Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: the Imperial Palace  Nijubashi & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: the Imperial Palace Nijubashi & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up
    • 10:20-11:00 the Imperial Palace Nijubashi
    • 11:15-11:50 Omotesando & Takeshita Street
    • 11:50-12:50 Meiji Jingu
    • 13:00-13:30 Shibuya
    • 13:30-14:00 Lunch @ Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Family-Friendly Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America with a young child. They shared that they love Japanese anime, manga, and games. The child enjoyed walking on the lawn in front of the Imperial Palace, so the tour was paced to match the child's needs. Since the guests were very much looking forward to shopping, I took them around Harajuku to check out sneaker shops and vintage stores, and we agreed they would return for shopping after the tour. Takeshita Street and Shibuya were less crowded than usual, which made it easy to walk around even with a child. When I mentioned that it was quiet today, the guests were very surprised. They also loved the atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, and since shrines appear in anime, they listened to my guiding with great interest. They enjoyed the Shibuya crossing and their first bowl of ramen.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShintomicho (Tokyo)~Sakuradamon180JPY
    Section 2TrainNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total550JPY

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:30~10:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:45~11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:00~12:50 Nijo Castle
    • 13:10 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from North America who arrived in Kyoto via Osaka the previous day. At Sanjusangendo, they were overwhelmed by the sense of presence of the roughly 800-year-old building and the National Treasures: the 1,001 statues of Kannon Bodhisattva and the 28 attendant deities. We discussed the social conditions of the time when the statues were made, as well as the concept of the Latter Days of the Dharma. In front of the principal image, they offered a coin and put their hands together in prayer. At Fushimi Inari, they also worshipped following the Shinto procedure. They were moved by the vermilion torii gates covering the entire Mount Inari and took many photographs. At Nijo Castle, they gazed intently at the Karamon Gate, the buildings of the Ninomaru Palace, the fusuma paintings, the transom carvings, and the depiction of the shogun meeting with the feudal lords at the return of political power to the Emperor. In the Ninomaru Garden, they marveled at what a wonderful garden it was, feeling an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. I saw them off at Nishiki Market, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Shichijo180JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Total960JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 8:30 From Peace Park Motoyasu Pier to Miyajima via the World Heritage Route
    • 9:15 Arrive at Miyajima
    • Itsukushima Shrine, historical buildings, Omotesando Shopping Street, etc.
    • 11:30-12:15 From Miyajima to Peace Park Motoyasu Pier via the World Heritage Route

    What's a Private Miyajima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. As they had some concerns about walking, I made sure to choose the flattest possible routes throughout the tour. Since one interest of the guests was making wooden furniture and various tools, we spent a lot of time appreciating Miyajima's traditional crafts and its various wooden rice scoops. With the cherry blossom season having ended and no large cruise ships in port, Miyajima was relatively quiet, and I believe the guests were able to slowly enjoy the pleasant, spring-like weather.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park Motoyasu Pier~Miyajima Port2,400JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Jul 31, 2026
    Helene R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Experienced guide Hiroshi
    Hiroshi was a great experienced…

    Jul 26, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
    We went…

    Jul 17, 2026
    oswaldom406
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
    We had an absolutely wonderful…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Jennifer L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Hiroshi is…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:20 Meet up @ Executive House Zen, Hotel New Otani Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 Move: Subway
    • 3. 11:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 11:25 Move: Train
    • 5. 11:30 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 12:30 Move: Train
    • 7. 12:55 Lunch @ Aen
    • 8. 14:20 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 9. 15:15 Move: Train
    • 10. 15:45 Disband @ Hotel New Otani The Main Entrance

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Older Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group who were professional musicians. Their accommodation was a "hotel-in-hotel" located inside a Hotel, which I visited for the first time on this occasion, but since I received frequent messages from the guests, we were able to meet up smoothly. Considering the guests' age, I allowed for longer stays at each spot. I had originally planned to conclude the tour by taking them to Asakusa after strolling through Shinjuku Gyoen, but because the fatigue of a long journey had set in and they wished to return to the hotel early, we exited Shinjuku Gyoen through the Sendagaya Gate, took the Sobu Line and got off at Yotsuya Station, and I walked them to the Hotel before parting ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagaya~Yotsuya160JPY
    Total660JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 09:30-11:00 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, visit Shima
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:30-PM12:15 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:15-13:00 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, view Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Guided Tour of Kanazawa Like, Including Higashi Chaya District and Kanazawa Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Europe. During the meeting at the hotel, they mentioned that the next day would be a travel day, and they asked how to get from Kanazawa to Takayama, but they had not yet made any bus or other reservations. Just to be safe, I checked with the bus company and found that the buses to Takayama were already fully booked. Only the bus to Shirakawa-go had a little availability, so I arranged a reservation for them. Because of this, the start of the tour at Higashi Chaya District was slightly delayed, but the tour proceeded smoothly and the guests enjoyed each of the places we visited. They had visited Kanazawa Castle the day before, and they were pleased that having a guide helped them understand it even better.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokutetsu Bus~Hashibacho/Hokutetsu Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho/Hokutetsu Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokutetsu Bus220JPY
    Total440JPY

    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: By taxi from Saga-Arashiyama & Return to hotel

    Kyoto in One Day: By taxi from Saga-Arashiyama & Return to hotel

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 10:15 By taxi from Saga-Arashiyama
    • 10:30 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 12:50 Light meal in Arashiyama
    • 13:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Return to hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Asia. Since we were unable to have a planning discussion until the night before, and they requested Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, which are not visited very often, I was not able to do a preliminary site visit, and I got a little lost on the way back, for which I apologized. We visited these two temples and Kinkaku-ji, but walking was slow and a great deal of time was spent taking many photos, so although we had also planned to visit Ginkaku-ji as one more stop, there was simply not enough time. The guests enjoyed the tour quite a bit, but the pace seemed a little tiring given the long walking distances. Because I had no chance to do a preliminary site visit, I was unable to plan things smoothly, which was unfortunate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTambaguchi~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Nishioji-Gojo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusNishioji-Gojo / Kyoto City Bus~Omiya-Gojo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Hello. I’m YUASA Katsura. Call me just K(Kei). I have been a national government licensed guide interpreter since 2024. I am also teaching English at a university in Nara, so I’m good at explaining even complicated things plainly so that everyone can understand. I hope you will choose me if you would like to learn about Japanese history and traditional culture. I can not only guide you to major tourist sites such as Golden Pavillion in Kyoto and the Great Buddha in Nara but also introduce you hidden gems in Kyoto and Nara. I’m fascinated with charms of these ancient cities. Let’s make your travel to Japan enjoyable and memorable together.

    Jul 29, 2026
    Charlotte_C
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kei was a wonderful guide…
    Kei was a wonderful…

    May 23, 2026
    allenk947
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoughtful tour with excellent support and service
    The experience and…

    Mar 11, 2026
    K
    ketchbaw
    Great Guide excellent Tour recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent Guide fun Tour…

    May 1, 2026
    C3857WLstevenk
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    My wife and I had a 4hr private tour with…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 In front of Asakusa Kurodaya Main Store
    • 11:40 Purchase matcha at Kaminari Issa Nakamise Store
    • 12:00 Ginza
    • 12:40 Tsukiji
    • 13:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 15:40 Disband at Shimbashi Station

    Title: What's a Private Ginza, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who arrived in Tokyo via Seoul. Because the assignment came just three days in advance, they contacted me right away, and since they were interested in shopping, markets, and gardens, we quickly settled on Ginza, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu. The day before, they had asked, "We'd like to buy matcha as a souvenir — do you know a good place?", so first thing on the day I introduced a tea shop in the Nakamise shopping street, where they each bought two of the "Gin" matcha and two green teas. One of the guests remarked that "in France, 30g costs 30 euros, which is expensive," and at Hamarikyu they said the matcha was "completely different from French matcha" and were very pleased. This shop also includes a small souvenir, so it is well regarded. In Ginza, I kept it to a simple introduction of the shops so they could enjoy shopping on their own later, though they may not have been especially interested. In Tsukiji, after offering incense at Honganji Temple, we headed to the outer market. At the first chopstick shop, they asked, "Do they engrave names on the chopsticks here?", so we stopped in, and they bought two pairs of chopsticks and had names engraved. One of the guests was skilled with chopsticks and said they could even pick up soybeans. While the engraving was being done, we walked around the shops; rather than eating anything, they seemed to enjoy just looking. Regarding sea urchin, one of the guests said, "When I ate it in France it was mushy and not good," which matched my own opinion, and we agreed with each other. We wrapped up Tsukiji a bit early and headed to Hamarikyu. From Tsukiji onward, the guests started talking to me much more, and eventually, at the teahouse in Hamarikyu, they sat on the red carpet in front of the tokonoma alcove and, for a good 30–40 minutes, we discussed differences between Japan and France — school, clothing, holidays, anime, and earthquakes (which they had experienced for the first time in their life the day before). I had assumed they were at an advanced stage of schooling, but was surprised to learn they were still at an earlier school stage. They observed the world well, had their own opinions, and were very composed, and above all, when they said "the English classes at school aren't good, so I study on my own," I was doubly surprised that they could speak this well entirely self-taught, and I was left wondering what our schools are doing — the same impression I had on a previous tour. Finally, we walked all around the pond and took photos in front of the large clock (I nearly forgot), then parted ways at Shimbashi Station. It felt less like giving a sightseeing tour and more like simply chatting about all sorts of topics together in English, but that seemed to be exactly what the guests enjoyed, and right after we parted they messaged me, "It was a wonderful time. Thank you." It was a fun day for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Total390JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto & Ryoanji (600) by taxi

    Kyoto in One Day: Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto & Ryoanji (600) by taxi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Tou Nishinotoin Kyoto
    • 08:20 Randen Omiya Sta. by taxi
    • Taking Randen Local Train to Arashiyama
    • 08:40 Tenryuji garden (500) by walking
    • 09:00 Bamboo Grove by walking
    • Arashiyama area by walking
    • Togetsukyo bridge by walking
    • 10:50 Monkey Park (800) by walking up
    • 11:20 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 12:20 Ryoanji (600) by taxi
    • 13:40 Teramachi Shopping Arcade by taxi
    • 14:00 End of the tour

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were the same as the previous day. The group were all strong walkers, and they planned to head to Osaka after Kyoto and then continue to the Kumano Kodo. Since we had visited the Higashiyama area the previous day, today we explored the western part of Kyoto. We first took the Randen tram to Arashiyama and viewed the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. The rhododendrons, double cherry blossoms, and wisteria were beautiful. The bamboo grove was in the middle of its seasonal leaf change, so it was not at its most beautiful. We passed through Arashiyama Park, came out to the Oi River, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and headed to the Monkey Park. About 95% of the visitors there were tourists from overseas. Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji were relatively uncrowded and we moved through smoothly. Finally, I guided them to the Teramachi shopping arcade. After the tour, the guests said they would like okonomiyaki for lunch, so I recommended a restaurant called "Warai."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOmiya (Kyoto)~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total250JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Nezu Area

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Nezu Area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Tsukiji Honganji Entrance
    • 10:00-11:15 Tsukiji Fishmarket (incl. early lunch)
    • <move>
    • 11:45- 12:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • <move>
    • 01:15 – 02:00 Nezu Area

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji, Korakuen, and Nezu? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and this tour took place on their third day in Japan. The guests were long-time friends. Since they wished to keep the tour to about four hours, we arranged to meet at Tsukiji, the first sightseeing spot, and to part ways on-site at Nezu, the final destination. The guests were staying at a hotel in Kawasaki. At Tsukiji, the guests fully enjoyed a tasting comparison of three kinds of tuna, grilled egg on a skewer, grilled eel on a skewer, sampling and purchasing tea, and buying wasabi-sesame souvenirs. Although it was a Sunday at the outer market, they had a wonderful time. At Korakuen, they enjoyed the tranquility within the city and the beauty of the Japanese garden all the more due to the contrast with Tsukiji Market. In Nezu, after taking a coffee break at a bathhouse café, we visited Nezu Shrine, where the azaleas were in full bloom, and I guided them along the route toward Yanaka before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji~Suidobashi290JPY
    Section 2TrainIidabashi~Nezu180JPY
    Total470JPY

    Hi I am Yosh, very nice to meet you!
    I am a tour guide around Tokyo and surrounding areas including Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji area with qualification of nationwide professional tour guiding.
    I have been practicing Japanese martial arts, Karate and Aikido, from my childhood and I teach kids and beginners at Dojo school as an instructor.
    From my background I am especially into a tour guiding about Samurai, Sumo and Zen style temples deeply related with Japanese martial arts.
    I was born, raised and live in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture for over 50 years, so I am familiar with Tokyo capital area and I can arrange the free choice tour for you based on your taste and interest.
    I also want you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and Sake at traditional or modern restaurants as part of Japanese precious culture experience.
    I really like my profession of tour guide because I am always shared with happy emotion of the guests through the tour.
    I am really look forward to seeing you soon!
    Yosh

    Apr 28, 2026
    W2790JIlorih
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun and Informative
    We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our…

    Mar 21, 2026
    Michael A
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    100% worth the money and time
    Amazing tour walking through beautiful…

    Sep 12, 2025
    Cynthia_H
    Yosh Yash is an excellent…
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  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30    Meet customers at the hotel
    • 10:55~11:15 Kanmangafuchi Abyss sightseeing
    • 11:30~12:00 Kanaya Museum of History sightseeing
    • 12:00~12:45 Tamozawa Imperial Villa sightseeing
    • 13:10~13:20 Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing
    • 13:30~15:30 Toshogu Shrine sightseeing
    • 15:30~16:10 Rinnoji Temple sightseeing
    • 16:10~16:25 Futarasan Shrine sightseeing
    • 16:30    Disband at the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko's World Heritage Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They said they wanted to see beautiful shrines, historic sites, waterfalls, and lakes, so they visited Chuzenji on their own the day before, and on the tour day they decided to fully enjoy the World Heritage area. I first guided them to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and then to the Kanaya History Museum and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. They observed the uniquely Japanese Jizo statues and Japanese architecture with great interest. After that, I guided them to the highlights of Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine. The beauty of Toshogu Shrine truly seemed overwhelming, and the whole group let out cries of astonishment. Since they had said they preferred a light meal so they could focus on sightseeing, we were able to visit, in a short time, Nikko's two shrines and one temple, as well as Kanmangafuchi Abyss, the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, and the Kanaya History Museum. The guests were very pleased to have been able to visit so many sightseeing spots. I am sure they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassJR Nikko Station~Nishisando Entrance600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTamozawa Imperial Villa~Shinkyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNishisando Entrance~JR Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
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    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
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    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…