Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:50 Meet at hotel
    • 12:50 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:40 Rikugien Garden
    • 15:15 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 16:45 Imperial Palace
    • 18:00 Disband at hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of visitors from North America who were friends, and it was their first time in Japan. They planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines and about Kaminarimon Gate. As the guests love gardens, I guided them to Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen based on their request, and they seemed deeply impressed by these beautiful, historic Japanese gardens. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Komagome200JPY
    Section 4SubwayKomagome~Iidabashi180JPY
    Section 5SubwaySuidobashi~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 6TrainYurakucho~Shimbashi160JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Nagasaki: Mount Nabekanmuri & Sushi Saigetsu (lunch)

    Nagasaki: Mount Nabekanmuri & Sushi Saigetsu (lunch)

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Depart from Matsugae Cruise Terminal
    • 9:50 Arrive at Mount Nabekanmuri
    • 10:10 Depart from Mount Nabekanmuri
    • 10:30 Arrive at Glover Garden
    • 11:20 Depart from Glover Garden, via Oura Cathedral
    • 11:45 Arrive at Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 12:45 Depart from Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 12:50 Arrive at Peace Park
    • 13:00 Depart from Peace Park
    • 13:15 Arrive at Sushi Saigetsu (lunch)
    • 14:00 Depart from Sushi Saigetsu
    • 14:10 Arrive at Dejima, end of minibus ride
    • 14:50 Depart from Dejima, walk to Chinatown
    • 15:00 Arrive at Chinatown, end of tour

    What Does a Private One-Day Nagasaki Cruise Port Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests came out of the cruise terminal later than scheduled, the tour began at 9:30. First, I took the guests to the observation deck of Mount Nabekanmuri, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Nagasaki, and explained an overview of the city. Next, I guided the guests to Glover Garden, where they learned about the contributions of Mr. Glover to the modernization of Meiji-era Japan. After Glover Garden, I explained the episode of the "Discovery of the Hidden Christians" in front of Oura Cathedral, and then we headed by car to the Atomic Bomb Museum. After visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum, we drove to Peace Park. After Peace Park, in accordance with the guests' wish to have Japanese food, we had lunch at a sushi restaurant where I had made a reservation, and then drove to Dejima. Upon arriving at Dejima, the car (a small bus) service ended. At Dejima, the guests visited three sites — the miniature Dejima, the archaeological museum, and the Captain's Room — and afterward I guided them on about a 10-minute walk to Chinatown, where the tour ended in front of the Chinatown gate. Starting with an observation deck offering a sweeping view of the city, followed by Glover Garden, the atomic bomb related sites, a delicious Japanese lunch, and Dejima, I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

    Hello, my name is Junichi Matsumoto.
    I will be your guide on this occasion. With warm hospitality, I will do my best to help you fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of Japan.

    Before becoming a guide, I worked for the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and retired in March 2023. From 2003 to 2005, I was stationed in Montana, USA, which has a sister-state relationship with Kumamoto. During that time, I actively interacted with the local community together with my family, which gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences.

    I am an easygoing person who quickly builds a friendly relationship with international guests. With a sincere smile and attentive care, I always strive to provide tours that are warm, enjoyable, and memorable. It would be my great pleasure to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in Japan.

    Jul 24, 2026
    mariopV3953VG
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour by an amazing guide
    Junichi, our guide,…

    Jun 16, 2026
    andreabL155TS
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagaski day tour
    Junichi was a great tour guide. He met us…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Wander45660599315
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour of Nagasaki with Junichi!
    We had a wonderful tour with…

    May 16, 2026
    partel_12
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide Junichi
    Junichi was excellent guide very enthusiastic in…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Guide (Kogure) arrives at the hotel lobby
    • 10:00 Meet the guests at the hotel lobby
    • 10:10 After a briefing with the guests, depart the hotel
    • 10:18 Arrive at Shimbashi Station
    • 10:23 Depart Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line subway heading to Asakusa Station
    • 10:42 Arrive at Asakusa Station, walk to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 10:45–10:55 Guide the 8F observation deck of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 10:55–11:45 Guide Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
    • *Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Street, Hozomon Gate, Five-story Pagoda, omikuji fortune, incense burner, purification fountain, main hall, Asakusa Shrine, etc.
    • 11:50–12:20 Lunch in Asakusa (soba, tempura)
    • 12:27 Depart Asakusa Station, head to Shibuya Station on the Ginza Line subway
    • 13:01 Arrive at Shibuya Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line
    • 13:09 Depart Shibuya Station, head to Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
    • 13:11 Arrive at Harajuku Station, walk to Meiji Shrine
    • 13:15 Arrive at Meiji Shrine
    • 13:15–13:50 Guide Meiji Shrine
    • *First Torii Gate, sake barrels, Second Torii Gate, waka poems, purification fountain, main hall, married couple trees, ema votive tablets, etc.
    • 14:00–14:20 Guide Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:20–14:55 Guide Omotesando
    • 15:00 Depart Harajuku Station, head to Shibuya Station on the JR Yamanote Line
    • 15:02 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • 15:05–15:40 Guide Hachiko, the Scramble Crossing, and Miyashita Park
    • 15:45 Depart Shibuya Station, head to Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line subway
    • 15:58 Arrive at Shimbashi Station, walk to the hotel
    • 16:05 Arrive at the hotel lobby, say goodbye to the guests and end the tour

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for a First-Time Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from South America, having arrived the previous day, and thoroughly enjoyed today's tour. The guest had recently started a travel company and was on this trip as a scouting visit. Due to a mechanical problem, the planned connecting flight had been cancelled, so it took about 28 hours to reach Haneda Airport from South America. Everything in Japan — the sights, the food, the transportation — was new and fresh to the guest, who took many photos and videos at each location. The guest also browsed for and bought souvenirs for family along Nakamise Street and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. The guest learned about the differences between temples and shrines, how to worship at each, and how to pass through a torii gate. At Senso-ji Temple, the guest drew an omikuji fortune (unfortunately a bad-luck one), enjoying a new experience. The guest planned to stay four nights in Tokyo and then head to Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, so I suggested sightseeing spots in Tokyo and how to get to them for the remaining three days. The soba noodles eaten at lunch in Asakusa were a first-time experience, and the guest enjoyed them very much. Being a great coffee lover, the guest happily savored coffee at a café inside the Tokyu Plaza in Omotesando. Although the guest was from South America, they spoke fluent English, and we had a lively conversation about the cultural differences between their home region and Japan, as well as about geography, food, and sports.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total970JPY

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo In A Day Tour with Nobuo
    The excursion…

    Apr 18, 2026
    Traveler10250323486
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with a Japanese guide who seemed like…

    Sep 23, 2025
    johnsL7185LE
    Brilliant family day trip with Nobuo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobuo Kokure is a wonderful guide.…

    Aug 4, 2025
    leslie_w
    Nobby was an awesome tour…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobby was an awesome tour guide. Very…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Godzilla & Omotesando Harakado Omokado

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Godzilla & Omotesando Harakado Omokado

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:20 Shinjuku Godzilla
    • 10:00 Harajuku KAWAII MONSTER LAND
    • 11:30 ANAKUMA CAFE
    • 12:20 Omotesando Harakado Omokado
    • 13:00 Disband @ near the hotel

    What Can You See on a Private 8-Hour Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was one person visiting from Europe, and it was a very unique tour. After visiting Shanghai, they stayed only in Tokyo in Japan. It was scheduled as an 8-hour tour, but since they decided to attend a K-Pop concert this afternoon, we shortened the tour time and visited the places they wanted to see. First, we took a taxi to Shinjuku to photograph Godzilla, and they took photos and videos from ground level and from the 8th floor. After that, we went to KAWAII MONSTER LAND on Takeshita Street, where they watched a show, took photos with the monsters, and played games, immersing themselves in the kawaii world. Next, at the equally unique ANAKUMA CAFE, they had coffee while talking with a bear's paw. Then we walked to Omotesando to photograph Harakado, which appears in a video by their favorite artist. When we arrived, however, the building they were looking for turned out to be Omokado rather than Harakado. A Yosakoi festival happened to be taking place in Omotesando, so they were able to watch the dancing from the roadside, which delighted them. Finally, we returned to the Hotel by subway, confirmed the meeting for the next day, and ended the tour. The guest had a clear idea of what they wanted to do, so my role was to support that. The guest was very talkative and mentioned that they always hire a local guide when traveling.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00     Meet the guests at Tobu Nikko Station
    • Move to Shinkyo Bridge by taxi
    • 11:15~11:20 Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:30~12:30 Lunch
    • 12:30~14:30 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:30~15:10 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple
    • Move to Tobu Nikko Station by taxi
    • 15:30~16:00 Assist guests at Tobu Nikko Station    
    • 16:00     Disband at Tobu Nikko Station

    What Is a Private Half-Day Nikko World Heritage Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests wished to enjoy Nikko's World Heritage sites within a short window from 11:00 to 16:00. There was also a request to have yuba (tofu skin) cuisine for lunch. Since their return train was booked for 15:53, I arranged the following three measures: 1. Purchasing the Toshogu admission tickets in advance 2. Using a taxi 3. Making a restaurant reservation When I proposed this plan and itinerary, the guests were very pleased and gave their approval in a single email exchange. On the day, following the itinerary we had discussed in advance, the guests enjoyed Nikko with a route covering Shinkyo Bridge, a yuba set meal at a lovely restaurant, Toshogu Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple. The guests were interested in the history and culture of Nikko, and expressed a particular wish to learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu. They also hoped that explanations would be given carefully so that everyone in the group could follow along. For this reason, I made a conscious effort to explain slowly and in an accessible way for the whole group. Regarding Tokugawa Ieyasu, I thought the connection between Toshogu Shrine and the well-received drama about the shogun from the previous year might spark their interest, so I began the story from there and proceeded in order. At the treasure hall of Rinnoji Temple, portraits of all fifteen generations of the Tokugawa shoguns are displayed, and there I gave a brief explanation of Japanese swords. Everything seemed to capture their interest, and I believe the guests were very delighted. I think this Nikko tour became an unforgettable memory for the guests.

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Move to Kanazawa Station by the hotel shuttle bus
    • Move Bus Hashibacho
    • AM 10:45- 11:30 Higashi Chaya District, Utasu Shrine tour
    • Move Bus Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:50- PM 12:30 Kenrokuen Garden tour
    • PM 12:30- 13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park tour
    • Move On foot Nagamachi Samurai District 
    • PM 13 :50-14:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area, Takada Family Residence and Ashigaru Museum tour
    • PM 14:00 Tour ends

    What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were on their first trip to Japan, visiting from Europe. Rain had been forecast from the morning, but fortunately it held off, and the guests stayed dry as we carried out the tour along the planned route as scheduled. In this 4-hour private tour of Kanazawa, the itinerary typically fills up right around whether or not we can visit a few of the samurai residences in the Nagamachi samurai district before time runs out. Toward the end of the tour, I explained how to take the bus back to Kanazawa Station, suggested places for lunch, and introduced the Oktoberfest event currently being held in Kanazawa before the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total440JPY

    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。

  • Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple and shopping & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple and shopping & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:40 Stroll and brunch at Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:00 View from Tokyo Skytree and shopping at Solamachi
    • 15:30 Visit Senso-ji Temple and shopping
    • 16:30 Stroll from the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge to Sakuradamon Gate
    • 16:50 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 18:00 Disband at the hotel

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Tokyo Covering Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were a bright, lively group, and lots of loud, cheerful conversation began the moment they got in the car, making for a very spirited tour. Beforehand I had heard that different members of the group had different food preferences — some enjoyed seafood, some preferred meat, and some kept a vegetarian diet — so at the Tsukiji Outer Market I made sure each of them could enjoy something they liked: seafood, wagyu BBQ, and rice cakes (grilled rice cakes on skewers, strawberry daifuku, and so on). One of the guests had said they did not like the smell of fish, but after one bite of bluefin tuna sushi at Kurogin, they were amazed and said "unbelievable," adding, "I love Japanese sushi, but I'll still pass on the sushi back home." It happened to be the day of the annual samba carnival in Asakusa, so it was a rather noisy environment. After praying, the guests bought charms for family members back home and said, "I love this solemn atmosphere." After the visit, I took them to "Shanari Shirt," a shop on the second floor above a T-shirt store on Kannon-dori. This shop upcycles old kimono into cool shirts, and all of them happily bought shirts in designs they liked. At the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine, the light rain had stopped, and the guests enjoyed strolling in the pleasant, cool, fresh air after the rain.

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet with guests at the hotel lobby
    • 09:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:50 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30 Stroll around Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
    • 12:30 Tour ends at Nene-no-Michi

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Perhaps because it was a hot day, there were relatively few tourists, so the guests were able to try the Omokaru-ishi stone without any wait. At the Negari-no-Matsu pine, the guests enjoyed passing under the exposed roots together. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I took photos of the group with the Kiyomizu stage in the background, which made for a wonderful memory. Afterwards, we stopped by a ceramics shop along Kiyomizu-zaka, where one of the guests took a great liking to a plate with a green glaze and purchased several pieces. At the bubble tea shop on Ninen-zaka, the guests enjoyed matcha tapioca tea, which they said they were fond of, and we ended the tour on Nene-no-Michi. The guests said they had been traveling around Japan for a while, and mentioned that what left the strongest impression on them was above all the kindness of the Japanese people.

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

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

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

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Watch the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Watch the tuna auction & Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet up at Toyosu Market
    • 05:10-05:30 Explanation of related information in advance, such as tuna catching methods, how auctions proceed, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:40 Tour of Toyosu Market's retail floor and produce market
    • 07:40-07:55 Move to Tsukiji
    • 8:00 Guide to the front of Lawson in the Tsukiji inner market (the meeting place for the next tour) and disband
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    # What's an Early-Morning Toyosu Tuna Auction Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Tokyo the previous evening. They arrived at the meeting point in good spirits, saying this early-morning tour was perfect for adjusting to the jet lag. One of the guests had a strong interest in the tuna auction, and the other had booked the tour for that reason. However, once the auction actually began, the one who had booked it seemed even more excited than expected, and both of the guests appeared to be enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, only a few fresh tuna were visible from the public observation deck, but we secured a spot right next to the frozen tuna auctioneer, so the guests were able to watch the auction closely. During the auction, a frozen tuna went for a high price of 7,000 yen per fish, which the guests found exciting to witness. After the viewing, the guests enjoyed breakfast at a sushi restaurant, where they ordered a "tuna assortment" and an "omakase" course and shared them, marveling at the differences in flavor between the various cuts of tuna and the deliciousness of sushi made with fresh fish that had just been brought in that morning. Due to a mix-up on their part, the guests had separately booked another Tsukiji tour starting at 9:00 after this one, so at Tsukiji I simply guided them to the meeting point for their next tour. I used the extra time to show them the retail buildings and produce sections of Toyosu. In the retail building, at a shop directly operated by a sake brewery, the guests tasted a craft gin made in Niseko that the brewery manages. As a big fan of gin, one of the guests purchased a hip-flask-sized craft gin, describing it as "a gin with a wonderful flavor." At a miso wholesaler selling "Iyo barley miso" from my hometown, I bought 200g and asked the shop for a toothpick so the guests could taste the fresh barley miso. It is a sweeter miso, and when I explained that it is also delicious served on top of tofu, the guests remarked, "So it's not just for miso soup," and we had a lively conversation about miso recipes. At Toyosu Market, there are commemorative stamps at the seafood wholesale, seafood intermediate wholesale, and produce buildings, and one of the guests was delighted to collect all the stamps. When I mentioned that stamp books can be bought at station kiosks and that each JR station has its own unique stamp, the guests happily said, "We'll definitely collect them."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market/Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome/Toei Bus420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour

    Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:50 Meet at hotel
    •  8:00 Travel (Oshiage → Tsukiji)
    •  8:30 Tsukiji (Honganji Temple → Stroll through the outer market → 3 knife shops (Sugimoto Hamono, Nenohi, Togen Masahisa) → Tsukiji Uogashi Building)
    •  9:50 Travel (Tsukiji → Tawaramachi, walk to Kappabashi)
    • 10:20 Stroll through Kappabashi, visit 3 knife shops (Jikko Hamono, Seisuke Hamono, Kamata Hakensha), kitchenware, lacquerware, and Japanese tableware
    •               Purchase a knife at Kamata Hakensha
    • 11:20 Walk to Sensoji Temple
    • 11:30 Stroll through Sensoji Temple
    • 12:10 Tour ends in front of Asakusa Station

    Title: What's a Private Knife-Shopping Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Kappabashi The guest was a visitor from North America who had arrived in Japan a few days earlier. During the first couple of days, the guest had already visited Tokyo Disneyland and a Harry Potter studio. On the day of the tour, part of the group went shopping separately, while one of the guests joined the tour to purchase kitchen knives. The guest had a strong interest in craft-made products such as traditional Japanese knives. On the day, we visited six knife shops. In Tsukiji, we first looked at a wide variety of knives, listened to explanations from the staff, and narrowed down what the guest wanted to buy. In Kappabashi, we visited shops known as long-established stores. Unfortunately, due to insufficient research on my part, one of the shops turned out not to be a long-established store but rather a relatively recently founded dealer, and they were not very knowledgeable about the techniques, traditions, or culture. On the other hand, other shops with more than 100 years of history gave detailed and courteous explanations. At one of these shops, the guest was even allowed to try cutting, which I believe was a great experience. In the end, the guest purchased a knife at the shop that offered the most thorough explanation and the greatest depth of knowledge. One thing I regretted was that the guest had not brought their passport. Normally, a refund of about 7% of the purchase amount is available after deducting a handling fee from the 10% consumption tax, but because the passport was not on hand, the purchase had to be made with consumption tax included. The guest did not seem dissatisfied at all, but as a guide I reflected that I should have confirmed the passport situation at the hotel meeting. Aside from the knife shopping, the guest was very impressed by Tsukiji Hongan-ji and Senso-ji, and listened with great interest to explanations about Buddhism in particular.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOshiage~Tsukiji320JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total530JPY

    Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
    Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
    During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
    After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
    My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
    I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
    I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
    I can’t wait to meet you!

    Jul 27, 2026
    25stephn
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    Highly recommend this tour!
    Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…

    Jul 23, 2026
    melanierK3084ZH
    Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Senso-ji tour
    Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…

    May 30, 2026
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    I was travelling with my…

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    We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with…