Category: Uncategorized

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:30 Start at hotel
    • Travel by train to Arashiyama
    • AM 09:20-10:40 From Togetsukyo Bridge via Tenryu-ji Garden, visit the bamboo grove
    • AM 10:40-11:00 Visit Rakushisha
    • AM 11:00-PM 14:00 Saga Toriimoto Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, the Townscape Memorial Hall, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and Seiryo-ji, then via Saga-Arashiyama Station
    • Travel by train to hotel PM 14:40 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Arashiyama and Sagano in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting from North America, who enjoys traveling abroad several times a year and takes pleasure in doing things they were not able to do before. As the tour focused on the Arashiyama and Sagano area, I explained in advance that there would be a lot of walking, and then we started the tour. It became a walking tour with breaks at cafés along the way, and within the 6-hour timeframe we were able to visit almost all of the highlights that could be reached, so I believe the guest was satisfied. Toward the end, the guest mentioned experiencing a little back discomfort. Since the guest planned to join a Gion tour in the evening, we returned to central Kyoto and ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Shijo-Omiya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo-Omiya~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Nijo200JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijo~Kyoto Kawaramachi390JPY
    Total1,010JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: on Miyajima Island & Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: on Miyajima Island & Peace Memorial Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 a.m. Meet at Hotel
    • 9:45 a.m. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island
    • 10:30 a.m. Arrive on Miyajima Island
    • 10:45 a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:30 a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 1:15 p.m. Take a short ferry ride to Miyajimaguchi terminal
    • 1:30 p.m. Lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 2:30 p.m. Take JR train to Hiroshima Station (¥420 per person)
    • 2:50 p.m. Visit a beautiful Japanese Garden, Shukkeien
    • 3:50 p.m. Visit Hiroshima Castle
    • 4:30 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park
    • 5:30 p.m. End of the tour at the entrance of Peace Memorial Museum

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. From our correspondence beforehand, they replied politely, which put me at ease, and we were able to talk openly from the very beginning, chatting about all sorts of things throughout the tour. When we met in the morning, they mentioned that they had already visited the Peace Park a little the previous day, so I adjusted the plan and slightly extended our time on Miyajima. On the World Heritage sea route ferry on the way there, we folded paper cranes together, and the guests were delighted, saying it was a wonderful experience. The weather was fine, and on Miyajima the guests took a great many photos. I also took some photos of the guests, which they were very happy about. They also greatly enjoyed the okonomiyaki restaurant we went to for lunch, and even asked how it was made. Since I had asked about their wishes in advance and planned to end the tour at the Peace Memorial Museum, where the guests would visit on their own using an online ticket for the less crowded 5:30 time slot, after Miyajima we visited Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle instead of the museum, and then went to the Peace Park. At Shukkeien Garden, there were people having pre-wedding photos taken, and the guests were delighted by the beautiful kimono. When I mentioned that I myself had once taken pre-wedding photos at the same spot, they were happy to look at the old photo. They were also very moved by the A-bombed trees, taking photos at both Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle. Although they had visited the Peace Park the day before, they had only seen the area around the Dome, so we went around the hypocenter, the Children's Peace Monument, and the Rest House together before I saw them off at the museum to end the tour. At the end, the guests very courteously thanked me, saying that thanks to having a guide they were able to visit so many wonderful places in a single day without any trouble, and that it had been a special day. I was truly honored.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Memorial Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 3BusHiroshima~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Total1,860JPY

    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.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:15 Meet at MIMARU SUITE Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 13:30 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 15:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 16:00 End at Fushimi Inari

    Title: What Is a Private Group Tour to Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a lively group with high energy. On the way to a nearby subway station, some of the guests wandered off, so it took more than 30 minutes before we were able to board the subway. A similar situation happened twice more along the way, causing a loss of nearly 30 minutes each time. There were also moments on the train that were disruptive to other passengers. We managed to visit two locations and finished at the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari. Since the guests planned to continue up Mount Inari afterward, I explained the onward route to them at the inner shrine. The organizer of the group helped keep things under control to some extent, which was a great help.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Total750JPY

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

    Kuni

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • 2. 10:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4. 14:00 Lunch @ "Yatsuhashi Nishio"
    • 5. 15:00 Gion
    • 6. 16:00 Dismissal (5 people) @ Pontocho
    • 6. 16:15 Dismissal (1 person) @ Kyoto Station

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Covering Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Kyoto for the day. We met at Kyoto Station and began sightseeing according to the planned itinerary. At Fushimi Inari Taisha the weather was fine and I was able to guide them enjoyably, but at the next destination, Kiyomizu-dera, the approach was extremely crowded, so we moved along slowly. I had made a lunch reservation at a restaurant, but we could not make it in time for the reserved slot and arrived late, and unfortunately the reservation had been canceled. However, I was able to make a new reservation on the spot, and after waiting about 15 minutes we were seated, and the lunch overlooking a Japanese garden was well received. After lunch, Kinkaku-ji had been included in the plan, but going to Kinkaku-ji would have meant not making it in time for the dinner reservation the guests had booked, so I guided them around the Gion area instead. Explaining about maiko and geiko, I introduced and walked them along Hanamikoji, and finally in Pontocho I parted ways with most of the group, but one of the guests was taking the Shinkansen to Tokyo, so I saw them off to Kyoto Station and thus concluded today's work.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet at The b Ginza
    • 2. 09:20 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple)
    • 3. 10:50 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 13:00 Harajuku (Harajuku Street, Takeshita Street, Meiji Jingu Shrine)
    • 5. 14:45 Disband at Omotesando Station

    What Can You See in Tokyo in One Day? A Licensed Private Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania and planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks, with an itinerary including Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Since they effectively had only this one day in Tokyo, I focused on guiding them to the main highlights. They expressed an interest in Japanese history and culture, and we covered the planned itinerary throughout the day. We completed the entire planned itinerary, and at the end of the tour the guests commented that they had a wonderful time, so I believe they were very satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando180JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 13:00→Sanjusangendo 13:30→Kinkakuji 15:30→Fushimi Inari 17:00→Gion 19:00

    What Does a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from Europe. They had rushed to check in at their hotel as soon as they arrived in Kyoto, and we were able to meet on time. The tour covered Sanjusangendo, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari, and finished with a drop-off in Gion. Sanjusangendo seemed to leave the strongest impression, and the guests really enjoyed it. At Fushimi Inari, they took their time to worship properly. They already knew the custom of two bows, two claps, and one bow, and it seemed they had been worshipping in the same way at other shrines as well. They also bought mitarashi dango when it was recommended and enjoyed it, showing a strong curiosity about different cultures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station Front/Kyoto City Bus~Museum Sanjusangendo Front/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusMuseum Sanjusangendo Front/Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto Station Front/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 4BusNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainEnmachi~Inari200JPY
    Section 7TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total1,540JPY

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 ハイアットプレイス京都
    • 10:30 竹林の道
    • 10:40 天龍寺
    • 嵐山を徒歩で
    • 12:00 金閣寺
    • 13:30 伏見稲荷
    • 14:30 三年坂
    • 八坂の塔を徒歩で
    • 八坂庚申堂を徒歩で
    • 15:30 八坂神社
    • 16:00 ハイアットプレイス京都

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Sagano Bamboo Grove Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. The summer sun was strong and the temperature was high, so I advised them to stay hydrated. Perhaps because it was a Sunday, there were relatively few school excursion groups today. The bamboo grove in Sagano was in the season when the leaves change over, and many old leaves had fallen to the ground, making the grove brighter. As you can see in the attached photo, the upper part is sparse, the blue sky is visible, and sunlight reaches the path. Since the guests mentioned they would not have lunch, the schedule was a little tight, but we were able to complete everything within the time.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Akihabara

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:10 Meet up @ Henn na Hotel Asakusabashi
    • 09:50 Imperial Palace
    • 11:20 Lunch @ Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya
    • 11:50 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:50 Akihabara
    • 13:15 Disband @ Akihabara Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone, and planned to return home after sightseeing in Tokyo. 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. At Sensoji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. It also happened that the Sanja Matsuri festival was being held that day, and they showed great interest in the enthusiasm of the people carrying the portable shrines. In Akihabara, one of the guests was a fan of anime, so they were very interested in the anime shops. As they said, "We can get back to the hotel on our own, so we would like to explore Akihabara a little more," we parted ways in Akihabara. Since I responded according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied. In the morning, I waited for more than 30 minutes in the second-floor lobby of the hotel, but even when the meeting time of 9:00 a.m. came, the guests did not appear. When I called their hotel room, there was no answer, so I called the guest phone number listed in the guest information, but that number turned out to be the phone number of a travel agency, and I could not reach the guests, which was very troubling. I had confirmed several times by email that the meeting point was the hotel lobby, but just to be sure, I went down to the first-floor entrance at 9:10 a.m., where the guests were waiting, and I was finally able to meet them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusabashi~Ochanomizu160JPY
    Section 2SubwayShin-Ochanomizu~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total910JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto: Ryoanji Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto: Ryoanji Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.
    • 09:40 to 10:15 Ryoanji Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:40 Ginkakuji Temple
    • 12:00 to 12:40 Eikando Temple
    • 12:50 to 13:15 Nanzenji Temple
    • 13:25 to 14:00 Lunch at Gion (Tendon)
    • 14:20 to 14:50 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 Dismiss at Ryoanji Temple

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Avoiding the Crowds? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. The trip was to celebrate a graduation. Since they preferred to avoid crowded places, we visited the spots mentioned above. However, at Ryoan-ji Temple, one of the guests accidentally left a mobile phone behind. They asked to go back and retrieve it, even if it meant interrupting the tour. We had originally planned to visit To-ji Temple after Sanjusangen-do, but we skipped it and returned to Ryoan-ji instead. Fortunately, the phone was found safely. As it was just about the scheduled time, we ended the tour there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo Omiya~Ryoanji Temple250JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKarasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Ginkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Nanzenji Eikando-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusNanzenji Eikando-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainGion Shijo~Shichijo180JPY
    Section 7BusKyoto Station-mae / West Japan JR Bus~Ryoanji-mae / West Japan JR Bus230JPY
    Total1,580JPY

    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 One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart from Shinjuku
    • 9:15–10:05 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:40–11:30 Imperial Palace
    • 11:30–12:20 Lunch Break
    • 12:45–1:45 Sensō-ji in Asakusa
    • 2:20–3:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 3:00 Return to Shinjuku / Tour Ends

    What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe, and while some of the group had been to Japan several times before, it was a first visit for others. They mentioned that they had booked a licensed guide this time because they wanted to gain knowledge about shrines and temples. We arrived at Meiji Shrine early and spent a relaxed time there, and they purchased many charms and other items. They were also very satisfied with the historical explanations at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The Sanja Matsuri festival in Asakusa was crowded, but I had a special spot from which we could watch at a leisurely pace, and they were amazed by the sheer number of people. After that, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Although it was hot, they walked through it thoroughly.

    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.

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    Ruppa_L
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    TAMARA_R
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    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
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    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…