Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Umeda Sky Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet @ The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
    • 10:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:45 @ Kuromon Market (via Doguyasuji)
    • 12:30 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:15 @ Shinsaibashi
    • 13:45 @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 15:00 Disband @ JR Osaka Station

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Doguyasuji The guest was a visitor from North America who moved through the day smoothly. Although they mentioned having visited Japan several times before, it was not easy to pinpoint their specific interests. Rather than focusing on the individual sights themselves, the guest seemed to particularly enjoy photography, taking pictures everywhere throughout the city as well as at each spot. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the guest searched for the popular "Gotairiki" pebbles and took some home as a memento. Near Namba, at "Doguyasuji," the guest browsed a shop selling remarkably realistic food samples. I enjoyed hearing interesting stories from the guest about their home region, which made the day very enjoyable and rewarding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUmeda (Subway)~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Total960JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Mitsui garden hotel Osaka premier, depart on foot ➡ On foot, to the Nakanoshima Festival (10:00~11:00) ➡ By subway, to Osaka Castle (11:30~12:50) ➡ By JR, to Osaka Station (explain how to get to JR Nara the day after tomorrow) ➡ On foot, enjoying a stroll to the hotel, end at the hotel (13:40)

    Title: What Is a Half-Day Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had not contacted me before the tour began, but I was relieved when they appeared as scheduled. It seemed they had been too busy to check their email or messaging app. Since I heard they had just arrived from North America the day before, I decided that rather than starting from the subway station nearest their hotel, we would first walk to Yodoyabashi Station so they could explore the city of Osaka. The scenery around this area, where retro historic buildings and modern high-rise towers coexist, seemed to really resonate with the guests, and they were very moved (partly because it was the first day of their trip). The Nakanoshima Festival was being held during Golden Week, and they were very curious about the many food stalls. Over four hours, we walked about 15,000 steps. I was impressed by how strong a walker one of the guests was.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusYodoyabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2TrainOsakajokoen~Osaka180JPY
    Total370JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8.30 Information center of Tsukiji Honganji temple
    • 2.8.30-9.30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.9.50-11.20 Imperial Palace(waiting outside)
    • 4.11.30-12.10 Lunch Free Horse(Otemachi First Square)
    • 5.12.20-13.10 Imperial Palace East Garden
    • 6.13.30‐14.00 Nezu Shrine
    • 7.14.00-16.30 walk around Yanaka area
    • stop on a café, Asakura Museum.
    • 7.17.10-18.00 Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report from Tsukiji to Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Some of the guests were retired and enjoyed gardening and traveling, while others worked in various fields, and one had a strong physical condition from cycling and had no trouble walking for nearly ten hours. The Thursday originally planned had a forecast of heavy rain, so we consulted via a messaging app and changed the tour to Friday. However, on Friday the guests had a reservation to visit the Imperial Palace from 9:50 to 11:20, so we first saw Tsukiji in the morning, then I took them to Kikyomon Gate and waited at Wadakura Fountain Park. After lunch, I explained Japanese history at the table in the restaurant. One of the guests asked, "During the period of national isolation, why did Japan allow trade with the Netherlands?" I answered, "Japan thought that Western nations were trying to colonize Japan through the spread of Christianity, but the Netherlands did not seek to spread it." Another of the guests said, "But later, didn't Japan itself colonize Korea?" I replied, "Japan was following the lead of Western colonialism." One of the guests asked, "Why did Perry demand that Japan open its country?" I answered, "The United States apparently needed a supply base for water for its whaling ships. Perhaps in truth they intended to make it a colony." When I told the story of the Ako Roshi at the site of the Pine Corridor in the East Gardens, one of the guests said, "A similar episode appeared in the Netflix series 'Shogun.'" At Nezu Shrine, I explained that the name "Ema" means "picture of a horse" in Japanese, and that in the old days live horses were dedicated, which surprised the guest with that name. During a break at a coffee shop in Yanaka, one of the guests asked, "Is English your first foreign language?" I said, "Yes. What is your first foreign language?" and the guest told me, "British people are arrogant about languages and do not learn anything other than English." Regarding the well of Kato Kiyomasa at Meiji Shrine, I said, "A young person looking for a job set a photo of the well as their phone wallpaper, and suddenly received a call and got the job." One of the guests then encouraged another to try it too. That person may also have been looking for a job. However, since two of the guests took a photo together beneath the sacred camphor tree, it seems their marriage may also be near.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTakebashi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Harajuku260JPY
    Total620JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 集合場所でツアー開始
    • 10:20 宮川朝市
    • 10:50 三町筋(古い町並み)
    • 11:20 高山陣屋
    • 12:30 (ゲストの車で移動)
    • 12:40 昼食
    • 13:30 飛騨の里
    • 14:30 最後の観光地でツアー終了

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan on a trip. They were traveling around the Takayama area by rental car from Nagoya, and one of the guests had been learning Japanese online, so at times they enjoyed mixing Japanese words and phrases into their English. Because they had a rental car, moving around was relatively easy, so I guided them to a noodle restaurant popular with local residents, located a little away from the tourist facilities, for lunch. Since there was no soba allergy, the guests especially enjoyed the meal. It was memorable how attentively the guests listened, with genuine interest, to explanations about the old townscape, the samurai and townsfolk culture at Takayama Jinya, and the farming life and traditional culture of various parts of Hida at Hida no Sato.

    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English).
    I have lived in Takayama city more than 30 years and worked for the city office, mainly at sectioin of cultural preservation and at local museums. So, I’ve enjoyed learning about traditional lifestyles and peopple’s history of Takayama and its surrounding areas for last few decades. Let’s enjoy them while you are walking with me! I would like to take you to popular spots such as Takayama Jinya, a national historic landmark, and old town atmosphere, morning markets, and The Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall in the city. And I also take you to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kamikochi, a famous mountain resort as well.
    I love to communicate with foriegn visiters and share our Japanese traditonal ideas with you!

    May 24, 2026
    benhJ5330ZF
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Enjoying a morning in Takayama
    Micasa was an excellent and knowledgeable…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Abbie_O
    Viator review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent Tour
    Micasa was an excellent tour guide.…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Richard_S
    Viator review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Connection to Japanese history and culture
    An exceptional…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Jon_S
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Cold Weather, but Warm Tour Guide
    Our tour guide, Micasa-san, had…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel KyotoGojo Premium)
    • 8:00-8:45 Transfer (chartered car; hotel → Arashiyama/Torokko Arashiyama Station)
    • 8:45-9:20 Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest) stroll
    • 9:20-9:40 Arashiyama・Nonomiya Shrine visit
    • 9:40-10:10 Transfer (chartered car; Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 10:10-11:00 Kinkaku-ji visit
    • 11:00-11:50 Transfer (chartered car; Kinkaku-ji → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 11:50-13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • 13:00-13:30 Transfer (chartered car; Fushimi Inari Taisha → hotel)
    • 13:30 Tour end  Said goodbye to the guests in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like During Golden Week? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Kyoto. I took them to Arashiyama (the Bamboo Grove and Nonomiya Shrine), Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Because it was during the Golden Week period, I anticipated traffic congestion and crowds, so I planned the day with a relatively generous margin of time. Contrary to expectations, the road conditions were relatively clear except around Fushimi Inari. Neither the Bamboo Grove nor Kinkaku-ji was very crowded, so we were able to proceed smoothly with the tour. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Kankosai Festival happened to be taking place, and because of the passage of the portable shrine, the pedestrian routes were restricted, forcing us to take a considerable detour on foot back to the parking area after the visit. This detour seemed to tire everyone out, so we skipped the planned quick lunch and returned to the Hotel. Everyone said they especially liked Kinkaku-ji, though I ended up having the guests walk quite a lot at Fushimi Inari.

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Chionin Temple & Keage Incline

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Chionin Temple & Keage Incline

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Rihga Place Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • Pontocho → Sanjo Ohashi Bridge → Shinbashi Area → Hanamikoji → Kenninji Temple (grounds only) → Yasaka Pagoda → Yasaka Koshindo → Yasaka Shrine → Maruyama Park
    • 11:10 Chionin Temple → Stroll along Shirakawa River
    • 11:50 Keage Incline → Nejiri Manpo Tunnel → In front of Konchiin → Suirokaku Aqueduct
    • 12:30 Disband @ Nanzenji Temple

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Nature and Backstreets Like? A Licensed Guide's Report When I spoke with the guest beforehand about where they wanted to go, they said they wanted to enjoy nature rather than typical tourist spots, so I recommended a walk starting around the Keage Incline. Initially the guest had told me the hotel was one place, but the day before, the guest realized this was a mistake and let me know. They said, "It's a good thing you wrote that we would meet at that hotel. Actually, it's a different hotel." This guest had signed up on their own but had left everything to a travel agency, and seemed worried about whether the tour with me would be combined into a group with other people. Whether the agency's explanation was unclear or not, when I told them it was a private tour for them alone, they seemed relieved. When I explained that Keage was within walking distance, they said they wanted to walk, so I decided to guide them along, pointing out spots on the way. Since the guest had wanted to join alone, they asked me many questions along the way, so I had to explain key points during our conversation. I got the impression they were the type who disliked moving through crowded town areas, but since it was early in the morning and not crowded, I suggested passing through Pontocho. When I explained the statues of the two travelers by Sanjo Ohashi Bridge at the exit, they were amazed, saying, "Walking all the way from Tokyo!" We also walked a little along the banks of the Kamo River, and they liked it, finding it a lovely place. I thought it might be good to recommend a riverside walk to guests who say they want to enjoy nature in the future. Next, I asked whether they would like to stroll through another geisha area, and since they were very keen, we went from Sanjo Keihan Station via Yamato Oji to the Shinbashi area. Perhaps because it was still early, we came across two couples having their wedding photos taken. Since they were going to Fushimi Inari Taisha the next day, I explained Inari shrines at Tatsumi Shrine. They also enjoyed the beauty of the Shirakawa stream. I had planned to go straight toward the Chion-in Shinmon gate and continue along the Shirakawa, but they also wanted to stroll through Hanamikoji, so we headed there. I don't usually go so far as to enter the grounds of the Kaburenjo theater when guiding, but since the guest was alone, we went right up to the entrance, and I explained what the three buildings are used for. By then we had drifted quite far from Keage, but since they also wanted to stroll through the grounds of Kennin-ji, I decided to show them the buildings a little. Coming out of Kennin-ji, since Yasaka Pagoda was visible, we went nearby, then passed Yasaka Shrine and came out at Maruyama Park. In Maruyama Park we headed toward the pond. Irises were blooming by the pond, and they said "So cute!" in Japanese. After strolling a little in Maruyama Park, I showed them the Sanmon gate of Chion-in. Quite overwhelmed by its grandeur, they wished to enter the temple. When I asked whether they wanted to take the men's slope or the women's slope, they chose the women's slope without hesitation, wished to view the main hall as well, and I explained why the main hall of the Jodo sect is so ornate. Next we went to the great bell tower, and when I told them that 17 people pull it and showed a photo of it actually being rung, they were very surprised. Next, since they also wanted to stroll along the Shirakawa, we left Chion-in for a moment and returned to Higashioji Street. They liked this scenery too, but along the way there was a Japanese sweets shop with a banner advertising "Mitsuhide manju." As we happened to be talking about the sweets eaten at the Boys' Festival, I explained at the storefront, and they purchased kashiwa mochi. I had long been curious about "Mitsuhide manju" myself, so I bought a few for home. At this point we had 40 minutes left. We headed toward the Incline, which had originally been meant to be our starting point. At this point they were very pleased to have covered all the places they had wished to see. I wanted them to see the azaleas at the Keage water purification plant a little, so we climbed to the top, and from Nejiri Manpo, one of my favorite spots, we headed toward the Suirokaku aqueduct at Nanzen-ji. In the past, not many people used to climb the Sanmon gate at Nanzen-ji, but quite a lot of people were seen doing so. The guest asked, "Was it always like this?" and I said, "Probably more people are seeking quiet spots now. We guides also need to find quieter places." In response, they said, "This is probably because of social media too." After climbing the aqueduct and seeing the actual flow of water, we decided to head back. When I asked what they would do next, they said they would eat lunch somewhere quiet and buy some souvenirs. I thought it would be hard to find a quiet place around there, but they said they would look for one themselves, so we parted ways. Along the way I was also asked my opinion on what I thought about overtourism, and as someone else had also written in their report, I was strongly reminded that we guides should pioneer quieter spots. The photo was taken at Tatsumi Shrine.

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①12:30 Meet at the hotel, walk to the Imperial Palace
    • ②13:00-14:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • ③14:30-15:45 Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
    • ④15:55-16:30 Sumida River Cruise, disembark at Hinode Pier → JR Hamamatsucho Station → to Shibuya
    • ⑤17:00-17:15 Shibuya Crossing
    • ⑥17:30-18:30 Meiji Shrine → disband at the entrance to Takeshita Street

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, traveling alone. Based on requests made in advance, I built an itinerary covering the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku, incorporating a Sumida River cruise as a means of transportation. The guest was truly energetic, and blessed with fine, refreshing weather today, we kept a brisk pace throughout and fully enjoyed each sightseeing spot. At the end, the guest met a friend for dinner at the entrance of Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2OtherAsakusa~Hinode Pier1,000JPY
    Section 3TrainHamamatsucho~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Total1,710JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:20 Imperial Palace
    • 13:10 Lunch @ Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho Marunouchi Building Branch
    • 14:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. They mentioned that they would be departing the next day on a cruise tour. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. 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. At Senso-ji, they were intrigued by explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about the Kaminarimon Gate. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno200JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Start from the Cruise Terminal
    • Travel by taxi to Kanazawa Station
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:30-10:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, Utasu Shrine
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:00-PM 12:00 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:00-12:30 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Travel by taxi to Kanazawa Station, tour ends at the shuttle bus stop PM 13:00

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Tour Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who love taking their time exploring each city at a relaxed pace by cruise. Because there was a cruise ship departing from Kanazawa during the holiday period, the general parking lot was full, so I had some difficulty as I temporarily needed to park in an area reserved for staff. Even so, we met as planned, I guided the guests to a taxi, and we regrouped at Kanazawa Station. The guests enjoyed a leisurely visit to the Chaya district and Kenrokuen Garden. At Kanazawa Castle Park, I judged that it would be difficult to finish within the available time, so we did not go inside the Gojukken Nagaya, the Hishi Yagura, or the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura, but the guests still enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railway Bus~Hashiba-cho/Hokuriku Railway Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho/Hokuriku Railway Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railway 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!

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kimono Forest

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 : Meet up @ Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
    • Move (via Takamatsu Shinmei Shrine)
    • 9:15-10:40 Nijo Castle
    • 11:00-11:10 Shinsen-en Garden  
    • 11:30‐12:00 Lunch @ Yayoiken
    • 12:30 -13:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:10- 13:50 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 13:50‐14:00 Kimono Forest
    • 14:00 Disband @ Kimono Forest

    Kyoto Private Family Day Tour: A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and More The guests had requested in advance that some places be included where younger members of the group would not get bored, so I thought Nijo Castle and Shinsen-en, where they could surely see carp, would be enjoyable. I then suggested either a monkey park or the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and since they chose the bamboo grove, the course was set as above. As Nijo Castle was within walking distance, I suggested we go on foot. Along the way, the white torii gate of Takamatsu Shinmei Shrine caught our eye, so we stopped there. There was a small Tenjin shrine, and I had the guests stroke the head of the ox, the messenger of the deity, which made for a pleasant start to the tour. We then arrived at Nijo Castle. Right at the entrance, at the guardhouse, we watched a video explaining the Kan'ei Imperial Visit, which also described the buildings of the time, so I believe they were able to enter the castle with a deeper understanding. While some of the guests did not seem very interested, others were moved by the scenery and the fine details of the architecture, and listened attentively to the explanations. Normally I would view the Ninomaru Garden and then turn back, but thinking that showing higher ground would keep the group from getting bored, I suggested a walk toward the Honmaru as well. As expected, they spotted carp in the moat surrounding the Honmaru and looked on with interest. I do not usually see so many carp, so when I counted them myself, 37 gathered around the bridge. Next, we moved on to Shinsen-en. A local woman saw us and approached carrying a turtle. She said she had been caring for turtles abandoned in the pond and, thinking it was about time for the temple to take over, had asked them to do so but had been refused. I listened while thinking it was a strange thing to say, given that there was a turtle mound beside the pond. As the Shinsen-en festival was to begin the following day, a mikoshi (portable shrine) had been placed in the main hall where the deity Zennyo Ryuo is enshrined. The guests were delighted to take photographs. For lunch we went to a set-meal restaurant. All of the set meals came with tofu, but it did not seem to suit their taste, and they left most of it after eating just a little. We then took the JR line to Saga-Arashiyama. That day there happened to be a Kyoto Sanga match at the Kameoka stadium starting at 14:00, so the train was crowded with supporters, and I was asked, "Who are all those people wearing purple uniforms?" We then made our way to the Togetsukyo Bridge. To avoid the crowds a little, we passed in front of some private houses before coming out at the bridge, which they enjoyed very much. Here I was asked, "Do many Japanese people own their own homes?" Arashiyama was crowded, for which I felt apologetic, but we entered the bamboo grove from Kameyama Park while enjoying pleasant conversation. I had them take photographs at the well-known spot, and we entered Tenryu-ji through the north gate. I had actually wanted to explain things in detail, but kept the explanation brief so as not to bore the group. We rested a little at Tenryu-ji and then headed to the Kimono Forest. As expected, they seemed to like the scenery of the Kimono Forest. Once the itinerary was complete, I asked what they would like to do next, and they said they would stroll around the area. I gave the guests some character stickers and we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Total200JPY

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…