Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1 8:30 Heian Shrine
    • 2 8:50 Keage Incline
    • 3 9:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 4 10:00 Philosopher's Path
    • 5 11:40 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 6 13:20 Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in Temple

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour of Zen Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were on a ten-day trip in Japan. They requested a Kyoto guide for just today. The guests enjoyed gardening as a hobby and had a strong interest in Japanese gardens. For this reason, we visited two rock gardens and Ginkaku-ji Temple, which I believe they enjoyed, though one point of reflection is that the layout of the sites required quite a lot of walking. I took breaks along the way and regularly checked whether they were tired, but many of the locations unavoidably involved walking, which may have been demanding for the guests.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Je m’appelle Nobu, enchanté.
    Depuis 2019, en tant que guide francophone et propriétaire d’un établissement d’hébergement, je fais découvrir les charmes de Kyoto, Osaka et Nara.Après avoir obtenu un master en environnement et tourisme à Paris, il a passé cinq ans et demi au Sénégal et au Gabon en tant que chercheur et parle français avec un accent africain;)
    Je peux vous proposer des itinéraires adaptés à vos goûts, comprenant bien sûr les sites touristiques célèbres, mais aussi des lieux et des restaurants recommandés que seuls les habitants connaissent. N’hésitez pas à me consulter.

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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1100 Hotel (directly connected to JR Tokyo Station) Tokyo Station front plaza, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Naka-dori, Gyoko-dori, Tatsumi Yagura Turret
    • 1210 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theater, Ginza 4-chome intersection
    • 1335 Nezu Shrine
    • 1500 Ueno Park
    • 1600 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 1700 Tour ends at Asakusa Station
    • Since my way home is the same, I will accompany you to Shibuya Station, see you off to the Pokemon Center, and then part ways

    **Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. In the morning, while I was getting ready, I received the following message via a messaging app: "we arrived on Station Hotel. We can not Go to our Room before 3 p.m. Therefore we could start earlier. Is it possible?" We managed to meet on site at 11:00, one hour earlier than planned. They would spend three days in Tokyo. Today the goal was to get familiar with the public transportation while accompanied by a guide, and for the following two days they planned to move around on their own (visiting places such as TeamLab Planets). I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide (in German) and explained the transportation network and various sightseeing spots. After Tokyo, they planned a two-week trip covering Nikko, Hakone, and the Kansai area. They told me they had been planning this trip for four years, waiting until the time was right to travel. However, due to recent world circumstances, the flight time had become considerably long. Since they mentioned they had not been able to sleep much, I was a little worried about whether they would have the stamina, but the group kept going strong, motivated in the end by the promise of Pokémon. Ueno Park was in an extraordinary state, with the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom, clear skies, and a Sunday crowd larger than I had ever seen. Swept along by the one-way flow of people to the left, we had to give up on Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Kiyomizu Kannon-do, but the group was overjoyed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom and spent a great deal of time taking photos, so I considered that a fine outcome.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNijubashimae～Hibiya – Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza – Hibiya～Nezu0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu～Nishi-Nippori0JPY
    Section 4TrainNishi-Nippori～Ueno160JPY
    Section 5Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassAsakusa～Shibuya0JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

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    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 　Hotel Pickup
    • 09:25　Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:30　Philosopher's Path
    • 11:30　Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 12:15　Heian Shrine
    • 13:00 Tour End

    What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from North America. The day was perfectly clear and warm, ideal weather for cherry blossom viewing. Since the guests had requested that they wanted to see cherry blossoms, I changed the course I had initially proposed. The cherry blossoms in Kyoto had begun blooming on the 23rd, and thanks to the warmth on Saturday and on the day itself, they bloomed rapidly all at once, so the guests were able to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms wherever we went. Regarding the tour timing, I had initially expected we would have time to spare. However, on the way from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji Temple, they stopped by various shops, so we arrived at Heian Shrine later than expected. As a result, I guided them somewhat quickly through the "Shinen" garden before we parted ways. Also, on the day I had the impression that there were fewer people than I had expected. I had imagined that the Philosopher's Path and the Keage Incline would be more crowded. That said, it was lucky for us.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Yoshi

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

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    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine & Mojiko

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine & Mojiko

    Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel, walk to Karato Market and Akama Shrine
    • 10:00 Akama Shrine
    • 10:30 Kanmon Straits Pedestrian Tunnel
    • 10:50 Taxi from Mekari
    • 11:00 Mojiko
    • 11:30 Ferry to Karato
    • 11:45 Lunch
    • 12:30 Stroll through the shopping street
    • 13:40 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Local Food Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I believe the guests enjoyed themselves. In particular, after lunch, their expressions when buying eclairs at the shopping street were very cheerful and memorable. One of the guests who wanted to shop there purchased chocolate as a souvenir. When we had lunch, the guests were interested in local specialties, so I ordered a kawara soba and fugu rice bowl set, though only the toppings were eaten. The guests commented that the shopping street had few people even during the daytime. It was helpful that UBER was available.

    Click here for more details: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMojiko～Karato400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by RIE

    Hello, I’m Rie, who has been assinged to your guide this time. First of all, thank you so much for choosing this town as one of your travel destination. I am very exciting to show you around! I had live in abroad (Kentucky (USA), Guam, Lugano (Switzerland) ) for about 30 years. I enjoyed to learn many different cultures and languages through the time. I love to meet new people, eat and drink like bar hopping 🙂 and make a great memory together. Please feel free to ask any question, request, etc. I will work my best and accommodate your visit as you wish. We are on “Once-in-a- lifetime.” Let’s have some fun and together! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

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    Apr 3, 2026
    Edward_G
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the are…
    Wonderful tour of the…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Waiting at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 9:45 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 10:00 Drop off luggage at Ryokan Ginkaku
    • 10:45 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:30 End at Kiyomizu-dera

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The point of contact was one of the guests. Although the email indicated we would meet at a ryokan, a message came in via a messaging app just beforehand saying they were currently on a train heading to Kyoto and would be late for the meeting time. Contrary to the prior information, we quickly met at the central ticket gate of JR Kyoto Station instead. Since the group traveled from Osaka on separate trains, we finally met at 9:45. They had gone to the wrong meeting place and were a little flustered when they contacted me, but I reassured them that everything was fine and kept in good communication. After that, I guided them to the ryokan where they were staying so they could leave their luggage, and then we began the tour. Since they had not answered in advance where they wanted to go, I adjusted the plan on the spot and guided them to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera. The tour time became shorter, but I believe the guests enjoyed it.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Tour Report by Kuni

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

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    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

    May 16, 2026
    sydneybA4751LA
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
    Kuni was amazing as our private tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meeting The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street passage, East Gardens)
    • 4. 13:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 5. 14:30 Dismissal Ginza Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Cherry Blossoms The guests were visitors from North America, and while one of them had traveled to Japan before, this was their first visit for sightseeing purposes, with the other visiting Japan for the first time. They were scheduled to join a cruise ship tour the following day. Since they had requested in advance to visit the Imperial Palace, temples and shrines, and Japanese gardens, I presented a plan, obtained their approval, and then started the tour. Because it was a Sunday during the peak season with fine weather, every location was very crowded, but we were able to complete the tour on schedule, and I believe the guests were satisfied. Even the Inui Street passage at the Imperial Palace, which was expected to be extremely crowded on its final day, only had about a 20-minute wait to enter, and the guests were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I saw the guests off at Ginza, from where they could return to Roppongi without transferring, and the tour came to an end.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Harajuku340JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ginza210JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Monkey Park Iwatayama

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Monkey Park Iwatayama

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 Nijo Castle sightseeing
    • 11:59-12:09 Nijo → Sagaarashiyama JR 200 yen
    • 12:20-13:30 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, etc.)
    • 13:40-14:20 Lunch @ Tenryu Ramen
    • 14:40-15:30 Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 15:57-16:15 Arashiyama → Kyoto Kawaramachi Hankyu 240 yen
    • 16:20-16:50 Stroll around Kiyamachi & Nishiki Market
    • 17:00 Disband @ In front of Daimaru

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and among themselves they spoke a European language other than English. One of the guests had not been feeling well after an upset stomach a few days earlier, so on the way to Nijo Castle we stopped at a drugstore to buy some stomach medicine. After taking it, the recovery was remarkably quick and everything turned out fine. At Nijo Castle, I explained the beginning and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, and in Arashiyama we visited the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, which the guests enjoyed. In particular, for those in the group who had begun to tire a little of the historical sightseeing, the Monkey Park was a perfect change of pace.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo～Sagaarashiyama200JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Kyoto Kawaramachi240JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Walk from Hotel New Otani, passing along Sophia Street beside Sophia University, heading to Yotsuya Station.
    • 10:45 Take the subway from Yotsuya Station toward Tokyo Station.
    • 11:00 From Tokyo Station, head to the Imperial Palace. At a glance, Inui Street, which was open to the public for a special viewing, seemed extremely crowded, so we headed to the East Gardens instead.
    • 11:45 After strolling through the East Gardens, exit through Kitahanebashi Gate and head to Takebashi Station.
    • 12:00 Take the subway from Takebashi Station to Asakusa.
    • 12:30 Arrive at Asakusa. First, go up to the observation terrace on the 8th floor of the Tourist Information Center, then have lunch at a restaurant.
    • 13:30 After lunch, visit Kaminarimon, Nakamise, and Sensoji Temple.
    • 14:30 Take the subway from Asakusa toward Meiji-jingumae.
    • 15:30 Visit Meiji Shrine.
    • 16:30 After finishing, head to the hotel.
    • 17:00 Get off at Akasaka-mitsuke Station, walk to the hotel, and disband.

    Title: What Is a Private First-Time Tour of Japan Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were making their first visit to Japan, and they toured cheerfully and enjoyed the day together, appearing to be a close-knit group. They asked me many questions, which I answered as appropriate, though one question — "Who is more important, the Emperor or the female Prime Minister?" — made me smile wryly. At every place we visited, the guests were moved and found everything beautiful. For lunch, everyone ordered the teriyaki chicken lunch, and they all said it was delicious as they ate. They also seemed satisfied with my explanations, and told me it had been a great day. Everywhere was extremely crowded, but the guests did not wander off in different directions, which was very helpful for me as their guide.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassYotsuya～Tokyo700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Akasaka-mitsuke0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

    Request Booking

    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

    Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ in front of Saihoji Temple (Moss Temple)
    • Travel by taxi
    • 11:50-12:30 Lunch @ Gyatei
    • 12:30-13:30 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, Kimono Forest, etc.)
    • 13:53-14:15 Arashiyama → Ryoanji Temple, Keifuku Railway 250 yen
    • 14:25-15:15 Ryoanji Temple sightseeing
    • Travel by taxi
    • 16:15-16:30 Stroll around Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
    • 16:40 Disband (near Yasaka Pagoda)

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Garden and Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. As they were fond of gardens, they had applied online in advance to visit Saihoji Temple, and the tour began after that visit was completed. We traveled by taxi to Arashiyama and had lunch at a restaurant. The guests were very satisfied, saying it was the most delicious meal they had ever had. After lunch, we walked through the bamboo grove into Tenryuji Temple, where they enjoyed the seasonal flowers and the beautiful gardens. We then took the Keifuku Line to Ryoanji Temple, and when I explained the rock garden and the tsukubai water basin, they listened with great interest. After that, we moved by taxi near their accommodation, and I guided them to Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka before parting ways there.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Ryoanji Temple250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the Hotel, walk to Sakashita Gate
    • 9:20 Public opening of the Imperial Palace Inui Street from Sakashita Gate (cherry blossom viewing), from Inui Gate to Takebashi Station
    • 11:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, sightseeing (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street), to Harajuku Station
    • 13:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station, sightseeing (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, sightseeing (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple)
    • 15:15 Arrive at Ginza Station, disband at Hibiya Crossing

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group of visitors from North America. The entire group had just arrived in Japan the day before, so this was sightseeing during the early part of their stay. After leaving the Hotel, we walked to the Sakashitamon Gate of the Imperial Palace and viewed the limited-time public opening of the Inui Street of the Imperial Palace. The cherry blossoms were at their peak, and the guests appeared deeply moved by their beauty. As this was a special opportunity to see inside the Imperial Palace, an area normally closed to the public, it seemed to be a memorable experience for everyone. Next, we took the subway to Meiji-jingumae Station and visited Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street. The guests showed strong interest and surprise at the contrast between the quiet and solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine and the lively Takeshita Street bustling with young people, separated only by the Yamanote Line tracks. We then took the Yamanote Line to Shibuya to see the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. They were fascinated by the sheer number of people and the dynamic movement at the crossing, and upon hearing the story of Hachiko, they commented that he was "a wonderful dog." Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. After that, we rode the entire Ginza subway line to Asakusa. Although our time there was limited, they were able to experience temple culture and the lively atmosphere of the Nakamise shopping street. Finally, rather than returning to the Hotel, we parted ways near the Hibiya intersection. After the tour, the guests planned to split up and continue separately. At each destination, the guests showed strong interest, and overall it was a highly satisfying tour. In particular, the visit to the Inui Street of the Imperial Palace seemed to be highly appreciated as a special experience in a place that is normally inaccessible.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ginza210JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    Self-Background

    During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
    Of course, we spoke English.
    After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
    I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
    After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
    After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
    I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
    Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
    Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
    Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.

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