Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Ginza Premier > Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shimbashi Station ~ Meiji-jingumae Station (180 yen) > 10:40 Meiji Shrine > Short break at Mori no Terrace
    • 11:40 Harajuku Station ~ In front of Sendagaya Station (Moved by taxi at guest's request. Since Teresa Miller had knee pain, she returned to the hotel by taxi and instructed that the tour continue with her accompanying nephew, so we guided them to Shinjuku Gyoen as planned.)
    • 11:50 Cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen (about 1 hour) > 13:00 Lunch (Tsukiji Shokudo Gen-chan Shinjuku Gyoen branch) Grilled silver cod teriyaki 1078 yen > 13:50 Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku-gyoemmae ~ Ginza (180 yen) See-off in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) took things gently in the morning, using elevators at subway stations whenever possible, and we paused twice for short rests at Meiji Shrine. After finishing at Meiji Shrine, and with travel to Kyoto planned for the following day, part of the group wished to return to the hotel by car to rest. We hailed a taxi in front of the station, rode together as far as Sendagaya Station, and then some of the guests remained in the car while I got out with the rest of the group. I explained the destination to the driver and confirmed the payment method in advance. As planned, I guided the remaining guests to Shinjuku Gyoen, where they enjoyed the cherry blossoms, had lunch near Shinjuku Gyoen-mae, and I then saw them off at their hotel in Ginza. Permission to publish the photos has been granted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Ginza180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Thank you for requesting a tour guide during your upcoming visit to Japan. I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
    I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
    I am a long-time resident of Tokyo and I started tour guide in 2017. I have a family of four and I like growing vegetables. In our walking tour, we visit historic sites such as temples and beautiful Japanese gardens as well as popular shopping streets and food markets. We also explore the narrow backstreets to find little galleries, quiet cafes and cozy food stands.
    I look forward to traveling around Tokyo with you soon.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Teresa_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Teizo was amazing. He…
    Teizo was amazing. He contacted us before our…

    Apr 19, 2025
    markY514NH
    Great day checking out some of the most beautiful, peaceful parts of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Mar 29, 2025
    X1993SMkrisp
    Great Way to See Real Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Mar 14, 2025
    gaberwhite
    Great tour throughout Tokyo with Teizo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour was amazing. Our tour…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour Start
    • Travel by foot to Kanazawa Castle Park
    • AM 09:15-11:30 Kanazawa Castle Park: Tour of Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • AM 11:30-PM12:15 Tour of Kenrokuen Garden
    • Travel by foot to Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 12:30-13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District: Tour of the Takada Residence and Ashigaru Museum
    • PM 13:00 Tour Ends

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and Nagamachi The guests were a friendly group visiting Japan from North America. Before the tour, I explained that Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden involve a fair amount of walking, but the guests said they were fine walking up to five miles, so we proceeded with the schedule as planned. After finishing at Kenrokuen Garden, I suggested taking a bus to the Nagamachi (Korinbo) area, but the guests said they could walk if it was less than one kilometer, so we set off on foot. Along the way they became a little tired, so we moved at a relaxed pace with breaks. The guests asked many questions, which made for a very rewarding tour.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Hakodate Morning & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: Hakodate Morning & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet at Hakodate Port Terminal
    • 9:45 Goryokaku Tower, Goryokaku Park
    • 11:20 Hakodate Morning Market
    • 11:45 Lunch
    • 12:45 Mount Hakodate Ropeway
    • 13:45 Shopping at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
    • 15:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Cruise Ship Shore Excursion in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived in Hakodate by cruise ship, visiting Japan from North America. They are retired. We met earlier than scheduled and started the tour. Lunch finished in a short time, and shopping also ended somewhat early, so the tour concluded ahead of schedule as well. One of the guests took many photos with a Japanese-made camera. While walking down the sloped road after coming down from the Mount Hakodate Ropeway, one of the guests remarked that they now understood why I had suggested taking a taxi up to the ropeway station. Another guest commented that if they walked this much every day, they would hardly need any other exercise. The photo was taken at the summit of Mount Hakodate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakodate Station~Goryokaku Koen-mae270JPY
    Section 2TrainGoryokaku Koen-mae~Hakodate Station270JPY
    Section 3OtherMount Hakodate Sanroku Station~Mount Hakodate Sanroku Station1,800JPY
    Section 4OtherJujigai~Hakodate Station250JPY
    Total2,590JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Arashiyama

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30   Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kyoto)
    • 9:30-10:00 Transfer (contracted car; Hotel → Nijo Castle)
    • 10:00-11:20 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 11:20-11:50 Transfer (contracted car; Nijo Castle → Kinkakuji)
    • 11:50-12:50 Visit Kinkakuji
    • 12:50-13:40 Transfer (contracted car; Kinkakuji → Arashiyama・Restaurant Seishuan Kazurano)
    • 13:40-14:40 Lunch (Seishuan Kazurano)
    • 14:40-15:30 Arashiyama stroll (Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Park, Shopping)
    • ※15:30 Tour ends
    •  However, the customer applied for a car extension (1 hour) and returned to the hotel in the contracted car they came in.
    •  (The car extension fee of ¥6400 was paid separately upon getting off)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour with Cherry Blossoms in Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The leader of the group had studied in Japan for a period during their student years, while the others were visiting Japan for the first time. I took them to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama Park). In Arashiyama in particular, the cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom, making it the perfect time for viewing, and the area was extremely crowded. The tour was originally planned as a 6-hour tour ending with a drop-off at the hotel, but since the guests wanted to enjoy the cherry blossoms leisurely and go shopping in Arashiyama, the schedule was changed to end the tour there. The guests also requested a one-hour extension of the car for the return trip, and after the tour they returned to the hotel by the contracted car. They especially commented that they found Nijo Castle very interesting.

    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 !

    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.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel → 10:20 Yakushiji Temple → Lunch → 13:20 Todaiji Temple → 14:30 Nigatsudo Hall → 15:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine → 17:20 Osaka Castle → 17:40 Dismissal

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour from Osaka to Nara and Osaka Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests mentioned that they had done very little sightseeing so far, as they had gone to watch a motorsport race in Suzuka. Since they were moving on to Kyoto the next day, we decided to stop by Osaka Castle at the end. They really liked Nara, finding it a very calm and pleasant place. They also seemed to experience something out of the ordinary in seeing so many deer living naturally as part of everyday life. At the end, we stopped by Osaka Castle and I took them to a photo spot in front of the pond, which concluded the tour. The deer played a big part in the experience, but I believe the guests were very satisfied overall.

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15 Meet @ HOtel Monterey Himeji
    • 09:30 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 09:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 12:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 13:15 Disband @ JR Himeji Station Food Court

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and everything went smoothly. They were very satisfied with the full view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. At the Sangokubori area of Himeji Castle, they were delighted to see a white heron, which is said to be the origin of the castle's nickname "White Heron Castle." (They were able to see it again on the way back and were doubly delighted, as it is said that seeing one brings a year of happiness, so seeing it twice would bring two years of happiness.) The cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle were about fifty to seventy percent in bloom (with a surprisingly large difference from tree to tree), and the guests seemed pleased. At Koko-en Garden, they were greatly surprised to see what is said to be one of the largest carp in the garden. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed a tasting and purchased sake and yuzu liquor as souvenirs. After the tour, they enjoyed Himeji specialties at the food court inside Himeji Station: "tamagoyaki" (Akashi-style takoyaki) and "eki-soba" (a popular dish combining Chinese-style noodles with Japanese broth). The guests had a long background in the entertainment field and were very fun to be with, and we enjoyed exchanging jokes together. Note) Before the tour, I contacted the guests more than ten times by email, but they said they had not received them. They also did not use the messaging app, which made me quite anxious. Finally, two or three days beforehand, the guests reached out via the messaging app and we were able to communicate, so the tour was carried out without any problems. The phone number listed on the confirmation form turned out to be not their own but likely that of a local travel agency.

    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

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Roppongi Station  9:10
    • Tsukiji Station   9:25
    • Tsukiji Station  10:45
    • Meiji-jingumae 11:05
    • Shibuya Station. 13:56
    • Asakusa Station  14:30

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tour of Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa in Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The requests received in advance were Tsukiji Market, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, the Shibuya Crossing area, and Asakusa. The guests explained that all of these were places they felt would be best enjoyed with the help of a local guide. At Tsukiji, one of the guests showed great interest in personalized chopsticks, origami-crane-shaped chopstick rests, strawberries, mitarashi dango, and dashi broth. At Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, I explained their origins in connection with Japanese history, and since the guests planned to revisit Takeshita Street on another day, I walked them through it while highlighting the key points; throughout the tour they listened very attentively to the explanations. After the tour, the guests wanted to see cherry blossoms, so I suggested Sumida Park near Asakusa, Ueno Park, and the Meguro River near the Hotel. At Asakusa, as time was running short, I prioritized explaining and guiding around the temple, and the tour ended at 15:00.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherRoppongi~Tsukiji700JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maddie, an English-speaking tour guide.
    As a guide, I have been attending bus tours, Tokyo walk-around tours, and also, sumo wrestling tournaments tours.
    I have lived in Tokyo for nearly 30 years and have enjoyed walking around this city, full of wonder, mixture of nature and artificial structures. I am happy to share my experience with you.
    My hobbies are reading books including Manga, watching films including Anime. I like to watch various sorts of sports. I like to visit museums. And I am a tea ceremony practitioner, so I am quite familiar with green tea (matcha) and Japanese sweets.
    I am looking forward to seeing you!

    Jun 4, 2026
    vadk2026
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo2026
    We had an excellent 6-hour walking tour around Tokyo with Maddie.…

    May 30, 2026
    Heather_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfect intro to Japan!
    We had a 4 hour private tour on…

    May 29, 2026
    jasonbO4660LV
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Afternoon in west Tokyo
    Maddie was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who maintained…

    May 8, 2026
    sebastianzO2366GR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great
    We had a good time walking with Maddie through Tokio. She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:50 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 12:10 Lunch @ Chikuan
    • 13:00 Senso-ji Temple, etc.
    • 14:50 Shibuya Crossing, Center Street, Don Quijote
    • 15:40 Takeshita Street
    • 16:15 Dismissal @ Harajuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe. First, they mentioned that the Suica app was difficult to understand because it was in Japanese, so I told them they could obtain it through Apple Wallet, which worked well. One of the guests bought a PASMO card at the station. The cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen were in full bloom and the weather was wonderful, so the guests were delighted. We were able to enter through the Sendagaya Gate without much of a wait. The guests responded very warmly, expressing admiration at each point of the tour. In Asakusa, they bought bean snacks, socks, and mascots, and received a charm and a fortune slip (omikuji) at Sensoji Temple. They were very pleased with the udon restaurant we visited for lunch. Shibuya and Harajuku were included at the request of one of the guests, and they went shopping at Don Quijote. Since Takeshita Street was extremely crowded, we took a side route partway through. I guided them to all the places they had requested, and they were very happy with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Sendagaya160JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Total860JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ・10:00 Tour begins at Madoka no Mori (Hotel)
    • ・10:10 Arrive at Sounzan Station via hotel transfer
    • ・Take the ropeway to Owakudani
    • ・11:10 Move to Togendai
    • ・12:00 Depart Togendai, board the pirate ship
    • ・12:40 Arrive at Motohakone Port
    • ・12:55 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • ・14:00 Depart Motohakone Port, board the pirate ship
    • ・14:25 Arrive at Togendai
    • ・Move to the hotel by taxi
    • ・15:15 Arrive at the hotel
    • ・15:30 After picking up luggage, since the guests want to leave early for Odawara Station, the tour ends.

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ropeway, Pirate Ship, and Hakone Shrine On the day of the tour, the guests were checking out, so they came down to the hotel front desk about ten minutes before the meeting time, allowing us to meet smoothly. In addition, thanks to the kindness of the hotel, we were given a ride to Sounzan Station, making for a very good start. The ropeway from Sounzan was relatively uncrowded, and we moved smoothly to Owakudani. The weather was cloudy and Mount Fuji was not visible, but there was no heavy rain, and there were no major problems with visibility or operation. The guests were able to enjoy the scenery from the ropeway. We boarded the pirate ship from Togendai as scheduled, and after arriving at Motohakone Port, we visited Hakone Shrine. On the return trip, being able to use the special cabin (first class) allowed us to avoid the long line for the general seating area, making for a very smooth journey. I strongly felt that, unless the guests specifically say they do not need the premium seating, actively making use of first class during tours is very effective. The day fell within a period when crowding is a concern in the Hakone area, and the weather conditions were also unstable, so I recognized this as a high-difficulty tour. However, thanks to two prior site visits and careful preparation in advance, the tour overall ran very smoothly. The return ropeway (departing from Togendai) had a long line as expected, so at the guests' request, an Uber taxi was arranged. After picking up their luggage at the hotel, they proceeded directly to Odawara Station, and the tour ended earlier than scheduled. The guests were very friendly and cooperative, contributing greatly to the smooth progress of the tour throughout. Also, although I initially purchased the ropeway and pirate ship tickets together with the guests, I was informed that a ticket for the guide was not required when using the special cabin, and I later received a refund, so in the end no transportation cost was incurred during the tour.

    Hello, my name is Takeshi. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter with over 35 years of professional experience in Japan. Through my long career, I have developed a deep understanding of modern Japan, including its business culture, social customs, and everyday life. Originally from Kobe, I have lived in more than 20 places across Japan and the United States, which has given me a broad and flexible perspective on regional cultures and lifestyles. I am also deeply interested in historical Japan, especially Japanese religion and Buddhism, and I enjoy sharing cultural background in an easy-to-understand way. I am looking forward to meeting you and exploring Japan together.

    Jul 23, 2026
    L9490ARrachelf
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A tour guide that goes above and beyond!
    Takeshi…

    Jul 21, 2026
    luisvF2957OY
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best experience ever
    Really good guide. Awesome time.

    Jul 18, 2026
    tlT4839UI
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Solo Layover Tour
    I had a 12-hour layover in…

    Jun 13, 2026
    V2750KJjonasb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Takeshi san picked us up on the Hotel and we…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park and Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Park and Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Ujina Port
    • Travel by JR
    • 10:45 Arrive at Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Great Torii Gate
    • Lunch
    • 15:00-17:00 Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who had known each other for a long time, some since their university days and others as longtime neighbors, forming a close and friendly group. They moved with ease and walked comfortably around Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park. At the Peace Memorial Park in particular, they asked many detailed questions about the daily lives and feelings of the atomic bomb survivors at the time, and engaged in a thoughtful discussion. It was unfortunate that the museum was too crowded to see much of it, but it clearly left a strong impression on them. They were also very satisfied with the okonomiyaki we had for lunch, and returned safely to their cruise ship.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total660JPY

    My name is Yuka Yoshida. I am a Hiroshima Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I was born and raised in Tokyo. I lived in the U.K. and the U.S. for 10 years, when I had chances to travel different cities in those countries, as well as India, Ghana, Canada. I had wonderful experiences in different cultures and environments there. Since I moved to Hiroshima 18 years ago, I was intrigued by this city, especially Miyajima Island. I love outdoors and playing tennis. I started working as a tourist guide in 2024. I am passionate and enthusiastic about working as a guide, because it gives me enjoyable opportunities of meeting and talking with people and learning new things. I used to work in an elementary school for 13 years as an English teacher. It was a wonderland where classroom atmosphere changed every year so much. With this background, I am versatile to adapt myself to any situations and flexibly accommodate guest’s requests. As a guide, I frequently visit monuments in the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, and the magnificent Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island.

    Let me tell you briefly about Hiroshima. Hiroshima prefecture is located in western Japan, facing the Seto Inland Sea to the south. There is a famous Japanese garden, Shukkeien Garden in the middle of the city. It was built as a garden for the villa of Nagaakira Asano, the lord of Hiroshima Castle during the early Edo period (1603-1868). You will be surprised to see how peaceful and relaxing the garden is when you browse there. It’s not a huge garden, but it presents a wonderful landscape of a traditional Japanese garden and different beautiful colors every season.

    Hiroshima prefecture is unique, having two World Heritage Sites.

    One of them is the Atomic Bomb Dome. As you can see, Hiroshima is a city of many attractions today, but it is also the place where the world’s first atomic bomb was used on August 6, 1945, near the end of the World War II. The atomic bombing destroyed Hiroshima City completely, killing approximately 140,000 people that was about 40 percent of Hiroshima’s population at that time by the end of 1945. You will be amazed at how the city of Hiroshima has been rebuilt since then. Our tour will visit the monuments in the Peace Memorial Park and provide you with rich information that you cannot find in any guidebook.

    By joining this visit, I am sure that you will better understand why the people of Hiroshima hope for the peaceful world so fervently.
    The other World Heritage Site is Itsukushima Shrine. The entire island of Miyajima is one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the Seto Inland Sea area which is also designated as a national park for its beauty. Itsukushima Shrine has a long history going back to the 6th century. It is very unique and outstanding architecture which attracted people from the ancient time. The shrine and the Big Gate, O-torii, are must-sees.

    Regarding food, Hiroshima offers delicious oysters. On Miyajima Island, you can enjoy shopping on the Omotesando street (a main street) which gives you opportunities to eat out, not only grilled oysters but also some local sweets, such as Momiji-manju (that is like a sponge cake sweets with a shape of maple leaf), lemon beverages and so on. Another delicacy is Okonomiyaki, savory pancakes with a lot of vegetables with your choice of numerous toppings which you should definitely try.

    I truly hope that your trip in Hiroshima will be a memorable one. I am so thrilled and delighted to see that every guest is satisfied with this tour. Please feel free to contact me for your customized tour. I will do my best to make your tour very special and memorable for your lifetime.

    Mar 30, 2026
    m2k0pp
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Excellent Hiroshima Experience!
    Very interesting full day with guide…

    Sep 29, 2025
    414elizeh
    Excellent tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka made our outing a perfect day of…

    Apr 1, 2025
    samwcook21
    Great day in Hirsoshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka was great! We enjoyed…

    Oct 18, 2024
    jreiter100
    Inspirational Day in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our half day…