Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Kyoto Meet-up
    • 8:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:15 Stroll around Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshin-do
    • 9:35 Stroll around Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine ~ Gion Hanamikoji Street
    • 11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:10 Daitoku-ji Temple Daisen-in, Ryogen-in
    • 13:00 Lunch at Tonkatsu Katsurai
    • 14:00 Disband at Tonkatsu Katsurai

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests visiting from North America. They were traveling to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although it was unfortunately rainy today, we started early, so the guests were able to enjoy Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Gion while they were not too crowded. At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) was so crowded that we could not move forward, and since the guests said they would return on another day, we headed to Daitoku-ji Temple. It was wonderful that the guests could take their time and fully enjoy the gardens of Daisen-in and Ryogen-in at the Zen temple Daitoku-ji, with almost no one else around. I believe they enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 3SubwayKyoto~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 4BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Daitokuji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusDaitokuji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Himeji Station 13:00 → Himeji Castle 13:50 → Kokoen Garden 15:20 → Himeji Station 16:40

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. This was a stopover tour in Himeji on the way from Nara to Hiroshima, and I had spoken with the guests several times in advance to settle on a route covering Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. I had been looking forward to it, but unfortunately it rained. Since the places where we could take our time explaining were limited, I set aside a little time on the station deck and inside the indoor Egret Himeji facility to explain the geography and historical background before we started moving. After Himeji Castle, the guests still wanted to visit Koko-en Garden as planned. So, even while getting wet in the rain, we visited all of the gardens.

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

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour start
    • Travel by foot to Kiyomizu-dera
    • AM 09:20-10:40 Kiyomizu-dera tour
    • Travel by foot & train to Sagano Arashiyama
    • AM 11:30- PM 14:00 Bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji tour Light meal
    • Travel by train to Nishiki Market
    • PM 14:40 Tour ends at Nishiki Market upon guest's approval

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. While some of the group had been to Tokyo several times before, this was their first visit to Kyoto, and for others it was their first trip to Japan. Although it rained, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was not very crowded, and the guests were positive about this and pleased, which was a relief. The bamboo grove in Sagano also seemed a little less busy than usual. Afterward, the rain became quite heavy, so I consulted with the guests and, instead of the originally planned Fushimi Inari, we decided to take our time visiting Tenryu-ji Temple. They were able to sit inside the main hall and enjoy the garden slowly, and they said it allowed them to relax. After that, I took them to Nishiki Market, and the tour came to an end. This private day tour of Kyoto was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijo220JPY
    Section 3TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 5TrainShijo-Omiya~Karasuma170JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Kyoto in One Day: Itinerary confirmation & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Itinerary confirmation & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet
    • 9:10 Itinerary confirmation
    • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:15 Lunch
    • 14:00 Arashiyama
    • 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:45 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour for guests visiting Japan for the first time. Because the guests had many places they wished to visit, we discussed the plan again at the meeting point. It rained all day and the weather was unfortunately poor, but the guests enjoyed each of the destinations we visited. The guests had gathered information through social media, and there were several moments where my value as a guide was genuinely tested. With honesty as my motto, I shared both the good and the not-so-good points, and the guests told me that this was exactly the kind of candid opinion they had wanted to hear. Since lunch took some time to be served, I extended the tour to complete the itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total720JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (9:00) → Travel by taxi → Motoyasu Pier (9:05) Travel via World Heritage Sea Route (9:30) → Miyajima (10:15) → Itsukushima Shrine (10:30) → Lunch (11:00) → Daisho-in Temple (12:00) → Travel via World Heritage Sea Route → Peace Park (13:25) → Call a taxi and disband (13:25)

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had traveled to Tokyo, Aomori, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and had also spent several days in Hiroshima, where they had already visited the Peace Park, the museum, and Shukkeien Garden. It was near the end of their trip. They had thoroughly enjoyed their travels in Japan and seemed genuinely sad that they would soon be returning home. It was rainy and cold today. Since one of the guests needed extra care, I made sure to walk slowly and be attentive throughout the day. They brought an instant camera and took photos of Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate. After lunch, we had originally planned to go to the Omotesando shopping street, but since they seemed to have done plenty of shopping the day before, we changed the plan and visited Daishoin Temple instead. We then returned to the Peace Park via the World Heritage Sea Route, called a taxi to take them to their hotel, and said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima2,400JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I am a licensed childcare worker, a certified junior high and high school English teacher in Japan, and a guide interpreter licensed by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government.
    Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

    Jul 5, 2026
    568jettek
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mayajima
    Yoko Shimida was our guide on July 5, 2026 to…

    Jul 3, 2026
    X2480VKlizc
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima tour
    Yoko was well knowledgeable and catered to…

    Jun 18, 2026
    fdorerabadia
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Yoko-san!
    We booked this full-day tour directly…

  • Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of primary and intermediate wholesalers in advance
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe 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 1. Tour Highlights and Guest Reactions The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan from North America. This was their second visit to Japan; the previous trip had centered on theme parks such as Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios, chosen to prioritize others' requests, so this time the guest enjoyed traveling alone and selecting only the places they personally wanted to visit. As someone who catches and cooks yellowfin tuna at home, the guest was very interested in the tuna auction, how the fish is handled, and how it is distributed. They asked many questions, and I was able to share some behind-the-scenes stories about the intermediate wholesalers that I do not usually explain, which they were delighted to hear. After the auction, the guest enjoyed a breakfast of an all-tuna sushi course at a sushi restaurant. They were impressed at how the careful handling of the tuna preserves its freshness and flavor, saying it was completely different from the tuna they catch themselves back home. I then guided the guest to a familiar intermediate wholesaler at Tsukiji, where they selected three packs to take back to their accommodation to eat: an assortment of lean, medium-fatty, and fatty bluefin tuna, an assortment of bigeye tuna, and some cut-off pieces. The guest asked the shop owner to hold the order aside so they could pick it up after the tour, and the shop kindly agreed. Since the wholesalers only accept cash, however, the guest hurried to an ATM to withdraw money. 2. Other Comments, Notes, and Requests About half of the people who come to watch the tuna auction are themselves anglers who also cook. This time as well, I learned about fishing rigs and techniques from such an experienced angler, which broadened my knowledge as a guide and made for a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

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

    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!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Hotel Kyoto & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30. Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:00-10:40. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:10-11:50 Nijo Castle
    • 12:10-13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:20-14:00 Lunch
    • 14:30-15:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I introduced the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, then we moved on to Nijo Castle, where there seemed to be fewer visitors than usual, perhaps due to the heavy rain. Following the driver's advice, we visited Kinkakuji before lunch, and then had lunch at a ramen restaurant. The guests told me the food was very delicious. We walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove path, passed by Tenryuji Temple, and headed to the parking area, where I let the guests decide whether to go to Nishiki Market or return to the Hotel. In the end, they chose to return to the Hotel, and the tour concluded there. At Tenryuji Temple, many flowers were in full bloom, looking wonderfully beautiful even in the rain. The wisteria was beginning to bloom as well, and since the guests grow wisteria at home, the conversation became quite lively. The guests were pleasant and well-mannered, and it was a very enjoyable tour.

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

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Port – 9:20 Hakodate Station – 10:00/11:45 Mount Hakodate – 12:45/14:00 14:00 Goryokaku – 14:30/14:55 Hakodate Morning Market – 15:00 Hakodate Station

    What Is a Cruise Port Day Trip in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The cruise ship docked at the port pier, which is some distance from Hakodate Station, so we took a taxi to the front of Hakodate Station. We bought a one-day pass, took the streetcar to Suehiro-cho, and began a hike up Mount Hakodate. The guests were energetic and full of energy. On Mount Hakodate, various spring flowers had begun to bloom, delighting our eyes. The weather was fine, so the view from the summit was superb. For the descent we took the ropeway, then boarded the streetcar and went to Goryokaku Park to see the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms at Goryokaku were at their absolute peak right then. They were deeply moved to have hit the roughly one-week peak viewing period of the cherry blossoms so perfectly. They had been planning this trip for about two years and were amazed at how fortunate the timing had turned out. After fully enjoying the cherry blossoms, we ate sashimi and seafood rice bowls at the Hakodate Morning Market. Afterward, I guided them to the taxi stand and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHakodate Station Front~Suehirocho Station, Goryokaku Koen Station800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. I was born and raised in Kagawa( south of Japan) and have lived in Hokkaido for about 30 years. I started guiding in 2016. Ever since,
    I’ve been loving it. I have guided big and small size groups in Hokkaido, Honshu(mainland), Shikoku(where I was born) and Kyushu(southern island). I would like to show you my country. Let me share stories that will enhance your understanding of Japan. There are a lot of things to see and do in Japan. I would like to do my best to make your time in Japan safe, enjoyable, memorable and meaningful.

    Apr 23, 2026
    Julia_B
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wow!
    This was a wonderful tour. Yumi was punctual, polite, knowledgeable and…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Minato Mirai & Motomachi Shopping Street

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Minato Mirai & Motomachi Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 11:10 Minato Mirai
    • 11:40 Red Brick Warehouse
    • 12:10 Yamashita Park, Hikawa Maru
    • 13:00 Break at cafe
    • 13:30 Yokohama Chinatown
    • 14:40 Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Disband at Ishikawacho Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was a bit disappointing with light rain, but as a result the sites were not crowded, which allowed me to guide the guests at a relaxed pace. The guests were visitors from North America, and we proceeded smoothly along the route we had agreed upon in advance. They were very interested in the history of Yokohama, showing particular interest in the history of the port opening and the role of the ship Hikawa Maru. After a break at a café along the way, we visited Chinatown and the Motomachi shopping street, and I then guided them to Ishikawacho Station so they could return to their hotel, where we parted ways.

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Travel to Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Observe the tuna auction & Travel to Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

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

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji Sushi and Tuna Auction Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour experience and guest reactions The guests were a close-knit family based in North America. They were impressed by how systematically the tuna auction proceeded and by how clean every part of the market was kept. They were surprised that the auction for a single tuna finished in about five seconds, and remarked that Japanese people seem to be efficient and precise in everything they do. One of the guests had always avoided sushi made with raw fish. Others in the group encouraged that person, saying that authentic Japanese sushi does not have a fishy smell. After consulting with the head chef, we started with cooked toppings first. They tried boiled tiger prawn and crab meat, followed by eel and conger eel, and once they realized how special the chef's sushi was, they moved on to marinated tuna sushi. The chef's marinade softened the flavor of the lean tuna, and they enjoyed it greatly, finishing with medium fatty tuna shared from within the group. Fully satisfied, they smiled and said they had become a big fan of sushi. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests I was moved by the skill of the head chef, who turned a guest who disliked raw fish into a big fan of sushi. He always serves delicious sushi and kindly accommodates guests' slightly particular requests, such as wanting extra wasabi served separately or wanting medium fatty tuna served gunkan-style, always with a smile. He tells me it is because we have known each other for a long time, and he is always a great help. I am grateful for the fun of the tuna auction and the deliciousness of the chef's sushi.

    Transportation cost per person

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

    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!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…