Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kifune

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kifune

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Kyoto 
    • 10:00‐10:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:50‐11:30 Coffee break @ (I forgot the name.)
    • 12:30‐14:45 Kurama-yama stroll
    • 14:45‐16:00 Kifune stroll (Main Shrine, Inner Shrine, Yui-no-yashiro Shrine)
    • 17:00 Disband @ Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Kinkaku-ji, Kurama, and Kifune Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Europe. I gathered their requests in advance and prepared a backup plan in case of rain before the tour began. At Kinkaku-ji, some of the guests were busy photographing the scenery. Since there are no lunch spots if one heads toward Kurama, I had suggested in advance that it would be better to have lunch around Kinkaku-ji. When I asked about lunch, they said a coffee break would be enough, so we stopped at a coffee shop on the second floor near Nishioji-dori. We then traveled by bus and the Eizan Railway to Mount Kurama. The guests enjoyed walking in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since they seemed to enjoy hiking, we walked the winding path instead of taking the cable car, resting once along the way. Sitting together on a bench, the guests ate their chocolate bars while I had a light snack. Such experiences are rare, and I enjoyed it very much myself. Along the tree-root path, we all felt like Yoshitsune, carefully walking so as not to step on the roots. Finally, we entered the Okuno-in Mao-den, soaking in the mystical atmosphere, and after finishing Mount Kurama, we moved on to Kifune Shrine. At Kifune Shrine, we visited in the customary order of the main shrine, the inner shrine, and the Yui-no-yashiro. When I explained that the Yui-no-yashiro enshrines a deity said to bring people together, the guests said they absolutely had to go, and worshipped there with great delight. On the way back, the guests said they preferred to walk to the Eizan Railway station rather than take the bus, so we walked. When I mentioned that I had begun guiding in earnest after the pandemic, one of the guests shared a story about earning a university degree during the pandemic and about a graduation ceremony, which I found very moving. As promised, I saw them off near their hotel and was able to end the tour at just the right time. Personally, I had a difficult experience on a tour two days earlier, so I was very grateful to be able to finish today's tour on such a pleasant note. Although one of the guests does not like being photographed, they kindly agreed to have their photo published on the website, so I have attached it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus400JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Demachiyanagi Station / Kyoto City Bus460JPY
    Section 3TrainDemachiyanagi~Kurama470JPY
    Section 4TrainKibuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 5TrainKibuneguchi~Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 6TrainDemachiyanagi~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total2,510JPY

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Karato Pier & Shimonoseki Station

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Karato Pier & Shimonoseki Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Stroll around Karato Pier
    • 11:05 Depart from Karato Pier
    • 11:15 Ganryujima Island
    • 12:05 Mojiko Pier
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 13:45 Kanmon Tunnel Pedestrian Walkway
    • 14:20 Akama Shrine
    • 15:00 Chofu Mori Residence
    • 15:30 Shimonoseki Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shimonoseki and Moji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 9:30 at the request of the guests. We had planned to meet at Shimonoseki Station, but there was a mix-up with JR Shin-Shimonoseki Station, so the start was slightly delayed. After the tour began, I adjusted the plan according to the guests' wishes, skipping the Kaikyo Yume Tower and instead guiding them through the Kanmon Tunnel pedestrian walkway and the Chofu Mori Residence. At Moji Port, the guests shopped at a flea market and enjoyed the local specialty, baked curry. At the Chofu Mori Residence, they had a matcha set. One of the guests mentioned being very fond of matcha.

    Hello, I’m Suzy!
    I am a National Government Licensed Interpreter Guide and a Yamaguchi Yume Kairo Area Licensed Interpreter Guide. I have experience working as a tour guide in various locations throughout Yamaguchi Prefecture.
    I was born and raised in Yamaguchi Prefecture and love Japanese history, so I would like to introduce the rich natural beauty and history of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Additionally, Yamaguchi is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is a place known for its delicious food.
    I look forward to meeting you in Yamaguchi.

    Apr 24, 2026
    Jose_S
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Experience Japanese traditions and culture
    If you want to…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at Mil Kyoto Gion
    • ② 10:05 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:00 Daitokuji Temple (Obaiin)
    • ④ 12:30 Nijo Castle
    • ⑤ 13:30 Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji Alley
    • ⑥ 14:20 Dismissal at Yasaka Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Cultural Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe, on their first trip to Japan and their first time in Kyoto. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. From the email exchanges before the tour, the guests showed a deep and wide-ranging curiosity about everyday life in Japan and in Kyoto: what daily life is like, what it means to visit temples and shrines, how one is meant to worship, and the cultural and historical background behind these customs. They also wanted to know about traditional annual events, their history, how people take part in them, and what and how things are celebrated. Guided by their questions, we talked freely about the history of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, what a shogun was, feng shui, Onmyodo, the concept of wabi-sabi, what one contemplates during zazen meditation, the Doll Festival, Obon, Jizo statues and the riverbank of Sai no Kawara, stone lanterns, the Gozan Okuribi bonfire, the floating of spirit lanterns, the old class system of warriors, farmers, artisans and merchants, why the return of political power to the Emperor took place, the roots of the Japanese people, and the Mongolian spot, among many other topics. The conversation was endless, and four hours passed in the blink of an eye. One of the guests works as an illustrator, and another has long practiced yoga, which explained the keen interest in topics such as Zen and dry landscape gardens. Even so, the concept of wabi-sabi was new to them, so I took some time to explain it in detail. When we said goodbye, they gave me some gummy candy that is very common in Europe. It was a flavor not quite found in Japan, but I enjoyed it. Some time ago I often traveled to Europe for work, so it felt like meeting old, familiar friends. The guests spoke excellent English, as ever.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Hotel Tokyo (5 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meeting
    • 1030 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
    • 1055 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Shrine visit
    • 1305 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Tatsumi Yagura Gyoko Street Tokyo Station
    • 1400 Akihabara
    • 1435 Asakusa Kaminarimon Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
    • 1600 Tokyo Skytree Confirm ticketing on the 4th floor and part ways

    Title: Can a Licensed Guide Help with Tokyo Sightseeing and Travel Planning to Hakone? A Private Tour Report The guests were visitors from Europe, coming to Japan for the first time. They had arrived the day before, and due to recent world conditions, their journey via Helsinki had taken 24 hours. After checking in, they had walked around the neighborhood and eaten at Omoide Yokocho, but they wanted to try something more distinctly Japanese. Since they did not have anything specific in mind, I suggested the buildings in Shibuya (such as MyCity and Scramble Square), which offer a wide variety of options. They planned to visit the Skytree but had not been able to secure tickets. On the Japanese-based website, the language switched to Japanese partway through, and they had struggled to find the English site. Previous guests had not had this issue, so it may have simply been a misunderstanding somewhere, but in the end they were able to make a reservation, so it worked out fine. The next day, they planned to tour the older downtown area with another guide. Since they would be moving to Hakone the day after next, they asked me for advice on how to do this. At first, as they had a JR Pass, they were considering Shinjuku → Tokyo → Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto. Since they had a lot of luggage and were worried about transfers, I explained that they could take a single Odakyu line from Shinjuku directly to Hakone-Yumoto (had I known in advance, I could have shown them at Shinjuku Station), and I explained that advance reservations were possible if they asked at the Ticket Office at the Odakyu gates. After that, they would be heading to the Kansai region.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Akihabara160JPY
    Section 5SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Total1,070JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Chapter Kyoto & Bamboo Path

    Kyoto: Chapter Kyoto & Bamboo Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 The Chapter Kyoto
    • 09:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    •   Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Yasakakoshindo by walking
    • 12:50 Lunch(Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch)
    • 13:50 Kinkakuji (500)
    • 15:00 Bamboo Path
    • 15:50 The Chapter Kyoto
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they enjoyed shopping very much, they often stopped along the way and tended to fall behind, so the tour took quite a bit of time. They made small purchases here and there and seemed to have a wonderful time. Because the Kawazu cherry blossoms were blooming at Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge, we stopped there on the way from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Kinkaku-ji Temple to take some commemorative photos. The guests loved taking pictures and took many along the way. Although I had planned the itinerary with plenty of time to spare, by the end we had run nearly an hour over schedule.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • 11:00  From Arashiyama Torokko Train Station to Mikami Shrine, Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest, etc.
    • 12:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace, cherry blossoms at the Imperial Garden
    • 13:20 Heian Shrine, flea market
    • 14:10 Nijo Castle, castle keep ruins, etc.
    • 16:00 Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: It was the group's first trip to Japan. I planned the itinerary to incorporate their requests as much as possible so that we could cover everything within the available time. The guests loved Japan and asked many questions with great interest, so I also guided them to a few slightly more unusual spots located near the main sightseeing places. They responded to my jokes even more enthusiastically than I expected, and together with the driver, we all had a wonderful time. We were also lucky enough to see the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Imperial Garden, as well as the Sunday flea market at Heian Shrine. I recommended the takoyaki from a food truck at the flea market, and the guests finished every bite. They clearly enjoyed learning about Japan's history and culture, which made us very happy as well.

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet up at Shimokitazawa Station, tour the town's street art
    • 15:30 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Stroll through Takeshita Street, Ura-Harajuku, and Omotesando
    • 18:00 Disband at Harajuku Station

    What Is a 2-Day Private Tour of Western Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. About the Tour and the Guests' Reactions This was the second day of a two-day tour. I mainly guided the guests around the western side of the Yamanote Line. One of the guests was interested in art, so after visiting three small galleries in Shimokitazawa, we saw two spots of so-called "graffiti art" (permitted street art), which the guests enjoyed. At one of these spots, the artist was in the middle of painting a large wall, so we were able to speak with the artist directly, which the guests found enjoyable. The guests had no prior knowledge of Shinto, so they listened with great interest as I explained that the deities are believed to dwell in all natural things, and that the forest of the shrine was not naturally occurring but was created through tree planting by volunteers. We also happened to come across a wedding procession, which some of the guests were very pleased to see. In Harajuku, some of the guests enjoyed shopping. They were especially satisfied to purchase many items for their pets back home. 2. Other Impressions, Special Notes, etc. This was my first time guiding a two-day tour on consecutive days. On the first day, the guests were a little quiet, likely tired from a long journey, but by the second day a good rapport had developed, and we were able to conduct the tour in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. When guiding a tour over two consecutive days like this, it is possible to divide the areas covered, which allows for an efficient tour and was very satisfying for me as a guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimokitazawa~Harajuku290JPY
    Total290JPY

    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!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by railway to Arashiyama
    • AM 09:40-11:10 Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • AM 11:10-PM 12:50 Via Tenryu-ji Temple Garden, Bamboo Grove, Snack Lunch along the way
    • Travel by railway to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 13:30-14:45 Fushimi Inari sightseeing
    • Travel by railway to Kyoto Station
    • PM 15:15 Tour ends

    What's a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia and the Middle East who had known each other previously. Just before the tour, there was a request to visit the monkey park, so it was added to the itinerary. However, since one of the guests had an injured leg and could not manage stairs or hill climbing, we split the group so that some went to the monkey park while others enjoyed a rowing boat. Since there had been no advance information about this, it was a bit challenging, but everyone enjoyed both activities. Also, although I had been informed in advance of a smaller group, the tour turned out to be a larger group than expected. It was demanding, but the guests had a wonderful time at Fushimi Inari, where they counted the number of torii gates and wrote their wishes in Japanese on the torii-shaped ema plaques.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total630JPY

    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。

  • Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9.00 Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 2.9.20-11.00 Ueno Park and National Museum
    • 3.11:30-12.40 Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    • 4.12.40‐13.20 Lunch at Shinjuku 
    • 5.13.40‐15.00 Imperial Palace East Garden

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Body: The guest was a multilingual visitor from Europe who came to Japan as part of a longer trip. At the Tokyo National Museum, the guest viewed Japanese art with great enthusiasm, and took many photographs of cherry blossoms, various plants, and a grey heron at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Interestingly, the guest had been asked by someone with a connection to Japan to take photographs of Japanese cherry blossoms on their behalf, since that person could not make the trip. The guest is very knowledgeable about tea and enjoys around fifty varieties, and purchased cherry blossom tea as a gift. After this, the guest planned to continue to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, as well as other destinations, before returning home. The guest spoke about the nature of their work, noting how important it is to provide care that stays close to the patient, and I hope they continue to offer such compassionate care in the future.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Sendagaya210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total600JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
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  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Machiya Ebisuya
    • 9:40 Nijo Castle
    • 11:20 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 Lunch at Gion
    • 13:50 Gion
    • 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 15:15 Tour ends at Kiyomizu-dera

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They came to Kyoto after visiting Tokyo and Osaka, and this was the first day of their stay in Kyoto. Since they had not eaten breakfast, we made stops at a convenience store and a food stall along the way, which took some time and made the tour finish a little later than planned. They asked many questions, especially about history, so I explained in detail. For lunch, they enjoyed okonomiyaki in Gion. After lunch, we walked up the slope to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so by the end they seemed a little tired.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo (Kyoto)220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total920JPY

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

    Kuni

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

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
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    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
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    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

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