Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 9:30-Miho no Matsubara ~ Kashi no Ichi ~ Yume Terrace 12:30-Sunpu Park 14:30-Port 16:00

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour from Shizuoka's Port to Miho no Matsubara and Sunpu Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests from North America at the port without any trouble and we headed to Miho no Matsubara. The entrance to the observation rooftop at Mihoshirube had apparently been changed to a location next to the restroom, which was a little confusing, but we made our way up and enjoyed a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. The riverside market was very crowded, so we bought sushi to take away. After that, we headed to Yume Terrace, where the views of Mount Fuji and the azaleas in the garden were magnificent and truly wonderful. The guests had also hoped to tour the Tamiya factory, but unfortunately it was closed on Sunday. Thinking the double-flowered cherry blossoms might still be in beautiful bloom, we headed to Sunpu Park with the sushi we had bought. The cherry blossoms were indeed still in full bloom, which was a relief. While taking in the lovely scenery, the guests enjoyed delicious sushi and fully savored spring in Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHatoba Fährkähler Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line~Miho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 2BusMiho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line~Shimizu Station / Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
    Section 3TrainShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Higashi-Shizuoka200JPY
    Section 4BusHigashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line~Nihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 5BusNihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line~Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 6TrainHigashi-Shizuoka~Shizuoka150JPY
    Section 7TrainShizuoka~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 8BusShimizu Station / Shizutetsu Just Line~Hatoba Fährkähler Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Total2,710JPY

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Odawara Station→Hakone-Yumoto Station→Hakone Tozan Railway→Gora Station→Ropeway→12:00 Owakudani→13:20 Togendai (Lunch)→Pirate Ship→15:15 Hakone Checkpoint→Tokaido Cedar Avenue→Hakone Shrine→Bus→16:30 Say goodbye at Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour from Odawara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at Odawara Station at 9:30 and headed toward Owakudani via the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, and the ropeway. Although the day was cloudy, the guests were delighted to see Mount Fuji from the ropeway. After taking many photos, they enjoyed the black eggs they had been looking forward to. After making the most of Owakudani, we passed through Togendai, and aboard the pirate ship the guests seemed captivated by the lush green scenery along the shores of Lake Ashi from the deck. We then followed the classic route of the Hakone Checkpoint, the Tokaido cedar avenue, and Hakone Shrine, and took commemorative photos in front of the Peace Torii Gate. The guests thoroughly enjoyed springtime in Hakone.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Hakone-Yumoto Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Gora Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassGora Station~Sounzan Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassSounzan Station~Togendai0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTogendai Port~Hakonemachi Port0JPY
    Section 6Free PassMoto-Hakone~Hakone-Yumoto0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Brandon2116
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Personalized Tokyo Experience
    Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…

    Mar 29, 2026
    Stacy_A
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…

  • Kyoto: to 10:20      Kofukuji Temple & to 12:10       Nigatsudo Hall

    Kyoto: to 10:20 Kofukuji Temple & to 12:10 Nigatsudo Hall

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
    • 09:40 to 10:20 Kofukuji Temple
    • 10:20 to 10:40 Nara Park
    • 10:40 to 11:40 Todaiji Temple
    • 11:50 to 12:10 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:30 to 13:10 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 to 14:10 Lunch (conveyor belt sushi) at Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • 15:00 to 16:00 Shopping at AEON Mall Kyoto
    • 16:00 Dismissal at JR Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Nara and Kyoto Tour Like When Guests Prefer Shopping? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they were coming to Nara, I thought they might be interested in shrines and temples, but that turned out not to be the case. I then wondered if they had come to interact with the deer, but that was not really the reason either. During our casual conversation, they mentioned wanting to buy sneakers, and that they had bought so many souvenirs that they no longer fit in their luggage and wanted to buy a larger travel bag. So although we had originally planned to visit the Heijo Palace Site after lunch, we returned to Kyoto and went to an AEON Mall in Kyoto instead. They enjoyed shopping happily at stores such as UNIQLO and ABC-Mart.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Tambabashi320JPY
    Section 2TrainTambabashi~Kintetsu Nara680JPY
    Section 3BusKintetsu Nara Station/Nara Kotsu~Todaiji Daibutsuden・Kasuga Taisha-mae/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 4BusKasuga Taisha Honden/Nara Kotsu~Kintetsu Nara Station/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 5TrainKintetsu Nara~Kyoto760JPY
    Total2,260JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Egret Himeji Rooftop & @ Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Egret Himeji Rooftop & @ Koko-en Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:15 @ Himeji Honmachi Shopping Street (Lucky Cat Shop)
    • 13:45 Disband @ Food Court inside JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like for European Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Europe. The tour proceeded smoothly, though one of the guests found communication in English somewhat difficult, so the other guest translated the guide's explanations. One of the guests mentioned having visited Himeji about twenty years earlier. When the guide explained that Europe and Japan have had a very deep relationship since long ago, the guests fully agreed, noting for example that words such as "pan" (bread) and "tempura" come from their language. In addition, at Himeji Castle, when the guide explained that matchlock guns were introduced from Europe in the 16th century, one of the guests immediately pointed out "Tanegashima." At each spot, the guests listened attentively and with great interest to the guide's explanations. At a local shop, the guests revisited a popular handmade maneki-neko (beckoning cat) store that the guide had recommended, and purchased several items as souvenirs after the tour. They also wished to buy Japanese sake, which they did at a local supermarket. Before returning to Kyoto, they wanted to have a light meal, so at the food court inside Himeji Station the guide recommended the locally popular "eki-soba" (Chinese-style noodles with Japanese broth) and Akashi-style takoyaki (eaten with broth), after which we parted ways. Both guests were very fond of Japan and treated me warmly and kindly, for which I am deeply grateful. They kindly invited me to visit their home country, and at our final farewell they even gave me a hug.

    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…

  • Hiroshima Local Food Tasting & City Tour

    Hiroshima Local Food Tasting & City Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at the Ujina Port waiting room, greetings and confirmation of the schedule
    • 09:00 Travel to Peace Memorial Park by shuttle bus
    • 09:30 Arrive along the Honkawa River on the west side of Peace Memorial Park
    • 09:40〜10:20 First, we went to the hypocenter as requested. Visited each monument in the park. Around this time the rain began to fall harder, and since some guests did not have umbrellas, we entered the Atomic Bomb Museum a bit early.
    • 10:30〜11:30 Toured the Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 11:40 Since it was exactly lunchtime, I asked where they would like to go.
    • As they had mentioned from the beginning, they requested bamboo shoot cuisine. When I consulted Mr. Hamano, the person in charge at SOGO, I found out that it could be eaten at a Japanese restaurant in SOGO, so we headed to SOGO.
    • 11:50〜12:50 They enjoyed bamboo shoot cuisine.
    • 12:50〜14:30 They purchased Japanese-made cosmetic tools, and in the basement they enjoyed sweets such as momiji manju.
    • 15:00 Escorted the guests to Ujina Port and completed the assignment.

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained all day. Some of the guests did not have umbrellas, so umbrellas were purchased for them, but with the poor footing, the visit to the outdoor park was cut short early. At the Atomic Bomb Museum, the guests went through the full exhibit. Since it was relatively early, there were fewer visitors and I think they were able to move through smoothly. From the Atomic Bomb Museum we went to the rest house and took a short break. We were able to have a nice conversation. After that we went to the SOGO department store. At the SOGO department store, we met with the person in charge of the guests and talked about the bamboo shoot cuisine and the plans after the meal. The guests enjoyed the bamboo shoot cuisine they had wished for. It was very delicious. They were very pleased to be able to eat bamboo shoots. After lunch, they purchased Japanese-made nail clippers, tweezers, and brushes. Then we went down to the basement level and they enjoyed tasting momiji manju. After that, around the time they had gelato, it was just the right timing, so I escorted everyone to the shuttle bus stop. They were very pleased, saying that it was wonderful to be able to enjoy a full course of bamboo shoot dishes and that they had done some good shopping. Since cruise guests report on famous places in various regions before visiting Hiroshima, I felt that many of the guests were more interested in shopping.

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting with Concierge
    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Roldan_T
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Harry was an great and informative guide.
    Harry was…

    May 10, 2025
    jonathan_R
    Really great tour. …
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Really great tour. Hisashi or…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:50 Meet at hotel shuttle to Gora Station 12:30 Cable car to Sounzan 12:50 Ropeway to Owakudani 13:25 From Owakudani to Togendai 13:55 Pirate ship to Motohakone Port and disembark Stroll along Lake Ashi Lunch at Fukazu Soba Stroll to the Red Torii Gate Return to Hakonemachi Port 16:35 By bus 17:00 Get off at Hotel shuttle Board at 17:10 and disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour with Mount Fuji Views Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America for a leisure trip. They had already completed Kyoto and Nara, and would head to Tokyo the following day. Their main goal in Hakone was to see Mount Fuji. Perhaps thanks to the noon start, the full view was visible from both Owakudani and Moto-Hakone, and the guests were delighted to take many photos and videos, which I believe made a wonderful memory. I also prepared a celebration board and captured it in a photo. The peony cherry blossoms happened to be in full bloom, so we photographed those as well. However, perhaps due to fatigue, on the pirate ship I introduced the first-class section, but they relaxed and fell asleep. Over a lunch of soba, they enjoyed my little kanji lesson.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • After meeting at the hotel at 2 PM, walk to the former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick), Clock Tower, Odori Park, and TV Tower Observation Deck, then take the subway to Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine, then subway to Odori, return to the hotel at 6 PM

    What's a Private Sapporo Cherry Blossom Tour Like in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit family visiting from North America. Since the cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the time, I guided them to Maruyama Park, a famous cherry blossom spot. Although it was a cold day at 8°C, they were used to the cold and did not mind at all. There were also cherry blossoms in the front garden of the Hokkaido Government Former Office (the Red Brick Office), and the guests were delighted, as they had not expected to still be able to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Some of the guests had been to Tokyo before, but it was everyone's first time in Hokkaido, so they were looking forward to the food. I recommended local dishes such as seafood restaurants and Genghis Khan (grilled mutton).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Maruyama Park210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Park~Odori210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hi, my name is Toshie Nagai, please call me Tracy! I have been working as a tour guide for about 10 years in Hokkaido.
    I myself love traveling and I have been to many different places both domestic and overseas and made good memories with my family. I would provide you a personalized tour so you will be able to experience various activities and make wonderful memories. Hokkaido has four distinct seasons that you cannot experience in other places in Japan. I assure that you will be able to enjoy natural beauty and delicious food in Hokkaido.

    May 16, 2025
    CLAUDE_B
    Excellent
    Viator review: Otaru & Yoichi Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Sapporo
    Paysages de montagnes encore enneigées et de…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Tower & Former Soma Family Residence

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Tower & Former Soma Family Residence

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hakodate Port Terminal
    • 9:50 Goryokaku Tower
    • 10:30 Goryokaku Park
    • 12:10 Former Soma Family Residence
    • 13:30 Guide to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and end the tour

    What Is a Private Cruise Port Day Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America, arriving by cruise ship. The city of Hakodate was in full cherry blossom season, and many domestic tourists had also gathered there. Even after purchasing tickets at Goryokaku Tower, there was a long line and it took quite a while to board the elevator. The weather was fine, however, and Goryokaku in full bloom was beautiful. The guests took many photographs. Inside Goryokaku Park, some people were even securing spots for cherry blossom viewing. After Goryokaku Park, we went to the former Soma Family Residence. The streetcar was extremely crowded with tourists. Since the Soma Residence still had few visitors, we were able to look around at a leisurely pace. One could sense the greatness and wealth of the founder of the Soma family. The cruise ship visible from the garden looked beautiful, so we took photographs. After that, I guided the guests from Motomachi Park to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, and the tour ended. The photograph was taken at Goryokaku Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIn front of Hakodate Station~In front of Hakodate Station800JPY
    Total800JPY

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

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo: GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA & Fukagawa Edo Museum

    Tokyo: GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA & Fukagawa Edo Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
    •  • Travel by taxi to Asakusa
    • 10:30-12:40 ASAKUSA area
    •  •They enjoyed browsing and shopping for local crafts and souvenirs.
    •  •Coffee break along the way
    • 12:50-13:50Lunch break
    •  •Upon request, they enjoyed sushi. At Sushisen Kaminarimon branch
    •  •After finishing, moved to Fukagawa by taxi
    • 14:10-15:00 Fukagawa Fudodo
    •  •Travel by taxi
    • 15:00-15:40 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 15:50-16:20 Fukagawa Edo Museum
    • 16:20 Tour ends
    •  •Arranged a taxi to return to the hotel and parted ways.

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Fukagawa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They spent two full days in Tokyo, then planned to head to Kushiro by cruise, and afterward continue on to other destinations. They had just arrived in Tokyo after two days of travel, but they seemed very energetic. That said, we walked slowly and took plenty of breaks as we went around. Their request was to visit many traditional craft shops in a quiet setting. Since there was no single ideal place that satisfied both wishes, I deliberately chose Asakusa. We avoided the crowded parts of Nakamise and instead visited the craft shops scattered along the side streets on both sides, strolling along the shops on Orange Street. We looked at folding fans, inden (deerskin products), kimono, obi, Japanese tenugui cloths, Edo kiriko cut glass, kitchen knives, combs, chests and other woodcraft items, textile products, bunko leather goods, washi paper, ukiyo-e prints, beckoning cat figurines, and ceramics. Many of the shops were not crowded at all, so I believe the guests were satisfied. Since we were going to Fukagawa Fudoson in the afternoon, we skipped the main hall of Sensoji. For lunch, sushi was requested, so we went to a sushi restaurant. It was nice that the craftsmen's work could be seen even from the table seats. In the afternoon, the guests immersed themselves in Buddhist culture at Fukagawa Fudoson, strolled through a Japanese garden at Kiyosumi Garden, and experienced life in the Edo period at the Fukagawa Edo Museum. I believe they were satisfied. For your information, at Fukagawa Fudoson, an admission fee of 1,000 yen is required for foreign tourists. The notice was posted in a rather inconspicuous place, so we entered without noticing it and were then approached by a staff member.

    Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
    Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
    During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
    After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
    My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
    I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
    I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
    I can’t wait to meet you!

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  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Gracery Asakusa
    • 2. 9:15 @Asakusa (Senso-ji Kaminarimon, Azuma Bridge)
    • 3. 10:15 @Shinjuku (3D electronic billboard, Godzilla Head, Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Isetan basement food floor)
    • 4. 11:00  @Harajuku (Meiji Shrine First Torii Gate, Takeshita Street, Omotesando, Cat Street)
    • 5. 12:00 @Shibuya (Miyashita Park, Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Pepper Parlor)
    • 6. 12:45 @Takanawa Gateway (station building, inside the Mon The museum of narratives building, light meal)
    • 7. 14:30 @Zojo-ji Temple
    • 8. 14:45 @Tokyo Tower
    • 9. 15:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Imperial Palace Outer Garden)
    • 10. 15:30 @Tokyo Station (station building, station square)
    • 11. 16:00 @Akihabara (Yodobashi Akiba)
    • 12. 17:00 @Senso-ji Temple (Hozomon Gate, Nakamise Street)
    • 13. 17:15 Disband @inside Kurodaya Main Store (beside Kaminarimon)

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like? Shinjuku, Takanawa Gateway, Akihabara & Asakusa — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They had already traveled through Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Hakone, with Tokyo being their final sightseeing destination in Japan. Up until Hakone, they had been traveling with some of the guests visiting from North America, but from Hakone onward the group continued on their own. For this reason, the tour was initially registered for four participants, but in the end two joined. Because they were arriving in Shinjuku from Hakone the day before the tour, during our prior discussion they mentioned that covering Shinjuku on this tour would not be necessary. However, they happened to be up on the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building when an earthquake occurred, which delayed them, and as a result they were unable to see anything in Shinjuku. Since they wanted to see the 3D digital billboard cat and the Godzilla head, I guided them there. Perhaps their expectations had been high, as they shared an impression along the lines of "So this is the famous…". Still, in Kabukicho, Golden Gai seemed to satisfy them in the sense of having confirmed a much-talked-about spot. In response to their wish to see places related to technology, I guided them not only to Akihabara but also to Takanawa Gateway Station and its surrounding commercial facilities. During our walk we encountered delivery robots and security robots. At MoN Takanawa, The Museum of Narratives, they enjoyed lying on the 100-tatami-mat space while watching drone footage of cherry blossoms from various parts of Japan, and took photos on the stepping stones floating in the rooftop pond. For lunch they requested something light, so at a stylish bakery inside NeWoman they each bought what they liked and finished their meal on a free bench. One of the guests enjoyed a mentaiko French bread. In Akihabara, after quickly showing them the atmosphere of the area, they were looking for mobile-phone-related goods, so I guided them to Yodobashi Akiba. They did not find anything they liked and did not make a purchase. On the way back to their hotel in Asakusa, we took the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara, and since the route from the arrival point to the hotel led through the grounds of Sensoji Temple, I was able to explain about Sensoji as we walked. Finally, they wished to buy Japanese-style bookmarks as souvenirs, so we found bookmarks at Kurodaya Honten beside Kaminarimon, and we said our goodbyes there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza Line Asakusa Station~Kanda Station700JPY
    Section 2TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Shinjuku210JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Takanawa Gateway210JPY
    Section 5TrainTakanawa Gateway~Hamamatsucho160JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Kasumigaseki Station0JPY
    Section 7TrainTokyo~Akihabara160JPY
    Section 8OtherAkihabara~Asakusa210JPY
    Total1,650JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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