Category: Uncategorized

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Higashi Chaya District & Kanazawa Castle Park

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Higashi Chaya District & Kanazawa Castle Park

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel
    • 13:30 Higashi Chaya District
    • 14:00 Tea Ceremony Experience @ Soyu
    • 15:30 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 16:30 Kanazawa Castle Park
    • 17:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Oceania. One of them had studied a little Japanese in high school and could speak simple greetings and self-introductions. They were interested in Japanese culture, especially matcha and the tea ceremony, and were looking forward to a simple tea ceremony experience on this occasion. Both of the guests greatly enjoyed the matcha and the tea ceremony experience. They mentioned that they plan to purchase matcha in Kyoto. At Higashi Chaya District, they showed interest in oil-blotting paper and bought some as a souvenir. They were also pleased with Kenrokuen Garden. At Kanazawa Castle Park, they were overwhelmed by its vast scale and amazed by the Japanese castle architecture. By the time we reached the Gojikken Nagaya, it was past 4:30, so we were unable to view the inside. They said they would visit again the following day. The guests seemed to enjoy the tour from start to finish. We parted ways at Kanazawa Castle Park at the end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKanazawa Station～Kanazawa Station800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Jasmine

    Hi, everyone! My name is Toshiko and my nick name is Jasmine. I was born and raised in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture and now live in Toyama city. I also lived in ancient capital Kyoto city. Living near Nijo castle in Kyoto inspired me to become a tour guide. I spent nearly two years working as a tour guide in Kyoto. After that, I moved to Toyama City to continue my career here. I’m happy to show you around Kanazawa, Toyama, Kamakura and my home town Yokohama. I’d love to hear your vision for the perfect tour and make your journey truly memorable. Please feel free to contact me at any time!”
    In my spare time, I like to draw pictures with pastels and Yoga. Actually, I am a yoga therapist. I am interested in mental well-being and mindfulness.
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Apr 24, 2026
    Marcin19872014
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A walking tour of Kanazawa
    Ms. Toshiko, Toshiko-san is a high…

    Apr 14, 2026
    KiwiJenT
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Jasmine was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot.…

    Apr 12, 2026
    359natasjaf
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Fantastische gids in Kanazawa
    Jasmine maakte onze kennismaking met Kanazawa onvergetelijk.…

    Mar 29, 2026
    karineb931
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Visiting the Geisha and Samouraï district and seeing the fabulous garden…

  • Shizuoka: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Miho no Matsubara

    Shizuoka: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Miho no Matsubara

    Shizuoka Green Tea Farm Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20　Travel to Moriuchi Tea Farm
    • 10:00　Explanation at the tea fields, photo shooting, tasting differences between types of tea, etc.
    • 12:00　Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00　Miho no Matsubara
    • 16:30　Take the guests back to their hotel, tour ends

    **Title:** What Is a Private Tour of Shizuoka's Tea Fields, Kunozan Toshogu, and Miho no Matsubara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very pleased with the tea field walk and tea tasting, and they purchased many tea products as souvenirs. We used the ropeway to travel to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, and one of the guests was a little uneasy about the ropeway. (When I explained that it would take only about five minutes to arrive, they were able to board without any problem.) At Miho no Matsubara, there were few tourists, and the guests were very satisfied, finding it a wonderful place. (Since their previous itinerary had included crowded places such as Kyoto and Osaka, they had requested to visit somewhere quiet.)

    Click here for more details: Shizuoka Green Tea Farm Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hama

    My name is Hama, a nationally certified tour guide based in Shizuoka Prefecture.
    Since around 2019, I’ve been guiding guests mainly from cruise ships arriving at Shimizu Port, as well as those seeking to climb Mt. Fuji.
    I strive to offer more than just facts—I aim to create memorable experiences and share local stories that bring the region to life.
    As someone who enjoys fishing and hiking, I especially love guiding activity-based tours. I also specialize in nature walks, cultural experiences, and historical storytelling, helping guests connect deeply with the spirit of Shizuoka.
    I look forward to welcoming you!

    Request Booking
  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:00　Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station
    • ②　11:05　Itinerary explanation
    • ③　11:25　Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • ④　13:30　Todaiji Temple
    • ⑤　15:00　After a break at a café, Gangoji Temple
    • ⑥　16:35　Disband at Kintetsu Nara Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kasuga Taisha, Todaiji, and Gangoji The guests were visitors from North America. They had already been to Kyoto many times, but this was their first visit to Nara. This trip to Japan was a celebration trip. The guests are big fans of Japan, and said that whether it is Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto — and especially Tokyo — even though it is one of the world's great metropolises like major cities elsewhere, it is completely different: clean, without litter, essentially no homeless people, people who are kind and friendly, food that is delicious with its own cultural character, a safe environment, trains that run on time, and air that does not smell. Different in every essential respect. They understood this to be a unique national character, but wondered where such a spiritual disposition comes from — is it Shinto, or Buddhism, or is there something else, and if so, what? They said they wanted to reflect on such questions while looking at various places. Yesterday they spent a full day touring Kyoto, and today, in Nara, the birthplace of Japanese history, we spent the whole day discussing the worldviews of Buddhism and Shinto, Obon and its related traditional culture, and how Onmyodo and feng shui relate to Japanese history and people's daily lives — the foundations of Japanese society and life. As it turned out, we talked about these things all day at Kasuga Taisha, Todaiji, and Gangoji. It became a rather understated and deep conversation, but they listened attentively and I enjoyed it too. In Kyoto, perhaps talking about wabi-sabi while looking at a dry landscape garden might have helped them understand even better. Unfortunately it rained all day today, and the rain grew heavier in the afternoon. The insides of our shoes became soaked and we could no longer walk, so partway through we gave up and went to a 100-yen shop to buy socks, then returned to Kintetsu Nara Station and parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    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

    Request Booking

    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 in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Depart from cruise ship, take the Yurikamome to Shiodome, then head to Hamarikyu Gardens.
    • 11:45 Return to Shiodome Station and take the subway to Takebashi.
    • 12:15 Enter the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace through the Kitahanebashi Gate and take a stroll.
    • 13:15 Exit through the Otemon Gate and head to the underground mall area around Otemachi Station. Have lunch here at a ramen shop (two of them were vegetarian, so they ordered white rice with pickled takana greens, though they did get seconds on the rice).
    • 14:10 Go from Otemachi Station to Meiji-jingumae Station.
    • 14:40~15:50 Visit Meiji Shrine.
    • 16:00 After finishing the visit, take the Yurikamome via Shimbashi and arrive at International Cruise Terminal Station, disbanding around 16:50.

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo's Gardens and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was quite a warm day for mid-April (the high was perhaps around 25°C), but the guests energetically visited three places: Hamarikyu Gardens, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine (there is little shade anywhere except Meiji Shrine). I asked them to stay well hydrated and explained the types of drinks available in the vending machines. Although I think it was hot, the guests did not complain at all, and in fact told me they had a wonderful time. At Hamarikyu Gardens and the East Gardens, most of the cherry blossoms had already fallen, but there were several late-blooming cherry trees of different varieties, and the guests took photos with great interest. The azaleas were also beginning to bloom. For lunch, the plan had been to simply have a drink and something like bread at a coffee shop, but just beforehand one of the guests said they wanted something a bit more filling, and it was suggested that as long as certain dishes were left uneaten there would be no problem, so we found a ramen restaurant and went in. However, some of the guests ultimately found ramen difficult and ordered plain white rice and rice with pickled greens instead. Since the guests spoke among themselves in a language I did not understand, I could not follow their conversation, but I reflected a little that deciding quickly based on the opinion of just one person in the group could be risky. At Meiji Shrine, the guests listened with great interest to my explanation of why Emperor Meiji came to be enshrined as a deity.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherInternational Cruise Terminal Station～Shiodome330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome～Takebashi290JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Shimbashi180JPY
    Section 5OtherShimbashi～International Cruise Terminal Station390JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet guests at hotel
    • 10:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:20 Takeshita Street, lunch
    • 14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 16:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 17:20 Sensoji Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 18:00 Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. I first assisted them with purchasing Suica cards at Shinjuku Station. After that, at Shinjuku Gyoen, they admired the late-blooming cherry blossoms and the Japanese garden, and were delighted by such a green, spacious oasis in the middle of the city. At the next stop, Meiji Shrine, I first explained Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, and the connection between Emperor Meiji and the shrine. Then, walking along the approach, I talked about the sake barrels, the masugata, and the couple camphor trees, before we paid our respects at the main hall. After purchasing an amulet at the shrine office and receiving a goshuin stamp, the guests showed a keen interest in the shrine. After walking down Takeshita Street, we had lunch and moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Strolling through the grounds while I explained the shoguns, feudal lords, and Edo Castle, we took a rest while admiring the azaleas in the Japanese garden. At Ueno Park, at the Tokyo National Museum, I gave an overview of Japanese history and culture, after which the guests appreciated works from various eras. In Asakusa, after explaining the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise, the guests paid their respects at the main hall, and the tour ended after walking through shopping streets such as Shin-Nakamise.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendagaya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTakebashi～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total730JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel meet　8:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　10:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple　　12:20 Nishiki Market　14:40 Fushimi Inari　　15:45 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nishiki Market, and Fushimi Inari The guests came to Japan from Europe. They had visited Japan several times before. Because of some physical considerations, the tour proceeded at a slow pace from the start. There were also several stops along the way, including some longer breaks and time spent shopping, which meant that moving between locations took more time than expected. In the morning the weather was cloudy with light drizzle, which did not significantly affect the tour. However, from around Nishiki Market the rain became quite heavy, and it was raining considerably by the time we reached Fushimi Inari at the end. Lunch at Nishiki Market also took some time, so even though it was an 8-hour tour, we were only able to visit four locations. At JR Inari Station, I had a station staff member fix the SUICA card so it could be used, and then the tour ended. Afterward, the guests rested at a coffee shop near Fushimi Inari. Their hotel room was apparently too small to relax in comfortably. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Shijo (Kyoto City)260JPY
    Section 6OtherGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    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…

  • Toyama in One Day: Toyama Station & Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

    Toyama in One Day: Toyama Station & Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

    Toyama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:55 Meet at hotel (discussion on course change since Iwase sightseeing was completed the previous day)
    • 09:10 – 10:30 Fugan Canal Kansui Park & TAD (free exhibition, rooftop Onomatopee viewing)
    • 10:40 – 11:40 Around Toyama Station (MAROOT & Kitokito Market visit)
    • 11:40 – 12:30 Lunch: Shiroebi-tei
    • 12:30 – 13:40 Kureha Mountain Observatory, Chokeiji Temple, Toyama Castle (private taxi tour)
    • 13:40 – 14:40 Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten (medicine preparation demonstration viewing, medicine shopping)
    • 14:55 Arrive at hotel & disband

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Toyama City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: 1. The Tour on the Day and Flexible Adjustments At the morning meeting, it turned out that the guests had already toured the Iwase district with an acquaintance the previous day, so I quickly restructured the itinerary on the spot. Because of the ongoing intense heat over several days, I changed the route to minimize outdoor movement and center the tour around comfortable indoor spots such as the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design (TAD) and locations where the scenery could be enjoyed from within the taxi. For transportation, I actively used taxis (partly chartered) for everything from short-distance movement within the city to the afternoon touring (Mount Kureha, Chokeiji Temple, and Toyama Castle). By maintaining a comfortable, air-conditioned environment inside the vehicle, I was able to provide smooth guidance without letting the guests feel worn out by the intense heat. 2. The Guests' Reactions Kansui Park and Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design (TAD): The guests leisurely viewed the free exhibits and the rooftop "Onomatopoeia Playground" in the cool interior, and appeared satisfied with this comfortable start. Around Toyama Station (MAROOT and Kitokito Market): The guests enjoyed checking out souvenirs and local specialties. Lunch (Shiroebi-tei): The guests had the local specialty "white shrimp rice bowl" and liked it very much. Mount Kureha, Chokeiji Temple, and Toyama Castle Park: Moving comfortably by chartered taxi, the guests enjoyed the view from Mount Kureha, the Five Hundred Rakan statues of Chokeiji Temple, and the historic scenery of Toyama Castle. Ikedaya Yasubee Shoten: The guests showed interest in watching and experiencing the demonstration of traditional pill-rolling (Hangontan) and also enjoyed shopping for medicine.

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

    Tour Report by Naoto

    With a unique professional background encompassing both academia and international affairs, I offer a distinctive and enriching guiding experience for visitors to the Hokuriku region, specializing in Toyama and Kanazawa. My approach goes beyond standard sightseeing; I focus on providing a deep, comparative cultural understanding of Japan and its traditions.
    For many years, I served as an English Language Instructor at various junior colleges and universities. This extensive experience has honed my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and to engage with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, I have had valuable exposure to high-level international communication through my work accompanying delegations for international conferences and official inspection tours. This has equipped me with a strong foundation in professional protocol and a refined sense of hospitality essential for serving international guests.
    My professional strengths are notably multifaceted. Having worked in art galleries, I possess a detailed knowledge of art and aesthetics, allowing me to offer nuanced explanations of local crafts, museum exhibits, and artistic traditions. Complementing this, my knowledge of real estate provides a solid understanding of architecture, enabling me to discuss the historical context and structural significance of both traditional Japanese buildings—such as those found in Gokayama—and modern regional developments. By weaving together art, history, and architecture, I can present a holistic narrative of the region’s development.
    I am proud to be a certified Regional Licensed Tour Guide, having obtained my qualification in January 2025. Since then, I have successfully guided tours through key areas of Toyama Prefecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, the historical castle town of Takaoka, the stunning natural beauty of Kurobe, and the modern vibrancy of Toyama City. Given the deep historical connections between the prefectures, my guiding extends to the famous cultural capital of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Moving forward, my goal is to cover the entire Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui), providing comprehensive itineraries that connect these culturally rich areas.
    What truly sets my tours apart is my passion for the natural environment. I am an enthusiast of outdoor activities and deeply familiar with Toyama’s spectacular landscapes. For travelers who wish to connect with nature, I can seamlessly integrate activities such as hiking in the mountains or fishing excursions into a custom itinerary. This allows my guests to not only witness the region’s natural beauty but to actively experience it.
    My commitment is to utilize my overseas guiding experience to introduce the unique charm of Toyama and the Hokuriku region from a comparative cultural perspective, ensuring every international visitor gains an appreciation that resonates personally. Book a tour with me to unlock a deeper, more personalized, and adventurous journey through the heart of Japan.

    Request Booking
  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:45 Lunch → 12:30 Travel to Kegon Falls → 12:50-13:10 Kegon Falls sightseeing → Travel to Ryuzu Falls → 13:25-13:45 Ryuzu Falls sightseeing → Travel to Utagahama → 14:00-14:40 Lake Chuzenji area sightseeing + shopping at Nikko carving shop → Travel to Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo → 15:00-15:20 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo sightseeing → Travel to Toshogu Shrine → 15:30-16:20 Toshogu Shrine sightseeing → Travel to Shinkyo Bridge → 16:30-16:40 Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing → Travel to Tobu Nikko Station → 16:50-17:20 Enjoy sweets at Meiji no Yakata coffee shop → 17:30 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Food and Local Experiences Due to a railway accident on the Tobu Line that morning, the guests' arrival in Nikko was delayed by nearly 40 minutes, and we started the tour from there. By checking their preferences and priorities through conversation and shortening part of the sightseeing, we managed to cover what we had planned. The guests were very interested in food and thoroughly enjoyed Nikko's soba, yuba (tofu skin), and vegetable tempura. The restaurant I recommended this time was a highly rated soba shop (I had been a little worried, as crowds were expected), and this turned out to be a great choice. The guests had also mentioned "cheesecake" from the very beginning, so even in the short time before we parted, we visited a coffee house where they enjoyed it while continuing our pleasant conversation. This time, "food," "experiences," and "conversation" came together wonderfully, making it a very enjoyable time. The guests' reactions were bright and cheerful, which allowed me to communicate comfortably as well. I am truly grateful.

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

    Tour Report by Ichi

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

    Request Booking

    May 22, 2026
    michaeliI2370UG
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
    Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…

    May 15, 2026
    Laurent S
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    excellent
    Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…

    May 12, 2026
    H4725BUbarbarab
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichi memorable tour
    Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…

    Apr 5, 2026
    EmilioP6
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great day with Ichi
    Our day in Nikko with Ichi was…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet @ JR Shin-Osaka Station
    • 12:30 @ Osaka Castle (viewing from outside only)
    • 14:00 @ Shinsekai / Tsutenkaku (at Tsutenkaku, the guide will wait at the exit)
    • 15:15 @ Dotonbori
    • 16:00 Disband @ In front of Shinsaibashi Uniqlo

    What's a Private Osaka Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting from North America, one of whom had been living in Japan for about four years and whom I had previously guided on a Kobe tour in August 2024. Unfortunately I did not remember this, but the guest recognized me. Due to unfortunate rainy weather, we traveled by taxi for the entire itinerary. At Osaka Castle we were only able to view it from the outside, but the guests seemed satisfied with its beauty and grandeur. They purchased souvenirs at an adjacent shop. At the next spot, Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, there was little to explain, and since my license did not qualify for free entry, I waited at the exit. In Dotonbori, the guests wished to eat takoyaki, so I recommended a shop for them, which they planned to visit after the tour concluded. One of the guests wanted to buy a jacket because it was cold, so I guided them to a UNIQLO in Shinsaibashi, where we parted ways. I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was well received. Note 1) As mentioned above, at Tsutenkaku Tower the entrance fee was not waived for my pre-reform "Interpreter Guide License." Regarding this matter, when I visited Tsutenkaku on a tour on November 28, 2025 (JGA-T112979982) and free entry was denied, I reported it to your company. Your representative responded on December 2 of the same year, stating that they had contacted Tsutenkaku, which confirmed there should be no problem with the pre-reform license and that the staff member had likely misunderstood. Today I conveyed this to the staff member, but the explanation was that "entry is only free for travel agency employees or holders of an interpreter guide license." I confirmed with the staff member, asking "Are you certain your explanation is correct?" and received the answer "It is correct." However, since this spot has a fair amount of English explanations available inside and there is little for a guide to explain, I obtained the guests' consent to wait at the exit. Honestly, I found this somewhat questionable. Note 2) As mentioned above, this was the second time I had guided these guests, and I felt apologetic for not recognizing them. When I checked the previous records, the surname appeared to be different. I felt the guests themselves had not been aware of it until that day.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Kyoto: Park Hyatt Kyoto & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto: Park Hyatt Kyoto & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Park Hyatt Kyoto
    • 10:30　Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji)
    • 12:10　Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:00　Lunch
    • 14:30　Kiyomizu-dera
    • 15:40　Park Hyatt Kyoto

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji I guided a group visiting from North America on a private day tour of Kyoto. We had originally planned lunch after Kinkaku-ji, but because the forecast called for heavier rain in the afternoon, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha before lunch instead. It was already raining, and with many people carrying umbrellas the site was crowded, so it was difficult to make our way forward, but Fushimi Inari Taisha was the place one of the guests had been most looking forward to. Afterward, for lunch they tried yakiniku, and the guests enjoyed it very much, along with some beer. They also mentioned that they wanted to recommend this restaurant to a colleague who is planning to visit Kyoto in the future. We then went to Kiyomizu-dera. Because the rain had become quite heavy, there were fewer people than usual, and we were able to take good photos with the stage in the background. During our conversation, I learned that the guests had loved Japanese animation since childhood and had wanted to experience the Japanese culture behind it. Even in the rain, they captured many different scenes in their photos. At the end, they gave the driver and me some chocolate from North America. They were shy and truly lovely guests.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Umi

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

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

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

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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