Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 14:30 Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 4. 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 5. 16:10 Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya At the hotel, a guide from another company was also waiting for the same guests. It appeared the guests had made a double booking, and they decided to proceed together with both guides. However, once we reached the first station, it was decided that two guides were not necessary, and the other guide was asked to return home. The group was a group of relatives visiting from North America. Two of them acted separately and did not join, so we started with the remaining members. Upon arriving at Meiji Shrine, one of the guests experienced back pain and returned to the hotel by taxi. The irises at Meiji Jingu Gyoen appeared to be in full bloom, and when I suggested visiting, the guests showed interest, but they decided to skip it out of consideration for the stamina of one member of the group. When I explained how to worship at Meiji Shrine, several of them offered prayers. We walked along Takeshita Street, where they purchased colorful cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory and happily took photos together. They showed interest in a capsule toy shop, prepared coins using a currency exchange machine, and enjoyed themselves. They were also delighted by the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and took photos there. The tour was scheduled until 5:00, but since they had also booked an evening tour and wanted to return to the hotel by 4:00, I escorted them back to the hotel and we parted a little early. The hotel is directly connected to Otemachi Station's C13b exit, but the station signage can be hard to see in places, so care was needed. Although it was a short tour, everyone expressed their thanks, and I was grateful for the wonderful encounter with such a lovely group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Otemachi210JPY
    Total570JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:45 Hotel
    • 2. 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 12:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 13:30 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 5. 14:00 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 6. 15:00 Bamboo Forest
    • 7. 15:30 Kameyama Park
    • 8. 16:00 Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 9. 16:15 Dismissal at Togetsukyo Bridge

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Include? Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama by a Licensed Guide I met the guests at the Hotel a little earlier than the scheduled meeting time and discussed the day's itinerary with them. Since they had already visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we decided to tour Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kameyama Park, the Hozu River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. We traveled to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine by subway and train. I explained Shinto shrines and the Shinto religion as we visited the main hall, and we descended while the guests enjoyed the Senbon Torii path. The guests suggested that we use taxis for transportation after Fushimi, so we used taxis to move between all the remaining destinations. As a result, we were able to visit many sightseeing spots despite the heat, which seemed to work out well for the guests. In particular, at Ryoan-ji Temple, I gave a philosophical explanation of the teachings of Zen while they took their time savoring the rock garden, and they truly enjoyed it. From Ryoan-ji we visited the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, then came out to the bamboo grove and took photographs while going around Kameyama Park, the Hozu River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. At that point the guests said they would like to explore Arashiyama a bit more on their own, so we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo Station~Kyoto Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto Station~Inari Station150JPY
    Total370JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel-8:50 Fukagawa Fudodo/Tomioka Hachimangu-10:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-11:50 Tsukiji Lunch-13:00 Meiji Shrine-13:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:15 Disband at Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America who traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Because the meeting time at the Hotel was an early 8:00, we began by explaining Japanese history before setting off. In an old downtown district, we watched the powerful Shingon Buddhist "Goma" fire ritual, a form of esoteric Buddhism, holding our breath as the drums and conch shells filled the air. Afterward, the guests received the "Ohikaji" fire blessing over their wallets, hoping for good fortune. For lunch, the guests wished to have authentic sushi and savored the real thing. Wanting to return again on their own, they even received the restaurant's business card. [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 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Monzen-Nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-Nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Tsukiji286JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Market~Yoyogi220JPY
    Section 5BusJingumae 1-chome~Jinnan 1-chome210JPY
    Total1,072JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo Kamogawa
    • 1. Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 2. Bamboo Grove
    • 3. Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 4. Daikaku-ji Temple
    • 5. Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 17:00 Dismissal @Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo Kamogawa

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe. As some of the guests were fond of gardens, I had originally set the final stop as the Tenmangu Shrine, but I decided on short notice to take them to Ryoanji Temple instead. Coming from Europe, they were deeply moved by the rock garden of Ryoanji Temple, which had been admired by Queen Elizabeth. Some of the guests loved the quiet atmosphere of Daikakuji Temple, while others were impressed by the overwhelming beauty of Kinkakuji Temple. Since they planned to explore Osaka freely the following day, I sent them an email explaining how to get from the Hotel to Osaka Station and to various locations.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 3BusSaga-Arashiyama Station~Daikaku-ji Temple230JPY
    Section 4BusDaikaku-ji Temple~Nishinokyo Enmachi230JPY
    Section 5BusNishinokyo Enmachi~Kinkaku-ji Michi230JPY
    Section 6BusRyoan-ji Mae~Kawaramachi Sanjo230JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Dear guests,

    I’m Yuko, your guide. I’m happy to guide you!

    I have lived in Osaka since I was born(almost 50 years), so I’m a Osaka master!!
    Osaka has a long history, so of course, we have some historical places, but the best thing of all is …… food!!
    I can take you not only to the castle, shrines, temples, but also to the nice restaurants or food stands where you can enjoy Osaka’s local foods

    And, Kyoto, I don’t need to say anything, but it’s the most famous place in Japan where you can know Japanese culture. Of course, I can show you around Kyoto. I have guided the guests in Kyoto many times, so you also enjoy Kyoto tour with me!

    Let’s enjoy the tour with me and have an unforgettable memory!

    May 9, 2025
    373gauravm
    Day well spent in Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko San is one of the best…

    Apr 21, 2025
    marianacJ7585VZ
    Fun, convenient, friendly guide around Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko was great at guiding us…

    Apr 4, 2025
    K8311RNlaurak
    Great sightseeing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoku was a wonderful guide showing us osaka castle…

    Apr 3, 2025
    andrewfM955FU
    Amazing Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The tour was a great way to see some of…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @hotel MONday Premium Toyosu
    • 2. 09:10 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:00 Stay @Rikugien Garden
    • 4. 11:00 Travel: Subway (Coffee break at Shin-Ochanomizu along the way)
    • 5. 12:00 Stay @Yanaka
    • 6. 13:00 Disband @In front of Tokyo National Museum

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Rikugien and Yanaka in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests' accommodation was a Hotel in Toyosu, which we used as the meeting point. Although the Hotel was about a 10-minute walk from Toyosu Station, we were able to use a shuttle bus, which saved time. Also, in response to the guests' request, we changed the tour start time to 9:00. This time I guided the guests mainly around Rikugien Garden and Yanaka. As expected, the hydrangeas at Rikugien were beautiful, and I believe the guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since there was a request to be taken to the Tokyo National Museum after visiting Yanaka, I left Sansaki-zaka out of the course in Yanaka and instead guided them clockwise, focusing on Yomise-dori and Yanaka Ginza. After that, we walked toward Ueno from the direction of Tokyo University of the Arts and ended the tour in front of the museum.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToyosu Station~Komagome Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassKomagome Station~Ochanomizu Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShin-Ochanomizu Station~Sendagi Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Hondori Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Hondori Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    •     Shrine Senjokaku Daishoin Omotesando
    • 11:15 End of Miyajima sightseeing To Miyajimaguchi
    • 11:25 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 11;34 To Shin-Hakushima by JR
    • 11:58 Arrive at Shin-Hakushima
    • 12:13 Arrive at Hondori Station
    •     Okonomiyaki at Benbei
    • 13:00 After lunch To the museum
    •     Museum Monument tour
    • 15:00 End of monument tour Disband in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the guests visiting from North America. They had originally planned to stay at a hotel, but their plans changed and they stayed at a lodging on Miyajima instead. As a result, we were able to spend plenty of time sightseeing on Miyajima. Because we started early in the morning, there were few tourists, and we could take photos at the photo spots without having to wait in line. At the museum, the guests were especially interested in the detonation mechanism of the atomic bomb and viewed the exhibits closely. At the okonomiyaki restaurant, they thoroughly enjoyed their okonomiyaki. Since we had enough time, I suggested visiting Shukkeien Garden, but as one of the guests was not feeling well, we parted ways in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Hakushima~Hondori190JPY
    Total520JPY

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

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00-09:40  Hotel→Senso-ji Temple
    • 09:40-10:30 Senso-ji Temple sightseeing
    • 10:40-11:10 Kappabashi stroll
    • 11:10-11:40. Akihabara sightseeing
    • 11:50-13:00 Lunch (Akihabara)
    • 13:00-13:30 Move to Shibuya
    • 13:30-14:00. Shibuya Crossing
    • 14:10-14:30 Takeshita Street stroll
    • 14:30-14:45. Takeshita Street→to hotel, after arrival, take photos, then disband

    Title: What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like for a Larger Group? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a tour for a larger group. Getting around was challenging even with a car. The guests also wanted a smoking break included along the way, so the tour involved balancing what they wanted to see, what they wanted to do, and rest time, which made scheduling quite demanding. The driver was very cooperative. Akihabara was added to the original plan suddenly on the day, so managing the time in the latter half became difficult and the end turned into a rushed trip, but since exceeding the allotted car time would incur extra charges, I was careful not to go over. At Asakusa, the guests drew omikuji fortunes and enjoyed themselves. I heard that the day after next they will begin a nationwide tour by cruise ship departing from Yokohama.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka: Shitennoji Temple & Tempozan Ferris Wheel

    Osaka: Shitennoji Temple & Tempozan Ferris Wheel

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Hotel Granvia Osaka
    • 9:25-11:10 Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:30-12:30 Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:00-14:05 Lunch @Harukas
    • 14:30-15:00 @Tempozan Ferris Wheel
    • 15:05 Disband @Tempozan

    What's a Private Family Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. During the tour, we changed the afternoon plan after lunch from Sumiyoshi Taisha to the sightseeing wheel at Tempozan. By the end of the tour, everyone had recovered and was doing well. One of the guests had left their home region in Asia around twenty years ago, and it was memorable to see them listen fondly to my own memories of traveling in that region about ten years ago, and to hear them speak passionately about their home region to another member of the group who had not yet visited it. This private one-day tour of Osaka was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8
    • 2. 9:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 3. 11:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 4. 11:30 Yanaka Area
    • 5. 13:00 Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 6. 13:30 Lunch on Shibamata Taishakuten Approach
    • 7. 14:30 Ameyoko
    • 8. 15:15 Disband at Akihabara

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Nezu, Yanaka, and Shibamata Under clear skies, the guests took many photos at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At Nezu, they bought bekko candy and other treats as souvenirs at a long-established candy shop along the shrine approach. They also took many photos at the torii gates and seemed to have a great time. Afterward, while passing through the residential streets of the Yanaka area, they savored the atmosphere of the temple district and enjoyed sampling food along the way, including at a bakery. Traveling from Nippori to Shibamata, they had katsudon seasoned with dashi flavor and said it was delicious. At Taishakuten, they removed their shoes to enter the main hall and listened to a Buddhist sutra chanted at the temple. Since we passed through Ueno on the way to Akihabara, the planned end point, I also showed them Ameyoko, and they were delighted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza~Otemachi600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi~Nezu0JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Shibamata280JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata~Ueno280JPY
    Section 5Free PassUeno-hirokoji~Suehirocho0JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Park & Motomachi

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Park & Motomachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00  Meet at hotel
    • 9:30 Goryokaku Park
    • 12:30 Mount Hakodate
    • 13:30 Motomachi
    • 14:15 Red Brick Warehouse Lunch
    • 14:45 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Hakodate Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America who were comfortable in Japanese, so I guided in Japanese for about half of the tour. Since some of the guests spoke English, I spoke in English to them. It was not their first time in Japan, but as they had been born and raised in South America, they knew very little about Japanese history, and they listened with great interest to the history of Goryokaku. The weather was not very good, but they were delighted by the view from Mount Hakodate, Hachiman-zaka slope (they said it reminded them of a hilly city with slopes), the Public Hall, and Motomachi Park. Their manners and the polite, careful way they ate lunch showed a refined and proper style, and it made me feel that at heart they were truly Japanese.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakodate Station~Goryokaku Park Mount Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
    So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
    I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
    I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
    and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

    May 22, 2026
    Leanne S
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Cruise port must
    Akira was our tour guide and was great.…

    May 7, 2026
    Narayanan_V
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akira san is a wonderful…
    Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…

    May 1, 2026
    Maria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best of Hakodate
    Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…

    Feb 18, 2026
    Danielle_S
    An insider’s tour of Otaru
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…