Category: Uncategorized

  • Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Peace Park (traveling on foot) → Hypocenter → Atomic Bomb Museum (by taxi) → (via the One-Legged Torii Gate) Inasayama Ropeway Station (round trip to Inasayama by ropeway) → (by taxi) Yume Town Mall → (by taxi) Yamada Denki

    Title: What Is a Private Nagasaki Walking and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at Peace Park, a meeting point that the guests had proposed in advance. The guests arrived a little later than scheduled, but since I had sent my photo beforehand, they recognized me right away and we were able to meet without any trouble. We walked while I explained Peace Park (the Peace Statue, monuments donated by various countries, the Fountain of Peace, and so on) and the Hypocenter Park, and then arrived at the Atomic Bomb Museum. The guests viewed the inside of the Atomic Bomb Museum on their own. After finishing at the Atomic Bomb Museum, we took a taxi that was parked in front of the building, passing by the One-Legged Torii Gate on the way to the Mount Inasa ropeway station, and took the ropeway up and down Mount Inasa. We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed a wonderful view. The guests were interested in learning where the hypocenter was located. Before boarding the descending ropeway, I called the taxi we had used earlier to come pick us up, and we went by taxi to the Yume Town mall near Dejima for lunch and shopping (shaver replacement blades). First we went to an electronics store on the third floor of the mall, but unfortunately the replacement blades they wanted were not available. We decided to use the time for lunch, and agreed to meet at the taxi stand beside the mall entrance 50 minutes later. The guests arrived 10 minutes before the appointed time, and we got into the taxi. Rather than heading to Oura Church, which we had discussed and decided on in advance, they said they wanted to go to the Yamada Denki store located even further north than Peace Park. It seemed they wanted to buy the shaver replacement blades. Fortunately, Yamada Denki had the replacement blades they were looking for, and the guests were able to make their purchase. After shopping, they said, "We won't go to Oura Church, we'll head back to the ship. We can return to the terminal by taxi ourselves," and the tour ended in front of Yamada Denki.

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

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello, my name is Junichi Matsumoto.
    I will be your guide on this occasion. With warm hospitality, I will do my best to help you fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of Japan.

    Before becoming a guide, I worked for the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and retired in March 2023. From 2003 to 2005, I was stationed in Montana, USA, which has a sister-state relationship with Kumamoto. During that time, I actively interacted with the local community together with my family, which gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences.

    I am an easygoing person who quickly builds a friendly relationship with international guests. With a sincere smile and attentive care, I always strive to provide tours that are warm, enjoyable, and memorable. It would be my great pleasure to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in Japan.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    mariopV3953VG
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour by an amazing guide
    Junichi, our guide,…

    Jun 16, 2026
    andreabL155TS
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagaski day tour
    Junichi was a great tour guide. He met us…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Wander45660599315
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour of Nagasaki with Junichi!
    We had a wonderful tour with…

    May 16, 2026
    partel_12
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide Junichi
    Junichi was excellent guide very enthusiastic in…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Groove Shinjuku
    • 8:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 9:45 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:15 Break @ Doutor Takebashi Branch
    • 11:55 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:25 Ueno Station, purchase Welcome Suica
    • 13:45 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 14:05 Disband at Senso-ji Nakamise

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen and Asakusa Body: There was occasional light rain from morning into midday, but the tour proceeded without much difficulty. When I confirmed at the meeting point, the guests did not have a Suica-type card, so we decided to purchase one at Ueno Station and otherwise proceeded as previously arranged. Overall, many photos were taken and I received many questions. I believe the guests were largely satisfied. I offered to help take photos at the main points of interest. After leisurely walking through Shinjuku Gyoen, we went to a café at their request and took a break at a café near Takebashi Station. Because we also stopped by Ueno Station, the tour ran a little over time, and since there was no request to extend, we finished at Senso-ji Temple. I received a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shinjuku-sanchome700JPY
    Section 3TrainSendagaya～Iidabashi200JPY
    Section 4Free PassIidabashi～Takebashi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassOtemachi～Ueno0JPY
    Section 6Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 8:10 Depart Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 9:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive Kudanshita Station
    • Kudanshita Chidorigafuchi
    • 12:30 Depart Hanzomon Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:50 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Lunch: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 14:45 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Center Street
    • 15:40 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • 16:00 Disband: Shimbashi Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America and Oceania. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. Both parties had arrived at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport the previous day, taking taxis to the hotel and meeting up there. This time, the guests were staying in Japan for a period of time. They would stay in Tokyo for several days, then visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. "We've been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms," they said. Although the sky was cloudy, we were spared any rain, and the tour took place in surprisingly warm weather. First, we headed to Asakusa. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at various spots, including in front of Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda. The weeping cherry blossoms in the temple grounds were beginning to fall. We slowly strolled through the crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question: "We see many people wearing kimono in the temple grounds. Why is that? Are they all Japanese?" We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom. I explained "the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial family," "World War II and the Tokyo air raids," and "how the stone walls were built." There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" "Who will be the next Emperor?" and "Can a woman become Emperor?" We took the Tozai Line to Kudanshita. We slowly strolled along Chidorigafuchi. Although the cherry blossoms were beginning to fall, the area was crowded with many tourists. We also saw the fallen cherry tree that had appeared in the news. We walked to Hanzomon Station. We moved to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of tourists. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, which the guests eagerly photographed. We also encountered a family celebrating "Shichi-Go-San," and, with their permission, took photos as well. We took a break at "Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu." We also strolled through the very crowded "Takeshita Street" and "Cat Street." We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "How many people cross here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled through Shibuya Center Street. There were comments and questions such as "The city is clean and there's no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines everywhere." Finally, I saw the guests off at Ginza Station, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train新橋～浅草210JPY
    Section 2Train浅草～大手町(東京都)180JPY
    Section 3Train大手町(東京都)～九段下180JPY
    Section 4Train半蔵門～明治神宮前180JPY
    Section 5Train明治神宮前～渋谷180JPY
    Section 6Train渋谷～新橋180JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 8:30 Assist with purchasing PASMO at the Keikyu ticket machine at Shinagawa Station Takanawa Exit
    • 9:00 Commemorative photo in front of the Loyal Dog Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, purchase gachapon at the gachapon shop in Shibuya Center Street, commemorative photo in front of the anime "My Hero Academia" board at Hotel Tokyu.
    • 9:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street (purchase gachapon at gachapon shop, shopping at Sanrio shop) *Decided to revisit after the tour due to the long wait time at the dog cafe
    • 13:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:15 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:30 Explained how to get to Harajuku Station (*dog cafe) at the Yamanote Line Shimbashi Station platform (toward Harajuku) and disbanded.

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests, visiting from North America, arrived in Japan the previous day and planned to stay in Tokyo, take a day trip to Universal Studios in Osaka, then return to Tokyo for a few more days before heading home. In their emails beforehand, they expressed a wish to focus mainly on the main attractions, so I planned the itinerary accordingly. They had already made reservations and purchased tickets in advance for most of the spots I had recommended by email. During the tour, they asked me many questions about recommended restaurants and other things. One of the guests seemed a little nervous and quiet at first, but as we enjoyed a Japanese culture quiz together, they opened up, and in the latter half shared a lot about school life and favorite anime characters. For lunch, at the request of one of the guests who loves sushi, we went to a sushi restaurant. One of the guests, who is not so fond of sushi, really enjoyed the "grilled eel skewers" and happily finished three plates. With a smile, they repeated the newly learned word "oishii" (delicious) to the sushi chef several times, making for a truly heartwarming moment.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Kanda (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa～Higashi-ginza220JPY
    Section 6TrainHigashi-ginza～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:30 @ In front of JR Sannomiya Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 10:05 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 12:30 @ Ikuta Shrine
    • 4. 13:00 Break @ Nishimura Coffee Nakayamate Main Store
    • 5. 13:30 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 6. 14:00 Lunch @ Kobe Motomachi Sushikichi
    • 7. 14:30 Disband @ Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After meeting at JR Sannomiya Station, we visited the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Ikuta Shrine, took a break at a long-established coffee house, then went to Sorakuen Garden and had lunch at a sushi restaurant in Kobe Motomachi, ending the tour at the Motomachi shopping arcade. It was an extremely cold day today. The Herb Garden was especially cold because of the strong wind, so we hurried along, stopping to take photos at various points. We also ended up visiting cafés and restaurants more often. I imagine the guests found it cold as well. When I asked for their impressions after the tour, they said it was "good," but I suspect their honest feeling was that it was "cold."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe)110JPY
    Section 2OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Shin-Kobe～Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal))110JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

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

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Inari Station
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30 Coffee break
    • 13:00 Gion
    • 13:45 Snack break
    • 14:30 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Tour ends at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests joined a private tour together. Since they were coming from Osaka, we met at Inari Station. The guests listened attentively to the guide throughout, making it a very pleasant day. At Gion and Nijo Castle, they were deeply moved by the history and culture of each site. As some of the guests were fond of Mario, I introduced the Mario figures in the underground passage, gave an overview of Nishiki Market, and concluded the tour. I understood that this was a very valuable trip for the guests, and it reminded me once again how precious such a journey can be.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Station Travel Center

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Station Travel Center

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Blossom Hibiya
    • 09:15 Hotel
    • 10:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Scrum Square Building 12F
    • 10:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Shinjuku Gyoen, Lunch @ Yurinoki
    • 14:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 15:00 Tokyo Station Travel Center
    • 15:30 Disband @ Shimbashi Station

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, one of whom had a Japanese family background. After a thorough orientation at the hotel, we set off. The 12th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square is a hidden gem and never disappoints. At Meiji Shrine, we entered through the first torii gate in Harajuku and, while enjoying the fresh air in the rain, made our way out through the north approach. As there were fewer people, we could truly appreciate the solemn atmosphere. In the Gyoen garden, more petals remained on the trees than I had feared, and together with the late-blooming cherry blossoms, it was still well worth seeing. During lunch, the conversation centered on the state of medical care in Japan. I explained about the health insurance system, the medical fee schedule, and how, because the difference in compensation between more demanding specialties and others is small, there is a shortage of young surgeons and a rise in those choosing cosmetic dermatology, which is becoming a concern. At the East Gardens, the azaleas were just beginning to bloom, but the green of the trees stood out beautifully in the rain, and both guests were deeply moved.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Shimbashi160JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    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, Norway, 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

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    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 08:00 Hotel
    • (2) 09:00 Bamboo Grove
    • (3) 09:30 Kameyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • (4)10:30 Ninna-ji Temple
    • (5) 11:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (6) 13:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • (7) 14:00 Dismissal @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ninna-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari I met the guests from Europe at their hotel and began the tour following the itinerary we had discussed in advance. First, we traveled to Arashiyama, known for its bamboo grove. We stopped by Nonomiya Shrine within the bamboo grove, and when I explained the relationship between the Emperor and Shinto, the guests seemed interested and listened attentively. After that, we enjoyed the scenery of the bamboo grove while talking about topics such as bamboo that was brought over from China, the connection between bamboo and Edison's light bulb filament, and the difficult work involved in maintaining a bamboo grove. From the bamboo grove we went to the Hozu River, and I guided them around sights such as the Togetsukyo Bridge. Next, we took the Randen tram to our destination, Ninna-ji Temple. After taking photos with the late-blooming Omuro cherry blossoms, I guided them around the temple grounds, and the five-story pagoda in particular seemed to make a strong impression. From Ninna-ji we traveled by city bus to Kinkaku-ji. At Kinkaku-ji, I received many questions about the golden Shariden pavilion. Finally, we headed to Fushimi Inari, and although we had little time remaining, I guided them at a brisk pace, and we parted ways when the tour time came to an end. It was a chilly day with light rain falling throughout, and although the guests looked cold, they seemed to have enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2OtherArashiyama Station～Ninna-ji Station250JPY
    Section 3BusOmuro / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Section 6TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Total1,330JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet　　9:45 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple　10:30 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple　11:30 Gio-ji Temple　12:30 Mikami Shrine　13:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　13:20 Kimono Forest
    • 13:30 Togetsukyo Bridge　　14:00 Return to hotel and tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Arashiyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors to Japan for the first time, coming from North America. They spoke another language between themselves. One of the guests was very sensitive and spent a long time praying alone at the temples and shrines we visited. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, the sight of the many nameless graves brought the guest to tears. Since a tea ceremony experience was scheduled for 3:30 in the afternoon, we started the tour at 9:00. The itinerary I had prepared planned to use public transportation such as the subway and buses, but on the morning of the tour, at the guests' request, we used a taxi for the round trip between the hotel and Arashiyama. As noted above regarding why we finished early, I believe it was because the guest was not comfortable in crowded places. Thanks to the taxi, we arrived in Arashiyama early, and we returned to the hotel early without stopping for lunch. The admission fees had increased, with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple rising from 500 yen to 1,000 yen, and Gio-ji Temple from 300 yen to 500 yen. This may be unavoidable due to various circumstances, but the increase at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a 100% rise. Around 600 yen would seem more reasonable. The photo was taken at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ikuta Shrine

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 14:15 @ Ikuta Shrine
    • 14:45 Dismiss @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Herb Garden, Sake Brewery, and Kobe Beef The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour went smoothly. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography and was enthusiastically capturing each spot and the cityscape. Today was cloudy and windy, so the ropeway to the Nunobiki Herb Garden was running at a reduced speed. From the observation deck at the herb garden, the guests could see with their own eyes the cruise ship they had arrived on, which they greatly enjoyed. At a spot where you choose scents you like and dislike to assess your personality, the guests were impressed and delighted, saying it described their personality perfectly. Today the guests requested to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, so I changed the original plan. Since the guests both enjoyed sake, they toured the museum enthusiastically, and at the shop they experienced not only the free tasting but also the paid tasting, and purchased sake and yuzu liquor as souvenirs. One of the guests was also very pleased to have had a photo taken together with a sake master brewer (toji) who happened to be part of some filming at the time. As time became limited, Ikuta Shrine and Nankinmachi were viewed only from the outside. Since the guests wished to eat authentic Kobe beef, I introduced a restaurant in Chinatown, and we parted ways there. After the tour they were heading to Kyoto. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were happy to receive.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShin-Kobe～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 4TrainSannomiya～Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 5TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)～Sannomiya200JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
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    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…