Category: Uncategorized

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Ended the

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Ended the

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Masayo

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 A few days ago, an email came from the customer, and it had been changed to a 9:30 start.
    • Met at the hotel lobby, walked along Hakuchoro and headed to Kenrokuen.
    • 9:45 Bought a gold leaf soft serve ice cream at the Hakuichi branch on the slope near Kenrokuen and ate it outside.
    • 10:10 Strolled around Kenrokuen, and walked around Kanazawa Castle Park from Ishikawa Gate.
    • 11:10 Took a taxi below Nezumita Gate and headed to the Ninja Temple.
    • 11:30 Toured the Ninja Temple. Since guides cannot give explanations inside the Ninja Temple, I waited outside.
    • 12:15 Took a route bus from Hirokoji to Korinbo.
    • 12:25 Strolled from Korinbo through the Nagamachi Samurai District and visited the Nomura Family Residence.
    • 13:00 Caught a taxi in front of the Nomura Family Residence and headed to Omicho Market.
    • 13:10 Strolled around Omicho Market. Enjoyed wagyu beef skewers and drinks at a butcher shop in Omicho Market.
    • 13:30 Ended the tour.

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kanazawa Tour Before Catching the Shinkansen to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, and this was their first trip to Japan on an 11-day visit. Since they were heading to Kyoto on the 16:30 shinkansen departing from Kanazawa today, it was a 4-hour tour using local buses and taxis, but they were delighted because we were able to visit all the places they wanted to see. At Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, they took great interest in my guiding about the Maeda family. Since we visited the Ninja Temple after that explanation, they found the content easy to understand. They were deeply moved by the beautiful garden of the Nomura family residence. After the tour ended, since my home is near Higashi Chaya District, I walked together with the guests who were heading to Higashi Chaya District on their own while I returned home, and I was able to recommend a good cafe and point out the highlights of Higashi Chaya District along the way.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Korinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Masayo

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Request Booking

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Acchan

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Port – Shimizu Station ~ Higashi-Shizuoka Station ~ Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance ~ Tea Hall 11:30 – Yume Terrace 12:15 Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance ~ Higashi-Shizuoka Station ~ Shimizu Station 13:15 – Miho no Matsubara Entrance ~ Miho no Matsubara ~ Miho no Matsubara Entrance ~ Komagoe-kita ~ Hama Sushi 14:50 – Komagoe-kita ~ Suehiro – Port 15:30

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour Around Shimizu Port and Miho no Matsubara? A Licensed Guide's Report We met successfully at the port and headed to Nihondaira Yume Terrace. Fortunately, Mount Fuji was visible, which made the trip worthwhile. On the way, I guided the guests to a nearby tea center, where they saw tea fields, tea seeds, and a superb view of Mount Fuji before continuing to Yume Terrace. The beautiful summit of Mount Fuji was in view. To make sure Mount Fuji did not become hidden, we hurried to Miho no Matsubara. Luckily, we were also able to see Mount Fuji from the coast. For lunch, since the guests wanted a sushi restaurant frequented by locals, we stopped at Hama Sushi on the way back to the port. They were delighted that it was affordable and delicious. Then, wanting to fit in one more spot, I talked about Shimizu no Jirocho and we visited "Suehiro." A volunteer guide performed a paper-theater story in English depicting Jirocho's compassion, and gave them an origami shuriken as a good-luck charm. We said goodbye at the port with smiles.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)～Higashi-Shizuoka200JPY
    Section 2BusHigashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line～Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line550JPY
    Section 3BusNihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line～Higashi-Shizuoka550JPY
    Section 4TrainHigashi-Shizuoka～Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 5BusShimizu Station / Shizutetsu Just Line～Miho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
    Section 6BusMiho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line～Komagoe-kita / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Section 7BusKomagoe-kita / Shizutetsu Just Line～Minatobashi / Shizutetsu Just Line240JPY
    Total2,380JPY

    Tour Report by Acchan

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Request Booking

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 12:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel Granvia Kyoto Station
    • Travel by private car to Kinkaku-ji
    • PM 12:40-13:40 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • Travel by private car to Kiyomizu-dera via Shogunzuka
    • PM 14:30-16:00 Tour from Kiyomizu-dera to Sannenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda, with a break at Starbucks along the way
    • Travel by private car to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 16:30-17:30 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • Travel by private car to Kyoto Station, tour ends at the Hachijo Exit PM 18:00

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by Bullet Train Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a birthday-celebration trip. The tour itself was a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train. Before the tour, there had apparently been some discussion between the travel agency and the guests about whether the tour should be conducted in Spanish or English, and it was ultimately agreed that English would be acceptable, so the tour proceeded in English. However, the day before the tour, there was a request to add one more person, as the guests wished to invite a Japanese guide who spoke Spanish and who had assisted them in Tokyo, so the tour was conducted with five guests in total. In the end, since most of the guests did not speak much English, the tour managed to take shape thanks to this Japanese guide interpreting my explanations, though I am not entirely certain that everything I explained was fully conveyed. After the tour, I was kindly invited to a meal at Kyoto Station, but I politely declined, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Hotel start
    • Travel by train to Gotokuji, passing through Omoide Yokocho and JR Shinjuku Station
    • AM 11:15-PM12:10 Visit Gotokuji
    • Travel by train & subway to Meiji Shrine
    • PM 12:40-13:40 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • Travel by subway to Asakusa
    • PM 14:20-15:10 Visit Sensoji Temple
    • Travel by subway & JR to Tokyo Station, where the tour ends

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji The guests were visitors from Oceania. The day before the tour, heavy rainfall in Chiba Prefecture disrupted transportation, but fortunately the guests arrived at Narita in the morning and took a limousine bus early in the afternoon, so they were not affected. During the tour, the guests wanted to understand Tokyo's public transportation, so I explained how to reach various areas from JR Shinjuku Station near their hotel. At the destinations of Gotokuji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji Temple, the guests listened to my explanations with great interest.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji～Meiji-jingumae330JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Tokyo160JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    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

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:30　Meet at JR Kyoto Station
    • ②　10:35　Decide today's destinations・About the history of Kyoto
    • ③　11:15　Daitoku-ji Temple
    • ④　12:20　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤　13:30　Nishiki Market
    • ⑥　15:00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine via Nintendo Headquarters
    • ⑦　16:40　Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market, and More The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of them had previously been to Tokyo and Kyoto a few years earlier, while others were experiencing Japan for the first time. The group seemed well-traveled, and when we met, they decided on their destinations by sitting down casually somewhere inside Kyoto Station and having a lively, informal discussion that took about fifteen minutes. Their request was to mix quiet, beautiful dry landscape gardens with must-see spots even if crowded, and the itinerary reflected exactly that. Some of the guests loved joking around, listening to my explanations only halfheartedly while cutting in with jokes and asking all sorts of different questions. As soon as I answered one question, they would already be looking off in another direction or coming back, enjoying themselves freely in their own way. Partway through, I got used to it, and when they were facing away and not listening, I would tap them on the shoulder and say, "Please listen to me for a moment!" I got quite carried away and did it in a friendly manner. They had the kind of personality that allowed for that, and they were a fun group to be with. On the other hand, one of the guests took things quite seriously about everything and could speak a bit of Japanese, at least for simple greetings and casual responses. After eating at Nishiki Market, on the way to Fushimi Inari Taisha by taxi, I responded to a request and stopped by the Nintendo headquarters to take a photo. When I said, "Now you're a superstar among the local kids!" they were quite delighted. As always, I spent the whole day insistently teaching them "ookini," and they liked it quite a lot, so I warned them that they shouldn't use "ookini" once back in Yokohama and Tokyo — but in the end, we said goodbye with an "ookini." After this, they would take the Shinkansen straight back to a hotel in Shin-Yokohama and planned to explore Tokyo the next day. I hope they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total150JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa / Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa / Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    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.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Tokyo Cruise Terminal
    • 11:30 Nijubashi Bridge in front of the Imperial Palace via Tokyo Station
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Shibuya
    • 15:30 Asakusa / Sensoji Temple
    • 16:30 Tour ends in Asakusa

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour Focused on History and Culture? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They were sightseeing in Tokyo after completing a cruise around Japan and Korea, and were scheduled to return home the following day. Based on their prior request to learn about Japanese history and culture, we first went to the Imperial Palace via Tokyo Station, stopping in front of Nijubashi Bridge. I explained the origins and background of the imperial families of both Japan and the United Kingdom, together with the history of the site as Edo Castle. The guests said much of it was new to them and responded very positively. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture. At Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto as we walked around. The guests commented that, combined with what they had seen and heard on their recent cruise, it was extremely informative. As they planned to attend a sumo show in Asakusa after the tour, I explained their way back and concluded the tour in Asakusa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo International Cruise Terminal～Shimbashi390JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Tokyo160JPY
    Section 3TrainSakuradamon～Ichigaya180JPY
    Section 4TrainIchigaya～Yoyogi200JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by keiji

    Hi, I’m Keiji Hashimoto, a Wakayama Licensed Local Guide Interpreter. Based in Tanabe City, Wakayama, I guide inbound travelers introduced through travel agencies in Tanabe, Osaka, and Tokyo, as well as guide-matching platforms such as Airbnb, GoWithGuide, and JTB Global Marketing. I mainly guide the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan and have been familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

    Over the past eight years, I’ve worked more than 150 guiding days. On Airbnb and GoWithGuide, I’ve received a total of 30 five-star reviews (out of 5). For tours arranged through travel agencies, I typically don’t receive direct feedback from clients.

    I decided to become an English guide on the Kumano Kodo because I truly love traveling myself. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures of Japan and traveled to more than 40 countries. During my travels, I’ve often been helped by local people and fellow travelers. Becoming a guide is my way of giving back, supporting visitors who come all the way to Kumano.

    My main job is as a Nanko-ume (Japanese apricot) farmer, which makes it difficult to take long trips abroad. However, guiding international guests on the Kumano Kodo allows me to stay connected with global trends and perspectives.

    The moments that make me happiest as a guide are when I’m sweating together with guests as we cross mountain passes, when I can sense what they need and solve problems almost without words, when we share a firm handshake at the end of the tour, and when I receive emails or letters from them after they return home. Those are the times I truly feel glad to be a guide.

    I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful time with you.

    Thank you.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:10 Meet at the guesthouse→8:37 Board the bus at Kii-Tanabe Station→9:15 Start walking from Kurisugawa→10:00 Stop by Takahara Shrine at Takahara-oji→12:00 Get a stamp at Jujo-oji→13:30-14:30 Long lunch at Roadside Station Gyuba-doji→15:10 Rest at a cafe in Chikatsuyu→16:00 Board the bus at Chikatsuyu→17:15 Return to Kii-Tanabe Station and disband

    What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Hiking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private hiking tour along the Kumano Kodo for guests visiting Japan for the first time. The guests had an interest in Japanese anime and music, and in addition to Tokyo and Kyoto, a travel agency had recommended the Kumano Kodo for its rich nature and history. During the tour, I was able to talk about a wide range of topics, including the history and origins of the Kumano Kodo, the relationship between Buddhism and Shinto, how to worship at shrines, and the recent situation of forestry in the area. Although the guests did not have extensive hiking experience, they enjoyed the 14-kilometer trail at a relaxed pace. Since the guests mentioned a love of fish dishes, I recommended an izakaya near Kii-Tanabe Station, and the next day I received feedback that it had been delicious.

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKii-Tanabe Station／Meiko Bus～Kurisugawa／Meiko Bus1,100JPY
    Section 2BusChikatsuyu-oji／Ryujin Bus～Kii-Tanabe Station／Ryujin Bus1,410JPY
    Total2,510JPY

    Tour Report by keiji

    Hi, I’m Keiji Hashimoto, a Wakayama Licensed Local Guide Interpreter. Based in Tanabe City, Wakayama, I guide inbound travelers introduced through travel agencies in Tanabe, Osaka, and Tokyo, as well as guide-matching platforms such as Airbnb, GoWithGuide, and JTB Global Marketing. I mainly guide the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan and have been familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

    Over the past eight years, I’ve worked more than 150 guiding days. On Airbnb and GoWithGuide, I’ve received a total of 30 five-star reviews (out of 5). For tours arranged through travel agencies, I typically don’t receive direct feedback from clients.

    I decided to become an English guide on the Kumano Kodo because I truly love traveling myself. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures of Japan and traveled to more than 40 countries. During my travels, I’ve often been helped by local people and fellow travelers. Becoming a guide is my way of giving back, supporting visitors who come all the way to Kumano.

    My main job is as a Nanko-ume (Japanese apricot) farmer, which makes it difficult to take long trips abroad. However, guiding international guests on the Kumano Kodo allows me to stay connected with global trends and perspectives.

    The moments that make me happiest as a guide are when I’m sweating together with guests as we cross mountain passes, when I can sense what they need and solve problems almost without words, when we share a firm handshake at the end of the tour, and when I receive emails or letters from them after they return home. Those are the times I truly feel glad to be a guide.

    I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful time with you.

    Thank you.

    Request Booking
  • Iwate in One Day: Mitsuishi Shrine & Kippushi Green Space

    Iwate in One Day: Mitsuishi Shrine & Kippushi Green Space

    Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Hitoshi

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart hotel
    • 9:15 Mitsuishi Shrine
    • 9:20 Hoon-ji Temple
    • 10:20 Ue-no-hashi Bridge
    • 10:30 Konya-cho
    • 10:40 Morioka Shinkin Bank Head Office
    • 10:50 Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
    • 11:10 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:00 Jurokurakan
    • 12:10 Morioka Machiya
    • 12:20 Enko-ji Temple (Yonai Mitsumasa's grave)
    • 12:30 Birthplace of Nitobe Inazo
    • 12:40 Morioka Castle Ruins Park
    • 13:10 Sakurayama Shrine
    • 13:15 Lunch
    • 14:10 Prefectural Public Hall
    • 14:20 Ishiwari-zakura (Morioka District Court)
    • 14:30 Cross Terrace Morioka
    • 14:45 Kaiun Bridge
    • 14:50 Kippushi Green Space
    • 15:00 Arrive at hotel

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Morioka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests and I set out from the Hotel and explored the city on foot in a clockwise route. At Mitsuishi Shrine, they gazed around the giant boulders said to bear the handprints of an ogre. After photographing the impressive main gate of Hoonji Temple, we went up into the main hall and carefully observed the interior. Entering the Rakando hall, the guests viewed the Five Hundred Rakan statues. They observed the differing expressions of the statues, including Marco Polo, Kublai Khan, and the only female rakan. In the meditation hall, the guests seemed to take in the atmosphere of zazen. At the long-established Goza-Kyu shop in Konya-cho, they showed great interest in the brooms, bamboo crafts, and other goods. At the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, they sat on the chairs in the lobby and photographed the surroundings. At Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, the guests visited the shrine of the twelve zodiac animals corresponding to their own zodiac sign (the sheep) and then paid their respects at the main hall. After a break to rehydrate, we set off again. After carefully viewing the Sixteen Rakan at Chabatake Children's Park, we entered a Morioka machiya townhouse in Natayacho and toured the interior. They were impressed by the earthen-floor space and the inner garden. They seemed surprised to learn that the great-grandchild of Mitsumasa Yonai (Japan's 19th Prime Minister), who rests at Enkoji Temple, is a member of parliament. At Morioka Castle Ruins Park, they took in the view below from the site of the main keep of the honmaru. Going down the Roka Bridge, we viewed the monument to Inazo Nitobe and the poetry monument to Takuboku Ishikawa in the ninomaru. They showed interest in the meaning of Nitobe's inscription, "I shall become a bridge across the Pacific." They seemed astonished by the size of the Eboshi Rock at Sakurayama Shrine and went close to take photographs. Feeling hungry, we had lunch at an eatery near the shrine. Viewing the townscape of the main avenue, we crossed Kaiun Bridge, known as the "bridge that makes you cry twice," and headed north along Kibushi Green Space. Looking out over the riverbed of the Kitakami River, we arrived back at the Hotel.

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

    Tour Report by Hitoshi

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel
    • 10:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market, Yonemoto Coffee
    • 13:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:20 Harajuku, mipig cafe Omotesando
    • 15:30 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shibuya

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like After Kyoto and Hakone? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a group from Europe on a private day tour of Tokyo, which came after Kyoto and Hakone. They did not have Suica or similar IC cards, but since they said they would use taxis from the next day onward, we decided to buy paper tickets. The guests loved taking many photos and moving quickly from one spot to the next. They showed little interest in the tea house on the island in Hamarikyu Gardens, and did not eat anything at Tsukiji, but they purchased two kinds of highland flower beans, 500 grams each. When I introduced Yonemoto Coffee, they decided to go in. One of the guests wanted to visit a mini pig cafe, so I guided them along Takeshita Street, where one of them spent 25 minutes playing with the pigs while I walked around Ura-Harajuku with the other. When we were about to part in Shibuya, they said they wanted to go to a robot cafe, so I took them to Tokyu Plaza, but I was shocked to find it had closed in May. They decided to look for another one on another day. After the tour, they planned to walk around Shibuya a little more and then head back by taxi. Since there was no lunch break, I thought I would be overcome by the heat if I did not eat something, so when we stopped at a convenience store along the way, I bought and ate an onigiri. It was a very humid day, but the guests seemed fine and were quite tough.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku～Shiodome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total590JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Meet
    • 9:30-10:00 Travel (Keihan Train; Kiyomizu-Gojo → Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan → Nijojo-mae)
    • 10:00-11:15 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 11:15-11:45 Travel (City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 11:45-12:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:30-12:45 Travel (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi → Ryoanji-mae)
    • 12:45-13:30 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • 13:30 Tour ends　　
    • 　　We took the guests to the restaurant in front of Ryoan-ji (Yamanekoken) and said goodbye there

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who were experiencing Japan for the first time. This was a 4-hour short tour, during which I took the guests to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji. Although I had arranged a fairly tight schedule, we were able to board the buses right on time at both Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji (we did have to hurry a little at each), and we finished the tour as planned. The weather was somewhat cloudy and the temperature was not too high (32°C), which helped things go smoothly. The guests were able to visit three of Kyoto's most representative sightseeing spots. After the tour ended, I introduced and took the guests to a restaurant located very close to Ryoan-ji, and then we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Ryoanji-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

    Request Booking

    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.…