • walk 5 minutes & bus
    • 17:00 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station (End of Tour)

    What Is a Private Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. I was a little concerned about mobility beforehand, but the group managed to walk throughout the day. While playing with the deer, I explained the historical evolution of Shinto and Buddhism little by little, and the guests asked many questions. We were able to cover the planned course except for Naramachi. I sent the photos I took along the way via a messaging app after the tour ended, but the guests also asked me to send them by email. Since there were about 40 photos, they could not be sent as a normal attachment. While I was preoccupied with figuring out how to send them, it seems I forgot to submit the tour report. Another reason is likely that I had a tour scheduled the following day, so my attention had shifted to that. I apologize for the inconvenience. I am very sorry. I look forward to continuing to work with you.

    Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKintetsu-Nara Station／Nara Kotsu～Kasuga-taisha Shrine Main Hall／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 2BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall・National Museum／Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu-Nara Station／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9am Meet at Shimizu Port→Chartered Taxi→10:15 Shiraito Falls→11:30 World Heritage Center→12:15 Lunch→13:15 Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine→15:00 Shimizu Port

    What's a Private Day Trip from Shimizu Port to Mount Fuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting at Shimizu Port, we headed to Shiraito Falls. The strong winds and rain from the previous night had cleared, and Mount Fuji appeared crisp and clear, which delighted the guests. After enjoying plenty of mist at the falls, we visited the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre and admired the majestic Mount Fuji from the rooftop deck. After lunch, we headed to Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine. It happened to be the day of the shrine's festival, so we enjoyed the lively atmosphere with rows of food stalls amid a large crowd. We were also able to watch a rehearsal of yabusame (horseback archery) and witness a traditional Japanese event. The guests appeared to genuinely enjoy both Mount Fuji and the Japanese festival.

    Click here for more details: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaz

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Request Booking

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Brandon2116
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Personalized Tokyo Experience
    Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…

    Mar 29, 2026
    Stacy_A
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…

  • Osaka 6hr Private Guided Tour & Sushi Making Experience

    Osaka 6hr Private Guided Tour & Sushi Making Experience

    Osaka 6hr Private Guided Tour & Sushi Making Experience

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel ~ Osaka Castle 8:20-10:00 ~ Shinsaibashi Doguyasuji 10:20-10:50 ~ Dotonbori 11:00-11:20 ~ Shinsaibashi Shopping Street ~ 11:45 Sushi Making Studio

    Title: What's a Private History-Focused Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America and had a strong interest in history. Their original plan did not include entering the main keep of Osaka Castle, but as we talked, they decided they wanted to see the exhibits inside. Since it was still early in the morning, the queue was not very long, so we were able to enter quickly, and they enjoyed the view from the top floor as well as exhibits on the life of Hideyoshi and displays of authentic armor. Afterwards, at Doguyasuji, they were amazed by the wider-than-expected variety of kitchen tools on offer. It rained that day, but we walked to Dotonbori, where they took in the many famous signs, and after I introduced some popular shops, we strolled through the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade and I guided them to a sushi-making studio to end the tour. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Click here for more details: Osaka 6hr Private Guided Tour & Sushi Making Experience

    Tour Report by JOY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple sightseeing

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple sightseeing

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 meet @nol Kyoto Sanjo
    • 8:33-8:42 Karasuma Oike → Uzumasa Tenjingawa, subway 260 yen
    • 8:53-9:07 Randen Tenjingawa → Arashiyama, Randen 250 yen
    • 9:10-10:30 Tenryu-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path sightseeing
    • 10:47-10:54 Saga-Arashiyama → Enmachi, JR 180 yen
    • 11:20-12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple sightseeing
    • 12:10-12:32 Enmachi → Inari, 200 yen
    • 12:40-13:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine sightseeing
    • 13:37-13:46 Fushimi Inari → Gion-Shijo, Keihan 240 yen
    • 14:00-14:40 Lunch at Burger POLICE KYOTO, disperse after lunch

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from North America. We had been unable to reach them until the day before, so I was even prepared for a no-show, but it turned out that a messaging app malfunction was the cause, and once it was reinstalled we were able to communicate, so the tour went ahead without any trouble. We toured the Arashiyama area, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. The guests enjoyed photography and, in addition to my photo album, took many pictures of their own. For lunch, they wanted to visit a burger restaurant that had been recommended by a friend, so we went to a place in the Gion-Shijo area. The weather held up until the very end, and we were able to finish without being caught in the rain.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi～Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00　Meet up @Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30　View from car window @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 3. 10:45　@Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 12:00　@Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Outer Garden)
    • 5. 12:30　Lunch @Sapporo Taruzen (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 6. 14:00　@Asakusa (Sensoji Temple)
    • 7. 15:00　Disband @Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Before coming to Japan, they had spent a few days in Asia, and they came from there to Japan, a nearby country they had never visited. After Tokyo, they were also planning to visit Kyoto. I provided explanations in English, but only occasionally did some of the guests converse with me in English, and much of the time the guests spoke among themselves in their own language. To keep the guests comfortable, I refrained from actively interjecting in English. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a bride at a wedding ceremony, and one of the guests in particular was surprised. One of the guests was a smoker and smoked at the smoking area after visiting Meiji Shrine. While waiting, one of the guests, who had not originally intended to stop at a souvenir shop, looked into one and purchased a teapot. For the Imperial Palace visit, we walked from Sakuradamon to Nijubashi. We tried to approach the main gate, but the guests preferred not to even walk up from the stone bridge to the main gate, so we headed to the car waiting on Hibiya Street. Each time the guests got out of the car, one of them was concerned about the distance we would walk next, so I arranged the route to minimize walking as much as possible. I offered to help take photos of the whole group together, or in pairs, but for the most part each person took selfies. After that, the guests wished to have sushi for lunch, so I guided them to a sushi restaurant inside the Shin-Marunouchi Building. Seating a table for five would have meant a considerable wait, whereas a table for four could be seated right away, so I decided to wait outside and let the guests enjoy their sushi. There was an English menu, so there was no problem, but regarding wasabi, after confirming with the guests, I asked the staff in advance to serve it on the side of the plate. They spent about 40 minutes on the meal and seemed very satisfied. There happened to be a smoking area on the same floor, so one of the guests had a smoke after the meal. Next, we went to Asakusa. The atmosphere among the guests had brightened a little, and they were talking and laughing in the car. However, at Asakusa, when we tried to enter the Nakamise shopping street of Senso-ji, one of the guests seemed overwhelmed by the crowds and wanted to take a back street. We managed to proceed through areas with as few people as possible. However, the guests did not enter the main hall; only one of the guests entered the main hall with me. In the end, without touring Senso-ji or its surroundings any further, we exited through the Nitenmon gate and, at a pharmacy located there, I helped the guests purchase the cosmetics and medicines they had been looking for. There was also an idea to go to Ginza Street at the end, but ultimately, out of consideration for the guest who had been overwhelmed by the crowds, we decided to return to the hotel.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Noripy

    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!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    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…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11：00　Meet up ＠ Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 11：15～12：30　Sanjusangendo
    • 12：30～13：00　Toyokuni Shrine, Hoko-ji Temple
    • 13：30～14：00　Lunch ＠ Satsukitei
    • 14：00～14：40　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14：40～15：00　Kiyomizu-zaka
    • 15：25　Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15：30～15：45　Yasaka Shrine
    • 16：30　Dismissal ＠ Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting Japan. Since they were staying at a hotel near Sanjusangendo, we started there. All three were deeply moved by the carved Kannon statues inside the hall and listened attentively to my explanations. They appeared to be spiritually devout, offering candles and placing donations before the large Buddha statues as they prayed. They also listened enthusiastically to my explanation of the exhibits at the back. Most guests do not touch the model of the Thousand-Armed Kannon at the end, but one of the guests, seeing others touching it, felt it was acceptable and actually turned it to view its various features. Few guests usually show interest when I explain the Taiko-bei wall, but they had visited Osaka Castle the day before and knew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. So when I later took them to the actual Taiko-bei wall, they took photographs. They were also interested in the Inari shrine on the grounds, and all three made an offering and prayed. It was generally a quiet place, and everyone liked it very much. Since they knew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, I suggested visiting Toyokuni Shrine and Hoko-ji Temple. Of course, they made offerings and prayed here as well. We then moved on to Hoko-ji. In the past, one could climb the bell tower, but at some point a rope had been placed to prevent access. There was nothing to be done, so I explained the "Kokka Anko" story from a distance. Next we moved by bus to Kiyomizu-dera. On the way, at Chawanzaka, one of the guests bought a souvenir. For lunch they had udon dishes at a restaurant, along with desserts such as mitarashi dango, hiyashi-ame, and Uji matcha shaved ice. Since it was not midsummer, they left about half of the shaved ice. Then on to Kiyomizu-dera. I felt sorry that there were so many people, but I guided them there as a must-see of Kyoto sightseeing. Everything is a reconstruction by the Tokugawa shogunate, but they were still surprised that it was architecture from the 1600s. At last we reached the main hall. Perhaps because it was crowded, the metal railing had been removed. There was a long line, and I thought it was for the railing, but it turned out to be for worshipping Daikokuten. As usual, they made an offering and prayed. They also lined up to ring the keiko inside the main hall. One of the guests found it curious that sake was offered and asked, "Why is sake offered here?" After visiting the main hall, opinions were divided on whether to go all the way around or take a shortcut, but since they wanted to see the scenery, we decided to go all the way around. Many of the guests I have attended recently choose the shortcut, and seeing this crowd, that is understandable. After visiting the Koyasu Pagoda, one of the guests was quick to find an Inari shrine and, as usual, made an offering and prayed. Finally we saw the Otowa Waterfall. They joked that since the group already got along well, there was no need to line up, but perhaps there was a need to line up for their friend — that they could just put the water in a plastic bottle and take it home! Next we moved down Kiyomizu-zaka. Perhaps because it was Golden Week, it was especially crowded, so I urged them to be careful not to get separated. One of the guests had taken a liking to the Hotei figure seen at Sanjusangendo and bought a Hotei figurine for the group at a Buddhist goods shop. Behind me, some of the group kept talking about wanting to eat ice cream, and one of them bought matcha ice cream. It was a very cute ice cream, and when I pointed that out, they said that this guest loved ice cream and was always like this. Since they had also had matcha-flavored shaved ice for dessert at lunch, it seemed they were fond of matcha. Having done plenty of shopping, we continued down Kiyomizu-zaka, turned partway, and headed to Yasaka Pagoda. Here too one of the guests asked when it was built. As it was already 3:30, we headed to Yasaka Shrine. Just as I was about to have a leisurely conversation at Yasaka Shrine, it suddenly began to rain. For the moment, all four of us squeezed under my small folding umbrella, and I explained things hurriedly. I suggested visiting the Kanji Museum to see the Gion Festival floats, but the group said they wanted to return to the hotel, so we boarded a bus and headed back. We returned to the hotel before the scheduled tour time, and when I asked how they would like to proceed, they said, "It's because of the rain, so it's fine to end here. It was a fun tour. Thank you," and we said goodbye. Everyone was calm and relaxed, and I was able to guide them comfortably.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Gojo-zaka／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusGion／Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    Request Booking

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:55 Meet, explanation of the historical significance of Kamakura. 8:45 Depart Shinjuku by train, arrive Kamakura 9:45. 9:06 Take the Enoden, get off at Hase, Goryo Shrine, Hasedera Temple, lunch, then Great Buddha of Kamakura. 13:45 Bus to Kamakura Station 14:15, via Komachi Street, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, return to Kamakura Station. 15:36 depart by train, arrive Shinjuku 16:37, ride together on the train, I get off at Yokohama Station at 16:00 and disband.

    タイトル: What's a Private Kamakura History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had a deep interest in Japanese culture and history, so before departure I explained the historical significance of Kamakura, along with the difference between the emperor and the shogun, how to distinguish between shrines and temples, and how these relate to our daily customs. At Goryo Shrine, they experienced the quiet Shinto atmosphere, and at Hasedera Temple they felt the Buddhist atmosphere. For lunch they enjoyed Japanese cuisine seated on tatami mats, where we talked about kanji characters and had an enjoyable time. They were impressed by the majesty of the Great Buddha and also observed its interior. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, I compared the Genpei War to the Wars of the Roses in England, which helped them feel a sense of familiarity. They were surprised by Komachi Street, which was so crowded it was almost impossible to move.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Kamakura950JPY
    Section 2TrainKamakura～Hase Station / Enoden Bus200JPY
    Section 3BusDaibutsu-mae / Keikyu Bus～Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 4TrainKamakura～Yokohama440JPY
    Total1,810JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Jun 30, 2026
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  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kyoto Station Meet 1130→1220 Ryoanji Temple 1310→1330 Kinkakuji Temple 1420→1510 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 1550→1600 Kyoto Station Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka Port to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a day trip from Osaka Port, where their cruise ship was in port. Before the tour, one of the guests coordinated closely with me as the guide, and we decided to follow the planned itinerary, even setting aside lunch time to make the most of the day. Every destination we visited was popular among international travelers, and each was also highly photogenic as a stop on a customized tour. The group took plenty of photos together throughout the day, so I believe they were very satisfied. Needless to say, at the end I saw them off at Kyoto Station so they could return to Osaka.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station Front／West Japan JR Bus～Ryoanji-mae／West Japan JR Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

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    Jul 5, 2026
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Nankinmachi

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 08:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden (not visited due to closure)
    • 09:15 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 10:45 @ Sorakuen Garden (including break)
    • 11:45 @ Nankinmachi
    • 12:00 Dismissal @ Nankinmachi

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Tour Like When the Weather Forces a Change of Plans? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. During the advance planning, since some of the guests were not comfortable with walking, using a private vehicle was considered, but for cost reasons they decided to use taxis as needed. The first destination, Nunobiki Herb Garden, had suddenly decided to close for the day due to strong winds. It did not feel that windy where we were, but according to the staff there were considerable gusts near the mountaintop. In fact, we were hit by strong gusts several times afterward. Since the Herb Garden was closed, I asked the guests about their preferences, and they left it entirely up to me. I suggested either the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge or a sake brewery in the Nada Gogo area, and they chose the brewery, so we visited the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. (I suspect the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge may also have been subject to some restrictions due to the strong winds.) Everyone toured with great interest and listened attentively to my explanations. They also asked some quite detailed questions. They all seemed genuinely interested in Japanese sake. They enjoyed a tasting and purchased souvenirs. After that, we visited Sorakuen, a Japanese garden that had not been part of the original plan, and they toured it with interest. They also visited a tea house and enjoyed Japanese tea and Japanese sweets. At the final spot, Nankinmachi, I guided them to the entrance area, after which they wished to explore on their own, so we parted about 15 minutes early. The guests commented that this location was very convenient, as it had a stop for the free shuttle bus to Kobe Port Terminal, where the cruise ship they were traveling on was docked. I presented some of the guests with handmade drawstring pouches made by my sister, which they were very pleased to receive. Although the itinerary had to be changed significantly today partly due to the strong winds, in the end the guests seemed satisfied, which I was very glad about.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Listel Shinjuku & Radio Kaikan

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Listel Shinjuku & Radio Kaikan

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Listel Shinjuku
    • 9:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 11:20 Lunch @Falael Brothers
    • 12:00 Pokemon Center
    • 13:10 Radio Kaikan
    • 13:40 Dismissal @Akihabara

    What Is a Private Tokyo Shopping and Cafe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting Japan from Asia. The messages exchanged beforehand were quite blunt and included some difficult requests, so I was rather cautious, but when we met they turned out to be perfectly pleasant people, and I learned something new about cultural differences. The pace was relaxed, and each stop seemed to take some time. Since there had been a request for a vegan cafe, we went to a restaurant I had researched in advance, and they enjoyed it and found it delicious, which was a relief. At the Pokemon Center the checkout line was very long due to the Golden Week holiday, so they gave up on buying goods; I then guided them to a Hello Kitty Japan shop, where they were able to shop without waiting in line. Both guests often tilted their heads from side to side, and at first I thought it meant "no," but it seemed to actually mean "yes." I explained recommended shops in Akihabara and how to get back by subway, and then concluded the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Akihabara260JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    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!!

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    Jul 21, 2026
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