Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:45 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 11:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Motomachi Station

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kobe Beef The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and we were able to move around smoothly. Although we visited only two locations, everyone took their time exploring each one carefully. At a local bakery near the Ohashi bridge that I recommended, the guests purchased some sweet pastries and seemed very satisfied. At Nunobiki Herb Garden, they enjoyed seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms just beginning to fall. I presented them with handmade drawstring pouches, which they were delighted to receive. At the guests' request, I introduced a restaurant serving authentic local "Kobe beef," and after guiding them to the shuttle bus stop for the terminal of the cruise ship they were staying on, we parted ways. They planned to have their meal at the restaurant afterward. Today we ran significantly over time because we spent so long at each spot, but the guests were friendly and it was a pleasure to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko~Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 4SubwaySannomiya~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 5SubwayShin-Kobe~Sannomiya210JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    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

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Odawara Station→Bus→Motohakone→11:30 Pirate Ship→11:55 Togendai→Bus→12:50 Lunch→15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum→16:40 Hakone Tozan Railway→17:45 Farewell at Odawara Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Odawara? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America around Hakone. We met at Odawara Station and took a bus to Moto-Hakone, where we boarded a sightseeing pirate ship on Lake Ashi. Originally, we had planned to take the ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani, but because strong winds had suspended the ropeway service, we instead took a bus toward Miyagino and had lunch at a sushi restaurant. After enjoying the sushi to the fullest, we changed buses and headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where we enjoyed a wide variety of artworks. The group delighted in attractions such as the large maze and the stained-glass tower, and although the plans differed from the original itinerary, we were able to spend a full and rewarding day in Hakone.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Motohakone Station0JPY
    Section 2Free PassMotohakone Port~Togendai Port0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTogendai~Miyagino0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMiyagino~Hakone Glass Forest Museum0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHakone Glass Forest Museum~Chokoku-no-mori-mae0JPY
    Section 6Free PassChokoku-no-mori Station~Hakone-Yumoto Station0JPY
    Section 7Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Odawara Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Brandon2116
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Personalized Tokyo Experience
    Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…

    Mar 29, 2026
    Stacy_A
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Chinatown

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:20-11:20 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:40-12:30 Ijinkan District + Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
    • 12:59-13:30 Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, Harborland
    • 13:45 Chinatown
    • 14:00 Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kobe Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests spoke English, and I interpreted into another language for the group. We took the train to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, and since the weather was fine, we walked down to the mid-station along the way. In the greenhouse, which had recently been renovated, we enjoyed a wonderful view. We walked up to the Kitano foreign residence district and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, offered a prayer, and had some ice cream. We took a taxi to the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, then walked to Harborland, and since the guests wanted to change money, I took them to a currency exchange before continuing by taxi to Chinatown. At the Herb Garden, one of the guests, who was very knowledgeable about flowers and herbs, taught me many things. In Chinatown, I took the guests to a Kobe beef restaurant to end the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 11:00 @ Lobby of Hotel
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and tour the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower 11:00-12:30・・・To Nagoya Castle, travel by subway
    • 3. Move to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and tour the Textile Machinery Pavilion and Automobile Pavilion 12:30-14:30・・・To the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, travel by taxi
    • 4. Lunch @ Cafeteria inside the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 14:30-15:00
    • 5. Move to the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and tour the tower's sky deck 15:00-15:40・・・To the MIRAI TOWER, travel by taxi
    • 6. Move to Osu Shopping District and tour the shopping district and Osu Kannon 15:40-16:40・・・To Osu Shopping District, travel by subway
    • 7. Move to Hotel and disband 16:40-17:00・・・Hotel, travel by subway

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It rained all day, sometimes heavily, so I made an effort to avoid the rain as much as possible by staying inside buildings and at covered sites. During a lighter spell of rain at the start of the tour, we visited Nagoya Castle, and then moved on to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, where we spent time viewing the exhibits and also had lunch. The guests had especially been looking forward to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, so they enjoyed the visit very much. They were also delighted to purchase a miniature of their favorite car at the shop. It was fortunate that we were able to spend the heaviest period of rain inside the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Despite the rain, the guests wished to visit the sky deck of the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, so I guided them there. Afterward, we visited the covered Osu shopping arcade, then returned to the hotel near Nagoya Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya~Nagoya Castle240JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)~Kamimaezu210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsu Kannon~Nagoya210JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet @ Hokke Club Kyoto
    • 8:15-8:20 @ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 8:30-9:30 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:35-10:30 @ Gion
    • 10:40-10:50 @ Pontocho
    • 11:00-11:30 @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was raining from the morning, so we set off with umbrellas. To avoid the crowds, we first headed to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but there were already many groups of school trip students, so it was just as crowded as during the daytime. The rain began to fall heavily around the time we were strolling through Gion, so I gave my explanation using materials about geisha and maiko in a covered area. At Nishiki Market, we simply walked through without stopping, and the guests did not purchase anything in particular. After the tour, the guests mentioned that they wanted to go to the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping streets, so I guided them to the location and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Motomachi Station & Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Motomachi Station & Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up at Hotel & Towers
    • 9:30 Arrive at Motomachi Station
    • Pass through Chinatown
    • 9:45 Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 10:20 Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
    • (They chose this after deliberating between here and the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution)
    • 11:30 Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum
    • 12:30 Disperse at Hotel & Towers
    • (An early dispersal to catch the cruise ship)

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had originally hoped to visit Nunobiki Herb Garden as their first choice, but since it rained from the morning and the weather was poor, they contacted me to say they preferred to skip the herb garden. Instead, we visited a memorial park that they had also expressed interest in, took photos with a Kobe-style backdrop at Meriken Park where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and then moved to HAT Kobe, home to the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. At the Prefectural Museum of Art, we viewed the Ando Gallery, and I explained the exhibits related to the earthquake disaster. The guests expressed a wish to visit a sake brewery, which had been on their list, so we moved to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where they enjoyed the tour and a tasting before purchasing some sake. They also seemed to greatly enjoy the amazake soft-serve ice cream. As the guests were scheduled to board a cruise ship in the afternoon, we returned to the Hotel and parted ways a little earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIsland Center~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)250JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)~Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)200JPY
    Total450JPY

    I’m Yuki.
    I am a National Government licensed guide interpreter.
    I was born and grew up in Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture.
    Kobe is one of the attractive cities in Japan to explore the Japanese history and modern city life.

    Also, I have learned the way of tea for more than 15 years and Japanese flower arrangement which there are lots of things to learn more about Japanese history and traditions.

    I like joining in the tea gathering, traveling, watching Noh performances and Gagaku performances (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance), visiting to temples (also as pilgrimage) and Japanese gardens and wearing Kimono (Japanese traditional clothes).

    I would like to support your stay in Japan with its experiences including Japanese traditions and history.
    I look forward to seeing you.

    Apr 14, 2026
    alanU8359AN
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kobe walkabout
    Excellent walk around the city and on the cable car

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet and depart at Hotel – 8:22 Depart from Uno Port – 8:40 Red Pumpkin – 10:05 Tsutsujiso with the Yellow Pumpkin – 11:10 Explore Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Corridor – 12:20 Benesse House Museum – 13:40 Appreciate nearby art works – 14:50 Valley Gallery – 15:00 Lee Ufan Museum – 15:15 Chichu Art Museum – 16:30 Arrive at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Oceania. The moment I met them at the hotel for pickup, I could tell they were warm and kind, which put me at ease. A relative of one of the guests runs a travel agency in Oceania and had carefully planned this tour. Since the ferry port and the hotel were a little far apart, I expected we would be a ferry behind schedule, but fortunately the hotel arranged a car to take us to the port. Thanks to that, we were able to board a ferry an hour earlier than planned, giving the tour a promising start. We began at the Benesse House Museum and everything went smoothly. However, at the Chichu Art Museum there were many people, so it took some time to view the exhibits. Since the guests planned to visit the neighboring island of Teshima on their own the following day, I helped a little with arranging their itinerary. Also, when I struck up a conversation with a couple at a bus stop on Naoshima who turned out to be from Oceania, they not only hit it off with my guests but also discovered they lived very close to one another back home. It struck me how small the world is, that neighbors could meet in Japan, so far away in the Northern Hemisphere. Perhaps it was fate, because I happened to run into them again when I went to Teshima the next day, in April. It was unfortunately rainy that day, but I am sure they continued to enjoy their journey.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUno Port~Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)740JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyanoura Port (Naoshima)~Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture200JPY
    Total940JPY

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00. Hotel
    • 09:30 Tsukiji
    • 10:45 Ginza Ginza Six, Fire Kids, Rasin, Onitsuka Tiger,
    • 12:30 We wait here (Onitsukatiger's) 3 hours. Thank you, you're free.

    Title: What Do Guests Notice on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests shared several observations during the private tour with a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide. 1. The guests noted that Japan has "women only" train cars, mentioning that a similar system exists in their home region. 2. The guests described large carnivals held in February in their home region, with three days dedicated to competition. 3. The guests were impressed that the trash on the street is neatly organized (along Tsukiji street). 4. The guests asked, "Can I walk a little more? 9,000 yen for sea urchin is very touristic." 5. The guests mentioned that their accommodation is located in the center of a shopping area. 6. The guests asked whether Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station would be better for going to Osaka. 7. The guests commented that the watch prices were similar to the ones they had seen the previous day, noting that the prices at pawn shops were the same. 8. The guests expressed a wish to buy shoes at the Onitsuka Tiger store.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Ginza180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

    May 20, 2026
    olgalA154QQ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with an excellent guide
    Great experience! Our guide WADA Hideaki…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sightseer57474900023
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hideaki’s perfect first day in Tokyo!
    Hideaki was an incredible guide and…

  • Toyama in One Day: JAL City Toyama & Toyama Station

    Toyama in One Day: JAL City Toyama & Toyama Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 JAL City Toyama
    • 11:10 Iwase – Sake Brewery Shop – Baba Residence
    • 12:10 Lunch (Iwase)
    • 13:20 Castle Ruins Park – Toyama Castle
    • 14:30 Hie Shrine
    • 15:10 Glass Art Museum 
    • 15:50 Ikeda Yasubei Shoten 
    • 16:20 Toyama Station 
    • 16:30 JAL City Toyama

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Toyama City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Despite an unlucky day of rain and strong winds similar to the previous week, the itinerary made the most of the tram and indoor facilities. After introducing Toyama's fish at "Marute" in Toyama Station, we headed to the Iwase area. At a sake brewery, the guest enjoyed a tasting experience, and at the Baba family residence, a former Kitamaebune shipping agent's house, I explained the history and Toyama's architectural style. After enjoying Iwase's fish cuisine for lunch, in the afternoon we traced the history of successive castle lords at the Toyama Municipal Folk Museum (Toyama Castle). In response to a request from the guest, who was interested in shrines and temples, we visited Hie Shrine, affectionately known as "Sanno-san." After that, we went to the Toyama Glass Art Museum. An Art Nouveau exhibition happened to be on display, so I gave a detailed explanation of Gallé and Daum, which are my areas of expertise. Finally, at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, the guest observed and experienced a demonstration of making pills of the traditional medicine "Hangontan." On the tram ride back, I introduced recommended restaurants around Toyama Station and ekiben boxed lunches for the trip to Takayama the following day, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToyama Station~Iwase650JPY
    Total650JPY

    With a unique professional background encompassing both academia and international affairs, I offer a distinctive and enriching guiding experience for visitors to the Hokuriku region, specializing in Toyama and Kanazawa. My approach goes beyond standard sightseeing; I focus on providing a deep, comparative cultural understanding of Japan and its traditions.
    For many years, I served as an English Language Instructor at various junior colleges and universities. This extensive experience has honed my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and to engage with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, I have had valuable exposure to high-level international communication through my work accompanying delegations for international conferences and official inspection tours. This has equipped me with a strong foundation in professional protocol and a refined sense of hospitality essential for serving international guests.
    My professional strengths are notably multifaceted. Having worked in art galleries, I possess a detailed knowledge of art and aesthetics, allowing me to offer nuanced explanations of local crafts, museum exhibits, and artistic traditions. Complementing this, my knowledge of real estate provides a solid understanding of architecture, enabling me to discuss the historical context and structural significance of both traditional Japanese buildings—such as those found in Gokayama—and modern regional developments. By weaving together art, history, and architecture, I can present a holistic narrative of the region’s development.
    I am proud to be a certified Regional Licensed Tour Guide, having obtained my qualification in January 2025. Since then, I have successfully guided tours through key areas of Toyama Prefecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, the historical castle town of Takaoka, the stunning natural beauty of Kurobe, and the modern vibrancy of Toyama City. Given the deep historical connections between the prefectures, my guiding extends to the famous cultural capital of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Moving forward, my goal is to cover the entire Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui), providing comprehensive itineraries that connect these culturally rich areas.
    What truly sets my tours apart is my passion for the natural environment. I am an enthusiast of outdoor activities and deeply familiar with Toyama’s spectacular landscapes. For travelers who wish to connect with nature, I can seamlessly integrate activities such as hiking in the mountains or fishing excursions into a custom itinerary. This allows my guests to not only witness the region’s natural beauty but to actively experience it.
    My commitment is to utilize my overseas guiding experience to introduce the unique charm of Toyama and the Hokuriku region from a comparative cultural perspective, ensuring every international visitor gains an appreciation that resonates personally. Book a tour with me to unlock a deeper, more personalized, and adventurous journey through the heart of Japan.

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Sendagi

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Sendagi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 10:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine Nakamise
    • 12:30 Yanaka
    • 14:00 Sendagi

    Title: What Do Guests Ask a Licensed Guide on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Guide's Report 1. You have that many suicides every year? 2. I'll take a picture, taking a peep, statue. 3. So, they are pictures which used to look like? (in Yanaka) 4. They are for pleasure, not for commuting, so it is not mandatory to wear a helmet riding it. 5. You have many abandoned houses. We can buy them. 6. They are teaching war at schools, what do the people feel about war? I visited 5 places in Europe, and they told us how they feel about the war. Aren't they teaching modern history of Japan, not good. 7. So, what's the story about a white cat? 8. We are from South America. I spent 14 years to get an M.S. and PhD. I was on a scholarship and studied hard to maintain good records. 9. 1,000 cups of coffee are worth one Seiko watch. The economy there is 7th or 8th, you have only 20 or 30% left for arable land. You have no natural resources but good industry and success. Why?

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

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