Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meeting point: Pick-up at Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • ①Owakudani
    • ②Lake Ashi Cruise
    • ③Lunch at Moto-Hakone
    • ④Hakone Shrine
    • Drop-off near the hotel

    What Is a Private Tour of Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Thanks to their wonderful personalities, the tour was carried out enjoyably, with communication full of smiles and jokes. In addition to the topics at each stop along the route, our conversation flowed freely about Japanese society and culture (e.g. the declining birthrate and aging population, social security, health, earthquakes, eating and drinking in business and family settings, the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and each other's lives and families). The guests told me that they were able to deepen their understanding of Japan. I suggested that the guests enjoy lunch on their own, but they invited me to join, declined my offer to split the bill, and treated me to the meal. I am truly grateful and a little embarrassed. I will continue to do my best with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMiyagino~Gora5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassGora~Owakudani0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOwakudani~Togendai0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai Port~Moto-Hakone Port0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMoto-Hakone Port~Miyagino0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo in One Day: JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office

    Tokyo in One Day: JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:15 JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Lunch (Pasta Sabrina @ Shibuya Hikarie)
    • 12:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 13:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:40 Imperial Palace
    • 15:40 Disband at Hotel

    What Can You Do on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The guests asked for help exchanging their JAPAN RAIL PASS and making Shinkansen reservations, so we first went to the JAPAN RAIL PASS office at Ueno Station to complete the exchange and book the Shinkansen. After that, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed deeply impressed by the beauty of the rose garden and the Japanese garden. They also showed great interest in the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, which contrasted with the lively energy of Shibuya. Since I responded to all of the guests' requests, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno~Shinjuku-gyoenmae600JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayYurakucho~Ueno0JPY
    Total750JPY

    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…

  • Shimane in One Day: Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum & Ohashikan

    Shimane in One Day: Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum & Ohashikan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart Ohashikan
    • 9:20-10:00 Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
    • 10:00-10:30 Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence
    • 10:30-12:00 Matsue Castle grounds
    • 13:50-15:20 Izumo Taisha Shrine
    • 16:20 Arrive at Ohashikan

    What Is a Private Matsue Tour Following Lafcadio Hearn's Footsteps Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a tour using a rental car driven by one of the guests. One of the guests was a fan of Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and viewed the exhibits at the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum with great enthusiasm. An exhibition of works by Hearn's son, the painter Kiyoshi Koizumi, was being held at the time, and when the guests said they wanted a poster of it, I asked a staff member, who kindly gave them one for free, which delighted them greatly. At Lafcadio Hearn's Old Residence, the guests loved the garden of the old residence and took many photographs. At Matsue Castle, I also guided them to Jozan Inari Shrine, which Hearn was fond of. When I asked whether the guests had chosen the Hotel where they were staying because they knew it stood on the site of the inn where Hearn had stayed during his first month in Matsue, they said they had not known this. They were surprised by the coincidence.

    I was born and brought up in Matsue City. I taught English at senior high schools in Shimane Prefecture for more than 30 years. I obtained certification as a national guide and interpreter after I retired. Unfortunately I could hardly work as a guide during the pandemic. Now I am very happy that more and more people have resumed visiting Japan. I like traveling in Japan and abroad. It is my pleasure to show my guests around my hometown and surrounding areas. They are full of historic sites, scenic spots and good places to eat. I am sure you will never regret visiting this region.

    Oct 15, 2025
    out_of_VA
    Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel→Shibuya→Tsukiji—(lunch)—→East Gardens of the Imperial Palace→15:50 Asakusa

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like in June? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Imperial Palace East Gardens The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. In a case like this, there was a concern that the tour might be interrupted because younger members of the group could tire or lose interest quickly, so I made sure not to spend too much time on very detailed explanations and instead kept things simple and engaging. That said, if the explanations are too simple, the adults may feel unsatisfied, so striking the right balance is difficult. In Asakusa, I briefly explained the main hall of Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, and that concluded the guided portion. On the way, I pointed out popular shops along Nakamise so that the guests could take their time shopping on their own after the tour. Since there was also a request for a dog cafe, I showed them how to get there, indicating a shop about 100 meters off partway along Nakamise. In June, I highly recommend the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Admission is free, the irises were in full bloom, the narcissus were also in full bloom, and the hydrangeas were just beginning to flower. Please share this information with other guides as well: during this season, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are more recommended than other Japanese gardens. Incidentally, the irises at the Imperial Palace East Gardens were propagated from the irises at the Meiji Shrine Inner Garden. Also, please note that the Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays (I often hear of people going on a Friday and finding it closed).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji Market290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Otemachi180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total860JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Sagaarashiyama Station

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Sagaarashiyama Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:36-10:21 Kyoto Station → JR Nara Station JR 720 yen
    • 10:45-11:20 Kofukuji Temple sightseeing
    • 11:30-12:40 Nara Park & Todaiji Temple sightseeing
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch @ Tenpyo Club
    • 14:16-14:29 Tegaicho → JR Nara Station Bus 250 yen
    • 15:07-16:09 JR Nara Station → Sagaarashiyama Station JR 990 yen
    • Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryuji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path)
    • 17:47-18:04 Sagaarashiyama Station → Kyoto Station JR 240 yen
    • 18:10 Disperse @ Kyoto Station

    Title: Can You Combine Nara and Arashiyama in One Private Day Tour from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. On the day of the tour, some of the guests mentioned they wanted to see the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, so we wrapped up our time in Nara a little early and headed to Arashiyama. The guests showed interest in the Great Buddha of Nara and the collection of Buddhist statues at Kofuku-ji Temple, but what pleased them most was being able to take photos in the bamboo grove. For the meal, we went to a restaurant I often use, where the guests were able to enjoy a beautiful garden and a Japanese-style dining experience. Since we went to Arashiyama, we also visited Tenryu-ji Temple, which made the tour end a little later than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Nara720JPY
    Section 2BusTegaicho~JR Nara Station250JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Nara~Sagaarashiyama990JPY
    Section 4TrainSagaarashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Total2,200JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: BLOSSOM KYOTO & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: BLOSSOM KYOTO & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 THE BLOSSOM KYOTO
    • 9:20-10:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 10:15-10:45 Nijo Castle
    • 11:15-11:35 Gion Walk
    • 11:45-12:45 Lunch (Nomura Nishiki Store)
    • 12:45-13:00 Nishiki Market
    • 13:15-14:15 Tea ceremony experience and shopping at Fukujuen Main Store
    • 14:45-15:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 15:45-16:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:30 THE BLOSSOM KYOTO

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari and a Tea Ceremony? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The itinerary went as follows: Hotel → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Nijo Castle → Gion → lunch (at a local restaurant) → Nishiki Market → tea ceremony experience at a long-established tea shop's main store → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → Hotel. In Gion they bought hand towels and hair ornaments, and after the tea ceremony experience at the tea shop, they purchased a large amount of matcha, genmaicha, and sencha at the shop on the first floor (so much that it was surprising how much tea they enjoyed). At Fushimi Inari they also bought many amulets. One of the guests, who seemed to be at a somewhat challenging age, nonetheless prayed properly at Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo. During the tea ceremony experience, they appeared to fully understand things such as the meaning of turning the tea bowl before drinking. They also skillfully whisked the thin tea themselves using a chasen. Near the shop at Sanjusangendo there was a mandala image on display (for sale), so I used it to talk about the mandala image of the Dodgers player Ohtani, and they listened with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGojo~Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo~Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Total870JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 09:45 at Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:00 at Umeda Sky Building
    • 12:15 at Dotonbori
    • 13:15 Dismissal at Dotonbori, kushikatsu "Ittoku"

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Dotonbori The guests visiting Japan moved around smoothly during the tour. Since stairs were difficult, we used elevators, escalators, and ramps as much as possible. At the Umeda Sky Building, one of the guests preferred to wait at the entrance. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the guests explored with great interest, picked up the small "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles at the power spot, and purchased amulet pouches. On the way back, after seeing a zodiac amulet (keychain) in a brochure, the guests wished to buy one, so we returned to purchase it. In Dotonbori, I guided the guests to a kushikatsu restaurant that I recommend, and after their order was placed, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Section 4SubwayUmeda~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total960JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Iwate in Half a Day: Motsuji Temple & Grave of Musashibo Benkei

    Iwate in Half a Day: Motsuji Temple & Grave of Musashibo Benkei

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:32 JR Hiraizumi Station Meeting
    • 10:45 Motsuji Temple   
    • 11:30 Kanjizaioin Ruins
    • 12:00  Chusonji Temple Tsukimizaka Arrival
    • 12:10  Chusonji Temple Higashi-monomi
    • 12:20 Chusonji Temple Benkeido
    • 12:30 Chusonji Temple Main Hall Worship
    • 12:50 Lunch at Kanzantei
    • 13:15 Chusonji Temple Sankozo 
    • 13:30 Chusonji Temple Konjikido, Old Covering Hall
    • 14:10 Grave of Musashibo Benkei
    • 14:30 JR Hiraizumi Station Arrival

    What Is a Private Tour of Hiraizumi and Iwate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from South America and were traveling in Japan for seven days, visiting Hiroshima, Hida-Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo, and other destinations. In Iwate Prefecture, they stayed at a hotel in front of JR Morioka Station and used Morioka City as a base to enjoy sightseeing both within the prefecture and in neighboring prefectures. At Jodogahama in Miyako City within the prefecture, they took a sightseeing boat and enjoyed the spectacular scenery. They must have researched Japan's tourist destinations very enthusiastically even before arriving. I could feel their passion overflowing. Their overnight stay in Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture seemed to have been especially memorable. On the day we visited the Sankozo treasure hall and the Golden Hall (Konjikido) at Chusonji, groups of junior high and high school students were visiting the temple on school trips. There were also many tourists from Asia, and in front of the main hall of Chusonji the path was almost blocked. When I asked the guests for their thoughts, they said, "Compared to places like Kyoto, this level of crowding doesn't even count as crowded," and were not bothered at all. South America is located on virtually the opposite side of the globe from Japan, and the flight time, including transfers, takes as long as thirty hours. They were truly enjoying their sightseeing in Japan. Finally, we had Japanese soba for lunch, and they were curious about what was in the dipping sauce. They said they had no allergy, but that they could not eat fish. At the shop's suggestion, the dipping sauce was changed to one made with kombu (kelp) stock, and they seemed to enjoy it very much. It was a day full of learning for me as well.

    Hello and welcome! If you’re an inbound guest, I’d like to extend a warm greeting to you. I hope you have a pleasant stay in our beautiful city. If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask – I’m here to assist! My name’s Toshiya Ozawa. Please call me Toshi. I have 25 years’ experience as National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter guiding in English. Presently, I live in Ohsyu-shi, Iwate-ken where the Major Baseball player Shohei Ohtani was born and bred. The followings are the places where I attended as a tour guide for your reference. [Guide experience] Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Japan’s largest lake Lake biwa and Azuchi-jyo Ruins in Shiga prefecture. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara:Horyu-ji, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple. Former Site of the Imperial Palace at Heijokyo, Todaiji Temple, along with Kasugataisha Shrine and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Koyasan (Shukubo Rengejo-in) shukubo literally means sleeping with the monks. Yagyu-no-sato (or the swordsman village of Yagyu), known as the home of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (traditional style of swordsmanship), is located in Northeast of Nara-city with rich natural environment. In Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station, The Golden Pavilion, World Heritage Site Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle, Ryoan-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple. In Mie Prefecture: Ise Shrine, Wadakin (Japan’s one of the best wagyu-beef restaurant, Matsusaka-shi). In Shiga prefecture: Mother Lake Lake Biwa, Azuchi Castle ruins.
    In Tokyo: Meiji shrine, Odaiba, Imperial Palace, Takeshita Street in Harajyuku, Akihabara (the otaku mecca and has its own unique atmosphere), Asakusa Kannon (Bodhisattva of Mercy) Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower.
    In Shizuoka Prefecture: Mt. Fuji.
    In Aichi prefecture: 1. Atsuta Shrine 2. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 3. Inuyama Castle (Inuyama-shi) 4. Ohsu Shopping District 5. Konomiya Naked Festival (Inazawa-shi) 6.Tagata Jinja Shrine’s Honen Festival 7. Toyota Automobile Museum (Nagakute-shi) 8. Thousand Rice Paddies of Yotsuya (Yotsuya Senmaida) (Shinshiro-shi) 9. Asuke/Korankei (Toyota-shi Asuke-cho) 10. Chubu Centrair International Airport 11. Rest Stop (Highway Oasis Kariya, Donguri-no-sato Inabu)


    10 years’ experience in a trading operations position and 7 years’ experience as an Exporting Manager and 5 years’ experience as a Domestic Sales Representative: All of the experiences above included contacts with respective customers both externally and internally.
    I spent more than 2 years in the United States and Canada. Attended Kibbutz Hebrew class for six months in Israel.


    Aug1991– present MASPRO DENKOH Corporation, Aichi prefecture in Japan.
    Sales presentative/Exporting Manager “Export of TV reception and related equipment to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand”
    Negotiated prices and specifications with the makers “Drafting and arranging the needed documentations requested by custom houses”
    OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supply of CS antennas to SONY Corporation
    OEM supply of U.S. DirecTV Satellite Dish Antenna Dual LNB to Sony Corporation
    Attended the customers from overseas when they came to the head office
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O. (engaged in direct report to the company president)
    Import of invaluable western style paintings, Japanese potteries and porcelains
    Export of receiver and transmitter for Qualcomm Omni TRACS Ku-band satellite fleet tracking system in the U.S.
    Export of CATV Tap-off for Time Warner Cable in the U.S. OEM supply of ETC In-Vehicle Unit in Singapore to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
    Apr. 1989–March 1991, employed by ESPO Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Manager of secretarial section to the C.E.O
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O “Assisted M&A transactions”
    Formula 1 ESPO-LARROUSSE Team negotiation and interpreter. Was in charge of training new staff (26 university graduates )
    Supervised new graduate recruitment activities as a part of training new staff and successfully recruited 40 prospective employees
    Apr 1976 – March 1991 Nissait English School in Tokyo, Japan
    1989 Director of Nissait English School “Management of English schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture”
    Instructor: Taught English conversation more than 1000 students “Was in charge of training new instructors (12 vocational college graduates )”
    Supervised new student recruitment activities as a part of training new instructors and successfully recruited 420 students at ten different schools for 5 years
    Was in charge of International Exchange program
    Chaperoned and supervised 160 Japanese youth delegates for cultural immersion homestays in the U.S.A. and Canada.
    Education: In 1976, Completed the curriculum at a university, received a degree of B.A. in Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University, in Tokyo.


    Windows MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint


    Certified as a National Licensed English-Speaking Tour Guide in 2009 (License No. Aichi EN00307)
    Passed Grade 1 of the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency in 1989.

    Apr 29, 2026
    447dags
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full service tour of Morioka
    Full service tour with Toshiya Ozawa, who…

    Apr 2, 2025
    Calder_L
    Best way to spend the afternoon in Morioka.
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshisan was an amazing…

    Jun 14, 2024
    Pelle S
    Great insights on Morioka!
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi-san is a very knowledable guide with…

    May 30, 2024
    Juan Ignacio G
    Experiencia recomendable!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiraizumi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi nos acompañó con mucho entusiasmo a recorrer…

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.09:03 Meet up @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port bus stop
    • 2.09:40~11:10 Benesse House Museum
    • 3.11:30~12:30 Lee Ufan Museum, Valley Gallery
    • 4.13:00 ~13:40 Lunch @ Chichu Art Museum Cafe
    • 5.13:40~15:00 Chichu Art Museum
    • 6.16:05~16:20 Naoshima Miyanoura Port outdoor art works
    • 7.16:30 Dismissal @ Naoshima Miyanoura Port Ferry Terminal Building

    What Is a Private Naoshima and Inujima Art Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting from Oceania. They were light on their feet and wonderfully responsive, which made guiding very easy. They had an active itinerary, planning to travel from Tokyo to Kurashiki, then Naoshima, then Inujima, then join a six-day walking tour at Ito Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture, before heading to Haneda and returning to Oceania. They practice a Japanese martial art involving the sword and staff in Oceania (I am not familiar with the specific school), and their movements were crisp and precise. They were very attentive, which made guiding both easy and enjoyable. Since they were planning to go to Inujima the next day, and I thought the high-speed boat boarding area at Miyanoura Port on Naoshima might be hard to find, I took them there in person to explain before we parted, and they were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port~Tsutsujiso100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso~Miyanoura Port100JPY
    Total200JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kyoto: Kifune Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Kifune Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
    • 10:10 Kifune Shrine
    • 11:15 Mount Kurama・Kurama-dera Temple
    • 14:15 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Arashiyama・Bamboo Grove Path
    • 17:00 HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION

    What Is a Private Kurama-to-Kibune Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. Since they wanted to avoid crowded places, I planned a route from Kurama to Kibune, but because the annual Kibune Festival, held only once a year, took place that day, I consulted with them in advance, reversed the course, and moved the departure time earlier. However, the mountain hike proved to be quite strenuous, so when one of the guests had to give up partway, I suggested that the whole group descend together. At the guest's own wish, I took the rest of the group over the mountain, met the taxi at Kurama-dera, and on the way back to Kibune we picked up the guest to rejoin the itinerary, allowing us to deliver everyone to the Hotel right on schedule. Everyone was very satisfied, and I even received a gratuity.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTahoto Pagoda~Nio Gate200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…