Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Monday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon & Ueno Park

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Monday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon & Ueno Park

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Monday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon
    • 8:50 Asakusa (Green Planet, Kagetsudo)
    • 10:00 Reserve children's Welcome Suica and round-trip Kyoto Shinkansen at JR Ueno Station
    • 10:30 Ameyoko (edible insects, Futatsuki confectionery, Tokudaiji)
    • 11:00 Ueno Park (Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Great Buddha, Hanazono Inari, Ueno Toshogu, Pokemon manhole, Benten-do)
    • 12:00 Break up at Hinazushi

    What Is a Private Morning Tour of Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a family visiting from North America on a private tour of Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo. At the guests' request to save time and travel during quieter hours, we moved the meeting time up to 8:00 and focused the itinerary on Asakusa and Ueno. We headed to Asakusa on the Toei Asakusa Line, and we were lucky because the Ginza Line was suspended during that same time slot. Since it was a family outing, everyone enjoyed taking photos poking their faces into the holes of the usual white monument, the Green Planet, in Asakusa. As it had only just turned 9:00, Nakamise Street was empty and we reached the Hozomon Gate in no time. Being able to walk before the crowds and before it got hot was thanks to the guests' good judgment. Regarding the omikuji fortune slips, after explaining that there is about a 40% chance of drawing "bad luck," everyone in the group gave it a try. Three drew "great luck" and two drew "bad luck," exactly as I had described, so everyone was oddly convinced and took a commemorative photo holding their omikuji together. As it turned out, there was no restaurant at their hotel, and no place to have breakfast around the hotel either, so they had told me they had a light meal at a convenience store. I took them to Kagetsudo, and when they tried the melon bread, everyone smiled and said, "This is delicious." One of the group did not have a Suica card, so we purchased one at Ueno Station. Also, when asked about booking Shinkansen tickets, I recommended smartEX, but for some reason their credit card would not be accepted, so I was thanked for being able to arrange the reserved round-trip seats to Kyoto as well. At Ameyoko, the group was very curious about the sweets at Futatsugi, and when asked, "What are famous sweets in Japan?" I was at a loss because there are so many kinds and everyone has different tastes, but I recommended "Hi-Chew and Takenoko no Sato." They said, "We already bought Hi-Chew, so let's get Takenoko no Sato," and they also bought many other things. This is something that really divides people into fans and non-fans. We walked through the shopping street on the way there and under the elevated tracks on the way back, occasionally stopping at shops that caught their interest. In Ueno Park, the Pokemon manhole cover was the most highly rated spot (the Ueno Great Buddha remained low-rated as usual). Finally, I took them to Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace, where various kinds of lunch can be enjoyed. Although they showed interest in okonomiyaki and tonkatsu, they seemed to love sushi so much that they could eat it every day, so we parted ways at Hina Sushi. Today was a very hot and humid day, so thanks to the guests' judgment, having the tour in the morning was a great help.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet
    • 9:10 Itinerary confirmation
    • 9:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:15 Arashiyama
    • 11:45 Snack break
    • 13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:00 End

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Four Sites by Taxi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. The booking was made through a travel agency, and they had requested visits to four locations. Since the sites were spread out from east to west, I had asked in advance about using a taxi. At the meeting point, I confirmed their wishes once more and guided them to all four locations. As Kyoto was to be their only day of sightseeing, they wanted to see everything. I made a point of not rushing while still keeping things moving efficiently. They were traveling to celebrate a milestone in the family. The weather was lovely, and the guests were pleased with every place we visited.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Inari610JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia
    • 9:20-9:40 Yasaka Shrine
    • 9:50-11:30 Hanamikoji, Kenninji Temple
    • 11:45-13:00 Lunch
    • 13:20-14:00 Takashimaya
    • 14:10-14:40 Nishiki Market
    • 15:00 Kyoto Station

    What's a Relaxed Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Nishiki Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. As they wanted to explore at a relaxed pace, we skipped Kinkaku-ji and the Higashiyama district and focused only on Gion, Shijo Street, and Nishiki Market. We took a bus to Gion, prayed at Yasaka Shrine, then walked along Hanamikoji and visited the Gion Art Museum before heading to Kennin-ji, where we took our time exploring. For lunch, since they had never been to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, I took them to a conveyor-belt sushi spot where we enjoyed the games as well. I introduced them to the food floor in the basement of a department store, then we headed toward Nishiki Market, prayed at the Tenmangu Shrine, and shopped at a vintage kimono store. They liked it very much and purchased a haori, then we went to Nishiki Market. We took the subway back to Kyoto Station, where the tour ended.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station Front／Kyoto City Bus～Gion／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2SubwayShijo (Kyoto City)～Kyoto220JPY
    Total450JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation in advance of related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Private Tsukiji Tuna Auction and Sushi Breakfast Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family group visiting Japan from Europe. The group was very interested in the tuna auction and asked many questions, which really helped to enliven the atmosphere of the tour. They were amazed to see the auction proceed at a pace of roughly five seconds per tuna. For breakfast at a sushi restaurant, they ordered an "omakase" course, a "tuna-focused" course, and a "tuna and salmon course," respectively, and enjoyed the fresh sushi. All of them seemed to favor the seared fatty tuna (aburi toro) the most. At Tsukiji, thanks to a familiar wholesaler of mine, I was able to obtain special permission for the guests to photograph a fresh whole tuna (around 170 kg) before it was cut, which delighted them greatly. In addition, one of the guests carefully examined Japanese knives at a Japanese knife shop and purchased a specially made santoku knife.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8∶45meet 9∶01Gora Station cable car to
    • Sounzan Station ropeway Owakudani　10∶05 ropeway Togendai　10∶45pirate ship11∶２５Moto-Hakone　Hakone Shrine red torii gate　12∶00by bus to Hakone Checkpoint Ruins　Maruyama Bussan　Donburi Chaya lunch　13∶35Hakonemachi Port by bus to Kowakidani14∶13via train Chokoku-no-Mori Station　explain how to get to the museum, how to return to the hotel, and tomorrow's route to Odawara Station, then14∶25disband

    What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like for First-Time Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. A central purpose of the day was to celebrate a school graduation milestone within the group. I created a celebration board, took photos, and gave the board to them as a gift. The group had a certain familiarity with Japan and showed great curiosity about the country, so during lunchtime I talked about shrines, temples, how they relate to our daily life, and the story of kanji characters. I think hearing these things from a guide gave a different flavor than hearing them from family. Everyone ordered the dishes they wanted for lunch and finished their meals completely. The Odawara-Hakone Yosegi marquetry woodwork was novel to them, and the presentation drew enthusiastic applause. They purchased several trick boxes. Since Mount Fuji was not visible today, I recommended that they try again by going up to Owakudani the following day when they would have time, and they were very enthusiastic about doing so.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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

    Request Booking

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @ Hotel Grand Bach Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:25 Stay @ Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
    • 4. 10:45 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:20 Stay @ Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Outer Market
    • 6. 12:00 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 13:45 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 14:45 Stay @ Takeshita Street, Cat Street
    • 10. 15:30 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11. 15:40 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station

    What Does a Private Tokyo Day Tour Including Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from North America. One of the guests enjoyed conversation very much, and we chatted happily throughout the tour. Everyone already had Suica cards, so we were able to move around smoothly. Since the guests seemed to like Shibuya and Harajuku, I planned the itinerary so that we would visit Senso-ji Temple in the morning, have a meal in Tsukiji, and then take our time viewing the Scramble Crossing. As we talked, I learned that the guests were interested not only in Takeshita Street but also in Cat Street, so after visiting Meiji Shrine, we decided to walk from Harajuku to Shibuya. We had a lively conversation about the brand shops along the way. After arriving in Shibuya, I showed them the Scramble Crossing, and we ended the tour with about a 30-minute extension.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total640JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station Central Gate & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station Central Gate & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30　Kyoto Station Central Gate
    • 10:30　Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:00　Saga Toriimoto
    • 11:30　Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 12:00　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:30　Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 13:00　Lunch (Saga Arashiyama Bunkakan Cafe)
    • 14:30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30　Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji I guided a group visiting from North America. Because this was an urgent request, I was only able to reach the guests the day before the tour, and at their request we planned to visit the Atago Kaido area and Fushimi Inari. However, while on the train heading to Arashiyama, they asked me what I thought about also visiting Kinkaku-ji. Considering the geography, I recommended combining Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji as is usual, so we changed Fushimi Inari to Kinkaku-ji. At Atagonenbutsu-ji, they enjoyed the wonderfully distinctive rakan statues, and during the roughly 20-minute walk to Jojakko-ji, they were very fond of the peaceful scenery along the Atago Kaido. At Jojakko-ji, they were delighted to take in the beautiful garden surrounded by fresh green foliage. Afterward, we visited Tenryu-ji and then had lunch at a nearby cafe, and they liked the atmosphere inside as well. In the afternoon we visited Kinkaku-ji, where they showed strong interest not only in the beauty of the Golden Pavilion itself but also in Horai Island floating in the Kyoko-chi pond. At the final farewell, they gave me a hug and said, "It was a wonderful day, thank you," and they appeared very satisfied. Along the way I was able to hear many different stories, and it was a very enjoyable tour for me as well.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Total470JPY

    Tour Report by Umi

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

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

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

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:30 Zuihoden　14:30 Sendai City Museum　15:30 Sendai Castle Ruins　17:00 Pokemon Tohoku Center

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because the itinerary included historical sites, I was initially concerned that guiding them might be challenging, but they stayed engaged throughout the tour. Toward the end, I suggested taking them to a place selling character goods, and their eyes lit up immediately; as soon as we arrived, they rushed into the shop together. We used the Sendai Loople Bus, a public transportation service, and on the way back there were few other passengers, so everyone was able to find a seat.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSendai Station～Sendai Station630JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by KOH

    Hello. My name is Kohmin Iwabuchi, but please call me KOH for short. I have been working as a tour guide for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited hundreds of scenic spots, but there is one place I will not go. Guess what is it? That’s the top of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I can climb the mountain, but it’s hard for me to guide people while climbing.

    I am interested in traditional sports in Japan, particularly sumo wrestling. Sumo is time honored sports. We can trace its origin back to some thousand years ago. First it was played as an entertainment in a Shinto shrine. The rule of sumo is simple. The match is played by two participants in a ring. If any parts of the body of one of the participants except the sole touches the ground or he was pushed out of the ring, he will be defeated.

    The appearance of sumo wrestlers is very traditional, because their samurai like hairstyle “chonmage” originates from feudal ages.

    Unlike boxing and wrestling, there are no weight restrictions or classes, meaning that your opponent can be many times your own size. As a result, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training. Personally my weight is about 200 pounds which enables me to be a sumo wrestler.

    Sumo wrestlers live in a sumo stable. It’s the place where they eat, drink, train and sleep together. In greater Tokyo area, there are about 40 sumo stables, many of which are located in Ryogoku area. A small number of stables welcome people to come and see the morning practice. I hope some day I can visit there with you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 18, 2024
    OnAir13534982348
    Tour curated to my family’s interests!
    Tripadvisor review: Takachiho Gorge Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Koh contacted me ahead of…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Hamamatsucho (5 min from JR Hamamatsucho Station North Exit) Meeting
    • 1035 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1245 Otemachi, East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 1430 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1600 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1615 Dismissal after crossing the intersection

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report A travel agency was involved in this booking and arranged everything before finally sharing the guests' email address, but I was unable to reach them directly. Since my messages on the messaging app were marked as read, I believe the essential information had been communicated. The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. They had arrived three days earlier and had explored the area around their hotel and watched a baseball game at Tokyo Dome. Today was the first day with a guide. They planned to stay two more days in Tokyo, travel around the Kansai region, then return to Tokyo before flying home. As a budget-conscious group, they were interested in Skytree and Tokyo Tower but hesitant given the overall budget. For reference, I introduced them to the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. In Asakusa, they enjoyed treats such as candied strawberries, and at a knife shop they purchased a kitchen knife. They also bought a daruma and a good-luck charm for the children's studies. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, this knife became an issue, and one of the guests was unable to enter and waited outside, though they understood the situation. (I cannot deny my own lack of foresight here, and I will be more mindful in the future.) On Takeshita Street, they became absorbed in gashapon machines, which took a little time. In Shibuya, they planned to visit the Pokemon shop at PARCO and the One Piece shop at Magnet, which I had introduced, so we parted ways after crossing the scramble intersection.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    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…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Chion-in Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Chion-in Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Dhawa Yura Kyoto Meet up
    • 11:00~12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30~13:30 Shoren-in Monzeki　
    • 13:40~14:10 Chion-in Temple
    • 14:20~14:30 Yasaka Shrine, stroll around Gion Hanamikoji then disband

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Shorenin, and Chionin The guests were visitors from North America, and one of them had visited Japan once before, about eight years earlier. This time they came purely for sightseeing and leisure, arriving in Kyoto after traveling through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Koyasan, Nara, and Osaka. First, we visited Nijo Castle, and while I explained the historical transitions of the Tokugawa shogunate up to the return of political power to the emperor, they were deeply impressed by the Karamon Gate, the wall paintings and carvings of the Ninomaru Palace, and the gardens, taking many photographs. At Shorenin, there were few tourists, and they sat on the veranda of the Kachoden, gazing at the garden and enjoying a moment of tranquility. There were also buildings connected to the imperial family, which they toured with great interest, ringing the bell of the belfry to offer a prayer. Finally, we visited Chionin, where they received a goshuin seal and offered prayers at the Amida Hall.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojomae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojomae～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…