Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:30 Hotel start
    • Travel by subway to Osaka Castle
    • AM 09:00-10:45 Osaka Castle tour
    • Travel by subway to Shitennoji Temple
    • AM 11:15-PM12:00 Shitennoji Temple tour
    • Travel by subway to Shinsaibashi PM 12:20 Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Osaka for guests visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guests were cheerful and friendly, and although they had only arrived in Japan the day before and were a little tired, they were able to climb all the way up to the main tower of Osaka Castle. They did not seem to know much about Japanese history, so it was challenging to explain things from the very beginning, but they were pleased to gain even a little understanding of the background leading to the present-day Osaka Castle, as well as the historic Shitennoji Temple and Buddhism. In the afternoon, I guided them to places such as Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and the sky tower, which they planned to visit on their own, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total620JPY

    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…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 10:30 – Miho no Matsubara ~ 100-yen Shop Lemon ~ Shimizu Port Boat Inn Memorial Museum "Suehiro" 13:00 – Sunpu Park ~ Kura Sushi 15:30 – Dream Plaza ~ Port 16:30

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka City from the Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Despite the unfortunate rain, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) started the tour from the port and first headed to Miho no Matsubara. Although Mount Fuji could not be seen, the guests went inside the Mihoshirube facility to watch the video, bought some souvenirs, and walked out to the beach. After that, I took the guests to a 100-yen shop, where they happily bought many chopsticks, stickers, and other items as gifts for family and friends. On the way, we also stopped by "Suehiro" across the street. It was interesting to be able to listen to the English explanation given by a volunteer. From there we headed to Sunpu Park, and the Momijiyama Garden in the rainy weather also had a lovely atmosphere. We went all the way around to the statue of Ieyasu and the excavation site, and since everyone was getting hungry, we stopped at Kura Sushi. Since conveyor-belt sushi can be enjoyed by both those who like raw fish and those who do not, it was surprisingly well received. We returned toward the port area, bought more souvenirs at Dream Plaza, and said our goodbyes at the port.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHatoba Fürkel Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line~Miho no Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 2BusMiho no Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line~Hatoba Fürkel Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 3BusHatoba Fürkel Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line~Shin-Shimizu / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Section 4TrainShin-Shimizu~Shin-Shizuoka350JPY
    Section 5TrainShin-Shizuoka~Naganuma (Shizuoka Prefecture)170JPY
    Section 6TrainNaganuma (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Shin-Shimizu270JPY
    Section 7BusShin-Shimizu / Shizutetsu Just Line~Minatobashi / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Total1,870JPY

    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
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace / East Gardens
    • 12:30 Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Shibuya

    What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a young group visiting from North America. For one of them, this was their first trip abroad, and they had studied a good deal of Japanese, occasionally trying it out during the tour. They had requested in advance that they wanted to visit "Edo Castle," so I first took them to the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens. As we walked, I explained the history of Edo Castle and its transformation into a public space after the Meiji Restoration, and they were surprised by how grand the scale was compared to what they had imagined. Since they seemed to be interested in Japanese history, I also explained the relationship and background between the imperial family and the shoguns, and they were pleased to say that they were beginning to get a general picture of Japanese history as a whole. After Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, we headed toward the shrine, and I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto while looking at the actual sites. They seemed especially interested in Shinto, and they prayed earnestly at Meiji Shrine as well. After this, they said they wanted to stay in Tokyo for an extended period and see every corner of the city, so I introduced places they should visit and concluded the tour.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

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

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

  • Hiraizumi Customized Half-Day Tour

    Hiraizumi Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Departure from Hiraizumi Station (on foot) 10:30 Arrival at Motsuji Temple 10:50 Departure from Motsuji Temple 12:00 Arrival at Chusonji Temple 12:15 Departure from Chusonji Temple 14:15 Arrival at Hiraizumi Station and dismissal 14:30

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Tour of Hiraizumi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family from Europe. Since they had come to Hiraizumi without seeing Kyoto or Nara, they found the temples and shrines and their features quite novel. Covering both Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji in Hiraizumi in four hours turned out to be a fairly relaxed tour. Normally we would stop somewhere for lunch, but the guests felt it would be a waste of time, so they limited themselves to eating snacks while walking. The "Spring Fujiwara Festival" was set to begin the next day (May 1), and perhaps because it was the day before, neither temple's grounds were particularly crowded. We used a taxi to travel from Motsu-ji to Chuson-ji, and then from Chuson-ji to Hiraizumi Station. After the tour ended, since they had come all the way to Iwate, the guests said they wanted to see Genbikei Gorge in Ichinoseki City. As traveling by chartered taxi was convenient and reasonably priced, I arranged a taxi.

    Hello. My name is Kohmin Iwabuchi, but please call me KOH for short. I have been working as a tour guide for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited hundreds of scenic spots, but there is one place I will not go. Guess what is it? That’s the top of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I can climb the mountain, but it’s hard for me to guide people while climbing.

    I am interested in traditional sports in Japan, particularly sumo wrestling. Sumo is time honored sports. We can trace its origin back to some thousand years ago. First it was played as an entertainment in a Shinto shrine. The rule of sumo is simple. The match is played by two participants in a ring. If any parts of the body of one of the participants except the sole touches the ground or he was pushed out of the ring, he will be defeated.

    The appearance of sumo wrestlers is very traditional, because their samurai like hairstyle “chonmage” originates from feudal ages.

    Unlike boxing and wrestling, there are no weight restrictions or classes, meaning that your opponent can be many times your own size. As a result, weight gain is an essential part of sumo training. Personally my weight is about 200 pounds which enables me to be a sumo wrestler.

    Sumo wrestlers live in a sumo stable. It’s the place where they eat, drink, train and sleep together. In greater Tokyo area, there are about 40 sumo stables, many of which are located in Ryogoku area. A small number of stables welcome people to come and see the morning practice. I hope some day I can visit there with you.

    Jul 18, 2024
    OnAir13534982348
    Tour curated to my family’s interests!
    Tripadvisor review: Takachiho Gorge Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Koh contacted me ahead of…

  • Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shimizu Port

    Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shimizu Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:20 Miho no Matsubara
    • 12:20 Nihondaira Yume Terrace
    • 12:50 Hotel
    • 14:00 Rinzai-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Sunpu Castle Park
    • 15:00 Kashi no Ichi (lunch)
    • 16:45 S-Pulse Dream Plaza
    • 17:00 Arrive at Shimizu Port

    Title: What's a Private Shizuoka Tour from Shimizu Port Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I chartered a taxi for three and a half hours, covering the route from Miho no Matsubara to Sunpu Castle Park. Afterwards, we returned to Shimizu Station by public transportation. I had set the meeting time for 10:30, but because 5,000 people disembarked from the ship all at once, it was very crowded and we were not able to meet until 11:00. I should have taken this into account when setting the meeting time. Today it was rainy and cold, and Mount Fuji was not visible, so the guests did not seem eager to walk around outside much. However, I made an effort to help them enjoy the day by talking about the history of Shizuoka and about Japan. Many visitors from North America have watched the drama "SHOGUN," so it was easy to talk about Tokugawa Ieyasu. Rinzai-ji Temple on a rainy day also had a wonderful, evocative atmosphere. I feel that a guide's skills are truly tested in Shizuoka City when Mount Fuji cannot be seen. Going forward, I would like to keep a variety of topics ready.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShizuoka~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)240JPY
    Total240JPY

    I have recently started my journey as a guide, and I am committed to providing attentive and personalized service to each and every guest. My goal is to share the charm and attractions of the local area to the fullest, ensuring that your experience becomes an unforgettable one.

    Though I am still new to this role, I aim to leverage my fresh perspective and adaptability while constantly striving to improve. I am dedicated to guiding with sincerity and enthusiasm.

    If you have any questions or requests, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I look forward to creating wonderful memories together!

    Apr 30, 2026
    Darci_V
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Naoko is an amazing ambassador!
    Naoko (Noah) was wonderful!…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzenji Temple & Pontocho

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzenji Temple & Pontocho

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet in the hotel lobby
    • 13:30 Nanzenji Temple
    • 14:30 Heian Shrine
    • 15:30 Gion
    • 16:00 Stroll through Pontocho
    • 16:30 See off the taxi from Sanjo and finish

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Because of the rain, during the itinerary briefing I suggested visiting Nijo Castle, which allows indoor sightseeing, instead of the largely outdoor Heian Shrine, but the guests said they were used to the rain, so we proceeded with the original plan as scheduled. At Nanzen-ji, the guests climbed the Sanmon gate, and although the distant views were somewhat hard to see, they were deeply moved by the scenery of the fresh green of the Higashiyama hills glistening in the rain. At Heian Shrine, they were amazed by the size of the great torii gate and enjoyed taking photographs. In the shrine garden, although few flowers were in bloom, they enjoyed seeing the white herons and the views from the bridge. Afterward, since there was some extra time following our visit to Gion, at the guests' request I showed them Pontocho. They expressed interest in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu and said they wanted to try them during their stay. As they needed to return to their hotel by 17:00, I saw them off as they boarded a taxi from Sanjo, and the tour concluded.

    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 in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Kappabashi

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Kappabashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:20 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Visit Fukagawa Fudodo Temple
    • 14:00 Meal at an izakaya
    • 15:20 Stroll through Kappabashi
    • 16:00 Disband at Kappabashi

    What's a Private Food and Kitchenware Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Fukagawa, and Kappabashi The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since they had expressed an interest in knives and pottery, I first guided them through the Tsukiji Outer Market. At a pottery wholesaler, some of the guests spent plenty of time selecting favorite plates and other items to buy. We attended a Shingon Buddhist goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do, and the guests were deeply moved by the powerful ceremony. We then enjoyed a late lunch at an izakaya in Monzen-nakacho, where they sampled a variety of classic izakaya dishes. In Kappabashi, they browsed the cooking equipment shops and enjoyed shopping. Although I had been in contact by email beforehand, I did not receive clear answers to my questions about the itinerary or dietary needs, so the tour started almost without preparation. There are four Mitsui Garden hotels in Ginza, and even though I had confirmed by email the day before, the guests were staying at a different one than the hotel I had been told, so we barely managed to meet in time. I had been careful because a similar issue had happened before with a meeting at a hotel in Ginza. In addition, no dietary restrictions had been communicated in advance, and on the day it turned out that one of the guests could not eat gluten. Because of this, it took extra time to find a suitable restaurant. This experience reminded me once again of the importance of communicating clearly with guests in advance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Ginza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Monzen-Nakacho180JPY
    Section 3TrainMonzen-Nakacho~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total570JPY

    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!

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Honmachi-dori Shopping Street & Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in One Day: Honmachi-dori Shopping Street & Koko-en Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 @ Honmachi-dori Shopping Street (Beckoning Cat)
    • 10:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:00 @ Mount Shosha, Engyo-ji Temple (including light meal)
    • 15:45 Dismiss @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and we were able to travel smoothly throughout the day. They both listened attentively to the guide's explanations. Although we experienced quite heavy rain today, this made the fresh greenery at the various spots stand out all the more beautifully, and the guests seemed very satisfied. On the way to Himeji Castle, they visited a shop in the shopping street selling unusual handmade beckoning cats (maneki-neko), and purchased maneki-neko and daruma dolls as souvenirs. At the Sangokubori area of Himeji Castle, they were able to see the white herons (shirasagi), which are the origin of the castle's alternative name "White Heron Castle," twice—once on the way there and once on the way back—which delighted them greatly. When I mentioned that seeing one is said to bring a year of good luck, they were very pleased, saying they would have "two years of good luck." At Mount Shosha and Engyoji Temple, the guests were a little hungry, so they enjoyed "kitsune udon" at a local tea house and commented that it was very delicious. At Engyoji Temple, they also rang the large bell and had their goshuin stamp books inscribed, and enjoyed themselves greatly. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which they were very happy to receive. (It was a shame that I had only prepared one, as I had thought there would be just one guest.) After the tour, the guests planned to have a coffee break around Himeji Station before returning to Kyoto, so we parted ways inside the station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMount Shosha Ropeway Summit Station~Maniden Hall500JPY
    Section 2BusMount Shosha Ropeway / Shinki Bus~Himeji Station (North Exit) / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Total820JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Thousand Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Thousand Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 The Thousand Kyoto
    • 13:30-14:30. Sanjusangendo
    • 15:00-16:00. Nijo Castle
    • 16:30-17:00. Nishiki Market
    • Finish the to

    What Can You See on a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests had studied Japan extensively and was very familiar with central Kyoto. We had planned to visit Okochi Sanso Villa, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple, but since it was raining, we changed the plan and decided to visit Arashiyama the following day if the weather improved. At Sanjusangen-do, one of the guests had brought a camera, and as the azaleas were in full bloom, they took photos of the irises and birds. They also found the tied-up omikuji fortune slips unusual and took photos of them. At Nijo Castle, the guests listened attentively to my explanations, including the description of the garden. After purchasing an ICOCA card, we took the subway to Shijo, where I introduced the entrance to Nishiki Market, and the tour ended with a coffee they kindly treated me to at a nearby coffee shop. It was a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto~Sanjusangendo-mae/Queen Line460JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani ropeway & Yunessun

    Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani ropeway & Yunessun

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet
    • 9:24 By 🚌 from Tenyu to Sounzan
    • By ropeway to Owakudani
    • 10:10 Owakudani ropeway
    • Togendai
    • 10:45 Pirate ship
    • 11:25 Motohakone
    • 11:30 Hotel de Yama shuttle bus
    • 11:45 Hotel de Yama Momiji Garden and lunch
    • On foot to Hakone Shrine Red Torii
    • Old Cedar Avenue
    • Via Hakone Checkpoint
    • Maruyama Bussan
    • 14:16 By bus from Hakone Checkpoint
    • 14:35 Arrive at Yunessun
    • Accompany to hotel lobby
    • 14:45 Disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had been traveling to various places and were scheduled to return to Tokyo the next day before heading home. They mentioned it was a shame that the cherry blossoms had already finished, but today they were able to make up for it with the magnificent blooms at the azalea garden of the mountain hotel. In Hakone, there were still botan-zakura (peony cherry blossoms) here and there, and the timing for these was also just right. Mount Fuji was not visible, but they showed me a wonderful photo they had taken from the Shinkansen the previous day. They were not at all familiar with the Maruyama yosegi puzzle boxes, but were impressed by the presentation, and since one of the guests works as a mechanical engineer, it was said to make an ideal souvenir, so they purchased one. At the mountain hotel, they enjoyed Japanese cuisine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
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