Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 15:40 Osaka Castle
    • 17:00 Shinsekai
    • 19:00 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like During Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had come to Japan to see family. They had just arrived by plane from Okinawa, so we set off on the tour as soon as they checked in at their hotel. There was a concert by an idol group at Osaka-jo Hall, and combined with the cherry blossom viewing crowds, the area was very busy. After the guests enjoyed the view from the Osaka Castle observation deck, we decided to head toward Shinsekai. As they were tired and walking had become difficult, we took a short break while eating takoyaki. At the guests' request, we took a taxi from Shinsekai to the hotel and said our goodbyes there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Ebisucho240JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    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.

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    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…

  • Kanagawa: Gora Park & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa: Gora Park & Hakone Shrine

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 Gora Park
    • 10:30 Owakudani
    • 12:40 From Togendai to Moto-Hakone by pirate ship
    • 14:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 15:30 Lunch at Moto-Hakone Port
    • 16:30 From Moto-Hakone Port to the hotel by taxi

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. They had originally planned to travel elsewhere, but their flight was cancelled due to circumstances abroad, and they chose Japan as an alternative destination. By this point they had already visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Kamakura before their stay in Hakone. During this season, Hakone becomes extremely crowded with tourists after 10:00, and the wait to board the ropeway, particularly around Owakudani, could exceed an hour. One of the guests was enthusiastic about taking photos for social media, taking pictures and videos everywhere and clearly enjoying the experience. At Hakone Shrine, I explained the basics of Shinto, and since the guests had not been very familiar with it before, they were deeply moved. They worshipped at many of the shrines within the precincts and purchased numerous ema plaques and omamori charms, which delighted them greatly. As the guests appeared tired from their travels up to this point, we finished about 30 minutes earlier than planned and I saw them off at the Hotel, ending the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet guest at hotel
    • 10:10 Ueno Park
    • 11:40 Asakusa Kaminarimon, Nakamise, main hall
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko statue
    • 15:30 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a One-Day Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They had expressed a wish to see the cherry blossoms, so we went to Ueno Park to enjoy the blossoms, and while there we also stopped by the Ueno Great Buddha, the Toshogu Shrine, and the five-story pagoda, and I explained about the shoguns of the Edo period and Kaneiji Temple. After that, we moved to Asakusa, had lunch, passed through the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street, and paid our respects at the main hall of Sensoji Temple. We then took the subway to Meiji Shrine, and after talking about the difference between shrines and temples and the history of Meiji Shrine, we proceeded along the approach path while I explained the key points, and paid our respects at the main hall. We then took the JR to Shibuya, took photos at the Scramble Crossing and in front of the Hachiko statue, and concluded the tour. It was a day when everywhere was extremely crowded with people.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Ueno200JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

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    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Miyajima
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 18:00 Hiroshima Station – Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Through a confirmation email the day before the tour, it became clear that there was an error in the reservation date for the bullet train, so I explained how to change it and the guests took care of it in advance. The guests currently live in North America, and our conversation mixed English and another language, but I explained flexibly according to the situation. On Miyajima, the guests wished to wear yukata, so I guided them to a large souvenir shop, where they enjoyed plenty of shopping. On the day, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the temperature was around 20 degrees, making it comfortable, and it turned out to be a day where the guests could fully enjoy Miyajima in spring.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae～Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

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    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Higashi Gyoen & Tokyo Tower open-air stairs

    Tokyo in One Day: Higashi Gyoen & Tokyo Tower open-air stairs

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Gracery Ginza
    • 10:45 Breakfast break at Tokyo Station Plaza
    • 11:15 Higashi Gyoen (breakfast break again at the bamboo grove rest area)
    • 12:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 　Lunch on the way at Yoyogi
    • 14:45 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:30 Zojoji Temple
    • 15:50 Tokyo Tower open-air stairs
    • 16:50 Disband at Ginza

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan via the Middle East. The day before, they had encountered a severe storm during their transit and were told their flight might be delayed, so I let them know it would be fine to move the tour to the 30th. However, they replied that they only had one day in Tokyo and would be heading to Hakone around midday on the 30th, so they wanted to keep the 29th, adding that one of them might not be feeling well and could cause some trouble. Because of this, I was prepared for a possible same-day cancellation, or at least to shorten the planned route, but when I met them in the morning everyone except one of the guests was full of energy and clearly looking forward to the tour, so I was pleasantly surprised. One of the guests had not eaten breakfast (I later learned there was a nut allergy) and was quite out of sorts until getting something to eat, but after having something bought at a convenience store in Ginza while sitting in the plaza in front of Tokyo Station, and again at the rest area in front of the bamboo grove at the East Gardens, they became full of energy, which was a relief. After that they were playful and called my name many times to chat with me. At one point, when I started going down the up staircase at the subway, I was told, "No, that's not right, you have to walk over here." So I am grateful to have spent such an enjoyable time with the group. Today, learning from the previous day, I skipped the Inui Street area and went to the East Gardens instead, where the guests enjoyed the scenery of cherry blossoms, stone walls, and the moat. When I clapped my hands together with the guests to gather the koi, other foreign tourists began to gather and all started taking photos at once, which left me a little flustered. After that the guests kept clapping and having fun. I talked to them and gave them quizzes, doing everything I could to keep them from getting bored, and it was a nice touch that the parents in the group had given each of them a camera to carry (it reminded me of when I gave disposable cameras to my own children). For lunch, thinking about a place that could accommodate the nut allergy, I chose a restaurant near Meiji Shrine at Yoyogi, and the staff were truly attentive and thorough, which was reassuring. The guests were very satisfied, including with the food. After that we moved quickly, but they were amazed by the beautiful scenery of Zojoji Temple, and remarked that they could have taken more time if not for climbing the stairs at Tokyo Tower. Once again I felt how difficult it is to balance time management with consideration for the guests. Incidentally, everyone cleared the 600 steps in about ten minutes in high spirits. Finally, at the guests' request, we took a commemorative photo together in front of Nissan Crossing, and after receiving words of thanks from everyone, we parted ways. They were a very close-knit group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Tokyo180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Meguro200JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeguro～Shibakoen220JPY
    Section 6SubwayKamiyacho～Ginza180JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet @ Hotel Himeji
    • 10:45 @ Mount Shosha, Engyoji Temple
    • 13:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15 Dismissal @ Himeji Castle

    What Is a Private Himeji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Himeji Castle, Mount Shosha, and Koko-en Garden The guests were visitors from Europe. Since they arrived early for the meeting, we were able to start the tour about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. They wished to change the itinerary we had discussed in advance, so the day's route was adjusted accordingly. Both were very knowledgeable about Japan and seemed well versed in history from the Edo period through the Meiji Restoration, making them remarkably learned. At each spot they took photographs eagerly and with great interest. When I introduced the autographed board of Tom Cruise, the lead actor of the film "The Last Samurai," displayed at the ropeway station on Mount Shosha, they appeared to be very interested. On the way back, they rang the great bell and offered a prayer. At Koko-en Garden, they were delighted to spot what may have been the largest carp in the garden. Unfortunately, Himeji Castle could only be explained from the outside, but I introduced the "reference tree" that serves as the basis for cherry blossom blooming information in Himeji City, which they found very interesting. Today a "Cherry Blossom Festival Event" was being held at Himeji Castle, so not only each spot but the whole of Himeji City was bustling with crowds. As the guests were staying in Himeji tonight, they mentioned they were also looking forward to enjoying the events around Himeji Castle in the evening and beyond.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherIn front of the Mount Shosha mountaintop offering office～In front of Maniden Hall500JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

    Request Booking

    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 in One Day: Ariake Station & Nippori Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Ariake Station & Nippori Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meeting place: Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake
    • 11:40 Ariake Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Arrive at Shimbashi Station
    • 12:10 Depart Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 13:15 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:25 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ueno Park
    • 14:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 14:20 Arrive at Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Hibiya Chanter
    • 15:00 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 15:15 Arrive at Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 15:50 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive at Sendagi Station
    • Sendagi Yanaka Cemetery
    • Yanaka Ginza
    • 16:45 Depart Nippori Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive at Shimbashi Station
    • Depart Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 17:30 Arrive at Ariake Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Ariake Station

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? Asakusa, Ueno, and Yanaka with a Licensed Guide The guests were two groups of friends visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They were all enjoying travel after retirement. The purpose of this visit to Japan was a 14-day cruise around Japan. Two weeks earlier they had boarded the ship at the Port of Osaka, and after cruising around Japan (including Busan in Asia), they had arrived at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal the day before. The day before, they had gone to Shibuya by taxi. After this, they planned to stay in Tokyo for two more days, and then fly home from Narita Airport. They said, "We really loved the atmosphere of Kyoto." Although the sky was slightly cloudy, we were not caught in any rain, and it was a tour in surprisingly warm weather. First, we headed to Asakusa. Despite it being a weekday, there was a large crowd. We started from in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the differences between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at various spots, including in front of the Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. The area around the weeping cherry blossoms in the temple grounds was full of tourists absorbed in photography. We strolled slowly through the fully crowded Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" There was also a question: "We see many people wearing kimono in the temple grounds — why is that? Are they all Japanese?" We moved on to Ueno. In Ueno Park, the weeping cherry blossoms at the entrance were in full bloom, but the Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the path were only about 30% in bloom. Even so, there was a large crowd, and there were many groups holding parties. The guests said photography was their hobby, and they were absorbed in taking photos here and there. After this, since they said, "We want to eat Japanese food" for lunch, we went to Hibiya Chanter. After browsing several restaurants, they eventually chose a soba restaurant. Everyone ordered "a set meal of soba and tempura." Since they said, "We want to see the old part of Tokyo," we went to the Yanesen area. First, we went to Nezu Shrine. I explained "about Shinto" and "about torii gates." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We moved to Yanaka. I explained "the history of Yanaka." They said, "We love this kind of atmosphere." We strolled slowly through Yanaka Ginza. Along the way, they bought some matcha. From Nippori Station we went to Shimbashi. There were comments and questions such as "Tokyo is clean throughout the city and there is no litter on the streets," "The public toilets everywhere are clean and free, which we appreciate. That would be unthinkable back home," "There are no trash cans on the streets — why is that?", and "Everyone is quiet on the trains." I saw them off at Ariake Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAriake (Tokyo)～Shimbashi390JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno～Hibiya180JPY
    Section 5TrainHibiya～Nezu180JPY
    Section 6TrainNezu～Sendagi180JPY
    Section 7TrainNippori～Ueno160JPY
    Section 8TrainUeno～Shimbashi180JPY
    Section 9TrainShimbashi～Ariake (Tokyo)390JPY
    Total2,050JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Nagasaki in Half a Day: Peace Park & Mount Inasa

    Nagasaki in Half a Day: Peace Park & Mount Inasa

    Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel JAL City Nagasaki
    • 10:10　Peace Park
    • 10:30 Urakami Cathedral
    • 11:10 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 12:00 To the tram station
    • 12:20 Nagasaki Station, Church of the 26 Saints
    • 13:00 To Mount Inasa
    • 13:30 Return to Nagasaki Station, lunch
    • 14:00 Take the tram to Sofukuji Temple
    • 14:30 Walk from Sofukuji Temple to the hotel

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Nagasaki Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests in the hotel lobby at 9:30. First, we took the tram to Peace Park, took a photo in front of the statue, and walked to Urakami Cathedral. The guests were surprised to learn that the Pope had visited there. We then walked to the Atomic Bomb Museum, where I explained the damage caused by the atomic bombing. We took the tram to the station, saw the Church of the 26 Martyrs, and then went to Mount Inasa by bus and ropeway. The guests enjoyed the scenery. We returned to the station and had lunch at a ramen shop. When I mentioned that Sofukuji Temple is a National Treasure, the guests said they wanted to see it even if it meant paying an additional fee, so we took the tram to Sofukuji. They said the temple was magnificent and that they were glad to have gone. Finally, we walked back to the hotel. Since I had heard that they had visited Dejima, Glover Garden, and Oura Cathedral the previous day, we toured the other sights, and I believe the guests were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDejima～Peace Park150JPY
    Section 2TrainAtomic Bomb Museum～Nagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture)150JPY
    Section 3BusNagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture)～Ropeway-mae/Nagasaki Bus190JPY
    Section 4BusRopeway-mae/Nagasaki Bus～Nagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture)190JPY
    Section 5TrainNagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture)～Sofukuji Temple150JPY
    Total830JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Experienced, skillful tour guide with high customer satisfaction. My purpose is to spread world peace through cultural communication.
    My strength is the strong academic background of the history, culture and religion of Japan.
    I have abundant tour guide experiences in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Dazai-fu, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Saga.
    I have many experiences of guiding Fukuoka city area including Fukuoka city museum, Dazaifu shrine, Nanzoin Buddha statue, Tochiji temple, Kushida shrine, Fukuoka ramen and sushi restaurants and Fukuoka tower.
    I also have many experiences of guiding Nagasaki area including Atomic bomb museum, Dejima museum, Oura church, Glover park, Inasayama mountain and Shimabara castle.
    I have abundant knowledge on porcelains, potteries of Imari, Arita, Kashima, Ogi, and sake of Saga.
    I have a national itinerary manager license(80-25-F00030) and a national regional travel service manager license(2025-171) in addition to a national tour guide license.
    TJT-certified Tour Guide by Car (N26007バ).
    A member of Japan Health Tourism Society (J26-10019).
    While my dialogue is laced with sparkling wit and humor, it never lacks for intellectual depth.
    Great Britain Guiness Scotch Whiskey Student Ambassador
    Only orders from the company are accepted. The company is the sole contracting party with customers.

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    Jul 4, 2026
    Nancy_P
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Select Hiro as your guide
    It was a wonderful experience…

    May 13, 2026
    Edwin_R
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro is a hero!
    Hiro is a very knowledgeable and skilled guide.…

    Apr 12, 2026
    1745s111
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Nagasaki sights and culture
    Everyone in our group of six…

    Mar 23, 2026
    AiHong_L
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro was knowledgeable…
    Hiro was knowledgeable and polite. He took us to…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station Meet up
    • 9:25 Kinkaku-ji
    • 10:50 Nijo Castle
    • 12:20 Lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
    • 13:10 Stroll through Pontocho ~ Gion Tatsumi Bridge ~ Hanamikoji
    • 14:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:15 Disband at Senbon Torii

    What Is a Private One-Day Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group of guests visiting from Europe. They had already traveled through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Nagano, Hiroshima, and Osaka before arriving. Under clear blue skies, cherry blossoms were in bloom everywhere, making it a perfect day for sightseeing. In the morning, Kinkaku-ji was not yet very crowded, so we were able to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Nijo Castle was busy, but the guests enjoyed strolling along the path lined with cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms at Tatsumi Bridge in Gion were extremely beautiful, and the guests were very delighted. They were also amazed by the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. I believe they had a wonderful time. This private one-day tour of Kyoto was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Nijojo-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 5TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Guided tour of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Guided tour of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00-9:20 Strolling through Tsukiji Outer Market, visiting shrines
    • 9:20-9:40 Guided tour of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 10:00-10:20 Guided tour of Akihabara
    • 10:40-11:25 Strolling through Asakusa, guided tour of Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, cherry blossom viewing along the Sumida River
    • 11:35-12:00 Guided tour of Nihonbashi

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Nihonbashi The guests were visitors from Oceania who had previously been to Japan four years earlier. We met at Tsukiji Station at 8:00 in the morning, and they arrived right on time. Since they had not eaten breakfast, we enjoyed a variety of foods at the Tsukiji Outer Market. They listened with great interest to my explanations about the fish and the dishes. One of the guests had lost their glasses and asked me to help find an optician, so we got off at Akihabara to look, but could not find one. In the end, we headed to Asakusa, found an optician, and purchased a new pair. They showed interest in my explanations of Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. One of the guests wanted to try a sake tasting, so we visited a shop I know in Nihonbashi, sampled several kinds of sake, and they purchased some Japanese sake to take with them. They were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji～Akihabara180JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Nihonbashi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Mitch

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

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    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…