Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Return to hotel

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Return to hotel

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Hotel
    • 14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Return to hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like When a Guest Feels Unwell? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the guests visiting from North America around Kyoto. From the very beginning, one of the guests mentioned not feeling well, but we decided to set off by taxi for the time being. Along the way, I kept everyone entertained with commentary about the surroundings and some quizzes. When we arrived at Kinkaku-ji, things went well at first, but after walking for about 30 to 40 minutes, one of the guests began to feel unwell, so we returned to the Hotel by taxi. After Kinkaku-ji, we had planned to visit Ryoan-ji and Fushimi Inari, but we had to give that up. It was a relief to hear that they still enjoyed even just Kinkaku-ji.

    Hello. I’m YUASA Katsura. Call me just K(Kei). I have been a national government licensed guide interpreter since 2024. I am also teaching English at a university in Nara, so I’m good at explaining even complicated things plainly so that everyone can understand. I hope you will choose me if you would like to learn about Japanese history and traditional culture. I can not only guide you to major tourist sites such as Golden Pavillion in Kyoto and the Great Buddha in Nara but also introduce you hidden gems in Kyoto and Nara. I’m fascinated with charms of these ancient cities. Let’s make your travel to Japan enjoyable and memorable together.

    Jul 29, 2026
    Charlotte_C
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kei was a wonderful guide…
    Kei was a wonderful…

    May 23, 2026
    allenk947
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoughtful tour with excellent support and service
    The experience and…

    Mar 11, 2026
    K
    ketchbaw
    Great Guide excellent Tour recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent Guide fun Tour…

    May 1, 2026
    C3857WLstevenk
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    My wife and I had a 4hr private tour with…

  • Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port Terminal 9:00→Nunobiki Ropeway/Herb Garden 9:40→Nankinmachi 11:40→Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum 13:30→Port Terminal 15:00

    What Is a Private Kobe Cruise Port Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who boarded an international cruise from Singapore. In Japan, the cruise stopped at Nagasaki, Kobe, Mishima, and Tokyo, and the guests planned to fly home from Tokyo. On the ropeway, the guests enjoyed the views of the harbor, and they very much enjoyed the garden of the herb park. When we came back down, there was a very long line waiting to board the ropeway, and I was glad we had gone early. Nankinmachi was also very crowded with school excursion groups and other visitors, but the inside of the restaurant was quiet, so we were able to enjoy a relaxed lunch. At the last stop, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the guests watched the video about sake brewing with great interest and were delighted by the sake tasting at the end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Shin-Kobe420JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Kobe~Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)~Port Terminal410JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…

  • Hyogo in One Day: @ Mount Rokko & @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo in One Day: @ Mount Rokko & @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:45 @ Mount Rokko
    • 12:00 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden (including break)
    • 13:30 @ Kitano Ijinkan-gai (foreigners' residences, exterior only, including Starbucks)
    • 14:45 @ Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 15:15 Disband @ Shuttle bus stop for the terminal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Rokko Mountain and Kobe Tour from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and the tour went smoothly with easy travel between spots. At each location, the guests listened attentively to the guide's explanations. Some of the guests seemed especially fond of flowers and trees, taking many photos and appearing very satisfied both at Mount Rokko and at the Herb Garden. They were also delighted to be able to see their own cruise ship from the top of Mount Rokko and from the observation deck at the Herb Garden. During the tour, they purchased the "551" pork buns recommended by the guide and ate them on the spot, commenting that they were extremely delicious. In the Kitano Ijinkan district, although only viewed from the outside, they showed great interest in the "Moegi House," the former U.S. consul's residence, and the "Weathercock House," as well as the "Kitano Tenmangu Shrine" and a Starbucks housed in a building said to be the only registered tangible cultural property of its kind in Japan. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by the guide's sister, which they were very happy to receive. Since they wished to have "Kobe beef" for lunch the following day, I introduced a restaurant in "Nankinmachi" (Chinatown) and they made a reservation there. The tour ended after I guided them to the shuttle bus stop bound for the nearby cruise ship terminal. They commented that the tour exceeded their expectations. Today's guests were truly warm and pleasant people.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hankyu/Kobe Rapid)~Rokko200JPY
    Section 3BusRokko Cable Shita~Hankyu Rokko / Kobe Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainRokko~Sannomiya200JPY
    Total840JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Hyogo: Ikuta Shrine & Chinatown

    Hyogo: Ikuta Shrine & Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet
    • 9:20 Ikuta Shrine
    • 10:30 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:00 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:20 Chinatown
    • 15:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had visited Japan several times before, but this was their first time in Kobe. I guided them to the four places they had requested in advance. At Ikuta Shrine, we prayed for a safe journey. They were surprised to find a forest so close to the city center. At the herb garden, the azalea flowers seemed unusual to them, and they took many photos. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, they were amazed by the complexity of the sake-making process. They enjoyed a tasting and purchased some yuzu sake. For lunch, we had sushi. They said that Japanese sushi is delicious because the fish is so fresh. As the guests seemed tired, I gave them a brief tour of Chinatown and we parted ways at the port terminal. The driver was also very helpful.

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 10:25 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 3. 11:30 @ Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street・Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 4. 12:30 @ Meriken Park・Kobe Harborland
    • 5. 13:30 Disband @ In front of Menou Kobe Motomachi Store

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Kobe from the Port Terminal? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America. After meeting at the Kobe Port Terminal, we took a taxi to Sorakuen Garden. The weather was fine, and Sorakuen Garden was crowded with visitors. The guests enjoyed strolling around the former Hassam Residence and the garden with its beautiful azaleas and pond. After Sorakuen Garden, we walked to the Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street and Nankinmachi (Chinatown), then continued to Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland. After this, the guests said they wanted to eat ramen, so we walked back to a ramen restaurant near the Motomachi Shopping Street, and (at the guests' request) we ended the tour here. (The guests purchased headache medicine at a drugstore in the Motomachi Shopping Street. They may have been a little tired.)

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge by bus & Sightseeing at Toshogu

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge by bus & Sightseeing at Toshogu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30     Meet the guests at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 09:50    Move to Shinkyo Bridge by bus
    • 10:00~10:20 Visit Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:30~11:20 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple
    • 11:20~12:20 Lunch
    • 12:30~14:30 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:50~15:30 Sightseeing at Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 15:30    Disband at Tamozawa Imperial Villa bus stop

    What Is a Private Nikko World Heritage Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Nikko. Originally I was to meet them at a hotel in Chuzenji, but since they decided to focus on visiting the World Heritage sites, we changed the meeting point to Tobu Nikko Station. As they preferred routes with as few slopes as possible, I planned the day, apart from Toshogu Shrine, to minimize physical strain as much as I could. Since the group would return to a hotel in Chuzenji after the tour, I chose Tamozawa Imperial Villa, which has a bus stop right in front of the sightseeing area, as the ending point of the tour. We first visited Shinkyo Bridge and Rinnoji Temple, then in the afternoon we visited Toshogu Shrine before heading to Tamozawa Imperial Villa. At Toshogu Shrine there was a section where we had to carry the stroller up the stone steps, but we were able to sightsee without difficulty. As Toshogu Shrine is indeed the highlight of Nikko, the guests were deeply moved by its beauty. Tamozawa Imperial Villa, which I guided them to afterward, has a completely different atmosphere from Toshogu Shrine, so the guests were very pleased. Since there is a bus stop right at Tamozawa Imperial Villa, they were able to enjoy sightseeing to the fullest and board the return bus without any stress. The guests were very happy, so I am confident they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTamozawa Imperial Villa~JR Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…

  • Nagasaki: Kaisei High School tour & Glover Garden

    Nagasaki: Kaisei High School tour & Glover Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the port
    • 09:10 Oura Cathedral / Prayer Triangle Zone
    • 10:00 Kaisei High School tour
    • 10:30 Mount Inasa Observation Deck
    • 11:30 Lunch at Stadium City
    • 12:40 Shiroyama Elementary School tour
    • 13:30 Glover Garden
    • 14:30 End at the port

    What Is a Private Nagasaki Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour proceeded in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The guests looked very attentively at the exhibits at Oura Cathedral and during the visit to a local high school. We also talked about high school life. We had planned to take the Inasayama Ropeway up to the observation deck, but since the ropeway was crowded with groups, we headed straight to the observation deck instead. After that, since some of the guests preferred certain food options, I recommended a suitable restaurant in Stadium City, while the others were able to buy whatever they liked at a supermarket. At Shiroyama Elementary School, the guests looked at the exhibits with great interest. They were particularly interested in the places where children had been affected and in how children are now carrying on the message of peace. At Glover Garden, the guests enjoyed the stories very much.

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Shibuya Excel Tokyu Meet up
    • 5:30 Toyosu Market
    • 7:10 Tsukiji Market
    • 8:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and they were very friendly and polite. They were on a two-week tour that included plans to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Sapporo. At the Toyosu tuna auction, we secured the best viewing position, and the guests were delighted to have captured wonderful videos. At Tsukiji Market, they picked up tamagoyaki, sashimi, yakitori, and eel, and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the outer market, finding the food delicious. At the end, we chatted at a café while listening to the Beatles, and the guests praised the tour as being very well organized.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Station/Toei Bus~Tsukiji 7-chome/Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00. Kobe Port Terminal
    • 9:30-11:00 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:30-12:30 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 13:00-13:30 Ikuta Shrine
    • 14:00-14:45 Lunch
    • 15:00-15:30 Nankinmachi, Daimaru

    What Can You See on a Private Kobe Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. At Nunobiki Herb Garden they enjoyed ice cream and walked to the mid-station. As they did not want to walk very much, we took a taxi to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where they listened attentively to the story of sake brewing. We returned by taxi to Ikuta Shrine, where a prayer ceremony happened to be taking place, and we observed the ritual. On the way to Chinatown we had ramen at Ippudo, then took a taxi to Chinatown and I introduced the underground shopping area of Daimaru. The original schedule had included a visit to Harborland, but since the guests did not want to walk, I confirmed the last shuttle bus and, as they planned to meet the rest of their group at Daimaru, we ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total420JPY

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

    Jul 11, 2026
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Rikugien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:45 Takeshita Street
    • 13:20 Lunch @ Harajuku Harakado Food Court
    • 14:20 Rikugien Garden
    • 15:15 Disband @ Hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Rikugien Garden The guest was a visitor from North America and was visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that they would be joining a group tour for the following days. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the difference between shrines and temples, and seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. Takeshita Street was a place the guest themselves had wished to visit, but since the shops were mostly aimed at younger visitors, they did not show much interest. At Rikugien Garden, they appeared to be impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I responded according to the guest's wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Ikebukuro210JPY
    Section 4TrainIkebukuro~Komagome200JPY
    Section 5TrainKomagome~Shinjuku210JPY
    Section 6SubwayShinjuku~Nishi-Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
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