Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple→11:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple→12:30 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple→13:30 Gio-ji Temple→14:30 Gion

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Temple and Bamboo Grove Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. When I arrived at the Hotel ten minutes early, they were already waiting for me in the lobby. Because we started early in the morning, we were actually able to wait for Kinkaku-ji to open and visit it while it was not yet crowded. After that, we were able to follow the intended itinerary and enter Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, I guided them to the "quieter" bamboo grove, which they really enjoyed. After viewing the moss garden at Gio-ji, we also passed through the so-called "crowded" bamboo grove, and they were surprised at the difference between the two. Overall, I believe they understood and appreciated the effort to avoid crowds as much as possible.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKarasuma Marutamachi (Marutamachi Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainEnmachi~Saga-Arashiyama180JPY
    Section 4BusArashiyama Tenryuji-mae/Kyoto Bus~Otagidera-mae/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)~Kyoto Kawaramachi240JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…

  • Tokyo in One Day: SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN & SHIBUYA

    Tokyo in One Day: SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN & SHIBUYA

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 meet at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
    • 10:30 1 SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN
    • 12:30 2 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 14:30 3 SHIBUYA, Lunch
    • 15:30 see off in Shibuya

    What Is It Like to Guide OTA-Booked Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group of guests visiting from Oceania. They were booked through an OTA. Although I had asked the agency to share my proposed itinerary with the guests, there was no response from them, and I was not certain the itinerary had been forwarded. Without any prior contact with the guests, I met them at the hotel. Because my proposed itinerary could not be shared in advance, it was completely impossible to carry out the itinerary I had prepared for the guests. From a CX perspective, this is a significant concern. As tours booked through OTAs continue to increase, and as I have requested before, please establish as soon as possible an environment in which communication with guests on OTA-booked tours can be coordinated organically, and in which both back-office and front-line guides can share the relevant information.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIkebukuro~Shinjuku-gyoemmae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the platform / Move to the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 10:40 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:40 Move to Hondori / Lunch
    • 13:15 Move to Hiroshima Station
    • 13:45 Move to Miyajima
    • 14:50 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 15:25 Move to Hiroshima Station
    • 16:30 Disband at the platform

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They requested an itinerary that would be gentle and manageable, and after exchanging many messages beforehand, I knew the schedule was quite tight, but we decided to proceed. On the day, fortunately we were able to skip Shukkeien Garden. The group had strongly requested to visit Miyajima even if only for a short time, and in the end everyone was very pleased, which was a relief. A significant challenge was that the museum had no nursing room, and the temporary designated space set aside for that purpose was not well recognized by the staff. It was unfortunate that we had to go back and forth, which took up some extra time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Around 11:00 AM Meet and greet at the meeting hotel, confirm the route, requesting travel by taxi.
    • 11:30 AM to around 12:30 PM Osaka Castle sightseeing
    • 12:30 PM to around 2:30 PM Travel by taxi again to Dotonbori and Kuromon Market
    • 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM To Ota Road, the tour ends here. Explain the way to the hotel with a map

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Otaku Road The tour began a little after 11:00. I had sent a message before 11:00 but received no reply, and the reception desk also called the room with no answer. Just as I was about to place a call, the guests approached me, and we met and reviewed the route together. The guests requested to travel by taxi. From around 11:30 to 12:30, the group visited Osaka Castle. The guests took photographs beneath the cherry blossoms. From around 12:30 to 14:30, we took a taxi again to Dotonbori and Kuromon Market. The guests bought many souvenirs. From around 14:30 to 15:00, we went to Otaku Road (Ota Road), where the guests wanted to see Demon Slayer merchandise, so I showed them around. The tour ended here. I explained the way back to the hotel using a map. The guests said they would write a review, so I confirmed whether Tripadvisor would be suitable.

    Greetings

    About myself

    My name is Yukiko, but you can call me Kiko or Yuki. I am Japanese and from Osaka where is one of the most popular destinations for traveling in Japan and known as the capital of gourmet. I was born in Osaka and have lived here for almost my entire life except for several years in some western countries. As I lived in different countries for a while, I found my country such a beautiful and interesting place with the long history. Therefore, I would like to introduce cultural spots where are deeply related to the history and are popular among local people. Also, I would like to show you around fun and unique places in Kansai region. I am sure that you will enjoy visiting these places and have a special travelling experience.

    About my tour

    My tour is based in Kansai region including Osaka and Kyoto. I know a lot of interesting spots in these area, but they can be challenging to find by yourself as not so many Japanese can speak in English even if you stay in urban areas. I am bilingual so that I can help you explore some local places where you are interested in.

    To begin with, let me introduce some main areas in Osaka . The first district, where is very popular among tourists, is Namba. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes, or even bars in the area, and you can choose whatever you want to try at reasonable prices. Personally I want you to try soul foods such as Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu, yakisoba, udon and so on as these are local foods so you cannot taste them in different cities you are going to. If you want to visit a downtown, Tennoji is recommended as a lot of old restaurants and cafes are still there, and you can experience Japanese traditional games there. Another place is Osaka castle where was reconstructed after WW2 and is very popular among local people. There is a big garden next to the castle, and people enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in spring. The city called Sakai in the south of Osaka is also interesting. This city is well-known for the production of quality knives and as the origin of green tea ceremony. As I was brought up in this city, I am very familiar with the local history and pleased to share my knowledge about this city.

    I have introduced some areas in Osaka as I live in the city but am also happy to explore other areas such as Kyoto. Kyoto used to be the capital city in my country so there are many shrines and temples which have been designated as the national heritage sites. Also, if you go to Shijo in the center of Kyoto and are very lucky, you may meet Geisha girls on the street while strolling in this area. If you want to feel nature, Arashiyama is nice as there is a tranquil bamboo forest and the park in which you can see Japanese monkeys closely. There are more places where you can have a great experience in Kyoto, but I cannot introduce everything here.

    Please contact me if you come to the above areas. I look forward to exploring those places with you.

    Apr 6, 2026
    37Owen
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kiko was an amazing guide, she showed us some places that weren’t…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Chinatown

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden & Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Port Terminal
    • 9:30 Arrive at Shin-Kobe Station / Move to the ropeway station
    • 9:55 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:10 Arrive at Shin-Kobe Station / Move to the Kitano area
    • Stroll through the streets and stop by souvenir shops (around Kitano – Sannomiya – Daimaru)
    • 12:30 Chinatown
    • 13:00 Guide to a lunch spot and disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kobe Tour from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had already sightseeing at various ports during their cruise and seemed to have grown tired of cherry blossoms, temples, and shrines. Since they wished to see a panoramic view of the city, we headed to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. The guests said they enjoyed trekking in nature, but to save time we took the ropeway. They enjoyed viewing the aromatic plants and greenery, and taking photos of yoga poses surrounded by nature. The guests wanted to buy some Kobe souvenirs, so we stopped by a souvenir shop in the Kitano area. Along the way, one of the guests mentioned a concern about sleep difficulties, so we visited a drugstore to purchase medicine (I hold a pharmacist's qualification). I helped with purchasing cosmetics at a department store, then provided information about the shuttle bus to the Port Terminal next to Chinatown. We stopped by Chinatown, and I gave an introduction to the menu at a nearby Kobe beef restaurant before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total420JPY

    I’m Yuki.
    I am a National Government licensed guide interpreter.
    I was born and grew up in Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture.
    Kobe is one of the attractive cities in Japan to explore the Japanese history and modern city life.

    Also, I have learned the way of tea for more than 15 years and Japanese flower arrangement which there are lots of things to learn more about Japanese history and traditions.

    I like joining in the tea gathering, traveling, watching Noh performances and Gagaku performances (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance), visiting to temples (also as pilgrimage) and Japanese gardens and wearing Kimono (Japanese traditional clothes).

    I would like to support your stay in Japan with its experiences including Japanese traditions and history.
    I look forward to seeing you.

    Apr 14, 2026
    alanU8359AN
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kobe walkabout
    Excellent walk around the city and on the cable car

  • Tokyo: Sensoji Temple - Sumida Park & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo: Sensoji Temple – Sumida Park & Rikugien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Hotel
    • 7:30~9:00 Sensoji Temple – Sumida Park stroll
    • 9:30-11:00 Rikugien Garden

    Title: What's an Early-Morning Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Asakusa and Rikugien Garden in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, who had already enjoyed cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Nara, and Uji, and had also visited the blossoms at Chidorigafuchi and Ueno Park. Because they wanted to walk while the sights were still quiet, they had booked an early-morning tour, so we took a taxi to Sensoji Temple and then strolled from Sensoji through Sumida Park. Fortunately the weather was fine and the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms had not yet fallen, and for about an hour and a half, with a break at a cafe along the way, the guests took their time admiring the various cherry blossoms, taking photographs, and enjoying a relaxed pace. Next we took a taxi to Rikugien Garden, where the guests slowly and thoroughly enjoyed the grounds. The guests both loved gardening, and our conversation flowed as they told me about their own garden while we looked at various plants such as camphor trees, flowering crabapple, wisteria, azaleas, camellias, pine, and cherry. Along the way, at the Fukiage Teahouse, they enjoyed seasonal flower-shaped nerikiri sweets with light matcha tea. After Rikugien Garden, the guests took a taxi to the Hotel, where we parted ways.

    Hello!
    I’m Maddie, an English-speaking tour guide.
    As a guide, I have been attending bus tours, Tokyo walk-around tours, and also, sumo wrestling tournaments tours.
    I have lived in Tokyo for nearly 30 years and have enjoyed walking around this city, full of wonder, mixture of nature and artificial structures. I am happy to share my experience with you.
    My hobbies are reading books including Manga, watching films including Anime. I like to watch various sorts of sports. I like to visit museums. And I am a tea ceremony practitioner, so I am quite familiar with green tea (matcha) and Japanese sweets.
    I am looking forward to seeing you!

    Jun 4, 2026
    vadk2026
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo2026
    We had an excellent 6-hour walking tour around Tokyo with Maddie.…

    May 30, 2026
    Heather_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfect intro to Japan!
    We had a 4 hour private tour on…

    May 29, 2026
    jasonbO4660LV
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Afternoon in west Tokyo
    Maddie was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who maintained…

    May 8, 2026
    sebastianzO2366GR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great
    We had a good time walking with Maddie through Tokio. She…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer: On foot: Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:20- 10:30 Guide from Kazuemachi Chaya District to Higashi Chaya District
    • Transfer: Bus: Kenrokuen
    • AM 11:00-11:45 Kenrokuen tour
    • AM 11:45-PM12:30 Kanazawa Castle Park: Tour of Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Transfer: On foot: Nagamachi Samurai District area, via Gyokusen'in and Oyama Shrine
    • PM 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area: Guide the Nomura Family Residence and end the tour

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a trip to Japan. They had visited Japan many times before, but this was their first time in Kanazawa. On a friend's recommendation, they had added Kanazawa to their itinerary this time. Since their request was to see as many places as possible within 4 hours, in the Higashi Chaya District I explained the key highlights and introduced some shops so that the guests could explore on their own in the afternoon. At Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, they took their time to enjoy the sightseeing. In the Nagamachi samurai district, I explained the Nomura Family Residence and then let the guests explore on their own. It came to exactly 4 hours, and they enjoyed it very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashibacho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel – Sankeien Garden 10:00-11:00 Shin-Yokohama 11:40 12:30 Board the Shinkansen. Seeing off. Dinner arrangements.

    What Is a Private Sankeien Garden and Shin-Yokohama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests wished to travel to Atami by shinkansen, so I assisted with the arrangements and saw them off on the platform using a platform ticket. They had arrived this morning and seemed a little tired, but the group enjoyed climbing up to the observation deck at Sankeien Garden. We were blessed with fine weather, and at Sankeien Garden the cherry blossoms were in full bloom with few visitors, which delighted the guests. I also guided them to the Ramen Museum in Shin-Yokohama, but as they were tired, they seemed ready to board the shinkansen. They chose Atami, a 30-minute ride, over Odawara. I assisted with their ticket purchase and saw them off all the way to the platform.

    Hi Sawadeeka. I’m Silvy. I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Yokohama. I went college in Southern CA, master degree in Bangkok Thailand. I myself love to travel not only within Japan but also in the world. Love any kinds of music. Also well knowledge of Bunraku, puppet Kabuki. Bookworm, Minimalist and movie lover.
    I will be more than happy to assist you anytime. Also learning Spanish! สวัสดีคา ดิฉันชื่อซิลวี่ ยินดีที่ได้รู้จักค่ะ ดิฉันพูดภาษาอังกฤษและภาษาไทยได้ เพราะจบปริญญาโทจากเอแบค และเรียนภาษาไทยที่จุฬาฯ แต่ภาษาไทยของดิฉันยังไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไหร่ค่ะ คนไทยช่วยติดต่อฉันด้วยนะคะ!

    May 25, 2025
    Myra_F
    Read reviews before booking
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good tour
    Make sure you read other reviews…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station & front of Pokemon Center

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station & front of Pokemon Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Kyoto Station
    • 9:10-9:50 Kifune Shrine
    • 10:15-11:00 Kurama-dera Temple
    • 11:30-12:30 Lunch (Yoshimura)
    • 13:10-13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30 In front of Pokemon Center

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were a very calm and enjoyable group. At Kifune Shrine we offered a prayer and enjoyed views such as the cherry blossoms. We paid attention to the cars along the way. At Kurama-dera Temple, the guests worked hard climbing the slopes and rested in the car. They were very well-mannered. For lunch, the driver took us to a soba restaurant. We had a reservation and arrived early, so we were seated smoothly, and we decided to add Kinkaku-ji Temple, which was not part of the original schedule. Due to time constraints we were not able to visit Daikaku-ji Temple or Tenryu-ji Temple, but since the guests said that was fine, we finished at the Pokémon Center. The driver helped us a great deal, which I truly appreciated.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Ginza Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Ginza Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Asakusa, in front of Kaminarimon
    • (Walking)
    • 9:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 9:45 Depart Asakusa
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:10 Arrive Komagome Station
    • Komagome Rikugien Garden
    • 11:00 Depart Komagome Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • Yanaka Cemetery
    • 12:00 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 13:10 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:30 Ueno Station
    • Ueno Break: Cafe
    • Ueno Park
    • Tokyo National Museum
    • 14:45 Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Ginza Station

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Rikugien, Yanaka, and Ueno The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Seven days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport and immediately traveled to the Kansai region. After visiting Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, they came to Tokyo yesterday. In total, they were staying in Japan for 21 days. From tomorrow they planned to explore central Tokyo and the surrounding areas before returning home by air. In Tokyo, they were staying at a place in Akihabara. They said, "In Kansai we couldn't really enjoy the cherry blossoms, so we would like to take our time seeing them in Tokyo." The tour took place under a steady light rain throughout. First, we walked directly to Sensoji Temple. Starting from the front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the differences 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 on the temple grounds were beginning to fall. Despite the rain, the area was crowded with tourists absorbed in taking photos. Amid the crowds, we strolled slowly along the 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 on the temple grounds — why is that? Are they all Japanese?" We went to Rikugien Garden in Komagome, entering through the Somei Gate. The weeping cherry trees had already turned to green leaves. I explained "the history of Rikugien Garden." Despite the rain, quite a few visitors were there. They said they loved Japanese gardens. We then went to Nippori. In the rain, we strolled while I explained the history of Yanaka Ginza. They said, "It's fun because we can imagine Tokyo of long ago." Next we visited Nezu Shrine. Passing through the grounds of the Inari shrine, they eagerly took photos. They said, "We also went to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but there were so many worshippers that we couldn't enjoy it." The azaleas were still just a few beginning to bloom. We moved on to Ueno Park. The cherry blossoms along Sakura-dori were beginning to fall. They said, "Even so, the view of the cherry blossom avenue is wonderful. In Kyoto and Osaka we couldn't take our time seeing the blossoms." We then went to the Tokyo National Museum. Part of the building was closed for renovation work. They said they loved history, and were surprisingly knowledgeable about Japanese history as well, knowing quite a lot about figures such as "Oda Nobunaga" and "Tokugawa Ieyasu." They seemed especially fond of the hanging scrolls. There were comments and questions such as "The trains are quiet," "Tokyo is clean throughout the city with no litter," "The public transportation network is well organized," and "It's surprising that all the public toilets are clean and free." At their request, I saw them off at Ginza Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Komagome200JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Nippori160JPY
    Section 4OtherSendagi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 5TrainNezu~Nishi-Nippori180JPY
    Section 6TrainNishi-Nippori~Ueno160JPY
    Section 7TrainUeno~Ginza180JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    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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