Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by subway to Nijo Castle
    • AM 09:30-AM 11:00 Visit Nijo Castle
    • Transfer by taxi to Kinkaku-ji
    • AM 11:30-PM 13:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji and lunch
    • Transfer by taxi to Kitaoji Bus Terminal
    • Transfer by subway and JR to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 14:10-14:50 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • Transfer by railway to Kiyomizu-Gojo Tour ends PM 15:10

    Title: Can You Do a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Part of the trip was combined with work. One of the guests wanted to visit places with a strong local feel where you can sense the everyday life of Kyoto residents, but since the places the younger members of the group wanted to see were all popular areas, I shared information via a messaging app about the Sanjo shopping arcade, which was relatively close to their accommodation, so that the guests could explore it on their own before we started the tour. For their meal, I recommended a tonkatsu restaurant near Kinkaku-ji, and they enjoyed both the meal and the tour. 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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Total870JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Seiryu Higashiyama
    • 10:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:45 Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 13:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 14:00 Gion
    • 15:00 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Nijo Castle Dismissal

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had exchanged emails with them many times beforehand, so it did not feel like our first meeting when we met in person. It was a 6-hour walking tour, and I was a little concerned about whether it might be too much, but they were both strong walkers and even did the tour without a lunch break (with no request from the guests for one). One of the guests was a keen photographer at a professional level, carefully considering composition and exposure and enthusiastically taking photos at each place we visited. This year the cherry blossoms happened to bloom early, and they were especially moved by the cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle. At times I struggled to follow the rapid English being spoken, but at the end I received a business card and was told to get in touch if I ever came to their home area, which was a relief. From the following day they were set to begin a 12-day cruise departing from Yokohama. They were a lively and energetic group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Shichijo230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion/Kyoto City Bus~Nijo Station-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total880JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:10 p.m. ホテルインターゲート広島のロビーで集合
    • 12:20 p.m. 縮景園を訪問
    • 1:20 p.m. 広島城を訪問
    • 1:45 p.m. カフェ休憩
    • 2:20 p.m. 平和記念公園と平和記念資料館を訪問
    • 3:30 p.m. ツアー終了

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had visited their home region long ago, so we hit it off from the very beginning. They were involved with work related to a Japanese garden back home and were delighted by the scenery of Shukkeien Garden. Depending on the variety, some of the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and looked very beautiful, and they took many photographs. They mentioned that they had been in Japan for about a week but had not yet visited any castles, so they were very pleased to see Hiroshima Castle. At a café we stopped by along the way, they shared amusing stories about experiences back home and showed me many photos. They were also very interested in history, and at the Peace Memorial Park they asked many questions about the history of Hiroshima, the atomic bomb, and the feelings of the people of Hiroshima. Unfortunately, the museum was extremely crowded, and seeing the line, they preferred not to go in. Since we had come all this way, they viewed only the East Building, which was relatively less crowded, and following their wishes we left the museum without proceeding to the Main Building. When we said goodbye in front of the Hotel, they told me that they would love for me to visit their home region again, and that next time they would guide me around the Japanese garden. It made me very happy.

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel, departure ➡︎ By Keihan Railway, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (9:40~10:30) ➡︎ By JR to Saga-Arashiyama Station ➡︎ On foot, Cafe→Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden→Bamboo Grove→Togetsukyo Bridge area (11:20~13:30) ➡︎ By taxi, Kinkaku-ji Temple (14:00~14:40) ➡︎ Guide to lunch spot, end (14:50)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. They asked whether I would come to pick them up at their hotel by car, but I explained that the tour uses walking and public transportation, including taxis. When the time came for their company's business hours to begin (a four-hour time difference), one of the guests spent much of the day working on a smartphone, saying it was a working day. In Kyoto the cherry blossoms had finally begun to bloom, and the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple was starting to look lively, but the guests did not show much interest in the blossoms. They said their greatest pleasure in Japan was food, and they showed interest in a major sushi chain restaurant they spotted from the taxi, saying they wanted to eat there later, so I gave them directions before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:42 Depart Sengoku Kogen Bus Stop (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 10:50 Arrive at The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 11:55 Depart The Hakone Open-Air Museum (via Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Cable Car, and Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:58 Arrive at Owakudani
    • 13:16 Depart Owakudani (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:29 Arrive at Togendai
    • 13:55 Depart Togendai (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 14:25 Arrive at Moto-Hakone Port
    • 14:40 Arrive at Hakone Shrine
    • 15:30 Disband at Moto-Hakone Port

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. After visiting family stationed in Okinawa, they had traveled through Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto before this tour. They had arrived at their accommodation the previous day, and when I asked whether they had come by taxi from Odawara, they told me they had taken a bus all the way to Sengoku Kogen. They were also making full use of the rail IC card they had loaded onto their phone, so I initially wondered whether a guide was even necessary, but I understood that they had hired a guide in order to get around efficiently. Although the weather was unfortunately poor, we covered all of the planned locations that day without even stopping for lunch, and I believe the goal of touring efficiently was achieved.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara~Odawara6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Having taught at a national university with many international students, I have experience in intercultural communications. I hope you can enjoy my talk on Japanese culture and history. I am a novice as a guide, but having traveled around the world, I think I know what foreign travelers expect of a tour guide. One of the most impressive tour guides I have met is a lady in Chennai who told me everything about the Indian culture and history – from Hindu gods to how the British brought ice from North America to Madras and kept it all through the summer for their cold drinks. I hope to become an impressive guide like her.

    Oct 20, 2025
    GlobeTrotting155867
    Hakone tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible…

    Mar 19, 2025
    Kpldcols
    Time well spent in Hakone
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable,…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Century Southern Tower
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace, Inui-dori
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine, break at Mori no Terrace
    • 14:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 14:30 Disperse at Shinjuku Station South Exit

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Europe. Since it was a week when the Imperial Palace was open to the public, we were able to walk through from the Sakashita-mon Gate to the Inui-mon Gate. They were amazed by the height of the stone walls of the former Edo Castle and the scale of the moats. The cherry blossoms were about thirty percent in bloom. As light rain began to fall, we skipped the East Gardens and headed to Meiji Shrine. The guests enjoyed the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine and took a leisurely stroll. They stopped in front of the signboards displaying waka poems by the Emperor and Empress, taking their time to appreciate the meaning. One of the waka by Emperor Meiji conveyed the importance of learning, and the guests, who had a background in education, were deeply moved by its message. They mentioned that they had taught haiku in class before, and I was surprised to learn that Japanese culture is used as teaching material in Europe as well. Afterward, we took a break over coffee at a cafe and headed to Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. The Shibuya Crossing in the rain was beautiful with its colorful umbrellas. I took them to the second floor of the Mark City connecting passage, where they were able to take photos from above. Since it was raining and they wanted to return to their hotel, I saw them to the south exit of Shinjuku Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Tokyo260JPY
    Section 2SubwayTakebashi~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total630JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Keihan Namba Grande Meet
    • 10:20 Osaka Castle
    • 12:05 Kuromon Market
    • 12:40 Dotonbori – Lunch at Sushiro
    • 13:30 Disband in front of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

    What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America, on a trip to Japan. They had traveled through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, and today was their final day. Japan has reportedly become a popular travel destination for visitors from that region in recent years. Osaka Castle was somewhat crowded, but not overly so, and the cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom, which was lovely. We visited Kuromon Market, but as expected, they had already been to Nishiki Market in Kyoto, so we took a quick look around and then headed to Dotonbori. The streets were quite crowded, but when I took them to the Sushiro Nakaza branch, it was not busy at all, and they were delighted that they could eat a lot for a very reasonable price. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total430JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Chusonji Temple Parking Lot No. 1 9:15 Chusonji Temple Lotus Pond 9:30 Sankozo Museum 10:00 Konjikido (Golden Hall) 10:20 Kyozo (Sutra Repository) 10:25 Basho Statue 10:30 Old Covering Hall 10:45 Noh Stage and Hakusan Shrine 11:00 Benzaiten Hall 11:05 Old Bell Tower 11:10 Mineyakushido Hall 11:20 Main Hall 11:35 Higashi Observation Deck 11:45 Benkeido Hall 12:10 Lunch (Yume no Kaze) 12:55 Motsuji Temple Parking Lot 13:00 Motsuji Temple Front Gate 13:05 Nitobe Inazo Haiku Monument 13:10 Basho Haiku Monument 13:15 Incense Burner 13:20 Main Hall 13:25 Oizumi ga Ike Pond 13:30 Iris Garden・Kaisando Hall 13:35 Kajoji Temple Ruins 13:40 Enryuji Temple Ruins 13:45 Yarimizu Stream Ruins 13:50 Jogyodo Hall 13:55 Bell Tower 14:25 Takkoku no Iwaya 14:30 Bishamondo Hall 14:40 Cliff-Carved Buddha 14:45 Gama ga Ike Pond・Benten Hall 14:50 Himemachi Fudoson 14:55 Kondo (Main Hall) 15:00 End of Guide

    Title: What Is a Private Hiraizumi World Heritage Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji Body: The guests were experienced travelers who had visited many places in Japan and abroad, with a deep knowledge of sightseeing, history, and culture, and a strong spirit of inquiry. They seemed especially interested in Japanese temples and shrines. At Chuson-ji's Sankozo treasure hall, they asked about the meaning of the mudra of the joroku Buddha statue, the actual number of hands on the standing Thousand-Armed Kannon statue, the meaning of the founding prayer document of Chuson-ji, the reasons for the Genji conquest of Hiraizumi, the types and differences among Buddhist statues such as Nyorai, Kannon, and Jizo, the reasons for its registration as a World Heritage Site, the reasons for the founding of Motsu-ji, the water source of the channels in the Pure Land garden, and the concept of mappo (the age of the Dharma's decline). At the Sankozo, they carefully appreciated national treasures such as the mother-of-pearl inlay work, the sutras written in alternating gold and silver characters, and the mandala paintings. They joined their hands in prayer for a while before the golden Shaka Nyorai in the main hall of Chuson-ji, the Monju Bosatsu in the sutra repository, and the Bishamonten statue at Takkoku no Iwaya. At the Mineyakushi-do of Chuson-ji, they purchased a protective charm said to bring benefits for preventing eye ailments. Inside the former covering hall, they carefully watched a video recording of the major restoration of the Golden Hall carried out in the Showa era. At Hakusan Shrine, after viewing the Noh stage, they passed through the shrine's chinowa reed ring and worshipped at the small shrine of their own zodiac animal at the shrine dedicated to the twelve zodiac guardian deities. They seemed to find the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism difficult to grasp — for example, that the principal image of the Benkei-do, the Shogun Jizo, is regarded as one and the same as Atago Gongen, and also the deity Matarajin in the Jogyo-do of Motsu-ji. They showed strong interest in the theory (one of several) that Matsuo Basho was a ninja. One of the guests was deeply interested in plants and looked up the names of the flowers blooming here and there using a smartphone app. They were amazed by the story of the Chuson-ji lotus, which bloomed in 1998 for the first time in 800 years. For lunch, one of the guests was fond of udon, but unfortunately the udon restaurant was closed for its regular holiday, so I guided them to a mochi cuisine restaurant, which was well received. They were surprised when I explained that the Hiraizumi and Ichinoseki regions have 300 kinds of mochi dishes. The weather was fine and perfect for traveling that day, and the guests seemed to fully enjoy the experience of the World Heritage temples of the Michinoku region. It was a fulfilling day, and the many questions from the guests also gave me a chance to reaffirm my own knowledge.

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nintendo

    Tokyo in One Day: Nintendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:45 Guests disembark, immediately head to Tsurumi Station by taxi.
    • 14:50 Board the Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tsurumi Station and arrive at Tokyo Station.
    • 15:05 Stroll along Inui-dori, which is being specially opened to the public, from the Inui Gate of the Imperial Palace.
    • 15:30 Exit from Hanzomon Gate, then enter the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace via the Kitahanebashi Gate and stroll.
    • 16:10 Exit from Otemon Gate and head to Akihabara by taxi.
    • 16:30 After arriving at Akihabara, spend about an hour visiting Pokemon card shops.
    • 17:30 Take the subway from Akihabara to Shibuya. (Due to rain, we canceled the planned Tokyo Tower sightseeing and decided to go to the official Nintendo store in Shibuya.)
    • 18:30 Arrive at Shibuya, experience actually crossing the Scramble Crossing.
    • 18:50 Arrive at Nintendo, shopping
    • 19:20 Finished shopping, decided to return to the ship.
    • 19:55 Arrive at Tsurumi Station, put guests in a taxi and disband.

    Title: What's a Private Cruise-Port Day Tour of Tokyo Like, from Yokohama to the Imperial Palace? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for the group. One member of the party chose to stay near Yokohama for sightseeing rather than continuing to Tokyo, and did not disembark. Although it was unfortunately rainy, I believe the guests enjoyed strolling through both the Inui-dori Avenue and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. (I am not sure whether this was a joke or an actual expression, but they said it was "lucky weather" — meaning that although the rain was a slight inconvenience, fewer visitors came, so it was less crowded and therefore lucky.) They were moved by how beautiful the Imperial Palace was. The group also seemed very satisfied with Akihabara and Shibuya.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsurumi~Tokyo440JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Tsurumi440JPY
    Section 3OtherAkihabara~Shibuya210JPY
    Total1,090JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hakone Yumoto Kajikaso→Bus→11:30 Hakone Glass Forest Museum→12:30 Lunch at Togendai→14:00 Owakudani→15:30 Togendai→Pirate Ship→Motohakone→Bus→16:45 Say goodbye at Hakone Yumoto Station
    • 16:15

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at an inn near Hakone-Yumoto Station, and our first stop was the Hakone Museum of Glass. The guests, visiting from North America, enthusiastically took photos at many photo spots. The highlight of the day was Owakudani, which we visited after lunch. For the photos, the guests stripped down to their T-shirts, and on my cue as the guide, everyone jumped at the same time. Everyone seemed thrilled with the dynamic photos. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was not visible that day, but we shared a big laugh as I suggested we go to a spot where Mount Fuji can be seen on a clear day and imagine it in our minds. It was a lively Hakone tour from start to finish.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Hakone Yumoto Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassHakone Yumoto Station~Hakone Glass Forest Museum0JPY
    Section 3Free PassHakone Glass Forest Museum~Togendai0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai~Owakudani0JPY
    Section 5Free PassOwakudani~Togendai0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTogendai~Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 7Free PassMotohakone~Hakone Yumoto0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Brandon2116
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Personalized Tokyo Experience
    Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…

    Mar 29, 2026
    Stacy_A
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…