What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like with Young Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from Europe. The parents spoke fluent English, and it was interesting that when they spoke to the child at natural speed in their native language, the child understood everything and replied entirely in British English, which created a curious dynamic. The child's British English was genuinely hard for me to follow, especially when the names of toy characters were mixed in. Explaining things like the local superstition that stumbling on Sannenzaka slope means you will die within three years was tricky, since wordplay did not come across. When I improvised and said that a god had decided it that way, the child responded with remarkable sensitivity, asking, "So if I fall here, the god will kill me? He's a god, won't he help me?" Today the parents had no interest at all in the historical explanations of each spot, and whenever the story grew a little long, they would wander off, tend to the child, or become somewhat distant in their manner. They also wanted to take many photos with an SLR camera, so I kept my explanations as brief as possible. Anyone can give a long explanation as a guide; today felt like great practice in conveying the key points concisely in a short time, around 15 to 20 seconds. Even so, they were especially fond of Fushimi Inari, and although they knew there was no time to climb all the way to the summit, they kept saying, "Just a little further, just a little further, this is so beautiful!" and were truly moved. Since there were many questions, I was able to weave in a few of the points I wanted to share by tying them to those questions. I would be glad if I was of help to them today.

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Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

Guests from North America participated in a private tour, and although the original booking was for three adults, an email came in beforehand asking whether two additional people could join, and I replied that it was fine. At the hotel, some additional guests joined the group. Some of the guests were originally from North America but now live in North America. During a conversation, one of the guests asked one of the younger members which university they were set to attend after graduating high school, and I answered "Stanford" on their behalf. As it happened, this turned out to be a coincidence, as one of the guests had completed a doctoral program at Stanford. We stayed in Hakone-Yumoto. On the mountain railway, they asked me where they should go during their stay in Kyoto, so I wrote out a four-day itinerary of three days in Kyoto and one day in Nara and handed it to them. (Kyoto is my hometown.) They enjoyed the Hakone Open-Air Museum. To save time I suggested a simple Western meal inside the museum, but they wanted to eat sushi, so we had lunch at a sushi restaurant near the museum. I had often passed by it before, but because the storefront did not look very impressive I had judged it as unpromising and never gone in. However, they ordered inari sushi, rolled sushi, nigiri sushi, seafood rice bowls, and more, and both the content and taste were excellent — 15,000 yen for the whole group was a good value. All the customers were international visitors. The guests had been looking forward to the volcanic activity and black eggs at Owakudani, but after waiting 30 minutes, just 10 minutes before boarding, the ropeway was suspended due to strong winds and we received a refund on the tickets. I contacted two taxi companies in Gora, but both declined, saying they were fully booked and could not dispatch a vehicle. The buses were also lined with many passengers and only went as far as Togendai. Since there was no prospect of the ropeway reopening, and because it was a Sunday, neither buses nor taxis could reach Owakudani. While we were at a loss, we happened to find an empty six-seat taxi returning after dropping someone off at a hotel, so we were able to reach Togendai and, on schedule, take the pirate ship and visit the Hakone Checkpoint site. The younger members enjoyed going into the jail at the checkpoint site. They wanted black eggs, so we looked for them at Hakonemachi Port but could not find any. After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto, this was a two-hour extension, but since we had not been able to go to Owakudani, I said 8,000 yen for the extension would be fine, though they paid 10,000 yen. At Hakone-Yumoto Station I found black eggs at a shop, so I contacted them via a messaging app, and they replied with thanks. Hearing my English, they said it sounded like English learned from a long stay in North America and asked where I had studied. I explained that I had worked for 23 years at an advertising company and had practiced American English through my university's ESS, which gave me an American-style pronunciation. This was the second time I had been told this.

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Tour Report by Akey

Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

Title: What's a Private 6-Hour Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. One of the guests had been to Japan once before, while it was the first visit for the others. They had arrived the day before and were staying in Japan for one week, planning to spend a night in Hakone and the rest of the time in Tokyo. I guided them through Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shinjuku Gyoen. At Asakusa, one of the guests felt a little unwell but recovered afterward. At Tsukiji, they were able to enjoy sushi, which they said they loved, at an authentic restaurant, and they were very pleased. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms were past their peak, but there were many varieties of cherry trees, and the guests took many photos and enjoyed themselves. Initially, the plan for Shinjuku Gyoen was only to view the cherry blossoms, but they also wanted to walk around the Japanese garden. Since this meant there would not be enough time to guide them through the final stop at Meiji Shrine, we discussed it and they decided to visit Meiji Shrine on their own without a guide. I extended the time at Shinjuku Gyoen and, at the scheduled end of the tour, guided them to the entrance of Meiji Shrine. I explained how to walk around Meiji Shrine and how to return to their hotel, and we parted ways.

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Tour Report by Haru

Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

Title: What's a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Doro-kyo Gorge and Nachi Falls The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the second time. When planning the itinerary, they mentioned that they were not interested in shrines or temples, so I decided to include more of Doro-kyo Gorge and walking sections. A taxi was essential, but to keep costs down we used a 5-hour plan, traveling by taxi from Doro-kyo Gorge to Hongu and then to the entrance of Daimon-zaka. They enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Doro-kyo Gorge and the walk to Fushiogami-oji. At Nachi, everything was on foot, so it was a little demanding, but they took many family photos at the three-storied pagoda and Nachi Falls. At the Nachisan tourist center, the guests bought soft-serve ice cream and boarded the bus. We arrived at Kii-Katsuura at around 5:00, said our farewells, and ended the tour. They told me they love Japan and would come again.

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Tour Report by Kiyoko

Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like from Shinagawa? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: – Picked up the guests who arrived in Kyoto at 8:22 after departing Shinagawa at 6:22. After coordinating with the driver and loading the suitcases onto the bus, we departed at 9:00. – The group consisted of 14 guests, including adults and children of various ages. Everyone was very cheerful, and it was a pleasure to guide them. – Nijo Castle went smoothly, but Arashiyama was extremely crowded. Had the bus been able to park at the Kyoto municipal parking lot, we could have gone straight to the planned lunch spot so that the hungry children could eat right away, but unfortunately the lot was full. – We walked from Tenryu-ji Temple through the bamboo grove and along the Katsura River toward the planned lunch spot, but it was very crowded with a long line, so we gave up and split into smaller groups of about four to have lunch. – Lunch took some time, so we arrived at Kinkaku-ji Temple at 2:00. Kinkaku-ji was also very crowded, but I gave all the guide explanations about Kinkaku-ji on the bus, so the walk through Kinkaku-ji was completed in 45 minutes. – Since the bus could not stop in front of the hotel, the guests got off the bus near the hotel and the tour ended there. (I offered to accompany them, but they said it would be fine, so the guests walked to their hotel on their own.)

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Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

What's a Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa Today I guided the guests, who are based in North America. Up until two days earlier they had been unwell, apparently due to food poisoning, and I had been consulted about possibly changing the schedule. However, I received word the day before that they had recovered, so today we proceeded as planned. When we met today they were in good condition and expressed a wish to walk as much as possible, so I arranged an itinerary centered on walking. Since the hotel was located in Hibiya, we walked from Sakuradamon, passed by the Nijubashi Bridge, and continued to the Otemon Gate. After that, we took the subway from Otemachi to Meiji-jingumae and visited Meiji Shrine. After the visit, we walked to Shibuya and saw the Scramble Crossing and the statue of Hachiko. They already knew the story of Hachiko in advance. Next, we moved to Ueno on the Ginza Line and enjoyed cherry blossom viewing at Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond. At times we could even see petals dancing in the wind, and we were able to enjoy the blossoms. We also had food from the stalls for lunch. We then took the subway from Ueno Station to Asakusa and visited Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and Sensoji Temple. Finally, we enjoyed cherry blossom viewing along the Sumida River embankment. The blossoms were in their final stage and some had already turned to leaves, but the conditions were still good enough to enjoy fully. At the end of the tour, the guests expressed a wish to return to the hotel while shopping in Ginza, so although it was within the scheduled time, we parted ways inside Ginza Station. The guests appeared to be impressed by the tranquility of Meiji Shrine, the beauty of its buildings, and the size of the torii gate, and overall they seemed very satisfied.

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Tour Report by Toshi

Self-Background

During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu Gardens The guests visited Japan recently and planned to spend time in Tokyo before continuing to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka, then returning home. I had received the desired itinerary in advance, and since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed that day, I suggested Meiji Shrine instead, which they seemed very satisfied to visit. For lunch, at the guests' request, we went to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. They tried sea urchin for the first time, repeatedly saying "gochisousama" while taking commemorative photos with the chef. For one of the guests who does not care for fish, the chef specially prepared vegetable-based sushi, which was greatly appreciated. Because of this, we skipped the planned wagyu skewers and instead enjoyed a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Finally, I guided them to Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line, where we parted ways.

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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).

What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Tokyo two days earlier. They had previously visited Hiroshima in Japan. They planned to stay three more days in Tokyo and then board a cruise ship from Yokohama. When I arrived at the Hotel, the area from the Marunouchi Central Gate of Tokyo Station along Gyoko-dori was under extremely tight security. At first I thought it might be a visiting ambassador heading to the Imperial Palace, but then a motorcade arrived from the Imperial Palace. I then recalled the news that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, along with Princess Aiko, were traveling to Fukushima that day. From a distance, I was able to see Their Majesties and Princess Aiko. Since I met the guests about ten minutes later, I showed them the footage and explained what had happened. They wanted to purchase a SUICA card, so we went to a JR ticket machine, but credit cards could not be used there, and they did not have much cash on hand. I took them to look for an ATM, but while debit cards were fine, they hesitated because credit card cash advances carry high fees. In the end, we decided to charge 2,000 yen each (effectively 1,500 yen excluding the deposit) within the cash they had and manage for the day. Originally, I had planned to guide them through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden as well, but they had visited the East Gardens the day before and had a reservation for the Kikyo Gate the next day, so I gave an overview but skipped the visit. At Meiji Shrine, they wanted to have a proper meal, so rather than a cafeteria we had lunch at a restaurant in Yoyogi. The timing was a bit tight, and the requested route of the Tsukiji Outer Market, the Shibuya Crossing, and Asakusa was not the easiest to cover, but we managed to see everything, and I believe the guests were satisfied.

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Tour Report by Ted

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Title: What Is a Private Cultural Tour in Kitakyushu Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who arrived by cruise ship. Part of the group chose to rest on board due to fatigue from the long voyage and did not join the tour. Since this tour had been planned in advance in consultation with the guest, focusing mainly on introducing and experiencing Japanese culture, it was very unfortunate that not everyone could take part. I had planned activities such as a kimono dressing experience and a Kokura-ori weaving experience, but the guest did not seem very interested in them, so we skipped those. At the Tanga Market, the guest enjoyed the atmosphere of a market unique to Japan. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the guest was also able to touch the falling petals, which seemed to be thoroughly enjoyable. During the tea ceremony experience, the guest was able to encounter authentic Japanese culture and art, and appeared to take a real interest in it. As a cruise voyage reaches its later stages, some travelers seem to grow tired and may feel unwell, so I felt I should also consider how to respond in such cases.

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Tour Report by Chiharu

Hallo, my name is Chiharu Horigome. I am a national government-licensed guide interpreter. I was born in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and living in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. I lived for 42 years in Chiba City until April 2023, during that time I worked as a volunteer guide for Narita Airport transit tours. I studied chemistry at university and have over 20 years of experience as a chemical patent translator, so I can also assist with factory tours. My specialty is Japanese culture, especially the tea ceremony, which I have been familiar with since I was a child. In addition, I have a license for kimono dressing. I hope people from other countries feel authentic Japanese culture. I can also help them understand hot springs and sake, including chemical explanations. I am happy to assist you during our tour. If you have any questions about our tour, feel free to ask. I am glad to answer them to the best of my ability! I am looking forward to seeing you.

Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour During Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a sunny and warm day, and although the cherry blossoms were slightly past their peak, I believe the guests were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms fully at Chidorigafuchi. Since one of the guests had a leg support, I chose flat paths as much as possible, and the guests were able to walk without any problem and enjoyed the day. In Asakusa, the guests were not interested in shopping and wished to enjoy a little of many different places, so I shortened our time in Asakusa and we went to Akihabara and crossed the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba. The taxi driver was very cooperative and gave us helpful advice, which was greatly appreciated.

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Tour Report by Tomoko

Hello, I’m Tomoko, your tourist guide. I became a guide in 2017. Before becoming the guide, I had worked with global corporations for a long time. During that time I had many opportunities to work with people with different cultural background and to visit various countiries, that gave me new knowledge and inspiration, even changed the way of thinking. Then, I really felt like introducing the culture of Japan which I loved to people with different cultural background. So that they will experience same enjoyment I had. Then, I became a guide and am really enjoying traveling with happy travelers now. I am friendly and approachable person. Please let me know what you would like to see and do in Japan, I will try my best to make you happy.