Category: Uncategorized

  • Wakayama in One Day: Hayatama Taisha & Fudarakusan-ji Temple

    Wakayama in One Day: Hayatama Taisha & Fudarakusan-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting at Guesthouse Okagesan (meet before 8:00 and move to a road where a taxi can enter)
    • 8:00-8:20 Travel
    • 8:20-8:40 Hongu Taisha former shrine site, stroll around Oyunohara
    • 8:40-9:20 Travel, sightseeing at Doro Gorge on the way
    • 9:20-10:20 Kamikura Shrine, Gotobiki Rock, mountain climbing
    • 10:20-10:30 Travel
    • 10:30-11:00 Hayatama Taisha sightseeing
    • 11:00-11:20 Travel
    • 11:20-12:10 Lunch (Maeda)
    • 12:10-12:30 Travel
    • 12:30-13:00 Daimonzaka, stroll
    • 13:00-14:30 Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Three-storied Pagoda, sightseeing
    • 14:30-15:00 Nachi Falls, sightseeing
    • 15:00-15:20 Travel
    • 15:20-15:40 Fudarakusan-ji Temple, sightseeing
    • 15:40-15:55 Travel to Yukai Resort Koshinoyu
    • 15:55 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guesthouse was an old traditional house at the end of a narrow lane, and without a hanging lantern it was the kind of place you would walk right past. I was glad I had checked the location the day before by walking over a kilometer to find it. The owner of the guesthouse also ran a yakitori restaurant and was away the entire time, so I happened to meet a guest who came out. The guests had walked about 7 kilometers from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Taisha the previous day, so on this day we visited Oyunohara, the former shrine site, which they had not yet seen. The guests did not mind walking at all, so we completed a full course: climbing up to Gotobiki-iwa to touch the sacred rock, walking the entire Daimon-zaka, and climbing the more than 470 steps up to Nachi Taisha. One of the guests was studying Japanese culture and history at university and understood the explanations very well. They collected goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) at each place we visited. It was a fine day and the temperature rose during the daytime, but with many trees the natural breeze felt pleasant, and the guests were moved by the beautiful scenery. I also took many photos for them.

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50  Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
    • 10:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Aoyuzu Tora (Japanese cuisine restaurant in Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:30 Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. Their visit was focused only on the Tokyo area; they planned to visit Disneyland and Mount Fuji, but did not intend to travel to Kyoto or other places on this trip. They seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, which contrasted with the lively energy of Shibuya, as well as by the beauty of the gardens at the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen. The guests showed great interest in Japanese history and culture, and purchased a folding fan as a souvenir. Some of the guests enjoy Japanese anime and planned to visit Akihabara on another day. Since I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoenmae0JPY
    Section 7SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Nishi-Shinjuku0JPY
    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…

  • Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00 Meet the guests at Hotel Sapporo West
    • Travel ([Subway Sapporo Station] ~ [Subway Susukino Station]
    • 2. 12:40 Lunch at Ganso Sapporo Ramen
    •  Travel (on foot)
    • 3. 13:40 Stroll around Sapporo Nijo Market
    • Travel (on foot, [Chuo Bus Terminal] ~ [Chuo Bus Sapporo Beer Museum])
    • 4. 15:30 Tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum
    •  Travel ([Chuo Bus Sapporo Beer Museum] ~ [JR Sapporo Station], on foot)
    • 5. 16:45 See off the guests at Hotel Sapporo West

    What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like During the Yosakoi Soran Festival? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group, and because of the pace of the group, the travel time took a little longer than usual. The weather was cloudy, but it did not rain, and I was able to guide the group safely throughout the day. This period happened to coincide with the Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival, and it was also the final day of the event, so the whole city was lively, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. Partway through the tour, some of the guests returned to the hotel by taxi, while the rest of the group enjoyed the tour to the very end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySapporo Station~Susukino Station210JPY
    Section 2BusBus Terminal~Sapporo Beer Museum210JPY
    Section 3BusSapporo Beer Museum~JR Sapporo Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:30 Hotel  AM9:45 Miyagawa Morning Market  10:15 Kusakabe Folk Museum 10:45 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine 12:00 Old Townscape・Break 13:30 Shiroyama Park 14:30 Kamisannomachi 15:30 Hotel

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America and South America. Although they each live in different places, they came to Japan together this time. Since they had already seen Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa, they felt Hida no Sato was unnecessary. They also planned to visit Kyoto afterward and see plenty of temples, so shrines and temples were not needed either. Their preferences were very clear, but they were interested in Kokubunji Temple with its large ginkgo tree. They often made jokes, so it was fun. This time there was no sake tour at all, and since the schedule suddenly changed and the train time was altered, the ending felt a bit rushed. The weather was nice with strong sunshine, making it a perfect day for a walk. The shrine had no other visitors, so it felt like a private visit, which the guests were delighted by. I had been worried about them feeling thirsty, but since they live in a warm region, they found Takayama pleasant and comfortable. We mostly followed the basic itinerary, but since there was time to spare, we took it easy and I made various suggestions here and there. This time I guided guests to Shiroyama Park for the first time, and elsewhere we tried feeding the carp. They were interested in the bear warning signs. A cleaning staff member was wearing a bear bell, so they kindly showed it to us. Takayama Jinya was skipped due to physical stamina and time constraints. During the explanation, they patiently listened even in moments where I had held back thinking no explanation was needed. At the antique clocks on the second floor of the Kusakabe Folk Museum, an explanation of the twelve zodiac animals was needed, and the guests were well versed in Japanese and Chinese culture. Since things got hectic at the end and I could not take a group photo, I am submitting the attached photo instead.

    I was born, raised, and still live in Takayama, and I am a licensed National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

    My guiding philosophy is to create unforgettable memories through warm, cheerful, and engaging experiences. I enjoy sharing not only the highlights of the region, but also the history, culture, and stories that make each place unique.

    I studied International Relations at a national university and have built a diverse career in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and the local tourism association. Today, I primarily guide luxury travelers, as well as private and group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences, visits with local artisans, and in-depth insights into Japanese traditions.

    I also practice Japanese calligraphy, the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony, Sencha (Baisa-ryu), and kimono dressing, allowing me to incorporate traditional Japanese culture into my tours.

    I mainly guide in Takayama, Okuhida, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Kamikochi. I look forward to helping make your visit to Japan a truly memorable experience.

    Sep 26, 2024
    L9503LEstephenr
    Amazing experience and best guide ever ✨️
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We did the tour…

    Aug 29, 2024
    Stay19758434714
    Takayama tour with Mitsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu was an amazing…

    Aug 24, 2024
    Joy L
    Mitsu introduces us to the heritage of Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 13, 2024
    sall450
    Mitsu the BEST tourist guide in Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mitsu…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:15 Higashi-Shinjuku 〈Tokyu Kabukicho Tower 2F → Shinjuku Golden Gai〉
    • 3)10:00 Shibuya 〈Hachiko Statue・Crossing〉
    • 4) 10:30 Meiji Shrine 〈Gyoen Garden・Outer Worship Hall, etc.〉
    • 5) 11:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street・Omotesando
    • 6) 12:30 Imperial Palace Main Gate Nijubashi Bridge
    • 7) 13:20 Asakusa 〈Culture Tourist Information Center・Sensoji Temple・Nakamise Street〉→ Lunch @ Asakusa Amairo
    • 8) 15:00 Dismissal @ Matsuya Asakusa (1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Their advance request was for a tour of the main sightseeing spots. I prepared and presented an itinerary, then confirmed it again at the hotel meeting point. We first explored Higashi-Shinjuku, then headed to Shibuya. When I shared the story of the Hachiko statue, one of the guests seemed familiar with the film and took photos. We crossed the famous scramble intersection and then went straight to Meiji Shrine. I also guided them through the inner garden, where lotus and irises were in full bloom. After the visit, they purchased a charm and thoughtfully dedicated an ema votive plaque. Since the guests had eaten a light breakfast, they were getting hungry. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, one of them happily devoured a Marion crepe. They seemed interested in animal cafes, so I showed them several places, and one of the guests wouldn't budge from in front of an otter cafe. In the end, they decided to give it up for the day. They mentioned they planned to visit a cafe when they returned to Tokyo after sightseeing in western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima). As the daytime temperature rose, I kept the visit to the Nijubashi Bridge at the main gate of the Imperial Palace brief and then moved on to Asakusa. Thanks to the group's good walking stamina, we still had about an hour left, so I was also able to guide them to the observation deck of the culture and tourism center. We entered Senso-ji Temple through the Kaminarimon Gate and slowly strolled along the somewhat quiet Nakamise shopping street. One of the guests chose an ice cream monaka. They were also interested in Japanese swords (both antiques and reproductions), so I guided them along the Nishi-Sando shopping arcade and introduced a website of a shop in Tokyo that sells Japanese swords (antiques). For a late lunch in Asakusa, they had tempura at a restaurant on Asakusa Chuo-dori. Afterward, we walked around the knife shops and antique stores on Shin-Nakamise street, where one of the guests immediately decided to purchase a hanging scroll for 18,000 yen. The guests said they would return to the hotel by taxi, so we parted ways at the taxi stand near the department store in Asakusa. Despite the jet lag, the guests were consistently cheerful and courteous throughout the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 11:00 Meiji Jingu Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:30 Statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:10 Tokyo Station
    • 13:45 Asakusa Lunch @ Yakiniku Jiryu
    • 15:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 16:30 Dismiss @ Sensoji Temple

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Wagyu The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very kind, and it was a pleasure to spend time with them. At Meiji Shrine, since the irises were at their peak in the inner garden, I suggested that this was a rare opportunity to see them now, so they decided to enter. The garden was beautiful and impressive, with lotus flowers also in bloom, and the guests were very pleased. They also wanted to write an ema votive tablet and purchased an omamori charm together. For lunch, they had requested wagyu, so I had reserved a wagyu yakiniku restaurant in advance. Since the meat was delicious, one of the guests ordered an additional portion of meat (6,500 yen) in addition to the lunch set. At Nakamise Street, they leisurely browsed the shops and purchased chopsticks, accessories, kaminari-okoshi, and strawberry daifuku. Afterward, I had planned to take them to Skytree, but since they wanted to explore Asakusa a bit more, we parted ways at Senso-ji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYoyogi~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Kanda150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKanda~Asakusa180JPY
    Total690JPY

    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!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel→Shibuya→Meiji Shrine→Imperial Palace East Gardens→14:20 Asakusa

    Title: What Happens When a Private Tour Guest Can't Be Reached? A Licensed Guide's Tokyo Tour Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. From the outset, it had not been possible to communicate with the guests. Even after contacting them immediately upon receiving the assignment, there was no reply. I asked [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to confirm, and although both the guests and the travel company on their side were contacted, there was no response. On the day of the tour, I waited at the second-floor reception of the hotel as clearly stated by email, but the guests did not appear. I emailed them again right away, but received no reply. After searching throughout the hotel, I approached a group seated at the first-floor restaurant (an open terrace) and found that they were the guests. The guests said they had also arrived early and had been waiting at the first-floor restaurant, and they seemed a little upset, mentioning that they had been thinking of cancelling. I showed them the email I had sent through the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site, but the guests appeared completely unaware of it. It remains unclear why the guests had not recognized the emails sent through the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site. In the end, we started 30 minutes late at 11:00. After arriving in Asakusa a little after 2:00, the guests said they would take their time exploring on their own from there, and they proposed ending early, so the tour concluded at 2:20 (after this, the guests planned to return to the hotel, change into formal attire, and attend a 4:30 service at Nikolai-do in Kanda). Tours through [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) do not have fixed meeting points or routes; instead, they are arranged through email exchanges with the guests. Occasionally there are cases where there is no reply from the guests, but as in this case, it is also troublesome when the guests are not aware of the emails being exchanged.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuehirocho~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet at Hotel shuttle service to Gora Station, then by bus, get off at Kowakien. Okada Museum of Art. By bus, get off at Hakone Sekishoato (Hakone Checkpoint Site). Maruyama Bussan Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry) and Hakone Checkpoint Site, and lunch. Walk to Hakonemachi Port. 14:25 By pirate ship, 15:05 Togendai. By bus to Odawara Station. 16:20 Disband. Customers will
    • take the 17:44 Shinkansen to Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like Without the Ropeway? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests decided against the ropeway, so we adjusted the plan and set out after everyone agreed to visit the Okada Museum of Art. At the museum, the guests were amazed to see ancient works of art preserved and displayed in almost perfect condition. At a local shop specializing in marquetry woodwork (yosegi-zaiku), the guests were drawn to the unique craftsmanship and made quite a few purchases as souvenirs. At the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho), I helped the guests experience an aspect of Japanese culture that differs slightly from that of Kyoto. The guests had been hoping to see Mount Fuji, and although only a small part of it was briefly visible from the pirate ship at the end, they enjoyed the entire itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:45 Ekoin Meet up
    • 2. 9:25 Mount Gomadan Rest & sightseeing
    • 3. 10:00 Minase Shrine・Ryujin Village Suspension bridge experience
    • 4. 10:15 Suspension bridge experience・Near Ryujin Onsen
    • 5. 10:30 B-29 Memorial Monument Tour
    • 6. 11:00 Tenguiwa Edge Sightseeing & Tengu legend
    • 7. 12:00 Roadside Station・Gyuba Doji Entrance Lunch
    • 8. 12:45 Fushiogami-oji Kumano Kodo walk
    • 9. 13:30 Kumano Kodo Observatory
    • 10. 14:25 Oyunohara End of walk
    • 11. 15:10 Dorohatcho Fern glider experience
    • 12. 16:25 Katsuura・Benten Island Cross to the island
    • 13. 16:50 Hotel Ferry Terminal Dismissal
    • At the guest's request, the start time was moved up by 1 hour and 15 minutes.

    Title: What Is a Private Tour from Koyasan to Katsuura on the Kii Peninsula Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The route from Koyasan to Katsuura offers many scenic views, so I made sure the guests could enjoy the landscapes unique to the Kii Peninsula. At Mount Gomadanzan, the highest peak in Wakayama Prefecture, I explained not only the scenery but also the many legends of the surviving Heike clan members. Since the Ryujin area has many suspension bridges, the guests enjoyed the thrill of crossing them. There is a B-29 memorial monument, and as the guests reside in North America, I showed them where the 80th memorial service had been held as well as the signature of the ambassador to Japan. Since the guests wished to walk the Kumano Kodo, within the time constraints we walked for just under two hours from Fushiogami-oji to Oyunohara, the site of the former shrine buildings of Hongu Taisha. At Dorokyo Gorge, the guests enjoyed the spectacular scenery, crossed a suspension bridge, and floated ferns on the water. We saw a monument commemorating past flooding, which helped the guests grasp the scale of the flood that occurred in 2011. In Katsuura, we were fortunate that it was low tide, so we were able to walk across to Bentenjima Island. The guests were also able to see the distant Nachi Falls. Exactly eight hours in, we were able to hand the luggage to a staff member at the Hotel. Five minutes later, we saw off the ferry, and the tour ended.

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:50 Meet up @MIMARU suite
    • 2. 9:30 @Arashiyama
    • 3. 11:00 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 12:30 @Nishiki Market
    • 5. 13:30 @Nijo Castle
    • 6. 14:50 Disband @Shijo

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market Through email correspondence before the tour, the guests decided to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera on their own, so we visited Arashiyama, then Kinkaku-ji, then Nishiki Market, and finally Nijo Castle. Due to the timing of lunch, we included Nishiki Market between Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. Wherever I took them, they were deeply impressed and appeared to be enjoying themselves greatly. When I answered their questions about the route to take after the tour, they were pleased and said, "Since we have only a few days, this was a great help." They also liked Nishiki Market very much and said they would stop by again the next day after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma~Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho230JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5TrainKitaoji~Shijo260JPY
    Section 6TrainShijo~Nijojo-mae240JPY
    Section 7TrainNijojo-mae~Shijo240JPY
    Total1,670JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…