Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 9:00 – Shimizu Station ~ Fujinomiya Station ~ Mount Fuji World Heritage Center ~ Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine 12:30 – Fujinomiya Station ~ Shimizu Station ~ Kashi no Ichi Market ~ Shimizu Station ~ Dream Plaza ~ Port 15:00

    What Is a Private Day Tour from Shimizu Port to Mount Fuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at the port and we decided to visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre. We took our time with the touch-panel exhibits and the video presentation, and then visited Sengen Shrine. The guests listened attentively to explanations about the omikuji fortune slips, ema votive plaques, and Wakutama Pond, and took many photos. Afterwards, at a souvenir shop, we enjoyed Fujinomiya yakisoba and matcha ice cream before returning to Fujinomiya Station. On the way there we took a limited express train, but on the return there happened to be a local train, so we took a leisurely ride, changed at Fuji Station, and returned to Shimizu Station. We visited the Kashi-no-Ichi market, where the guests were impressed by the cleanliness of Japanese markets compared with those in other countries. After that we headed from the station to Dream Plaza, where the guests bought souvenirs and enjoyed some tonkatsu, before returning to the port where we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShimizu Station~Fujinomiya Station1,350JPY
    Section 2TrainFujinomiya Station / Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)590JPY
    Total1,940JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel → 10:00 Peace Park → 10:40 Hypocenter Park → 11:00 Atomic Bomb Museum → 12:30 Dejima → 13:30 Disband after touring Dejima

    What Is a Private Nagasaki History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe and appeared to be enjoying the tour. The guests were aware of the historical relationship between the Netherlands and Nagasaki, had researched it thoroughly in advance, and asked quite detailed questions. The guests also showed interest in the situation of the atomic bombing damage and the circumstances of the survivors. At Dejima, there were questions about Siebold and his daughter (Japan's first female doctor). Since the guests did not know that there is a Siebold Memorial Museum in Nagasaki, I explained how to get there. They mentioned that they would visit it on their own after the tour ended. As they wished to visit Huis Ten Bosch the following day, I informed them that there is a highway bus service to Huis Ten Bosch and showed them the boarding location.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinchi Chinatown~Peace Park150JPY
    Section 2TrainPeace Park~Dejima150JPY
    Total300JPY

    Hello, I’m Hiroshi Kuribayashi, but you can just call me Hiro. I’m thrilled to be your guide around my hometown, Sasebo City, and the neighboring areas, such as Nagasaki, Omura, Hirado, Arita, Imari, and more. I love showing guests around these beautiful places, including their nature, history, food, and more.

    Before I ventured into guiding, I worked as a businessman, handling international business affairs with various countries such as the U.S.A., U.K., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Egypt, and more. Drawing from my business background, I offer interpretation services for business meetings and translation services for engineering and contractual documents. If there’s something specific you’d like assistance with, feel free to let me know.

    Jun 15, 2026
    GGuy_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent guide with good knowledge
    Excellent guide with good knowledge…

    Mar 4, 2026
    S943KUrobertb
    The best of Nagasaki
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our tour guide Hiro, was just…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Ian_M
    Walking with Hiro
    Viator review: Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our Guide, Hiro, was very knowledgeable and engaging. We…

    Sep 3, 2025
    BdaVisitor
    Nagasaki Full Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We had a lovely day exploring…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at TOKYU STAY Shinjuku Eastside
    • 10:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:45 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 14:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:15 Disband at Imperial Palace East Gardens rest area

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and the East Gardens Because the itinerary had not been firmly decided in advance, we spent some time talking at the Hotel first, and the tour ended not at the Hotel but at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The weather was fine, and the guests had Mobile Suica, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At Meiji Shrine, we were able to see two wedding processions. The guests also took their time carefully choosing omamori charms. As this was a tour for a group, it naturally took a fair amount of time. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping along Nakamise Street, but from around this point time became tight, so we hurried on toward the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. As we had run past the scheduled time, I concluded the tour at the Honmaru rest area. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Takebashi210JPY
    Total650JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kyoto Station 1000→1140 Nijo Castle 1220→1250 Kinkaku-ji Temple 1340→1440 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 1540→1600 Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. On this day they took a private day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, selecting three destinations that matched their individual interests, and they greatly enjoyed exploring the facilities that appealed most to each of them. To accommodate everyone in the group, we borrowed a wheelchair where available for getting around, and took care to walk slowly and rest as needed. Even so, the guests were full of energy and eager to experience Kyoto by train and bus, which made it a wonderful experience.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Enmachi230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi~Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Aug 7, 2026
    D1494MYdanielleg
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    One day walking tour in Tokyo
    Yoshi was great!…

    Aug 6, 2026
    dg89
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Private Führung in Kyoto
    Die Tour mit Yoshi war…

    Aug 3, 2026
    PaulaLondon2017
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A customized tour with guide around Kyoto
    We had…

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Genji Kyoto
    • 9:00-10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:45-11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00-12:30 Nishiki Market
    • 12:30 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What's a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour by Taxi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America. From the time of assignment, their responses to inquiries were quick, and they even provided the itinerary above in advance. When I explained that the planned route could not possibly be completed within four hours using public transportation, they suggested using a taxi. One of the guests wore a T-shirt featuring the anime Naruto and kept holding a Naruto figure that had been purchased in Japan the whole time. Apparently it had cost 7,700 yen. When I expressed surprise, they explained that the hands, feet, and face could be swapped out. After getting out of the taxi near Fushimi Inari Taisha, there was a Pokémon card vending machine at the entrance of a drugstore along the way. One of the guests asked to buy Pokémon cards. They seemed to have visited Tokyo before coming to Kyoto, but this appeared to be their first time at a Shinto shrine. So I explained the proper way to worship at a shrine, and they paid their respects at the main hall as well. They found the torii-shaped ema plaques and said they wanted to write one themselves, so they wrote a wish and took it home. We also passed through the Senbon Torii, and whenever a favorite scene was found, the guests would stand together and ask me to take a photo. After passing through the outbound path of the Senbon Torii, I asked what they would like to do, and they said they wanted to walk a bit further up, so we continued walking. Around this point one of the guests seemed to get a little bored, grumbling somewhat while going back several times to take photos at the torii even when told, "Just one more photo here and then we're done." Next we moved to Kinkaku-ji. Here too, they took photos of the golden pavilion and the Rikushu Pine, though they mentioned it was a shame there were so many people. Around the carp near the Ryumon waterfall, when I connected the carp to the Pokémon character Magikarp, it seemed to spark their interest. I also had them sit on the Kijin-toh stone to take a photo. Next we moved to our following destination, Nishiki Market. The taxi driver was a cheerful person who told jokes in broken English, so there was constant laughter in the car as well. And then to Nishiki Market. Since I could not accompany them all the way to the end due to time constraints, I guided them through the key spots, and at the end one of the guests enjoyed a chocolate-covered strawberry, getting chocolate around the mouth so it looked like a mustache, which prompted laughter and photos. As the time came, we said our goodbyes. The photo was taken in front of the fox statue by the Nenoagari Pine at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 1250 Harajuku
    • 13:40 Asakusa
    • 14:10 Kappabashi
    • 14:30 Tour ends at Kappabashi

    What Does a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Asakusa, and Kappabashi The guests were visiting from Europe. They said this trip to Japan was a long-held dream they had finally been able to realize after ten years. They had arrived the previous night after a journey of 26 hours, and today was their first day in Tokyo. As requested in advance, we visited Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Asakusa, and Kappabashi. Since they wanted to use the day as a reference for sightseeing in Tokyo on the following days, I made an effort to explain how to use the trains and subway, as well as the geographical relationships between each destination, as we went along. Both were extremely eager to learn, asking a variety of questions throughout the tour—not only about Japanese culture and customs, but even about how to type Japanese on a smartphone. At Meiji Shrine, I explained how Shinto has influenced Japanese culture, and they were also able to see a wedding ceremony taking place in the precincts, which delighted them greatly. In Harajuku, they said they would like to return later and spend more time there, so I only introduced the main spots. At our final stop, Kappabashi, they wanted to take their time shopping, so we concluded the tour there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAzabu-juban~Yoyogi220JPY
    Section 2TrainOmotesando~Asakusa260JPY
    Total480JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Kiyomizudera

    Kyoto: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Kiyomizudera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 08:50 Fushimi Inari (0)
    • 10:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
    •   Sannenzaka by walking
    •    Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • 12:30 Nishiki Market for Lunch Cash is necessary
    • 15:30 Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Multigenerational Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a multigenerational group visiting from North America. There had been various exchanges leading up to the tour date. Originally they had booked a rickshaw ride in Arashiyama after Fushimi Inari Taisha, and since six hours would not have been enough time, arrangements were made to extend the tour by one hour. The day before, they let me know that they had arrived in Kyoto a day early and had already taken the rickshaw ride, so there was no need to go to the Arashiyama area today. Everyone in the group walked well and were quite steady on their feet. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we went as far as Kumataka-sha. At Kiyomizu-dera, they said they were content to stop in front of the admission ticket booth, but I told them we really had to go inside, and we walked all the way to the Koyasu Pagoda. They bought a set of Kiyomizu-yaki chopstick rests at Asahido, purchased nama yatsuhashi at Nishio, and bought furikake at Ochanoko Saisai. After that, the plan was to go to Nishiki Market and finish at Kinkaku-ji, but at Nishiki Market they enjoyed some drinks and got so lively that they ran out of time and felt a little tired, so instead of visiting Kinkaku-ji they returned to the Hotel.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Meet at Remm Akihabara (1 min from JR Akihabara Station)
    • 0935 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1030 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Naka-dori, Tokyo Station
    • 1140 Nezu Shrine, Snake Road, Yomise-dori, Lunch at Oshimaya, Yanaka Ginza
    • 1330 Asakusa, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1445 Ameyoko
    • 1510 Escort to Akihabara Station and disband

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Yanesen, and Asakusa The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They arrived the previous night. They planned to stay in Tokyo, including a day trip to Mount Fuji, and then travel around Kyoto and Osaka before continuing on to Asia and returning home. Today, after my tour, the guests planned to ride go-karts in Shibuya at 6:00 in the evening. At Tsukiji, one of the guests became interested in kaki no tane (rice crackers), while another enjoyed trying grilled eel on a skewer for the first time and was delighted by how delicious it was. The guests were kept busy taking photos of the sights and products they had heard about from friends. In the Yanesen area, the sun was shining and it may have been a bit hot, but the guests enjoyed oyakodon and udon at Oshimaya on Yomise-dori, and regardless of the taste, they were impressed by the family-run establishment. After Asakusa, the guests seemed to want to rest before their evening go-kart activity, so I took care not to let the tour run over time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkihabara~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNijubashimae~Nezu0JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno160JPY
    Section 5Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 7TrainOkachimachi~Akihabara160JPY
    Total1,020JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
    • 10:50-11:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 11:45-12:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00-14:15 Lunch (Kyoto Cuisine Izutsu)
    • 14:30-15:20 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Guide you to UNIQLO in Mina Kyoto near Kawaramachi Sanjo, then disband

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Multi-Generational Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family who had gathered from different regions to enjoy a trip to Japan together, with some members traveling from North America and others from South America. In advance, the guests requested a more relaxed schedule to allow for a gentle pace, so I proposed an itinerary with lunch and four stops at a leisurely pace. On the day, they took even more time to enjoy the sightseeing, so the route was Hotel → the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → lunch (a Kyoto cuisine restaurant) → Nijo Castle → a shopping complex near Kawaramachi-Sanjo, where we parted ways. Since some of the guests did not speak English, the others carefully listened to each part of my explanation and translated it into Spanish, which made them very rewarding guests to guide. During lunch, the conversation turned to occupations, and since there were some with backgrounds in law and medicine, we talked about the nuance of the Japanese word "sensei." We also discussed surprising similarities between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, the fact that a Peruvian restaurant once ranked number one in the world was run by an owner-chef of Japanese descent, and even talked about a former Peruvian president of Japanese heritage and a related presidential candidate, which made me realize how Japan and Peru are both distant and closely connected.

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at The Hilton Kyoto
    • 10:00 to 11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:40 to 12:30 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 13:30 to 14:10 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:30 to 15:15 Nijo Castle
    • 15:30 Dismissal at The Hilton Kyoto

    What Is a Private Family Group Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were a very cheerful group, and everyone spoke to me in a friendly manner, which made for an enjoyable tour. Everyone stayed together well and moved on schedule, so guiding such a large group did not feel like a burden at all. The weather today was neither too hot nor too humid, and I believe they enjoyed the spots we visited.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…