Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Rumi

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:15 Tsukiji Market
    • 11:30 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple)
    • 13:00 Ginza Mitsukoshi Lunch (Soba & Tempura)
    • Department Store Basement Food Hall
    • 14:30 Disband @ Ginza

    The guests were visitors from Oceania. As I had been informed beforehand that walking was difficult, we moved at a slow pace and used elevators. After taking our time around Tsukiji, we rested at a cafe and then headed to Asakusa. We went up to the main hall of Sensoji Temple by elevator as well. It was a shame that we could only see a few of the carp that are usually there in great numbers. In Ginza, the guests enjoyed a lunch of soba and tempura at Mitsukoshi, which was very well received. Afterwards, they looked around the department store's basement food floor and returned by taxi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome～Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ginza210JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:08 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 8:30 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 8:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:15 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They came to Kyoto on an early morning bullet train departing from Tokyo. They mentioned they were on a tour visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other destinations in Asia. Since they wanted to visit Kyoto's popular spots, we first went up Sannenzaka from Yasaka Pagoda toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and afterward we went to Sanjusangendo. Thanks to the heavy rain the previous night and the cloudy sky, it was cool, and since it was early in the day there were few people, so we were able to enjoy it greatly. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which was relatively crowded, but I believe the guests were able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2BusKyoto～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus～Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 5TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara 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　10:00　Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station
    • ②　10:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Nara
    • ③　10:40　Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • ④　11:40　To Todaiji Temple via back roads while viewing Mount Wakakusa
    • ⑤　12:00　Todaiji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo)
    • ⑥　12:30　Lunch break
    • ⑦　13:40　To the main hall of Todaiji Temple
    • ⑧　14:30　Yoshikien Garden～Nara Prefectural Office
    • ⑨　15:10　Gangoji Temple～Naramachi・House of Bustle
    • ⑩　15:45　Disband at the shopping district around Kintetsu Nara Station

    The guests were visiting from North America. The group had originally planned to include another member, but that person became exhausted by the extreme heat, so I ended up with two of the guests. We met at the station and took a taxi to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. From there the route was simply downhill for the rest of the day, so they could easily return to the station on their own at the end. They were amazed that deer were everywhere, but they said that in their home area encountering bears and foxes was completely ordinary, so when I asked, "Really bears? Could it have been wild boar?" they insisted it was bears — which made me wonder just what kind of place they live in. One of the guests worked as a doctor in private practice. There was a moment when I shared a little about my own background, and I mentioned that being a tour guide — where every day is a serious challenge — is quite different from the world of fulfilling responsibilities within a corporate organization, and that I was getting to experience a completely different world from before. One of them said this resonated with the difference between their earlier working life and their current way of working, and that they understood it well. In that way the two of them shared a sense of connection. One of the guests was the quiet type and at first mainly talked with the other guest, but when we sat down together at the Sangatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple and started talking about Buddhism and Buddhist statues, the conversation really opened up, and by the end it drifted off into lively discussions about onmyodo, the Four Guardian Gods, and Sun Wukong. It was memorable how the other guest just watched quietly with a happy smile. Although one member was absent due to the heat, these two were very tough. At first I had wondered whether they would make it as far as Naramachi, but they kept walking, asking questions as they went. And when I asked, "There's a place where you can see what I'm talking about — shall we backtrack about seven minutes the way we came?" they were like, "Alright, let's go back!" We really walked a lot today under the blazing sun. At the end they wanted to buy a souvenir in the shopping arcade, so we parted a little early. They said they were heading back to their hotel in Kyoto.

    Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed 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…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Hokkaido in One Day: Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up with guests @ Hotel
    • 9:40 Former Hokkaido Government Office
    • 10:30 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 10:45 Odori Park
    • 11:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Maruyama Class
    • 13:45 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 15:35 Tour ends @ Odori Park (Sapporo Beer Festival venue)

    The guests were a group visiting from South America. Since I could not speak Portuguese, I guided them in Japanese rather than English. All of them were very energetic, even choosing to climb the stairs where escalators were available. During this period, Odori Park was hosting a beer festival (the largest beer garden in Japan), so I decided to end the tour by showing them the venue. After finishing a six-hour walking tour blessed with clear skies, they surely enjoyed their beer immensely.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori～Maruyama Koen210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen～Odori210JPY
    Section 3BusMaruyama Koen Station / JR Hokkaido Bus～Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium / JR Hokkaido Bus240JPY
    Section 4BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium / JR Hokkaido Bus～Maruyama Koen Station / JR Hokkaido Bus240JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Request Booking

    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Shoshazan Engyoji Temple & Himeji Station

    Hyogo in One Day: Shoshazan Engyoji Temple & Himeji Station

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

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Harumi

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:50-11:50 Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
    • 12:30-13:00 Kokoen Garden
    • 13:10-13:40 Lunch
    • 14:00-15:00 Himeji Castle
    • 15:20-15:40 Miyuki Street
    • 15:45 Himeji Station
    • End

    The guests were visitors from Asia. The trip by bus took a little time, and since it was very hot outside, we traveled while taking care of everyone's condition. At Mount Shosha, they purchased a charm at the Maniden and asked what to do with old charms. They were able to leave an old charm at the Maniden, and I explained what happens to them afterward. We went as far as the Mitsunodo and returned by bus to Koko-en, where we had intended to have lunch, but since they said they wanted something more local, we toured Koko-en and then ate soba and curry near a souvenir shop before heading to the castle. After we had gone up to the second floor, I sensed that one of the guests was feeling unwell, and after discussing it we decided to head back. On such a hot day, seeing someone who had collapsed on the second floor of the castle, we talked about how it is also important not to overexert oneself and to turn back. As we walked along Miyuki-dori, they recovered, and near the station they kindly gave me a souvenir, which touched me deeply.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHimeji～Shoshazan Ropeway / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Section 2BusShoshazan Ropeway / Shinki Bus～School for the Deaf / Kokoen Garden / Shinki Bus530JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel lobby
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: On foot
    • 3. 10:10 Stay @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
    • 4. 10:35 Travel: Subway, train
    • 5. 11:10 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 12:20 Lunch @ Restaurant Yoyogi
    • 7. 13:15 Stay @ Harajuku, Takeshita Street
    • 8. 14:55 Travel: Train
    • 9. 15:00 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing, MAGNET by SHIBUYA109
    • 10. 15:50 Travel: Train
    • 11. 16:10 Disband @ In front of the hotel

    What Is a Family-Friendly Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan. Before heading to Meiji Shrine, we stopped by JR Shinjuku Station once to purchase a Welcome Suica card. At Meiji Shrine, the group preferred to eat at a restaurant rather than a cafeteria, and since it happened to be less crowded than the cafeteria, this worked out conveniently. On Takeshita Street, some of the guests strongly wanted to visit a micro pig cafe, so we spent a longer time here. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I took the group to the rooftop of Magnet by Shibuya109, which can be entered without a reservation. The crossing could be seen even from indoors, and I believe the group was able to relax there. Finally, I took the group from Shinjuku Station to their hotel before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Shinjuku180JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Shinjuku200JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sankaku Market & Sakaimachi Street

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sankaku Market & Sakaimachi Street

    Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at JR Otaru Station
    • 11:10 Sankaku Market
    • 11:35 Former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (Otaru Financial Museum) and Former Temiya Line Ruins
    • 12:10 Otaru Canal
    • 12:50 Sakaimachi Street
    • Lunch on the way (13:10 – 14:00)
    • Stroll around Kitaichi Glass, Music Box Main Store, Music Box Museum, etc.
    • 15:10 Tour ends at Sakaimachi Street Merhen Intersection (Music Box Museum)

    The tour was originally scheduled to begin at 11:30, but at the guests' request I had changed it to 11:00. I had initially considered including a visit to the sake brewery at the beginning of the tour, but since it was a four-hour tour and the guests expressed a wish to go there on their own after the tour ended, I adjusted the route. In advance, I conveyed the guests' wishes to the sake brewery and requested that they provide a tour of the sake production line in English. The guests were visitors from North America, and since they very much wanted to eat seafood in Otaru, we went into a sushi restaurant on Sakaimachi Street. They were very pleased to be able to enjoy fresh seafood at a reasonable price. We concluded the tour on Sakaimachi Street, and at that time I called the sake brewery again to confirm and arranged for the guests to be received smoothly.

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

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Request Booking

    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the vacation rental near Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (with taxi)
    • 09:20　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
    • 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:50 　Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 13:00 Lunch at Arashiyama Soba Restaurant Iwao
    • 13:40 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Ogura Pond (lotus in bloom), Tenryu-ji Temple Garden)
    • 15:00 In front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (taxi ends)
    • 15:30 Disband (near Shinkyogoku Nishiki)

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member of the group had previously traveled to Japan several times, mainly around the Tokyo and Yokohama areas, but the others in the group were visiting Japan for the first time during the summer break. Based on advance information, the group had a strong interest in Japanese culture, especially food culture, while there was also keen interest in history and culture. I received questions such as the role of Buddhism and Shinto for Japanese people and the proportion of believers, the meaning and role of the three-story pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and whether the bamboo in the Arashiyama bamboo grove was planted or grew naturally. Thanks to the resourcefulness and kindness of the experienced taxi driver, Mr. Tanigawa (including offering chilled mineral water at his own expense), I believe all of the guests enjoyed today's Kyoto tour even more. After giving advice on a restaurant for dinner and explaining the transportation options for the return trip, we strolled over to the Shinkyogoku and Nishiki area where they could also enjoy shopping, and there we exchanged smiles and handshakes with everyone before saying goodbye (15:30).

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

    Tour Report by Masa

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

    Request Booking

    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had exceptional…

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine (Take a taxi from the hotel to Meiji Shrine)
    • 10:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 13:15 Coffee time at "Cafe de L'Ambre"
    • 13:45 Stroll around Ginza
    • 15:00 Disperse at hotel lobby

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Ginza The guests were a group from North America who arrived in Japan the previous evening. They planned to stay in Tokyo for five days before returning home. One of the guests had gathered information for this Tokyo trip through YouTube and other sources, creating a list of "places to visit in Tokyo," which they showed me. Many of the places were so-called hidden gems, and I was truly impressed by their research skills. After meeting at the Hotel, we decided on the itinerary while listening to the guests' preferred destinations. At Meiji Shrine, one of the guests, a sumo enthusiast, listened intently to the story about the relationship between Shinto and sumo. Since they had eaten breakfast at six o'clock, they wished to have an early lunch, so we had a meal at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji before noon. One of the guests, who loves sushi, thoroughly enjoyed the "toro" (fatty tuna). Afterward, we had a post-meal coffee time at a Ginza cafe famous among coffee lovers, which was near the top of the "must-visit list" (a place I sometimes visit with friends as well). Throughout the day, the guests repeatedly used one of the Japanese phrases they learned that day, "meccha oishii" (very delicious).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHarajuku～Kanda (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3TrainGinza～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Shirokanedai380JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at hotel　To Shibakoen Station on the Toei Mita Line　To Hibiya Station
    • 9:00 Arrive at Hibiya Station, visit the Imperial Palace　Walk to Tokyo Station
    • 10:00 Purchase tickets at the Midori no Madoguchi at Tokyo Station　To Otemachi Subway Station
    • 10:30 Arrive at Otemachi Station, to Asakusa Station via Nihonbashi
    • 11:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, visit Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Sumida River embankment, to Asakusa Station
    • 12:15 Arrive at Asakusa Station, to Meiji-jingumae Station via Omotesando
    • 13:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, visit Meiji Shrine, to Meiji-jingumae Station
    • 13:50 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, to Ginza via Omotesando
    • 14:15 Arrive at Ginza Station, disband at the Mitsukoshi Department Store entrance

    Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a 6-hour private tour for a group visiting Japan from Europe. Since this was the group's first full day of sightseeing in Japan, I planned a relaxed itinerary with regular breaks, taking into account the composition of the group and the intense heat. We traveled from Shibakoen Station, the station nearest the Hotel, to Hibiya Station and visited the area around the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. At that point, the guests mentioned that they were unable to obtain their Shinkansen tickets on their smartphones for their planned trip to Kyoto and Osaka the following day, so we moved to Tokyo Station and I helped them purchase the tickets at the ticket office. Afterward, we headed to Asakusa from Otemachi Station via the Tozai Line and Nihonbashi. On Nakamise Street, everyone showed great interest in Japanese culture and happily bought souvenirs such as fans, daruma dolls, and zori sandals. After viewing Tokyo Skytree from along the Sumida River, we took the subway toward Meiji Shrine. At Asakusa Station we waited for the next train to avoid the crowds, allowing everyone to sit for the roughly 30-minute ride to Omotesando. Even in the heat, the guests were able to rest comfortably and seemed very satisfied. At Meiji Shrine, we walked along the shaded approach while I explained Japanese shrine culture, including how to worship, the torii gates, and omikuji fortunes. The guests were deeply impressed by the quiet atmosphere of the shrine, its historic architecture, and the beautiful natural surroundings. Afterward, at the guests' request, we moved to Ginza for shopping and a meal. Although it was about 15 minutes before the scheduled end time, at the guests' request we concluded the tour in Ginza.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibakoen～Hibiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Ginza180JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    Self-Background

    During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
    Of course, we spoke English.
    After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
    I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
    After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
    After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
    I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
    Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
    Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
    Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.

    Request Booking