Category: Uncategorized

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Odori Park & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Hokkaido in One Day: Odori Park & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet up at Hotel Mystays Aspen 
    • 11:10 Former Hokkaido Government Office Building 
    • 11:30 Odori Park 
    • 12:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium 
    • 14:10 Lunch @ Maruyama Class 
    • 15:50 Shiroi Koibito Park 
    • 17:40 Tour ends @ Tanukikoji

    What Is a Private Sapporo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began at 11:00 and proceeded under clear skies with a comfortable temperature of around 23 degrees. Thanks to this, the guests were able to enjoy excellent views at Odori Park, the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, and the garden at Shiroi Koibito Park. Lunch started around 2:00 to avoid the crowds, but even at that hour there was still a wait, so it was unavoidable that the tour ended a little later than planned. This restaurant is a popular spot with a menu centered on set meals offering the taste of Japanese home cooking, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much. The guests, who were visiting from North America on their first tour of Japan, appeared to greatly enjoy the atmosphere of Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Maruyama Koen210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen~Miyanosawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayMiyanosawa~Odori290JPY
    Total750JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Sanjusangen-do

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Fauchon Kyoto)
    • 10:00-10:40 Move (on foot; Hotel → Kiyomizu-dera)
    • 10:40-12:20 Kiyomizu-dera (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    •          20 minutes of which is a Coffee Break at Sannenzaka
    • 12:20-12:50 Move (city bus; Kiyomizu-michi → Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 12:50-13:40 Lunch (@Sato / near Sanjusangen-do)
    • 13:40-14:30 Sanjusangen-do visit
    • 14:30-15:00 Move (Keihan train; Keihan Shichijo → Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 15:00 Ended the tour in front of a convenience store near the hotel and said goodbye to the guests

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Europe who took part in a private walking tour of Kyoto. Although the tour had originally been booked for more people, one preferred to rest at the Hotel, so only one guest joined. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led the guest around the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Koshin-do, followed by lunch and a visit to Sanjusangen-do Temple. The itinerary had originally included Yasaka Shrine and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, but these were changed at the guest's request during the tour. Instead of visiting Yasaka Shrine, we switched to a 20-minute coffee break at Sannenzaka. As for Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, after finishing the visit to Sanjusangen-do Temple, the guest wished to return to the hotel early due to tiredness, so I accompanied the guest to a convenience store near the hotel and said goodbye there. The guest mentioned that, since they usually do not walk much, the walking tour after arriving in Japan had been quite demanding physically. The weather was cloudy, which made for ideal conditions for walking.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Kiyomizu-Gojo180JPY
    Total410JPY

    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.…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 08:45 to 09:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:00 to 11:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:00 to 12:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:20 to 14:00 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:30 Disband at Nijo Castle

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. A typhoon passed through the Kansai region in early June. While a group I guided the day before, who reside in North America, said it was their first experience of a typhoon and they found it very frightening, today's guests come from a region that lies in the path of hurricanes, so they were completely unfazed. They mentioned that Japan's climate is similar to where they live, and the heat and humidity did not bother them. They requested to visit as many places as possible within the six hours, but there was not enough time to visit the final site, Nijo Castle, so we said our goodbyes there.

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 11:10 Tsukiji
    • 3. 12:45 Asakusa
    • 4. 13:45 Lunch @ Asakusa
    • 5. 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 16:40 Disband @ Harajuku Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting time was on time, but one of the guests went back to the room to change into lighter clothing, so we started just under 10 minutes late. On the Yurakucho Line from Higashi-Ikebukuro to Shintomicho, a train inspection caused about a 10-minute delay, so our start at Tsukiji was pushed back. Since the guests were collecting goshuin (stamps), we got a stamp at Honganji and then headed to the outer market. Everything seemed fresh and exciting to them, and they took many photos. As they had not had breakfast, one of the guests ate sashimi while standing at a stall, while another bought fried shrimp and karaage from a different shop to eat. They appeared to be very pleased. At Asakusa, because we were running behind schedule, and because the guests had already traveled to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Nara and were familiar with omikuji, omamori, and so on, I simplified my explanations. However, even though it was unusually uncrowded, getting the goshuin stamped still took some time. For lunch, they thoroughly enjoyed tempura. At Meiji Shrine, I again simplified my explanations for the same reason and did not stop at the souvenir shops, but getting the goshuin here, although far less crowded than usual, also took some time, so in the end the finishing time went well over schedule. I explained the way back to the Hotel (Ikebukuro) and we parted in front of the ticket gates at Harajuku. The conversation flowed well during lunch, and I believe we had a very enjoyable time together. At the end, the guests told me it had been a wonderful day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ikebukuro~Shintomicho (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total760JPY

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Tokyo: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Ueno Park

    Tokyo: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Ueno Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up at Prince Gallery Kioicho
    • 10:00 Stroll through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Stroll through Ameyoko
    • 12:20 Lunch
    • 13:30 Stroll through Ueno Park
    • 14:30 Stroll to Tokyo Skytree
    • 16:00 Disband at Prince Gallery Kioicho

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) added the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to the itinerary requested through the guests' travel agency. The East Gardens, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree were especially well received. At the Ninomaru Garden within the East Gardens, the irises were in full bloom, making it excellent timing. Since the guests are seasoned world travelers, I felt that only truly special scenery or something distinctly different would really impress them. There were various dietary restrictions to consider, which made lunch challenging. Certain meats (other than chicken) and shellfish could not be eaten, so I took the guests to a vegetarian (vegan) restaurant in Ueno for lunch. Unfortunately, the vegetable dishes did not suit one of the guests' tastes, and most of the food was left uneaten.

    Greetings! I’m Masami, a private tour guide in Tokyo. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring the wonders of Japan’s vibrant capital? With my expertise, I can show you both Tokyo’s traditional and modern sides, from cultural attractions to cutting-edge technology, fashion, food, and more. As your personal guide, I’m committed to making your trip enjoyable. I’ll take you to hidden gems that most tourists miss, and help you create unforgettable memories. Join me on a journey of discovery and let’s explore Tokyo’s endless charms together!

    Sep 9, 2026
    matthewr620
    Tokyo Highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Masami was a great guide. Provided the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Tourist55711520215
    Tokyo in One Day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Masami is a very good…

    Aug 28, 2026
    anthonypU834MV
    Very easy and hit the exact right places!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Masami…

    Aug 24, 2026
    stephenoO3707QP
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Much more than sightseeing — six hours that helped…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 09:50 Tsukiji (Honganji Temple, Outer Market)
    • 3. 11:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple)
    • 4. 12:50 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 5. 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 15:15 Dismissal: Harajuku Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The guests were visitors from North America who planned to travel around Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima during their stay in Japan. They mentioned an interest in Japanese history, culture, and food, so on this day I guided them according to their wish to visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, Sensoji Temple, and other main spots. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed fresh oysters and tuna sashimi, though they were surprised by the large number of people inside the market. By the time I had guided them through Meiji Shrine, we had run out of time, so I took them to the entrance of Takeshita Street and ended the tour there. I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo: Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo: Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection
    • 9:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 11:20 Ueno: Statue of Saigo Takamori, Tomb of the Shogitai, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:40 Akihabara: Radio Kaikan
    • 14:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:20 Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. It was their third day in Japan, and the day before they had explored various places on their own using the subway and other transport. After this they planned to visit Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo to head home. The atmosphere within the group was a little unusual at times, but we spent the day safely and enjoyably. At Tsukiji they ate a great deal, including tuna, sushi, wagyu beef, octopus crackers, chili chicken, and cola. They did not show much interest in historical topics. At Toshogu Shrine the omikuji fortunes came out as "good luck," "future luck," and "great luck," and the guests eagerly read the English messages. At Ueno there was a Filipino festival taking place, and we caught the end of an idol stage performance, after which one of the guests enjoyed a chocolate banana. In Akihabara the guests bought four figures of their favorite characters at reasonable prices. One of the guests was fond of the forest at Meiji Shrine. I had various conversations inside the car with one of the guests. One of the guests did not react very strongly, but in the end all three said it had been a good tour, so I feel it went well.

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Depart from Hotel
    • 9:00-9:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20-11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30-12:30 Lunch
    • 13:00-14:10 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
    • 14:30 Arrive at Hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. They were a very lively and close-knit group, and although we had originally planned to spend about 40 minutes at Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed taking photos at various spots and leisurely taking in the scenery, so we ended up staying for about an hour. Afterward, I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, but as they did not perform worship for personal reasons, I explained the method and meaning of worship while they watched me actually perform it. For lunch, we visited a Japanese restaurant. I had been informed in advance that they could not eat crustaceans, but they told me they could not order a set menu even if it merely included shrimp tempura, and that removing the item and eating the rest was also not acceptable. As a result, they had udon and oyakodon, which contained no crustaceans at all, but it seemed the food was not quite to their taste. At Nijo Castle, they were greatly impressed by the beauty of the sliding-door paintings. When we parted, they told me they were very satisfied, but personally, I felt that selecting restaurants able to accommodate such dietary needs remains a difficult challenge.

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet in front of the Kiyomizu-dera guardian dogs
    • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 10:30 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Koshindo to Yasaka Pagoda
    • 10:50 Yasui Konpira-gu ~ Gion Hanami-koji, Tatsumi Bridge
    • 12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:00 Disband in front of the second torii gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests, who came from Europe. They had arrived in Japan via Kansai International Airport, visited Osaka, and toured places such as Ohara the previous day, and today they had already been strolling around the Higashiyama area on their own since 7:00 in the morning. The weather today was cloudy and not too hot, and there were relatively few tourists, which made us very lucky. In the Gion area, they were delighted to come across what appeared to be two maiko. They were also happy to see a heron near Tatsumi Bridge. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we were able to enjoy the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) attraction with good timing and without having to wait in line. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:15 Meet at Sakuradamon, Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 2. 9:15 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 3. 10:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 12:00 Asakusa
    • 5. 13:00 Disband at the taxi stand in front of Matsuya Asakusa

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Kyoto, Hiroshima, and the Seto Inland Sea, for a total stay of about ten days in Japan. One of the guests had visited Japan a couple of times before, though this was their first time sightseeing, while it was a first visit to Japan for the other. The tour had originally been scheduled to begin at 11:00 the previous day (June 3), but due to poor weather caused by a typhoon, the guests requested a change of date and time. Since this was possible on our end, the tour was moved to 9:00 today (June 4). Because the guests wanted to maximize their sightseeing time, we changed the meeting point from the hotel to Sakuradamon Gate at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, which was the first destination. The guests arrived about 15 minutes late, having come to Sakuradamon by taxi, and we were able to start the tour smoothly. I guided them through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa. As they wanted to see the Imperial Gardens, we visited both the Outer Garden and the East Gardens. Both guests seemed to love plants, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens appeared to be their favorite. They took photos at various spots while listening to my explanations and enjoyed themselves. After the tour, the guests planned to return to their hotel by taxi, so we finished the tour at the taxi stand in front of the department store in Asakusa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…