Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sightseeing at Sanjusangendo & Leave Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Sightseeing at Sanjusangendo & Leave Yasaka Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Meet up @ Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
    • 8:25-8:40 Shimogyo Ward General Government Building → Museum Sanjusangendo-mae Bus 230 yen
    • 8:45-9:30 Sightseeing at Sanjusangendo
    • 9:40-9:51 Museum-mae → Kiyomizu-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 10:00-10:50 Sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera via Sannenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:00-11:50 Sightseeing at Kodai-ji
    • 12:00-12:10 Stroll around Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:10 Leave Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:20-12:50 Stroll around Gion Shirakawa and Hanamikoji
    • 12:55 Move by taxi from in front of the Hotel
    • 13:40 Disband @ Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama District Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I guided them through Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, Kodai-ji, and the Gion area. Since lunch was not required, we focused solely on sightseeing. At one point one of the guests became notably quiet, and I worried whether I had said something inappropriate, but it turned out to be a lack of sleep due to jet lag. On the taxi ride back, one of the guests left a sunglasses case behind, but I happened to remember the driver's name, so once again I was able to trace it through the receipt and successfully recover it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShimogyo Ward General Government Building/Kyoto City Bus~Museum Sanjusangendo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusMuseum Sanjusangendo-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel to Nijo Castle by taxi

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel to Nijo Castle by taxi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto
    • 13:15 Travel to Nijo Castle by taxi
    • 13:30 Sightseeing ①: Tour of Nijo Castle
    • 14:10 Travel to Kinkaku-ji by taxi
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ②: Tour of Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:30 Travel to Heian Shrine by taxi
    • 15:50 Sightseeing ③: Tour of Heian Shrine
    • 16:40 Travel to "Rental Kimono Shop" by taxi
    • 17:00 Tour ends and disband at "Rental Kimono Shop"

    What Can You See in a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour by Taxi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America, sightseeing during their trip. Prior communication about the destinations was handled through one of the guests. The guests' requests for places to visit were extremely clear: "Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Heian Shrine." The only issue was fitting these three sites into a short 4-hour course, as they were quite far apart from one another, and public transportation would have taken too long to complete within the time frame. So I proposed to the guests, "Would it be all right to use taxis on the spot for moving between destinations?" and they replied that taxi transfers would be fine, which allowed us to stay within the time limit. On the day, the forecast was for cloudy weather all day with rain starting in the evening, but there was only a slight drizzle at Heian Shrine at the end, and we were able to complete the tour safely as planned. According to the original plan, we were to return to the hotel at the end, but since one of the guests needed to return the rental kimono worn during the tour, we had to go to a rental kimono shop near Shijo Street, where the tour concluded.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Gifu: Takayama Jinya & Higashiyama Walking Course

    Gifu: Takayama Jinya & Higashiyama Walking Course

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Starting the tour at the meeting point
    • 9:10 Takayama Jinya
    • 10:20 Sanomachi Suji
    •   (Onoya Brewery:Miso)
    •   (Oita Sake Brewery:Sake)
    • 11:10 Miyagawa Morning Market
    • 11:40 Lunch
    • 12:30 Kusakabe Folk Museum
    • 13:15 Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
    • 13:45 Sakurayama Hachiman-gu Shrine
    • 14:15 Higashiyama Walking Course
    • 14:40 Takayama Museum of History and Art
    • 15:00 Conclusion of the tour at the last site

    What Is a Private Walking Food Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In the old townscape, in front of an incense shop, I asked the guests if they were interested, and they seemed to have had an interest for some time, so they selected and purchased products with scents they liked. At a miso shop, they enjoyed sampling miso soup and tasting doburoku, which I introduced as an old style of sake, and at a sake brewery they savored the difference from refined sake (seishu). At the morning market, the guests enjoyed sampling treats at a long-established local traditional sweets shop that I introduced, and purchased some souvenirs. For lunch, at a restaurant serving regional cuisine, the guests enjoyed dishes made with local traditional ingredients such as hoba miso and komo tofu, together with local craft beer. Afterwards, at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, the guests enjoyed the visit while asking questions with interest about topics such as how local residents are involved in the organizations of the float groups.

    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English).
    I have lived in Takayama city more than 30 years and worked for the city office, mainly at sectioin of cultural preservation and at local museums. So, I’ve enjoyed learning about traditional lifestyles and peopple’s history of Takayama and its surrounding areas for last few decades. Let’s enjoy them while you are walking with me! I would like to take you to popular spots such as Takayama Jinya, a national historic landmark, and old town atmosphere, morning markets, and The Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall in the city. And I also take you to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kamikochi, a famous mountain resort as well.
    I love to communicate with foriegn visiters and share our Japanese traditonal ideas with you!

    May 24, 2026
    benhJ5330ZF
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Enjoying a morning in Takayama
    Micasa was an excellent and knowledgeable…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Abbie_O
    Viator review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent Tour
    Micasa was an excellent tour guide.…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Richard_S
    Viator review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Connection to Japanese history and culture
    An exceptional…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Jon_S
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Cold Weather, but Warm Tour Guide
    Our tour guide, Micasa-san, had…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Great Buddha of Kamakura & Komachi Street

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Great Buddha of Kamakura & Komachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kamakura Station West Exit. After meeting, we used the station restroom, so our departure was slightly delayed
    • 10:35 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 11:15 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:10 Lunch @Asabaya Honten
    • 13:50 Hokokuji Temple, drank matcha
    • 15:00 Komachi Street
    • 15:10 Disband at Kamakura Station

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Kamakura? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was good, calm and sunny throughout the day. After meeting the group at Kamakura Station, we headed to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, but since some of the guests moved slowly, our pace was quite relaxed. At Hasedera Temple, part of the group waited near the entrance. After returning with the rest, we took photos in the garden. At Hokokuji Temple, all of the guests were able to stroll through the bamboo garden together and enjoy matcha at the tea house, which was very pleasant. We had planned to visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine after Hokokuji Temple, but as the guests were tired, we stopped briefly at Komachi Street to buy some souvenirs before parting ways at the station. Tip received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus240JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus240JPY
    Total880JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: to 15:00    Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kabin Taka
    • 11:20 to 12:30 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 13:00 to 13:40 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 14:10 to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:40 to 16:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:30 Disband at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Today's guests were a group visiting from Asia. They had reportedly been drinking until late the night before, and there was a request to change the start time from 10:00 to 11:00, though we ended up starting at 10:30. It was unclear how the misunderstanding had arisen, but the guests seemed to have expected that this tour included a vehicle, and that the tour fee covered facility admission fees. There were several miscommunications, and the mood during the tour was not especially cheerful. It was not possible to fully restore the mood by the time the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Omiya/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo Omiya~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total480JPY

    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 in One Day: 12-30 Eat soba in Yanaka & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: 12-30 Eat soba in Yanaka & Rikugien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Leave the hotel
    • 10:00 Guided tour of the azaleas and thousand torii gates at Nezu Shrine
    • 10:40-11:40 Stroll around the temples and old residential streets of Yanaka
    • 11:40-12-30 Eat soba in Yanaka
    • 13:00-13;40 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:00-14:40 Rikugien Garden
    • 15;00 Disband in Shibuya

    What Can You Do on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Yanesen, and Rikugien The guests were a group visiting Japan. Their preferences did not align, and the itinerary was not decided until the day before departure. I considered finalizing the plan at the Hotel on the day itself, but the representative asked me to decide, and when I presented the itinerary I had prepared, everyone agreed on it. The azalea festival was near its end and many of the flowers had already fallen, but the guests were delighted by the thousand torii gates. What they enjoyed most was the stroll through the Yanesen area. A soba restaurant I know was also well received. The guests were very satisfied with the Imperial Palace and Rikugien Garden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOtorii~Nezu570JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagi~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Sengoku220JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome~Shibuya260JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:15 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 11:30-12:30 Tsukiji Market Lunch
    • 13:00-14:00 Asakusa
    • 14:30-15:10 Walk from Ochanomizu to Akihabara
    • 15:10 Akihabara
    • 16:00 Disband at Akihabara

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour from Tokyo's Hamarikyu to Akihabara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan on a trip. From a hotel near Shimbashi, we walked to Hamarikyu Gardens, where they were very intrigued by the falconry-related exhibits. After enjoying lunch in the crowded Tsukiji area, we took a leisurely walk through Asakusa. For a Saturday, the crowds were relatively light, so we were able to take our time viewing the three portable shrines (mikoshi) housed behind Asakusa Shrine. In response to the guests' request to see ordinary city life, we walked slowly from Ochanomizu to Akihabara. At Kanda Myojin Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony, and the guests were moved to see a bride dressed in a white shiromuku kimono. From the Otoko-zaka slope, we headed to Akihabara. After introducing gashapon machines and retro games, we visited a card game shop, which was the main highlight of the day. Our time ended here, so I confirmed the way back with the guests and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Asakusabashi180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusabashi~Ochanomizu160JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan!
    I obtained a national tour guide license back in 2001, while I have been busy teaching English full time for many years. Since 2018 I have enjoyed guiding guests from all over the world.

    I live in a western suburb of Tokyo, so I can guide you around the wider Tama area as well as central Tokyo. I love introducing visitors to both the famous highlights and the hidden gems where you can take wonderful photos and experience authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, I enjoy sharing stories about Japanese history, traditions, and daily life.

    I once worked in Australia as a teacher of Japanese language, which gave me many opportunities to communicate with people from different cultures.
    I also enjoy golf — I even traveled alone to the UK for a golf tour.

    I look forward to guiding you and helping your time in Japan both enjoyable and memorable.

    Apr 27, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend!
    This was the first thing we did in Japan, it…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Beverly_S
    Viator review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Amazing walking tour. The guide customizes…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Claudia M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Grosartige Tour mit tollem Guide Masa
    Wir haben diese Tour als…

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Chishakuin

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Chishakuin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet (@the Onyado Nono Shichijo)
    • 12:00-13:00 Lunch (@restaurant inside Kyoto Station)
    • 13:00-13:30 Travel (on foot; Kyoto Station→Sanjusangendo)
    • 13:30-14:30 Visit Sanjusangendo
    • 14:40-15:40 Visit Chishakuin
    • 15:40-16:00 Travel (on foot; Chishakuin→Higashiyama Shichijo bus stop)
    • 16:00 Tour ends  Said goodbye to the guests in front of the bus stop. (The guests headed to Gion for their next appointment)

    Title: What Happens When Guests Change a Kyoto Private Tour on the Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a senior group visiting from Europe (although the list indicated three people). We had agreed in advance on an 8-hour tour from 9:00 to 17:00, with a planned itinerary of Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and a restaurant reservation had already been made. However, on the morning of the tour, when I arrived at the guests' hotel, I received an email from the guests requesting a change to the tour start time (from 9:00 to 12:00) and a change to a shorter tour. This sudden request was because they had accumulated fatigue during their trip and wished to rest in the morning. Since the restaurant reservation had already been made, I very much wanted to avoid a same-day cancellation, as it would damage trust, but I waited until the restaurant's opening time and then requested the cancellation. As they had requested a shorter tour, I took them to Sanjusangendo and Chishaku-in, which were not too far from the hotel. Since they had a reservation for the Miyako Odori show in Gion starting at 18:00, I guided them to a bus stop from which they could reach Gion, and we parted ways there.

    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 !

    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.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
    • 9:08-9:15 Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi Inari, Keihan 240 yen
    • 9:20-10:20 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:28-10:59 Inari → Saga-Arashiyama, JR 240 yen
    • 11:10-12:10 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryu-ji, Bamboo Grove Path, Kimono Forest, etc.)
    • 12:20-13:10 Lunch @ Gyatei
    • 13:23-13:48 Arashiyama → Kitano-Hakubaicho, Keifuku Electric Railway 250 yen
    • Kitano-Hakubaicho – Kinkaku-ji-michi 230 yen
    • 14:00-14:40 Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji
    • Travel by taxi
    • 15:15 Dismissal @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. Since one of them did not speak much English, I communicated through the other, who kindly translated. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and then we moved on to Arashiyama to visit the Bamboo Grove Path and Tenryu-ji Temple. Lunch was at the usual restaurant, Gyatei. I was surprised to see them pour pudding over their rice, which they said is a North American style. After lunch, we traveled via the Randen tram and bus to Kinkaku-ji. They found it fascinating that someone would renovate their own residence to build something like this to remain after their death. It made me realize how many different sets of values there are in the world.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Hotel Sunroute Ginza (5 min from Kyobashi Station, Metro Ginza Line) Meeting Point Ginza Street Stroll Kabukiza Theatre Tsukiji Outer Market Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 1015 Imperial Palace Outer Gardens Tatsumi Watchtower Gyoko Street Marunouchi Building Pine Piles Tokyo Station
    • 1115 Akihabara 
    • 1215 Asakusa Azuma Bridge Kaminarimon Gate Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
    • 1315 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Asakusa Report The guests were from Europe, having arrived in Japan for the first time the day before. They were very active, and on the previous day they had made their way on their own to Skytree and TeamLab Planets. After Tokyo, they planned to travel around Mount Fuji, Nagano, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. They were very enthusiastic about taking photos, so the clear weather was most welcome. At Tsukiji, they initially seemed interested in melon, but in the end they enjoyed ichigo daifuku. Since I had not been able to confirm in advance what they were interested in at Akihabara, I first took them to Radio Kaikan. They mentioned that they had been asked to find the latest version of a certain video game, and when I searched for it, it turned out to be available at a shop, so I guided them there. Only the Japanese version was available, but that was fine with them and they purchased it. Even more, they were captivated by an early 1980s Game Boy they found along the way, which cost just under 20,000 yen, and they added a Mario game and bought that as well. They were even more delighted with this find. When they had gone to Skytree the day before, it seemed they had approached from the Oshiage side, and they were delighted with the view from Azumabashi. After the guided tour ended, the guests said they would also look for a souvenir for a young member of their group, so we parted ways within the grounds of Sensoji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Akihabara160JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Total520JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…