Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto City Hall & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto City Hall & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Kyoto City Hall
    • 13:00-15:00 Nijo Castle
    • 15:30ー16:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 17:00-18:00 Gion
    • 18:00-19:00 Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Gion The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very interested in Japan and occasionally used some Japanese. The meeting point was changed at short notice, but we were able to meet and headed to Nijo Castle by subway. The guests asked many questions. We then took a taxi to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where I explained the site as we walked around. The guests were very knowledgeable, having become familiar with the Japanese language through Pokémon and Nintendo games, and were also well acquainted with sweets such as mochi. I had thought there might be bonbonnières at the Imperial Palace, but they were not available at the shops inside or outside, so unfortunately I could not introduce them. We took a taxi to Gion, enjoyed tea at Kagizen Yoshifusa, and afterward I explained the maiko and geiko okiya along Hanamikoji Street. At Eirakuya, the guests purchased several tenugui hand towels. We were also able to see a maiko. We took photos with the Nintendo Super Mario display at Takashimaya, and after exploring Nishiki Market with some explanations, the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:27 Meet at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen platform
    • 12:40 Board the streetcar departing from Hiroshima Station
    • 12:55 Arrive at Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    • 14:00 Okonomiyaki lunch
    • 15:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:15 Board the streetcar
    • 16:35 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests had previously lived in Tokyo for a while, could read some Japanese, and was familiar with the culture. It was everyone's first visit to Hiroshima, so we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the museum. Although it rained, they listened attentively to the explanations. They also shared many things with me about their home region. After walking through the Peace Memorial Park, we went together to enjoy okonomiyaki, a local Hiroshima specialty. They were delighted, saying how delicious the okonomiyaki was.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 3TrainAtomic Bomb Dome~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total630JPY

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Hiroshima Prefecture with a passionate and knowledgeable guide!

    As a certified interpreter guide based in Hiroshima, I offer you an exclusive and personalized experience. From the poignant history of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to the serene beauty of Miyajima Island, I will share captivating stories and insights that bring these iconic sites to life.

    My fluency in both English and Japanese ensures a seamless and enriching experience, bridging the gap between languages and cultures. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, I tailor each tour to your interests and pace, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable adventure.

    Sep 11, 2026
    Louise_O
    Perfect day
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    What a perfect way to spend a half day…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Rachel M
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Powerful day of one of the worst tragedies…

    Jun 5, 2026
    777mannyr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima private tour
    Lisa Y. Did an amazing job.…

    May 25, 2026
    maryroses96
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Bloomers in Hiroshima
    We had a fantastic day with…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Resol Trinity Kyoto
    • 9:00 Fushimi Inari (Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera, travel by taxi)
    • 10:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:40 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
    • 12:10 Gion
    • 12:40 Pontocho
    • 13:00 Lunch at Kawaramachi
    • 14:00 Nishiki Market
    • 14:30 End at Karasuma Oike

    What's a Rainy Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were very active, having recently completed a 100-kilometer cycling trip along the Shimanami Kaido in Shikoku. Unfortunately, it rained heavily, so many people were walking with umbrellas, and there were also many school trip students, which made the areas around Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera extremely crowded and time-consuming. Even so, we eventually walked all the way from Kiyomizu-dera to Karasuma Oike. Along the way, the guests enjoyed a tonkatsu lunch and were very pleased. At the end, they wanted to see a supermarket, so I guided them to a store near Karasuma Oike, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total410JPY

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Aug 18, 2026
    janetaF288XA
    Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

  • Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen & Hamarikyu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Hilton Odaiba
    • 09:45 Tokyo Station Building ~ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:45 Lunch @ Kantokutei (inside Koishikawa Korakuen)
    • 12:30 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 13:45 Hamarikyu
    • 15:30 Disband @ Yurikamome Odaiba Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Garden Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Considering the weather and the day, we met in the morning and discussed the plan together, deciding to skip Shinjuku Gyoen, which had been on the original itinerary before their arrival in Japan, and instead to explore the above three gardens carefully. As they had specifically requested a Garden Tour, the guests were very interested in the composition of the gardens, the flowers, and the plants, and took many photos. One of the photos taken by a guest was of professional quality, despite being taken with an iPhone. It had been raining since the night before, so the ground was muddy and slippery in places, which made for far from ideal conditions for a Garden Tour, yet the rain actually brought out the beautiful green of the plants and trees. Over lunch, we were able to talk about the Tokugawa family and the history of the Edo period, which was very enjoyable. The guests did their best and walked a great deal 💮.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdaiba~Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Tokyo160JPY
    Section 3SubwayTakebashi~Iidabashi180JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi~Shimbashi200JPY
    Section 5TrainShiodome~Odaiba330JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Gora Park

    Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Gora Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Indigo
    • 9:20 Board mountain train @ Gora Station
    • 9:30 Transfer from mountain train to mountain bus @ Kowakidani
    • 10:00 Arrive at Motohakone Port
    • 10:15 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 10:45 Board mountain bus @ Motohakone
    • 11:15 Transfer to mountain train @ Kowakidani
    • 11:45 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Hatsuhana Soba
    • 13:00 Board mountain train @ Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 14:00 Stroll around Gora Park
    • 14:30 Disband at Gora Station

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited from Europe. At the time we met in the morning, it was raining heavily, and the ropeway and pirate ship were both suspended. Although I suggested the Pola Museum of Art as an alternative, the guests mentioned they did not have a strong interest in art but still wanted to visit Hakone Shrine, so we made our way there by transferring between trains and buses. After the visit, we again transferred between buses and trains to reach Hakone-Yumoto. At Hatsuhana Soba, the guests were impressed not only by the soba itself but also by the atmosphere inside the restaurant. As they rarely have the chance to ride trains where they live, they were delighted by the mountain railway, so much so that even passing through the ticket gate was exciting for them. At the final stop, Gora Park, the roses were blooming beautifully, and they seemed to enjoy themselves at a leisurely pace while taking photos. Considering that their clothes had become soaked and one of the guests was having some trouble with a knee, we ended the tour a little earlier than planned, partly at the guests' own suggestion.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGora Station / Hakone Tozan Bus~Kowakidani160JPY
    Section 2BusKowakidani Station / Hakone Tozan Bus~Motohakone / Izuhakone Bus740JPY
    Section 3BusMotohakone Port / Hakone Tozan Bus~Kowakidani Station / Hakone Tozan Bus740JPY
    Section 4TrainKowakidani Station / Hakone Tozan Bus~Hakone-Yumoto Station / Hakone Tozan Bus420JPY
    Section 5TrainHakone-Yumoto Station / Hakone Tozan Bus~Gora Station / Hakone Tozan Bus460JPY
    Total2,520JPY

    Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
    I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.

    I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.

    With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
    Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!

    Sep 23, 2026
    MarouschkaV3
    Go Leo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Leo is the best guide we have…

    Aug 16, 2026
    El_Hombre_Aleman
    Great day, thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted…

    Aug 6, 2026
    antoinemC9893MM
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
    Nous sommes particulièrement ravis…

    Jul 30, 2026
    BrianBurnette
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great Memories
    We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 900 Hotel Hyatt Regency
    • 940-1040 Fukagawa Edo Museum
    • 1050-1220 Edo-Tokyo Museum
    • 1220-1320 Lunch
    • 1340-1430  Asakusa
    • 1450-1420 Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fukagawa, Ryogoku, Asakusa, and Ginza The guests stayed at a hotel known for its popular open-air cafe. They were a group visiting from North America, and after Tokyo they planned to travel to the Japan Alps. Because rain was forecast, the day before I changed the route to the Fukagawa Edo Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Asakusa, and the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store. When the guests shopped at an Edo-style souvenir shop along Fukagawa Edo Museum Street, the shopkeeper performed a nankin tamasudare bamboo-screen act for us. There was an extremely long line at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. An announcement said that buying an online ticket even at that moment would let visitors skip the line, so we tried, but the guests' smartphones and cards were rejected several times, and we were finally able to buy the tickets on my own smartphone. For lunch we ended up in a political discussion at "Yabukyu," a restaurant in the dining area with a sumo ring inside Ryogoku Station. While slurping tempura soba, one of the guests asked, "Why is Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi so popular?" Being treated to curry nanban, I replied, "That's a good question. The message of restoring a strong Japan, along with the sense of renewal from having the first female prime minister, seems to be working in her favor." In turn, I asked, "Why do you think Mr. Trump was chosen as president in your country?" One of the guests said, "When the economy gets bad, people tend to vote for a president from a different party." Another added, "There were people who reacted against Mr. Obama, and many who feared immigrants would take their jobs." They went on, "From now on, we have to worry about AI taking our jobs. Don't you think so?" I said, "You prefer a human guide over an AI guide, don't you?" The reply was, "That's certainly true." When I said, "Finally, I'll take you to Ginza, the most luxurious shopping district in Japan," one of the guests said, "Let's just go straight back to the hotel," but the group wouldn't allow it. (laughs) As we were parting, one of the guests asked me, "If a friend of ours wanted to request you as a guide, what should they do?"

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Kiyosumi-shirakawa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayKiyosumi-shirakawa~Ryogoku180JPY
    Section 3TrainRyogoku~Asakusabashi160JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusabashi~Asakusa180JPY
    Total800JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ginza Mitsukoshi depachika & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Ginza Mitsukoshi depachika & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:40 Ginza Mitsukoshi depachika (basement food floor)
    • 10:20 Asakusa
    • 11:40 Ueno
    • 13:20 Shibuya (lunch, crossing)
    • 14:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Dismiss @ Takeshita Street

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a trip through Asia that included Japan, Korea, and Bali over about a month. Since their time in Japan was spent in Tokyo, today we covered the city's highlights. When we entered Mitsukoshi department store right as it opened, they were very surprised to see the staff greeting customers. In the basement food floor, they looked at the bento boxes, prepared dishes, and sweets, and repeatedly said "crazy" and "amazing." At Nakamise, they bought ningyo-yaki and tried anko (sweet red bean paste) for the very first time, and they seemed to enjoy it. For lunch, I had them choose whatever they liked at the food show in Shibuya, which was very well received. After Meiji Shrine, we went to Takeshita Street and parted ways in front of a pig cafe.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Total760JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Skytree & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Tokyo Skytree & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet guests at the hotel
    • 10:20 Tokyo Skytree
    • 11:40 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:00 Shibuya Station Scramble Crossing
    • 14:30 Takeshita Street
    • 15:30 Tour ends at the hotel

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Skytree, Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Takeshita Street The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour took place in the rain throughout the day. At Tokyo Skytree, clouds covered the observation deck, so unfortunately they were unable to enjoy the surrounding scenery, which was a shame. I escorted the guests to the entrance and waited at the exit. Next, at the Tsukiji Outer Market, they fully enjoyed sweets, oysters, tamagoyaki, nigiri sushi, steak, and more. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, they first viewed it from the second floor of a building and then took photos at the crossing itself. On Takeshita Street, they sampled sweets and enjoyed some window shopping. I escorted the guests back to their hotel, and the tour concluded at the entrance. In addition, the driver handled the pickup and transfers accurately, allowing the tour to proceed smoothly even as the roads tended to get congested due to the rain.

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

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

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto)
    • 8:30-9:00 Transfer (Subway; Kyoto City Hall→Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:00-10:10 Nijo Castle Visit
    • 10:10-10:50 Transfer (City Bus; Nijojo-mae→Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 10:50-11:40 Kinkaku-ji Visit
    • 11:40-12:00 Transfer (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi→Ryoanji-mae)
    • 12:00-12:30 Ryoan-ji Visit
    • 12:30 Tour End  We parted with the guests in front of Ryoan-ji. (The guests went to have a meal)

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji The guests were originally a group visiting from North America, but due to the forecast of heavy rain and some feeling tired, the group who joined the final tour was smaller than planned. It was everyone's first visit to Kyoto. During this short four-hour private tour, I took the group to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji. Despite the rain, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji were extremely crowded, with Kinkaku-ji being especially packed. The buses we used for transportation were also running considerably behind schedule, which resulted in a significant loss of time. At Ryoan-ji, there was not enough time to give a thorough explanation. The guests said that Nijo Castle, where everyone could visit relatively at leisure, was their favorite.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Ryoanji-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total680JPY

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

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
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  • Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Naramachi Nara Nigiwai no Ie

    Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Naramachi Nara Nigiwai no Ie

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station East Exit ticket gate
    • 9:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 10:40 Todaiji Nigatsudo Hall
    • 11:15 Lunch at Todaiji Emado Chaya
    • 12:15 Todaiji Bell Tower – Great Buddha Hall – Nandaimon Gate
    • 13:20 Isuien Garden
    • 14:20 Naramachi Nara Nigiwai no Ie
    • 15:00 Disband at Kintetsu Nara Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from Oceania. They had visited Osaka and Hiroshima, came to Nara today, and planned to continue on to Kyoto, Tokyo, and Sapporo. Today it was drizzly and cloudy, which made it pleasant and not too hot. As expected, there were many students on school trips and field excursions, so we walked a route starting from the less crowded Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The guests seemed very interested in Japanese culture at both Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple. To avoid the crowds, I think it worked well that we had an early lunch at the Emado Chaya teahouse near Todaiji Temple. The guests enjoyed the garden at Isuien, and at Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie they learned about traditional Japanese houses, which I believe they found enjoyable.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKintetsu Nara Station / Nara Kotsu~Todaiji Great Buddha Hall / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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