Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Okura Tokyo, it took nearly 15 minutes for everyone to gather, resulting in a slightly late departure
    • 9:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Korakuen Garden
    • 13:10 Tour temples in Yanaka from Nezu Shrine
    • 14:55 From Kaneiji Five-Story Pagoda to Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:30 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 17:15 Disband at The Okura Tokyo

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Gardens and Old Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained on and off during the day, but the guest carried a folding umbrella and used it as needed. This was my first time guiding someone who paid for the subway using contactless credit card taps, so I was a little nervous, but although the response was slightly slower than with Suica, it worked fine, which was reassuring. The guest took many photos and asked many questions, so the tour took a little longer, but I was able to answer nearly all of the questions and I believe they were satisfied. At Korakuen, the Japanese irises were in bloom, though I thought they were slightly less impressive than those at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The guest walked through the gardens thoroughly and was very pleased. From Nezu Shrine to Yanaka, I was asked many questions about the wartime period and about religion, including temples. There was quite a lot of walking, but the guest managed to walk the entire way safely until returning to the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTameike-Sanno~Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Suidobashi210JPY
    Section 3Free PassKorakuen~Todaimae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa~Tameike-Sanno0JPY
    Total910JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:00 Meet up @ Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 2.8:20 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.9:30 @ Asakusa
    • 4.10:40 @ Ueno Park
    • 5.11:30 Lunch @ Sushi Zanmai Ueno
    • 6.13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 7.14:00 Dismissal @ Aloft Tokyo Ginza

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a friendly group visiting from North America. They walk every day and go to the gym, so walking was not a problem at all. The guests especially enjoyed taking photos and captured many different spots along the way. In Asakusa, we first took in the whole view from an observation deck, then visited Senso-ji Temple. After that, we moved to Ueno, where we visited Shinobazu Pond and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and had lunch at a sushi restaurant. The guests love sushi, so they enjoyed both sushi and tempura, and said it was delicious. Finally, we went to Meiji Shrine. They said the forest and buildings of Meiji Shrine were very beautiful. The rain mostly held off, and I believe the guests had an enjoyable time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Harajuku260JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Higashi-Ginza210JPY
    Total940JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (12:00) → World Peace Memorial Cathedral (12:10) → Travel by taxi → Lunch JoGeSaYu (13:00) → Peace Memorial Museum (14:00) → Peace Park (15:00) → Dismissal (16:00)

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. They had visited Osaka before coming to Hiroshima. Since the guests wanted to visit the World Peace Memorial Cathedral, we first walked there. They were very pleased with the beauty of the church and the fact that it was built with a wish for world peace. Entering the museum was smooth, but partway through it became crowded due to a group of students; still, I made sure they saw the key points. They said the museum's exhibits were extremely well made and wonderful. They were also deeply moved by the stories of the A-bombed trees and the paper cranes. We walked around the Peace Park and parted ways in front of the Orizuru Tower.

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Sep 29, 2026
    Q
    Q4398TTjades
    Yoko was exactly what we were looking for in a guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed…

    Sep 18, 2026
    horner92
    Yoko is amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Yoko was amazing. She…

    Sep 6, 2026
    Shelly_H
    You must visit Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yoko was exceptional on this…

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:50 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 11:40 Shibuya Crossing
    • 12:50 Asakusa
    • 13:00 Lunch & Gonpachi
    • 13:50 Nakamise & Sensoji Temple
    • 15:00 Ginza Kabuki-za & Ginza Crossing
    • 16:00 Dismissal & Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group visiting from North America on a full-day private walking tour of Tokyo. The guests had arrived only the day before and were a little tired, but we still walked more than 15,000 steps together. They were surprised to find the Yamanote Line crowded even close to 10:00. The guests had also studied a little Japanese before their trip, and expressions such as "arigato gozaimasu" and "sumimasen" were very well pronounced. Since one of the guests could not eat seafood, they requested yakitori for lunch, and they happily enjoyed yakitori and hand-rolled sushi at a restaurant. As the guests mentioned they would like to see a single act of kabuki on a later day, we stopped by the Kabukiza Theatre on the way back and I introduced some shops around the Ginza crossing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 6TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00 Meet up @ Hotel Otemachi Tokyo
    • 2. 12:45 @ Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 3. 14:00 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 4. 14:30 Lunch @ Tsujita Shibuya Branch
    • 5. 15:30 @ Ginza (4-chome Crossing, NISSAN Showroom, Mitsukoshi)
    • 6. 16:10 @ A PIT Autobacs Shinonome Branch
    • 7. 18:30 @ Tokyo Tower
    • 8. 18:40 Disband @ Tokyo Tower Observatory Boarding Gate

    What's a Private Tokyo Car Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Tokyo Tower The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They were traveling around Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Kyoto before heading on to the Maldives. As no specific requests had been made in advance, I had planned to guide them to the major sightseeing spots. However, when we met on the day, they specified a particular location, an auto parts store in the Shinonome area, so after Meiji Shrine and Shibuya we visited Shinonome, which is a little off the central route, and then headed toward Tokyo Tower. One of the guests, who had experience working for a car manufacturer, had a very strong interest in anything related to automobiles. So when I guided them to the automaker's showroom in Ginza, they enthusiastically looked at the merchandise displayed in front of the second-floor café. They did not make a purchase there, but the group took a commemorative photo in front of the display cars. The auto parts store in Shinonome was not merely a "car supplies shop" but gave the impression of a theme park for car lovers, with a bookstore, café, outdoor gear, and lifestyle goods, and quite a few international visitors were enjoying their shopping there. The guests on this tour also spent more than an hour looking at various items and enjoyed themselves, making tax-free purchases worth several tens of thousands of yen. Because we spent quite a lot of time here, I discussed it with the guests, and since the Imperial Palace was within walking distance of their accommodation, they decided to visit it another day. For this tour, we set Tokyo Tower as the ending point, after which the guests would continue to spend time on their own. At Tokyo Tower, they wished to do the 250m Top Deck Tour, so after helping them purchase tickets, I introduced the photo exhibition about the tower's construction and said goodbye at the elevator entrance. One of the guests was a smoker and initially wished to smoke frequently, twice at Meiji Shrine and once during lunch in Shibuya, but perhaps sensing that there were not many smoking areas, they no longer requested to do so in the latter half of the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station700JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Shin-Kiba Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainShin-Kiba~Shinonome (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 6TrainShinonome (Tokyo)~Osaki400JPY
    Section 7TrainOsaki~Ebisu200JPY
    Section 8Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ebisu Station~Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Total1,670JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet guests at the hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine, Gyoen, Main Hall
    • 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:00 Tour ends at the lunch location

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Regarding the day's itinerary, we exchanged emails beforehand but could not finalize it, so we discussed and decided it together at the start of the tour. At Meiji Shrine, I began by explaining the flow of Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, and the origins of Meiji Shrine. After passing through the torii gate at the Harajuku entrance, we proceeded while I explained the sake barrels and the great torii, and then entered the Inner Garden, where the Japanese irises were just at their best. In the garden, the irises were in full bloom, and while many people were viewing them, the guests were delighted by the magnificent flowers. Afterward, we returned to the main path and went to the main shrine building to offer our prayers. Next, we went to Takeshita Street, where they enjoyed sweets and interacted with animals at an animal cafe, and they seemed to have a great time. For lunch, I guided them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant where they could enjoy sushi as well as ramen and sweets. Finally, I explained how to take the subway back to their hotel, and we concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total180JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto)
    • 8:30-8:45 Travel (on foot: Hotel → Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
    • 8:45-9:55 Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit
    • 9:55-10:25 Travel (Keihan train: Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 10:25-11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit
    • 11:10-11:40 Travel (Keihan train; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan → Nijojo-mae)
    • 11:40-12:30 Nijo Castle visit
    • 12:30 Tour ends Said goodbye to the guests at Nijo Castle.

    Title: Can You Visit Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle in a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto. Even though it was a short 4-hour tour, we managed to visit Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nijo Castle. Before the tour, I had explained that the schedule would be tight given the limited time. At the start of the tour, I also suggested the option of removing Fushimi Inari, but since the guests agreed once again to an early-paced walk, we decided to proceed with the original plan. Because we walked quite quickly, it seemed a little demanding for one of the guests. I had also received a request for a tour the following day, but unfortunately another tour was already scheduled, so I had to decline. The weather was cloudy and not too hot, which allowed us to proceed with the tour comfortably.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total700JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • 10:15-11:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:30-11:55 Gion
    • 12:00-13:00 Nishiki Market
    • 13:15-14:15 Nijo Castle
    • 15:35-15:40 Imperial Palace-Chion-in, Heian Shrine, Gion Shirakawa
    • 15:45 Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Cruise Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Gion, and Nijo Castle The guests were a group of cruise ship passengers from Oceania. We had arranged to meet at the Hachijo Exit of the Shinkansen at Kyoto Station, but they were waiting at the Hachijo East Exit, so we missed each other for about 10 minutes and started a little late (I should have specified the Hachijo West Exit). At Sanjusangendo we moved at a relatively relaxed pace, so we spent a little extra time there, while at Gion we kept it shorter, walking along Hanamikoji from east to west and having the driver pick us up near Ichiriki. I then took them to Nishiki Market, where they had about an hour to enjoy lunch, and afterward we met up and headed to Nijo Castle. Since we had gradually run a little over on time, I had planned to make an adjustment at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but I carelessly failed to notice that it was closed on the second Tuesday and we were unable to enter. I apologized for my oversight as the guide, and since the guests were also feeling tired, we instead went for a drive around Heian Shrine, Chion-in, and Gion Shirakawa, arriving at Kyoto Station 20 minutes early. They were going to catch a Shinkansen departing Osaka Station at 16:14, so I was relieved that we made it back in time, and I concluded the tour with an apology for not being able to guide them through the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8∶55meet Hotel by car 9∶10 Hakone Open-Air Museum 10∶31 by bus via Kowakien 11∶15 Hakone Checkpoint Ruins
    • Maruyama Bussan Donburi Chaya lunch Checkpoint Entrance 12∶30 Hakonemachi Port pirate ship 13∶10 Togendai by ropeway to Owakudani by ropeway to Sounzan 14∶03 cable car to Gora 14∶20 dismissal

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in the Rainy Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very cheerful group from North America, and laughter never stopped throughout the day. It was the final day of their two-week trip to Japan, and despite the rainy-season skies and deep fog, they set off in high spirits. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they enjoyed a magical atmosphere in the mist. At a marquetry shop, they thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of yosegi woodwork, bought many souvenirs, and thanked me for introducing such a wonderful place. At a rice-bowl restaurant, they enjoyed my talk about kanji while finishing all of their Japanese meal. From the pirate ship, they took in the deep green of Hakone's nature, and at Owakudani they experienced the scenery veiled in fog.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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

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

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

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

  • Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Sheraton Kagoshima 9:00 – 9:50 Sengan-en・Satsuma Glass Craft 11:19 – 11:40 Kagoshima Port (lunch) 12:00 – 12:15 Sakurajima Port – 12:35 Visitor Center 13:06 – 13:25 Yuhira Observatory 13:40 – 13:55 Sakurajima Port 14:05 – 14:20 Kagoshima Port – 15:00 Sheraton Kagoshima

    Title: What Is a Private Kagoshima Tour with a Local Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were seasoned senior travelers touring various parts of Japan, and they were great fans of Japanese culture and cuisine, happily enjoying purple sweet potato tart, mikan candy, jambo mochi, and matcha soft serve. For the sake of time efficiency, we had lunch during the ferry waiting time, choosing a grilled fish bento from the kiosk, and the guests said it was delicious and finished it completely. That very morning, Sakurajima erupted and there was a large amount of falling ash, which surprised them greatly, and they took photos of cars covered in ash. They also watched the video at the Satsuma Kiriko glass workshop and the visitor center with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSengan-en~In front of Kagoshima Aquarium/Kagoshima Kotsu430JPY
    Section 2FerryKagoshima~Sakurajima Port250JPY
    Section 3Free PassSakurajima Port~Visitor Center Yunohira Observatory500JPY
    Section 4FerrySakurajima Port~Kagoshima250JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Experienced guide in Tokyo, Kanto, Kansai, Chugoku and Kyushu as lived in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Shiga, Wakayama, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka and Kumamoto. Can introduce local favorite restaurants and shops in these areas. Flexible and tailored itinerary is available with car transport transportation. Can escort outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. Can provide private tours at Sake breweries in Fukuoka and Saga area with personal networks. Respect and adapt to diverse cultures and religions as worked with colleagues around the world for 38 years.

    Sep 19, 2026
    Romy_B
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    Beautiful, insightful and memorable!
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