Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Gora Park

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Gora Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 12;40 From Hakonemachi Port to Togendai by pirate ship
    • 13:20 Owakudani
    • 14:20 Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
    • 15:00 Gora Park
    • 16:00 Tour ends at the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like When the Ropeway Is Closed? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although they had been to Japan several times for work, it was their first time in Hakone. This time, their wish to stay at a Japanese-style ryokan was fulfilled during their stay in Hakone. Just before we were about to take the ropeway from Owakudani, the service was suspended, so we quickly changed our plans and headed to Hakone Shrine. They had already visited several shrines and temples in Tokyo, but when I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and the influence each has had on Japanese culture, they were delighted, saying it helped them understand the behavior and actions of Japanese people. We were fortunate with the weather when we boarded the pirate ship, and although unfortunately we could not see Mount Fuji, they seemed to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone. Since one of the guests was interested in glasswork, I took them to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, and they were surprised to find such artworks in an unexpected place. Finally, we headed to Gora Park, where the roses were just beginning to bloom, and they enjoyed the beauty of its French-style formal garden.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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

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

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:55 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Imperial Palace
    • 12:15 Lunch @ Yakiniku Toraji (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30 Akihabara
    • 15:00 Disband @ Akihabara Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to visit Kyoto and Disneyland after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. 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 difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, they showed interest in the many anime and game shops and the large electronics stores. Since the guests said they could return to their hotel on their own after shopping in Akihabara, we parted ways at Akihabara Station. As I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUchisaiwaicho~Meguro220JPY
    Section 2TrainMeguro~Shibuya200JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Ueno200JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 7SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Building Observation Deck

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Building Observation Deck

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Meet the guests at the hotel.
    • 10:30 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise,
    • 14:00 Tokyo Station
    • 14:10 Marunouchi Building Observation Deck
    • 15:20 Hachiko Statue in front of Shibuya Station, Scramble Crossing
    • 16:00 Drop off at the hotel in Shinjuku, tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tokyo Station, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since walking was difficult for one of the guests, I planned the tour carefully to use elevators and minimize walking as much as possible. We started from Shibuya Station on the first Ginza Line train, securing seats before heading to Asakusa, and during the ride I explained an overview of Japanese history and the difference between shrines and temples. In Asakusa, after explaining Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding buildings at the culture and tourism center, we strolled along Nakamise from Kaminarimon, stopping to buy souvenirs along the way. For lunch we visited a Japanese restaurant, where they enjoyed miso soup and karaage very much. At Tokyo Station, we took photos in front of the station building, and viewed the distant Imperial Palace from the observation deck of the Marunouchi Building. We had planned to go to Shinjuku Gyoen next, but as it turned out that they would visit there on a tour two days later, we changed the plan to Shibuya on short notice. We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and the scramble crossing near the station, then I saw them off to their hotel in Shinjuku via the Yamanote Line, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Tokyo340JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up at Hotel TOKYO by Hulic
    • 2. 11:00 Yanaka
    • 3. 12:10 Ueno Park
    • 4. 13:10 Lunch @ Asakusa
    • 5. 13:45 Asakusa (including Senso-ji Temple)
    • 6. 15:10 Disband @ Asakusa

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests slightly earlier than the scheduled time. After a brief self-introduction in the hotel lobby, we set off. We purchased a Suica card at Yurakucho Station. From Nippori, we walked down Yuyake Dandan, through Yanaka Ginza, then through a residential neighborhood to Yanaka Cemetery. At the grave of Yoshinobu, I explained about the shogunate family and other topics, and then we went to Kaneiji Temple. We went inside Kaneiji and enjoyed the atmosphere. From there we walked to Ueno Park. After explaining the history of Ueno Park, I took the guests to the monument for General Grant, and we then enjoyed Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the five-story pagoda, which can now be approached quite closely. The guests took many photos. We saw Hanazono Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, and the statue of Saigo, and then took the subway to Asakusa. We enjoyed the view from Azuma Bridge and, passing through Kaminarimon, went to a sushi restaurant for lunch. The guests seemed accustomed to sushi restaurants. After that, we walked from Nakamise-dori to Sensoji Temple, then from Asakusa Shrine through the west approach and the Rokku area to the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, intending to enjoy the view from the observation deck. However, one of the guests said their knee was gradually becoming painful and wished to return to the hotel, so we canceled the plan to continue to Shibuya and ended the tour a little under an hour and a half early. From the moment we met in the morning, the knee concern had been mentioned, and I had been asked to walk slowly; I had tried to walk slowly, but this was the outcome, which was unfortunate. The guests seemed very satisfied with the tour itself and showed no dissatisfaction at all about finishing earlier than planned. Since the hotel was in Ginza, we took the Ginza Line together from Asakusa and parted ways on the train. I also handed over a note stating that Ginza Station is "G09" and the exit is "C1."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho~Nippori210JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

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

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet @ Hotel Lobby 9:00
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower 9:00-10:40・・Move to Nagoya Castle by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawaen and view Tokugawaen (Japanese garden) 10:40-11:40・・Move to Tokugawaen by taxi
    • 4. Lunch @ Hozentei within the Tokugawaen grounds 11:40-12:30
    • 5. Walk to the Tokugawa Art Museum and view the permanent exhibition and the special exhibition "The Toyotomi Brothers" 12:30-13:15
    • 6. Move to the Oasis 21 area and view the Oasis 21 shopping area 13:15-13:50・・Move to Oasis 21 by taxi
    • 7. Move to Osu and view the Osu Shopping Street and Osu Kannon 13:50-14:40・・Move to Osu by subway
    • 8. Move to Nagoya Station and disband at the entrance of the Hotel 14:40-15:00・・Move to Nagoya Station by subway

    What Can You See on a Private Nagoya Castle and Tokugawa Garden Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. Before this tour, the guest had stayed in Osaka and visited Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle, so I could sense a strong interest in Japanese castles. For that reason, the guest was very pleased to visit Nagoya Castle and Tokugawaen, a garden located on the former site of a villa belonging to the Owari domain lords. At the Tokugawa Art Museum, a special exhibition related to the NHK historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers" was being held, and the guest viewed it with great interest. At Osu Kannon, the final stop of the tour, the guest received a goshuin stamp in a stamp book that had been brought along, which was a delight. The guest also enjoyed a lunch featuring seasonal ingredients at Hozentei within Tokugawaen, and I believe the guest was satisfied with the guided tour as a whole.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Ginza Mitsukoshi

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Ginza Mitsukoshi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ Hotel Ginza Premier
    • 10:15 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Asakusa Chuo-dori, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 11:30 Ueno Park, Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00 Ameyoko
    • 12:30 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building Lunch @ Shin-Marunouchi Building Stand T
    • 13:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:45 Ginza Mitsukoshi
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ LOEWE Ginza 5-chome Store

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Eastern Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan. Their itinerary included Tokyo followed by Kyoto and Osaka, then a return to Tokyo where they stayed in Shinjuku, so today we toured the eastern side of Tokyo as outlined above. Since they came from a country with far more sheep than people, I suspected they might not be comfortable with crowds, and as expected, at Asakusa we avoided the Nakamise shopping street and headed straight to Senso-ji Temple. As Senso-ji was rebuilt after the war, I also showed them Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the five-story pagoda of Kaneiji Temple, which were not affected by the air raids. One of the guests was not fond of transportation and had found the flight to Tokyo difficult; the subway ride to Asakusa was only their second-ever train experience. Since Ameyoko was not crowded today, we walked to Okachimachi to minimize the time spent on the train. At the Imperial Palace, I gave my first extended historical explanation of the day. Today's guests were a different type from those I had encountered before, and I found it hard to gauge what interested them. Their English was also unfamiliar to me and harder to follow, so unusually, the conversation did not flow with an easy rhythm.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainOkachimachi~Tokyo160JPY
    Total560JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet(@ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto)
    • 8:00-8:50 Transfer (Subway; Nijojo-mae→Karasuma Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Karasuma→Arashiyama)
    • 8:50-10:50 Arashiyama Walk & Visit (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Garden [Sogenchi Pond, Hyakkaen], Bamboo Grove, Okochi Sanso Villa, Nonomiya Shrine)
    • 10:50-11:30 Transfer (Keifuku Railway; Arashiyama→Kitano-Hakubaicho, City Bus; Kitano-Hakubaicho→Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 11:30-12:20 Kinkakuji Temple Visit
    • 12:20-12:40 Transfer (Taxi; Kinkakuji→Nijo Castle)
    • 12:40-14:00 Nijo Castle Visit
    • 14:00 Tour End Said goodbye to the guests in front of Nijo Castle

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Including Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they had traveled from Tokyo to Kanazawa to Takayama, arriving in Kyoto the previous evening. I took them to Arashiyama (including Okochi Sanso Villa), Kinkakuji, and Nijo Castle. The weather was clear and sunny, almost hot, but it was perfect for sightseeing. All three sites were crowded, with Kinkakuji being especially busy. The guests said they enjoyed Nijo Castle, but they particularly liked Okochi Sanso Villa. I believe this was because Okochi Sanso Villa did not have as many visitors, allowing them to look around at a relaxed pace.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto Municipal Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total940JPY

    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 !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    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.…

  • Kyoto: Daikaku-ji Temple & Ninna-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Daikaku-ji Temple & Ninna-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00. Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
    • 9:40-10:40. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 11:00-11:40 Daikaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00-12:40 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:50-13:50 Ninna-ji Temple
    • 14:00-14:40 Lunch
    • 15:15

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Garden and Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They chose this itinerary because they love gardens, and it was a pleasure to guide such calm and thoughtful travelers who shared many interesting things with me. At the Bamboo Grove Path, they enjoyed the atmosphere. At Tenryu-ji, the flowers had finished blooming, but they enjoyed seeing the irises. In the Hatto (Dharma Hall), they had many questions about the dragon painting on the ceiling. When I explained that dragons are often depicted in Japan because they are believed to spout water from their mouths, serving as protection against fire, they said this helped them understand why dragons are so common — since in the West dragons breathe fire. At Daikaku-ji, the driver kindly joined us and offered various explanations as well. After buying some souvenirs, we moved on to Ninna-ji, where we viewed the interior of the buildings and the spacious garden. I explained that the five-story pagoda is supported by a monkey on the first level, and we then went to Ryoan-ji, where I explained the dry landscape garden and features such as the tsukubai. We had a late lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, which they were very pleased with. They said it was much more delicious than the conveyor-belt sushi in North America. Finally, we returned to the hotel and concluded the tour.

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Cable car & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Cable car & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel Indigo
    • 9:50 Cable car → Ropeway @ Gora Station
    • 10:15 Arrive at Owakudani
    • 11:30 Arrive at Koshiri
    • 12:00 Board pirate ship @ Togendai
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Uosho
    • 13:45 Hakone Shrine
    • 14:15 Yama no Hotel Garden
    • 15:30 Board bus @ Motohakone Port
    • 16 :00 Arrive at Gora Station → Disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani and Lake Ashi The guests were visitors from North America. They were intellectually curious and asked many questions about history, plants and animals, geography, and a wide range of other topics. While walking around Owakudani, the weather suddenly turned bad. The ropeway stopped operating, so we had to descend to Togendai by bus. As a result, the flow of tourists became concentrated, causing lost time waiting for the bus near the end of the tour, and we ended up going past the scheduled finishing time. Even so, I felt there were several moments that impressed the guests, such as the azalea garden at the mountain hotel and lunch at a local restaurant.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora~Motohakone6,400JPY
    Total6,400JPY

    Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
    I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.

    I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.

    With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
    Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!

    Sep 23, 2026
    MarouschkaV3
    Go Leo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Leo is the best guide we have…

    Aug 16, 2026
    El_Hombre_Aleman
    Great day, thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted…

    Aug 6, 2026
    antoinemC9893MM
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
    Nous sommes particulièrement ravis…

    Jul 30, 2026
    BrianBurnette
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great Memories
    We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kennin-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kennin-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station Central Gate
    • 10:10-10:55 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:15-12:15 @ Gion
    • 12:15-13:15 @ Kennin-ji Temple
    • 13:20-14:00 @ Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji
    • 14:00 Disband @ Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop

    When Guests from Europe Visit Kyoto: A Licensed Guide's Private Day Tour Report on Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Higashiyama The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were based in Nara, and today they came to Kyoto by train from Nara and planned to return to Nara by train as well. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests all offered prayers at the main hall. There was a very long line for the Omokaru-ishi stones because of school-trip students, so we skipped it and instead had them experience the Neagari-no-Matsu (the "rising roots" pine). In Gion, while I was giving an explanation in front of an okiya (a geisha house), three young girls who appeared to be trainees (shikomi) came out and were bowing to a senior geiko, and being able to witness this gave me a fresh opportunity to talk about the shikomi. We walked south down Hanamikoji and entered Kennin-ji temple directly. The scenery of Kennin-ji's garden seemed to match the typical image of Japan that the guests had imagined, and they took many photos of the dry landscape (karesansui) garden. After that, we walked east up Yasaka-dori, passing the Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Ishibei-koji, and continued on foot to the Higashiyama-Yasui bus stop, where I gave directions for the bus to central Kyoto before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total390JPY

    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…