Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the Hotel ➡ Purchase light meal at Andersen ➡ From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima (guide transportation fee JR 420 yen) ➡ Miyajima sightseeing (pass along the coast to the Grand Torii Gate, view Itsukushima Shrine and others from outside ➡ Head to the ropeway station ➡ Did not ride the ropeway due to crowds, pass through the shopping street ➡ Hiroshima Station (guide transportation fee JR 420 yen) ➡ Change Shinkansen ticket ➡ Hotel ➡ 14:30 Tour ends at Andersen

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On the day of the tour, the guests requested a change to the tour hours (9:00–16:00 → 9:00–14:30). When we met on the day, the desired schedule had changed. I had originally been told the tour would end at 16:00, but the guests wanted to return to Hiroshima Station by 14:30. They mentioned that ending at 16:00 would be acceptable as a last resort. They also questioned whether to include the city area, so I confirmed their wishes again. In the end, we decided to take the ropeway up to Shishiiwa Station on Miyajima rather than going to Mount Misen itself. After purchasing the ropeway tickets, the area was very crowded, so the guests ended up giving up the tickets they had bought, and I was sorry that I could not take them all the way up. The guests seemed to want to head to their next destination, Osaka, earlier. Before ending the tour at 14:30, they changed their Shinkansen ticket to an earlier departure, switching to the 15:03 departure from Hiroshima. As the guests wished, we ended the tour at 14:30. 【Things they enjoyed】 * Bread from a Hiroshima-based bakery. When we returned from Miyajima to Hiroshima Station, they bought some again before departing. * One of the guests saw the carp in Momijidani and said "koi" in Japanese, so I took the group to a spot with carp of a size they had never seen before. Everyone was amazed and delighted. * Green tea ice cream from a Miyajima coffee shop — very rich, and even though it was 21 degrees the previous day, it hardly melted. * Ryuzen no Matsu (a pine tree shaped like a dragon that has been carefully cultivated for over 200 years). For anyone joining a Hiroshima tour, using a transit IC card such as Suica or ICOCA has become far more convenient than a JR Pass. The guests carried only a credit card and a small amount of cash. Since they had neither a JR Pass nor a transit IC card, they needed to buy tickets at a machine or counter every time they boarded a train or ferry. Since the introduction of the Miyajima visitor tax, a transit IC card has become quicker and more convenient than a JR Pass. With Suica or ICOCA, the visitor tax is automatically paid when tapping the gate. It would be helpful information for both guests and guides if the recommendation to use a transit IC card could be included somewhere in the Hiroshima tour information.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00  Meet at Hotel grande reverie
    • (Move by taxi)
    • 9:20~10:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (Move by taxi)
    • 10:30~11:20 Hirano Shrine
    • (Move by city bus)
    • 11:50~13:00 Nijo Castle

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Hirano Shrine, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from North America. They wished to visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, ending the tour at Nijo Castle, so I suggested stopping at Hirano Shrine on the way from Kinkaku-ji to Nijo Castle. By using a taxi for the first leg of the trip, we were able to arrive at Kinkaku-ji early, so there were few people and we could enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Some of the guests also enjoyed shopping for charms and souvenirs. At the cherry blossom garden of Hirano Shrine as well, the guests were able to stroll leisurely without crowds. The rain of the previous days had cleared, and with pleasant weather the guests were very delighted by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography and took many photos. At Nijo Castle, the guests viewed the Ninomaru Palace and the cherry blossoms of the Seiryu-en garden, and we parted ways in front of the rest area. After the tour ended, the guests planned to look at some more souvenirs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKinugasa Kohmae/Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
    I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
    I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!

    May 17, 2026
    Barry_L
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
    Mickey was great. We put together an…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Dream20497216370
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience in Kobe
    We had a great time with Micky, our…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Shimizu → Keihan Gojo → Keihan Sanjo → Nijo Castle by subway → to the Kinkakuji area by bus → lunch → to Ryoanji on foot → to Kinkakuji on foot (stopping by a woodblock print shop and shopping along the way) → finish at Kinkakuji

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji The rain occasionally fell heavily and affected the tour somewhat, but the guests were still able to see the highlights I most wanted to show them. At Nijo Castle, I talked about the history and the structure of the buildings. We took our time exploring the castle interior, then strolled through the gardens. After viewing the Honmaru Palace from outside, we climbed the donjon base and the guests enjoyed the surrounding scenery. Around that time the rain grew stronger, but we took the bus toward the Kinkaku-ji area. In the bus, the guests asked to hear about Kinkaku-ji in advance, so I explained various things about it. When we got off, we discussed that the temple might not be viewable in such rain, so we had lunch first. Fortunately the rain gradually eased, so we walked to Ryoan-ji first. At Ryoan-ji, the guests viewed the rock garden and the tsukubai water basin. I had mentioned that although the rock garden has 15 stones, you cannot see all of them at once, so the guests counted them earnestly. Also, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom in the Ryoan-ji garden, and the guests enjoyed strolling through it. We then walked to Kinkaku-ji. Since the explanation was already done, the guests took photos at the photo spots and listened to some supplementary notes. It was a shame that it rained, but the guests enjoyed themselves.

    I’m Azusa Nishimura. Nice to meet you.
    I have been working as a licensed national tour guide since 2006.
    Over the years, I have guided many visitors from countries such as Great Britain, the United States, and various parts of Europe to famous destinations including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Nishinomiya and Himeji.

    Kyoto, in particular, is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    I enjoy sharing the rich history and interesting stories behind each place, and many of my guests have told me how much they enjoyed the tours.

    I sincerely hope that as many visitors as possible will discover and experience the wonderful aspects of Japan through my guiding.

    May 30, 2026
    marcvB3813BU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Relaxed en vriendelijk
    Annie is een heel vriendelijke gids met veel kennis…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Premier Asakusa International, listen to requests, discuss itinerary, depart at 8:50
    • 8:55 Walk inside Sensoji Temple
    • 9:25 Ueno Station, exchange Japan Rail Pass and purchase reserved seat tickets for the entire journey
    • 10:15 Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:50 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:50 Buy snacks at Palace Building Seven, eat at Otemachi Station
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:50 Entrance to Harajuku Takeshita Street. Gave up on entering the street due to the crowds.
    • 14:55 Disband at the entrance to Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained the entire day, and at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace it came down fairly heavily. The weather forecast was wrong about the intensity of the rain. Since I did not have an umbrella until I bought one at a convenience store, it turned into a tough tour. Up to Ueno Park, where the rain was not too heavy, the guests took many photos with a DSLR camera. After that the rain grew stronger, and they switched to taking photos with a smartphone. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, many varieties of cherry blossoms and camellias were in bloom, but unfortunately there did not seem to be much enthusiasm for taking photos. The schedule ran behind overall, but at Meiji Shrine many photos were taken. At the entrance to Takeshita Street, the guests were surprised by the crowds and did not go into the street. Since our time was up, we ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Ueno700JPY
    Section 2Free PassYushima~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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: Himeji Castle Main Keep & Himeji Station

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle Main Keep & Himeji Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Himeji Castle Main Keep
    • 12:50 Break at a cafe
    • 13:30 Shosha Mountain Engyoji Temple – Maniden Hall, Dining Hall, Great Lecture Hall, Jogyodo Hall
    • 14:00 Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a lover of Japan visiting the country on their own for this trip. They had heard about Himeji Castle from someone in Japan and decided to add it to their plans on short notice from their base in Osaka. They arrived early at the castle to avoid the crowds, which made the climb to the top smooth and comfortable. The weather was pleasant, and they were able to take their time at both locations, which they greatly enjoyed. The cherry blossoms happened to be in full bloom at just the right time, and they seemed to be truly savoring the trip, saying how glad they were to have come during this season. They were already planning their next visit, hoping to travel to Okinawa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSchool for the Deaf / Kokoen Garden / Shinki Bus~Shosha Mountain Ropeway / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Section 2BusShosha Mountain Ropeway / Shinki Bus~Himeji Station (North Exit) / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Total640JPY

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa · Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa · Senso-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:00 Asakusa · Senso-ji Temple
    • 17:00 Return to Shinjuku and the tour ends.

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. After a stay of several days, they were planning to go on a cruise. As they had only arrived the previous night, I focused on giving them an overview of Tokyo. We first went to Shinjuku Gyoen, near the hotel. The cherry blossoms were just past full bloom and beginning to fade, but the guests were delighted, as they had not known they could see cherry blossoms at this time of year. Next, at Meiji Shrine, they were impressed by the natural beauty within the city. When I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the differences in ways of worship, they seemed to understand it very well. After experiencing the bustle of the big city at the Shibuya crossing, we headed to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where they enjoyed the unique atmosphere and drawing omikuji fortunes. Finally, I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, the nearest station to their hotel, and the tour came to an end.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple + Starbucks & Todaiji's Nandaimon

    Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple + Starbucks & Todaiji’s Nandaimon

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of the Guided Tour → 15:00 end of tour)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:10-40 Kofukuji Temple (UNESCO) + Starbucks
    •   walk 5 minutes
    • 10:50-11:10 Araike Garden, Ukimido Pavilion
    •   walk 15 minutes
    • 11:30-12:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine The main hall cannot be entered due to a ritual ceremony
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:10-40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: Lunch at Shiroganeya
    • former katana sword manufacturer's, craft shop etc.
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:50- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:50-13:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30-14:00 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hal
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-20 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:30-15:10 Yoshikien Garden + Himuro Shrine Disband in front of the National Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kasuga Taisha The guests were a couple visiting from North America. Before the tour, the guests had mentioned working in scheduling for a theme park, and I later learned that their home area is home to major theme parks. At Kasuga Taisha, I explained that the prewar Japanese government imposed State Shinto on its citizens and built shrines in territories that were then part of Japan, including Taiwan, and also in Korea, Manchuria, and even Singapore during the war. Although the guests had a personal connection to Taiwan, they were completely unaware of the former Taiwan Shrine. Given the generational difference, I felt it was understandable that this history was unfamiliar to them.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Onomichi Half-Day Customized Tour

    Onomichi Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Saikokuji Niō Gate, visit the Main Hall → 10:45 Visit the three-story pagoda and five hundred rakan at Tenneiji → 11:30 Walk to Onomichi Hondori → 12:00 Onomichi Ramen Shoya → 13:00 Tea time at the Cat Picture Book Hall → 14:00 Disband at Hondori

    What Is a Private Rainy-Day Walking Tour of Onomichi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had spent the previous stop in Tokyo and arrived in Hiroshima early that morning by Shinkansen. Although it was unfortunately raining, we talked about the spirit of Zen and ascetic practice at Saikoku-ji, and about the Five Hundred Rakan and Buddhism at Tennei-ji. Since they mentioned they would visit the Peace Memorial Park the next day, they listened with strong interest to the connection between Onomichi and the atomic bomb, as well as the path of postwar recovery. We had planned to visit Senko-ji in the afternoon, but as the rain grew heavier, I suggested going for ramen and to a cat cafe instead, and with their agreement, we did so. They told me they keep many cats at home and even showed me photos. Overall, there were many changes and the itinerary ended up quite different from what was originally planned, but they told me with a smile that they would love to come back and visit again, so it turned out well!

    Hi there! Let’s Discover True Hiroshima Together!

    Hey! I’m HAYATO, and I’m super excited to be your guide in Hiroshima! With about 20 years of living in this amazing place, I can’t wait to share all its hidden treasures, fun stories, and unique culture with you.

    Whether you’re into beautiful sights, tasty local food, or fascinating history, I’m here to make sure you have a great time. Together, we’ll uncover both the well-known spots and the little secrets that make Hiroshima truly special.

    Let’s make some unforgettable memories while having lots of fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat about what we can do together.

    Can’t wait to meet you!

    Apr 13, 2026
    Robin_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great educational tour!
    Hayato to was a terrific guide.…

    Apr 9, 2026
    bonoc2026
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you Hayato!
    The tour was amazing, or tour…

    Mar 9, 2026
    stuartgiese_g
    Great tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day with Hayato his knowledge…

    Oct 7, 2025
    april_m
    Hiroshima with Hayato!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hayato was a great tour guide.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • • 09:45 – Met at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • • 10:10 – Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
    • • 10:20 – Nakamise Street
    • • 11:00 – Senso-ji Temple
    • • 11:15 – Sumida Park
    • • 12:10 – Kappabashi Street
    • • 13:00 – Lunch
    • • 14:10 – Tokyo Skytree (Pokémon Center)
    • • 15:00 – Tour End

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like on the Arrival Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and although it was their first visit to Japan, they seemed very accustomed to traveling. Even though it was their arrival day, the tour proceeded in a calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout and went very smoothly. Regarding the requests received in advance, the following were arranged: • Shopping at Kappabashi Kitchenware Street • Visits to Tokyo Skytree and the Pokémon Center • Lunch on the day All of these were carried out without any issues, and the guests appeared to be very satisfied. The weather was excellent on the day, with clear skies that were unusual for this time of year, and the tour progressed very smoothly from start to finish. The guests were a very pleasant group, and I had a very positive impression of them.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sakura Street in Ueno Park

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sakura Street in Ueno Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 8:40 Assist guests with purchasing Welcome Suica at Eki Tabi Concierge Shinjuku (Shinnan)
    • 9:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:10 Coffee break at CAFÉ "Mori no Terrace" in front of the first torii gate of Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Statue of Hachiko the loyal dog, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 12:00 Stroll along "Sakura Street" in Ueno Park
    • 13:30 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 14:10 Board the Toei Bus at the "Tsukiji 6-chome" bus stop ➡ get off at "Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit"
    • 14:30 Explain how to use the QR code and Welcome Suica at the Tokaido Shinkansen entrance at Tokyo Station
    • 15:15 Explain how to return to the hotel at Shinjuku Station, then disband.

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno Park and Tsukiji The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia, having arrived three days earlier. They planned to stay in Tokyo before continuing to Kyoto and Osaka and then returning home. There were no specific itinerary requests in advance, so we decided on the plan on the day itself while listening to the guests' wishes when we met. Since cherry blossom viewing was their top priority, I proposed Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, and considering travel distance we settled on Ueno Park. As soon as we left the Hotel, cherry blossoms in full bloom spread out before us, and petals floated on a small pond beneath them. When I explained that the fallen petals flowing across the water like a band are called "sakura ikada" (cherry blossom raft), the guests were deeply moved by the poetic expression. Guests from Asia sometimes have a distinctive rhythm to their English pronunciation, but I quickly grew accustomed to it and we conversed smoothly. As is often the case, the guests were very cheerful and responded warmly even to my dad jokes, which usually fall flat. Because they were anxious about the route from the Hotel near Shinjuku Station to Tokyo Station the next day, as well as how to use a QR code together with a Welcome Suica when boarding the Shinkansen, we went from Tsukiji Market to Tokyo Station by bus, and I explained how to use the QR code and Welcome Suica at the Shinkansen ticket gate. After that, we traced the next day's route in reverse (Tokyo Station – Chuo Line – Shinjuku Station) to confirm the path, and parted ways at Shinjuku Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Ueno210JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 5TrainTsukiji 6-chome/Toei Bus~Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit/Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo~Shinjuku260JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    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).

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
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    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

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    716suzannab
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    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
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    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
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    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…