Category: Uncategorized

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet up @ JR Kobe Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 13:40 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 3. 15:10 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 15:50 @ Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 5. 17:00 Disband @ JR Kobe Station Inbound Platform

    What's a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Motomachi Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. We met at Kobe Station and toured the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Sorakuen Garden, and the Kobe Motomachi shopping street, ending the tour back at Kobe Station. The weather was perfectly clear today, and we were able to enjoy comfortable sightseeing at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It became a bit warm when we arrived at Sorakuen Garden, and since the guests wished to do some shopping, we headed to the Motomachi shopping street early. At the shopping street, we walked almost from one end to the other, browsing the shops. The guests stopped by several stores and made some purchases. Following this route, we arrived at Kobe Station, and the tour concluded as I saw the guests off onto their train. Afterward, I received a thank-you message from the guests. They were very pleased with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKobe (Hyogo Prefecture)~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)320JPY
    Total640JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    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…

  • Hiroshima: Ground Zero / Atomic Bomb Dome & Knot Hiroshima

    Hiroshima: Ground Zero / Atomic Bomb Dome & Knot Hiroshima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 14:15 Move to Ground Zero / Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 14:25 Tour Ground Zero, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:00 Move to and stroll around Hondori
    • 16:50 Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:05 Stroll around Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:40 Move to The Knot Hiroshima
    • 18:00 Disband at The Knot Hiroshima

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report For this tour, many members of the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) staff provided a great deal of support. Although there were various challenges along the way, the fact that everything concluded in the way that gave the guests' group the greatest peace of mind was entirely thanks to everyone's efforts. It was unfortunate that one of the guests, who had most looked forward to visiting Hiroshima, was unable to come, but before departing Japan, we received a message through a messaging app saying, "It seems the group had a wonderful time in Hiroshima." I was also relieved to hear that another of the guests' back pain was gradually improving and that they were able to leave Japan safely. I was grateful as well for the prompt support provided by the CEO of [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/), who had visited Hiroshima just beforehand. Thank you all very much!

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit~Kamiyacho240JPY
    Section 2OtherKamiyacho-higashi~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Gotokuji Temple & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Gotokuji Temple & Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:50 Gotokuji Temple
    • 11:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40 Shinjuku
    • 14:30 Disband at Shibuya

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku The guests were visiting from North America. Since we had not been able to discuss the itinerary in advance, we decided on Gotokuji, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku when we met. They did not seem particularly interested in temples or shrines, but they appeared to enjoy the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Gotokuji, they searched hard for the cat carved on the three-story pagoda, though they were not especially taken with the many beckoning cat figurines. However, they were drawn to the shape of the pine trees within the temple grounds, so I brought up the topic of bonsai, and it turned out they had once owned a single potted bonsai, which made for a lively conversation. They also enjoyed seeing the surrounding residential area lined with ordinary houses. At the next stop, Meiji Shrine, I had a hard time with questions about the sake barrels, such as "Which do you recommend, and which is sweet?" The guests liked sweet Japanese sake, so at our final stop, the Isetan department store in Shinjuku, they purchased sweet sake and plum wine. In the end, they enjoyed Shinjuku the most today. It seemed they preferred modern places where they could shop rather than traditional Japanese sites. I thought that if they had told me so from the start, I could have rearranged the course, but surprisingly, visiting shrines and temples turned out to be worthwhile in its own way (even though their reactions were subdued). They carefully filmed videos of the 3D cat and the Godzilla performance, and in Kabukicho we walked the usual course and enjoyed shopping. This time, when the topic of hostess clubs and host clubs came up, the two of them reacted with a "not interested, only you" kind of feeling, laughing and hugging each other, which was heartwarming. Finally, they asked me to walk them back to their accommodation, so we left Shibuya Station and, at a pedestrian bridge near the accommodation, they shook hands with me and said, "Thank you, we had a great time," and we parted ways. (It had been a while since I visited the west exit of Shibuya Station, and it had changed again due to construction, which is always a challenge.) It was a hot day, but I was fortunate to be able to guide effectively by making good use of the shade, so it was not too exhausting.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Miyanosaka340JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyanosaka~Gotokuji160JPY
    Section 3SubwayGotokuji~Meiji-jingumae330JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Station & Daiba Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Station & Daiba Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting place: & Here Tokyo Ueno
    • 11:10 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 12:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 13:30 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:45 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:30 Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 15:30 Arrive Daiba Station
    • Daiba Odaiba
    • Aqua City and others
    • 16:30 Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Ueno Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Ueno Station

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting Japan for the first time, coming from Oceania. They were staying at a hotel near Ueno Station. They had arrived at Narita Airport the day before via a connecting flight and taken the Skyliner to their hotel. The evening before, they had explored the area around Ueno Station. They planned to stay in Japan for an extended trip, spending several days in Tokyo before traveling on to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. The following day they planned to spend the whole day at Disney Sea. For today, they said they wanted to "visit the main spots in Tokyo and get a sense of the transportation situation." It was a tour under clear skies, with weather warm enough to feel hot. They commented that it was "too hot compared to their home region." First, we went to Tsukiji. It was as crowded as ever. I explained the "history of the fish market since the Edo period," the "difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market," and the "tuna auctions." They asked and commented, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it really seems like there are many tourists." They said they wanted to try some food. In the end, they purchased and sampled "tuna sushi," "mochi with strawberry," and "matcha soft-serve ice cream." They also bought "wasabi peanuts" as a souvenir. We moved to Harajuku and went to Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." They asked questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?" A wedding ceremony was taking place, and they photographed the procession. We took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. We also strolled along Takeshita Street, but it was unpopular, as they said, "I don't like the crowds." We moved to Shibuya. After that, they viewed Scramble Square and walked across the crossing. They asked, "Why do so many people gather here?", "About how many people cross at once?", and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. After this, following their wishes, we went to Odaiba. After seeing the "Statue of Liberty" and the "Gundam statue," we walked around inside Aqua City. However, clouds had rolled in, so we were unable to get a clear view of the Tokyo cityscape. They made comments and asked questions such as "The trains are quiet," "The public restrooms are well-equipped and clean," "The streets are clean and free of litter," and "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?" I saw them off at Ueno Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUeno~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shimbashi180JPY
    Section 5TrainShimbashi~Daiba330JPY
    Section 6TrainDaiba~Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 7TrainShimbashi~Ueno180JPY
    Total1,590JPY

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

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel, walk from the hotel to Kanazawa Station
    • 13:15 Lunch at conveyor-belt sushi or McDonald's inside Kanazawa Station 13:55 Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen →
    • 14:10 Stroll around Kenrokuen → After the stroll, eat gold-leaf soft serve on the teahouse street
    • 15:10 Enter Kanazawa Castle Park through the Ishikawa Gate and stroll around →
    • 15:40 Head to Omicho Market through the Kuromon Gate →
    • 15:50 Stroll around Omicho Market, buy and eat strawberries
    • 16:15 Walk toward Kanazawa Station →
    • 16:30 Following Dad's suggestion, take a commemorative photo in front of the Tsuzumi Gate and end the tour

    What's a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and Omicho Market The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were on a 20-day trip covering Sapporo, Hakodate, Aomori, Sendai, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Tokyo. They had arrived in Kanazawa from Sendai the previous day and had visited the Nagamachi Samurai District and Oyama Shrine. In the morning they had done some accumulated laundry, so we started at 13:00. After a quick lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant on the second floor inside Kanazawa Station, with some of the guests grabbing hamburgers at a fast-food restaurant, the tour began. We took a bus to Kenrokuen Garden and strolled leisurely, then enjoyed gold-leaf soft-serve ice cream on the teahouse street. After that, we entered Kanazawa Castle Park through the Ishikawa Gate and walked around. Everyone was lively and listened attentively to my explanations. At the guests' request, we then went to Omicho Market through the Kuromon Gate of Kanazawa Castle Park. We browsed various shops and bought strawberries and bananas at a fruit stand, which we ate at Omicho Market. From Omicho Market we walked toward Kanazawa Station, and finally I explained the Tsuzumi Gate and we took commemorative photos to end the tour. When asked about the Pokemon Center, I explained its location at Kanazawa Station, and they said they would go to bed early tonight and stop by before catching the shinkansen after 11:00 the next morning.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Art House Project

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Art House Project

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • 09:06 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • on foot
    • 09:30~11:00 Benesse House Museum (including “Yellow Pumpkin” & Outdoor Art Works)
    • on foot
    • 11:15~12:00 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 12:15~13:45 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch)
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 14:17 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 14:27 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 14:33 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • 14:40~15:45 Art House Project
    • (Multi-Site Ticket is for five art houses, including "Kadoya", "Go'o Shrine", "Ishibashi","Gokaisho" and
    • "Haisha")
    • 15:50 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus (extra bus)
    • 15:55 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 15:57 Miyanoura Port [Say goodbye]

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Naoshima Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for guests visiting from Oceania. On this trip, they planned to spend time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Naoshima (with their accommodation near Uno Port), and Hiroshima in May. They had visited Japan several times before, coming to Niseko and Moiwa in Hokkaido for skiing. This time, instead of using the Benesse shuttle bus, they walked the entire way from Tsutsujiso to the Chichu Art Museum, stopping at art museums along the route, and both of them were energetic and had no trouble at all. They loved the atmosphere of the Chichu Art Museum. They also visited five of the Art House Project sites and were delighted to see the old traditional Japanese houses. It was a little warm, but we were blessed with good weather, and I believe they were able to fully enjoy their day on Naoshima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Nokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusNokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Total300JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 8:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 9:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 10:40 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 14:20 Gion/Hanamikoji ~ Hokan-ji Temple ~ Ninenzaka
    • 15:30 Dismiss at Sannenzaka

    Because the guests wished to avoid crowds as much as possible, the guided tour began early at 7:30 in the morning. As it was already well into their trip in Japan, the guests appeared a little tired, but they toured actively and happily took many photos. For lunch we had udon, and the guests were satisfied with both the atmosphere of the restaurant and the portion size. Since they had a tea ceremony experience reserved at Sannenzaka from 16:00, I saw them to the venue for the experience and concluded the tour there. The guests commented that they had a wonderful time, and they seemed very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo180JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo~Sanjo (Kyoto)180JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
    Section 6SubwayKeage~Higashiyama (Kyoto)220JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,530JPY

    Hello. I’m Ken. I spent my university years in Kyoto and I love the city. My hobbies include tennis, swimming, and windsurfing in the summer. I‘m also practicing the guitar. 

    Kyoto is a city with over 1000 years of history, and there are so many sights to see that it’s difficult to see everything in one day. My basic tour highlights popular spots that cover the main tourist attractions of Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion), allowing you to make the most of your time. Of course, it can also be customized to your preferences. I can suggest recommended spots based on your preferences, such as avoiding crowds or finding quiet places. Let’s create a plan together that will create wonderful memories! I look forward to meeting you!

    Jun 18, 2026
    fdorerabadia
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Ken-san!!
    We booked this full-day tour directly with JGA, and…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Chishaku-in

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Chishaku-in

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kyoto)
    • 7:30-8:15 Travel (on foot; Hotel→Keihan Shichijo, Keihan Train; Keihan Shichijo→Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 8:15-9:20 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (including bamboo forest)
    • 9:20-10:00 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu-Gojo, on foot; Kiyomizu-Gojo→Kiyomizu-dera)
    • 10:00-11:20 Visit Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:20-11:40 Coffee/ Ice Cream Break
    • 11:40-11:50 Travel (City Bus; Kiyomizu-michi→Higashiyama-Shichijo)
    • 11:50-12:40 Visit Sanjusangen-do
    • 12:40-12:50 Travel (on foot; Sanjusangen-do→Chishaku-in)
    • 12:50-13:30 Visit Chishaku-in
    • 13:30 Tour ends.   We said goodbye to the guests in front of Chishaku-in.

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. It was everyone's first time in Kyoto. I took them to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera (including the Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do), Sanjusangen-do, and Chishaku-in. They had also requested a visit to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, but since it was not possible time-wise, I took them to the bamboo path at Fushimi Inari instead. Since there were younger members in the group, I made sure to include a coffee break and ice cream break near the Yasaka Pagoda. Today was a holiday, and the approach to Kiyomizu-dera in particular was so crowded that it was almost impossible to move. Everyone seemed to have their own favorite spots, but overall Sanjusangen-do and Kiyomizu-dera were the most popular.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Shichijo/Queen Line~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Section 3BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama-Shichijo/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total650JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kodai-ji Temple On foot

    Kyoto in One Day: Kodai-ji Temple On foot

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Keihan Shichijo〜Fushimi Inari
    • 11:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Keihan Fushimi Inari〜Shichijo, Kyoto City Bus Keihan Shichijo〜Kiyomizu-michi Stroll around the entire temple from Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka
    • 13:10 Kodai-ji Temple On foot
    • 15:45 Nijo Castle Kyoto City Bus Higashiyama Yasui〜Higashiyama Sanjo, Subway Higashiyama〜Nijojo-mae
    • 16:20 Gion From Subway Nijojo-mae to Keihan Sanjo
    • Disband on site

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like Using Public Transport? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Anticipating their dietary needs, I had scouted restaurants in advance, but in the end they only enjoyed street food and did not use a restaurant. What they tried were a whole pickled cucumber on a stick, ice cream, and otabe. Since it was a group, we used public transportation, which allowed us to cover a wide area efficiently. The guests loved taking photos and captured commemorative pictures together at various spots, which made them very happy. Although the walking distance was quite long, everyone in the group did their best to keep walking, and I believe we were able to enjoy the kind of detailed sightseeing that is only possible on foot.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo180JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo Keihan-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainHigashiyama Yasui/Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainHigashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6TrainNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    Hello. I have a very friendly and fun personality. I can provide you with a tour that will create unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the real Japan together!
    I am very knowledgeable about Japanese restaurants and bars, and I can also provide information on sports events, cultural experiences, shopping, and more. In addition, I can guide you on a tour of various cities throughout Japan. I can also arrange visits to amusement parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and karate.

    Jul 16, 2026
    Love_traveling196
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Ken you are amazing
    We had a wonderful tour of Osaka with Ken today. He was…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Phong_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kenji, was…
    Our guide, Kenji, was outstanding. He took us…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kurama-dera Temple & Shimogamo Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Kurama-dera Temple & Shimogamo Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ JR Nijo Station
    • 10:50-12:00 @ Kurama-dera Temple
    • 12:00-13:00 @ Kurama-Kifune Mountain Trail
    • 13:00-14:15 @ Kifune Shrine
    • 14:50-15:30 @ Shimogamo Shrine
    • 15:30 Dismissal @ Kawai Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private Kurama and Kifune Hiking Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, together with one member of the group living in Kazaoka, and they had visited Japan many times before. Since one member of the group understood only Japanese, there were several occasions where I first explained in English and then repeated the explanation in Japanese for that person. One of the guests spoke very quickly and talked a great deal, often chatting with other tourists they met for the first time during the tour, so it was sometimes difficult to find the right timing to give explanations at each site. At Kurama-dera, we used the cable car for the ascent. From Kurama to Kifune, we walked along the mountain trail. Along the way, the gap between those at the front and those at the back grew large, so I moved back and forth between them to make sure no one got separated. In the end, the mountain hike alone took about an hour. At Kifune Shrine, the guests worshipped at the main hall, and afterward some of the guests did the water fortune-telling, so I translated the contents for them. At Shimogamo Shrine, the guests seemed interested in the story of the shrine's founding and its connection to the Imperial family. During the tour, I explained the proper way to purify oneself at the water basin at Kurama-dera, and it was memorable that from then on some of the guests kept wanting to perform the purification ritual at every water basin.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijo~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Demachiyanagi240JPY
    Section 3TrainDemachiyanagi~Kurama470JPY
    Section 4OtherFugenden~Tahoto Pagoda200JPY
    Section 5TrainKifuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Total1,600JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…