Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00: Meet at Hyatt Regency lobby
    • 09:30 Asakusa
    • 11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Takeshita Street
    • 14:40 Shibuya
    • 17:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Harajuku The plan was agreed upon in advance, and we met as scheduled. Every visit location and time setting proceeded smoothly as planned. The guests listened attentively to the explanations at each location. The weather was fine, and I believe it was a good tour. However, since the guests had only arrived from North America the previous night, they appeared quite tired by the afternoon. For lunch, the guests wanted to eat tuna sushi, so they enjoyed sushi at a shop in Tsukiji famous for its tuna, and in Harajuku they relaxed at a matcha cafe of their choice.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Asakusa330JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-ginza220JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total760JPY

    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…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at hotel 9:28 Gora Station By cable car to Sounzan 9:40 Then by ropeway to Owakudani 10:10 By ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate ship Motohakone Port 11:25 Lake Ashi shore Hakone Shrine By bus 12:30 To Hakone Checkpoint Lunch at Donburi Chaya Maruyama Bussan Checkpoint entrance Stroll 14:15 By bus from Hakonemachi Port Via Ninotaira 15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum 16:00 From the Open-Air Museum By train to Gora Station 16:05 Disband at the station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a warm and close group visiting from Europe. I researched online and created a congratulatory board in their language, which was very well received. Because of the poor weather, I had thought the long-awaited view of Mount Fuji would not be possible, but although it was hazy, we managed to see it and the guests took many photos, which was a relief. The Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms were already over, and they had been disappointed in Tokyo, but in Hakone the botan cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and they took many photos there as well. At Hakone Shrine, I talked about Shinto and Buddhism as background knowledge for their upcoming visit to Kyoto. They were surprised by the presentation at a local products shop and bought some souvenirs. At a rice bowl restaurant, they enjoyed Japanese cuisine, and we spent a delightful day together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:30 Owakudani
    • 12:30 From Togendai to Motohakone Port
    • 13:00 Lunch: Motohakone Port
    • 14:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 16:15: Take a taxi from Motohakone Port back to the hotel and end the tour

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had stayed a few nights in Tokyo before coming to Hakone, and after one night here they planned to continue to Kyoto and Osaka before returning to Tokyo for a further stay. For accommodation, they had researched carefully and found and booked a unique hotel, which turned out to be in a rather deep, mountainous part of Hakone. We first took the cable car up to Owakudani. They were delighted to catch even a small glimpse of the summit of Mount Fuji. They had also researched the famous "black eggs" in advance, tried one, and happily took a group photo together in front of the monument. At Hakone Shrine, I explained the basics of Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture. They were moved by the solemn atmosphere and were pleased that it would serve as helpful background for their upcoming trip to the Kansai region. The guests showed a strong interest in Japanese culture and history and asked many questions throughout the day.

    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.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Tokyo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai
    • 9:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market, Fish Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 10:40 Lunch @ Sushitomi
    • 11:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13:30 Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:20 Sendagi Café
    • 15:10 Tokyo Station
    • 16:20 Dismissal @ Minatomirai Station

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour from Minatomirai to Tsukiji, Hama-rikyu, and Yanaka? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania on a private tour of Tokyo. The route from Minatomirai to Tsukiji allowed us to be seated the whole way, which was nice. We had an early lunch at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. One of the guests preferred only cooked items and had just two pieces of shrimp, while the other enjoyed the chef's selection of nigiri. Afterward, they wished for something sweet, so we took a break at the Nakajima teahouse in Hama-rikyu with a matcha set of dorayaki and nerikiri. A few late-blooming cherry trees still remained at Hama-rikyu, and we were able to take some lovely photos. After Yanaka, we also had a coffee break at a café. Since one of the guests had wished to ride the Shinkansen, we boarded from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yokohama, which they were very pleased with. The guests kindly covered the Shinkansen fare. The guests were very talkative and asked many questions about Japan. As I am scheduled to take them to Kamakura the next day, we confirmed the meeting time and place before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai~Nakameguro510JPY
    Section 2SubwayNakameguro~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi~Nippori210JPY
    Section 4SubwaySendagi~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainKikuna~Minatomirai380JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Osaka in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Osaka in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:45 Meet at Osaka Port Tempozan Wharf
    • 10:10 to 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:25 to 11:55 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 12:45 to 13:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:50 to 14:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:30 to 14:40 Gion
    • 15:45 Dismissal at JR Osaka Station

    What Can You See in a One-Day Private Kyoto and Osaka Tour from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group who arrived by cruise ship at Osaka Port. They wished to enjoy Kyoto sightseeing and shopping in Osaka's Shinsaibashi district all in a single day. To make this possible, we used taxis frequently in Kyoto, hurrying to see five popular spots before heading to Osaka. We said our final goodbyes at Osaka Station, from where the guests took a taxi to Shinsaibashi. It was quite a tight schedule, but the guests mentioned they were a little disappointed that the cherry blossom season had already ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Umeda (Subway)290JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Kyoto580JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto Research Park-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainKyoto~Osaka580JPY
    Total2,150JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & IMPERIAL PALACE

    Tokyo in Half a Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & IMPERIAL PALACE

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
    • 10:30 1 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 11:30 2 HARAJUKU
    • 12:00 3 OMOTESANDO/CAT STREET
    • 12:30 4 SHIBUYA
    • 13:30 5 IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 14:00 See off at the Kikyo-mon, Imperial Palace

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were a very cheerful and friendly group, so I was able to move through the itinerary while enjoying conversation and sharing jokes and laughter along the way. Although I guided them for shopping in Harajuku, Cat Street, and Shibuya PARCO, they especially enjoyed sampling street food. Since they did not spend much time shopping, we progressed through the planned itinerary quickly, and as a result I confirmed their wishes and added a visit to the Imperial Palace. Before parting, I also offered them the option of a Starbucks, and we said our goodbyes at the Kikyo-mon Gate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Total390JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Osaka Port
    • 9:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 10:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:20 Lunch at Tonkatsu Katsukura Fushimi Momoyama Branch
    • 14:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:10 Osaka Port

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Today I guided a group visiting from North America. They were enjoying a long journey of about four months by cruise ship. We viewed the bamboo grove from the Okochi Sanso Villa side, and then went to Kinkaku-ji. It was extremely crowded, which made getting around challenging. At Nijo Castle, we were fortunate to visit at a time when there were few people. Since the group wanted to try tonkatsu, I took them to a tonkatsu restaurant, where they enjoyed their meal all the way to dessert. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we used the elevator and passed through the Senbon Torii, and since it was not too crowded, it was very pleasant. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    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.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Toshogu Museum of Art

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Toshogu Museum of Art

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00     Meet the guest at the hotel
    •        Walk to Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:10~11:20 Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:30~12:30 Lunch
    • 12:30~14:30 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:30~15:10 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple
    • 15:20~15:50 Sightseeing at Futarasan Shrine
    • 16:00~16:40 Toshogu Museum of Art
    • 16:40~16:50 To the hotel
    • 17:00    Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu and Rinnoji The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They wished to sightsee at a relaxed pace, and said that seeing Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple would be enough, and that if time remained, they would like to visit somewhere I recommended. For this reason, I first gave them a brief introduction to the Shinkyo Bridge. After that, they enjoyed a yuba (tofu skin) set meal, a specialty of Nikko, at a Japanese-style restaurant. It seemed to suit their taste and they were very pleased. Afterward, we secured plenty of time at Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple so they could take their time sightseeing. As luck would have it, it was a day with few tourists, and since we had a little extra time, I guided them to Futarasan Shrine and the Toshogu Museum of Art. They appeared to enjoy their sightseeing throughout the entire day, so I believe the guests were surely very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassJR Nikko Station~Yasukawacho600JPY
    Section 2Free PassYasukawacho~JR Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel)
    • 10:00-10:20 Travel (Keihan Train; Gion-Shijo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 10:20-11:10 Fushimi Inari Visit
    • 11:10-11:45 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan → Nijojo-mae)
    • 11:45-13:00 Nijo Castle Visit
    • 13:00-13:25 Travel (City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 13:25-14:00 Kinkakuji Visit
    • 14:00 Tour End We said goodbye to the customers at the Kinkakuji taxi stand

    What's a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had come to Japan for about two weeks on a student exchange while in high school, and had visited Kinkaku-ji at that time. They were looking forward to taking photos in front of Kinkaku-ji again on this trip. I took the group to Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji. Fitting all of these into four hours was quite challenging. Moreover, we started at 10:00, and the first stop, Fushimi Inari, was very crowded, so we could only visit for a short time. Some of the guests said Fushimi Inari left the strongest impression on them, while others were most impressed by Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo (Kyoto)240JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4BusNijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total930JPY

    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 !

    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
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Hiroshima: Ujina Port & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Ujina Port & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Ujina Port
    • 9:30 Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:30 Peace Park & Museum
    • 11:30 Okonomiyaki Lunch
    • 12:10 Souvenir Shop
    • 12:30 Hiroshima Castle
    • 13:15 Ujina Port

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima Cruise Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who arrived by cruise ship and wished to travel by taxi. They had inquired in advance about a chauffeured car and I provided the pricing, but they decided against it and preferred to call a taxi from each sightseeing spot, so I made taxi reservations as we went. Although I had sent the itinerary in advance, on the day the guests wanted to see only things unique to Hiroshima and to avoid crowded places, so we changed the itinerary considerably, and I was greatly helped by the taxi company with time changes as we carried out the tour. At Shukkeien Garden, one of the guests was very delighted and took many photos. At the Peace Memorial Park, one of the guests had a strong interest in history and asked many questions. The museum was crowded and also hot and humid, so at the guests' request we did not enter the main building and viewed only the east wing. Lunch had not originally been included, but the guests wanted to try okonomiyaki, so I took them to a place with a wide variety of okonomiyaki and few tourists, which both of the guests very much enjoyed. After lunch, they wanted to go somewhere they could buy items unique to Hiroshima, so I guided them to the souvenir shop at the Orizuru Tower, where they were very taken with sake in beautiful bottles and purchased a great deal. The guests wanted to take photos at Hiroshima Castle before heading back, so we stopped there by taxi, took photos, and then returned to Ujina Port. I guided them to the places they wished to see according to the situation and mood at each moment, and arranging taxis in a timely manner was challenging, but at the end the guests told me they would definitely come back to Hiroshima and that we must absolutely meet again, and that they had a wonderful time. This gave me both relief and great joy.

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
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    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
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