Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Intercontinental Tokyo Bay By IHG, discuss the itinerary for a while
    • 9:30 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 10:55 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:05 Snack @ DEAN & DELUCA Cafe Otemachi Metropia
    • 12:50 Okachimachi, from the jewelry store district to Ameyoko
    • 13:40 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 14:55 Disband at Intercontinental Tokyo Bay By IHG

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was nice, and the guests had Suica cards, so the tour proceeded smoothly. It seemed they had not seen the email I sent the previous day, so the meeting time was slightly delayed. They also had places they had already visited before this day and specific requests for the day, so after meeting, we spent some time discussing the itinerary before setting off. At Asakusa, many photos were taken. There were also questions about religion. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace was added to the itinerary for this day at the guests' request. Many questions about history were asked. After a light meal, we went to Okachimachi, but in the end no shopping was done. Around the Korakuen area, the guests began to feel tired, so I saw them off at the Hotel and the tour concluded. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTakeshiba~Asakusa410JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Takebashi210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Ueno-hirokoji180JPY
    Section 4TrainOkachimachi~Suidobashi160JPY
    Section 5TrainSuidobashi~Takeshiba390JPY
    Total1,350JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:-00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:00 Disband @ Himeji Miyuki-dori Shopping Street

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. One of them seemed to find stairs a little difficult, but we were able to move around almost smoothly. One of the guests had visited Himeji before and wanted to show it to the rest of the group, which led to this tour. The guests had studied a great deal about Japan in advance and asked many in-depth questions. They had also mastered some simple Japanese greetings. At the Sangoku-bori moat of Himeji Castle, the guests were delighted to be able to see a white heron, which is the origin of the castle's nickname "White Heron Castle." (We could not see it when we first visited Sangoku-bori, but we were able to see it when we returned on our way back. It is said that seeing it once brings a year of good fortune.) I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, and the guests were very pleased, saying it was "very rare." After finishing our visits to each spot, the guests wanted to have coffee and a light meal before returning to Osaka, so I guided them to a popular café in the local shopping street, where we parted ways. The guests shared many interesting stories about their home region in Europe, which I found very engaging and worthwhile.

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Nezu - Yanaka

    Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Nezu – Yanaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:30 Takeshita Street
    • 11:00 Omotesando
    • 11:40 Shibuya
    • 12:10 Lunch in Shibuya
    • 13:50 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:40 Nezu – Yanaka
    • 16:30 Tour ends at Nippori Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan just the day before. We met as planned and conducted the tour along the itinerary agreed upon in advance. It turned out to be a comfortable walking tour under perfect weather. The guests were very curious and asked various questions about Japan as we walked, and I answered them while proceeding with the tour. They enjoyed sampling street food on Takeshita Street, a conveyor-belt sushi lunch in Shibuya, and shopping at Don Quijote. Toward the latter half, however, they did seem a little tired. Although the itinerary ran about 30 minutes behind schedule, the tour ended at Nishi-Nippori Station after I explained how to get back to Shinjuku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Akabanebashi290JPY
    Section 4SubwayAkabanebashi~Monzen-nakacho220JPY
    Section 5SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Nezu210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    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…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 5:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 5:30 @ Toyosu Market Seafood Wholesale Building
    • 3. 6:20 @ Toyosu Market Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building (Observation Gallery, Retail Shops)
    • 4. 6:40 Sushi breakfast @ Iwasa Sushi (inside Toyosu Market Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building)
    • 5. 7:45 @ Strolling Tsukiji Market
    • 6. 9:15 Disband @ Ginza 4-chome Intersection

    What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan, some of whom currently live in North America and had prior experience living in Okinawa, while others were visiting Japan for the first time. Together they enjoyed sightseeing in Japan. One of the guests was very eager to try many different Japanese foods, and the tour turned into an experience of realizing one delicious discovery after another. First, we watched the tuna auction through the observation windows at Toyosu Market, where all four participants observed intently and asked many questions. For breakfast that followed, the guests requested a restaurant recommended by me as their guide, so I took them to Iwasa Sushi in the intermediate wholesalers' building, and they were very satisfied. Next, we moved from Toyosu to Tsukiji Market by bus. After arriving at Tsukiji, they enjoyed coffee, strawberry daifuku, skewered strawberry candy, wagyu beef steak, a beef cutlet sandwich, a tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) sandwich, and strawberry soft-serve ice cream. In addition, they did a lot of shopping, including a box of strawberry sweets, chopsticks, Japanese temari balls that can be hung as Christmas decorations, and custom-made straps with names carved into pieces of wood. While they enjoyed the tuna auction at Toyosu, they shared that they especially loved the atmosphere of Tsukiji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShin-Toyosu Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transport: On foot: Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • AM 09:15 – AM 10:45 Strolling around the Nagamachi Samurai District, visiting the Ashigaru Museum, Takada Family Residence, and Nomura Family Residence
    • Transport: Bus: Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:15-PM 12:00 Visiting Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:00-13:00 Kanazawa Castle Park: visiting Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Tour ends at Gyokusen'inmaru Garden

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. They had studied about Japan beforehand and asked me a variety of questions. Topics such as the connection between the historical samurai society and modern-day Japanese society came up during our conversation, and it made for a rewarding tour as we visited the main sightseeing spots in Kanazawa. Originally we had planned to visit Kenrokuen Garden, the Higashi Chaya District, and the Nagamachi Samurai District area, but since they had already visited the Higashi Chaya District the previous day, we went to Kanazawa Castle Park instead. I believe they enjoyed it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKorinbo / 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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform
    • 10:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:40 Nijo Castle
    • 13:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 Disband within Kyoto Station

    **What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Cruise Ship Arrival Like? A Licensed Guide's Report** Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were traveling by cruise ship and came to Kyoto from Osaka by bullet train. The weather was pleasant, and since it was a Sunday there were fewer school excursion students, so nowhere was very crowded and it was a very comfortable day. We first went to Kinkaku-ji, which was not too crowded inside, so they could take their time looking around and were very pleased. Nijo Castle was similarly surprisingly empty, so it was nice to be able to explain things at a relaxed pace. It was the same at Fushimi Inari Taisha. They seemed very interested to learn that various things symbolize different meanings. I believe they were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 6TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 7TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Hatagaya
    • 8:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:25 Shibamata, light meal at a dango shop
    • 12:30 Taishakuten Temple carvings and garden
    • 14:05 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 14:30 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was good, not too hot, and the tour proceeded smoothly. The group moved at a slower pace, and at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace we used a wheelchair, so the overall schedule ran behind. At Meiji Shrine, the guests enjoyed buying charms and photographing a wedding ceremony. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we moved quite slowly using a wheelchair. In Shibamata, the guests enjoyed dango at a shop front and took their time viewing the carvings and garden at Shibamata Taishakuten. In Asakusa, as we were running behind schedule, I guided them at a quicker pace, taking them as far as the main hall before the tour concluded. Received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatagaya~Harajuku290JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shibamata570JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata~Asakusa380JPY
    Total1,450JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 9:45 Gotokuji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch (Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu)
    • 5. 13:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing・Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 14:00 Asakusa
    • 7. 15:00 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Before a Sushi-Making Class? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, staying in Japan for a longer trip in total. Because the guests love cats and had booked a Sushi Making Class in Asakusa at 16:00, I guided them along a route covering Gotokuji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa. Since one of the guests had an injured knee, I made a point of using escalators and elevators whenever possible, and we were able to get around without any trouble. They listened attentively to my explanations and asked a wide variety of questions. As the Sushi Making Class was scheduled for 16:00, they preferred a lighter lunch, so we had a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. Finally, after seeing all of Sensoji Temple, we ended the tour within the temple grounds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji~Sangubashi170JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total790JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:55 Meet at the hotel and depart 10:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:30 Ryoanji Temple 12:20 Lunch (sushi) 13:10 Kinkakuji Temple 14:30 Fushimi Inari 15:45 Guide to Kiyomizu Temple and end the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from Europe. When I went to the Hotel, we were able to meet right away. Perhaps because the Golden Week holiday had ended, the sites we visited were uncrowded despite it being a weekend, which made guiding very easy. The guests did not do any extra shopping, so we were able to smoothly visit four locations. One of the guests took many photographs. Both of the guests seemed to enjoy walking through natural settings such as the bamboo grove and the area around the pond at Ryoanji Temple. After Fushimi Inari, they expressed a wish to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which was near the Hotel, so I guided them to the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple (the top of the approach path) and the tour ended there. The weather was fine, and by the afternoon it was almost hot. The photo was taken at Ryoanji Temple.

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

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting Point: Hotel Monterey Lasoeur
    • 2. 09:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Center Street)
    • 4. 11:30 Lunch: Sushiman
    • 5. 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 13:15 Dismissal: In front of Otemon Gate

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace The guests were visitors from North America who were scheduled to join a cruise ship tour a couple of days later. They had apparently not read the message I sent in advance and had assumed the tour would include a private car. When I explained that this was a walking tour and that, in principle, we would use public transportation to get around, they became displeased, saying they could not walk long distances. Even so, I explained the details of the information I had sent beforehand and told them that it would be fine to travel by car if they preferred, but that they would need to cover the cost. They accepted this, called an Uber, and we began the tour. As I carefully guided them through Senso-ji Temple, their mood gradually improved, and by the time we headed to Shibuya, the atmosphere had become quite relaxed. After showing them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I asked what they would like to do next, and they said they wanted an early lunch. Since they wished to have sushi, I took them to a sushi restaurant. They seemed to really enjoy the sushi here, which lifted their spirits even more, and at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the tour concluded, they said, "Today was a lot of fun. Thank you very much." Miscommunications sometimes occur before a tour, but as with today, there are many cases where the situation can be turned around and the guests end up satisfied in the end. Experiences like this remind me of both the joy and the challenge of being a guide.

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

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

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

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

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