Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Kanagawa: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet at Odawara Station
    • 12:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 14:00 Take the pirate ship to Owakudani via Togendai.
    • 15:00 Move from Owakudani to Gora
    • 16:20 Gora
    • 18:00 Odawara Station

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like Before Catching the Bullet Train to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The plan was to meet the guests at Odawara Station at 10:00, but due to a personal injury accident on the Tokaido Line, the train was stopped at Totsuka Station for a full hour. I managed to get in touch with the guests just before arrival, and we were able to meet up. Since the guests planned to head to Kyoto on the 18:30 bullet train after Hakone, we hurried through the Hakone loop route. At Hakone Shrine, I guided them while explaining Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture, and they seemed deeply moved, carefully repeating their prayers. At Owakudani, I kept our time short to save the schedule, but as it was peak travel season, the crowds were tremendous, and even boarding the ropeway took a great deal of time and effort. We managed to return to Odawara Station by 6:00 and made it in time for the bullet train. I believe the guests kindly understood the delay in our departure.

    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.

    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…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo in One Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Shin-Kobe Station
    • 10:15 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:45 at Kitano Ijinkan Street (Moegi House, Weathercock House, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Starbucks Kitano Ijinkan Store)
    • 13:15 at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 14:45 at Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 15:15 Disband at Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden, Kitano, and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge The guests were visitors from North America who had visited Japan a couple of times before, and one of them spoke a little Japanese. Although the weather was somewhat chilly today, we were blessed with clear skies, and from the top of the Nunobiki Herb Garden the guests were delighted to enjoy a sweeping view not only of the Kobe cityscape but also the distant Osaka Bay. At the corner in the herb garden where your personality is judged by the scents you like or dislike, the guests were impressed, saying it "matched them well." In the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district, the guests enthusiastically toured the former U.S. consulate residence "Moegi no Yakata" and the "Weathercock House," and enjoyed a soft-serve ice cream that had once been reported in the newspaper as "the best in Japan," which they were very pleased with. In the grounds of the adjacent Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the cherry blossoms were blooming beautifully. On the way back, we stopped at a Starbucks housed in a Registered Tangible Cultural Property building said to be the only one of its kind in Japan, where the guests entered and purchased souvenirs. At the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, too, we were blessed with clear skies and the guests fully enjoyed the magnificent scenery. As there was time to spare, we finished with a walk through Nankinmachi Chinatown, and since the guests wished to stroll on their own afterward, we parted ways with about 45 minutes remaining. I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was warmly received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)320JPY
    Total640JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:00 ~11:45 Nijo Castle
    • 12:20~13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:20~14:30 Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, and the Ishin no Michi. At the guest's request, we took a taxi to send them to the hotel, and the tour concluded.

    Title: What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visiting Kyoto from North America, traveling via Tokyo. About one hour before the scheduled start time, they contacted me asking to push the start back by 30 minutes, so we met at the Hotel at 10:30. The guests let me know in advance that today's tour would need to end early, and we set off. At Nijo Castle, the guests were impressed by the Karamon Gate, the wall paintings of the Ninomaru Palace, the carved transoms, and the depiction of the shogun receiving the daimyo lords in the grand hall. They took many photos in the Ninomaru Garden and the Seiryu-en Garden. At Fushimi Inari, they were moved by the vermilion torii gates and the main shrine, and offered their prayers earnestly. Afterward, we traveled by taxi to Kiyomizu-dera, walked up to just before the main hall, and they took many photos. They enjoyed strolling along Kiyomizu-zaka slope while buying a few snacks at the shops. They also took many photos at Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda. Around 14:15, at the guests' request, I saw them back to the Hotel by taxi, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:10 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:40 Irohazaka
    • 11:00 Kegon Falls
    • 11:20 Utagahama
    • 12:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:28 Lunch @ Yonekichi Koju Sushi
    • 15:05 JR Nikko Station
    • 15:15 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 16:05 Dismiss near City Hall parking lot

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had already traveled around various parts of Japan and had arrived in Nikko the previous day, with plans to stay a further two days, so they appeared to have plenty of time to spare. We were blessed with clear skies throughout the day, and at Kegon Falls the guests enjoyed churros shaped like the word "Nikko." They had kept a long list of foods they had eaten in various places, and the churros and the fresh yuba at lunch were added to it. After lunch, we changed the plan, and after I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets at the station, we strolled along Kanmangafuchi Abyss. Since the guests wished to do some shopping partway along the main street, we parted ways at a convenient point. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Hello! I’m Yoko.
    I live in Tochigi Prefecture about 40 years and currently based in Utsunomiya, city near Nikko.
    I’m a mother of two kids, and a beagle dog.
    Also I’ve lived in Tennessee for 3 years until 2020.
    I was always happy whenever introducing Japanese culture to local people while living in US.
    Now I’m so excited to introduce you various attractions here in Japan.
    I love traveling, nature, food, Kimono, tea ceremony, manga etc.
    I’m looking forward to showing my guests beautiful places and interesting things related to my neighbor area.
    Let’s explore and have fun with me!

    May 26, 2026
    Samuel_G
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Informative, fun and well organized
    We had the best day with our…

    May 17, 2026
    E1320OQrobertg
    A fabulous day in Nikko!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day with Yoko as our guide.…

    Mar 9, 2026
    claudiomC4921YK
    The bed guide for a really amazing place
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoko was an amazing…

    Dec 21, 2025
    Earhart_Adventures
    Insight in to Japanese feudal culture
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full Day trip from Tokyo- our…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Gion

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 : Meet the guest. In front of HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
    • 8:40 ~ 9:40 : Kiyomizu-dera ~ Sannenzaka ~ Ninenzaka ~ Kodai-ji
    • 10:10 ~ 11:00 : Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:05 ~ 11:50 : Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkaku-ji Branch)
    • 12:05 ~ 12:55 : Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:10 ~ 14:10 : Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace + Garden)
    • 14:10 ~14:15 : Mikane Shrine
    • 14:30 : Arrive at Gion (Accommodation: Miyagawacho Chaya Ryokan Sawai)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their itinerary had been carefully planned in advance, allowing us to visit the chosen destinations efficiently, and everyone seemed very satisfied. Rain had been forecast throughout the morning, but it only rained occasionally, and thanks to the wet weather in the early hours, Kiyomizu-dera was pleasantly uncrowded, which was fortunate. Since the guests wished to finish lunch in about 30 minutes, I suggested a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, which was a first-time experience for them and greatly enjoyed. Their trip included stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, and then Osaka. The chartered vehicle driver was highly experienced and very familiar with both the roads and the sightseeing spots, which was a great help.

    Discover the Heart of Japan: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Flavor.

    Hello, I am Taichi, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    Having explored the depth and diversity of Japan’s culture, history, and cuisine-particularly in the vibrant regions of Tokyo and Kansai-I’m excited to share my experiences with you.

    With its dynamic seasonal changes and centuries-old traditions, with its ever-changing seasons and profound history, Japan invites you to create moments that stir your imagination and awaken a deeper connection to its beauty.

    And Japan is more than just a destination-its travel experience engages your all five senses.
    From breathtaking landscapes to tantalizing culinary, every corner holds something to delight and inspire.

    Let’s embark journey of discovery, where you’ll sharpen your sense, create unforgettable memory, and embrace the true essence of Japan.
    I look forward to helping your wonderful trip.

    Apr 7, 2026
    Karistan_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Taichi was wonderful. He…
    Taichi was wonderful. He…

    May 15, 2025
    TJP1967
    Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t…

    Apr 14, 2025
    rgp728
    Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We used Japan Guide Agency for a private…

    Apr 8, 2025
    Sherif_A
    Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was our 1 day trip to…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet the guest at the hotel
    • 08:20 Shibuya Station Crossing, in front of the Hachiko statue
    • 08:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Lunch in Asakusa
    • 12:30 Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Ginza
    • 14:30 Shinjuku Station South Exit – Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they were soon to board a cruise ship, they did not purchase Suica or similar cards, so buying tickets at each station took some time. In front of the Hachiko statue, there was no one around, and we were able to take photos smoothly. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, and the origins of Meiji Shrine, and we offered prayers at the main hall. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I talked about the shoguns, feudal lords, and Edo Castle as we walked, and the guests showed interest in the flowers and the carp in the pond. In Asakusa, they enjoyed eating ramen. In Ginza, we went from the 4-chome intersection to Ginza Six and enjoyed the scenery. Finally, the tour concluded near the Hotel by the south exit of Shinjuku Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 6SubwayGinza~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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.

    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Kyoto: Higashiyama & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Higashiyama & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kyoto Gion)
    • 8:00-8:25 Higashiyama Walk (Nenen zaka, Yasaka Tower, SanNen zaka)
    • 8:25-9:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit
    • 9:40-10:20 Transfer (Keihan Train; Kiyomizu-Gojo→Keihan Sanjo, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo→Nijojo-mae)
    • 10:30-12:00 Nijo Castle Visit
    • 12:00 Tour End Said goodbye to the customers at Nijojo-mae

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Nijo Castle The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan for everyone in the group. This was the first time they had hired a guide in Japan. From the Hotel, we walked through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, visited Kiyomizu-dera, and then I took them to Nijo Castle. Originally, we had planned to visit Fushimi Inari after Kiyomizu-dera, but since we spent more time than expected at Kiyomizu-dera, I consulted with the guests and we skipped Fushimi Inari and went to Nijo Castle instead. Since they planned to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha on a later day, I explained the key points for visiting and its historical background while we were traveling. As this was their first time hiring a guide in Japan, they mentioned that my guiding this time would serve as a benchmark for them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total400JPY

    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 !

    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: Okochi Sanso Villa & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto: Okochi Sanso Villa & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
    • 9:45-10:30 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 10:30-11:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 12:10-12:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:10-15:00 Lunch
    • 15:10-15:45 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Nishiki Market

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle **Body:** The group met at the hotel lobby at 9:00. They were guests visiting from North America. Everyone was cheerful and delighted with the comfortable car. At Okochi Sanso Villa, the weather was fine, so they enjoyed the scenery and had some tea. At the bamboo grove, they were surprised by the large crowds but took plenty of photos. At Tenryu-ji Temple, the rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, which pleased them greatly, and they took many pictures. As we had a little extra time, thanks to the driver's kindness we drove around Togetsukyo Bridge, and we decided to visit Ryoan-ji Temple, which was not on the schedule, to see the dry landscape garden. I explained the meaning of the karesansui garden and the significance of the fifteen stones. At Kinkaku-ji Temple, they were amazed by its beauty and bought some charms and peanut sweets. We then went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Nijo Castle. I was careful because some of the guests had allergies, but everyone enjoyed the meal very much. Finally, at Nijo Castle, they were struck by its beauty and listened attentively to my explanations. At the end, I dropped them off at Nishiki Market, concluding 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.

    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.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Meiji Shrine
    • 9:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 10:30 Asakusa
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Gonpachi
    • 13:10 Tsukiji
    • 14:00 Ginza (Mitsukoshi & Itoya)
    • 14:30 Disband @ Itoya

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were all very energetic and enjoyed many things throughout the tour. Because we visited Meiji Shrine early in the morning, the atmosphere was very pleasant and refreshing for them. Since some of the guests had specific dietary preferences, they were able to choose from the menu at Gonpachi, which was very well received. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed strawberry daifuku and praised the Japanese strawberries as amazing. After that, we explored the food floor of the Mitsukoshi department store and said goodbye at Itoya. They were wonderful people, and it was a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Ginza180JPY
    Total810JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet at Hotel RYOGOKU by HULIC
    • 2. 09:30 Yushima Seido, Kanda Myojin
    • 3. 10:40 Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza
    • 4. 11:50 Ueno Park, Ameya Yokocho
    • 5. 13:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 14:15 Lunch at Mori no Terrace
    • 7. 14:45 Takeshita Street
    • 8. 15:30 Shinjuku Gyoen, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho
    • 9. 17:10 Disband at Ryogoku Station

    Title: What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, on their first trip to Japan with a two-week stay planned. They had requested in advance to visit Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Omoide Yokocho, but since it was an 8-hour tour, I let them know we could also visit areas on the east side and added those to the itinerary. They had a Japanese garden at their home, so they were very moved by Shinjuku Gyoen. Nezu Shrine, which I added, was also holding an azalea festival, and they were delighted to see the beautiful azaleas. The weather gradually improved, the rain stopped in the latter half, and I was able to guide them with peace of mind.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRyogoku~Ochanomizu160JPY
    Section 2SubwayShin-Ochanomizu~Nezu180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Ueno160JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno-hirokoji~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 6SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
    Section 7TrainShinjuku~Ryogoku260JPY
    Total1,310JPY

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

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

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

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

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