Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0800  Meet at Hotel Shinjuku
    • 0820 Visit Meiji Shrine from Harajuku Takeshita Exit, to Kita-sando
    • 0910 Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko
    • 1000 From Sakurada-mon to the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, East Garden, from Hirakawa-mon to Takebashi
    • 1210 Asakusa, from Kaminari-mon to Senso-ji Temple, Rokku District, Shin-Nakamise Street
    • 1400  Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After confirming the planned itinerary, the guests set off in good spirits. Since they wanted to see as much as possible, I planned a route that avoided passing through the same places twice and chose relatively less crowded spots—for example, at Meiji Shrine, we exited via Kita-Sando rather than making a round trip back to Harajuku Station. Throughout the entire itinerary, the guests walked around energetically at a relatively brisk pace. It felt as though they saw all the highlights along the route without missing anything, and I believe they were satisfied. Understandably, they began to feel tired around the Asakusa Rokku entertainment district, and they asked to be guided to Shinjuku within the allotted time. At the ticket gate of Shinjuku Station, we topped up a Suica card together, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2SubwayKita-sando~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Sakurada-mon178JPY
    Section 4TrainTakebashi~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Kanda178JPY
    Section 6TrainKanda~Shinjuku178JPY
    Total1,144JPY

    Hi,I’m Matt.
    Let’s enjoy together and learn a little bit more about Tokyo and Japan.
    I have many experiences in private tour and can be flexible in planning the tour itinerary. To see everything in Tokyo may be difficult in few days. Historical points,seasonal view point,most trendy places,there are so many to choose. Please let me know your interest or whatever you want to see,and I will try my best to fulfill your request.Off course those who do not have a choice is most welcome. I will come up with the most recommended points to visit at the time.
    So,see you soon.

    Apr 18, 2025
    S3270IProbertj
    MATT is a great guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We were guided the whole day by…

    Mar 25, 2025
    R
    Resort23969735918
    Amazing experience with an amazing guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience. Matt is extremely…

    Oct 15, 2024
    Vacation651871
    Tokyo walking around
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very interesting and detailed tour wirh…

    Aug 30, 2024
    Peter_G
    Great tour with Matt
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Matt our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable…

  • Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Hankyu Respire
    • 2. 09:30 Visit @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 3. 11:30 Visit @ Osaka Castle (Main Tower)
    • 4. 13:30 Visit @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 5. 15:00 Visit @ Dotonbori
    • 6. 17:00 Disband @ Hotel Hankyu Respire

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building, Shitennoji, and Osaka Castle The guests were a group visiting from Europe. The places to visit were arranged in advance through email exchanges, resulting in the itinerary we followed on the day. During our correspondence, it became clear that walking long distances would be difficult for one of the guests, so we agreed in advance that we would use taxis as needed on the spot. As a result, the first destination (Umeda Sky Building) was close to the Hotel, so we walked there, but all subsequent travel was by taxi. Some consideration was also needed during the visits: at the Sky Building the tour was done using a wheelchair, at Shitennoji they managed to walk on their own, and at Osaka Castle they chose to skip climbing the main tower and waited instead at their own request. Overall, the guests were very curious, and there were constant questions throughout the tour. The topics ranged widely across Japanese history, culture, and modern Japanese society, and the guests listened attentively to my explanations, making it a truly pleasant and rewarding tour as a guide.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:20 広島駅で待ち合わせ
    • 2. 10:20 JRとフェリーで宮島に到着
    • 3. 12:10 鳥居、厳島神社、大願寺を観光
    • 4. 13:30 フェリー、JR、バスで広島に戻る
    • 5. 14:20 ゲートインで昼食
    • 6.16:20 原爆ドームやその他のモニュメント、そして
    • 資料館を含む平和公園を観光
    • 7. 16:30 公園の前でお別れ

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The day before the tour, the guests requested a change to the meeting point. What surprised me most was that one of the guests was very into photography, taking many shots of the same spot from different angles. One of the guests listened carefully to my explanations. The agency's materials also listed Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle as famous sights in Hiroshima, and the guests said they wanted to visit them. I explained that there was not enough time, and that even if we were to visit just Hiroshima Castle, it might be possible if we took a taxi and kept the explanations brief. However, they said they did not want to use a taxi, and left the plan up to me, so we proceeded according to the itinerary I had prepared. When explaining what Hiroshima looked like before the atomic bombing at Peace Memorial Park, I also explained the history of Hiroshima and Hiroshima Castle from the 16th century while showing photographs, and I hoped they understood the circumstances that made Hiroshima a military city. However, since the guests were focused on photography, the emphasis seemed to be on taking pictures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train広島駅~宮島口840JPY
    Section 2Bus広島駅~紙屋町220JPY
    Total1,060JPY

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

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • Saka no Hotel Kyoto (9:00) → Shopping at convenience store
    • ① Tenryu-ji Temple・Bamboo Grove Path (9:45〜10:30)
    • ② Kinkaku-ji Temple (11:00〜11:30)
    • ③ Manshu-in Temple (12:00〜12:50)
    • ④ Kyoto Gyoen National Garden 【Lunch】(13:20〜14:00)
    • ⑤ Nanzen-ji Temple・Suirokaku Aqueduct (14:20〜14:45)
    • → Saka no Hotel Kyoto (15:05)

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Some of the guests were on their second visit to Japan, while others were experiencing sightseeing in Japan for the first time. They had arrived in Kyoto the previous day and had already visited the Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama area near their accommodation. We began with the classic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, then traveled along the Kinukake-no-Michi road to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). To avoid the crowds, we stopped by Manshu-in Temple before having a meal at the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds. We then continued to Nanzen-ji Temple. The guests seemed to really enjoy these beautiful, calm, and less crowded spots, and they had a wonderful time on their 6-hour private tour of Kyoto. Since they would be staying in Kyoto until the following morning, I suggested Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Sento Imperial Palace as possible destinations for them.

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Station to Kido Nanzoin JR Kyushu

    Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Station to Kido Nanzoin JR Kyushu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Depart MK Hotels Nishinakasu  From Tenjin to Hakata Station via Fukuoka City Subway
    • 10:12 From Hakata Station to Kido Nanzoin JR Kyushu
    • 10:36~ 12:56 Sightseeing at Kido Nanzoin From Kido Nanzoin to Hakata Station via JR Kyushu
    • 13:20~14:00 Purchase bento at Hankyu Department Store, and have lunch at the Hakata Station Building observation room
    • 14:00~14:10 Travel from Hakata Station to Tenjin by Nishitetsu bus
    • 14:10~14:40 At the Hokkaido Bussankan in Mitsukoshi Fukuoka store, purchased the Royce chocolate that the customer had been looking for.
    • 14:40~15:00 Walk from Mitsukoshi Fukuoka store to Kushida Shrine via the customer's hotel
    • 15:00~15:15 Sightseeing at Kushida Shrine
    • 15:15~15:30 Disband after sightseeing at Canal City Hakata

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Fukuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nanzoin, Kushida Shrine, and Canal City Hakata The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very fond of the scenery at Nanzoin Temple in Kido. The guests wanted to purchase fresh chocolate from a confectionery shop. As it happened, there was a Hokkaido Fair at the Mitsukoshi Fukuoka store and the shop was taking part, so they bought a lot as souvenirs. Since they had asked to be dropped off at Canal City Hakata, we finished the tour there after sightseeing at Kushida Shrine. The reason we went to Mitsukoshi was that it was the meeting point for the Saturday tour. The guests said they would enjoy the Yanagawa river cruise.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTenjin Station~Hakata Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainHakata Station~Kido Nanzoin380JPY
    Section 3TrainKido Nanzoin~Hakata Station380JPY
    Section 4BusHakata Station~Tenjin 1-chome150JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Sep 25, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Amazing Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sasuke, was very prepared and…

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Gate 9:27 Take JR to Saga-Arashiyama 10:05 Kyoto Bus from Nonomiya-jinja-mae 10:20 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 11:00 Sagano Walking
    • 11:30 Bamboo Grove 11:50 Short break (lunch) 12:30 Kinkaku-ji 13:40 Gion 14:20 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Sagano and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, coming to Japan for the first time. Since they had requested off-the-beaten-path destinations, we visited Adashino Nenbutsu-ji in Sagano. The moment we got off the bus, they were so impressed by how quiet and peaceful the place was that they asked whether we were still within Kyoto City. As expected, there were relatively few tourists, though I have the impression that the number of international visitors is gradually increasing. Some of the many stone Buddha statues are dressed in colorful bibs; according to a temple staff member, these are placed at random by those who wish to make an offering. The guests also did some shopping in Sagano. They mentioned that the scent of incense was calming. They grow bamboo in their own garden at home. They also remarked that Kyoto has many stairs. We visited Kinkaku-ji and Gion before parting ways. The photo was taken in the bamboo grove within Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2BusNonomiya-jinja-mae~Toriimoto1,100JPY
    Section 3OtherAdashino Nenbutsu-ji~Randen Arashiyama0JPY
    Section 4TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 5BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi0JPY
    Section 6BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Oike0JPY
    Section 7SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama0JPY
    Section 8BusHigashiyama-Sanjo~Gion0JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet @ The Royal Park Canvas Ginza
    • 12:15 @ Ginza 4-chome, Mitsukoshi Department Store
    • 13:15 @ Asakusa
    • 14:30 @ Ameyoko
    • 15:30 @ Imperial Palace
    • 16:30 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 18:30 @ Disband @ Shibuya

    What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Asakusa, and Shibuya [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a full-day private sightseeing tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from Europe. Starting from within walking distance of their accommodation, the group explored the basement food floor of a department store in Ginza 4-chome, browsing beautifully arranged bento boxes and sweets in a variety of colors, before heading to Asakusa. On the Nakamise shopping street, which was lively with school excursion students, the group enjoyed dango before visiting the main hall. From Rokku, they walked along the Shin-Nakamise shopping street and stopped by a dog cafe along the way. At Ameyoko, one of the guests visited one shop after another looking for sneakers. After paying a visit to Meiji Shrine, everyone bought soft serve ice cream and took a break. In the evening, when the crowds had grown, the group was thrilled at the Shibuya scramble crossing. Having seemed sleepy throughout the day, one of the guests suddenly regained energy and thoroughly enjoyed Shibuya.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 3TrainYushima~Nijubashi0JPY
    Section 4TrainNijubashi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I thoroughly enjoy helping foreign visitors discover more about Japan with the latest information. Since 2016, I have conducted approximately 100 tours annually, primarily in Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Hakone, and Nikko, catering especially to individual travelers.

    From my experience as a guide, I believe that my happiness is directly tied to the happiness of my guests. Having lived in two overseas locations for a total of seven years and traveled to 65 countries worldwide, I possess extensive travel know-how and a deep understanding of travelers’ sentiments.

    In Tokyo, I am particularly knowledgeable about the city’s geography, architecture, history, and culture. I would be delighted to accompany you and share the past, present, and future of this vibrant city. Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya, the serene temples of Asakusa, or the modern marvels of Odaiba, I can provide insights and stories that bring each location to life.

    Additionally, my time abroad has given me a unique perspective on how to make travel experiences memorable and enjoyable. I understand the nuances of different cultures and can tailor my tours to meet the specific interests and needs of my guests. My goal is to ensure that every tour is not only informative but also engaging and fun.

    I look forward to the opportunity to guide you through the wonders of Japan, sharing my passion for this beautiful country and creating unforgettable memories together.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Clark C
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoying the peak of Sakura 2026 Tokyo
    We were met at…

    Jul 3, 2025
    jenniferwood15820
    Highlights of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    HIRO took us to the most important landmarks in…

    Jun 21, 2025
    Nemuca6880
    Amazing Tour with Hiro Chikata!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I am so glad we booked a…

    Jun 12, 2025
    R1719GNcindyw
    Wonderful two-day private tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We took the 2-day tour with Hiro Chikata.…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • 2. 09:35~10:00 Transit: Taxi
    • 3. 10:00~10:10 Transit: Ropeway
    • 4. 10:10~10:50 Stay @ Owakudani
    • 5. 10:50~11:15 Transit: Ropeway
    • 6. 11:25~12:00 Stay @ Lake Ashi (Pirate Ship boarding)
    • 7. 12:05~13:10 Stay @ Hakone Checkpoint, Onshi Hakone Park, Cedar Avenue
    • 8. 13:20~14:00 Lunch @ Ashinoko Chaya
    • 9. 14:10~15:40 Stay @ Hakone Shrine
    • 10. 15:50~16:20 Transit: Bus
    • 11. 16:25~17:00 Transit: Train
    • 12. 17:20 Disband @ Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora

    What Is an 8-Hour Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I had already met the guests on a Tokyo tour in May and we had exchanged more than ten emails in the past, it was very easy to guide them and turned out to be a very enjoyable tour. Their accommodation had changed, and as noted above, we met at a hotel in Gora. Because the uphill road from the hotel to Gora Station is quite steep, we used a taxi for the first leg of the trip. Although we had to wait for the taxi to arrive, it actually saved time since we skipped the cable car route and went directly to Sounzan Station for the ropeway. Owakudani was rather cloudy that day, but we were just barely able to see the summit of Mount Fuji. We got off the pirate ship at Hakonemachi and I took the guests to Hakone Checkpoint and Onshi Hakone Park, which I do not usually include. This time it was an 8-hour tour so there was time to spare, which allowed for this decision, but I felt that one needs to be careful because walking around Hakone Park takes quite a bit of time. At Hakone Shrine the guests wished to take a commemorative photo at the Torii of Peace, so we spent more time there than planned. This is also something to be mindful of on a standard 6-hour tour. Since the hotel was located between Chokoku-no-Mori Station and Gora Station, for the final leg on the Hakone Tozan Railway we got off at Chokoku-no-Mori Station, saw the guests to the hotel, and then parted ways. As the guests had requested a ride on the pirate ship in advance, we purchased Hakone Free Passes for our travel. In some cases this can be slightly more expensive, but since the ticket counters for the pirate ship can get crowded, I believe it is safer to travel around this area using the Free Pass. I have uploaded an image of the Free Pass.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSounzan Station~Owakudani Station5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassOwakudani Station~Togendai Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTogendai Port~Hakonemachi Port0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMoto-Hakone~Hakone-Yumoto Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Chokoku-no-Mori Station0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Noritake Garden

    Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Noritake Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel
    • 9:25 Nagoya Castle (tour inside the Honmaru Palace and around the castle tower)
    • 10:40 Tokugawa Garden (tour of the Japanese garden)
    • 11:40 Noritake Garden (tour of the Craft Center, museum, gallery, and shop)
    • 12:45 Disband on the 1st floor of the Hotel building

    What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a half-day tour, and I guided the guests to three sites in Nagoya, each with its own distinctive character: Nagoya Castle, Tokugawaen Garden, and Noritake Garden, and they were very pleased. Because this was early in the morning on a weekday, there was no waiting time at any of the sites, and the number of visitors was not large, so the guests were able to view everything smoothly and at a relaxed pace. I believe they were especially interested in the Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle and Tokugawaen Garden. We returned to the meeting-point Hotel a little earlier than the scheduled end of the tour, and after the guests had a look at a Studio Ghibli goods shop on the first floor of the Hotel building, we parted ways. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Station~Nagoya Castle Station240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.Meeting 13:00 Holiday Inn & Suites Shin Osaka Lobby
    • 2.Shinsekai 13:50 Jan-Jan Yokocho, Tsutenkaku Tower, Shinsekai Market
    • 3.Dotonbori 14:30 Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Ebisu Bridge, Dotonbori Street, Hozenji Yokocho, Cheese Coin
    • 4.Osaka Castle 16:00 Ote Gate, Hokoku Shrine, Sakura Gate, Main Keep
    • 5.Umeda Sky Building 18:00 See-Through Elevator, Floating Escalator
    • 6.Dismissal 19:15 In front of Indian Restaurant Bindu

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like for Vegetarian Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. After sightseeing in Nara and Koyasan by rental car from Kyoto, they arrived by car from Koyasan on the day of the tour. We waited for their check-in to finish and departed from the hotel about 10 minutes behind schedule. At both Shinsekai and Dotonbori, the group seemed intrigued by the carnival-like atmosphere created by the large crowds of tourists, but as all of the guests were vegetarian, they were unable to eat kushikatsu, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and similar dishes. The only thing they bought was a single 10-yen bread (cheese coin), which the group shared. Regarding admission tickets for Osaka Castle, the previous day I recommended purchasing them online via a messaging app. Since some of the guests had been watching the streaming drama "SHOGUN," they looked around the exhibits inside the castle keep with great interest. After finishing the visit to Osaka Castle, there was a little time left, so I suggested stopping by a patisserie famous for its Mont Blanc, but when we arrived it was closed for the day, and the result was simply an extra 15 minutes of walking. As expected, this patisserie may be a bit too far from the station to visit conveniently on the way from Osaka Castle. The same applied to other sightseeing points; the guests did not seem to have prior knowledge of the Umeda Sky Building either, so I explained that it was the only building from Japan selected among the world's top 20 as we headed there. This building also requires quite a walk from Umeda subway station, but the guests seemed captivated by the view of the buildings around Osaka Station when they came up to street level. They appeared satisfied with the see-through elevator and the aerial escalators, and said they would not go up to the sky observatory. After I confirmed whether an Indian restaurant that the guests had found on their own could accommodate vegetarians, I guided them to the front of the restaurant and ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShin-Osaka Station~Dobutsuen-mae Station820JPY
    Section 2Free PassDobutsuen-mae Station~Shinsaibashi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNipponbashi Station~Tanimachi 4-chome Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTanimachi 4-chome Station~Umeda Station0JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…