Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Shin-Osaka Station
    • 11:50 Osaka Castle
    • 13:20 Kuromon Market
    • 14:10 Dotonbori
    • 14:45 Disband in front of the Dotonbori Glico sign

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They had already visited Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and were planning to visit Nara as well. Since it was extremely hot again today, we took the electric cart both ways at Osaka Castle. The interior was relatively crowded, but the outdoor photo spots that are usually busy had almost no visitors, likely due to the intense heat, so the guests were delighted to be able to take good photos. Afterward, they tried takoyaki at Kuromon Market and then headed to Dotonbori. I explained the popular restaurants, and since they were going to have a late lunch, we parted ways there. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total430JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet
    • 10:00-10:50 Travel (Subway; Kyoto→Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Karasuma→Arashiyama)
    • 10:50-12:20 Arashiyama visit & stroll (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple Garden [Sogenchi Garden, Hyakkaen], Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest)
    • 12:20-13:00 Travel (Keifuku Railway; Arashiyama→Kitano-Hakubaicho, City Bus; Kitano-Hakubaicho→Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 13:10-14:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 14:00 Tour ended after visiting Kinkaku-ji. Afterwards, we drove the customer to their hotel (near Kyoto Station) and said goodbye.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was everyone's first time in Kyoto. I guided them to Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji. The tour took place in extreme heat of 38°C, and the first thing the guests said after the tour was that although it can get even hotter where they live, this kind of humid heat was very difficult, and they felt they should have come in a different season. I had wanted them to enjoy the natural beauty of Arashiyama, but they found the heat and humidity quite overwhelming. At Kinkaku-ji as well, the crowds and the heat made it especially hard on some of the guests. Because the tour took place in such intense heat, I saw them off near their hotel at the end of the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho/Kyoto Municipal Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total940JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①10:30 meeting at the hotel
    • ②11:00〜12:00 Owakudani Valley
    • ③12:00〜12:30 Hakone Ropeway( From Owakudani to Togendai)
    • ④12:40〜13:20 Lake Ashi (Pirate Ship)
    • ⑤13:20〜15:30 Hakone Shrine
    • ⑥15:30〜15:50 Hakone Check Point
    • ⑦15:50〜16:30 Lake Ashi Skyline(Driving Road/The best Mt. Fuji Viewpoints,Shakushi Pass)

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Hakone with a Guide and Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They wished to fully enjoy the nature of Hakone, so even though a vehicle was arranged, they took the ropeway from Owakudani and boarded the pirate ship on Lake Ashi. The plan was to meet the driver again at Motohakone Port. The guests enjoyed taking photos together, and at Hakone Shrine they waited about 40 minutes in line to take a commemorative photo at the Torii of Peace. Although Mount Fuji had been hidden by clouds during the Lake Ashi cruise, it could be seen clearly and beautifully from Shakushi Pass on the Ashinoko Skyline, which delighted the guests greatly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTogendai Port~Motohakone Port1,700JPY
    Total1,700JPY

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

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

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

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

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

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

  • Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Otaru – 10:20/11:00 Otaru Canal stroll – 11:00/11:20 LeTAO Canal Store – 11:40/16:00 Sakaimachi Street; Rishiri Kombu Store, Kamaei (taste kamaboko), LeTAO, Miffy, Kitaichi Glass, Music Box Museum (music box concert), Music Box Hall, etc.

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Otaru in Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, traveling around Japan for about a month. They mentioned that while Honshu had been hot, Hokkaido was cool and pleasant for walking outdoors. The natural cool air was the greatest hospitality of all. We had planned to visit Mount Tengu, but cancelled due to bad weather. Since the group wished to relax rather than move around from place to place, we took our time strolling along Sakaimachi Street. The guests enjoyed Otaru's famous kamaboko fish cakes, soft-serve ice cream, and melon.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. I was born and raised in Kagawa( south of Japan) and have lived in Hokkaido for about 30 years. I started guiding in 2016. Ever since,
    I’ve been loving it. I have guided big and small size groups in Hokkaido, Honshu(mainland), Shikoku(where I was born) and Kyushu(southern island). I would like to show you my country. Let me share stories that will enhance your understanding of Japan. There are a lot of things to see and do in Japan. I would like to do my best to make your time in Japan safe, enjoyable, memorable and meaningful.

    Apr 23, 2026
    Julia_B
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wow!
    This was a wonderful tour. Yumi was punctual, polite, knowledgeable and…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet up at the hotel
    • 05:10-05:30 Explanation in advance of related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of primary and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Travel to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through Tsukiji Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji Market Morning Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests had an injured leg, kept immobilized below the knee, so the tour was conducted at that person's walking pace. Despite the injury, this guest remained very cheerful and smiled throughout, which was a relief to me as the guide. The guests were amazed at how quickly the tuna auction proceeded. Today in particular, a large number of tuna had been brought to the auction floor, so the scene was spectacular, and the guests enjoyed watching the auction while taking many videos and photos. The guests were also very satisfied with a sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside the market, and one of the guests opened their eyes wide with delight at every piece of sushi, savoring how delicious it was. One of the guests, who usually does the cooking, was very taken with the Japanese knives and purchased two of them (a santoku and a nakiri). The other guests broke into big smiles the moment they tasted matcha strawberry daifuku at a shop, and everyone in the group enjoyed Tsukiji in their own way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kitano Ijinkan Street & Harborland

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kitano Ijinkan Street & Harborland

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 9:50-10:30 Kitano Ijinkan Street
    • 11:00-12:00 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 12:30-13:20 Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 13:40 Harborland

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Kobe for a group visiting Japan. The guests had visited Japan several times before for conferences and academic meetings, but it was their first time in Kobe. We explored the Ijinkan foreign residences district, including the Moegi House and the Weathercock House. The guests took their time and enjoyed the atmosphere reminiscent of old Europe. Since Kobe is also known as a city of jazz, I introduced some jazz bars. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the guests learned about the sake-making process, and in Nankinmachi Chinatown we enjoyed Chinese-style burgers. At the Motomachi shopping arcade, one of the guests purchased a vintage obi, and we then headed to Harborland to conclude the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Mikage (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Total200JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting: Hotel Lobby
    • 10:10 Walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 Sightseeing ① Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20 Sightseeing ② Stroll through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka while heading to Gion
    • 11:40 Lunch and break
    • 12:30 Sightseeing ③ Stroll around the Gion area
    • 13:20 Take a taxi to Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Sightseeing ④ Visit Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 14:30 While walking to the Philosopher's Path (south end), the weather suddenly changed and turned into a heavy thunderstorm.
    •    We took shelter from the rain for a while at the gate of Nanzen-ji Temple near the Philosopher's Path, but since there was no sign of it stopping, after consulting with the guests, we decided to "cancel the tour."
    • 14:50 Return to the hotel by taxi
    • 15:00 Arrive at the hotel and end the tour. Disband.

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, traveling for sightseeing. Advance communication about the destinations to visit was exchanged with one of the guests. The guests had many acquaintances in Japan and seemed to have plenty of information about Kyoto, so their initial wish list included as many as seven places, scattered across all directions of the city. In the end, taking into account the location of their accommodation (toward the Higashiyama area), the itinerary became: Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka → lunch → Gion → Nanzen-ji Temple → the Philosopher's Path → Ginkaku-ji Temple. The day was hot and humid from the morning, and thunderstorms were forecast for the afternoon, so it was expected that flexible responses would be needed regarding movement between destinations and possible changes to the itinerary. Even so, things went smoothly from morning into the afternoon. We walked to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, enjoyed exploring Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and took lunch and a break at a Japanese restaurant near Gion. After enjoying lunch in a well air-conditioned space and getting sufficient rest to regain energy, we enjoyed the Gion area and were able to fully appreciate the many charms of Nanzen-ji Temple. However, just as we began walking from Nanzen-ji toward the Philosopher's Path, the weather suddenly turned, and a heavy thunderstorm broke out. For a while we sheltered from the rain at the gate of Eikan-do, very close to the Philosopher's Path, waiting for the thunderstorm to pass, but there was no sign of it letting up, and the lightning was intense, posing a risk of strikes. After discussing the situation with the guests, we decided to interrupt the tour and return to the accommodation. As we parted at the accommodation, the guests expressed their thanks, saying, "Thank you for all your consideration under such difficult conditions. We were able to fully enjoy the tour." Although the tour ended with about one hour remaining, it was a tour from which I, as a guide, learned a great deal.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet in hotel lobby
    • 8:10 Godzilla Head, Don Quijote, Shinjuku 3D Cat
    • 8:40 Assistance with purchasing Welcome Suica Card at "Ekitabi Concierge Shinjuku (South Exit)"
    • 9:45 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8th floor observation terrace, shopping at Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:20 Lunch at a sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji Outer Market, then buy dessert (ice cream) at the cafe next door
    • 12:10 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 13:15 Shopping at Harajuku Takeshita Street (Sanrio Harajuku store, etc.)
    • 14:50 Disband in hotel lobby

    Title: What's a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku and Takeshita Street The guests were visiting Japan from North America. During the tour, the guests shared some videos with me, and one of the impressive moments was seeing one of the guests carrying another on their back several times amid the harsh heat of 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit). Some of the guests, who loved character goods, enjoyed shopping together at a character goods shop on Takeshita Street. Being well versed in Japanese culture, one of the guests purchased a daruma, a symbol of resilience believed to help make wishes come true, for themselves and their friends.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Kanda (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Higashi-ginza220JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Total980JPY

    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).

    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…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at guests' hotel
    • 13:30 Nijo Castle
    • 15:10 Daisen-in
    • 16:10 Kinkaku-ji
    • 17:00 Disperse at Kinkaku-ji entrance

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Daisen-in, and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. The day was mostly cloudy, and although it was warm, it was relatively comfortable, so we were truly lucky. We first headed to Nijo Castle, and since the guests were interested in Japanese history, they listened attentively to my explanations, which made me happy. Next, we visited Daisen-in, a Zen temple. There were very few tourists, so the guests were able to enjoy the Zen temple garden almost entirely to themselves. Finally, we headed to Kinkaku-ji, where the guests thoroughly enjoyed the Golden Pavilion glowing in the evening sun. I believe they were delighted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2BusNijo Station-mae / Kyoto Municipal Bus~Daitokuji-mae / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusDaitokuji-mae / Kyoto Municipal Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total680JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch at Ramen Shop @ Shibuya
    • 13:45 Gotokuji Temple
    • 14:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji and Meiji Jingu The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had come to Japan together and were traveling while here. Some of the guests were very interested in Japanese culture, and I received many questions at the temples and shrines. Some of the guests followed a plant-based diet, but many ramen shops in Shibuya were able to accommodate this, so there were no difficulties. The group was delighted by Gotokuji, about which they had little prior knowledge, and each person purchased a beckoning cat (maneki-neko). All the way to Meiji Jingu, which was our final stop, we were able to move through the day very efficiently, and the group was very satisfied when we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Gotokuji260JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji~Harajuku360JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
    I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.

    I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.

    With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
    Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!

    Sep 23, 2026
    MarouschkaV3
    Go Leo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Leo is the best guide we have…

    Aug 16, 2026
    El_Hombre_Aleman
    Great day, thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted…

    Aug 6, 2026
    antoinemC9893MM
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
    Nous sommes particulièrement ravis…

    Jul 30, 2026
    BrianBurnette
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great Memories
    We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…