Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:25 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Gate, travel by JR
    • 13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha, about 60 minutes, travel by Keihan
    • 14:10 Gion, about 60 minutes
    • Go to Nijo Castle by taxi
    • 15:30 Nijo Castle, about 60 minutes
    • To go to Arashiyama, see off to Nijo Station, travel by subway, arrive at Nijo Station 16:50
    • After guiding on future travel methods, etc., dismiss on-site at 17:00 and return to Kyoto Station.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoyed matcha desserts and appreciated the history of the sites. They appeared very satisfied. At Nijo Castle in particular, they became very interested in the history of the Tokugawa family and greatly enjoyed the exhibits. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a rainy day, but by using a taxi partway through, we were able to save time and efficiently visit three locations. At a shop where we stopped for matcha ice cream, I made an origami crane for the guests, which surprised the other tourists around us so much that they asked to take photos, creating quite a lively moment.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 3TrainNijojo-mae~Nijo220JPY
    Section 4TrainNijo~Kyoto180JPY
    Total790JPY

    Hello. I have a very friendly and fun personality. I can provide you with a tour that will create unforgettable memories. Let’s explore the real Japan together!
    I am very knowledgeable about Japanese restaurants and bars, and I can also provide information on sports events, cultural experiences, shopping, and more. In addition, I can guide you on a tour of various cities throughout Japan. I can also arrange visits to amusement parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, historical sites such as shrines and temples, and cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and karate.

    Jul 16, 2026
    Love_traveling196
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Ken you are amazing
    We had a wonderful tour of Osaka with Ken today. He was…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Phong_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kenji, was…
    Our guide, Kenji, was outstanding. He took us…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 9:50 @Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Shrine, Azuma Bridge)
    • 3. 10:45 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Outer Garden Plaza, Imperial Palace Outer Garden Nanko Shop)
    • 4. 12:30 @Toyosu Market (Seafood Wholesale Building, Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building, Fruit and Vegetable Building, Commercial Facility "Senkyaku Banrai")
    • 5. 13:30 Lunch @Restaurant Omiya (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building), Tokyo Station
    • 6. 15:00 Dismissal @Hotel

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Toyosu Market This was the second day of the tour, continuing from the previous day. Unfortunately it turned rainy, so we slightly changed the original plan and visited the indoor Toyosu Market instead of Odaiba. This was decided on the morning of the tour after consulting with the guests. For the first destination, Asakusa, I had considered viewing it only from the car depending on conditions, but since the rain had eased when we got out, we were able to walk—briefly—from Kaminarimon through Nakamise Street to Nitenmon. One of the guests remarked being "a little disappointed" by the Buddhist temple crowded with tourists. Having already visited Kyoto, they had experienced crowds before, but I imagine it differed from their image of an old Buddhist temple. At the Imperial Palace, despite the rain, they enjoyed the stroll and took a commemorative photo in front of Nijubashi. Toyosu Market became a last-minute addition. One of the guests loves fish so much they could eat sashimi every day, while another does not eat raw fish, so unfortunately it did not become a sushi lunch, but at the tuna auction hall I was able to explain the unique auction proceedings, which they listened to with interest. Some of the guests also showed interest in the produce building, and we were able to explore the whole of Toyosu Market. Finally, we had lunch around Tokyo Station, and the guests chose a Western-style restaurant located inside the Shin-Marunouchi Building. Since one of the guests has an allergy, they could not have the appetizer soup, but they had a hamburg steak set meal, and another had a chicken sauté set meal, and they were satisfied. As there was no time to enjoy shopping after lunch, I introduced places such as Mitsukoshi and GSIX so that the guests could enjoy the shopping they were looking forward to the next day in Ginza. When I saw them off at the hotel and said goodbye, they were very satisfied.

    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!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:00 Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo assembly
    • ② 09:15 Explanation of today's itinerary and the history of Kyoto at the JR Kyoto Station observation deck
    • ③ 09:45 Move → to Arashiyama
    • ④ 10:30 Heiseiin
    • ⑤ 10:45 Bamboo Grove・Nonomiya Shrine
    • ⑤ 11:50 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑥ 12:30 Okochi Sanso Villa~Kameyama Park
    • ⑦ 14:00 Lunch break
    • ⑧ 15:30 Nijo Castle
    • ⑨ 17:10 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Nijo Castle The guests were friends visiting from Europe, and this was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto. They had traveled to Kyoto via Tokyo and Hakone. When I asked, they told me that the previous day they had visited Fushimi Inari, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Gion, enjoyed a tea ceremony, and joined a walking tour in Gion. Curious about how much they had learned, I asked them various questions, and they remembered quite a lot, but had forgotten some of the key points, so we started studying again from the beginning! We covered religious views, folklore, history, political history, and even the fundamental question of what Gion actually is, all while I told some silly dad jokes, and we spent an enjoyable day together. We visited Heisei-in, the Bamboo Grove, Jojakko-ji, and Okochi Sanso, and after our lunch break the rain became quite heavy. Everyone unanimously lost all desire to visit the planned Tenryu-ji and the Monkey Park, so instead we changed our plans on the spot and took a taxi to Nijo Castle, since we could tour it indoors. I explained various things about the castle and the history of the end of the Edo period. Why did the absolute ruler, the shogun so famous from dramas and films, have to return political power? It was an excellent question, and answering this single question meant telling the whole story of the Meiji Restoration, even if only in summary: from Perry's arrival off Uraga, through the turmoil at the end of the shogunate, the movement to revere the emperor and expel foreigners, the Satsuma-Choshu alliance, the Opium War, the return of political power to the emperor, the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, and the new Meiji government. To my surprise, they already knew that every shogunal house had to be the head of the Minamoto clan. Before the emperor, one is Minamoto no Ason Takauji or Minamoto no Ason Ieyasu. I believe this was probably the first time a guest had ever asked me about the Seiwa Genji in Japanese history and I got to talk about it. Both guests listened intently to everything I said, which made it easy to speak. They said they were going to Nara the next day, so I gave a brief explanation about Nara and we said goodbye at Kyoto Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainNijojo-mae~Kyoto260JPY
    Total500JPY

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:30 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 10:45-PM12:30 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District, visit Shima, Sakuda Gold Leaf, Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 13:00-13:50 Lunch
    • PM 14:00-14:30 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 14:30-15:40 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, Gyokusen-in, Oyama Shrine
    • PM 15:40- 16:30 Travel on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District, visit the Takada Family Residence
    • Travel by bus to Omicho PM 16:45 Tour ends at Omicho

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since I had heard beforehand that walking might be difficult for one of the guests, I proceeded with the tour while checking on their condition along the way. As rain was forecast to continue throughout the day, I made an effort to plan a tour that stayed indoors as much as possible. Since I had heard the guests would be staying in Kanazawa the following day as well, for places such as Kenrokuen I guided them only to the main highlights, arranging things so they could visit again later. For lunch, they took their time and enjoyed beer and Kanazawa oden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 08:40 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:00 Yanaka
    • 12:00 Tokyo Station
    • 12:40 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although the weather was unfortunately rainy, at times turning into heavy downpours, I guided them according to the plan we had arranged in advance. Taking advantage of the fact that each site was less crowded than usual due to the rain, I maintained a positive attitude, pointing out that the fewer visitors made for a calmer, more relaxed sightseeing experience. The guests showed no signs of dissatisfaction and appeared to enjoy themselves. Additionally, the subway we took toward Tsukiji after meeting in the morning was as crowded as a commuter rush, but the guests took even this positively, saying they were able to experience a packed Japanese train.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Nezu180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Tokyo200JPY
    Total660JPY

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 14:00 Meet with guests @ Hotel (Hotel Kyoto)
    • 2. 15:30 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 3. 16:00 Bamboo Grove
    • 4. 16:30 Hozugawa River (Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 5. 17:15 Kimono Forest
    • 6.18:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station

    What Is a Private Arashiyama Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, on their first trip to Japan and seemingly enjoying their time. In Arashiyama, I guided them through Tenryu-ji Temple, explaining Zen Buddhism and the strolling-style garden as we toured the Japanese garden. We exited through the north gate, walked through the bamboo grove, and strolled around the Hozugawa River area. However, at that point one of the guests said they had dropped their phone in the bamboo grove, so we hurried back and asked at the north gate of Tenryu-ji whether a lost phone had been turned in. Fortunately, it had been delivered to the office, and the guest was overjoyed and greatly relieved. After thanking the office staff, we moved from the bamboo grove to the Kimono Forest at the Randen Arashiyama Station, where I gave a brief explanation and took some commemorative photos. Finally, we rode the Randen tram, transferred to the subway partway, and I accompanied them to Shiyakusho-mae Station, the nearest station to their hotel, where our time was up and we parted ways. It rained all day today, which made getting around difficult. As a point of reflection, the guests had not prepared any cash, so I ended up covering the admission fee at Tenryu-ji for them. I feel I should have asked them in advance to prepare a certain amount of cash, as it is often needed in Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Shiyakusho-mae~Kyoto230JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Randen-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae260JPY
    Total980JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate
    • 2. 10:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:30 Light meal @ Light Meal Cafe Milano
    • 5. 14:20 @ Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (Maniden Hall, Great Lecture Hall, Jogyodo Hall, Dining Hall)
    • 6. 16:30 Disband @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. The day before the tour, the guests sent me information about their bullet train from Kyoto to Himeji and their bullet train from Himeji to Hiroshima after the tour, so I adjusted the itinerary accordingly (changing the meeting point, the tour start time, and the timing of each site visit). For the tour, we met at the bullet train transfer gate at Himeji Station, stored the luggage in a coin locker, and then visited Castle View (an overview explanation of Himeji Castle), the Shinki Bus Center (to purchase discounted bus and ropeway tickets), Himeji Castle, lunch, and Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple, before returning to Himeji Station and ending the tour at the bullet train transfer gate. It rained all day, and at times it poured heavily at Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple. Even so, the guests repeatedly said "beautiful" and took many photos. At the end of the tour, all the guests thanked me.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusOtemae-dori / Shinki Bus~Shoshazan Ropeway / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Section 2OtherEngyoji Microbus Round Trip (Shinnojo Ropeway Summit Station~Below Maniden Hall)500JPY
    Section 3BusShoshazan Ropeway / Shinki Bus~Himeji Station (North Exit) / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel, depart by taxi to Kyoto Station ➡ Travel to Nara by Kintetsu Limited Express train  ➡ By taxi to Kasuga Taisha Shrine ➡ On foot, Kasuga Taisha Shrine→Nigatsu-do→Todai-ji→Nandaimon Gate (10:15~12:30) ➡ Japanese lunch at Yumekaze Hiroba (13:00~13:40) ➡ On foot to Isuien Garden (13:50~14:40: husband rests at the cafe) ➡ Cafe (14:50~15:10: rejoin husband) ➡ By taxi to JR Nara Station ➡ To Kyoto Station by JR Miyakoji Rapid Service ➡ After guiding to the taxi stand, end (16:30)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group tour visiting Japan, but today they left the group (which was heading to Hiroshima) to join this private Nara tour. Although it unfortunately rained, the garden at Isuien, wet with rain, showed deeper, richer greens and looked truly beautiful, and one of the guests was very moved by it, so I felt glad to have brought them there. They mentioned that on the group tour most meals were included and eaten in what felt like a banquet room, so they were happy to be able to visit an ordinary restaurant (a soba noodle shop) today.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Kintetsu Nara760JPY
    Section 2TrainNara~Kyoto720JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Park & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Park & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 11:00 Gora Park
    • 13:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 16:00 Tour ends here

    What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. They were visiting Japan during a school break, on a two-week trip covering Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and they wanted to stay in Hakone to enjoy the nature. I had anticipated bad weather in advance, but unfortunately the standard course of the pirate ship and the Hakone Ropeway was also suspended. I quickly changed our destinations and started with Gora Park. The rose garden was at its best, and thanks to the poor weather there were few visitors, so the guests were able to enjoy the Craft House and the tropical botanical garden within the park. They were very moved to come across such wonderful scenery they had not expected. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, in addition to appreciating the exhibits, I took the opportunities in between to explain Japanese culture in detail, especially the influence of Shinto and Buddhism on Japanese culture. The guests were very pleased, saying they could now understand why there is no litter on Japan's streets and why Japanese people are so kind. The play equipment in the grounds was also very popular, and the guests spent a great deal of time enjoying it. As they wished to enjoy it even more, we ended the tour there. The following day, they planned to spend a full day hiking in the mountains of Hakone.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
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  • Hyogo in One Day: Mount Shosha / Engyoji Temple & Himeji Castle

    Hyogo in One Day: Mount Shosha / Engyoji Temple & Himeji Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 at Mount Shosha / Engyoji Temple
    • 13:00 at Kokoen Garden
    • 13:30 at Himeji Castle
    • 15:15 Disband at Himeji Miyuki-dori

    What Is a Private Kyoto-Area Sightseeing Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since some of the guests found walking and stairs difficult, we proceeded at a very relaxed pace throughout the day. While not everyone seemed particularly interested in each spot, the guests were enthusiastic about taking photographs. Today we were occasionally hit by heavy rain, but as a result the guests were very satisfied with the beautiful green foliage at each spot. After completing the visits to each site, the guests wished to enjoy shopping and a meal before returning to their hotel in Kyoto, so we parted ways at a local shopping street. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were very pleased to receive. Note) This is a matter for somewhat further ahead, but from early February 2027 until October 31 of the same year, the Shoshazan Ropeway is scheduled to undergo major renovations and will be suspended. At this stage the exact start date has not yet been confirmed, but as this will be a long-term closure, I believe that during this period it will realistically be difficult for overseas tourists to visit Engyoji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHimeji Station (North Exit) / Shinki Bus~Mount Shosha Ropeway / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Section 2OtherMount Shosha Ropeway Summit Station~Maniden Hall500JPY
    Section 3BusMount Shosha Ropeway / Shinki Bus~In front of Himeji Castle Otemon Gate (Westbound) / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
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