Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00　Meet up @ Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku
    • 08:40　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 09:00　Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20　Imperial Palace
    • 11:10　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 12:20　Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:15　Akihabara
    • 14:15　Disband @ Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from North America who planned to go on a cruise after their sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. They also purchased several amulets as souvenirs. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. For lunch, they enjoyed sushi and sashimi. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, they purchased a charger for a mobile phone at a large electronics store. Since I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno200JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 7TrainAkihabara～Yotsuya200JPY
    Section 8SubwayYotsuya～Nishi-Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:15 Hamarikyu
    • 10:50 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 11:15 Snack @Kaminari Issa Denbouin-dori Store
    • 12:30 Lunch @Irori-an Kiraku Soba Ueno
    • 13:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:35 Disband at Shinjuku Golden Gai

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was fine, warm enough to break a sweat, and the tour proceeded smoothly. At Hamarikyu, several varieties of late-blooming cherry blossoms were in beautiful bloom, and with few crowds, I thought this would be a good place to guide during this season going forward. In Asakusa we had matcha, and we went into a convenience store planning to buy snacks, but the guests wanted to sit down for a meal, so I took them to a soba restaurant in Ueno. We continued on to the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine, and on Takeshita Street the guests were very curious about places like the piglet cafe, but due to time constraints we headed to Golden Gai without going in. Few shops were open, but I gave a short tour before we finished. Tip received.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi～Shimbashi200JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Ueno700JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno～Takebashi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 6Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Tsukiji Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Tsukiji Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 8:10 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:50 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 9:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Tokyo National Museum
    • 10:40 Depart Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:30 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 12:30 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:40 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • 14:00 Disband: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, and Tsukiji The guest was a visitor from North America, traveling in Japan for the first time. They had arrived about a week earlier and were traveling in Japan alone. The stay in Japan was only eight days, and they had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. The previous day they had taken a day trip to Mount Fuji, and they planned to depart from Haneda Airport the next day. The guest mentioned, "I couldn't enjoy the cherry blossoms in the Kansai area. Today I'd like to see at least a little bit of the blossoms." It was a slightly chilly tour with light rain falling throughout. First, we went to Asakusa. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon, the five-story pagoda, and various other spots. The weeping cherry blossoms on the temple grounds had mostly fallen. We took a leisurely stroll through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" There was also a question: "I see many people wearing kimono on the temple grounds. Why is that? Are they all Japanese?" The guest purchased a large number of "omamori" (amulets) as souvenirs for their grandchildren. We moved on to Ueno and the National Museum. The guest said, "I'm very interested in Japanese history." They seemed especially fond of Buddhist statues and Buddhist paintings, and said, "I now understand Japan's long history well." Here again, they purchased "ukiyo-e postcards" and "folding fans" as souvenirs for their grandchildren. We moved on to the Yanesen area. We strolled through the streets of Yanaka Ginza. I explained "the history and current state of Yanaka." The guest said, "I could imagine what old Japan was like." Then we went to Tsukiji. Despite the light rain, it was quite crowded. After taking a quick look around Tsukiji Uogashi, we took a leisurely stroll through the outer market. I explained about "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji outer market." There were questions and comments such as, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it does seem like there are a lot of tourists." The guest wanted to try something to eat, so they tried "tuna sushi." The guest mentioned that their family members love "oysters" and "crab," and that one enjoys fishing as a hobby, going out to sea by boat every day. The guest said, "Next year, I will definitely bring my family and come back again." There were comments and questions such as, "Tokyo is so clean, with no litter on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean," "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "I don't see any homeless people." I saw the guest off at Shibuya Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Nippori160JPY
    Section 4OtherSendagi～Nezu180JPY
    Section 5TrainNezu～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 6TrainTsukiji～Shibuya210JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Shijo

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Shijo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station
    • 10:07-10:13 Kyoto→Inari　150 yen　JR
    • 10:20-11:20 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:25-11:59 Inari→Saga-Arashiyama　JR 240 yen
    • 12:20-13:30 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, Kimono Forest, etc.)
    • 13:40-14:30 Lunch @ Gyatei
    • 14:57-15:19 Arashiyama→Kyoto Kawaramachi Hankyu 240 yen
    • 15:30-15:50 Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • 15:53→16:00 Shijo→Kyoto Subway 220 yen
    • 16:10 Disband @ JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide? Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Itinerary The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived in Japan by cruise ship and came by train from Kobe, so we arranged to meet at the ticket gate of Kyoto Station. I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama. At Fushimi Inari, I explained the meaning of the torii gates, the different types of shrines, and how shrines differ from temples. In Arashiyama, we walked from the bamboo grove into Tenryu-ji Temple, where the guests enjoyed the seasonal flowers and the beautiful gardens. For lunch, we dined at a restaurant, where they enjoyed their meal while checking the English menu. We crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and from Hankyu Arashiyama we finally visited Nishiki Market before taking the subway back to Kyoto Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Kyoto Kawaramachi240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

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    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen exit of Hiroshima Station
    • 9:10 a.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 9:40 a.m. Visit Hiroshima Castle
    • 10:15 a.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:30 p.m. Lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 1:30 p.m. Take a direct ferry to Miyajima
    • 2:15 p.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
    • 2:30 p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3:00 p.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 4:30 p.m. Take a ferry and JR train back to Hiroshima station
    • 5:30 p.m. End of the tour at Hiroshima Station

    What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had decided on Japan as their destination after seeing posts on social media. They enjoyed cute characters and even showed me some character goods they had purchased in Tokyo. Since they said walking was no problem and they arrived early, I asked about their preferences and added Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle to the route. Although the peak bloom had passed at Shukkeien Garden, some cherry blossoms still remained, which they were delighted to see. They were also charmed by the many turtles basking in the sun. I offered to take many photos on their phones, and they were very pleased. It was their first time seeing a castle in Japan at Hiroshima Castle, and they happily took photos. They also loved matcha, so I guided them to Soko Cafe, which they enjoyed. At the Peace Memorial Park, they listened especially intently to the stories about children affected by the atomic bombing and the story of Sadako Sasaki, and they spent a long time carefully viewing the exhibits at the museum. They also enjoyed the okonomiyaki for lunch, saying it was their favorite dish since coming to Japan. The weather was fine, and they were very pleased with Miyajima as well, taking many photos there too. I also guided them to a character goods shop in the shopping arcade, which they enjoyed, and they did some shopping there. I helped them purchase their return Shinkansen tickets at Hiroshima Station, guided them to the Pokémon Center, and ended the tour. The guests were both calm with lovely smiles, and it was an honor to guide them on such a special trip.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 2OtherPeace Memorial Park～Miyajima1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Tour Report by Mari

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji

    Hyogo in One Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 09:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:15 @ Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour proceeded at a somewhat slower pace, and additional time was needed along the way. As a guide, I felt the group was focused on other matters, and I was not confident that my explanations came across fully. At Himeji Castle, the cherry blossoms had already passed peak bloom, with some petals beginning to fall and the trees turning to green leaves. I presented the group with a handmade drawstring pouch, which was received with delight. As a guide, this particular tour was unfortunately not as satisfying as I would have hoped. I also felt that the destinations chosen this time may not have been well suited to everyone in the group.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMount Shosha Summit Mini Bus Stop～Maniden Hall500JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akasaka-mitsuke & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Akasaka-mitsuke & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Akasaka
    • 9:40 Akasaka-mitsuke stroll
    • 10:20 Asakusa
    • 12:10 Lunch Azuma
    • 13:30 Shibuya
    • 14:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 KAMO Shop
    • 16:20 Takeshita Street

    What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akasaka, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku I guided a group visiting from North America. As on a previous occasion, the members of the group got along wonderfully, and it was a heartwarming day from start to finish. The trip's destinations had been arranged partly through communication with an agent. We began in Akasaka-mitsuke, where I first explained a traditional Japanese-style izakaya with a sugidama (cedar ball), then introduced a recommended restaurant, Akasaka Umaya, to start the tour. During the subway ride to Asakusa, I spent the whole time talking with one of the guests, who worked in design and kindly showed me some of their creative work. In Asakusa, we started by having everyone poke their faces through the hole in the white sculpture "Green Planet" for photos. For some reason this delighted one of the guests, who ended up enjoying it even more than the younger members of the group and had a photo taken while putting their head through (the group truly got along wonderfully). At Nakamise, some of the guests became absorbed in hand cream and bought so many I lost count. While waiting, I chatted with another guest about how it all "runs in the genes," sharing the kind of relatable observations one often makes. There happened to be a white heron dance at Senso-ji today, but as the group did not show much interest, it was fortunately a good way to save time. When we had lunch at Azuma, I learned that one of the guests usually cooks at home, and I was amazed to see photos of their beautifully plated dishes, which looked truly professional and creative (the photos of my own cooking that I showed in return felt so plain by comparison that I was almost embarrassed). On the Ginza Line to Shibuya, I talked with one of the guests about high school life, and another guest happily took photos, saying how nice it was. Everyone was thrilled by the crowds at the Shibuya Crossing and by a wedding procession at Meiji Shrine, filming videos of both. While waiting at one point, I showed some of the guests an old Japanese instant cup noodle commercial and asked, "What do you think this commercial is for?" then explained, "It's actually a playful jab at English education in Japan." This went over very well, and I was asked to send the YouTube link by email. Finally, since the younger members of the group all play soccer (their photos playing soccer looked incredibly cool), they wanted to buy soccer gear, so we spent a good while at the KAMO shop in Harajuku, where everyone made their purchases before heading to Takeshita Street. The goal there was an animal cafe, and the group debated between a micro-pig cafe and a Samoyed cafe. We parted ways after I received the kind words, "Today was perfect, including the weather," and "Thank you." They were a truly wonderful group to guide.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryuji Temple & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryuji Temple & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:45-10:25 Togetsukyo Bridge, Kameyama Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:25-10:55 Tenryuji Temple
    • 11:50-12:30　Kinkakuji Temple
    • 12:45　Disband at Kinkakujimichi Bus Stop

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. When I had guided visitors from the same region before, one guest had mentioned wanting to see the bamboo grove near Kodai-ji, saying that bamboo does not grow in their home region. When I asked if that was really true, they said that even if it existed, it would be quite thin. We traveled to Arashiyama by the Hankyu line. One of the guests seemed to love the view of the mountains and river from Hankyu Arashiyama Station to Kameyama Park, and took photos enthusiastically. Since I am not very familiar with their home region, I asked whether there were mountains there, and they replied that even if there were, they would be about 150 meters. I remarked that this was about the same height as Monkey Park. Because traveling to Kinkaku-ji would take quite a while, I had arranged in advance that we would enter Tenryu-ji from the north gate and view the buildings from the outside, which the guests agreed to. The garden was full of colorful flowers, which the guests especially enjoyed. I suggested that they might like to sit on the bench by the Sogen-ji garden pond and meditate, but they said they would try it if there were few people, though since it was crowded it was not necessary. We then moved to Kitano-Hakubaicho by the Randen tram. The guests photographed the beautiful interior of the tram. At Kitano-Hakubaicho we tried to transfer to city bus 205, but it was so full that we let about two buses pass. Kinkaku-ji seemed less crowded than the previous day, so I think we were able to enjoy the visit relatively at our own pace. When I called out "yoisho" at the entrance to Kameyama Park and on the slope up to Kinkaku-ji, the guests seemed to remember it and found it amusing. Once we had finished the itinerary, I asked what they would like to do in the afternoon, and they said they wanted to return near their hotel and have lunch, so I decided to see them off to the nearest bus stop. The person managing the bus stop was not the type to actively call out to passengers, so I decided to wait together with the guests until they boarded the bus. The photo was taken in the bamboo grove near the north gate of Tenryu-ji.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakujimichi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Miyanoshita

    Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Miyanoshita

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:10 – Depart from hotel by bus
    • 09:50 – Arrive at Motohakone Port
    • 10:00 – Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 10:25 – Leave Hakone Shrine
    • 10:35 – Return to Motohakone Port
    • 10:55 – Depart Motohakone Port (Pirate Cruise)
    • 11:20 – Arrive at Togendai Port
    • Ropeway waiting time: approximately 40 minutes
    • 12:25 – Arrive at Owakudani
    • 13:00 – Nature Trail
    • 13:40 – Finish Nature Trail
    • After that, we took the ropeway down and continued by bus
    • 14:25 – Depart Togendai by bus
    • 14:50 – Arrive at Miyanoshita
    • 15:00 – Lunch in Miyanoshita
    • 15:35 – Leave Miyanoshita
    • 15:40 – Bus to Deyama
    • 16:00 – Arrive at Deyama / Tour ends

    ■Title What's a Private One-Day Hakone Tour from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report ■Body ■Overview Thanks to detailed prior arrangements, the day got off to a calm start, and the tour proceeded smoothly overall. There were no major delays or troubles, and the itinerary ran largely as planned. ■Activities and Results The weather was favorable on the day, allowing views of Mount Fuji. We were able to complete all the main highlights, including Hakone Shrine, the pirate ship cruise (first class), and the Owakudani Nature Trail, and the guests enjoyed it thoroughly. Lunch in Miyanoshita was also well received, and it was a highly satisfying tour throughout. The guests described it as "splendid." ■Reflections This was the first Hakone tour I had handled, but because there was a relatively long preparation period between receiving the booking and the day itself, I was able to plan thoroughly in advance. As a result, I was able to respond calmly on the day and deliver a stable operation. I also advised on which places to visit in Hakone on the following days, showing locations and directions on a map, for which the guests were very grateful. ■Challenges and Areas for Improvement As it was a Sunday, the buses toward Motohakone were crowded, and I had to stand for over 30 minutes in a packed vehicle. The ropeway also had long lines due to heavy passenger congestion. On the other hand, being able to board the pirate ship as planned in advance allowed for some breathing room in the overall schedule, which contributed to a stable progression. ■Other (Japan Guide Agency-related) Nothing to note. ■Summary Overall, the tour was carried out without any major issues and with a high level of guest satisfaction. I aim to continue delivering stable operations in similar cases going forward, drawing on this experience.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDeyama / Hakone Tozan Bus～Motohakone Port / Hakone Tozan Bus1,110JPY
    Section 2BusTogendai / Hakone Tozan Bus～Miyanoshita980JPY
    Section 3BusMiyanoshita～Deyama / Hakone Tozan Bus410JPY
    Total2,500JPY

    Tour Report by HelloTakeshi

    Hello, my name is Takeshi. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter with over 35 years of professional experience in Japan. Through my long career, I have developed a deep understanding of modern Japan, including its business culture, social customs, and everyday life. Originally from Kobe, I have lived in more than 20 places across Japan and the United States, which has given me a broad and flexible perspective on regional cultures and lifestyles. I am also deeply interested in historical Japan, especially Japanese religion and Buddhism, and I enjoy sharing cultural background in an easy-to-understand way. I am looking forward to meeting you and exploring Japan together.

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    Jul 23, 2026
    L9490ARrachelf
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A tour guide that goes above and beyond!
    Takeshi…

    Jul 21, 2026
    luisvF2957OY
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best experience ever
    Really good guide. Awesome time.

    Jul 18, 2026
    tlT4839UI
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Solo Layover Tour
    I had a 12-hour layover in…

    Jun 13, 2026
    V2750KJjonasb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Takeshi san picked us up on the Hotel and we…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by railway to Nijo Castle
    • AM 10:00-11:20 Visit Nijo Castle
    • Travel by railway & bus to Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • PM 12:00-13:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • Travel by bus & railway, guide to the location of the Imperial Palace, and the tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and the Imperial Palace The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. It was a lively tour, and we moved through the stations with extra care. The requested itinerary was to visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and finally the Imperial Palace. On the day, I also suggested a few other spots that might be of interest just in case, but the guests had already enjoyed the Nintendo shop in Tokyo, so we started the tour following the planned course. At Nijo Castle they enjoyed feeding the carp, and at Kinkaku-ji they had ice cream and Japanese sweets, so they were able to have a good time throughout.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 4BusKitaoji Bus Terminal / Kyoto Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal / Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji～Imadegawa220JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。