Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station Meet up
    • 11:30~12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00~13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:20~15:00　Sanjo, Pontocho, Gion Shirakawa, Hanamikoji
    • 15:30 End at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends from Europe on their first trip to Japan, who arrived in Kyoto today by Shinkansen from Osaka. As requested, I guided them to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion. At Nijo Castle, they were captivated by the Karamon Gate, the sliding-door paintings in the palace, and the transom carvings, and I spoke about the transitions in modern Japanese history, including the scene of the return of political power to the Emperor that took place in the Grand Hall. In the Ninomaru Garden, they were moved by the fresh greenery and sense of tranquility, and took many photographs. At Kinkaku-ji, they were impressed by what they described as a magnificent work of art, and took many photographs. Along Pontocho and Hanamikoji, they were hopeful of possibly seeing geiko and maiko, but I explained the situation, and they captured the atmosphere of the streets in photographs. I saw them off at Kyoto Station, bringing the tour to a close.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitaoji～Sanjo (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Karasuma170JPY
    Section 4TrainKarasuma～Kyoto220JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (13:00) → Move by bus → Shukkeien Garden (13:20) → Move by taxi → Peace Memorial Museum (14:40) → Stroll through Peace Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Cenotaph, Children's Peace Monument, etc.) (16:00) → Call a taxi to the hotel and disband (17:00)

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park and Shukkeien Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They were greatly enjoying their trip to Japan, and spoke happily about being able to see Mount Fuji. The weather was fine in the afternoon, and they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Shukkeien Garden. Although many group tour buses were parked in front of the museum, entry went smoothly. Inside, it was crowded at first and there were times when it was difficult to move forward, but I guided them through the important points. Within the museum, there were moments when the guests were deeply moved and brought to tears, and they were impressed by stories such as the paper cranes and the A-bombed trees. We strolled through the Peace Park, and I called a taxi to take them to their hotel, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit / JR Bus Chugoku～Prefectural Art Museum (Shukkeien Garden) / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada.　Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special.　I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Q
    Q4398TTjades
    Yoko was exactly what we were looking for in a guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed…

    Sep 18, 2026
    horner92
    Yoko is amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Yoko was amazing. She…

    Sep 6, 2026
    Shelly_H
    You must visit Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yoko was exceptional on this…

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hilton Yokohama
    • 10:30 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:10 Buy snacks at Palace Building Seven. Eat on a bench at the station
    • 13:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 15:40 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya The weather was excellent, everyone in the group walked steadily, and since they had Suica cards, the tour went smoothly. At their request, I picked them up in Yokohama and started from there. Considering the ease of transfers, we took the subway to Asakusa, and during the ride we had a good conversation, enjoying talking about topics such as their home region in North America. The group loved taking photos, and at the sightseeing spots they spent plenty of time taking many pictures. They mentioned wanting to try the egg sandwich from a convenience store, so I took them there, but it was sold out, which left them a little disappointed. On Takeshita Street they did not stop at any particular shops, and at their request we finished at the Shibuya Crossing. I received a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShin-Takashima～Asakusa770JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Takebashi210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Here Tokyo Ueno & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Here Tokyo Ueno & Shinjuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 &Here Tokyo Ueno
    • 10:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:00 Yanaka (Japanese houses, nursing home, public bath, cemetery, sugidama, narrow apartments, rice cracker shop)
    • 12:50 Lunch at Harakado Ippudo (Mom has a pork allergy so we chose the Chinese restaurant next door: the food court was the right call)
    • 13:30 Takeshita Street
    • 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, 3DCat, Godzilla Head)
    • 16:40 Disband at Ueno

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu, Yanaka, Harajuku, and Shinjuku I guided a group visiting from Europe. Beforehand, all communication was handled through the travel agency, and I confirmed the destinations when we met at the hotel on the day. They wanted a combination of old Japanese streetscapes and modern areas, so the itinerary became Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku. At Nezu Shrine, we passed by the many people lined up just as they were the day before (today the azalea garden admission had dropped to 500 yen), and we simply admired the azaleas from the outside, which was more than enough. The red torii gates were especially popular, with plenty of photos being taken. As we walked the usual Yanaka course toward Nippori, we were always able to chat with someone along the way, making it a delightful stroll. The younger members of the group asked me all sorts of questions and chatted freely, which warmed my heart, and I was amazed by their high level of English. Since I often talk with guests about English education in Japan, I actually had some of the guests try a Japanese university common English test and a prefectural high school entrance English exam on the train between Nippori and Harajuku. Both said it was "easy" and completed them with no trouble. It reminded me again of the shortcomings of English education in Japan, but it was interesting to hear about schools and education. The guests were very curious and asked all kinds of little questions, and since I was interested in their home region as well, I was able to ask them various things in return, making it a win-win. The most amusing moment this time was at Meiji Shrine, when we stopped at the water purification basin. One of the guests asked, "Why do you rinse your mouth, and what does it mean?" and I answered, "To cleanse impurities and purify distracting thoughts such as greed and anger." One of them said, "That's perfect for me. I'll have to rinse with water every day, then," and the group laughed heartily about how they can get angry easily. When I added, "Now you've become a kinder person," some of the guests burst into laughter again. This is how the whole tour went — always chatting with someone, and full of laughter all day. During the final farewell, some of the guests said, "At first I was nervous about what kind of person you'd be, but I quickly relaxed and had a great time," and, "Instead of the ordinary sightseeing spots (though to us they are ordinary), it was wonderful to hear enjoyable stories from many different angles." The others smiled and said "thank you" in Japanese. I was truly grateful to spend the day with such a wonderful group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYushima～Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Harajuku260JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku～Ueno260JPY
    Total860JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Hiroshima & JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Hiroshima & JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Welcome at the hotel
    • 14:45 JR Hiroshima
    • 15:15 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:25 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi
    • 15:35 Arrive at Miyajima
    • Visit Itsukushima Shrine, historic buildings, Omotesando shopping street, etc.
    • 17:25 JR Ferry Miyajima
    • 17:35 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi
    • 17:49 JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 18:20 JR Hiroshima Station
    • 18:30 Tour ends in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima Walking Tour Like for Experienced Japan Travelers? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the group visiting from North America around Miyajima. They had already spent about two weeks fully enjoying popular destinations such as Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and had gained considerable knowledge about shrines and temples. They had also experienced traditional Japanese culture such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, and entertainment in Gion, so they mainly enjoyed conversations comparing my explanations of Miyajima's traditional culture, along with visits to several sites. Similarly, they mentioned they had already done plenty of shopping, having walked through many shopping streets, so they were not particularly interested in the Omotesando shopping arcade in Miyajima.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Hiroshi

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet in front of Hiroshima Station Central Ticket Gate → Depart at 10:15 to Miyajima via JR Miyajimaguchi + ferry → Guiding from 11:05 (Taira no Kiyomori Statue, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple) → 13:00 Tea at Hexagon Cafe at the bottom of the Daishoin Temple stairs → 13:50 Move to the Miyajima Ropeway boarding area → 14:00 Disband on site.

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time visiting Hiroshima. When I asked in advance, they had expressed a wish to see Miyajima, so I focused on religious perspectives and views on life and death, sharing Japanese customs and ways of living. At Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple, the guests listened attentively as I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. When I pointed to the wide-open "eyes" of the statue of Enma and said, "Even when no one is watching, this figure sees everything you do. This is the foundation of Japanese morality," they were very surprised. I had arranged more short breaks than usual to allow for frequent rest stops. I felt a little nervous, and at times my English was not as smooth as I would have liked, but I am truly grateful for the gracious manner in which they responded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaka～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima100JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Saka590JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Tour Report by HAYATO

    Hi there! Let’s Discover True Hiroshima Together!

    Hey! I’m HAYATO, and I’m super excited to be your guide in Hiroshima! With about 20 years of living in this amazing place, I can’t wait to share all its hidden treasures, fun stories, and unique culture with you.

    Whether you’re into beautiful sights, tasty local food, or fascinating history, I’m here to make sure you have a great time. Together, we’ll uncover both the well-known spots and the little secrets that make Hiroshima truly special.

    Let’s make some unforgettable memories while having lots of fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat about what we can do together.

    Can’t wait to meet you!

    Request Booking

    Apr 13, 2026
    Robin_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great educational tour!
    Hayato to was a terrific guide.…

    Apr 9, 2026
    bonoc2026
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you Hayato!
    The tour was amazing, or tour…

    Mar 9, 2026
    stuartgiese_g
    Great tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day with Hayato his knowledge…

    Oct 7, 2025
    april_m
    Hiroshima with Hayato!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hayato was a great tour guide.…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Station　8:15 Board the JR train bound for Nara　10:00 Horyuji Temple　12:00 Todaiji Temple　12:50 Kasuga Taisha Shrine　14:00 Yakushiji Temple　14:45 Head to Kyoto by Kintetsu train
    • 15:40 Tour ends at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nara and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were a very close and friendly group. Because they had booked an evening taiko drum performance in Kyoto, they wished to finish the tour as early as possible, so we used taxis for getting around the city of Nara. We toured without a lunch break. At Nara Park, they did not play with the deer, but they did take photos. In the morning, when we arrived at Nara Station, one of the guests left a bag behind on the train. When we hurried back to the platform, a station staff member said, "If it's that bag, it was just delivered to the ticket gate." They were able to retrieve the bag safely at the ticket gate and were extremely grateful. They remarked that abroad they would have already given up on it, and they were deeply impressed by Japan's safety. They seemed more interested in Buddhism and the architecture than in the history itself. We returned to Kyoto Station, and I guided them to the front of a travel agency near the Hachijo exit, where the tour ended. The photo was taken in front of the Yumedono at Horyu-ji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Horyuji Temple990JPY
    Section 2TrainNishinokyo～Kyoto760JPY
    Total1,750JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meeting point: Osaka Tempozan, Cruise Terminal, in front of the Giant Ferris Wheel
    • 09:40 Travel to Osaka Castle by subway
    • 10:00 Sightseeing ①: Tour of Osaka Castle
    • 11:20 Travel to Dotonbori by subway
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ②: Stroll through Dotonbori
    • 12:30 Lunch/Break (Dotonbori: Ramen restaurant)
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ③: Tour of Kuromon Market
    • 13:30 Travel to Shitennoji by subway
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ④: Tour of Shitennoji
    • 14:40 Travel to Tempozan by subway
    • 15:00 At the guest's request, the guide concludes at the transfer station "Tanimachi 4-chome"

    What's a 6-Hour Private Osaka Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report This time the guests were a group visiting from Europe while sightseeing on a cruise ship. I handled the pre-tour discussions about the itinerary with one of the guests. At first, as many as eight desired locations had been listed, but I explained that "since this is a 6-hour course, four locations is the maximum," and I proposed "Osaka Castle ⇒ Dotonbori ⇒ Kuromon Market ⇒ Shitennoji Temple," which the guests agreed to. On the day, the weather shifted from cloudy to clear blue skies, becoming just slightly hot, but in the afternoon a cool breeze blew, making for fairly pleasant conditions. Meeting the guests at Tempozan went smoothly, and after confirming the itinerary, we immediately set off by subway. The strength of this course is that the entire route can be covered in a short time using only the subway, and it is a course I often use myself (though the somewhat complicated transfers are its one drawback). The first stop, "Osaka Castle," is always very crowded, making it difficult to tour the main keep, but it is an essential place for explaining the history of samurai rule. The guests were interested in samurai and listened attentively to my explanations. The second and third stops, "Dotonbori" and "Kuromon Market," served as sightseeing that also included lunch and a break. For lunch we had "Kamukura Ramen," known for its soup based on Japanese dashi. Everyone said it was "very delicious" and finished it completely. At Dotonbori, they came to understand how the flashy signboards express the humor of Osaka's people, and at "Kuromon Market" they got a real sense of the everyday food culture of Osaka. At the final stop, "Shitennoji Temple," they learned about the history of Osaka Buddhism at one of the oldest temples, said to be "the birthplace of welfare activities." Even on the subway between stops, the conversation never lagged, and it became an enjoyable Osaka tour with a cheerful group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsakako～Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNippombashi (Osaka)～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Shinjuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 In front of Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace
    • 11:00 Asakusa・Sensoji Temple
    • 13:30 Shibuya
    • 14:00 Harajuku
    • 15:00 Shinjuku

    What's a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since the group included members who needed to avoid long walks, we chose a route with as little walking as possible and one that the younger members of the group would enjoy. At the Imperial Palace, the guests were amazed by the majestic scenery, and at Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, they were surprised by the huge crowds while also enjoying trying various uniquely Japanese foods. After Shibuya, we visited Harajuku and Shinjuku. Some of the guests especially wanted to see the Shibuya Crossing, the 3D cat advertisement in Shinjuku, and the Godzilla Head, so they were delighted to see them in person. Finally, after explaining the way back to the hotel, we ended the tour in Shinjuku.

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

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet, then walk to Hakone-Yumoto/Sounzan 9:15 Ropeway, Owakudani 10:10 From Owakudani by ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate Ship 11:25 Moto-Hakone, Lakeside of Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, from Moto-Hakone by bus 12:15 Hakone Checkpoint, visit and shopping at Maruyama Yosegi Zaiku (marquetry) shop, lunch at Donburi Chaya, stop by Hakone Checkpoint entrance, from Hakonemachi Port at 14:15 by bus, Yunessun, arrive 14:45, Hotel, request pickup vehicle, boarding complete

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from a Government-Licensed Guide? A Tour Report Some of the guests had visited Japan several times before. To avoid the Saturday crowds, we moved the start time from 10:00 to 9:00, which allowed the tour to progress smoothly without unnecessary waiting. At Owakudani, while enjoying the black eggs, we made good use of our time until Mount Fuji gradually revealed its full form, and I was kindly praised for a "good job." For the pirate ship, we took premium seats and fully enjoyed the view of Mount Fuji. At Hakone Shrine, I added some explanation about Buddhism and Shinto, which I believe served as helpful preparation for their upcoming visit to Kyoto. Some of the guests mentioned having previously obtained a secret puzzle box in Tokyo, and at Maruyama they watched the presentation with great interest. At the donburi teahouse, the soba was delicious, and they took photos of the soba-making demonstration that happened to be taking place at just the right moment.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Request Booking

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…