Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet (@Kyoto Station Shinkansen Platform)
    • 10:30-11:10 Travel (Subway; Kyoto Station→Karasuma Shijo, Hankyu Train; Karasuma→Arashiyama)
    • 11:10-12:40 Arashiyama Stroll (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Garden [Sogenchi Garden, Hyakkaen], Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine)
    • 12:40-13:30 Lunch (CafeDining Sera/near Shakado)
    • 13:30-14:00 Travel (Keifuku Train; Arashiyama→Ryoan-ji)
    • 14:00-14:50 Ryoan-ji Visit
    • 14:50-15:10 Travel (City Bus; Ryoan-ji-mae→Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 15:10-16:00 Kinkaku-ji Visit
    • 16:00-16:30 Travel (City Bus; Kinkaku-ji-michi→Imadegawa, Subway; Imadegawa→Kyoto Station)
    • 16:30 Tour End We said goodbye to the guests in front of the JR ticket gate at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Cruise Excursion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji The guest was a cruise ship visitor from North America. The guest had originally been scheduled to join with the group, but on the day of the tour, the guest ended up participating alone. Although the meeting was arranged for 11:00 at Kyoto Station, information came in that the guest would arrive 30 minutes early, so we started the tour 30 minutes ahead of schedule. I took the guest to Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji. The weather felt like early summer, warm enough to break a sweat, and some cherry blossoms still remained here and there. As it was the April sightseeing season and also a weekend holiday, there were large crowds, and all of the sites we visited were congested. The guest said the garden of Tenryu-ji and the rock garden of Ryoan-ji were wonderful, but the crowds were just as had been heard about in advance. In addition, the city buses used for getting around were extremely packed, and I believe this made the experience uncomfortable. It might have been better to recommend traveling by taxi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Section 4TrainRyoan-ji-mae/Kyoto Municipal Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto Municipal Bus～Imadegawa230JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa～Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

    Request Booking

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

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

  • Kyoto: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma & Gion Tatsumi Bridge

    Kyoto: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma & Gion Tatsumi Bridge

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 8:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:50 Nara Park
    • 11:20 Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
    • 13:00 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • 14:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:00 Gion Tatsumi Bridge
    • 16:30 Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto and Nara Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Today, as with yesterday, I guided a group visiting from Oceania. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, with heavy rain at times. Since Kiyomizu-dera Temple had only light rain first thing in the morning, there were fewer people and the guests enjoyed it. Afterward, the rain became quite heavy at Nara Park, but when it eased up a little, they enjoyed feeding the deer outside. They were amazed by the scale of the Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji Temple. At Higashimuki Shopping Street, they enjoyed lunch and shopping. I had been worried about the crowds at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, but perhaps because of the rain, there were relatively few people, which was fortunate. Tatsumi Bridge was as crowded as ever, but I believe the guests enjoyed it.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　08:00　Meet at Gion Fukuzumi
    • ②　08:05　About today's itinerary and the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:00　Stroll through Gion and Shinbashi (explanation about Gion and teahouses)
    • ④　10:00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑤　12:00　Depart from JR Inari Station
    • ⑥　12:20　Explanation about Arashiyama at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
    • ⑦　12:35　Lunch break (standing meal)
    • ⑧　12:50　Stroll through the bamboo grove
    • ⑨　13:20　Stroll through Tenryu-ji Temple garden
    • ⑩　14:15　Disperse in front of Tenryu-ji Temple

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan. They spent about four days in Tokyo and one day in Kyoto, and were planning one day in Osaka the next day before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They were a lively and delightful group. From early in the morning at the Hotel, they listened to my explanations with great interest and enjoyment. One of the guests had studied a little Japanese and had some knowledge of Japanese history, which made it easy to talk with them. They even knew the term "Meiji Restoration" and were explaining it to the rest of the group, though a little off the mark, so I would offer a corrected explanation. They also knew a bit about feng shui and onmyodo (yin-yang cosmology), but not quite enough, so I would add to what they said, and in this way we happily went over our schedule from the morning. One of the guests taught me that people who study Japanese find the pronunciation of "dou itashimashite" difficult, so they remember it as "Don't touch my mustache." Many people may already know this, but I did not, and I burst out laughing when I heard it while walking through the thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari. I thought it was quite clever. Come to think of it, there seem to be similar tricks going from Japanese to English as well. In the end, we spent the whole day like this and unfortunately did not make it to the Philosopher's Path as planned, but the guests were quite talkative themselves, so they understood the atmosphere and we parted happily. Today too, we said goodbye with my favorite word, "ookini." Don't touch my mustache!

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Ninna-ji Temple & Randen Arashiyama

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Ninna-ji Temple & Randen Arashiyama

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 　Hotel
    • 9:40　Ninna-ji Temple (Omuro)
    • 11:30 Randen Arashiyama
    • 　　 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 　　　Bamboo Grove
    • 13:00　Disband at Arashiyama. Returned by taxi.

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ninna-ji and Arashiyama The guests were a group from North America. Since the cherry blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple were in full bloom, I suggested we visit. There were so many people that the bus on the way was extremely crowded, and the guests had to endure about 30 minutes of it. I reflected that my planning had been a bit too optimistic on this point. Still, the guests told me that the temple buildings, the garden, and the cherry blossoms at Ninna-ji were lovely. At Arashiyama Station, some of the guests enjoyed chicken and other food. It was a somewhat warm day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus～Omuro Ninna-ji / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainOmuro Ninna-ji～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tokyo: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meeting place: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya
    • 7:00 Depart Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya
    • (Hired car)
    • 9:30 Arrive at Lake Chuzenji
    • Lake Chuzenji Café: Break
    • 10:00 Depart Lake Chuzenji
    • (Hired car)
    • 10:30 Arrive at Kegon Falls
    • Kegon Falls
    • 11:45 Depart Kegon Falls
    • (Hired car)
    • 12:30 Nikko city center Futarasan Shrine
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • Rinnoji Temple
    • 13:00 Depart Rinnoji Temple
    • (Hired car)
    • Arrive at Shinkyo Bridge
    • Shinkyo Bridge Shinkyo Bridge
    • Lunch: Nikko Asaya
    • 13:45 Depart Shinkyo Bridge
    • (Hired car)
    • 14:00 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • Kanmangafuchi Abyss Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 14:30 Depart Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 17:00 Arrive at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya
    • Disband: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Both worked in fields related to healthcare, and both were very interested in Japanese history and culture. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private one-day tour of Nikko. Two weeks earlier, they had arrived in Japan and joined a group tour of about 20 people, visiting various parts of the country (Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Sendai, Matsushima, Oirase Gorge, and others). After that, on a friend's recommendation, they said they really wanted to visit Nikko, which led to today's trip. They plan to return home by air from Haneda tomorrow. It was a pleasant tour under clear, comfortable weather. We departed from a hotel in Shibuya. In the car, I explained topics such as "the origins and history of Nikko," "Japan's Edo period, including the Edo period and Tokugawa Ieyasu," and "the five highways and the sankin-kotai system of alternate attendance." We passed through the Irohazaka winding road and first headed to Lake Chuzenji. We took a short break at a cafe near the entrance (there was a request for a light bite since they had not had breakfast at the hotel). I explained that Nikko has been a summer retreat both in the past and today. We moved on to Kegon Falls. There were few tourists around, and the volume of water flowing down was extremely low, so it lacked its usual power. One of the guests took many photos. From there, we went into the city of Nikko. First, we visited Futarasan Shrine, where I again explained the origins and history of Nikko. We walked to Toshogu Shrine. Despite it being a weekday, this area was quite crowded with group visitors from abroad and students on school trips. We toured the Yomeimon Gate, the main hall, the crying dragon, and other sights in turn. The "three wise monkeys" and the "sleeping cat" seemed to be favorites, and the guests took their time photographing them. They mentioned they had heard about the "three wise monkeys" beforehand, and had also heard about the "sleeping cat" beforehand. They purchased a large number of amulets as gifts for their grandchildren. We walked around Rinnoji Temple. A goma fire ritual was being performed, and we observed it for a while. I explained topics such as "Buddhism" and "Buddhism and Shinto." At Rinnoji, they admired the Japanese garden and took photos at a leisurely pace. From there, they wanted lunch, so we went to a restaurant in front of the Shinkyo Bridge. They enjoyed soba and tempura. We moved to the Shinkyo Bridge and took photos here and there at a relaxed pace. From there, we went to Kanmangafuchi Abyss and strolled slowly. There were many questions about the Jizo statues. On the way back, in the car there were many questions about "the succession of shoguns from the Kamakura period" and "Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and others." There were also comments and questions such as: "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are clean and there is no litter." "The public restrooms are clean." "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why?" "Everyone is quiet on the trains." We saw them off at their hotel and parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:35 Visit @ Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:20 Visit @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
    • 6. 11:50 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 7. 12:15 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing, MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109
    • 8. 13:00 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 13:35 Visit @ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market
    • 10. 14:10 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushi Sei Shinkan
    • 11. 14:50 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 15:30 Visit @ Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 13. 15:50 Travel: Subway
    • 14. 16:15 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. We set off after they downloaded Mobile Suica at their hotel. The guests enjoyed drinking, so I first took them to Shinjuku to show them Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. Since there did not seem to be enough time to visit Nezu, which had been among their requested spots, we also stopped by Hanazono Shrine here. After that, I took them to two observation decks—the north observatory of the Metropolitan Government Building and MAGNET in Shibuya—though the occasionally heavy rain was a bit disappointing. At lunch, preferences differed within the group, as some liked nigiri sushi while others were not fond of raw fish, so at the sushi restaurant I arranged for steamed shrimp, cucumber rolls, and similar items to be enjoyed. I had originally planned to part ways at Kappabashi Kitchen Town, but on this day they decided to check the location of the shops and return another day, so I kept the tour there brief, saw the guests back to their hotel, and 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 1SubwayGinza～Shinjuku-sanchome210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku West Exit～Tochomae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTochomae～Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 4TrainYoyogi～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 6SubwayTsukiji～Tawaramachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 7SubwayTawaramachi (Tokyo)～Ginza210JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @Remm Hibiya
    • 2. 08:55 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:20 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:00 Stay @Takeshita Street
    • 5. 10:30 Travel: Train
    • 6. 10:45 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 7. 11:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 11:30 Stay @Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 9. 12:45 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 13:20 Lunch @Sansada
    • 11. 13:50 Stay @Asakusa
    • 12. 15:00 Disband @Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station

    What Does a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. I walked at a slightly faster pace to match the group's rhythm as we proceeded. The initial list of desired spots included Tsukiji, but since it was closed on Wednesday, the guests decided to visit it on another day, and instead I added the Imperial Palace East Gardens to the route. Because it was close to their accommodation, I had not originally planned to guide them through the East Gardens, but as the group was fond of history, the response was even more positive than I expected. After arriving in Asakusa, we first took a meal break, and then I guided them around the Sensoji Temple area at a somewhat leisurely pace. After walking through the main sights, the timing worked out well, and we parted ways at Asakusa Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa290JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Conrad Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 Travel∶Train
    • 3. 10:40 Stay@Marunouchi, East Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 13:30 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 14:10 Lunch@KOMEDA is □
    • 7. 14:50 Travel∶Subway
    • 8. 15:20 Stay@Sensoji Kaminarimon
    • 9. 15:30 Travel∶Taxi
    • 10. 15:50 Dismissal@Tokyo Skytree

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Oceania. I had been informed by email beforehand that one of the guests was experiencing some knee discomfort, so I paced the tour carefully to make sure we did not walk too quickly. For the first stop, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I thought it would be better to use the JR line, which required no transfers, rather than the subway. Unfortunately, there were delays that day, and it ended up taking longer than expected. From Tokyo Station, I guided the group at a relaxed pace, including an introduction to the Marunouchi area. At the East Gardens, I considered shortening the route, but as one of the guests seemed to enjoy plants, I deliberately took time to walk all the way to the main keep area. After guiding the group through Tsukiji, I took them to a vegan cafe in East Ginza, but the meal took a long time to be served here as well. As a result, we did not have time to visit the main hall of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and I only guided the group around the Kaminarimon Gate area. Since the guests had a reservation at Tokyo Skytree at 16:00, we took a taxi from Kaminarimon to Tokyo Skytree, where we parted ways at the reception.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Tokyo160JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayHigashi-ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Total560JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet@Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:55 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 10:15 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 10:45 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 12:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 7. 12:30 Stay@Ueno Park
    • 8. 13:15 Lunch@Obon de Gohan
    • 9. 14:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 10. 14:30 Stay@Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 11. 15:40 Disband@Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Season Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. After they purchased PASMO cards for everyone at Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro, we set off. Given the flow of the itinerary, we decided to have lunch in Ueno rather than in Tsukiji. In Ueno during the cherry blossom season, many people seem to eat outdoors, so it was helpful that we were able to be seated without much of a wait. The cherry blossoms were still close to full bloom, and I believe the guests enjoyed the experience. At Kappabashi Kitchen Town, our final stop, we spent more time than planned. The visit was at the request of one of the guests, and because we went around several shops to compare and find a kitchen knife suited to their needs, we spent more than an hour there. In the meantime, the other guests did some separate shopping. After the shopping was finished, I explained how to get to Tokyo Skytree, and then 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 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • (2) 11:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • (3) 12:00 Mount Wakakusa
    • (4) 12:30 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • (5) 12:45 Lunch @ "Azekuraya"
    • (6) 13:15 Great Buddha Hall
    • (7) 14:00 Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • (8) 15:30 Disband @ Saidaiji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. When we met at the Hotel, one of them looked somewhat displeased, which concerned me at first. When I asked about it, they explained that their Kyoto sightseeing guide had not shown up the previous day, so they had been forced to do their own sightseeing. That was part of the reason for the mood, but once the deer came to greet us along the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, the guests finally began to smile, which was a relief. Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed feeding the deer the shika senbei crackers. While Shinto and Buddhism did not seem to interest some of the guests much, one of the guests had prepared a stamp book and requested goshuin seal stamps at both Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Great Buddha Hall. The weather today was clear and perfect for sightseeing, and although we walked a great deal, the guests walked cheerfully throughout. I did recommend Wakakusa-yama, but since they had climbed all the way to the summit of Mount Inari the previous day and gotten soaked in the rain, which was quite an ordeal, they said they were fine for today and did not take up the suggestion. On the way from Nigatsu-do to the Great Buddha Hall, one of the guests became hungry and said they could not walk any further, so we had a Japanese lunch at "Azekuraya." After lunch, the guests regained their energy. They were delighted by the Great Buddha Hall, where one of the guests offered a special prayer before the Kokuzo Bosatsu statue, and another enjoyed attempting to crawl through the pillar hole. For the finale, I had planned to have the guests enjoy making paper cranes at the visitor center by Sarusawa Pond, but unfortunately the center had closed at the end of March. As an alternative, I guided them through the shopping street hoping they would enjoy some shopping, but the guests said they wished to return to Kyoto and rest, so even though there was still guiding time remaining, they decided to head back to the Hotel.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Nara720JPY
    Section 3BusNara～Todaiji Great Buddha Hall / Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…