Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Asakusa
    • 11:40 Ueno
    • 13:00 Ginza
    • 13:30 Dismissal & UNIQLO Ginza

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, and Ginza Body: The guests were visitors from Europe. They said that after hearing stories from friends who had been to Japan, they wanted to experience a completely different culture. They remarked that while the crowded subway was similar to what they were used to, the sheer number of people at the tourist spots was surprising. They had also studied beforehand, reading books about the differences between shrines and temples and about the shogun. At Nakamise they did not do any particular shopping, but they were interested in children's jinbei. After strolling through Ueno, we headed toward Ginza, but as one of the guests felt a little chilly and wanted to buy some clothes, I took them to UNIQLO before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Ginza180JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Morning Market & Red Brick Warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: Morning Market & Red Brick Warehouse

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 pick up
    • 9:00 Morning Market
    • 10:00 Goryokaku Tower
    • 10:50 Hakodate Magistrate's Office, Goryokaku Park Earthworks
    • 13:00 Motomachi Walk
    • 14:00 Red Brick Warehouse (Lunch)
    • 14:45 cruise terminal Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Hakodate Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and they arrived earlier than scheduled, which was unusual. We headed straight to the morning market. They mentioned that seafood is also plentiful where they live, but they looked very keenly at the crabs, abalone, and scallops. The cherry blossoms at Goryokaku were past their peak, but the guests said the petals scattering in the wind were beautiful. Unusually, they visited the Magistrate's Office. They listened attentively to explanations about the samurai and the history of Goryokaku, and asked many questions, which made the explanations very rewarding to give. They said they felt satisfied to have learned so many things. The Mount Hakodate ropeway was suspended due to strong winds, so we took a leisurely stroll through the Motomachi district and walked all the way to the Red Brick Warehouses. We had lunch there and then walked back to the ship.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHakodate Station Front~Goryokaku Koen-mae800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
    So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
    I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
    I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
    and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

    May 22, 2026
    Leanne S
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Cruise port must
    Akira was our tour guide and was great.…

    May 7, 2026
    Narayanan_V
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akira san is a wonderful…
    Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…

    May 1, 2026
    Maria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best of Hakodate
    Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…

    Feb 18, 2026
    Danielle_S
    An insider’s tour of Otaru
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…

  • Nagasaki: Matsugae International Cruise Terminal

    Nagasaki: Matsugae International Cruise Terminal

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Matsugae International Cruise Terminal → 9:15 Nabekanmuri Mountain → 9:40 Glover Garden → 10:40 Oura Cathedral → 11:00 Gunkanjima Digital Museum → 12:30 Atomic Bomb Museum, Hypocenter, Peace Park → 13:45 One-legged Torii → 14:00 Matsugae International Cruise Terminal

    What Is a Private Cruise-Port Day Tour of Nagasaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I have handled about ten assignments with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) so far, but this was the first time I had no prior contact with the guests at all before the tour. Feeling a little anxious, I waited from just after 8:30 at the usual exit of the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. Right around the scheduled time of 9:00, the guests spotted the paper with their name that I had prepared and approached with a smile, and we were able to meet without any trouble. I felt relieved. Before departing, I used a map to explain the places I was thinking of visiting that day. As the weather was not very good, I wanted to move before it got worse, so I first guided the group to Nabekanmuriyama, where they could get an overall view of Nagasaki City. Coming down the mountain, the (upper) second gate of Glover Garden is along the way, so we got off there and decided to enter Glover Garden. As it was their first day in Japan and they did not have any Japanese yen in cash, I covered the admission for them. I guided them through the former Mitsubishi No. 2 Dock House and the former Glover Residence, among other sites. After leaving Glover Garden, we proceeded to Oura Cathedral, where I explained the episode of the "Discovery of the Hidden Christians," and then walked directly to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum. Here there are many explanatory videos, and the English-language content is substantial. The guests watched with great interest. Perhaps because they had seen and learned so much at Glover Garden and the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, they said, "We've already learned so much. If we can just visit the atomic bomb-related sites, that will be enough for today." So I had the private car meet us in front of the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, and we headed to the Atomic Bomb Museum. Before entering, I showed them a photocopy I carry of "The Boy Standing by the Crematorium" and told them, "The final exhibit is this photograph. I hope you will look at it carefully along with the explanation," and then let them go inside on their own. They came out after about 40 minutes, and it was clear they had been deeply moved. After that, I guided them via the hypocenter to Peace Park, and then they boarded the private car that had been waiting beside the park. From the car window they viewed the one-legged torii gate before we returned to the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. I guided them to the currency exchange machine and received the Glover Garden admission fee I had covered. They said, "We intend to visit Nagasaki again. When we do, we'd like to go to the places you told us about but couldn't visit today, such as Dejima," and the tour came to an end. Considering that we had not been able to make any contact until we met in person that day, it was almost unbelievable how smoothly the tour went. I am glad they seemed to have enjoyed Nagasaki.

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

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

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

    Sep 19, 2026
    F5041JSmathiasl
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Kumamoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Despite the awful weather I had a…

    Sep 12, 2026
    adrianhP6285OW
    True tour of Nagasaki
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent customised tour which made…

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

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

  • Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel meet
    • →10:45 Sankeien Garden
    • →12:00 Visit Chinatown, Kanteibyo Temple, Yokohama Mazu Temple
    • →12:45 Lunch at Yokohama World Porters
    • →13:45 Red Brick Warehouse
    • →14:30 Return to hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Yokohama Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sankeien Garden and Chinatown The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They had just arrived early in the morning, and despite being tired, they kindly walked a great deal with me. At Sankeien Garden, they asked enthusiastic questions about the traditional Japanese houses set within nature, and we happened to come across a pre-wedding photo shoot, where they were deeply moved by the beauty of the kimono and were even able to take a photo of the bride. We took a taxi to Chinatown, but since the guests wanted to try riding a Japanese train, we hopped on one. As they had requested in advance that they wanted to try Japanese fluffy pancakes, I had found a shop beforehand and was able to guide them there smoothly. They were thrilled by the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, and one of the guests enjoyed a four-layer stack!

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi-Chukagai~Bashamichi200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:35 @ Himeji Castle (Nishinomaru Hyakken Corridor, Main Keep)
    • 4. 11:50 Short break @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 12:15 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 6. 13:00 Disband @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate

    What's a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met at Himeji Station and toured Castle View, Himeji Castle, and after a short break at the Otemon Chaya, we visited Kokoen Garden before returning to Himeji Station, where the tour concluded. It rained all day today. It was fortunate that the guests had brought umbrellas. At Himeji Castle, we encountered a large group of high school students. Because of this, the top floor of the main keep was quite crowded. After Himeji Castle, we took a short break at a café near Kokoen Garden. The guests were very fond of the almond toast with ice cream they had there. Although the weather was not good today, I believe the tour turned out to be a good experience overall.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet at Hilton Yokohama
    • 2. 10:00 Tokyo Skytree
    • 3. 11:00 Asakusa
    • 4. 12:45 Lunch (Shinjuku Shina Soba Sawada)
    • 5. 13:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 6. 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 16:30 Disband at Hilton Yokohama

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. They had arrived the day before, staying at a hotel in Yokohama to sightsee in Tokyo and around Mount Fuji, and were scheduled to board a cruise on Friday. They planned to visit three places in Japan (Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo) before continuing by ship to North America, and by coincidence they seemed to be on the same ship as guests I had guided two days earlier. I guided them to Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Shrine. They enjoyed listening to my explanations and taking photos along the way. They seemed to prefer places with plenty of greenery, saying that Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine felt very pleasant. Since it was a national holiday and Asakusa was crowded, we moved near Shinjuku Gyoen and had lunch at a ramen shop. Both on the way from Yokohama and on the return to Yokohama, the trains were somewhat crowded, and we were only able to get seats partway through each ride. Because the destinations involve a fair amount of walking, I wanted the guests to be able to sit on the train as much as possible, but this is often difficult for tours that depart from and return to Yokohama. Fortunately, the guests today had no trouble walking, but after finally getting a seat on the return train, they seemed tired and dozed off a little. At the end, we returned to the hotel and concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Oshiage630JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Skytree~Asakusa160JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagaya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Yokohama490JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Tokyo: eyoko & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo: eyoko & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Tokyu
    • 9:20 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge, Sakuradamon Gate
    • 10:10 Ameyoko
    • 10:40 Ueno Park, Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Rikugien Garden
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Komatsuan
    • 13:50 Tokyo Station
    • 14:20 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:00 Hotel Tokyu

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like for Guests With Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first full day in Japan, on a private tour with a car and driver. It was a fairly demanding day. One of the guests could only walk short distances, and the stretch from the Nijubashi bridge to the Sakuradamon Gate seemed difficult, so they rested on a bench along the way. Since they could not stay long in any one place, the driver kindly adjusted the route, going through Ginza and Tsukiji before heading to Ameyoko, where they walked a little. At Ueno Park afterward, one of the guests waited in the car. The other bought coffee as a souvenir at a booth at an environmental festival and briefly visited Toshogu Shrine. In Asakusa, they walked from Nakamise-dori to the Nitenmon Gate, and along the way bought a bag as a souvenir for a friend. They seemed dissatisfied with the kimono-style robes, feeling they were expensive and aimed at tourists. We had planned to have lunch in Asakusa, but since they were not hungry yet, we headed to Rikugien, where we borrowed a wheelchair and toured the garden. They liked the garden very much. As they wanted Japanese food for lunch, I called ahead to confirm that a nearby soba restaurant was open, and they enjoyed a set of soba and tempura rice bowl. Since we had time left over, we stopped by Kagurazaka, but as one of the guests with difficulty walking seemed tired, we only passed through by car, then stopped at Tokyo Station and Tokyo Tower, where one of the guests got out to take photos. Because the guests had many requests and complaints, I was quite careful throughout, but in the end they said it had been a good tour and gave me a gratuity, so I felt a little relieved. It was a great help that the driver was so cooperative. When I asked whether they might like to buy a folding chair along the way, they said they had one at the hotel, so I recommended bringing it on the following day's tour.

    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!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:40 Gion
    • 12:30 Nishiki Market, disband

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from Europe. It was their first time in Japan. They had traveled through Asia before arriving in Kyoto the previous day, and both were deeply impressed by the politeness of the Japanese people and their respect for rules. Although it was raining, this actually meant fewer people than usual, and one of the guests enjoyed taking photographs throughout the tour, wanting to capture the beauty of Japan's scenery on camera. We parted ways at Nishiki Market around lunchtime.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3TrainTofukuji / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total760JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: kimono shop in Omicho & Myoryuji Temple

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: kimono shop in Omicho & Myoryuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the terminal
    • 11:00 Transfer to a taxi (hire car) at Kanazawa Station
    • 11:20 Visit a kimono shop in Omicho
    • 12:00 Visit Myoryuji Temple
    • 13:10 Enjoy soft serve ice cream with gold leaf at a tea house near Kenrokuen Garden
    • 14:00 Return to the terminal

    What Is a Private Guided Tour in Kanazawa Like from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Up until just before the tour I was unable to get in touch, and I did not know what the guests were looking for, but once we met their goals were very clear. First, one of the guests said they wanted to purchase an obi (kimono sash) to display at home, and the group also requested that they wanted to try gold-leaf topped soft serve ice cream. The guests also mentioned that some of them practiced karate in North America, so when I suggested a visit to Myoryuji Temple, they were interested, and I guided them there. As reflected in the tour review, I believe the guests enjoyed the tour. However, I felt that the lack of transportation from Kanazawa Port to Kanazawa Station was a problem. Taxis are available, but there were long lines of people waiting for them, and the shuttle bus costs 30 dollars per person round trip to Kanazawa Station and is tied to the ship's room arrangement, so guides cannot ride it, which I found inconvenient.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Port Cruise Terminal / Hokutetsu Bus~Kanazawa Station / Hokutetsu Bus310JPY
    Total310JPY

    I’m Akiko Homma, who is a government-licensed guide of the Japan Guide Agency.
    I have good communication ability and cooperative skills in spoken English.
    Also, I have detailed knowledge of the features and attractions of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Shizuoka and Yokohama as well as local culture, history, society, geography, nature, and food.
    I have had the pleasure of satisfying all of my clients with my guiding so far.
    My above skills and knowledge will help you make your trip more enjoyable and memorable!!
    I’m looking foward to seeing you and showing you around!

    Apr 15, 2026
    F9244DCevar
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Loved Kanazawa!
    Akiko was wonder! We had three generations, grandma, mom…

    Mar 9, 2026
    Karthik_R
    Akiko was very…
    Viator review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Akiko was very knowledgeable and showed everything at…

    Mar 23, 2025
    A8444ZRsimonm
    Great morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour by Aki in Kanazawa. He…

    Dec 18, 2024
    L5714WWmichaelm
    Wonderful Otaru Private Tour with Akiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akiko was an absolute gem! From…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 8:15-10:00 Nakanoshima Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kameyama Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Heiseiin
    • 11:00-12:20 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:00 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like When the Itinerary Changes on the Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. We had agreed in advance on an itinerary of Fushimi Inari Taisha → Kiyomizu-dera → Yasaka Shrine → Kennin-ji, so when we met and one of the guests said they wanted to discuss the day's plan, I was unsure why. I explained the previously decided schedule again and we started the tour. We headed from Pontocho toward the Keihan station, but the guest still seemed unconvinced, and in front of the children's park in Pontocho they said they wanted to reconsider the day's plan. As it seemed the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Nishiki Market were must-sees, I rearranged the itinerary to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji → Nijo Castle → Nishiki Market. The guests seemed very pleased with the scenery in Arashiyama, and I truly felt glad to have listened to their wishes and rearranged the itinerary, which I also expressed to them. We decided to enter the bamboo grove from the Kameyama Park side, and along the way they watched with interest as a local person fed carp in the Katsura River. We had originally planned to enter Tenryu-ji from the north gate, but one of the guests said they did not want to go in because it was crowded, so we saw Nonomiya Shrine and then left Arashiyama. At a shop selling Japanese sundries before reaching Nagatsuji Street, some of the guests did some shopping, while others bought steamed buns. After the shopping was finished, we sat in front of the shop and they kindly treated me as well, so I enjoyed a steamed bun. Continuing on the way to the JR station, they found a shop selling strawberry daifuku and enjoyed some. At the neighboring Heisei-in, I was asked why stones were stacked there, so I shared the story of Jizo Bodhisattva and the children stacking stones at Sai no Kawara. Heisei-in had an advertisement stating that offerings could be made via QR code, which also caught their interest. We had intended to go to Nijo Castle, but since the guests did not seem to enjoy crowded places, I suggested changing the destination to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and they readily agreed, so we changed the plan. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, they were impressed by the beautiful architecture, the building techniques, and the beautifully maintained gardens. We then moved on to Nishiki Market. I took them to the entrance of Nishiki Market on the Takakura Street side, gave directions for the way back to their hotel, and said goodbye. Everyone was very warm, and I greatly enjoyed conducting the tour. The photo was taken in front of a manhole cover featuring a character motif at Nakanoshima Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Nijo200JPY
    Section 3TrainNijo~Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 4TrainImadegawa~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Total960JPY

    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…