Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara Kotobukiya & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara Kotobukiya & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel MyStays Premier Hamamatsucho
    • 9:30 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 10:50 Akihabara Kotobukiya
    • 11:30 Radio Kaikan
    • 13:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:50 Sekaido, Isetan
    • 15:00 Disband @ Shibuya

    What's a 2-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for Anime Fans? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and this was my guidance on the second day of their trip to Japan, during a seven-day stay entirely in Tokyo. Some of the guests were very fond of anime and Japan. Asakusa was crowded from the morning. In Akihabara, after visiting Kotobukiya we went to Radio Kaikan, and since they were not hungry at lunchtime and said a snack later would be fine, I gave them one hour of free time to browse anime goods. At Shinjuku Gyoen they were moved by the beauty of the Japanese garden, and they enjoyed sweets at a tea house. We stopped by Sekaido, which was one of their requests, and then went to Isetan to buy matcha as a souvenir. Japan seemed very appealing to them, and some of the guests said they would save up and come again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Sendagaya210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Shibuya180JPY
    Total790JPY

    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!!

    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…

  • Hiroshima: hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet at Zanotto Hiroshima
    • 14:05 Move to the hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 14:15 Visit the hypocenter, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:15 Move to and explore Hondori
    • 17:15 Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:30 Explore around Shukkeien Garden
    • 18:00 Disband near Shukkeien-mae tram stop

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest visited Japan from Europe and, out of respect for the local culture, carried their own trash back to the hotel each day. Upon seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome, the guest was moved to tears and listened very attentively to all of my explanations. The guest kindly showed me distinctive and beautiful black-and-white photographs taken during the trip, and the following day returned to the Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden early to take more photos while it was still uncrowded. The guest also dedicated paper cranes, folded and brought from home, to the Children's Peace Monument. I am truly grateful to have met such a friendly and wonderful person.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKamiyacho-higashi~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Kagurazaka Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Kagurazaka Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Prism Inn Kagurazaka 5-1 Nishigokencho, Shinjuku-ku
    • 9:10 Depart Kagurazaka Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 10:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:45 Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:15 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:20 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 11:30 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:50 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 12:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • 13:45 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:30 Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
    • Kudanshita Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Kagurazaka Station
    • 15:00 Disband: Kagurazaka Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group of young friends visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They were staying at a private lodging in the Kagurazaka area. Two days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport via a connecting flight and traveled to their accommodation by taxi. The day before, they had strolled around their lodging area and Shinjuku. From the next day onward, they planned to split into three groups and travel separately — some heading toward the Kansai region, others toward Nagano and the Hokuriku area. For today, they wanted to "visit the main spots in Tokyo and get a sense of how the transportation system works." The tour took place under clear skies, with weather warm enough to feel hot. The guests commented that it was "too hot compared to back home." From there, we first headed to Asakusa. Despite the early hour, it was extremely crowded. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various other spots, and slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" Everyone in the group purchased an omamori charm as a souvenir. We moved on to Nippori. I explained the history and current state of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas. However, Yanaka Ginza was very crowded with tourists. The guests commented, "Compared to other parts of Tokyo, it's quiet and calm — this is the kind of place we wanted to see." At Nezu Shrine, we passed through the torii gates of the Inari shrine and paid our respects. Here, everyone drew an omikuji fortune. They said, "It's quiet, and we like this better." From here, we went to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. We first visited "Tsukiji Uogashi," then went to the outer market. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji outer market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems like there are a lot of tourists." The guests said they wanted to try something, so they ended up buying and tasting onigiri and mochi. They remarked, "We have fish markets back home too, but not this big," and "We eat a lot of fish back home too — mostly salmon and halibut." We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained about Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" A wedding ceremony was taking place, and the guests photographed the procession. They also took commemorative photos of a group celebrating a shrine visit for a child. We took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. We then moved to Shibuya. Afterward, we looked at Scramble Square and walked across the crossing. There were questions such as "Why are so many people gathering here?", "About how many people cross at once?", and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests made comments and asked questions such as "The public restrooms are plentiful and clean," "The streets are clean with no litter," and "There are no trash cans on the streets — why is that?" We saw them off at Kagurazaka Station and ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKagurazaka~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori160JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 5TrainNezu~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 6TrainTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 7TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 8TrainShibuya~Kagurazaka210JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Hiroshima: hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome & Kamiyacho-nishi

    Hiroshima: hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome & Kamiyacho-nishi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:30 Meet at Zanotto Hiroshima
    • 13:35 Move to the hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 13:45 Tour the hypocenter, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:30 Move to and stroll around Hondori
    • 15:50 Move to and stroll around Shukkeien Garden
    • 16:30 Move to and stroll around Hiroshima Castle
    • 17:15 Move to Kamiyacho-nishi
    • 17:30 Disband at Kamiyacho-nishi tram stop

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report I was told that the guests were part of a group visiting Hiroshima for the first time. Although they had visited Japan frequently in the past for their previous work, this was their first time coming to Hiroshima. Regarding guests who came to Hiroshima from Naoshima, there were some who found that the itinerary they had looked up using ChatGPT matched the answer they had confirmed at their accommodation in Naoshima, but the information turned out to be inaccurate and they did not make it in time for the meeting. So I was glad that these guests actually came to see the place in person.

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • 10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:00 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 12:50 Lunch
    • 13:40 Gion Area
    • 14:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Arrive at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nanzen-ji and Kinkaku-ji Today I guided a group visiting from North America. As part of a birthday trip, I had coordinated the itinerary in detail with the guests in advance. However, when we met on the day, I received many questions about why famous spots such as Kiyomizu-dera and the bamboo grove had not been included, and at first I was a little concerned about how the tour would proceed. As the tour went on, though, the guests were very pleased with Nanzen-ji, which I had chosen to help them avoid the crowds, and they took their time enjoying its calm atmosphere and gardens. The last place we visited, Kinkaku-ji, was somewhat crowded, but the guests were deeply moved by the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and said, "Thank you for bringing us here." Throughout the entire tour, the driver's service was also excellent. Each time we returned from a site, cold towels were prepared and candies to help prevent heatstroke were handed out, showing wonderful attention to detail. The guests were very impressed. I believe this turned out to be a very memorable birthday trip for the group.

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

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

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

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

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

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

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

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

  • Kagoshima: Sakurajima Ferry Terminal & Marine Port

    Kagoshima: Sakurajima Ferry Terminal & Marine Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00  Depart from Marine Port
    • 8:30  Sakurajima Ferry Terminal
    • 9:15 Yunohira Observatory
    • 9:50 Arimura Observatory
    • 10:20 Sakurajima Visitor Center
    • 10:45 Sakurajima Port
    • 11:10 Tenmonkan
    • 12:40 Ishin Furusato Kan
    • 13:55 Goromon Gate
    • 14:15 Saigo Cave
    • 15:00 Marine Port

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report ◉ Sakurajima Visitor Center The guests mentioned wanting to enjoy an onsen but felt hesitant about undressing, so I added a stop and took the group to a footbath instead. ◉ Tenmonkan Some of the guests wanted to see anime goods and eat ramen, while others in the group wanted to try local cuisine, so I guided each to the shops that suited their wishes. For about an hour the guests split up according to their interests, and in that short time both groups were able to enjoy what they wanted and were very pleased. ◉ Ishin Furusato-kan (Museum of the Meiji Restoration) I had prepared in advance a novel that mentions this museum, and when I introduced it while we were waiting for our meal, the guests were delighted. ◉ Goromon Gate and Saigo's Cave The guests were interested in the Meiji Restoration and the Satsuma Rebellion, so although these spots are usually seen only from the car window, we actually got out and visited them. Seeing the bullet marks from the war and the place where Saigo Takamori actually stayed up close, the guests were able to experience history firsthand.

    I have been living in Kagoshima since 2019. I love talking with people, and I look forward to guiding you around this beautiful city.
    Kagoshima has many attractions: the active volcano Sakurajima rising right before your eyes, the lively atmosphere of the city, its rich history, and its delicious local cuisine. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of this place through the many stories it has to offer.
    I will do my best to share the wonders of Kagoshima with all who visit, and to provide a special experience with heartfelt hospitality.

    Jul 23, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Delightful guide and very fun day.
    Mio was delightful. She was…

    Jul 17, 2026
    Amanda_Q
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Super city and great & driver!
    What an intriguing city! Our…

    May 25, 2026
    Stephen_D
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
    Mio was awesome! She took…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the Hilton lobby → Walk, 9:20 Tour the Peace Memorial Park → Aioi Bridge, Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, Student Mobilization Memorial, Rest House → Short break and paper crane making at the Piano Cafe on the 2nd floor of the Rest House → 11:00 Flame of Peace, Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, G7 Hiroshima Summit Memorial Museum → 11:30 Tour the Peace Memorial Museum → 12:10 Lunch at Sushi-tei on Hondori → 13:00 Take the streetcar from Kamiyacho-nishi → 14:00 Arrive at Hiroden Miyajimaguchi, 14:10 Board the ferry → 14:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine and Daiganji Temple → 15:20 Eat and stroll along the Omotesando shopping street → 15:40 Board the ferry → 16:00 Take the streetcar → 17:00 Disband at Kamiyacho-nishi streetcar stop

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had a strong interest in history and came to Hiroshima for that reason. Since they enjoyed reading books about world history in their home region, I developed the story not only to convey the facts of what happened in Hiroshima 80 years ago, but also to focus on what we ourselves can do for the next generation toward world peace. We exchanged views on social challenges that may arise within the coming decades, such as population decline and the pros and cons of nuclear power plants. In the end, the guests concluded, "We need to think about everything on a global scale. Today was a help toward that, and your guiding was much appreciated." With so many tourists around, it was quite difficult to find a place to sit down and rest, but I was glad to complete the tour successfully.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamiyacho-nishi~Hiroden Miyajimaguchi240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroden Miyajimaguchi~Kamiyacho-nishi240JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Total580JPY

    Hi there! Let’s Discover True Hiroshima Together!

    Hey! I’m HAYATO, and I’m super excited to be your guide in Hiroshima! With about 20 years of living in this amazing place, I can’t wait to share all its hidden treasures, fun stories, and unique culture with you.

    Whether you’re into beautiful sights, tasty local food, or fascinating history, I’m here to make sure you have a great time. Together, we’ll uncover both the well-known spots and the little secrets that make Hiroshima truly special.

    Let’s make some unforgettable memories while having lots of fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat about what we can do together.

    Can’t wait to meet you!

    Apr 13, 2026
    Robin_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great educational tour!
    Hayato to was a terrific guide.…

    Apr 9, 2026
    bonoc2026
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you Hayato!
    The tour was amazing, or tour…

    Mar 9, 2026
    stuartgiese_g
    Great tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day with Hayato his knowledge…

    Oct 7, 2025
    april_m
    Hiroshima with Hayato!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hayato was a great tour guide.…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Motoyasu Bridge Pier & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima in One Day: Motoyasu Bridge Pier & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Gather at the Hotel lobby and head to the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 07:45 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 09:40 Head to Motoyasu Bridge Pier
    • 10:10 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:55 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 13:55 Head to Miyajimaguchi Port
    • 14:20 Head to Kamiyacho
    • 15:10 Head to Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:20 Visit Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:50 Head to the Hotel
    • (16:00) Disband at the Hotel

    Title: What Is an 8-Hour Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and their trip concluded with a visit to Hiroshima after passing through Amanohashidate and Kurashiki. Their itinerary included heading to another destination for several days before returning home. To fully enjoy an 8-hour Hiroshima and Miyajima tour, they had arrived in Hiroshima the previous day and rested at their hotel, and on the day of the tour they had planned to also visit Hiroshima Castle, which was visible from their hotel window, so they could capture photographs of the castle both seen from above and up close. They said that having photographs of the places that left an impression was enough, and that souvenirs and other physical "things" were unnecessary. The guests were very intelligent, and it was admirable to see how they acted with a clear and well-considered approach, which I truly respected.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1JGA Pre-Approved FeeMotoyasu Bridge Pier~Miyajima Port1,200JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima Port~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajimaguchi~Kamiyacho-nishi240JPY
    Total1,640JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
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  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at Stagione Hakone-Yumoto→Hakone Tozan Railway→Bus→8:40 Hakone Shrine→9:40 Moto-Hakone Port→Togendai→Owakudani→11:30 Gora Station→Bus→Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens→13:00 Lunch→14:20 Hakone Branch Office→Bus→Hakone-Yumoto Station→15:30 Say goodbye at Odawara Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting the guests at the hotel, we took a bus to Hakone Shrine. I explained the proper way to worship at a shrine, and the guests enjoyed a uniquely Japanese cultural experience with ema votive plaques and sacred sake. We were also able to take photos with the popular torii gate that appears to float on the lake in the background. After that, we followed the popular course, riding the pirate ship and visiting Owakudani, and from Gora we visited the Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens, where the guests relaxed completely in the serene atmosphere surrounded by flowers and trees. For lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in Hakone. The guests fully enjoyed sushi, tempura, and fried dishes, bringing a fulfilling day in Hakone to a close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Hakone-Yumoto Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Moto-Hakone Port0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMoto-Hakone Port~Togendai Port0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai~Sounzan0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSounzan~Gora0JPY
    Section 6Free PassGora~Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Garden0JPY
    Section 7Free PassNicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens~Miyagino Branch Office0JPY
    Section 8Free PassMiyagino Branch Office~Hakone-Yumoto Station0JPY
    Section 9Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Odawara Station0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    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.

    Sep 25, 2026
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  • Hiroshima: Andersen & Streetcar Tatemachi➡Hatchobori

    Hiroshima: Andersen & Streetcar Tatemachi➡Hatchobori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 9:40 Bus (240 yen) Hatchobori➡Peace Park Front
    • 9:50 Peace Park monument tour (Fountain of Prayer, Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, Flame of Peace, Pond of Peace, Children's Peace Monument, Rest House, Atomic Bomb Dome, Aioi Bridge
    • 11:15 Orizuru Tower, hypocenter, Hondori Shopping Street (including A-bombed buildings)
    • 12:00 Andersen
    • 12:20 Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum
    • 12:50 Former Bank of Japan (A-bombed building)
    • 12:55 Streetcar (240 yen) Tatemachi➡Hatchobori
    • 13:15 Hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Peace Memorial Park The guests were from Oceania. It turned out that all three of us, including myself, were born in the 1960s, which brought smiles all around. We had arranged to meet in the hotel lobby (13th floor), but today's guests were also waiting on the first floor of the hotel. I contacted them just before the tour was due to start, so there was no problem. On previous occasions, guests staying at this hotel had also, for some reason, been waiting in a garage-like area on the first floor. As a guide, the view from this hotel's lobby is superb, and the lobby is fully air-conditioned with restrooms available, so meeting in the lobby is preferable. From now on, I intend to make a point of telling guests several times to meet in the lobby on the 13th floor. Incidentally, this time too I had told them multiple times to "meet in the lobby." The guests greatly enjoyed today's tour. When I asked about their preferred route for the day upon meeting, one of the guests mentioned having a bad knee. In advance, they had requested to take a break somewhere during the tour, so I had prepared several options. When we met today, they said they would like to "drink matcha in a garden," but the walk from their hotel to the garden was a bit of a distance and I felt it would not be good for the knee, so I suggested dropping the garden and castle and instead focusing on the Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, and the hypocenter. They agreed, so I changed the plan. I had also told them in advance that the Peace Memorial Museum tends to be crowded and that the wait can be over an hour, suggesting they visit on their own. However, I learned that right after today's tour they would be heading to Kyoto on a shinkansen departing shortly after 2 pm, so I checked again, offering to take them if they really wanted to see the museum, but they said that if the wait was long, they would skip it. Since they had come all the way to Hiroshima and were interested in the museum, I suggested the smaller but worthwhile Peace Museum at Fukuromachi Elementary School. They said they very much wanted to go, so we decided to visit there. We walked from the hotel to the Hatchobori bus stop, and while waiting for the bus, I shared a brief history of the Fukuya department store and what it was like during the war. The bus came quickly. Rather than the A-Bomb Dome side, we took the bus to the museum side of the Peace Memorial Park and began our tour of the Peace Park memorials from there. As of this morning, the museum's reservation status showed tickets sold out from around 10 am to 1 pm. Many elementary school students were lined up in front of the museum, and buses kept arriving one after another. I guided them to the cenotaphs in the park in order, and after explaining the Children's Peace Monument, I said, "People usually line up in a long queue to ring the bell, but since it's a weekday, no one is lined up today—would you like to ring it?" But when we got to the bell, to our surprise the chain for ringing it had been removed. It turned out that a sparrow had built a nest inside the bell, and a sign read, "We would be grateful if you could warmly watch over the baby sparrows until they safely leave the nest." It gave everyone a warm feeling. Looking at the origami booth by the Children's Peace Monument, one of the guests said, "Yesterday was my daughter's birthday. She likes red, so I'd like to buy something like a beautiful piece of cloth." I told them, "The image color of the Hiroshima Carp is red, so you might find something," and we decided to check the shops inside the Rest House and the Orizuru Tower. At the Rest House, they found and purchased red crane earrings. I mentioned, "Regardless of nationality, many guests are looking for crane earrings." I was glad they found the red item they liked. As we went along, one of the guests would rest whenever they saw a chair. Thinking the knee might be painful, we proceeded with the tour while resting whenever there was a place to sit. While looking at the A-Bomb Dome, one of the guests said, "Amazing, there isn't a single piece of graffiti on the Dome!" I replied, "Not one? Perhaps it's because the Dome is now managed," and when I mentioned an unfortunate situation happening in Miyajima recently, they were indignant, saying, "It's a World Heritage site, that's just wrong!" Over the past six months to a year, tourists have started sticking stickers all over the postboxes and pole-like structures in Miyajima, and after someone liked it on social media, the stickers increased even more. When I shared this fact with someone who makes videos about Miyajima and asked how they, as an island resident, felt about it, they replied that they wanted to consult the appropriate authorities. The guests told me about how the safety of the area where they live had suddenly worsened. Hearing that reminded me of my surprise when a town where I once lived overseas turned into a ghost town in just half a year, and when I shared that story, they looked very sad. When I said that if you notice something feels off in a town, you have to take some action or it can lead to something truly regrettable, they said that was exactly right. After seeing the A-Bomb Dome and Aioi Bridge, we entered the Orizuru Tower to look at the shop. I explained that repairing the Dome takes a lot of time and money. I also told them that part of the cost of the origami paper purchased at the Orizuru Tower is used for Dome repairs. In addition, I explained that cranes folded on the observation deck and released from the drop platform are displayed on the wall of the building. Before leaving the Orizuru Tower shop, I checked again whether they wanted to go to the observation deck, and surprisingly they said they wanted to go up, fold cranes, and drop them, so we went straight to the observation deck. It was a hot day today (28 degrees), but there is always a refreshing breeze on the observation deck, the view from above is lovely, and the guests were delighted. For a guide, too, it is a convenient spot because you can see at a glance the places I want to explain in Hiroshima—Hiroshima Castle, the Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, the hypocenter, and more. Especially in rain or bad weather, going up here has great benefits for both guests and guide. The view from above shows the park we had just walked through, the T-shaped bridge that was the target, the A-Bomb Dome, and so on, so the guests could revisit the places they had walked, nodding as they looked. And since you can also see the hypocenter we were about to visit, when we went to the hypocenter they seemed to truly grasp the scene they had seen from the Orizuru Tower. In the park, I also talked about baumkuchen and Ninoshima, which had housed German prisoners of war. Since you can see Ninoshima from the observation deck, they seemed to firmly understand that German prisoners had been there. Folding the crane was a struggle for one of the guests, but when the cranes were finished both were very pleased. As a demonstration, I folded a crane too. When I offered it to them as a souvenir, they carefully placed it in their bag. Before entering the main shopping street, I explained the history of okonomiyaki and the okonomiyaki restaurants in the area. As we walked down the main street, I verbally confirmed the plan to go to an A-bombed building, the Peace Museum at Fukuromachi Elementary School. One of the guests was looking for another souvenir for their daughter, who had just had a birthday. In fact, with a wedding coming up, they said, "It may be an old-fashioned idea, but I'd like to look for a traditional red cloth like a jewelry holder." Unfortunately we couldn't find one in Hiroshima, so they said, "I'll look for it in Kyoto," the next destination on their trip. We took a break at an A-bombed building, a bakery (Andersen). One of the guests bought sweets and the other a sandwich, and they were pleased that the sweets were not too sweet and tasted good. When we entered the Peace Museum at Fukuromachi Elementary School, a staff member came over saying, "There's something I'd like to tell you," which surprised me, but it was a notice that "60 elementary school students will be coming to visit shortly." This is usually a museum where you can view things quietly, so I was surprised to hear 60 students, but perhaps because the timing was staggered, no one came while we were watching the important video, so we could view it at our leisure and I could explain the exhibits slowly. Since they watched the video carefully, when I took them to the places that appeared in the video, they looked at them with deep emotion, saying, "Ah, so this is that place." Since we still had time to spare, I asked whether they wanted to walk a bit more through the shopping arcade or take the streetcar back to the hotel, and they said they wanted to return to the hotel early by streetcar. Before boarding the streetcar, I introduced one more A-bombed building, and then we took the streetcar back to the hotel. When I told them we still had about 15 minutes of tour time and asked what they'd like to do, they said, "It was a wonderful day, we spent it meaningfully. We're going to Kyoto after this, so it's fine to end the tour early." So I expressed my thanks on the first floor of the hotel, and the tour ended at 13:15.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHatchobori (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Peace Park Front (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Front)240JPY
    Section 2OtherTatemachi~Hatchobori (Hiroshima Prefecture)240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

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