What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera The guests came from North America. In Tokyo they had stayed in the Ueno area and done some sightseeing. There was a little rain in the morning, but the weather cleared up afterward, and at times the sunshine was almost hot. At Kinkaku-ji they bought a keychain with a rabbit on it. When I took them to a shop near Kiyomizu-dera that sells various goods made from kimono fabric, they fell in love with a Tatsumura wallet and a rabbit doll, and bought many souvenirs. Kiyomizu-dera was packed with school excursion students as well. They took lots of photos in many places. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, making it one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a temple according to his wishes. The pavilion is set beside a reflecting pond surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens, and its shimmering reflection on the water is especially admired across the seasons. Together with Kiyomizu-dera, another major highlight of the day, it remains one of the most visited cultural sites in Kyoto.

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Tour Report by Kazz

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!

What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from Europe. They planned to visit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and other destinations during their trip. Since many visitors tend to start from Todai-ji Temple, we began from Kasuga Taisha Shrine instead. It was relatively uncrowded, so we were able to take our time looking around. We walked along the foot of Mount Wakakusa toward Nigatsu-do Hall, which was also relatively quiet, allowing us to explore at a leisurely pace. The Great Buddha Hall was not as crowded as I had expected, which was fortunate. We had lunch at a restaurant that accommodates particular dietary needs. Afterward, I guided them around Kofuku-ji Temple and the Naramachi district before heading back. I believe they enjoyed the tour. A notable stop on the tour was Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Todai-ji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, originally constructed in the 8th century during the Nara period. Its Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) houses a monumental bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and the hall itself is renowned as one of the largest wooden structures ever built. The temple grounds are part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing and are surrounded by a park where freely roaming deer, considered sacred messengers in local tradition, are a well-known sight for visitors.

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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.

What's a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa Today I guided a 6-hour tour for a group of five guests visiting from Oceania. First, on the way from the hotel to Shibuya Station, we crossed the Scramble Crossing and visited the Hachiko statue. We then took the JR line to Harajuku Station and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained how Emperor Meiji moved from Kyoto to Tokyo when the capital was relocated, and how, after his passing, his body was buried in Kyoto while his spirit was enshrined in Tokyo. This helped build an understanding leading into our next destination, the Imperial Palace. The guests showed great interest in the quiet atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, its vast grounds, and the work of the Shinto priests, and observed everything attentively. Next, we took the subway to the Imperial Palace. I explained that Edo Castle once stood on this site, and that the area became the Imperial Palace after Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo. We took commemorative photos in front of the Nijubashi Bridge. We then headed to Tokyo Tower by subway. Since they had requested a visit to the observation deck in advance, we went up and enjoyed a panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape. The guests looked out over the scenery below with great interest, showing particular curiosity about the temple cemeteries. After that, we changed subway lines twice to move to Asakusa. Since they had reserved a massage shop in Azabu-Juban after the tour, we toured the Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and the Hozomon Gate within the limited time after lunch. After experiencing drawing omikuji fortunes and purchasing charms, we visited the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, and I introduced the Buddhist way of praying with joined hands. We then visited Asakusa Shrine, where I explained the differences between Buddhist and Shinto ways of worship, and also introduced how it was once common for shrines and temples to coexist on the same grounds, as in Asakusa. Finally, since the massage shop was in Azabu-Juban, we traveled by subway via Tameike-Sanno Station and parted ways in front of the building housing the shop. Within the limited time, we were able to visit representative sightseeing spots in Tokyo and provide an opportunity to experience Japan's history and religious culture. The guests seemed to enjoy a variety of experiences at each destination and appeared satisfied with the tour as a whole.

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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.

What's a Private Day Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan from North America. They were native Spanish speakers. One person was the main contact, but another took the role of leader, and I proceeded with the tour while consulting with them throughout. In the morning there was strong rain and wind, which was a concern, but the weather improved around the time the tour began, and we were blessed with clear skies around Goryokaku and Motomachi Park, where the guests enjoyed taking photos. During the tour, one of the guests rested on a bench on the first floor of Goryokaku Tower. Upon arriving at the morning market, that person wished to rest in the waiting room of JR Hakodate Station until the tour finished. For the latter half of the tour, the group continued as three. I guided them to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, which brought us to the end of the scheduled time. I explained how to get back to Hakodate Station, and the tour concluded. The photo was taken in the rest area on the first floor of Goryokaku Tower. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress in Hakodate, built in the late Edo period and completed in 1866. It was Japan's first Western-style fortress and played a significant role in the Boshin War. Today it is a popular park, especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, and the adjacent Goryokaku Tower offers panoramic views of the distinctive star-shaped layout from above.

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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.

Title: What Is a Private Fukuoka Day Tour from a Cruise Ship Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them had been to Tokyo before, but everyone was visiting Fukuoka for the first time, and several were in Japan for the first time. In our email exchange beforehand, they mentioned they had little prior knowledge of the area, so when it happened that the day coincided with the grand festival at Sumiyoshi Shrine, which featured a Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual, I recommended that we attend. They had arrived in Fukuoka by cruise ship, but unlike a typical cruise, this was an Asia-wide tour that visited major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, and after Fukuoka would continue on to South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and more, giving a digest-style overview of Japan. In Tokyo and Osaka they had visited many shrines and temples, and in the Kansai region they had also traveled to Kyoto and Nara, so I felt the Yabusame was a good choice. Since it was a group, we would normally take a taxi to the first sightseeing spot, but this time we went by bus. I had explained Suica in advance, so everyone had it ready on their smartphones, which was a great help. The Yabusame at Sumiyoshi Shrine took a while to begin, so we patiently waited for about 30 minutes, but the costumes of the archers and horses were unusual, and the firing of arrows from horseback was powerful (it was my first time seeing it as well), so I think it was a precious experience. For lunch they tried yakitori, which they had never had before, and then we headed to Nanzoin Temple. There were fewer visitors at Nanzoin than I had expected, so we were able to return to Hakata on schedule. Since they wanted to buy souvenirs, we parted ways at Hakata Station. A notable stop on the tour was Nanzoin Temple. Nanzoin is a Buddhist temple in the Fukuoka area known for housing one of the largest bronze statues of a reclining Buddha in the world. The temple is a popular destination for visitors interested in Japanese Buddhist culture, and its peaceful grounds offer a contrast to the bustle of central Hakata.

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Tour Report by Chizuko

My name is Chizuko Kitajima.
I have worked as an international exchange coordinator for sister schools for more than 20 years and have handled more than 10 sister school partnerships. I guided young students when they came to Japan.
I was born in Fukuoka and have lived here almost all my life. I am very happy to be able to introduce my hometown to our international guests.
I will do my best to make your trip different from other cities and offer you new experiences and pleasant surprises.
Please let me know where you want to go and what your interests are. I would be delighted to help you make the most of your trip and help you create wonderful memories.
I look forward to seeing you soon.

Title: What Can You See on a Private Sumo and Cat-Themed Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were on vacation, with their main purpose being a round-Japan cruise departing from Tokyo starting the day after next. They were big fans of sumo and also cat lovers, so for today they requested a tour focused specifically on these interests. The tour took place under cloudy skies. From Odaiba, we first went to Gotokuji Temple. There were questions such as "What is Japan's main religion?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question about which Buddhist sect Gotokuji Temple belongs to. They mentioned keeping two cats at home, and purchased a cat figurine and a cat-patterned bag as souvenirs. From here, we traveled a long way to Ryogoku. First, we visited the Sumo Museum. We strolled slowly through the exhibits and took photos here and there. They mentioned often watching sumo on video at home, and also said they had tried many times to get tickets for grand sumo tournaments but found it quite difficult. After strolling around "Ryogoku Edo Noren" and Ekoin Temple, we went to a chanko restaurant. They said they had heard so much about it that they really wanted to try chanko nabe. After this, they wanted to see a Japanese garden, so we went to Kiyosumi Park. "A Japanese garden really is calming and pleasant." There were comments and questions such as "The city is clean and there is no litter," "There are no trash cans around the city, why is that?", and "The subway is extremely well made, and it runs on time too. It is so different from the subway back home." I saw them off from Shibuya via Shinjuku to Tochomae Station, where we parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Kiyosumi Park. Kiyosumi Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden in Tokyo, known for its central pond, carefully placed stepping stones, and a notable collection of large landscaping stones gathered from across Japan. The garden offers a peaceful retreat with seasonal plantings and views that change throughout the year, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking a quiet, scenic experience in the heart of the city.

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Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

Title: What's a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania on a 6-hour private tour of Tokyo. The weather was sunny and 24°C. 1. Tsukiji Outer Market We bought tekka-don (tuna rice bowls) at the seafood building and enjoyed lunch on the third-floor terrace. Afterward, we strolled around and enjoyed the street food and the atmosphere of the market. 2. Asakusa After taking in a sweeping view of the whole of Asakusa from the 8th floor of the Culture Tourist Information Center, we walked through Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise shopping street, and Senso-ji Temple. The guests experienced Japanese culture, including the smoke of the large incense burner, the purification water basin, and praying at Senso-ji Temple. I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. 3. Tokyo Station Marunouchi → Imperial Palace From the red-brick Tokyo Station building, we followed the route used for the presentation of credentials ceremony and continued to the Imperial Palace. 4. Takeshita Street → Meiji Shrine With the clear autumn skies, everywhere was crowded with tourists. Perhaps everyone had had their fill of the crowds by then. 5. Shibuya Scramble Crossing Just after arriving, there was a passing shower. We experienced crossing amid the crowds. After seeing the Hachiko statue, we parted ways at Shibuya Station. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Japan. Visitors pass through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, then walk along Nakamise shopping street, which is lined with traditional stalls selling snacks and souvenirs leading up to the main hall. The temple grounds offer a vivid glimpse into Japanese religious customs, including the large incense burner whose smoke is believed to bring good health, and the purification water basin used before approaching the main hall.

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Tour Report by goreilo

Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
Thank you very much.

Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
Terima kasih banyak.

A Private Hakodate Day Tour by Taxi: What Does a Licensed Guide's Report Look Like? The guests visited Japan from North America. They had been to Japan once before, many years ago, and had visited places such as Kyoto at that time. On this tour they used canes while walking, and we used taxis for all transportation. Since walking was difficult, the guests were always looking for a place to sit, and I often walked together with one of the guests while the other rested. Moving between places took extra time. We were blessed with good weather, warm enough to feel hot at times. However, by touring at a relaxed pace, I was able to give thorough explanations, which was a good thing. Upon arriving at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, one of the guests immediately sat down to rest. After some window shopping inside the warehouse with the group, the tour came to an end. The photo was taken at Goryokaku Tower. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress originally built in the final years of the Edo period, and it is one of the most distinctive historical sites in northern Japan. From the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the unique five-pointed star shape of the fort below, which is especially beautiful when the surrounding cherry trees bloom in spring. The site also played an important role in Japanese history as the stage of the Battle of Hakodate, making it a meaningful place to combine scenic views with historical storytelling.

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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.

Title: What's a Private Asakusa and Meiji Shrine Day Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were older visitors of Chinese descent living in North America. The tour was originally planned for two groups totaling four people, but due to a flight delay only one group was able to join. We met at the hotel, and upon arriving in Asakusa we first went out toward the Sumida River and saw the Asahi Beer Building and other sights. When other foreign tourists came by and asked what the yellow object was, I explained it, which made them laugh. Since the guests could read kanji, they joked that Azuma Bridge looked like "My Wife Bridge," and we spent some time talking about the readings of Japanese kanji. At Senso-ji Temple, the architecture seemed unusual to them, and they took many photographs. As gifts for family, matcha and food items were purchased along the Nakamise shopping street, along with a lucky charm, and together we drew omikuji fortunes and offered prayers at the main hall. Since we were running a bit behind schedule, we passed lightly through Asakusa Shrine and had lunch near the Nitenmon Gate. After the meal we also shopped at a drugstore, and as we were running about 50 minutes late, we skipped the planned Nezu Shrine and headed to Meiji Shrine. A light rain began to fall here, but we managed to get through it. In front of the main hall we again offered prayers and dedicated an ema votive tablet. The tour concluded in Shibuya, where I saw the guests off at the end. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a dense forest of some 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan, it offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Visitors often take part in traditional customs such as drawing fortunes, purchasing lucky charms, and writing wishes on wooden ema tablets.

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Tour Report by Kazuo

Hello. My name is Kazuo Fukuda. I was born in 1958 and grew up in Okayama Prefecture, located in western Japan. I majored in physics at university and worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry. During that time, I moved around various parts of Japan before settling in Tokyo in 2009. I personally love traveling and have a deep interest in art and history. I have traveled to Europe many times. In 2018, I left my company and started working as a tour guide. Tokyo developed into a modern city after being destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, but many historical aspects still thrive there. Recent pop culture is also fascinating. Discovering these cultural aspects will surely be an enjoyable experience for you. I would be happy to help you make such discoveries and understand their origins. If you tell me your favorite tourist destinations, I will create the perfect itinerary for you. And with heartfelt hospitality, I will make your tour the best it can be. I am looking forward to meeting you.

What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like with a Pirate Ship and Ropeway? A Licensed Guide's Report Thanks to detailed advance coordination with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and the travel agency in charge, the day went smoothly even though the guests did not speak English. I don't think it would have been possible at all without modern technology such as the translation function on a smartphone, but we were able to communicate without any problems, checking details and asking questions at key moments. Since the guests wished for a relaxed trip, I focused on transportation experiences such as the pirate ship and the ropeway, and I was glad that the tour was enjoyable. At Owakudani they bought a lot of souvenirs, so I was happy that we were able to meet those needs as well. A notable stop on the tour was Owakudani in Hakone. Owakudani is a volcanic valley created by the eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago, and it is known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. Visitors can see steam rising from the ground and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, and on clear days Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. One of the local specialties is the black egg, an egg boiled in the hot spring waters that turns black from the sulfur, and it is said that eating one can add years to your life. The area is easily reached by the Hakone Ropeway, which offers scenic views of the valley from above.

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Tour Report by Naho

Hi, I’m Naho – your friendly, English-speaking guide in Japan!
With over 10 years of experience as a licensed guide and more than 30 years living in the Tokyo area, I’m passionate about helping travelers of all ages enjoy Japan in a fun, meaningful, and stress-free way.

Whether you’re into ancient temples, seasonal nature, local street food, or modern pop culture, I’ll design a private tour that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing not just the famous sights, but also lesser-known hidden gems and local tips that make your trip truly special.

Traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids? I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience and unforgettable memories for you in this amazing country.

Let’s explore Japan together — I can’t wait to meet you!