Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagoshima: Marine Port Kagoshima & Kagoshima Aquarium

    Kagoshima: Marine Port Kagoshima & Kagoshima Aquarium

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Marine Port Kagoshima
    • 9:00 Board Sakurajima Ferry
    • 9:30 Sakurajima Visitor Center
    • 10:30 Yunohira Observatory
    • 11:00 Arimura Observatory
    • 11:40 Board Sakurajima Ferry
    • 12:20 Lunch at "Kurobuta Fukuya"
    •     From the car window: Terukuni Shrine – Saigo Statue – Goromon Gate
    • 13:40 Kagoshima Aquarium
    • 15:00 Arrive at Marine Port Kagoshima

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Kagoshima. ◉ Sakurajima Visitor Center They watched a film about the formation and history of Sakurajima, and surprisingly, they became very interested in the fact that the water reaches a depth of 200 meters. Afterward, they enjoyed the foot bath along the adjacent "Lava Nagisa Promenade." ◉ Yunohira Observatory They were surprised by the smell of sulfur. ◉ Arimura Observatory Since it was hot, we walked briskly along the lava path and moved on to the ferry terminal. ◉ Lunch They had black pork tonkatsu. The tonkatsu was of course delicious, but they were also impressed by the unfamiliar flavors, such as the shredded cabbage, the shiso dressing, and the tonkatsu sauce. At this point, we were well ahead of schedule, so we visited Terukuni Shrine, the statue of Saigo, and the Goromon Gate. However, since the guests were tired, they stayed in the car and I guided them from the window only. ◉ Kagoshima Aquarium We had originally planned to visit "Sengan-en," but the previous day the guests suggested visiting the aquarium instead, so we went there. One of the guests had wanted to see the whale shark. As we were more than an hour ahead of schedule, I offered to guide them to other places as well, but they asked to head straight to the port.

    I have been living in Kagoshima since 2019. I love talking with people, and I look forward to guiding you around this beautiful city.
    Kagoshima has many attractions: the active volcano Sakurajima rising right before your eyes, the lively atmosphere of the city, its rich history, and its delicious local cuisine. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of this place through the many stories it has to offer.
    I will do my best to share the wonders of Kagoshima with all who visit, and to provide a special experience with heartfelt hospitality.

    Jul 23, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Delightful guide and very fun day.
    Mio was delightful. She was…

    Jul 17, 2026
    Amanda_Q
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Super city and great & driver!
    What an intriguing city! Our…

    May 25, 2026
    Stephen_D
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Thoughtful, knowledgeable and excellent tour
    Mio was awesome! She took…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 8:40 Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 10:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 12:10 Meiji Shrine, Forest Terrace
    • 13:20 Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 14:00 Disband @ Shibuya

    What Is a Private First-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Families? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe on their first day in Japan. In two days, they would be joining a 10-day cruise tour departing from Yokohama. As they did not eat much fish, at Tsukiji they enjoyed grilled chicken skewers, candied strawberries, and sweet potato chips, and purchased premium tube wasabi. In Asakusa, they ate ningyo-yaki and strawberry daifuku. Along the way, they bought drinks from vending machines several times. For their omikuji fortunes, one drew "great blessing" and three drew "blessing." Since they seemed tired from the long flight and the heat, we took a break at Forest Terrace in Meiji Shrine and refreshed ourselves. When the conversation turned to movies and I mentioned that I am a fan of Jason Statham, for some reason it went over very well and we had a lively time. For the final stop, they said they could explore Shibuya on their own, so I suggested Takeshita Street instead for that time, where they tried capsule toy machines. It was a perfect spot for the guests, and they were very grateful. I guided them to Shibuya Station as scheduled, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total920JPY

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 10:40- 11:45 Kenrokuen Garden tour
    • AM 11:45- PM 13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park tour  Gyokusen'in Garden
    • Transfer on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • PM 14:00 Guide to the Nomura Family Residence and tour ends

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a leisure trip. On the morning of the tour, the guests asked whether the start time could be changed to 10:30 AM so that they could enjoy a relaxed breakfast, but due to my own schedule after the tour, I politely declined. We were able to meet at 10:00 AM, so the tour began as planned. The guests all loved Japanese gardens and enjoyed the tour at a relaxed pace. They were also very interested in Kanazawa Castle and asked many questions about it, so the tour proceeded at quite a leisurely pace. I guided them as far as the front of the Nomura Family Samurai Residence in the Nagamachi district, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railway Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railway Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Miyaginobashi Bus Stop & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Miyaginobashi Bus Stop & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • 10:25 Depart Miyaginobashi Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 10:40 Arrive Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:15 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Observation Deck
    • Owakudani Kuro-tamago Museum
    • 11:45 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:30 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 12:40 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 13:25 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Lunch: Miki Soba
    • Hakone Shrine
    • 14:30 Depart Motohakone Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:00 Ninotaira-iriguchi Bus Stop
    • Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:45 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Train)
    • 16:00 Arrive Gora Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Gora Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. This was their first trip to Japan, a roughly two-week journey to celebrate a graduation. After arriving at Haneda Airport, they had already traveled through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and had come to Hakone the previous day. They planned to spend another night in Hakone and then return home from Haneda Airport the next day. They told me, "We really wanted to see Mount Fuji from Hakone," and, "We wanted to go somewhere a little quieter and enjoy an onsen." It did not rain, but the clouds were thick, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. First, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the history and current state of the Open-Air Museum. One of the guests loved art and admired the sculptures with great enthusiasm. Being a particular fan of Picasso, they eagerly took photographs. Everyone enjoyed the foot bath as well. At the shop, they purchased postcards as souvenirs. After this, we headed to Owakudani via Gora and Sounzan. Unfortunately, the clouds had rolled in, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. I explained the origins of Hakone and gave an overview and history of Owakudani. There were questions such as, "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and, "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it erupt?" They bought and tasted the "black eggs," remarking, "The smell of sulfur is incredible." Next, we took the ropeway to Togendai Port and boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. It was a little chilly, but we went up to the top observation deck. They commented, "It's a beautiful lake and feels wonderful." There were also questions such as, "Can you swim in it?", "What kinds of fish are there?", and, "Does it freeze in winter?" We arrived at Motohakone Port and had a light lunch. After this, we walked to Hakone Shrine. I explained the history of Hakone Shrine. We visited the main hall, and I explained how to worship. The torii gate on the lake had a long line of people waiting to take photos, so we took pictures from the side. There was a question: "Why are so many people lining up just to take a photo?" Since we still had time to spare, we visited the Hakone Open-Air Museum again. I explained the history and current state of the Open-Air Museum. As one of the guests loved art, they admired the sculptures with great enthusiasm. In particular, they were a fan of Henry Moore, who was from the UK, and eagerly took photographs. At the shop, they purchased postcards as souvenirs. They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan the towns are clean. There's no litter on the ground," and, "Everyone is so polite." I saw them off at Gora Station, and after the hotel shuttle bus arrived, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kanagawa: Hotel Nanpuso & Motohakone Port

    Kanagawa: Hotel Nanpuso & Motohakone Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel Nanpuso
    • 10:30 Hotel Nanpuso
    • (Microbus Course A)
    • 10:40 Hakone-Yumoto bus stop
    • 10:49 Depart Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 11:20 Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 12:30 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:00 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Observatory
    • Owakudani Kuro-Tamago Museum
    • 14:00 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 14:20 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 13:55 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 14:40 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Lunch: Fukazawa Soba
    • Hakone Shrine
    • 17:30 Depart Motohakone Port bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 18:00 Arrive Hakone-Yumoto bus stop
    • 18:00 Dismissal: Hakone-Yumoto Bus

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Before coming to Hakone, they had a two-week trip in Japan: they arrived in Tokyo and stayed there, then visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, and recently traveled from Osaka by Shinkansen via Odawara to Hakone. The day before, since the weather was rainy, they had taken a day trip from their Hakone hotel to Shibuya in Tokyo. Their wishes for the day were clear: "We really wanted to see Mount Fuji from Hakone," and "Today we would like to visit the main spots in Hakone." It did not rain, but the clouds were thick, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. The guests appeared about 20 minutes after our promised 10:00 meeting time, missed one shuttle bus from the hotel to Hakone-Yumoto Station, and took the next shuttle bus to Hakone-Yumoto. Also, as soon as we met, one of them said, "We thought this was going to be a tour by taxi?" I explained that they had chosen a tour using public transportation, and they were able to understand and accept this. First, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the origins and current state of the Open-Air Museum. One of the guests loves art, so they viewed the sculptures with great enthusiasm and took many photos. They also wanted to try the "foot bath." At the shop, they purchased postcards as souvenirs. After this, we headed to Owakudani via Gora and Sounzan. Although it was sunny, clouds were hanging over the area, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. I explained the origins of Hakone and an overview and the history of Owakudani. There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it erupt?" They purchased and tasted the "black eggs," commenting, "The smell of sulfur is incredible." Then, we took the ropeway to Togendai Port. Without much waiting, we boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. Although it was a little chilly, we went up to the top observation deck. They said, "It's a beautiful lake and feels wonderful." There were also questions such as "Can you swim here?" "What kind of fish are there?" and "Does it freeze in winter?" We arrived at Moto-Hakone Port. They requested lunch, and after looking around at various places, they eventually decided on a soba restaurant. However, everyone ordered katsudon or tendon. After this, we walked to Hakone Shrine. I explained the history of Hakone Shrine, as well as the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. They worshipped at the main hall, and I explained the manner of worship. The torii gate on the lake had a long line of people waiting to take photos, so they took pictures from the side. They asked, "Why do people want to line up like this just to take a photo?" They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are clean. There is no trash lying around," "Everyone is so polite," and "Kyoto left a strong impression on us." We took the Hakone Tozan Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto Station and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Section 2OtherNanpuso~Hakone-Yumoto200JPY
    Total6,200JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet in front of the guardian dogs at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 8:55 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:20 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 11:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 12:30 Lunch at Tonkatsu Katsurai Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Disband at Hotel KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Due to time constraints, they visited Kiyomizu-dera on their own before we met, and the tour started from there. First, they enjoyed the Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and then we headed to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. They were captivated by the newborn baby monkeys, the carp in the pond, and feeding the monkeys, and had a wonderful time. On the way back, we happened to spot some deer as well. After that, we strolled through the bamboo grove from the Okochi Sanso side. Near Kinkaku-ji, they enjoyed the tonkatsu they had been hoping to try. Finally, we visited Kinkaku-ji, and because of the extreme heat, there were very few people, so we were able to take many great photos. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Walk to Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Walk to Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 08:40 Walk to Sanjusangendo
    • 08:45 Sightseeing ①: Tour of "Sanjusangendo"
    • 09:30 Travel to Fushimi Inari via the Keihan Line
    • 09:45 Sightseeing ②: Tour of "Fushimi Inari Taisha"
    • 10:35 Travel to Arashiyama by JR ⇒ Walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station to the Bamboo Grove
    • 11:25 Sightseeing ③: Tour of the "Bamboo Grove"
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ④: Tour of "Tenryu-ji"
    • 12:30 End of guided tour (Tenryu-ji), dismissal

    What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. I coordinated the destinations with one of the guests. Since my first message in June, it was difficult to get in touch for a while, but with the cooperation of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and contact through a messaging app, we finally connected in July and I learned their preferred destinations. Initially, the request was for "Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kiyomizu-dera," but I felt this would be hard to fit into a 4-hour course, so I proposed starting from "Sanjusangendo," located next to their hotel, and connecting the conveniently accessible "Fushimi Inari" and "Arashiyama." The guests were very much in favor of this proposal, and it was confirmed. On the day of the tour, the rain that had continued until two days before had cleared, and it became cloudy weather that was convenient for a walking tour. First, at "Sanjusangendo" next to the hotel, the guests were amazed to see a group of 1,000 Buddhist statues, and expressions of "Amazing!" were exchanged again and again. Next, at "Fushimi Inari Taisha," they listened to explanations about the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and the meaning of the fox as a messenger of the gods, and seemed to reflect on the wishes entrusted to the thousands of torii gates. Next, we transferred on the JR line to Arashiyama. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the Asian scenic beauty of the "Bamboo Path" and took countless photos. Then, we turned back through the Bamboo Path and entered Tenryu-ji, where they were impressed by the explanation of the prestigious Zen temple. Finally, they enjoyed "Sogenchi Pond," one of the finest masterpieces of Japanese gardens. At this point, nearly four hours had passed, and the tour guiding ended. In this short "4-hour course," while basically respecting the guests' wishes and considering transportation convenience, it became a compact and highly satisfying tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Shin-Takashima Station & Yokohama Station

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Shin-Takashima Station & Yokohama Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meeting place: Yokohama Hilton
    • (Hilton Garden Inn Yokohama Minatomirai)
    • 13:10 Depart Shin-Takashima Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 13:20 Arrive Bashamichi Station
    • Minatomirai Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
    • Cup Noodles Museum
    • 14:30 Depart Bashamichi Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 14:40 Arrive Motomachi-Chukagai Station
    • Motomachi-Chukagai Yamashita Park
    • Hotel New Grand
    • Chinatown
    • 15:40 Depart Motomachi-Chukagai Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Yokohama Station
    • Yokohama Yokohama Pokemon Center
    • 16:45 Depart Yokohama Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Shin-Takashima Station
    • Dismissal: Shin-Takashima Station

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The group had arrived at Narita Airport three days earlier and taken a taxi into Tokyo, where they stayed for three days and did some sightseeing around the city. This morning they took the train to Yokohama. This visit to Japan was part of a return trip to another destination in Asia; the next day they planned to fly from Narita to that destination, staying three days, then stop over for three days elsewhere in Asia before flying home. For today, the group's request was simply to take a relaxed stroll around Yokohama and enjoy the atmosphere. It was a tour under cloudy skies but in hot and humid weather. The meeting point had initially been specified as a Hotel, but when I went there and inquired whether the guests were staying, I was told they were actually at a different Hotel. I hurried on foot to that location and was finally able to meet up with the group. In line with their request, we first went to the Cup Noodles Museum. However, one of the guests said they were tired and their legs hurt, so they left at this point and returned to the Hotel alone by taxi. While walking through the museum, I explained the history of Nissin Foods. They mentioned that they often eat cup noodles and instant noodles because they are convenient and tasty. From here, we walked to the Red Brick Warehouse. I explained about the Meiji Restoration, the history of Yokohama, and the connection between the Meiji Restoration and the opening of Yokohama's port. We strolled slowly through the warehouse district, and they bought some small souvenirs. From here, we went first to Yamashita Park. We took a relaxed walk through the park. There were questions about the Hikawa Maru, such as "Why is it displayed here?" We also walked through the old wing of the Hotel New Grand, and while looking at the photographs on display, I again explained the history of Yokohama. From here, we went to Motomachi Chinatown. As it was a Sunday, it was extremely crowded and bustling. They commented that it was even livelier than places they had seen elsewhere in Asia. We took commemorative photos in various spots, especially in front of the Kanteibyo Temple. After this, at the request of one of the guests, we went to the Yokohama Pokémon Center. This too was very crowded. They bought figures and other items as souvenirs for friends. They said they could now understand how the atmosphere of Tokyo and Yokohama differ. I saw the group off at Shin-Takashima Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Takashima~Bashamichi200JPY
    Section 2TrainBashamichi~Motomachi-Chukagai200JPY
    Section 3TrainMotomachi-Chukagai~Yokohama230JPY
    Section 4TrainYokohama~Shin-Takashima200JPY
    Total830JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

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    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

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    Lisa_A
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    Adler Family Tour
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  • Asakusa Customized Tour & Sumo Lunch

    Asakusa Customized Tour & Sumo Lunch

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @ HOTEL GRACERY ASAKUSA
    • 2. 11:05 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park, Azuma Bridge)
    • 3. 12:00 @ Ginza (Kyukyodo, WAKO, Mitsukoshi, 4-chome Intersection, Ginza Main Street, Kimuraya)
    • 4. 12:50 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 13:30 @ Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 6. 13:45  @ Nihonbashi (Takashimaya)
    • 7. 14:00 @ Ueno (Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, etc.)
    • 8. 15:00 Dismissal @ Asakusa Sumo Club Reception

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, the Imperial Palace, Ueno, and a Sumo Lunch The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, combining sightseeing with a trip, and was in Japan for a total of nine days, with no visit to Kyoto planned. The following day the guest was heading to Hakone, and after that would take the Shinkansen to Hokkaido to attend a conference. The guest had many personal interests in Japan, and a member of the family who loves to draw was very envious of the trip. The guest spoke of wanting to bring the family to Japan again in the future. At the family member's request, the guest was looking for traditional Japanese colored inks, so before heading to the Imperial Palace we visited Kyukyodo in Ginza, where the guest found exactly the ink they were looking for. There were many colors available, and the guest chose and purchased a hydrangea-colored one. The guest was also able to buy other souvenirs such as postcards with Japanese designs, and seemed very satisfied. At every stop, the guest took many photographs. The guest also asked me, the guide, to pose and point out the scenery, so I joined in the photos as well. Since we needed to arrive on time at the sumo lunch venue that served as the tour's end point, we moved at a slightly brisk pace, but we also visited Ueno as requested. While strolling through Ueno Park, I guided the guest to the ornate fence (sukibei) in front of Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and we were able to touch on various points of history. On the way back to the sumo lunch in Asakusa, I introduced a tempura restaurant, Sandada, and the guest visited it for dinner that evening after the tour, seeming to greatly enjoy the tempura. The guest even went out of their way to send me photos via a messaging app.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Ginza Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Ueno Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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!

    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…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Shin-Fuji Station 11:00 – Fuji Station ~ Fujinomiya Station ~ Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center ~ Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine 13:30 – Shiraito Falls ~ AEON ~ Fujinomiya Station ~ Shin-Fuji Station 18:00

    What Is a Private Day Tour from Shin-Fuji to Mount Fuji, Fujinomiya, and Shiraito Falls Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the group visiting from North America at Shin-Fuji Station and we headed to the World Heritage Center in Fujinomiya. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was hidden by clouds and could not be seen, but the guests enjoyed touching the information panels, going up to the rooftop, and watching the powerful footage in the theater, and were satisfied. After that we walked all around Sengen Shrine, and one of the guests, who loves being near water, was delighted by the beautiful water of Wakutama Pond and the Kanda River. We had lunch at a curry restaurant and then headed to Shiraito Falls. This destination was chosen out of a wish within the group for time spent enjoying the water. I went down with one of the guests to the rocky area near the base of the falls, and the rest of the group watched with smiles as we played happily. On the way back the guests wanted to do some shopping at an AEON, so we stopped there, and we arrived at Shin-Fuji Station one hour behind schedule.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShin-Fuji Station / Fujikyu Bus~Fuji190JPY
    Section 2TrainFuji~Fujinomiya Station / Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture240JPY
    Section 3OtherSengen Taisha / Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus~In front of Shiraito Falls Tourist Information Center710JPY
    Section 4OtherIn front of Shiraito Falls Tourist Information Center~Sengen Taisha710JPY
    Section 5TrainFujinomiya~Fuji240JPY
    Section 6BusFuji~Shin-Fuji Station / Fujikyu Bus190JPY
    Total2,280JPY

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
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    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

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    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…