Category: Uncategorized

  • Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Sapporo ~ Former Hokkaido Government Office Front Garden ~ Odori Park Block 4 ~ Block 3 ~ Block 2 ~ Clock Tower (exterior only) ~ Sapporo City Hall exterior and front garden Rock Garden ~ Park along Sosei River ~ Nijo Market ~ Along Minami 4-jo Street, viewing the Susukino entertainment district on the left while explaining the past and present of the entertainment district ~ Underground Pedestrian Space (Minami 4-jo ~ Kita 3-jo) Ainu Culture Exhibition Plaza (videos ~ embroidered clothing and small items) ~ Going up to ground level and guiding you back to the hotel
    • Handouts: Sapporo guide map, handmade travel brochure, Review Sheet.

    Title: What's a Private Sapporo City Tour Like After Arriving from Hakone by Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived in Sapporo by train from Hakodate, reaching the Hotel around 12:00. As some of the guests were exhausted from the travel, they decided to rest in the room, so the tour proceeded with the remaining members of the group. Before departure, I handed out a handmade guide leaflet and suggested some sightseeing spots. I had planned to guide them to Hokkaido Shrine (where the cherry blossoms were in bloom) and the Shiroi Koibito Park. The guests mentioned that they had arrived in Japan two weeks earlier and had already visited many shrines and temples on Honshu and viewed a great deal of cherry blossoms. Since some of the group stayed at the Hotel, we focused on a city tour of spots not too far from the Hotel.

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the Hotel, take a taxi to Sakuradamon
    • 9:30 Arrive at Sakuradamon, walk to Nijubashi, Otemon, Tenshudai, and from Kitahanebashimon to Otemachi Station
    • 11:40 Arrive at Yushima Station, walk to Shinobazu Pond, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Cemetery, and to the Nippori Station taxi stand
    • 13:50 Arrive in front of Asakusa Station, visit Matsuya Department Store, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Sumida River embankment, then to Asakusa Station
    • 15:15 Arrive at Asakusa Station, disband in front of the hotel (guests take a taxi to the hotel)

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Yanesen, and Asakusa Today I guided a group from North America (all former academics) on a private tour of Tokyo. The places we visited were the Imperial Palace, the Yanesen area, and Asakusa. The guests enjoyed walking and wished to walk as much as possible, so I planned a route with plenty of walking distance. We mainly traveled by taxi, but the guests also wanted to try the Japanese subway, so we took the Chiyoda Line from Otemachi to Yushima. At the Imperial Palace, in addition to strolling around, the guests asked many questions about the history of Edo Castle and how it transitioned from Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace, which showed their strong interest. In the Yanesen area, we skipped Yanaka Ginza due to time constraints, but at Nezu Shrine the guests saw the azaleas in full bloom and were deeply impressed. They were delighted to be able to enjoy such beautiful flowers even after the cherry blossom season had ended. They were also surprised by the vastness of Yanaka Cemetery. In Asakusa, the guests wished to do some shopping, so we stopped by a department store. They were also surprised by how crowded Nakamise Street was. When it was time to finish in Asakusa, the guests boarded a taxi from in front of the station, and I saw them off before we parted ways. Today's itinerary involved a long walking distance, but the guests thoroughly enjoyed the vastness of the Imperial Palace, the azaleas at Nezu Shrine, and the solemn atmosphere of Sensoji Temple, and overall they seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Yushima180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Self-Background

    During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
    Of course, we spoke English.
    After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
    I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
    After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
    After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
    I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
    Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
    Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
    Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hilton Yokohama
    • 2. 11:00 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Pepper Parlor, Tokyu Foodshow)
    • 3. 12:10 @ The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 4. 12:30 @ Tokyo Midtown Roppongi (Kiya, Suntory Museum of Art Shop, etc.)
    • 5. 12:50 Lunch @ sushi ten Tokyo (inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 6. 14:00 @ Aoyama Cemetery (foreigners' cemetery section)
    • 7. 14:40 @ Tokyo Station (station plaza, station building, Pokemon Shop)
    • 8. 15:10 @ Ginza (strolling the pedestrian paradise: from Ginza 1-chome to around the 4-chome intersection)
    • 9. 17:15 Disband @ Hilton Yokohama

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Roppongi, and Ginza The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of them had already visited Japan two or three times before and had already seen major Tokyo sightseeing spots such as the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, so we took some time to discuss plans in the car on the way into Tokyo. Several places I suggested for new experiences (for example, the Art Aquarium) did not appeal to them, so we first headed to Shibuya, which everyone agreed on. After viewing the Scramble Crossing from a slightly elevated vantage point, they then crossed it themselves, and I helped photograph the scene with their cameras. They also saw the Hachiko statue and a robot café (Pepper Parlor). At the guests' request to try Japanese sweets, I guided them to the Tokyu Food Show, where they tried taiyaki (though made with pie crust). They greatly enjoyed discovering all kinds of foods. We accessed Tokyo Midtown on foot from the National Art Center, Tokyo, whose unique exterior and distinctive interior space with large columns they enjoyed. They did a little shopping until the lunch reservation time I had booked from the car. At Nihonbashi Kiya, which sells cutlery, one of the guests purchased a pair of hair scissors. Based on the guests' request for "good sushi," I had made a phone reservation in advance at a sushi restaurant in the Roppongi Midtown area. I had ordered the course required for the reservation, but it seemed somewhat different from the sushi they were accustomed to eating in North America. In particular, one of the guests found there were quite a few items they could not eat. I asked the restaurant about taking food to go, but they said it was not possible for hygiene reasons, so we gave up. The guests understood it as a new experience. The short post-meal stroll through the commercial facility's garden and Aoyama Cemetery was brief but enjoyable. The guests took photos together. After that, according to each of their shopping interests, we first toured Tokyo Station for one guest who wanted to buy Pokémon cards for a grandchild, then visited the Pokémon shop at the Yaesu exit. Next, we went to Ginza for one guest looking for a brand-name bag. While strolling along the main pedestrian street, we searched at Mitsukoshi and KOMEHYO, but they could not find a design they were satisfied with, so they did not make a purchase. They said they would look in Shanghai as well, but that they would love to come back to Tokyo again.

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station Meet up
    • 11:30~12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00~13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:20~15:00 Sanjo, Pontocho, Gion Shirakawa, Hanamikoji
    • 15:30 End at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends from Europe on their first trip to Japan, who arrived in Kyoto today by Shinkansen from Osaka. As requested, I guided them to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion. At Nijo Castle, they were captivated by the Karamon Gate, the sliding-door paintings in the palace, and the transom carvings, and I spoke about the transitions in modern Japanese history, including the scene of the return of political power to the Emperor that took place in the Grand Hall. In the Ninomaru Garden, they were moved by the fresh greenery and sense of tranquility, and took many photographs. At Kinkaku-ji, they were impressed by what they described as a magnificent work of art, and took many photographs. Along Pontocho and Hanamikoji, they were hopeful of possibly seeing geiko and maiko, but I explained the situation, and they captured the atmosphere of the streets in photographs. I saw them off at Kyoto Station, bringing the tour to a close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitaoji~Sanjo (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 4TrainKarasuma~Kyoto220JPY
    Total910JPY

    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 Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (13:00) → Move by bus → Shukkeien Garden (13:20) → Move by taxi → Peace Memorial Museum (14:40) → Stroll through Peace Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Cenotaph, Children's Peace Monument, etc.) (16:00) → Call a taxi to the hotel and disband (17:00)

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park and Shukkeien Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They were greatly enjoying their trip to Japan, and spoke happily about being able to see Mount Fuji. The weather was fine in the afternoon, and they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Shukkeien Garden. Although many group tour buses were parked in front of the museum, entry went smoothly. Inside, it was crowded at first and there were times when it was difficult to move forward, but I guided them through the important points. Within the museum, there were moments when the guests were deeply moved and brought to tears, and they were impressed by stories such as the paper cranes and the A-bombed trees. We strolled through the Peace Park, and I called a taxi to take them to their hotel, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit / JR Bus Chugoku~Prefectural Art Museum (Shukkeien Garden) / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Total240JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa (Skytree photos) & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa (Skytree photos) & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hilton Yokohama
    • 10:30 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:10 Buy snacks at Palace Building Seven. Eat on a bench at the station
    • 13:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 15:40 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya The weather was excellent, everyone in the group walked steadily, and since they had Suica cards, the tour went smoothly. At their request, I picked them up in Yokohama and started from there. Considering the ease of transfers, we took the subway to Asakusa, and during the ride we had a good conversation, enjoying talking about topics such as their home region in North America. The group loved taking photos, and at the sightseeing spots they spent plenty of time taking many pictures. They mentioned wanting to try the egg sandwich from a convenience store, so I took them there, but it was sold out, which left them a little disappointed. On Takeshita Street they did not stop at any particular shops, and at their request we finished at the Shibuya Crossing. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShin-Takashima~Asakusa770JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Takebashi210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo in One Day: &Here Tokyo Ueno & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: &Here Tokyo Ueno & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 &Here Tokyo Ueno
    • 10:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:00 Yanaka (Japanese houses, nursing home, public bath, cemetery, sugidama, narrow apartments, rice cracker shop)
    • 12:50 Lunch at Harakado Ippudo (Mom has a pork allergy so we chose the Chinese restaurant next door: the food court was the right call)
    • 13:30 Takeshita Street
    • 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, 3DCat, Godzilla Head)
    • 16:40 Disband at Ueno

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu, Yanaka, Harajuku, and Shinjuku I guided a group visiting from Europe. Beforehand, all communication was handled through the travel agency, and I confirmed the destinations when we met at the hotel on the day. They wanted a combination of old Japanese streetscapes and modern areas, so the itinerary became Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku. At Nezu Shrine, we passed by the many people lined up just as they were the day before (today the azalea garden admission had dropped to 500 yen), and we simply admired the azaleas from the outside, which was more than enough. The red torii gates were especially popular, with plenty of photos being taken. As we walked the usual Yanaka course toward Nippori, we were always able to chat with someone along the way, making it a delightful stroll. The younger members of the group asked me all sorts of questions and chatted freely, which warmed my heart, and I was amazed by their high level of English. Since I often talk with guests about English education in Japan, I actually had some of the guests try a Japanese university common English test and a prefectural high school entrance English exam on the train between Nippori and Harajuku. Both said it was "easy" and completed them with no trouble. It reminded me again of the shortcomings of English education in Japan, but it was interesting to hear about schools and education. The guests were very curious and asked all kinds of little questions, and since I was interested in their home region as well, I was able to ask them various things in return, making it a win-win. The most amusing moment this time was at Meiji Shrine, when we stopped at the water purification basin. One of the guests asked, "Why do you rinse your mouth, and what does it mean?" and I answered, "To cleanse impurities and purify distracting thoughts such as greed and anger." One of them said, "That's perfect for me. I'll have to rinse with water every day, then," and the group laughed heartily about how they can get angry easily. When I added, "Now you've become a kinder person," some of the guests burst into laughter again. This is how the whole tour went — always chatting with someone, and full of laughter all day. During the final farewell, some of the guests said, "At first I was nervous about what kind of person you'd be, but I quickly relaxed and had a great time," and, "Instead of the ordinary sightseeing spots (though to us they are ordinary), it was wonderful to hear enjoyable stories from many different angles." The others smiled and said "thank you" in Japanese. I was truly grateful to spend the day with such a wonderful group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYushima~Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Harajuku260JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku~Ueno260JPY
    Total860JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Welcome at the hotel & JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Welcome at the hotel & JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Welcome at the hotel
    • 14:45 JR Hiroshima
    • 15:15 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:25 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:35 Arrive at Miyajima
    • Visit Itsukushima Shrine, historic buildings, Omotesando shopping street, etc.
    • 17:25 JR Ferry Miyajima
    • 17:35 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi
    • 17:49 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 18:20 JR Hiroshima Station
    • 18:30 Tour ends in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima Walking Tour Like for Experienced Japan Travelers? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the group visiting from North America around Miyajima. They had already spent about two weeks fully enjoying popular destinations such as Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and had gained considerable knowledge about shrines and temples. They had also experienced traditional Japanese culture such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, and entertainment in Gion, so they mainly enjoyed conversations comparing my explanations of Miyajima's traditional culture, along with visits to several sites. Similarly, they mentioned they had already done plenty of shopping, having walked through many shopping streets, so they were not particularly interested in the Omotesando shopping arcade in Miyajima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total840JPY

    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…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet in front of Hiroshima Station Central Ticket Gate → Depart at 10:15 to Miyajima via JR Miyajimaguchi + ferry → Guiding from 11:05 (Taira no Kiyomori Statue, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple) → 13:00 Tea at Hexagon Cafe at the bottom of the Daishoin Temple stairs → 13:50 Move to the Miyajima Ropeway boarding area → 14:00 Disband on site.

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time visiting Hiroshima. When I asked in advance, they had expressed a wish to see Miyajima, so I focused on religious perspectives and views on life and death, sharing Japanese customs and ways of living. At Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple, the guests listened attentively as I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. When I pointed to the wide-open "eyes" of the statue of Enma and said, "Even when no one is watching, this figure sees everything you do. This is the foundation of Japanese morality," they were very surprised. I had arranged more short breaks than usual to allow for frequent rest stops. I felt a little nervous, and at times my English was not as smooth as I would have liked, but I am truly grateful for the gracious manner in which they responded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaka~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Saka590JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    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.…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Station 8:15 Board the JR train bound for Nara 10:00 Horyuji Temple 12:00 Todaiji Temple 12:50 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 14:00 Yakushiji Temple 14:45 Head to Kyoto by Kintetsu train
    • 15:40 Tour ends at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nara and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were a very close and friendly group. Because they had booked an evening taiko drum performance in Kyoto, they wished to finish the tour as early as possible, so we used taxis for getting around the city of Nara. We toured without a lunch break. At Nara Park, they did not play with the deer, but they did take photos. In the morning, when we arrived at Nara Station, one of the guests left a bag behind on the train. When we hurried back to the platform, a station staff member said, "If it's that bag, it was just delivered to the ticket gate." They were able to retrieve the bag safely at the ticket gate and were extremely grateful. They remarked that abroad they would have already given up on it, and they were deeply impressed by Japan's safety. They seemed more interested in Buddhism and the architecture than in the history itself. We returned to Kyoto Station, and I guided them to the front of a travel agency near the Hachijo exit, where the tour ended. The photo was taken in front of the Yumedono at Horyu-ji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Horyuji Temple990JPY
    Section 2TrainNishinokyo~Kyoto760JPY
    Total1,750JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…