Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:10 Takeshita Street
    • 12:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 13:30 Asakusa (Lunch, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel

    What Are the Costs of a Private Taxi vs. Subway Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were traveling around Japan by cruise ship and returning home the following day, so they wanted to see the highlights of Tokyo by taxi as much as possible to avoid walking. Since the distance from Shibuya to Asakusa is considerable, I suggested traveling by subway, but they preferred to go by taxi. However, the taxi fare came to 6,500 yen, which seemed higher than they had expected, and they became a little displeased. I explained that Tokyo is very large and that traveling from the west to the east takes both time and money, and they understood. On the way back, they said they wanted to use a taxi again, but I explained that a taxi from Asakusa to Shinjuku would cost more than 8,000 yen, so we returned by subway instead. The subway turned out to be more comfortable than they had expected, and they were in good spirits, which I was glad about. For taxi travel in the future, I plan to ask about the budget in advance.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Aoyama-itchome210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAoyama-itchome～Tochomae220JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 leave hotel
    • * 9:15–10:00 The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • * 10:20–11:10 Sensō-ji
    • * 11:10–11:50 Lunch break
    • * 12:25–1:00 Rikugien Gardens
    • End around 1:00 PM.

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were travelers from South America. Since they wished to visit the main sights early in the day, we set our departure for 9:00. It was another hot day, but they mentioned that it felt cool compared to the climate back home. At the East Gardens, they showed great interest when I explained episodes from the Edo period. At Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, they also listened with interest to my explanations of the historical background. They mentioned that their reason for coming to Japan was to eat authentic sushi, so I introduced them to a favorite restaurant of mine with 100 years of history. In the afternoon, we extended our itinerary to Rikugien Garden, and they were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Komagome380JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome～Shimbashi210JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Mitch

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Buy Shinkansen tickets

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Buy Shinkansen tickets

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

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:49 Meet at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen platform
    • 10:15 Board JR
    • 10:40 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:55 Board ferry
    • 11:10 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 11:20 Great Torii Gate & Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:20 Daishoin Temple
    • 12:50 Omotesando
    • 13:40 Board World Heritage Sea Route
    • 14:30 Okonomiyaki lunch
    • 15:30 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:15 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:40 Board streetcar
    • 18:00 Buy Shinkansen tickets
    • 18:10 Say goodbye at the ticket gate

    What Is a Private Food Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Since they said they loved eating and asked for recommendations, I suggested grilled oysters, momiji manju, and lemon soda in Miyajima, and they tried all of them and were delighted with how delicious everything was. After returning to Hiroshima, we enjoyed okonomiyaki together. They added toppings such as oysters, shrimp, and squid, and they were very pleased with that as well. As they live in North America, we had an enjoyable lunch while they told me about where they live.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherHiroshima～Hiroshima150JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajima～Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park1,200JPY
    Section 4TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total2,010JPY

    Tour Report by LISA

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

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

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

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Gora Station
    • 10:00 Gora Park
    • 11:00 Owakudani
    • 12:30 Take the pirate ship from Togendai to Motohakone Port
    • 13:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 15:15 Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:20 Tour ends at the Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had already traveled through Tokyo and Kyoto, and Hakone was their final destination. First, we stopped by Gora Park so they could enjoy the rose garden, which was in full bloom, and they admired the wonderful scenery. At Owakudani, the weather was perfectly clear and Mount Fuji was beautifully visible, so they took many photographs. At Hakone Shrine, I focused my explanation on the background of Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture. They asked many enthusiastic questions about the similarities and differences with their own beliefs, and were impressed by the distinctive customs of Japan. As for their overall impression of Japan, they felt that everything — the scenery, history, food, and culture — was wonderful, and they expressed a wish to return and spend more time visiting regions they were not able to see on this trip.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    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.

    Request Booking

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

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:30 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:30 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Sake Brewery Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. One of them was visiting Japan for the first time, while the other had visited Japan about three times before, and both clearly held a very favorable impression of Japan. The guests asked many questions. Both of them enjoy Japanese sake, and one in particular said, "I love junmai ginjo sake!" They seemed to be looking forward to the sake brewery visit, and enthusiastically took part in the tasting and purchased souvenirs. I gave them a handmade drawstring pouch made by a family member of mine, and they were delighted, saying, "It's wonderful to receive something you can't get anywhere else." Special note) I was unable to contact the guests directly until the day itself, and all communication went through a local travel agency. On the day, I was quite anxious about whether we would be able to meet without any issues. I had asked the agency several times, just in case, to share the guests' contact information, but I never received a reply. On the day before and on the day itself, I tried several times to reach the guests via a messaging app, but the messages were never marked as read (and voice calls did not connect either), which made me very anxious. Fortunately we were able to meet without any trouble, so it turned out fine in the end, but I still feel it would be best to receive the guests' contact information at least the day before. (Some agencies only provide the guests' contact information the day before, and until then everything is routed through the agency.) I believe contact information is especially essential for guests who do not use a messaging app (or rarely use one).

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Naramachi: Nigiwai no Ie and others

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Naramachi: Nigiwai no Ie and others

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 JR Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • 　　　　bus
    • 10:00-20 Ukigumo Enchi
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 10:40-11:40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:50-12:30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill
    • lunch at Shiroganeya
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:40-13:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-30 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:20-30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate) World's largest wooden statues
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 14:40- Naramachi: Nigiwai no Ie and others → Tanakacho Bus Stop
    • 15:40 JR Nara Station (End of Tour)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I was a little concerned about the unseasonable temperature of 30°C, but the group was able to walk well throughout the first day. The guests kindly shared their impressions: "We should have come to Nara first. It was only after arriving here that we truly understood Japanese history. I think it would be easier to understand if you visit in the order of Nara → Kyoto → Tokyo." At Kasuga Taisha, they came to understand that shrines originally had no buildings. In Nara, there are also many opportunities to explain how shrines and temples changed as a result of the Ordinance Separating Shinto and Buddhism. For guests who truly want to learn about history, it is best to begin a tour of Japan from Nara.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station／Nara Kotsu～Todaiji Daibutsuden・Kasuga-taisha Mae／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 2BusTanakacho／Nara Kotsu～JR Nara Station／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Keitakuen Garden

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Keitakuen Garden

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 HOTEL THE LEBEN OSAKA
    • 9:40 Osaka Castle
    • 11:45 Keitakuen Garden
    • 12:25 Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku
    • 13:00 Disband at Janjan Yokocho

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka Castle and Shinsekai? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from Europe. They had already visited Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, and planned to continue to another destination the following day. Since Osaka Castle has been quite crowded recently, I suggested moving the start time one hour earlier, which the guests kindly agreed to, and I was glad we were able to visit during a relatively uncrowded time. The guests love looking at gardens, so I took them to Keitakuen, where one can enjoy a Japanese garden at a leisurely pace. There were few people, plenty of shade under the trees, and birds such as herons and ducks, so I believe they enjoyed it very much. Afterward, they saw Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku, and then we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagahoribashi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Tennoji240JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Kongobuji Temple & Daimon Gate

    Wakayama in One Day: Kongobuji Temple & Daimon Gate

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meeting point: Lodging temple "Rengejoin"
    • 09:40 Move: Walk to Kongobuji Temple
    • 10:00 Sightseeing ①: Tour of "Kongobuji Temple"
    • 11:50 Move: Walk to Danjo Garan
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ②: Tour of "Danjo Garan"
    • 11:50 Move: Take a taxi to the entrance of Okunoin (Ichinohashi)
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ③: Stroll around "Okunoin", tour of Kukai's "Gobyo (Mausoleum)"
    • 13:00 Lunch/Break (restaurant in front of Okunoin)
    • 13:55 Move: Take a bus from in front of Okunoin to in front of Daimon Gate
    • 14:10 Sightseeing ④: Tour of "Daimon Gate"
    • 14:40 Move: Take a taxi from in front of Daimon Gate to Koyasan Station (cable car)
    • 15:00 End the guided tour at Koyasan Station and disband

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests on this occasion were an older group who had arrived in Japan about a month earlier from North America and were traveling all over the country, from Hokkaido to the Kanto, Kinki, and Chugoku regions. From the very beginning, their wish was to "explore Koyasan thoroughly," so the itinerary was clear from an early stage. Essentially, we decided to cover "Daimon Gate → Danjo Garan → Kongobuji Temple → Okunoin" as a six-hour course. On the day, it was a brilliantly clear sky with dry air, making it a very refreshing "walking tour day" in the shade. However, the sunlight grew stronger as the hours passed, and even though Koyasan sits at nearly 1,000 meters in elevation, the outside temperature rose to 27 degrees. That said, the Koyasan tour mostly involves walking through woods and forests, so we did not suffer much from direct sunlight. I arrived at the temple lodging (Rengejoin) about 15 minutes early and was able to meet the guests as scheduled at 9:30. We did a brief self-introduction and reviewed the itinerary, but there was one issue: the starting-point temple lodging was located slightly off the planned "route," right in the middle of the usual sequence (Daimon Gate – Danjo Garan – Kongobuji Temple – Okunoin), so starting from "Daimon Gate" would have caused a considerable loss of time. After discussing it with the guests, we decided to first visit the nearby sites (Kongobuji Temple – Danjo Garan), then move by taxi or bus to the entrance of "Okunoin," visit the "Okunoin Mausoleum," take a lunch and rest break, and finally visit "Daimon Gate." Having already spent nearly a month touring various parts of Japan, the guests had a considerable knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and religion. I felt this served as the foundation for their quick understanding of my explanations at each place we visited. Explaining the worldview and philosophy of Kobo Daishi (Kukai)'s "Shingon Buddhism" at Koyasan is particularly challenging, but they seemed to grasp the general outline. Beyond the religious content, the guests were moved by the wonderful nature of Koyasan. They also enjoyed the "udon set meal" they had for lunch, and seemed very fond of it, saying "Japanese soup is very delicious" and "Japanese food is healthy." With their strong curiosity, solid education, and pleasant sense of humor, the guests made it a fun tour where we could fully enjoy the lush greenery of Koyasan.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Okunoin／Nankai Rinkan Bus～Daimon／Nankai Rinkan Bus380JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet in front of the gate of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 9:05-9:20 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 9:30-11:00 Tsukiji Market – Enjoy sushi such as wagyu beef and tuna
    • 11:51-12:05 Travel by bus
    • 12:10-12:40 Tour of Block 6 of Toyosu Market – Enjoy coffee at Yonemoto Coffee on the 4th floor
    • 12:40-13:00 Toyosu Market – Enjoy eel, seafood grill, taiyaki, etc. at Senkyaku Banrai
    • 13:00 Disband at the entrance of Senkyaku Banrai

    What Is a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Market Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting from Oceania who had been looking forward to touring two markets. They came by taxi from their accommodation, and we met at the gate. Before heading to Tsukiji Market, we stopped by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where they viewed the main hall with great interest. At the market, they enthusiastically sampled a variety of ingredients. Finally, we entered a shop and enjoyed wagyu beef, sushi, and sake. We then took a bus from Tsukiji 6-chome to Toyosu. At the observation gallery, they took photos alongside a life-sized painting of a tuna to appreciate its size, and they asked many questions about tuna fishing. On the fourth-floor retail area, they enjoyed shopping for new tea and matcha at Maruyama Nori with coffee in hand. After that, we went to Senkyaku Banrai, where they had a lunch of eel and grilled skewers. We parted ways at Toyosu Market.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTsukiji 5-chome / Toei Bus～Shijomae Station / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

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    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Ginza
    • 10:00 Asakusa
    • 11:45 Akihabara
    • 13:10 Zojoji Temple
    • 13:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 14:10 Disband at Kamiyacho Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like Visiting Akihabara, Tokyo Tower, and Zojoji Temple? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. During the tour, part of the group tended to walk well ahead, and at times members of the group would step away without notice, so we became separated several times, which made guiding somewhat challenging. The pronunciation was also quite difficult for me to catch, and one of the guests in particular spoke very quickly and continuously, so at times I was not fully sure of what was being said. However, I could understand the intent of the questions, so I answered them as they came up. I felt a little concerned about one of the guests, so during the tour I mostly stayed alongside that person. Meanwhile, the others did not try to catch up and instead did some shopping on their own. Perhaps they felt reassured because I was there. Looking back, when that guest wandered off to the restroom inside Tokyo Tower and did not return for a while, I think it was good that I had been staying close to them out in the city. That guest seemed to like Kamen Rider, and at Akihabara and Tokyo Tower they looked at and photographed Kamen Rider figures. Also, inside Tokyo Tower, one of the guests asked me "what is that shining thing," and although I had no idea, one of the guests kindly told me "that's the Aqua-Line" (I was grateful). It appeared that the Wind Tower was reflecting the sunlight. In addition, when heading from Akihabara to Zojoji Temple, the JR Yamanote Line stopped just before Tokyo Station, and we ended up waiting at Tokyo Station, so we hurriedly transferred to another line to reach Shiba Park, which caused a considerable loss of time. We were able to visit the requested places as well as Zojoji Temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Akihabara160JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara～Tokyo160JPY
    Section 5SubwayTokyo～Shibakoen290JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    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…