What Is a Private Hakone and Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. Below are some of the memorable exchanges and topics that came up during the tour. 1. I've made a romance car reservation with web tickets and need to change them to physical tickets. 2. Education in their home country is free. Students get paid every month for attending university, keeping good records, and working at the same time at a hospital and at a senior house. 3. Partners must take 11 weeks of parental leave; otherwise, a full year of leave cannot be taken. 4. You wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle. It's mandatory. 5. You study the local language and English and choose German or French. 6. Why can't you walk in the center (the approach to the shrine's main hall)? 7. Everywhere is so clean. Many seniors are working. The retirement age used to be 60, then 65, and is currently 70, the same as in their home country. 8. When it reaches 15℃, people go out to get some sun. 9. Voter turnout depends on the election, but is around 80 percent overall in their home country. 10. We're kind of done, thank you. Additional notes: First, the guests wanted to quickly change the web tickets for the Hakone Romancecar, as it was for the next day. We were able to convert them right away, and the guests appeared relieved. After completing the itinerary, at 12:30 the guests decided between one of two dining spots, and the tour ended there. I received the question, "By the way, how many years did Hachi sit at the station?" I provided an answer that same day. It was a wonderful group whose warm and pleasant nature really came through. Thank you very much. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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Tour Report by Hideaki

Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, on a somewhat ambitious 10-day itinerary through Japan. Since the temperature exceeded 30 degrees and some of the guests were showing signs of travel fatigue, I suggested reducing the originally planned visits to four temples and shrines to ease the load. On the bus, I chatted with one of the guests, who sat beside me, about work and hobbies such as car racing and wagyu beef. It was quite hot and humid from the morning, so at Kinkaku-ji we took photos and toured the garden efficiently before moving on to Pontocho in an air-conditioned bus. The guests were tired but behaved with excellent manners. We all enjoyed a lively meal of sashimi and steak along with fried chicken and french fries. The steak grilled on a tabletop stove was especially a big hit with everyone, and it was wonderful to see smiles that we had not seen outdoors. With everyone's energy revived, we strolled through Fushimi Inari. Perhaps due to the heat and the Gion Festival, there were fewer people than usual, so we were able to view the approach, the shrine buildings, and the torii gates smoothly. Since we had about 30 extra minutes, we restored a stroll around Kiyomizu-dera, which one of the guests had wished to see. Although the peak of the heat should have passed, walking outdoors was hot enough to make one dizzy. One of the guests took great interest in the old townscape and traditional goods, while others were feeling worn out, so I guided them to the shade. Originally I had planned to accompany them back to the hotel, but as we were running close to the end time, they decided to return by taxi, so we parted ways on site. I hope they continue their trip safely and without overexertion.

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Tour Report by keiji

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Family Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for about a week, with a fairly demanding itinerary covering Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo. Today they arrived in Kyoto from Kansai International Airport and seemed quite affected by the heat. After finishing the first stop at Arashiyama, one of the guests felt tired and took a taxi back to the hotel alone. After Kinkaku-ji, another one of the guests returned to the hotel as well. I felt the touring might have gone more smoothly with fewer people, but that was not the case for everyone. After taking photos, they walked at a very brisk pace. Before the tour started, I had been talking with the driver about how it might be difficult to get back to the hotel by 18:00, but we ended up returning with plenty of time to spare. The photos were taken at Kinkaku-ji. By this point one of the guests had already returned to the hotel, so there were ten people in the photo. I introduced and made a reservation at a restaurant for their dinner tonight. After the tour, I called the restaurant just to be sure, and it seems all of the guests came and there were no particular problems with anyone's condition, which was a relief.

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Tour Report by KAZU

I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

What Is an Evening Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report – Met the guests as scheduled at 4:00 in the hotel lobby. – Headed to Kiyomizu-dera while the sunlight was still strong. – From there, we walked along Sannenzaka, passed Hokan-ji Temple, and continued to Yasaka Shrine. – After guiding them through Gion's Hanamikoji, Gion Shirakawa, then Pontocho and Kiyamachi, we moved on to Nishiki Market. – After touring Nishiki Market, we happened to catch the Yoiyoiyama eve of the Gion Festival, and Shijo Street had become a pedestrian zone, so we viewed the festival floats (yamaboko). – We were able to visit all of the sightseeing spots the guests had hoped to see, and they were delighted to unexpectedly experience the atmosphere of the Gion Festival as well. – At the end, at the guests' request, I escorted them to Pontocho for their dinner location and we parted ways.

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Tour Report by Ken

Hello. I’m Ken. I spent my university years in Kyoto and I love the city.　My hobbies include tennis, swimming, and windsurfing in the summer. I‘m also practicing the guitar.　

Kyoto is a city with over 1000 years of history, and there are so many sights to see that it’s difficult to see everything in one day. My basic tour highlights popular spots that cover the main tourist attractions of Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion), allowing you to make the most of your time. Of course, it can also be customized to your preferences. I can suggest recommended spots based on your preferences, such as avoiding crowds or finding quiet places. Let’s create a plan together that will create wonderful memories! I look forward to meeting you!

What Is a Private Asakusa and Tokyo Bay Water Taxi Cruise Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour for a group of seven visiting Japan, combining sightseeing in Asakusa with a water taxi cruise on the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Before the tour, the guests requested to be dropped off at their hotel after the tour. When I shared the itinerary (boarding at 12:00, two hours after the meeting time) with the Tokyo Water Taxi operator, they requested a 14:00 boarding due to tidal conditions. I revised the itinerary, shared it again, and sent it to the guests. In response to their question, "What kind of vehicle is a water taxi?", I explained that it is not a road vehicle but a small sightseeing boat. At the meeting point on the day, I reconfirmed the itinerary with the guests and started the tour. Some of the guests had downloaded the SUICA app in advance, while the others purchased tickets each time. It also became clear on the day that one of the guests had injured a hip before arriving in Japan and could walk but not for long periods. Since I had informed them in advance that we would use the subway and trains, I made a point of checking in periodically to ask if they were okay, walking slowly, and paying attention to whether the other members were tired from the heat. In Asakusa, I guided them to the main hall while taking breaks in shady spots, including restroom stops and time to draw omikuji fortunes. As we had time to spare, we headed to the Radio Kaikan in Akihabara by subway. Some of the guests went to the figure floor, while the others went to a beer hall in Ginza for a light meal. However, the beer hall turned out to be time-consuming (since I had told them at Akihabara that we would leave for the pier around 13:10), so I guided some of the guests to a sushi restaurant on the first floor of the Akihabara Station mall, and the others agreed to buy a light meal at a convenience store. Just in case, I confirmed with the Tokyo Water Taxi that our arrival at the pier might be right before departure. From Akihabara, we headed by train to the pier near Tokyo Skytree. After the guests bought light meals and drinks at a convenience store, they boarded on schedule at the pier (using the restroom in the mall next to the pier before boarding) and the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay cruise began. The captain welcomed us very kindly and set the cabin air conditioning to its lowest temperature, though because of the extreme heat, the guests initially felt it wasn't working (it eventually kicked in and became comfortable). The sea breeze felt pleasant, and some of the guests stayed out on the deck. Many of the bridges over the Sumida River are quite distinctive, and the guests took photos of the bridges as I explained them, as well as videos of the many crane operations lifting containers at the docks along the canals and Tokyo Bay. We arrived at Odaiba on schedule. At the guests' request to take a taxi to their hotel, we took photos near the Statue of Liberty replica and I guided them to the taxi stand, ending the tour with smiles. One point of reflection: in the extreme heat, a route of "Asakusa → Skytree Town → pier" might have reduced the burden of train travel compared to "Asakusa → Akihabara → pier," which I now regret.

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Tour Report by Tachi

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had visited Japan before and returned this time to show the country to the younger members of the group during their summer break. Following their wishes, we first headed to Owakudani, where they gained some basic knowledge about the Hakone volcano at the Geo Museum before joining a guided entry. They seemed deeply moved to directly experience a rarely accessible volcanic area, and thanks to the clear skies, they enjoyed a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, something they had long wanted to see. After enjoying various forms of transport including the ropeway, cable car, and mountain railway, at Hakone Shrine I explained the background of Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture. They worshipped attentively and were delighted to receive a goshuin stamp in the goshuin book they had obtained at Meiji Shrine during their stay in Tokyo.

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Tour Report by Atsushi

Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour by Car Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time except for one of them. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group on a private one-day tour of Kyoto by car, visiting Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, before finishing at Kiyomizu-dera. Since the guests wished to visit Kiyomizu-dera on their own, we went directly to Kiyomizu-dera instead of returning to the hotel, released the car there, and as there was a little time remaining, I accompanied them to the Kiyomizu-dera ticket office before ending the tour. It was a very hot day (35°C), but because we traveled by car and because Nijo Castle and Ryoan-ji involve viewing within the grounds, we were able to proceed through the tour fairly comfortably. Among the guests, three enjoyed Nijo Castle most, one preferred Kinkaku-ji, and one liked Ryoan-ji best. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera, it was nice that we could see the floats being prepared for the Gion Festival taking place in two days. I was also able to introduce the Gion Festival held on the 17th.

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Tour Report by Michi

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

Title: What's a Private Kochi Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this day, the guests were able to fully enjoy sightseeing in Kochi. I guided the tour at a comfortable walking pace to match the needs of the group, which meant that the overall schedule ran a little behind the original plan. For that reason, I checked the group's preferences and adjusted some of the destinations, arranging an itinerary that would not be too demanding for anyone. Rather than visiting every planned location exactly as scheduled, I prioritized safety and physical comfort throughout the tour. The restaurant we visited for lunch seemed to be a great hit with the group. In particular, the sake tasting set, which allowed them to compare different types of Kochi sake, was very popular. I believe they enjoyed a meal and drinks that were distinctly local to Kochi. We also stopped by a capsule toy shop, "Gachagacha no Mori," along the way. This too seemed to be enjoyable, making it a good stop for the entire group. In the end, we arrived at Kochi Shinko Port about 10 minutes later than scheduled, but no additional taxi charges were incurred. Although the itinerary was adjusted along the way to suit the guests' condition and walking pace, the tour went without any major issues and turned out to be one that everyone enjoyed.

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Tour Report by Yamamoto

I’m a licensed regional interpreter-guide for Kochi and Hiroshima Prefectures, currently living in Kochi. I have experience guiding both group bus tours and private tours for cruise ship visitors at Kochi Port.

I always try to make sure guests feel safe and comfortable. For example, I adjust the walking pace and take breaks as needed, especially at places like Kochi Castle where there are steep paths. I’m physically strong, so I can handle long or active tours without any problem.

During private tours, I often take many photos for guests and share them afterward. This has been very well received by guests. I also like talking about local food and drinks—not just what they taste like, but also the stories behind them.

I can respond flexibly to different guest needs. If the weather changes or guests want to stop by a shop, pharmacy, or ATM, I can adjust the tour. I can also help with things like buying tickets at convenience stores or topping up IC cards.

I’m available for English-speaking tours in Kochi. Please feel free to contact me, even on short notice.

Title: What's a Private Hakodate Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe who are longtime fans of Japan, having visited many times before. I brought up a well-known footballer who had performed well in the World Cup, but the group seemed to prefer Nordic skiing over football, and knew of ski jumpers such as those from the Sapporo Olympics, so the conversation about football did not really take off. The group was delighted to find European-produced salmon at the morning market, and enjoyed eating cherries, which were in season. They were very pleased with the view from Goryokaku Tower, the scenery from Mount Hakodate, and the churches of the Motomachi district, all of which was wonderful. One of the guests mentioned how nice it was to be able to pray at the Orthodox church. Even though we walked quite a bit, I kept telling them to let me know if they got tired and that we could take a taxi, but they were strong walkers and did not seem to mind at all. While strolling through Motomachi, it began to rain, so we had no choice but to call a taxi and return to the Hotel from there.

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Tour Report by Akira

Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sake Breweries, and Gion The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. It was during the Gion Festival's pre-festival evening, but since they had already seen the floats the previous night, we skipped that. After discussing the plans together, we decided on sightseeing at Fushimi Inari. They enjoyed the Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) and other highlights. They also seemed interested in Japanese sake, so we decided to visit the nearby Fushimi sake breweries. At the breweries, the guests enjoyed a ginjo sake and a plum wine. Since we did not have much time, we returned to Gion-Shijo Station by limited express train, and from there took a taxi to Ninenzaka. Here we made up quite a bit of time, and afterwards were able to explore both the southern and northern areas of Gion, before finally seeing the guests off at Keihan Sanjo Station. The guests took a liking to the atmosphere of the Kamo River and said they would love to sit along the riverbank and enjoy a drink.

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Tour Report by KEN

Hello. I have a very friendly and fun personality. I can provide you with a tour that will create unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the real Japan together!
I am very knowledgeable about Japanese restaurants and bars, and I can also provide information on sports events, cultural experiences, shopping, and more. In addition, I can guide you on a tour of various cities throughout Japan. I can also arrange visits to amusement parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and karate.