Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Azabudai Hills

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Azabudai Hills

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel MIMARU Kinshicho
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 14:00 Azabudai Hills
    • Disband at the restaurant on the 3rd floor of Tower Plaza

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe on a family trip. Through email exchanges via a travel agency, they had expressed interest in visiting Akihabara, so I had included it in the plan, but they had already been there the day before, so we changed the itinerary at short notice to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Walking in 35°C heat was demanding, but the guests kindly said they were used to the heat and were very cooperative. Since Tanabata was approaching, I told them about the festival, and they stopped at the Tanabata corners set up at Takebashi Station and Tokyo Tower, where they wrote their wishes and tied them to bamboo branches. It was heartwarming to see them understand and take part in a traditional Japanese event. The tour ended after I guided them to the restaurant district at Azabudai Hills. (When I gave them six paper fans I had at home, they were delighted to use them. They are essential during extreme heat.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKinshicho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTakebashi~Kamiyacho209JPY
    Total387JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-10:45 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-12:15 Tsukiji Outer Market-13:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:10 Disband at Takeshita Street

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. In the hotel lobby, we spread out a map of Tokyo and discussed the places to visit. During that time, I made an origami "kabuto" (samurai helmet) from chiyogami paper and gave it to one of the guests, who was delighted. The tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), started at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Even after taking a short break at an air-conditioned rest house, one of the guests crouched down at a soft-serve ice cream shop while strolling through the Tsukiji Outer Market, so we took another short break. There was no fever and it did not seem to be heatstroke, so I guided the group to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and the tour concluded at a Shiba Inu café. [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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKinshicho~Otemachi209JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Tsukiji286JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total704JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 12:45 Tokyo Station
    • 5. 13:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 13:30 Yanaka
    • 7. 14:15 Lunch (Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi)
    • 8. 15:15 Asakusa
    • 9. 16:00 Disband at Asakusa

    A One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Yanaka, and Asakusa — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were spending about two weeks in Japan overall, and after visiting Hiroshima, Kyoto, and other places, they came to Tokyo. Today was their first day in Tokyo, and they planned to explore the city for about three more days. I guided them to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, and Asakusa. Along the way, they mentioned they also wanted to see the exterior of Tokyo Station, so it was added to our list of destinations. It was a hot day, but the guests were very energetic and walked quickly, so we were able to follow the itinerary as planned. They had also done a guided tour in Kyoto, so they had already received a certain amount of explanation about temples, shrines, and religion. To avoid overlapping too much, I had to check how much they already knew as we went along, which was the challenging part. Since they had a late breakfast, they said we could skip lunch and started that way, but partly because of the heat, we decided to take a break along the way. They preferred a proper meal over a cafe, so it ended up being a late lunch. At the end, I explained how to get back to their hotel from Asakusa, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Harajuku178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Nezu178JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno146JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Total889JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:30 Osaka Castle
    • 11:45 Ren Matsuyamachi
    • 12:30 Shinsekai
    • 13:20 Namba
    • 13:45 End of tour

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, one of whom had lived in Japan about 20 years ago. Today was a special occasion for one of the guests. The group originally had four people, but one could not join, so three came in the end. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) provides government-licensed, English-speaking private guides who lead walking tours like this one in Osaka. We did not go inside Osaka Castle, but instead tried throwing shuriken at MIRAIZA. After that, we enjoyed chocolate drinks at a chocolate shop in Matsuyamachi and headed to Shinsekai. We then walked around Hozenji and Dotonbori, and since the guests wanted to visit a secondhand brand store, I introduced them to one and ended the tour there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassYodoyabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Section 2Free PassOsaka Business Park~Matsuyamachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMatsuyamachi~Ebisucho0JPY
    Section 4Free PassDobutsuen-mae~Namba0JPY
    Total820JPY

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Arrived at Sensoji & Started strolling around Meiji

    Tokyo in One Day: Arrived at Sensoji & Started strolling around Meiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 We met at the front desk on the 6th floor of Hotel New Otani Garden Tower. The husband Mr. Mike, wife Mrs. Ursula, eldest daughter Victoria in her first year of junior high, and eldest son Liam in his first year of elementary school. The route had been decided through email exchanges in advance, but when I confirmed the entire itinerary for this trip, they would spend 4 days in Tokyo, then 3 days each in Kyoto and Osaka, 2 days in Hakone, and finally 2 days in Tokyo. They wanted to arrange a guide for the first day in each city and be able to move around well on their own for the rest of the time in each city, so with that in mind, I guided them while explaining recommended places, recommended meals, etc. in Tokyo one by one.
    • 09:45 -11:30 Arrived at Sensoji Temple → Azuma Bridge → Kaminarimon → Nakamise Shopping Street → Main Hall → Stone Bridge → Asakusa Shrine. Since they had two children and it was a very hot day, we strolled while taking breaks at 4 places for sweets and drinks.
    • 11:30 Took the Ginza Line subway, transferred at Omotesando, and arrived at Meiji Jingumae.
    • 12:20 Started strolling around Meiji Shrine.
    • 13:15 As a reference for their own movements starting tomorrow, we moved from Harajuku to Shibuya on the Yamanote Line.
    • 13:25 Took photos at Hachiko and filmed video of the scramble crossing from the connecting corridor between the Inokashira Line and the Ginza Line. Here they got hungry and wanted to go into a sushi restaurant, so we went to the 8th floor of Seibu Department Store.
    • 14:00-15:10 Had a sushi lunch at the sushi restaurant "Kodai Suzumezushi."
    • 15:10-15:25 As 6 hours had passed and they could return to Akasaka-mitsuke on their own via the Ginza Line, I told them about the location and shop information for places like 109 that the daughter wanted to go to, Don Quijote that the wife wanted to go to, and Tokyu Plaza that the husband wanted to go to, and at 15:30 we parted ways.

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report The original route included the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge area after Senso-ji Temple, but the temperature rose to around 33 degrees. When we were leaving Senso-ji Temple, I asked whether the group was doing okay in terms of heatstroke, and the response was, "Yes, we'll go there on our own when it's a bit cooler. Let's skip the walk around the Imperial Palace Plaza and go to Meiji Shrine, which has a forest instead." So we omitted the Imperial Palace Plaza that we had originally planned to visit. On days when the temperature approaches 35 degrees, I make a point of asking about everyone's condition several times during the tour and adjusting the schedule as we go. Each person had prepared one bottle of water, but we stopped at a convenience store twice to buy more. During the tour, I also gave detailed information about Akihabara and Odaiba, which would be enjoyable places for the guests during their three days of self-guided exploration starting the next day, and they were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Meiji Jingumae0JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total750JPY

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Harajuku Takeshita Street & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Harajuku Takeshita Street & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the Hotel lobby
    • 10:35 Assistance purchasing SUICA (for adults) for foreign travelers at Ekitabi Concierge Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
    • 10:45 Assistance purchasing SUICA (for children) for foreign travelers at the Marunouchi Underground North Midori no Madoguchi
    • 11:20 Commemorative photo with the Shinjuku Godzilla Head in the background, shopping at Don Quijote
    • 11:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, shopping at the Nintendo Official Store and Pokemon Center
    • 15:00 Strolling around Akihabara
    • 16:05 Disband in front of the Keiyo Line Tokyo Station ticket gate

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Tsukiji, and Akihabara The guests arrived in Japan the previous day on a direct flight. On their first day they visited Tokyo DisneySea and were reportedly overwhelmed by the crowds, even on a weekday. They had no jet lag and slept soundly the night before, so they joined today's tour in perfect condition. Tokyo experienced its first extremely hot day of the year. We walked in the shade as much as possible and bought drinks from vending machines several times using a SUICA card to help prevent heatstroke. The purchase counter at the Pokémon Center in Shibuya had a very long line and took a lot of time, so it seemed we would not make the last-order time for a sushi lunch in Tsukiji. We therefore changed the final destination to Akihabara on short notice. Despite the unusual heat, the guests remained energetic and finished the tour well, which was a relief.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Keiyo Line Shiomi Station~JR Keiyo Line Tokyo Station170JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Chuo Line Tokyo Station~JR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinjuku Station~JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station210JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Yamanote Line Kanda Station~JR Yamanote Line Akihabara Station150JPY
    Section 7TrainJR Yamanote Line Akihabara Station~JR Yamanote Line Tokyo Station150JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00: Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:40: Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:00: Meiji Shrine
    • 12:15: Imperial Palace
    • 13:00: Lunch @ Aoyuzu Tora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:30: Sensoji Temple
    • 15:50: Tokyo Tower
    • 16:30: Disband @ Tokyo Tower

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, and Tokyo Tower The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan the previous week and had already visited Kyoto and Hakone, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they planned to return home in July. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the difference between shrines and temples (Shinto and Buddhism), as well as the Meiji Restoration and the achievements of Emperor Meiji. At the Imperial Palace, they showed interest in explanations such as how it had been Edo Castle, the residence of the shogun, before the Meiji Restoration, and the role of the emperor after World War II. At Senso-ji, they were interested in the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street. After visiting Tokyo Tower, since they said they could shop, have a meal, and return to their Hotel on their own, we parted ways at Tokyo Tower. I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Kamiyacho0JPY
    Total920JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Okochi Sanso Villa

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Okochi Sanso Villa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00  Hotel
    • 12:30  Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 15:30 Tenryu-ji Garden > Bamboo Forest
    • 16:00 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 17:45 Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Monkey Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests mentioned having climbed to the summit of Mount Fuji on July 1st. It made perfect sense that they wished to visit the Monkey Park today. After the Monkey Park, we passed through the Tenryu-ji garden and the bamboo grove on our way to Okochi Sanso Villa. The weather today was extremely humid, like being inside a steam sauna, so we cooled down indoors at a bread and espresso cafe before heading to Tenryu-ji. Afterward, we returned to the Hotel by JR and subway. It seems the school excursion season has finally ended, and today Arashiyama, especially the bamboo grove, was relatively uncrowded, which was wonderful. The guests were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Nijo200JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijo~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total420JPY

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel meet
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue
    • 11:50 Parco, Pokemon Center, etc.
    • 13:00 Lunch at Parco B1
    • 14:15 Asakusa
    • 15:00 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was an extremely hot day in Tokyo with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, and the guests, who had arrived only the day before from North America, were feeling a little tired. Taking this into account during the itinerary discussion, I made sure to include as many indoor locations where we could cool down as possible, and to take frequent breaks even when outdoors. The guests had only set aside a short time for this trip, and mentioned that next time they would like to stay for a longer period. They were very pleased when I explained how to use the subway, recommended places to visit, and told them about the projection mapping featuring Godzilla on the Metropolitan Government Building near the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Meiji Shrine180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji Shrine~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hi ! I’m Kozee.
    I obtained license of guide interpreter in 2018 and started guiding in 2019 Jan.
    The reason why I got this license is that I have strong passion to introduce Japan to foreign people.
    Japan has a lot of attractions to be proud of in the world, fascinating historical places, culture, food, and beautiful nature like Mt.Fuji, and expertise that has been preserved through long history.
    As a guide, I always keep it on my mind how to satisfy my guest and make their trip unforgettable.
    I’m sure that I will be able to help you by making use of my extensive guiding experience.
    Why don’t you enjoy your trip in Japan with me.

    Apr 2, 2025
    ianmW4480OY
    A day out with Kozee.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Kozee…

    Apr 1, 2025
    536maureent
    Kozee number guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our trip was wonderful,Kozee was the best…

    Mar 31, 2025
    Getaway23071133490
    A Wonderful Time with a Wonderful Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kozee…

    May 20, 2024
    Norma_P
    Highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour of Tokyo with our guide,…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @Rihga Gran Kyoto
    • 2.10:30 @Nijo Castle
    • 3.12:10 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4.13:55 Disband @Nonomiya Bus Stop (Bamboo Grove Path)

    Title: What Can You See in a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. Their requested itinerary included Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kiyomizu-dera. After meeting them at the Hotel, I showed them a map and we discussed the plan together, deciding on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. Since they wished to spend plenty of time in Arashiyama, I placed it last, handed them a map explaining the route back to the Hotel, and guided them so they could enjoy it at their own leisure. As one of the guests was fond of samurai, I also introduced Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Overall, they were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 3BusNishioji Oike~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishinokyo Enmachi230JPY
    Section 5TrainEnmachi~Saga-Arashiyama190JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…