What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a very lovely group visiting from Europe. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were going on a cruise. They had been very much looking forward to the panoramic view from Tokyo Tower. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, we had the hired car wait for us so that we could cross on foot. Because it happened to be an auspicious day on the Japanese calendar, we were able to see a wedding ceremony and Shichi-Go-San celebrations at Meiji Shrine, which delighted the group. Since they had eaten a hearty breakfast, they wanted a light lunch. They each enjoyed two hand-rolled sushi, and one of the guests also tried natto. The weather was just right, and it was a very enjoyable tour. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a forested area near Harajuku and Shibuya in central Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a lush, man-made forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, it offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. Visitors can often witness traditional Shinto weddings and seasonal celebrations such as Shichi-Go-San, making it a wonderful place to experience living Japanese culture and spiritual traditions.

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Tour Report by Rumi

Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan. I took them to the Kiyomizu area (Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Koshin-do), Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Nijo Castle. During the day it grew warm enough to break a sweat, but we were able to proceed with the tour under clear skies. Although it was not quite as busy as the three-day weekend the day before, each location was crowded, and especially within the torii gates of Fushimi Inari it was so packed that it was difficult to move around. At Nijo Castle as well, large tour groups had arrived in great numbers, so we conducted the tour while trying to avoid the congestion. As one of the guests had a background involving architecture, there was particular interest in Japanese architectural styles, and the kake-zukuri (cliff-built) construction of Kiyomizu-dera Temple was admired. Both of the guests also said they enjoyed the painted sliding screens at Nijo Castle. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, agriculture, and prosperity. It is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding paths up the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine dates back to the 8th century and remains one of the most visited sites in Kyoto, attracting travelers from around the world throughout the year.

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Tour Report by Michi

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

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe who had traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone before arriving in Tokyo. The itinerary was planned mainly with the younger members of the group in mind. Our first stop was Tsukiji, but the response was muted and no one ate anything there. In Akihabara, the group successfully found the anime goods they had been hoping for. We decided on ramen for lunch and headed to a restaurant, but at some point some of the guests had slipped away and gone elsewhere, where they ended up having hamburgers. It took a little effort to reunite, but we managed to meet up again. Since there had been a request to visit an animal cafe, we went to Takeshita Street, where they chose a capybara cafe, and some of the guests went in (4,500 yen per person for 30 minutes). After that we headed to Shibuya, where I took them to the Parco building that has the Nintendo store, and after guiding them to a basketball shop nearby and explaining their way back, the tour came to an end. Some of the group seemed to require a bit more attention, and the whole group appeared to be looking out for one another. One of the guests was shy but bright, and when I heard they had been studying Japanese, we did a little lesson together (laughs). A notable stop on the tour was Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Takeshita Street is a lively, pedestrian shopping street known for its colorful fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and themed cafes, and it has long been considered the center of Tokyo's youth and pop culture. The street draws visitors from around the world who come to experience its unique, energetic atmosphere and to browse its many small, trend-setting shops.

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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!!

What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from North America. Their trip covered Singapore, Osaka, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo. In advance, I prepared two options and let them choose one. We completed the itinerary as planned. Since it was their first visit to Japan, they were very interested and took many photos. At Fushimi Inari, when I mentioned that this area is famous for sake brewing, they said they would try the local Fushimi sake that evening. I also explained inari-zushi, and they soon bought some and enjoyed it as a snack, which they liked very much. They were comfortable walking continuously, and as friendly guests, I was able to guide them while enjoying our conversation. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most iconic Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, agriculture, and prosperity in business. The shrine is especially famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through these tunnels of gates, each of which has been donated by individuals or businesses praying for good fortune. The fox statues found throughout the grounds are considered messengers of Inari, making the shrine a fascinating place to experience Japanese religious tradition and folklore.

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Tour Report by Naoki

I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Doguyasuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America on a cruise, traveling for an extended period. On the day of the tour, I learned that the guests were of Asian heritage now living in North America. Prior arrangements regarding the itinerary were handled through one person who acted as the leader of the group. Through those discussions, several considerations became clear, including that one of the guests needed a wheelchair for getting around. Also, some of the guests had visited Japan many times before and said that places like Osaka Castle and temples were not necessary. However, since some of the guests were visiting Japan for the first time, we settled on the following destinations: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Doguyasuji, and Kuromon Market. The weather was good on the day as well, and although it felt a little hot, it was perfect tour weather. The most challenging part of the itinerary was visiting Osaka Castle with a guest who used a wheelchair. Fortunately, the main tower of Osaka Castle has a priority elevator for people with disabilities, and the staff were well positioned throughout, so we were able to move from the observation deck on the top floor down to the exhibition rooms on each floor. Of course, the guests took turns pushing the wheelchair. However, as it was the last day of a holiday period, the building was more crowded than usual, so it was unavoidable that it took extra time. As a result, the visit to Osaka Castle took an hour and a half, exceeding the planned one hour. The second challenge was shopping along Ebisubashi-suji and Shinsaibashi-suji after lunch. After lunch, we began heading south along the Ebisubashi-suji shopping street, which connects directly to Doguyasuji, but partway through there was a request to be guided to a particular shop they wanted to visit. When I searched for it, I found it was in the opposite direction from the Ebisubashi shopping street and would take more than 15 minutes on foot heading north. I confirmed with the guests, asking, "It will take nearly 20 minutes one way, is that all right?" and the reply was "We'd like to go," so we headed to that shop. We walked for nearly 20 minutes through the crowded shopping street, but they apparently found what they were looking for, and the guests were pleased. The delay at Osaka Castle and the delay at the shopping street definitely made the latter half of the itinerary tight. So I proposed, "Because of the delays in the first half, it has become difficult to visit both Doguyasuji and Kuromon Market in the second half. Please choose one of them." The guests unanimously agreed that "Doguyasuji would be best," so in the end we spent an hour shopping at Doguyasuji.

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Tour Report by Nori

Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. During the tour of the memorials, they listened very attentively and asked several questions. They also appeared deeply moved at the Peace Memorial Museum. They really enjoyed the okonomiyaki we had for lunch and told me several times how delicious it was. At Shukkeien Garden, they seemed to fully appreciate the wonderful balance between nature and artistic design. In the afternoon, we went to make a reservation for the high-speed boat between the Peace Park and Miyajima, but I felt bad that the return boat for the next day was fully booked and could not be reserved. The guests kindly said that an alternative route would be fine, but I should have made the reservation earlier to be safe. A notable stop on the tour was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Located in the Peace Memorial Park, the museum documents the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and conveys the importance of peace through personal belongings, photographs, and testimonies of those affected. The surrounding park is home to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a powerful reminder of the event, as well as the Cenotaph for the victims and the Children's Peace Monument. Visitors from around the world come here to reflect on the history and to pay their respects, making it one of the most significant sites to understand Hiroshima's past and its ongoing message of peace.

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Tour Report by YASSY

Hello everyone, and welcome! My name is Yassy, and I will be your guide today.
Thank you very much for joining this tour. I’m truely delighted to spend this time with you.
We will explore some wonderful places and experience the culture, history and atmosphere of this area.
Each place we visit has its own uniquie story, and I will do my best to share those stories with you in a clear and engaging way.
As a local guide, I hope to introduce not only well-known attractions but also small details, local perspectives, and everyday life in Japan.
I belive these little insights can make your experience even more special and memorable.
My goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful experience for each of you.
Let’s relax, have fun, and make great memories together!!

What Is a Private Guided Tour of Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from North America who was visiting Japan for the third time. This time the guest was staying in Japan from late September to mid-October, with plans to travel through Tokyo, Kyoto, Matsue, Onomichi, Takamatsu, Naoshima, Kochi, Fukuoka, and Yakushima. Having heard from another guide about the guest beforehand, I felt there might be many requests and was a little cautious at first, but when we met, the guest turned out to be delightful. At first the guest said we could walk to Ritsurin Garden in about 20 minutes, but it was actually farther, and since it was a hot day, I persuaded the guest to use a taxi as originally planned. The guest had lived in several different places in North America before, and had previously worked in the medical field. At Ritsurin Garden, the guest was delighted to hear the call of a brown-eared bulbul. The guest also shared some strong political opinions and explained them in detail. At first the guest seemed a little difficult to approach, but gradually opened up, and it turned out to be an enjoyable tour to guide. A notable stop on the tour was Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu. Ritsurin Garden is one of Japan's most celebrated historical landscape gardens, originally created during the Edo period over the course of more than a century. The garden features six ponds, thirteen landscaped hills, and carefully placed stones, all set against the backdrop of Mount Shiun, which serves as borrowed scenery. Strolling along its winding paths, visitors can enjoy a series of ever-changing views designed in the traditional Japanese daimyo garden style, making it a peaceful and scenic highlight of any visit to Takamatsu.

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Tour Report by Kaji

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

What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Highlights Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were lovely visitors from North America. Since they had many plans during their stay in Tokyo, I showed them the highlights of Tokyo in four hours. First, we went to Meiji Shrine, where we were lucky enough to see a family celebrating a Shichi-Go-San-style shrine visit for a newborn. After taking photos at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, we headed to Asakusa. It was fun to chat about various things on the Ginza Line. In Asakusa, the guests enjoyed taking many photos at Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, and the Japanese garden. We then explored the food floor in the basement of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store, and I introduced Ginza Six, Nissan Crossing, and Itoya before we said goodbye. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Visitors approach the main hall through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and the lively Nakamise shopping street, which is lined with traditional shops selling snacks and souvenirs. The temple grounds, including the five-story pagoda and surrounding gardens, make it one of the most popular and photogenic destinations in Tokyo.

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Tour Report by Rumi

Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Yanaka Ginza, Senso-ji, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from Europe who were in Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. At Yanaka Ginza, they purchased a bowl and a whisk for matcha. At Senso-ji, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about the Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, they showed interest in the many anime and related shops. Since they said they could do some shopping and return to their hotel on their own, we parted ways in Akihabara. I responded to the tour exactly as the guests wished, so I believe they were satisfied. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and it is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Visitors enter through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, then walk along the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading to the main hall. The temple is one of the most visited religious sites in Japan and offers a vivid glimpse into both traditional culture and the lively atmosphere of the surrounding Asakusa district.

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Tour Report by Seizo

I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

What Is a 6-Hour Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Blessed with fine weather, the group enjoyed a very satisfying six hours. I had confirmed the desired destinations and the itinerary in advance by email, and we visited the places largely as planned. The guests fully enjoyed Hakone, including the autumn scenery of the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields, the views from the Komagatake Ropeway, the depth of the forest at Hakone Shrine, the views of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and Kuzuryu Shrine from the pirate ship, and the black eggs of Owakudani. The only disappointment was that clouds and mist prevented us from seeing Mount Fuji in its entirety, but that, too, became part of a good memory. The guests expressed their gratitude, which was a delight to me. A notable stop on the tour was Owakudani. Owakudani is a volcanic valley in Hakone created by an eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago, and it is still active today with billowing sulfurous steam and bubbling hot springs. It is especially famous for its black eggs, which are hard-boiled in the naturally hot, mineral-rich waters, turning their shells black. According to local tradition, eating one of these black eggs is said to add several years to one's life. Visitors can reach the area by the Hakone Ropeway, which also offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the distance.

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Tour Report by Kenji

I am Mr. Hotta Kenji from Yokohama. I am pleased to introduce myself as a Government Licensed Guide registered in Kanagawa Prefecture, having an ample exeperience as a English speaking guide in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone areas for last 4 years. I would be happy to introduce Japanese culture, social activities and history, etc. I have had a rich business experience for over 40 years visiting more than 40 countries in Asia, Middle East, USA, Europe and others in the field of business development, international taxation, invester relations, corporate management, etc. I enjoy playing Japanese classical musical instrument (Shakuhachi or bamboo flute) and performing martial art (Aikido) .
I will be happy to share happy moments with our important guests in Japan.