Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel 9:05 Buy lunch at nearby convenience store 9:15 Keihan Railway・Eizan Railway 10:00 Kurama-dera entrance 10:10 Board the cable car 10:35 Kurama-dera Main Hall Kondo 11:00 Lunch break in front of the Reihoden Museum 12:00 West Gate (Kifune) 12:10 Kifune Shrine (Main Shrine・Yui-no-yashiro・Okumiya) 13:30 Take the bus to Kifuneguchi 13:45 From Kifune to Demachiyanagi
    • 14:20 Transfer to bus from Demachiyanagi to Kinkaku-ji 14:45 Kinkaku-ji 15:50 Ryoan-ji 16:45 Board the bus 17:15 Drop off near the hotel and tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Kurama, Kifune, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. Two guests had been assigned, but four guests were waiting in the hotel lobby. The other guests had come from North America. After confirming with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) that changing the number of guests from two to four would not affect the fee, we proceeded with the tour as planned. Everyone was cheerful and enjoyable company. Kurama-dera Temple was visited by more people than expected, with roughly equal numbers of Japanese and international visitors paying their respects. One of the guests had difficulty with their knee and struggled with going up and down. By taking occasional breaks, we managed to make our way down to Kifune. We visited the three sites of Kifune Shrine. On the Kifune side, they were preparing the riverside dining platforms for the summer season. We returned to Demachiyanagi, then visited Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and after seeing the guests off near their hotel, the tour ended. The photo was taken in front of Kurama Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan~Demachiyanagi230JPY
    Section 2TrainDemachiyanagi~Kurama470JPY
    Section 3OtherSanmon Station~Tahoto Station200JPY
    Section 4BusKifune/Kyoto Bus~Kifuneguchi/Kyoto Bus200JPY
    Section 5TrainKifuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 6BusDemachiyanagi Station/Kyoto City Bus~Kitano-Hakubaicho/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7BusKitano-Hakubaicho/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 8BusKinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Ryoan-ji-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 9BusRyoan-ji-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kawaramachi Sanjo/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total2,490JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Ms Celeste Mims
    • 10:00 Meet at JW Marriott
    • 10:50 Harajuku: Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 12:20 Shibuya: Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing, Center Gai, Miyashita Park
    • 13:30 Shinjuku: Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, Hanazono Shrine, Golden Gai
    • 14:00 Disband near Golden Gai

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku The guests were visiting from North America. They had arrived the day before and joined the tour on their first trip to Japan. They had heard various stories from friends and acquaintances who had visited Japan before, so they did not seem particularly surprised, and their overall reaction was "It's just as we heard." For example, they remarked on how everyone lines up when boarding the train, how there is no litter on the streets, and how many vending machines are lined up everywhere, saying, "It really is true." I guided them through Harajuku and Shibuya as they had requested. For one more destination, we had originally planned to visit Asakusa, but the guests seemed tired due to jet lag, so after discussing it, I took them to Shinjuku, which had been recommended by a friend. They had been curious about a secondhand shop in Omoide Yokocho and said they wanted to see it again after the tour. I hope they enjoy their stay in Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTakanawa Gateway~Harajuku210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello, I’m Miho Ozawa, and I’ve been working as a government licenced guide interpreter for six years in Tokyo. I live in east Tokyo with my family, including my three children, and I love art, gardens, photography and traveling.
    It’s such a pleasure to explore this fascinating city Tokyo with you. There are so many things you can do, although sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do within a limited time. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what you would like to do or where you would like to visit in Tokyo. I would be happy to help you plan to make your trip a memorable one. I’m forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Apr 18, 2026
    CRM
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day 1 Japan Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
    Miho was an amazing tour guide.…

    Mar 31, 2026
    M
    maaz06
    Private Half Day tour with Government Licenced Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our half day…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Maria_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant half Day Private tour customized to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Rick_G
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun day out with Miho
    We had a great time exploring the…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Hanamikoji and stroll around.

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Hanamikoji and stroll around.

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up at Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande
    • 9:30 Go to Hanamikoji and stroll around.
    • 10:00 Take a break at a cafe
    • 10:30 To Tatsumi Bridge and Tatsumi Daimyojin.
    • 11:00 From Shijo Station to Nijo Castle. Tour the Ninomaru Palace, stroll through the garden.
    • 12:15 To Nishiki Market. Shopping and dining
    • 13:00 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Return Visitor to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest came to Japan from Oceania and was spending this day exploring separately from their travel companion. Although they had visited Japan several times before, it was their first time in Kyoto, and they were very much looking forward to it. That said, having traveled to many places around the world and already seen Buddhist temples, they mentioned they did not particularly want to visit many temples. They were interested in the Gion area, but since geisha and maiko are rarely seen in the mornings, I explained this in advance before we set out. They said they did not necessarily want to see them, but rather wanted to see what kind of place it was. On Hanamikoji Street, I talked about the lives of geisha and maiko, their training in the traditional arts, and the difference between geisha and maiko, which they greatly enjoyed. They also liked the atmosphere of Tatsumi Bridge and Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine. At Nijo Castle, I spoke about the Tokugawa shoguns, the Emperor, and the restoration of imperial rule, and they listened with great interest. They were also moved by the beauty of the Japanese garden. As expected, Nishiki Market was crowded with foreign tourists, but they enjoyed exploring Kyoto's kitchen. They were very pleased to have learned so many things they had not known before. They also expressed their wish to visit more places in Japan that they had not yet been to.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKyoto Station~Shijo1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    I’m Azusa Nishimura. Nice to meet you.
    I have been working as a licensed national tour guide since 2006.
    Over the years, I have guided many visitors from countries such as Great Britain, the United States, and various parts of Europe to famous destinations including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Nishinomiya and Himeji.

    Kyoto, in particular, is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    I enjoy sharing the rich history and interesting stories behind each place, and many of my guests have told me how much they enjoyed the tours.

    I sincerely hope that as many visitors as possible will discover and experience the wonderful aspects of Japan through my guiding.

    May 30, 2026
    marcvB3813BU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Relaxed en vriendelijk
    Annie is een heel vriendelijke gids met veel kennis…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:30 Meet up@Hotel
    • 2.10:00 @Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 3.10:40 @Shinjuku (3D digital billboard, Kabukicho, Godzilla Head, Golden Gai)
    • 4.11:20 @Meiji Shrine
    • 5.12:40 @Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Imperial Palace Outer Garden)
    • 6.13:10 Lunch@Katsukichi (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 7.13:50 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 8.14:25 @Art Aquarium Museum Ginza
    • 9.15:00 @Mitsukoshi Underground Food Hall
    • 10.15:10 @Ginza (4-chome Intersection, UNIQLO)
    • 11. 15:30 @Shibuya (after the vehicle portion, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 12. 15:45 Dismissal@Hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. Their current home is a place they moved to after retirement for the climate, having previously lived in other parts of North America. They had planned a trip to Japan four years earlier but had to cancel due to COVID. This time, after several days of sightseeing in Tokyo, they were going to spend about two weeks traveling around southwestern Japan by cruise ship. For this tour, since they had not specified their preferred destinations in advance, I had planned a standard course. However, when we met, it became clear that they had various interests and places they wished to visit in Tokyo, based on information provided by friends and family. I adjusted the itinerary as much as possible to accommodate their wishes. First, in response to their wish to see cherry blossoms, we headed to Shinjuku Gyoen. The double-flowered cherry blossoms were still in full bloom, and together with the azaleas, one of the guests was very pleased, saying, "Thank you so much for bringing me here." We then got off near Shinjuku Station and enjoyed the now world-famous 3D cat video billboard, after which we walked to Kabukicho and I guided them to the Godzilla Head and Golden Gai. They took many photos. At Meiji Jingu, which was their first shrine visit, they experienced the purification fountain, worship, and the omikuji fortunes they had been interested in. At our next stop, the Imperial Palace, we walked from Nijubashi Bridge toward Tokyo Station, and then had lunch at the Shin-Marunouchi Building. Because one of the guests has a seafood allergy, we went to a tonkatsu restaurant they had requested, where they enjoyed hire-katsu and chicken katsu and were satisfied. After that, we skipped Asakusa, which is near Kappabashi that they would visit the following day, and headed to Ginza. One of the guests had a strong interest in the Art Aquarium at Ginza Mitsukoshi, and although the time was short, they were able to view it. Both of the guests seemed very satisfied. Before leaving the department store, they also looked at the basement food hall, and then headed from the 4-chome intersection to Uniqlo. They had been asked to shop at Uniqlo by a member of their group, so I introduced them to the flagship Ginza Uniqlo. Leaving the actual shopping for another day, they got into the vehicle waiting right in front and headed to Shibuya. We disbanded the vehicle upon getting off in Shibuya, and from there we continued on foot. The guests experienced actually crossing the scramble intersection, and I introduced them to the Hachiko statue and Pepper, the popular robot at the robot cafe in FUKURAS. From there, I walked about five minutes to deliver them to their accommodation and said goodbye.

    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!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: the hotel. End of work

    Tokyo in One Day: the hotel. End of work

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the Hotel. At the customer's request, take a taxi to Nijubashi
    • 9:50-10:20 Nijubashi. Take the subway to Asakusa
    • 10:50-12:40 Asakusa, lunch. At the customer's request, take a taxi to the Edo-Tokyo Museum
    • 13:10-15:00 Edo-Tokyo Museum. Have tea at McDonald's near Ryogoku Station. Take a taxi to the hotel
    • 15:30 Arrive at the hotel. End of work

    What Is a Private Taxi Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Guide's Report As soon as we met, the guests asked me whether there might be a better itinerary, which caught me off guard, since the itinerary had been decided based on the guests' own requests. When I asked where they would like to go, they simply said they wanted my recommendations. Since there was nothing else in particular they wished to change, we agreed to proceed with the planned itinerary and started the tour. As using the subway would be difficult, we decided to travel around by taxi. The guests were very interested in Japan and asked many questions. Some questions were difficult to answer, but I was glad to see their strong interest in Japan, and it made guiding truly rewarding. It was a lovely group, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherNijubashimae~Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, my name is Tomoko, I have been an English guide since 2011. I have guided Asakusa, Tokyo SkyTree, Nihonnbashi, Shibuya, Harajyuku, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Ginza, Yanaka, Tsukiji, Hamarikyuu Garden and many places in Tokyo. Public transportation in Tokyo is very complicated, I show the guests how to use public transportation in Tokyo. I will exchange a lot of emails with my guests and according to your requests, I will make itineraries. The tour will be a customized tour only for you. Will you tell me whatever you want to do and whereever you want to visit in Japan? My motto is ‘Enjoy! I am looking forward to guiding you. Thank you.

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari by JR train & Bamboo path by taxi

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari by JR train & Bamboo path by taxi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
    • 09:50 Fushimiinari by JR train
    • 11:10 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Lunch(Tamejiro)
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Kenninji by walking
    • Hanamikoji by walking
    • 15:00 Bamboo path by taxi
    • 15:10 Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking
    • Arashiyama by walking
    • Kimono Forest by walking
    •    SagaArashiyama Sta. → Kyoto Sta. by JR train
    • 16:30 Near the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station.
    •  End of the tour

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. When I explained the many kinds of flowers in bloom, they were very pleased. In particular, the peonies within the grounds of Kenninji Temple were in full bloom, and the guests, who grow peonies in their own garden, took many photographs of the peonies around the Dharma Hall. The bamboo grove in Sagano was in the period when old and new leaves were being replaced, so it looked a bit sparse, but the garden at Tenryuji Temple was beautiful with its rhododendrons. The guests were very refined, and it was a meaningful time for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Total390JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Leave the hotel & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Leave the hotel & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Leave the hotel
    • 10:10-10:40 Stroll around Yanesen
    • 11:40-12:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 12:40-13:10 Lunch
    • 13:30-13:50 Tokyo Fire Museum
    • 14:15-15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Hotel

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Yanaka and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of the reasons they came to Japan was to visit a Japanese fire station and learn about firefighting in Japan, so I took them to the Yotsuya Fire Station and the Fire Museum. Some of the guests wanted to see old townscapes that preserve Japan's history, so we walked from Nippori through the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area. At Nezu Shrine we visited the azalea festival. Although there was a very long line, they loved the flowers and took a great number of photos. After that, I guided them to Meiji Shrine. They asked many questions about Japanese history and Shinto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTakeshiba~Nippori400JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Yotsuya-sanchome370JPY
    Section 3TrainYotsuya-sanchome~Yoyogi290JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Takeshiba450JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima by JR Miyajima Ferry

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima by JR Miyajima Ferry

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:15-11:35 JR Hiroshima Station – JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 11:55-12:05 Arrive at Miyajima by JR Miyajima Ferry
    • 12:10-15:00 Stay at Miyajima, lunch
    • 15:00-15:22 Setouchi Sea Line Miyajima – Hiroshima Port
    • 15:30-16:00 Taxi Hiroshima Port – Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:00-18:00 Peace Memorial Park, Museum,
    • Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Hiroshima and Miyajima on a day trip from Kyoto during the course of their journey. The group's conversation was full of laughter and warmth, and I found the relaxed atmosphere of the day very calming as well. They had already experienced a tour in Tokyo, so they were quite familiar with prayer rituals and other proper conduct at Shinto and Buddhist temples, and they showed great interest. Perhaps because we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum in the evening, the area was relatively uncrowded, which allowed me to guide them comfortably.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Hiroshima Port (Ujina)1,150JPY
    Total1,570JPY

    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…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Park & Bay Area

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Goryokaku Park & Bay Area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up at the hotel Tokyu Stay Hinoyu
    • 13:45 Goryokaku Park
    • 15:50 Motomachi District (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
    • 16:25 Bay Area
    • 17:00 End near the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had traveled to various places including Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Sendai, and on this day they arrived in Hakodate by Shinkansen. I had wondered whether the group might be tired, but they stayed energetic throughout, which was wonderful. Hakodate has many slopes, so if there had been any concerns about mobility I would have needed to be careful about how to conduct the tour, and I had checked in advance to make sure everything would be fine. In reality, everyone in the group was in good spirits and there was no need for any concern. The weather was also lovely, and the cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park had come along earlier than in a typical year, reaching the point where they were almost in full bloom.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakodate Station Front~Goryokaku Koen Mae270JPY
    Section 2TrainGoryokaku Koen Mae~Suehirocho (Hokkaido)290JPY
    Total560JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Mount Rokko

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Mount Rokko

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:45 Meet @ JR Sannomiya Station
    • 11:15 @ Mount Rokko
    • 12:45 @ Supermarket inside JR Rokkomichi Station
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Sannomiya Center Gai

    What's a Private Day Tour of Mount Rokko and Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. There was a message that they had taken the wrong train in Osaka and would be significantly delayed, so in the end the tour started about 45 minutes late. At the first spot, the top of Mount Rokko, the guests were delighted by the wonderful scenery (the night view in particular is said to be one of Japan's three best night views) and took many photos. At the souvenir shop, they took their time browsing carefully and purchased several items. In addition, they used the restroom frequently, which took considerable time. One of the guests wished to buy "umeboshi" (pickled plums), so I guided them to a local supermarket near the nearest station, where they purchased items they liked. In the end, because things took more time than anticipated, I was unable to guide them to the next spot, Chinatown (they had originally wanted Harborland, but since there was nothing in particular they wanted to buy, they chose Chinatown instead). They said they would visit on their own, so I handed them a map and explained how to get there, and we parted ways. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were pleased with. Since I had assumed there would be only one pouch to give, it was a bit awkward, but as there was only one, we decided by drawing lots ("amidakuji"). The guests showed interest in Himeji Castle and said they would very much like to visit next year. Note) Today I used the cable car up to the top of Mount Rokko and the loop bus at the summit. Just to be sure, I inquired whether it would be free with my guide certificate, and was told it was possible, so both the cable car and the summit bus were free. I have used these several times before and paid each time, so I have somewhat mixed feelings about it. I felt it is indeed necessary to check everywhere. Does [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) happen to have any information related to this?

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hankyu/Kobe Rapid)~Rokko200JPY
    Section 2BusRokko Cable Shita~Rokkomichi230JPY
    Section 3TrainRokkomichi~Sannomiya180JPY
    Total610JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
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