Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:30　Meet at Toyosu Market
    • 7:00　Arrive at Tsukiji Market. Stroll through the outer market. Enjoy breakfast and shopping.
    • 9:10　Head to Asakusa.
    • 9:30　Arrive at Asakusa. Visit Nakamise and Senso-ji Temple.
    • 10:30　Disband at Senso-ji Temple.

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Food Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toyosu, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The deciding factor for their trip was a wish within the group to try sushi in Japan. They had won the lottery to view the tuna auction at Toyosu Market, so the tour began after they finished watching the auction. After moving to Tsukiji, we strolled through the outer market, visiting a coffee shop, a strawberry daifuku stand, a knife shop, and a pottery store, where one of the guests took a liking to a Bizen-ware cup and purchased it. After shopping, we had breakfast at a sushi restaurant, but the sea urchin that one of the guests had wanted to try turned out to taste different from what had been imagined, so they enjoyed other items such as eel instead. After a light sushi meal, they enjoyed wagyu BBQ skewers and candied strawberries. As there was still time before the tour ended and the guests wished to visit as many sightseeing spots as possible, we took the subway to Sensoji Temple. We visited Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and Sensoji Temple, and the guests even tried drawing omikuji fortunes. The tour concluded in front of Sensoji Temple, where we said our goodbyes.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market／Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome／Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Tomoya

    Hello, and welcome to Japan.
    My name is Tomoya Kimura, and I will be your licensed guide for this tour.
    It is a great pleasure to meet you.

    I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification in February 2025.
    I am actively participating in professional training programs and have recently started my guiding work.

    Before becoming a guide, I worked for 13 years at a major Japanese trading company, specializing in international sales.
    I also lived and worked overseas for a total of five years in Germany and Thailand.
    Through that experience, I learned how to work closely with people from different cultural backgrounds, to understand their perspectives, and to build trust through clear and respectful communication.
    I believe these skills are equally important when guiding guests from abroad.

    I am also a passionate traveler myself and have visited around 40 countries so far.
    My particular interests are Shintoism, Japan’s hot spring culture, and regional food traditions.
    During our time together, I hope not only to show you places, but also to share the stories behind them like why hot springs are so important to Japanese people, and how local food cultures have developed over time.

    I always try to adapt my guiding style to each guest’s interests and pace, so that you can feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly enjoy your time in Japan.
    I hope this journey will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the places we visit.

    Thank you very much, and I look forward to spending a wonderful time with you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 18, 2026
    N9452DMrebeccaa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A beautiful day in Tokyo
    Tomo was wonderful and a great guide!

    Mar 30, 2026
    MarieC
    Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tomoya was a fantastic…
    Tomoya was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Kyoto Station
    • 2. 9:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 11:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 13:00 Dismissal @ Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market The guests today were a group visiting from Europe. We met at Kyoto Station and began the tour after proposing and agreeing on an itinerary that would cover Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji, ending with a farewell at Nishiki Market. One of the guests was on the autism spectrum, but they were able to enjoy the sightseeing without any issues. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we visited the shrine together, and even amid the crowds, the guests were able to walk slowly through the Senbon Torii and take many photos. The trip to Kinkaku-ji by train and bus was a little crowded with travelers, and there seemed to be some slight hesitation about it. At Kinkaku-ji, I explained the historical background along with episodes related to the temple, and the guests appeared to enjoy it. Finally, we took a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to Nishiki Market, which made for a smooth transfer. As it was time for lunch at Nishiki Market, that is where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total580JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Request Booking

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45: Meeting at hotel, running a little late, received contact from front desk. 9:12: Mita Station ~ 9:30 Toei Asakusa Station. 10:00: Tobu Asakusa Station ~ 11:49 Tobu Nikko Station. 12:10: Tobu Nikko Station ~ 12:25 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. 13:10: Tamozawa Memorial Park ~ 13:20 Lunch at Hotel. 15:20: Hotel ~ Taxi 15:29: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine. 16:47: Nishisando Entrance ~ Bus 17:05: Tobu Nikko Station. 17:44: Tobu Nikko Station ~ 19:35 Tobu Asakusa Station. 19:50: Toei Asakusa Station ~ 20:10 Mita Station. 20:15 Dismissal.

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at a hotel in Mita. The guests had only just arrived in Tokyo the day before and had very little Japanese cash on hand, so they tried to withdraw money with a credit card at a convenience store in Asakusa, but it did not work. Since we could not afford to miss our departure time, we decided to withdraw cash in Nikko instead. In the vehicle, I handed them an itinerary, an overview of Japanese history, and reference material explaining the difference between the Emperor and the Shogun. The travel agency had been slow to act and had not purchased the 9:30 departure limited express tickets I had specified. This meant that in Nikko we would need to charter a taxi to be able to visit Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Toshogu Shrine, so I confirmed that plan and the lunch location in advance. The guests were visiting from North America. Since Kegon Falls is less powerful compared with certain well-known waterfalls back home, I asked whether they would prefer to keep the original plan of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, or instead visit the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Their English-language guidebook introduced Tamozawa Memorial Park, so they preferred that option, and we decided on the spot to cancel the trip to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. At the station, I had them withdraw 20,000 yen. Their transit card balance was insufficient, so I had them top it up. We went to Tamozawa Memorial Park and toured the interior of the former imperial villa, which they found very interesting and which took quite a while. After also viewing the outdoor garden, we took a taxi to a historic hotel in Nikko and enjoyed a course lunch. Because of some dietary preferences, they had the fish main dish. They gave off a scholarly impression. To make the 20:00 seafood restaurant reservation in Shinagawa, the timing would not work, so during lunch I changed it to a 21:00 reservation for them. When settling the bill, a "surcharge 5%" appeared on the card payment. When one of the guests asked at the register what this was, the staff could not explain it and ended up phoning a supervisor. I pointed out to the supervisor that it is embarrassing for a hotel not to be able to explain a charge billed to guests. They apologized profusely, bowing deeply. It turned out that a 5% surcharge is added when foreign guests pay by card. At that moment there was a brief panic when a wallet could not be found; after searching everywhere, it was finally located in a pouch worn at the waist. Cards, dollars, and yen were all mixed together, and there were separate cards and loose coins in the pockets as well, so I suggested keeping the Japanese yen needed in Japan, a minimum of cards and dollars, and items not needed in Japan in separate wallets for better organization. Since this hotel has been used by many famous people, we looked at the many photographs of celebrities displayed there, including General Eisenhower, Einstein, the Wright brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, and others. We took a taxi to Toshogu Shrine, toured it, then went to Futarasan Shrine, and took a bus to Tobu Nikko Station. One of the guests wanted to buy whisky, so I asked at a souvenir shop for the location of a liquor store, and at the liquor store we found the rare Nikka "Taketsuru" whisky, which I recommended and which they purchased. The shopkeeper said in English, "Good whisky," noting that it is rarely available in the city and is sold without a premium, so many Japanese customers buy it. They were advised to drink it on the rocks. The cash they had exchanged came in handy here. In the vehicle, I wrote out on paper the train routes for the following day to teamLab in Azabu Hills, Ginza, Asakusa, and Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. At the same time, I handed over a list of places to visit in Hakone. When exiting the ticket gate in Asakusa, one of the guests went through without tapping the card, so I asked a station attendant to correct it. Back home, tapping is only required on entry and not when exiting, but I explained that Japan is like another planet, and they were convinced. Since they seemed anxious about returning to the hotel on their own, I did not part with them in Asakusa but accompanied them all the way to outside Mita Station. As a result, after dinner I did not get home until 22:20.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMita (Tokyo)～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Tobu Nikko1,400JPY
    Section 3BusNishisando Entrance (GSM)/Tobu Bus～Tobu Nikko350JPY
    Section 4TrainTobu Nikko～Asakusa1,400JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa～Mita (Tokyo)220JPY
    Total3,590JPY

    Tour Report by Akey

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

    Request Booking

    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & approach shopping street

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & approach shopping street

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at Miyajimaguchi Port. Brief self-introduction and briefing
    • 11:20　Arrive at Miyajima by ferry
    • 11:45　Walk along the coastline on foot, arrive at Itsukushima Shrine, sightseeing
    • 12:30　Visit Daisho-in Temple
    • 13:20　Guide to the restaurant Mametanuki for lunch and support with ordering
    • 14:10　Stroll through the approach shopping street
    • 15:00　Tour ends at the approach shopping street

    What Is a Private Miyajima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. As one of them walked at a slower pace, we proceeded at a comfortable speed to match. They were very interested in the history and scenery of Miyajima and took many photographs. After letting them know in advance that Daishoin Temple has many stairs, we decided to visit it. When we reached the area around the Kannon-do hall, it was a good time to head to the lunch venue. Since they had enjoyed okonomiyaki the previous day, they mentioned they would like a restaurant where they could try both oysters and conger eel, so I took them to such a place, and they were very satisfied. After lunch we strolled through the souvenir shops, and since the guests wished to look around the shops a little more on their own after the tour, I guided them until the tour end time of 15:00 and concluded the tour there.

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

    Tour Report by Woody

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Request Booking

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 11:00 @ In front of the central ticket gate of JR Sannomiya Station
    • 2. 11:30 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 13:50 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 4. Disband at 15:30 @ Nankinmachi

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Herb Garden, Sake Museum, and Chinatown Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. We met at JR Sannomiya Station and visited Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, and Nankinmachi (Chinatown), ending the tour in Nankinmachi. It was cloudy all day, but the roses at the Herb Garden were especially beautiful, and the guests happily took many photos. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, they eagerly learned about how sake is made and enjoyed a tasting of junmai daiginjo sake. Although the tour ran slightly over the scheduled time, we concluded in Nankinmachi, and the guests were very pleased.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe)110JPY
    Section 2OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Shin-Kobe～Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal))110JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)～Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)～Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)200JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: eyoko & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: eyoko & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Granbach Ginza
    • 10:30 Sakuradamon, Nijubashi
    • 11:30 Ameyoko
    • 12:10 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Hyugamaru
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Dismissal @ Harajuku

    What's a First-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America for their first day in Japan. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to Hakone, Osaka, and Kyoto before returning to Tokyo. Each of them had different interests, so the group's preferences were not entirely unified, but I made sure they could spend their time somewhat freely within the schedule. At Ameyoko, we stopped by a drugstore where they bought some cosmetics. At a confectionery shop, each of them picked out their favorite sweets. They tried some chocolate that one of the group recommended and enjoyed it very much. In Asakusa, one of the guests bought a kitchen knife. When I introduced a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant for lunch, they became interested and wanted to go in, so each of them enjoyed what they liked. Ordering verbally seemed to be a bit of a hurdle, so I felt it was helpful that I was there with them. By the time we reached Meiji Shrine, partly due to the humidity, the group was somewhat tired. One of the guests dedicated an ema votive tablet. After guiding them along Takeshita Street, I handed them a note with directions back to their hotel and ended the tour. The journey from Asakusa to Meiji Shrine is a long ride, but I sat beside one of the guests and we talked about many things. I believe moments like these are truly valuable.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae～Yushima180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: SENSO-JI TEMPLE & AMEYOKO

    Tokyo in One Day: SENSO-JI TEMPLE & AMEYOKO

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet at the 28th fl lobby in Conrad Tokyo
    • 9:45 1 SENSO-JI TEMPLE
    • 11:30　2 UENO PARK
    • 12:15　3 AMEYOKO
    • 13:30　see off at Conrad Tokyo

    What Is a Private Half-Day Tour of Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, I introduced myself and shared the proposed itinerary with the group. However, I received word the day before that a member of the group was feeling unwell, so I revised the itinerary. Furthermore, since that member of the group could no longer join the tour and would remain at the hotel, I made further significant revisions to the itinerary during the morning briefing at the hotel. Because the group wished to finish the tour early and return to the hotel to have lunch together once the member of the group had rejoined them, they expressed a preference to avoid traveling long distances. As a result, we narrowed the itinerary down to Asakusa and Ueno. The group enjoyed sampling dim sum at Ameyoko (recommended by an airline crew), and they were very pleased. I saw them back to the hotel and took my leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • At 4:41 AM, we received a cancellation notice due to the wife's poor physical condition.

    What Happens When a Tokyo Private Tour Is Cancelled at the Last Minute? A Licensed Guide's Report Having woken up at 3:30, receiving the cancellation notice just 19 minutes before the tour start time was tough. I provided information and left the Hotel at 5:15. For the exchange with the guests via messaging app, please refer to the "guest images during the tour" below.

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

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • 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

    • 9∶50 meet 10:11 depart Hakone-Yumoto by train 11:09 depart Gora by cable car to Sounzan by ropeway to Owakudani 12:00 by ropeway to Togendai 12:40 pirate ship 13:20 Motohakone-ko lunch after Hakone Shrine red torii gate 14:55 depart Motohakone by express bus arrive Hakone-Yumoto Station 15:25 15:30 disband

    What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like on a Foggy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia, and I had prepared a celebratory board for them. Visiting Japan had been their dream, and they were deeply impressed by how clean and how kind everything was in Japan. They also had a great interest in Japanese culture, and conversation started right away even while on the train, where another fellow traveler who happened to sit next to us joined in, and we all had an enjoyable time together. Unfortunately the weather was poor, and today not only Mount Fuji but even the ropeway was hidden in fog. Since they do not eat meat, we made up for it a bit with the black eggs, which were fine for them. The fresh greenery around the pirate ship on Lake Ashi was magnificent, and the guests said it reminded them of the scenery back home. For lunch we went to an Italian restaurant, where I shared some stories about kanji characters, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

    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

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    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…

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Pick-up at Shimizu Port → Chartered taxi → 13:50 Shiraito Falls → 15:00 Mount Fuji World Heritage Center → 15:50 Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine → 16:30 Japanese tea tasting at Tokiwaen Tea Shop → 18:00 Farewell at Shimizu Port

    What Does a Private Day Tour of Mount Fuji from Shimizu Port Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The day was cloudy, but Mount Fuji showed its clear form even from Shimizu Port, raising expectations for the tour ahead. At the first stop, Shiraito Falls, the guests exclaimed in admiration at the delicate beauty rarely seen among waterfalls around the world. At the next stop, the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, they eagerly pressed their shutters at the rare sight of a lenticular cloud forming directly above Mount Fuji. After Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine, the guests enjoyed a tasting of matcha and green tea at a tea shop in Fujinomiya City, and were delighted by the warm hospitality of the staff. It was a short but fulfilling day.

    Click here for more details: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaz

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

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    Sep 25, 2026
    scottrE3713WR
    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kaz was amazing! Great communication before…

    Aug 27, 2026
    H694KFjoannet
    Great Day in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

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

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