Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagawa in Half a Day: Ritsurin Garden & Takamatsu Castle

    Kagawa in Half a Day: Ritsurin Garden & Takamatsu Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Hotel Takamatsu lobby [Meet]
    • by taxi
    • 10:15~12:00 Ritsurin Garden
    • by taxi
    • 12:30~13:15 The Top of Mt. Yashima
    • (The Seto Inland Sea Observatory, Yashimaji-Temple of 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage)
    • 13:18 Yashimasanjyo Bus Stop
    • by bus
    • 13:24 Shikokumura Bus Stop
    • 13:30~14:00 Lunch at Waraya (a famous Udon noodle shop)
    • by taxi
    • 14:30~15:30 Takamatsu Castle
    • 15:45 JR Takamatsu Bus Stop [Say Goodbye]

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The stay was planned from late March into April, with an itinerary covering Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Okayama, Takamatsu, and Osaka before returning home. When I asked why Takamatsu had been chosen, the guest said a travel agency had recommended it. The guest was cheerful and would tell jokes from time to time, which made guiding a genuine pleasure. The guest had worked in the music field and had been transferred to many places around the world in the past. The guest showed me photos of a Japanese garden on their property and mentioned that a gardener came every week to maintain it. Fortunately, this tour included Ritsurin Garden and Takamatsu Castle, so it was easy to build on the theme of gardens and provide explanations there. It was wonderful to meet such an enjoyable guest, and the guest also seemed to have enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusYashima Summit / Kotoden Bus~Shikoku Mura / Kotoden Bus200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Gora Station
    • 10:20 Owakudani
    • 12:30 From Togendai take the pirate ship to Hakonemachi Port
    • 14:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 15:30 The Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. After spending time in Tokyo, they came to Hakone and planned to head to Kyoto and Osaka afterward. Today was to be their full day in Hakone, but unfortunately the morning brought light rain and strong winds, leaving the ropeway at risk of suspension at any moment. Although we managed to reach Owakudani, the scenery was completely obscured. The sightseeing pirate ship was also partially out of service, but we made our way to Hakonemachi Port and continued the loop by bus from there. At Hakone Shrine, I gave a detailed explanation of Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture, and the guests seemed deeply moved, repeating their prayers earnestly several times. In the afternoon, as the rain had stopped, I took them to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and the tour concluded there.

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hirano Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hirano Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Gate
    • 12:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:00 Hirano Shrine
    • 16:00 Tour ends at Kyoto Station Central Gate

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Cherry Blossoms — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They mentioned that they knew each other well and had traveled to various places together in the past. In the morning they enjoyed Nishiki Market before coming to the meeting point. We first visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, where the guests listened with great interest to the story of how the shrine came to be. At the Omokaru-ishi (lifting stone), three of the guests felt it was heavy while one felt it was light. So, as another chance to make a wish, I guided them to the "Negari-no-Matsu" pine tree. All of the guests passed under its roots and enjoyed the moment, saying, "Now our wishes will come true." Next we visited Kinkaku-ji, where the guests took many photos of the beautiful Golden Pavilion. When I explained how thin the applied gold leaf is, they were very surprised. After that, since we had some time to spare, we visited Hirano Shrine, where the guests were deeply moved and delighted by the many varieties of cherry blossoms. Finally, we returned to Kyoto Station and brought the tour to a safe and enjoyable close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinugasa Kohmae/Kyoto City Bus~Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi~Kyoto180JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel in Akihabara
    • 10:20 Asakusa
    • 11:40 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:40 Akihabara
    • 16:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Tsukiji Food and Sightseeing Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although the weather was poor in the morning with occasional heavy rain, it improved after lunch, allowing for a comfortable tour. The day proceeded according to the itinerary agreed upon in advance without any issues, and I believe the guests enjoyed themselves. In particular, they were delighted when I took them to a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant in Tsukiji for lunch. After lunch, they also savored wagyu skewers and strawberry candy in Tsukiji. At each place we visited, they listened to my explanations with great interest, and they were truly wonderful guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkihabara~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-ginza210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Market~Daimon (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainHamamatsucho~Akihabara200JPY
    Total770JPY

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 Meet guests at the hotel
    • 11:10 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:20 Lunch in Harajuku
    • 15:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 16::00 Tour ends at Otemon Gate

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. After we met, we stopped by a pharmacy and they downloaded the SUICA app, which made our start a little slower than expected. We took the subway to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station and entered Shinjuku Gyoen through the Sendagaya Gate. Many cherry blossoms were still in bloom, and the guests were delighted. We then moved to Harajuku by JR train, and after explaining the differences between shrines and temples and the origins of Meiji Jingu, we walked along the shrine's approach to the main hall. After paying our respects, we had lunch near Harajuku Station. Partly because it was raining, more time had passed than expected, so after consulting with the guests, we changed the next planned destination from Asakusa to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. In the East Gardens, I explained the Tatsumi Yagura turret, the guardhouses, and the stone walls, and in the Japanese garden the guests eagerly took photos of the wonderful scenery. The tour ended just outside the Otemon Gate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi~National Stadium180JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagaya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Total550JPY

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hayakawa 9:00 To Owakudani by ropeway Dense fog, risk of suspension due to strong winds Buy black eggs and take the ropeway to Togendai Board the pirate ship bound for Hakonemachi Port on irregular service at 10:30 10:55 Disembark at Hakonemachi Port To Maruyama Bussan 11:55 By bus from Hakonemachi Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto at 12:45 Transfer buses 13:10 Get off at Hakoneguchi To Odawara Castle 14:25 Hakoneguchi By bus to Odawara Station Assist with purchasing Shinkansen tickets 14:50 Disband Customers go to Kyoto by Kodama at 15:35

    Title: What Can You Do in Hakone When Fog Cancels the Views? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report Due to dense fog and strong winds, the scenery from both the ropeway and the pirate ship was completely obscured. Fortunately, neither service was suspended. However, the guests were delighted by the presentation of traditional secret puzzle boxes. Everyone in the group purchased their own favorite woodcraft items, and one of the guests bought a souvenir to take home. Since the group planned to take an afternoon train to Kyoto, I changed the plan and we headed to Odawara Castle instead. I introduced a samurai armor dressing experience. Some of the guests were thrilled to wear samurai costumes and enjoyed playful sword fighting. Others were very pleased to try on princess costumes, and one of the guests took charge of the photography. Although Mount Fuji was not visible, I was able to offer a wonderful alternative experience instead.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel Fuwari Natsukashiya
    •    Explanation about today's itinerary, discussion about the lunch location
    •    10-minute walk from the hotel to the Imperial Villa
    • 10:20 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 11:50 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 12:15 Lunch at Hotel History House Bakery Cottage Inn Restaurant & Bakery
    • 13:30 Futarasan Shrine
    • 13:40 Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:40 Shoyoen Garden
    • 15:20 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 16:00 Tour ends in front of Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Nikko Nature Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were very healthy and enjoyed walking a great deal. Through email exchanges beforehand, I helped them plan how to spend three days and two nights in Nikko. In a confirmation email the day before, I learned that their hotel had actually been changed. This had not been communicated by the travel agency on the guests' side, and the details on the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) record still showed the previous information, so it was fortunate that the guests informed me the day before. I quickly rearranged the order of the itinerary to match the new hotel location. The guests had their hotel and tour arrangements handled by the travel agency, but it seemed there were several mistakes on the agency's side this time. For this tour, the guests wanted to enjoy nature rather than traditional buildings. There was an option to include Kegon Falls in the course, but they said they could go there on their own the next day, so we spent the day in the World Heritage area. Even so, I was glad they enjoyed a course that let them experience early spring in Nikko as much as possible. Since one of the guests preferred vegetarian meals, they mentioned that a convenience store sandwich eaten in a park would be fine, but unfortunately there was nowhere along today's route to eat outside, so I introduced a few restaurants that served sandwiches. In addition, the hotel meals were entirely Japanese-style, and there was little they could eat at breakfast, so both guests were actually very hungry. We went to a bakery restaurant a little earlier than planned. At the restaurant, the sandwich fillings were adjusted, and the guests were able to eat plenty with peace of mind. The afternoon was cloudy but very warm, and we were able to spend the whole day pleasantly and safely.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel Meet
    • 09:30 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:30 Atomic Bomb Dome, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Peace Park Tour in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group visiting from Europe. At the beginning of the tour, I shared a lighthearted story from my high school days about being caught cycling on a motorway, which helped us start off in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. On the way to Miyajima, our train was stopped for about 20 minutes because an emergency button at a railway crossing had been pressed, but the guests were very understanding, remarking that such things also happen in Europe, and responded calmly. The morning rain cleared before noon, allowing us to explore both Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park at a relaxed pace, and the tour went smoothly overall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusAtomic Bomb Dome~Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Met the client at Hakone Retreat före

    Kanagawa in One Day: Met the client at Hakone Retreat före

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 – Met the client at Hakone Retreat före
    • → Taxi was unavailable as pre-arranged, so transportation was switched to public bus
    • 09:30 – Arrived at Sounzan Station
    • → Boarded ropeway
    • 09:40 – Arrived at Owakudani
    • → Short visit due to strong wind conditions
    • 09:50 – Departed Owakudani
    • 10:00 – Returned to Sounzan Station
    • 10:30 – Boarded cable car
    • 10:50 (approx.) – Arrived at Hakone Museum of Art
    • → Visit (approx. 40 minutes)
    • Travelled via Gora and Hakone Tozan Railway
    • 12:20 (approx.) – Arrived at Miyanoshita
    • → Lunch
    • 13:00 – Departed Miyanoshita by bus
    • 14:00 (approx.) – Arrived at Sengoku
    • 14:30 arriving at the bus stop nearby hotel
    • Ends tour

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Bad Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour had been planned around two highlights: a visit to Owakudani and the museums. Regarding Owakudani, due to strong winds on the day, we turned back shortly after arriving out of consideration for safety. However, the guests seemed satisfied simply to have reached the site itself. On the other hand, the guests showed great interest in the Hakone Museum of Art, and were very pleased with both the exhibits and the garden. For lunch, the guests expressed a wish to experience local cuisine, so I recommended the "Ajisai-don" at Mori Meshi in Miyanoshita. The guests commented that this was exactly the kind of dish they had been looking for, and were very delighted. Prioritizing the health of one of the guests, the visit to the Pola Museum of Art that had originally been planned was postponed for the day, and the guests planned to visit it on their own the following day. Overall, the guests were extremely satisfied, repeatedly saying that they had been very happy, showing a strong positive reaction. They also once again emphasized their favorable impression of Japan. Communicating closely and in detail before the tour, and planning a tour that precisely matched the guests' wishes, led to this success. ■ Comments and Special Notes ・The weather on the day was unstable, with rain and strong winds ・The ropeway was operating, but the winds were strong, so we kept the stay at Owakudani short ・The pre-booked taxi and rideshare did not work out, so we flexibly switched to public transportation (bus) ・We adjusted the itinerary according to the weather and traffic conditions, and carried out the tour safely and smoothly overall ・I was asked to take one of the guests to a pharmacy, so I cancelled the second planned museum, prioritized the pharmacy, and located and guided them to the nearest drugstore. ■ Summary Despite the poor weather and constraints on transportation, through flexible responses I safely guided the guests to the main spots and completed the tour within the scheduled time. Knowing that Hakone at this time of year would be a difficult tour requiring a great deal of care, I conducted repeated site inspections, stayed nearby the night before, and moved the originally planned 10:00 start up to 8:30. This allowed us to board the ropeway right after it began operating, so that in conditions where suspension due to strong winds was highly likely, we completed Owakudani as early as possible. After that, we were able to leisurely enjoy lunch and the museum, bringing the guests' satisfaction to its maximum.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHyoseki・Hakone Glass Forest-mae/Hakone Tozan Bus~Sounzan Station Entrance/Izuhakone Bus940JPY
    Section 2OtherSounzan~Koenshimo340JPY
    Section 3BusKoenkami~Gora170JPY
    Section 4TrainGora~Miyanoshita160JPY
    Section 5BusMiyanoshita Station/Izuhakone Bus~Sengoku/Hakone Tozan Bus570JPY
    Section 6BusSengoku/Hakone Tozan Bus~Hyoseki・Hakone Glass Forest-mae/Hakone Tozan Bus220JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Hello, my name is Takeshi. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter with over 35 years of professional experience in Japan. Through my long career, I have developed a deep understanding of modern Japan, including its business culture, social customs, and everyday life. Originally from Kobe, I have lived in more than 20 places across Japan and the United States, which has given me a broad and flexible perspective on regional cultures and lifestyles. I am also deeply interested in historical Japan, especially Japanese religion and Buddhism, and I enjoy sharing cultural background in an easy-to-understand way. I am looking forward to meeting you and exploring Japan together.

    Jul 23, 2026
    L9490ARrachelf
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A tour guide that goes above and beyond!
    Takeshi…

    Jul 21, 2026
    luisvF2957OY
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best experience ever
    Really good guide. Awesome time.

    Jul 18, 2026
    tlT4839UI
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Solo Layover Tour
    I had a 12-hour layover in…

    Jun 13, 2026
    V2750KJjonasb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Takeshi san picked us up on the Hotel and we…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Harajuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:00 Asakusa (Sumida Park, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple)
    • 12:00 Tsukiji Lunch @ Sushizanmai
    • 13:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:50 Harajuku
    • 15:30 Disband @ Harajuku Intersection

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had already been to Kyoto and Osaka, so some of the guests were quite knowledgeable about Japanese culture. Some of the guests did not seem very interested in temples and shrines, but at Tsukiji they cheerfully enjoyed sushi, strawberry daifuku, and ice cream. Originally, we had planned to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace after Tsukiji, but it began to rain heavily, so we decided to go to Meiji Shrine and then explore Harajuku, which we thought the guests would enjoy. Luckily, by the time we arrived at Meiji Shrine, the rain had stopped. Since the guests were fond of animals, I introduced them to an animal cafe on Takeshita Street before we said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…