Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　12:30　Glanz Kei Kyoto Station集合
    • ②　13:00　Daitokuji Temple・Obaiin
    • ③　14:10　Daitokuji Temple・Hoshunin (Special Viewing)
    • ④　15:20　Nijo Castle
    • ⑤　16:30　Dismissal at JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Daitoku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Hidden Temple Gardens The guests were visiting from North America. One of them had last been to Kyoto 50 years ago, while the visit was a first-time experience for the other. We visited Obai-in, a sub-temple within Daitoku-ji Temple in the Murasakino area. Obai-in was originally built by Oda Nobunaga to honor his father, and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi rebuilt it into a full temple, along with Soken-in also located within Daitoku-ji, to enshrine the spirit of his former lord. The garden was designed by Sen no Rikyu and is extremely beautiful. In spring, the fresh green maples, moss, stone lanterns, tea houses, and stone pavements intertwine exquisitely, and their beauty is breathtaking. What is more, it is relatively free of tourists. Today as well, from the moment we stepped through the temple's understated small main gate and saw the garden within the grounds, the guests were so struck by the beauty that "breathtaking" was truly the perfect word, and they stood in a kind of stunned wonder. Then, as if suddenly remembering, they began taking photographs. Seeing that always makes me feel glad I brought them here. The main hall and abbot's quarters have a quiet presence surrounded by a dry landscape garden, so I always take the opportunity here to talk about Zen and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. Today I also wove in the story of the famous dry landscape garden with its 15 stones at Ryoan-ji, and spoke about the message of dry landscape gardens and the sermons one receives from the head priest when doing zazen at a Zen temple. After that, we went to another sub-temple within Daitoku-ji, Hoshun-in. Hoshun-in is the temple built by Omatsu, the principal wife of Maeda Toshiie, who later became a nun and took the name Hoshun-in, to honor her late husband Maeda Toshiie. Today was a special viewing day, and here stands Donko-kaku, famous as one of the four pavilions of Kyoto along with Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku (Silver Pavilion), and Hiun-kaku of Nishi Hongan-ji. Because it was a special viewing, we were able to see it. A curator kindly gave us special permission to take photographs. The attached photo is Donko-kaku. I explained thoroughly how lucky the guests were. It had been a while since I had last seen it, and because I was accompanying guests today, I was allowed in for free as a guide, so I was very lucky myself. Hoshun-in also has another garden with many bonsai, where you can take as many photos as you like. There are many bonsai ranging from 20 to 500 years old, including, if I recall correctly, bonsai loved by Uesugi Kenshin, and one can immerse oneself in a wondrous world. Finally, at Nijo Castle, I gave a brief explanation of how the shogun and the daimyo held audiences, along with the customs and etiquette of the time. A classmate from my university soccer club days works as a curator at Nijo Castle, so I always share some of the little behind-the-scenes stories I have heard from him. When we parted, the guest said "Best Day!" which made me happiest of all. They returned to Tokyo by Shinkansen in the evening.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel ~ 10:40-11:40 Nijo Castle ~ 12:20-13:30 Nishiki Market ~ 14:00-14:50 Kiyomizu-dera ~ 15:00-16:00 Gion

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Gion, and Nishiki Market Body: The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Although a larger group had been expected, some members were unable to obtain their visas in time and could not join, so a smaller group took part in the tour. The guests were very friendly, and one of them was especially interested in Japanese culture and actively asked many questions. It was very rewarding to speak with such an engaged and thoughtful guest. Some of the guests did not speak much English, so another member of the group translated my English explanations into their own language. Even so, they seemed to find Nijo Castle, Gion, and Nishiki Market fresh and enjoyable, and they took many photos together with the cherry blossoms in the garden of Nijo Castle. At Nishiki Market they enjoyed sushi and tempura, and we finished the tour at the Gion Corner. There, they were delighted to unexpectedly catch a glimpse of a real maiko, which made everyone very happy.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 2TrainNijojo-mae～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 3BusGion-Shijo～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo & Ueno Park

    Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo & Ueno Park

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
    • 10:45 Edo-Tokyo Museum
    • 13:15 Asakusa Lunch at Ichiran
    • 14:30 Ameyoko
    • 15:15 Ueno Park
    • 16:20 Disband at Ueno Station

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryogoku, Asakusa, and Ueno The guests were a family visiting from North America. The booking was originally for six, but some of the group chose to go their own way, so I guided four of them. Because the weather forecast the day before was poor, I asked via a messaging app in the evening whether they would like to push back the start time, and we agreed to change it from 8:00 to a 10:00 start. Since there had been almost no prior communication, the itinerary was completely undecided, but the guests were very pleasant and said something like, "Wherever is good — we'll leave it to you." As it was still raining heavily, I first recommended the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and they happily agreed, so we headed to Ryogoku. When we arrived there was quite a line, and one of the guests joked, "Everyone thinks the same thing." It took about 30 minutes to buy tickets. During that time, however, we were able to talk about many things, including introductions and the current situation in Japan (especially prices), so it was good in terms of building communication, and I think the wait did not feel very long. I had assumed that a licensed guide-interpreter would be admitted free, but the staff said a ticket was required, so the guests purchased one for me. I had also thought we could see the museum in about an hour, but there was surprisingly much to see, and it took considerably longer than planned. There were many questions along the way (I could not answer what used to be inside the Asakusa tower), and the guests enjoyed themselves, taking photos sitting inside a palanquin and carrying a night-soil bucket. By the time we reached Asakusa the rain had finally stopped, so we were able to sightsee without umbrellas. The guests were very fond of traditional structures such as the five-story pagoda and the gates, and took many photos — I lost count of how many times I heard, "Come over here, we're taking a photo." Everyone bought incense and bathed in the smoke of the large incense burner. Next, in front of the insect-food vending machine in Ameyoko, I suggested that the guests try it as a valuable future source of protein, which made everyone laugh, and one of them in particular found it so amusing that they bought a pack of four giant cricket cookies as a souvenir. There was a big cricket sitting right on top of the cookie, exactly as pictured (it was the first time I had actually seen anyone buy one). Finally, at Ueno Park, the guests were moved by the quiet atmosphere of the fresh greenery. As they had arranged to meet up with the rest of their group at Ueno Park, we parted ways there. It was a fun day, and I was able to talk with the guests about all sorts of topics throughout.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo～Ryogoku200JPY
    Section 2TrainRyogoku～Asakusabashi160JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusabashi～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Depart Kobe Port～10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple～11:40 Gion～12:30 Nishiki Market～14:10 Fushimi Inari～15:20 Depart Fushimi Inari～16:40 Arrive Kobe Port

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour from Kobe Port to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour departed from Kobe Port and got onto the expressway, and for a while traffic flowed smoothly, but from Nishinomiya the speed gradually slowed down, and just before Osaka it came to a complete standstill. The driver said such severe traffic was very rare, and the guests looked quite concerned. We arrived in Kyoto about an hour later than planned, but by shortening the time at each stop we managed to visit everywhere. In particular, the visit to the Gion area had to be cut short. At Fushimi Inari we were able to spend a good amount of time, and the guests enjoyed the bamboo grove and the tunnel of torii gates they had hoped to see. On the way back there was no traffic at all, and we arrived earlier than scheduled.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine・Osaka & Dotonbori・Hozenji Yokocho

    Osaka in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine・Osaka & Dotonbori・Hozenji Yokocho

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00　Meet at the hotel lobby
    • 15:30　Hokoku Shrine・Osaka Castle
    • 17:30　Shinsaibashi-suji
    • 18:00　Dotonbori・Hozenji Yokocho
    • 18:50　Tour ends at Nishi-Umeda Station

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Umeda I guided guests visiting from Europe on a private walking tour of Osaka. It rained in the morning, but the weather improved in the afternoon, though it remained very windy. Before entering Osaka Castle, we visited Hokoku Shrine, where the guests viewed the statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and then offered their prayers. Inside Osaka Castle, the guests looked at the exhibits with great interest. Afterward, I guided them through Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street toward Dotonbori. Since one of the guests found the surroundings too noisy and requested a quieter place, I took them to Hozenji Temple. Although a dinner in the Minami area had initially been considered, we decided to return to the Umeda area, where the hotel was located, in line with the guests' preference. In Umeda, I introduced several calm restaurants near the hotel, and the tour came to an end.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayOsaka Business Park～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba (Subway)～Nishi-Umeda240JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Umi

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Hyogo in One Day: @ Egret Himeji Rooftop & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in One Day: @ Egret Himeji Rooftop & @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at 11:00 @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 11:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 15:15 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • Disband at 16:15 @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Nada Sake Brewery Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and we were able to travel smoothly throughout the day. When I mentioned that my hometown of Kobe is a sister city of a city in North America, one of the guests said they had once been involved in work related to that sister-city relationship. It was a pleasure to sense from many of their comments that the guests were fond of Japan. The weather changed dramatically today, shifting between clear skies, rain, and sudden gusts of wind. The guests visited a shop in the local shopping street that sells handmade "maneki-neko" (beckoning cat) figures and purchased a rather rare one as a souvenir. At Himeji Castle, I received many in-depth questions. When I guided them to Nadagiku Sake Brewery, which had not been on the original plan, the guests were delighted, enjoyed a tasting, and purchased sake as a souvenir. I gave them a handmade drawstring pouch, and they especially liked the "crane" design. After finishing the visits to each spot, the guests wished to have a meal, so we parted ways about 45 minutes early. They said they had come to like Japan even more, and that their family and acquaintances were also considering a trip to Japan.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: From Sounzan to Owakudani & Otome Pass

    Kanagawa in One Day: From Sounzan to Owakudani & Otome Pass

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 From Sounzan to Owakudani
    • 12:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 13:30 Gora Park
    • 15:30 Otome Pass
    • 16:00 Tour ends at the hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had already traveled through Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, and had chosen Hakone as their final destination. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, but since they were staying for several nights, we decided to tour the main sites today to help them get a feel for the area, and to try again tomorrow for the long-awaited view of Mount Fuji. First, we headed to Owakudani by ropeway, where I pointed out the key spots to prepare for tomorrow. At Hakone Shrine that followed, I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, which they seemed to understand anew, earnestly repeating their prayers and taking photographs. After lunch we went to Gora Park, which the guests seemed to enjoy very much, saying they would like to visit again tomorrow. Finally, they were very eager to see Mount Fuji, so we headed to a viewpoint over Otome Pass, but regrettably we were unable to fulfill that wish in the end.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at hotel
    • →9:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • →9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • →11:00 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
    • →12:30 Lunch @ Marunouchi
    • →14:00 Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street
    • →16:00 Return to hotel

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was the first visit to Japan for the guests from North America. According to the forecast the day before, heavy rain was expected until the early afternoon, so I prepared a Plan B that included a museum and proposed it on the morning of the tour. However, the guests wanted to experience the real thing, so we decided to proceed as originally planned. Since walking was slow and we had to walk under umbrellas in the strong rain, I frequently included rest breaks so that the guests would not become too tired, and I chose barrier-free routes as much as possible. At our final stop in Asakusa, the weather cleared up, and I was glad we were able to finish the tour safely.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama～Shibuya440JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Asakusa340JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa～Yokohama630JPY
    Total1,780JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

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    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15 Meet up @ Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 09:40 Tsukiji (Fish Market, Outer Market, Honganji Temple, Kabukiza Theatre)
    • 11:00 Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Kannon-dori Street)
    • 11:45 Lunch @ Tonanya
    • 13:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:45 Omotesando ~ Takeshita Street
    • 14:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:30 Disband @ Tokyo International Cruise Terminal

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who arrived in Tokyo this morning by cruise ship. One of the guests had visited Japan around 20 times before but never for sightseeing, while it was the first visit for the group as a whole. At Tsukiji, we were fortunate to watch a tuna being cut at a shop. The group was impressed by the blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles at Hongan-ji Temple. At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, the guests purchased some small items and we had an early lunch while taking shelter from the rain. The group was moved by the tranquility of Meiji Shrine. To wish for a long life together going forward, the guests took a photo at the "married couple" camphor trees. Takeshita Street was meaningful as a contrast to Meiji Shrine. When we reached Shinbashi, the weather cleared up, and on the way to the cruise terminal, the guests enjoyed the waterfront scenery from the Yurikamome line. During lunch and along the way, I explained the character and history of the Japanese people, and through that, one of the guests seemed to find explanations for things they had struggled to understand in their dealings with Japanese companies.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Shimbashi180JPY
    Section 5TrainShimbashi～Tokyo International Cruise Terminal390JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (8 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meet
    • 1010 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 1055 Sightseeing from the car window: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, National Stadium, National Diet Building, Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 1150 Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1215 Sightseeing from the car window: Ginza-dori Avenue, Akihabara
    • 1245 Koishikawa Korakuen, lunch at Kantokutei
    • 1500 Release the vehicle at Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1600 Tour ends within the grounds of Senso-ji Temple
    • Since the customer had a reservation at Asakusa Sumo Club at 1800, we took them to that location, and to spend the time until then, to Hoppy Street and the Kappabashi Kitchenware Street.

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. They had spent a week traveling around the Kansai region and would be staying in Tokyo for four days starting today. Tomorrow they will join a guided tour of Tsukiji and other spots, after which they plan to visit TeamLab Planets on their own. The day after tomorrow they will explore on their own as well. I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide along with metro and JR route maps, and explained the major sightseeing spots and routes. It rained heavily from the morning, and I was concerned about how the day would go, but since we had a vehicle, getting around was much easier. It was somewhat difficult to use visual aids in the rain, so I compensated with explanations inside the vehicle. The rain stopped at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and although half of the Tokyo Skytree was hidden in the clouds on the way to Asakusa, by the time we reached the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, the sky had turned blue. The driver was also considerate about providing scenic views from the car window today, and I believe the guests were satisfied.

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

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…