Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30. Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:00-10:40. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:10-11:50 Nijo Castle
    • 12:10-13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:20-14:00 Lunch
    • 14:30-15:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I introduced the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, then we moved on to Nijo Castle, where there seemed to be fewer visitors than usual, perhaps due to the heavy rain. Following the driver's advice, we visited Kinkakuji before lunch, and then had lunch at a ramen restaurant. The guests told me the food was very delicious. We walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove path, passed by Tenryuji Temple, and headed to the parking area, where I let the guests decide whether to go to Nishiki Market or return to the Hotel. In the end, they chose to return to the Hotel, and the tour concluded there. At Tenryuji Temple, many flowers were in full bloom, looking wonderfully beautiful even in the rain. The wisteria was beginning to bloom as well, and since the guests grow wisteria at home, the conversation became quite lively. The guests were pleasant and well-mannered, and it was a very enjoyable tour.

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

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

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

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Port – 9:20 Hakodate Station – 10:00/11:45 Mount Hakodate – 12:45/14:00 14:00 Goryokaku – 14:30/14:55 Hakodate Morning Market – 15:00 Hakodate Station

    What Is a Cruise Port Day Trip in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The cruise ship docked at the port pier, which is some distance from Hakodate Station, so we took a taxi to the front of Hakodate Station. We bought a one-day pass, took the streetcar to Suehiro-cho, and began a hike up Mount Hakodate. The guests were energetic and full of energy. On Mount Hakodate, various spring flowers had begun to bloom, delighting our eyes. The weather was fine, so the view from the summit was superb. For the descent we took the ropeway, then boarded the streetcar and went to Goryokaku Park to see the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms at Goryokaku were at their absolute peak right then. They were deeply moved to have hit the roughly one-week peak viewing period of the cherry blossoms so perfectly. They had been planning this trip for about two years and were amazed at how fortunate the timing had turned out. After fully enjoying the cherry blossoms, we ate sashimi and seafood rice bowls at the Hakodate Morning Market. Afterward, I guided them to the taxi stand and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHakodate Station Front~Suehirocho Station, Goryokaku Koen Station800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. I was born and raised in Kagawa( south of Japan) and have lived in Hokkaido for about 30 years. I started guiding in 2016. Ever since,
    I’ve been loving it. I have guided big and small size groups in Hokkaido, Honshu(mainland), Shikoku(where I was born) and Kyushu(southern island). I would like to show you my country. Let me share stories that will enhance your understanding of Japan. There are a lot of things to see and do in Japan. I would like to do my best to make your time in Japan safe, enjoyable, memorable and meaningful.

    Apr 23, 2026
    Julia_B
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wow!
    This was a wonderful tour. Yumi was punctual, polite, knowledgeable and…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Minato Mirai & Motomachi Shopping Street

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Minato Mirai & Motomachi Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 11:10 Minato Mirai
    • 11:40 Red Brick Warehouse
    • 12:10 Yamashita Park, Hikawa Maru
    • 13:00 Break at cafe
    • 13:30 Yokohama Chinatown
    • 14:40 Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Disband at Ishikawacho Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was a bit disappointing with light rain, but as a result the sites were not crowded, which allowed me to guide the guests at a relaxed pace. The guests were visitors from North America, and we proceeded smoothly along the route we had agreed upon in advance. They were very interested in the history of Yokohama, showing particular interest in the history of the port opening and the role of the ship Hikawa Maru. After a break at a café along the way, we visited Chinatown and the Motomachi shopping street, and I then guided them to Ishikawacho Station so they could return to their hotel, where we parted ways.

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how auctions proceed, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers in advance
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Travel to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji Sushi and Tuna Auction Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour experience and guest reactions The guests were a close-knit family based in North America. They were impressed by how systematically the tuna auction proceeded and by how clean every part of the market was kept. They were surprised that the auction for a single tuna finished in about five seconds, and remarked that Japanese people seem to be efficient and precise in everything they do. One of the guests had always avoided sushi made with raw fish. Others in the group encouraged that person, saying that authentic Japanese sushi does not have a fishy smell. After consulting with the head chef, we started with cooked toppings first. They tried boiled tiger prawn and crab meat, followed by eel and conger eel, and once they realized how special the chef's sushi was, they moved on to marinated tuna sushi. The chef's marinade softened the flavor of the lean tuna, and they enjoyed it greatly, finishing with medium fatty tuna shared from within the group. Fully satisfied, they smiled and said they had become a big fan of sushi. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests I was moved by the skill of the head chef, who turned a guest who disliked raw fish into a big fan of sushi. He always serves delicious sushi and kindly accommodates guests' slightly particular requests, such as wanting extra wasabi served separately or wanting medium fatty tuna served gunkan-style, always with a smile. He tells me it is because we have known each other for a long time, and he is always a great help. I am grateful for the fun of the tuna auction and the deliciousness of the chef's sushi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information such as tuna capturing methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers in advance
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Tuna Auction Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Tour highlights and guest reactions The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They enjoyed watching the tuna auctions proceed one after another, as well as the bidding competition between the major wholesalers. One of the guests observed the hand signals of the intermediate wholesalers and got into the spirit of the auction by spotting the bidding prices and imagining taking part. Another guest, who enjoys photography, took many photos of the auction and the market atmosphere with a Canon film SLR camera and had a wonderful time. At the sushi restaurant after the auction, everyone enjoyed a tuna-focused meal, and they were amazed, saying, "We thought all tuna tasted the same, but the flavor changes so much depending on the cut and the way it's prepared." Everyone's favorites were the chutoro (medium fatty tuna) and the seared tuna. At the intermediate wholesalers in Tsukiji, we happened to come across a shop assistant at a wholesaler I know well cutting a 168 kg fresh bluefin tuna, and the guests were delighted. Since I'm a regular there, when I personally bought some fresh tuna offcuts, the assistant welcomed the guests in, saying, "Thank you as always, and sure, feel free to take a photo together," and the guests were deeply moved. With the guests' smiles, the assistant's warmth and good cheer, and me getting my bluefin tuna offcuts as well, it was a wonderful "win-win-win" moment. Afterwards, I guided them to a Japanese knife shop, where they purchased a nakiri vegetable knife and a Japanese-style petty knife, and the guests looked very pleased. 2. Tour highlights and guest reactions After buying tuna for many years at this intermediate wholesaler, I was finally allowed to take a photo together with the guests. The shop assistant told me, "You always buy from us, and when lots of tourists come, you explain the rules in English to other visitors and help clear a path for the customers who are here to shop, so you really help us out," which made me happy today. This is something AI cannot do, and I felt it is a strength of us licensed guide-interpreters.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market/Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome/Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ b hotel
    • 10:00 Shinjuku
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 13:00 Shibuya
    • 13:30 Disperse @ in front of Hachiko

    What's a Half-Day Private Walking Tour of West Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They were strong walkers, and although it was a rainy day, we walked a great deal. They had already traveled through Asia and had toured the Hiroshima and Kansai areas, with Tokyo being their final destination. They appeared to be completely accustomed to using the public transportation system. Since they wanted to see as much as possible on a half-day tour, I guided them mainly around the western side of Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. As the weather was poor that day, we skipped the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck and instead visited Omotesando. Having already seen many temples and shrines in the Kansai area, the guests were very satisfied to experience the modern side of Tokyo. They were delighted, saying it was exactly the image they had of Tokyo, which made me happy as well. Especially for guests who start their trip from the Kansai area, I felt that Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya are stimulating and enjoyable places to visit.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4SubwayOmotesando~Shibuya180JPY
    Total680JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

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

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Station & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30 Nishiki Market
    • 14:00 Gion (Tour End)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour of Kyoto for guests visiting from Europe. One of the guests found communication in English difficult, so the other translated during the tour. Although the meeting point had been shared in advance as the hotel lobby via a messaging app, it was mistaken for the lobby of Kyoto Station, and upon receiving word that the guests had arrived at Kyoto Station, I returned to the station to meet them. The guests apologized, but since the hotel was near the station, there was no major issue. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests purchased a charm shaped like a Japanese school backpack (randoseru) as a souvenir for their grandchild. At Nishiki Market, they considered buying a bonsai potted plant set, but decided against it after learning that bringing seeds into their home country required an application. On the way to Gion, they purchased a T-shirt for their grandchild at the Hard Rock Cafe. Finally, we took photographs at the Gion Kaburenjo Theater alongside a maiko signboard, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus410JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Takakura/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total640JPY

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Osaka
    • 10:30-11:55@Osaka Castle
    • 12:30-13:00@Dotonbori, Hozenji
    • 13:30-14:20@Umeda Sky Building
    • 14:35 Disband @Near Osaka Station

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, on a family trip to celebrate a birthday. Blessed with clear skies after the rain, the group enjoyed viewing and photographing the azaleas in Osaka Castle Park, and strolled through Dotonbori, the Umeda Sky Building with its carp streamers fluttering in the air, and the greenery of Osaka. While experiencing Japanese culture through a matcha tea experience at the Umeda Sky Building, one of the guests asked specific questions about the climate of Kyushu, showing such enthusiasm about possibly moving to Japan that the rest of the group was surprised. After the tour, they planned to enjoy shopping and Osaka's local cuisine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSakurajima~Osakajo Koen240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba (Subway)~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Total720JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50 Meet up @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 10:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:30 Imperial Palace
    • 16:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 17:00 Disband @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, and Sensoji The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited western Japan (Kyoto, Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, etc.) on a cruise tour, and they were scheduled to return to North America the next day. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared to be impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as Kaminarimon Gate. Since I accommodated the guests according to their wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-gyoenmae180JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Tokyo210JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijubashimae~Ningyocho180JPY
    Section 7SubwayNingyocho~Asakusa180JPY
    Total1,310JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet up@Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 @Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:00 @Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Omotesando)
    • 4. 11:50 @Ginza (Mitsukoshi basement food hall, 4-chome intersection, Kabukiza Theater, Kobiki-cho)
    • 5. 12:20 @Tsukiji Market
    • 6. 12:40 Lunch@Sushisei (Tsukiji Market)
    • 7. 13:40 @Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Taiyaki
    • 8. 14:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Outer Garden)
    • 9. 14:30 @Tokyo Station (station square, station building, Midori no Madoguchi ticket office)
    • 10. 15:20 @Asakusa (Azumabashi Bridge, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 11.16:15 Dismissal@entrance to Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Street

    Private Tokyo Walking Tour Report: What Can You See in a Day with a Licensed Guide from Meiji Shrine to Asakusa? The guests were a young group who had arrived from North America the previous day. One of them had briefly seen Tokyo before during a flight layover, but for the group this was essentially their first time sightseeing in Japan. After Tokyo, they planned to visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. They had also done thorough research in advance and signed up for programs to experience authentic Japanese culture, such as watching morning sumo practice and attending a kabuki performance in the evening the following day. During conversation on our walk, we happened to discover that we had attended the same university, which gave us a sense of familiarity as we chatted. Meiji Shrine was their very first visit to a Shinto shrine, and they experienced purification at the water pavilion and offered their prayers. In Ginza, I guided them through the basement food floor of the Mitsukoshi department store, and being interested in Japanese sweets, one of the guests bought sakuramochi from among the many options to try back at the hotel. On the way toward Tsukiji Market on foot, I introduced the Kabukiza Theatre in Higashi-Ginza; with their kabuki performance booked at the Kabukiza the day after this tour in mind, I showed them the souvenir and bento shops in Kobikicho, as well as the corner in the Kabukiza Tower where one can learn about the history of kabuki. At Tsukiji Market, they thoroughly enjoyed and finished a set of nigiri sushi, and afterward savored anko-filled taiyaki and warabimochi at a long-established taiyaki shop. At the ticket counter of Tokyo Station, I helped them reserve and issue Shinkansen tickets for their upcoming journey around Japan. At Senso-ji Temple, our final stop, they tried drawing an omikuji fortune for the first time; one of the guests drew a "bad luck" slip but reacted cheerfully with a laugh, saying it contained quite a good lesson. We parted ways on Shin-Nakamise Street, as they said they would have a coffee on their own before heading back.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station~Yoyogi Station1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Omotesando Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Kasumigaseki Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassToei Subway Asakusa Line Nihombashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
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    Noripy is just the best
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