Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet @ HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 9:40-10:10 @ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:30-11:20 @ Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 11:30-12:15 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:40-13:15 Lunch @ "Ramen Kimura"
    • 13:35-14:50 @ Nijo Castle
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. They came down to the lobby about ten minutes after the meeting time. Although the reservation was originally for a larger number, some of the guests were to join later, so we started the tour with part of the group. Since a large taxi could not be arranged, we traveled in two standard cars. As Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was their top priority, we began there. The main hall was closed due to the rain, which was a little disappointing, but they were delighted by the expressive rakan statues. At Ryoan-ji, everyone gazed at the rock garden to their heart's content for a while. At Kinkaku-ji the rain had stopped, and the Golden Pavilion reflected beautifully on the Kyoko-chi pond. After exploring Kinkaku-ji, they said they wanted to have lunch, so I guided them to "Ramen Kimura" near Kinkaku-ji. There was a line, so we waited about ten minutes, during which one of the guests joined us, and at that point it became clear that another would not be participating. At Nijo Castle, after touring the Ninomaru Palace and the Ninomaru Garden, they also entered the wall painting storage hall. After exploring Nijo Castle, the time was just right, so I saw the guests off at their Hotel and we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: front of Koyasan Police Station & Okunoin

    Wakayama in Half a Day: front of Koyasan Police Station & Okunoin

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　In front of Koyasan Police Station
    • 11:10　Early lunch at Sanbo
    • 12:00　Tour and explanation of Danjo Garan
    • 12:50　Tour and explanation at Kongobuji Temple
    • 14:00　Move to Okunoin
    • 15:30　Prayer at Okunoin, explanation of each grave site along the way, photo taking
    • 16:00　Guide ends in front of Nakanohashi Parking Lot

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Koyasan (Mount Koya) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report While traveling to Koyasan (Mount Koya), I received a message from the guest saying they would be about 30 minutes late, so we met at the bus stop at 11:00. We changed the plan and first enjoyed shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at a temple dining hall. The guest had studied Japanese at university and had lived in Japan for a period, so they were fluent in Japanese. Since they were comfortable with either Japanese or English, I guided them using a roughly even mix, leaning slightly more toward Japanese. In addition to the language, they had researched Koyasan thoroughly before arriving, and seemed to quickly understand my explanations of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and the Womb Realm and Diamond Realm mandalas. Since they were not in a hurry on the way back, we were able to explore Okunoin without worrying about time. They mentioned that they would like to visit the Kumano Kodo next time.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kiyoko

    Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Cecile_V
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    A great and manageable hike with Kiyoko!
    This is…

    Apr 20, 2026
    rosesinthorns
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    The best way to experience the Kumano Kudo in…

    Mar 26, 2026
    22luisandr_sm
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Amazing experience in Kumano kodo
    Kiyoko was amazing. We are…

    Apr 4, 2025
    robrP6297MQ
    Beautiful Tour with detailed Tour Guide!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 DoubleTree Hilton Kyoto Station
    • 1015 Byodo-in Temple
    • 1130 Fushimi Inari
    • 1230 Lunch at a stand near Inari Station
    • 1345 Arashiyama walk
    • 1500 Tenryu-ji Temple – Bamboo Grove – Shopping in Arashiyama
    • 1700 Dismissal at DoubleTree Hilton Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The departure was delayed by a little over 30 minutes due to the guests' circumstances. They also did a lot of shopping along the way, which put us significantly behind schedule, but they said they had found some great items and were very satisfied. As some of the guests seemed quite tired, we took a break partway through. At the guests' request, we skipped the planned visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and returned to the Hotel to rest. Afterward, they wished to visit Gion on their own, so I provided them with a map and gave advice on how to enjoy their walk around the area.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Prefecture Tourism Office Policy Division～Uji Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainUji Station～Inari Station240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto Station240JPY
    Total960JPY

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

    Request Booking

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kochi: Kochi Port & Katsurahama Beach

    Kochi: Kochi Port & Katsurahama Beach

    Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 @ Kochi Port
    • 10:20 @ Ryugado Cave
    • 12:20 @ Hirome Market (lunch)
    • 13:00 @ Obiyamachi Shopping Street
    • 14:20 @ Harimaya Bridge
    • 14:50 @ Katsurahama Beach
    • 15:10 @ Kochi Port

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryugado Cave, Katsurahama, and Hirome Market The guests were a group visiting together. Everyone in the group was doing well and had no trouble going up and down the stairs at Ryugado Cave and Katsurahama Beach, which was reassuring. Hirome Market was crowded, but after waiting a while we were able to secure seats, and everyone enjoyed a meal of their choice. Some of the guests wished to go shopping in the Obiyamachi area and had fun looking at clothes and shoes. They were also delighted to buy plenty of snack sweets as souvenirs at a convenience store. Although it rained, I believe everyone had a wonderful time.

    Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hello. My name is Nori. I was born and raised in Kochi Prefecture. I worked as a local government employee until last year, but took early retirement and is currently devoting myself to my work as an interpreter. That being said, I don’t have much experience yet, so I’m still learning. I am studying English as a hobby. The reason is that I am very interested in different cultures. I also thought that working as an interpreter was a great way to meet people from different cultures. I’m also interested in traveling overseas, but first I wanted to communicate with people who are coming to Japan. I’m shy, but I’m diligent, and sometimes people say I’m funny. I like movies and dramas and watch them often. I also love delicious food and alcohol. We would love to meet you in person and introduce you to Japanese culture. I would also like to know your culture. By the way, do you know Kochi? Kochi is located in Shikoku, southern Japan. It’s not as far south as Okinawa, and it’s less famous than Tokyo or Osaka. It’s in a slightly inconvenient location. However, much of the beautiful nature remains, the people are kind, and the food is fresh and delicious. The most recommended is the bonito tataki. Cut the bonito into three pieces and roast the outer skin with straw. It goes very well with Japanese sake, so please try it. In addition, at Makino Botanical Garden, you can see beautiful flowers in each season, and the cherry blossom season is very beautiful. In addition, Chikurinji Temple is a temple with a long history, and its principal image is Monjyu Bosatsu. Monjyu Bosatsu is the Buddha of learning, so please visit it and receive wisdom. Be sure to visit Kochi Castle as well. Kochi Castle is the only castle which castle tower and main keep remain. There are some tricks that are unique to Kochi Castle, so I think you can enjoy the tour. In addition, there are many other wonderful scenery in Kochi Prefecture, although it is far from Kochi City. I want you to see the beauty of the Niyodo River. The clear blue color is called “Niyodo Blue,” and although the road to get there is narrow and far, it attracts many people. How about trying your hand at making salt from Kuroshio Town’s seawater? Salt, which is full of minerals, is good for the health and goes well with any food. Kochi Prefecture is long from east to west, with Cape Muroto in the east and Tosashimizu in the west, so each region has many attractions. And there’s a lot of delicious food too. Please come and visit Kochi.

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    Apr 25, 2026
    Bruce G
    Tripadvisor review: Kochi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excursion hard to beat!
    Private excursions with Nori. Started at…

    Apr 15, 2026
    Ronald B
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great day sightseeing
    Nori, our guide, was very informative.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Jeffrey_W
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Reliable guide
    Nuri was very proactive contacting us months ago…

    Apr 1, 2026
    Bill_H
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Kochi Tour
    Nori is delightful and the driver was careful,…

  • Others: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Others: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    【Walking tour】Extension Fee per Hour

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:00 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15 Rinnoji Temple
    • 10:40 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:40 -13:30 Lunch (at "Yamabiko" on the approach to Futarasan Shrine)
    • 14:10 Lake Chuzenji
    • 14:30 – 15:15 Sightseeing boat (from the Boat Station to Tachiki Kannon)
    • 15:30 Kegon Falls
    • 16:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 17:10 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station
    • (After lunch, travel by taxi chartered by the customer)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their second trip to Japan; on their previous visit they had seen Tokyo and Kyoto, so this time they chose Nikko as their sightseeing destination for the first day after arriving, wanting to enjoy both history and nature. In the morning we toured the World Heritage area, and they seemed impressed by the long history of Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, as well as by the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine. They also appeared to gain an understanding of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism before the Meiji era and of the history of the Edo shogunate. In the afternoon, by chartered taxi, they enjoyed a sightseeing boat in the Chuzenji area and Kegon Falls. Although the summit of Mount Nantai unfortunately could not be seen, they seemed moved by the scenery of the mountains of Oku-Nikko. The water volume at Kegon Falls was low, but they were delighted to see the magnificent walls formed by erosion and the twelve falls. I believe it turned out to be a very satisfying tour.

    Click here for more details: 【Walking tour】Extension Fee per Hour

    Tour Report by Hit

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

    Area not found: "Others". Use the exact published Area title.

  • Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Akihabara

    Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
    • 9:15 Hamarikyu
    • 10:20 Shibuya Crossing, Tokyu Plaza
    • 11:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:10 Lunch at GON PACHI
    • 13:00 Takeshita Street, Omotesando and back streets
    • 14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 16:30 Akihabara　
    • 17:00 End of service at JR Akihabara Station

    Title: What Can You See in a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on 7 Sights Including Hamarikyu and the East Gardens The guests were a very energetic group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and since they wanted to see as many sightseeing spots as possible, I guided them to seven locations. At Hamarikyu Gardens and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, they were captivated by the Japanese gardens and took many photos of each other. For lunch at a restaurant, the gluten-free options were excellent, which they greatly appreciated, and they also enjoyed some sake. In Akihabara, they said they had discovered new inspiration and mentioned they would like to bring their family next time. Although the latter half of the day became quite busy, they were very grateful and said they had a wonderful time.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa286JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa Tsukuba Express～Akihabara210JPY
    Total1,029JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:50 Meet up @ Lawson Tsukiji 4-chome Store front
    • 2. 07:50 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 4. 10:30 Stay @ Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 5. 11:20 Stay @ Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple)
    • 6. 12:00 Disband @ Kaminarimon Gate front

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji and Asakusa Shopping Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were staying at a hotel in Shibuya, but since they wanted to make the most of their time, we set the meeting point at a convenience store inside the Tsukiji Outer Market. Thanks to this arrangement, I believe the guests were able to enjoy shopping for a good long while. At Tsukiji, they not only enjoyed eating on the spot but also actively bought food items that could be taken back overseas, such as prepared wasabi and steak sauce. One of the guests purchased a kitchen knife and a whetstone at Tsukiji, while another sought out somewhat specialized tools such as a bread knife over in the Kappabashi area, so in the end most of the tour was spent shopping. For this reason, historical explanations in Asakusa were kept to a minimum. Since this was a tour with a local meeting point and a local drop-off, the only subway segment we used for transportation was between Tsukiji and Tawaramachi.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji Station～Tawaramachi Station210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at hotel (Hilton Osaka) → Take Hankyu train to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station → Take Keihan train to Fushimi Inari Station → 10:40 Fushimi Inari → 12:30 Nishiki Market (lunch) → 13:30 Take Kyoto City Subway → 14:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace → 15:30 Nijo Castle → 17:00 From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station to Osaka Umeda Station → 17:55 Drop off near Hilton Osaka and tour ends

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. In the morning, they took the JR line to head toward their hotel in Osaka, but another car near the front seemed to have detected an abnormal noise, and the train stopped for nearly 25 minutes along the way. I contacted the guests by email. As a result, the 9:00 meeting time was delayed, and our departure time was pushed back as well. Both guests were energetic and walked at a brisk pace, but as the temperature was high, they gradually became tired. After Fushimi Inari, we had planned to continue to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but I arranged for them to have lunch at Nishiki Market first. The guests both loved gardens and took many photos. They found it interesting that the way visitors are handled at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle had some things in common. It was hot enough that constant hydration was necessary, and they used the restrooms frequently. I saw them off at their hotel in Osaka, ending the tour. The photo was taken at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHankyu Umeda～Hankyu Kawaramachi410JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Inari～JR Kyoto150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyoto～Shijo220JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 7SubwayNijojo-mae～Shijo220JPY
    Section 8TrainKarasuma～Osaka Umeda410JPY
    Total2,110JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:00 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15 Rinnoji Temple
    • 10:40 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:40 -13:30 Lunch (at "Yamabiko" on the approach to Futarasan Shrine)
    • 14:10 Lake Chuzenji
    • 14:30 – 15:15 Sightseeing boat (from Funa-no-Eki to Tachiki Kannon)
    • 15:30 Kegon Falls
    • 16:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 17:10 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station
    • (After lunch, travel by the customer's chartered taxi)

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, making their second trip to Japan, having previously visited Tokyo and Kyoto. For this trip, they chose Nikko as their sightseeing destination for the first day after arriving in Japan, so they could enjoy both history and nature. In the morning we toured the World Heritage area, and they seemed impressed by the long history of Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, as well as the grandeur of Toshogu Shrine. They also appeared to gain an understanding of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism before the Meiji era, as well as the history of the Edo shogunate. In the afternoon, we took a chartered taxi to the Chuzenji area, where they enjoyed a sightseeing boat cruise and Kegon Falls. Unfortunately, the summit of Mount Nantai could not be seen, but they seemed moved by the scenery of the mountains of Oku-Nikko. Although the water volume at Kegon Falls was low, they were delighted to see the magnificent walls formed by erosion and the twelve falls. I believe it turned out to be a very satisfying tour for them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherFuna-no-Eki Chuzenji～Tachiki Kannon1,480JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    Tour Report by Hit

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Central Entrance of Shinkansen Kyoto Station (2nd floor)
    • 10:30 Fushimi inari (0) ( at the second station from Kyoto station)
    • 11:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • 13:30 Gioji (300) by taxi
    • 14:00 Nison-in (500) by walking
    • 14:50 Arashiyama Bamboo path
    • 15:00 Tenryuji (500+300)
    • 16:00 Kyoto Station
    • End of the tour

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like Between Shinkansen Connections? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived this morning by Shinkansen at 9:38, after traveling from Tokyo by cruise ship with stops in Shizuoka, Nagoya, and Kobe. One of the guests took a great deal of video and photos on their phone throughout the tour. Because of this, I gave detailed guidance on the best photo spots. I invited them to lunch, but since they were not hungry, we skipped it. After the tour, they were scheduled to take the 17:02 Shinkansen to Tokyo, so at the end I guided them all the way to the Shinkansen platform. They told me they were happy to have been able to visit so many wonderful places.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…