Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:40 Hotel
    • 15:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 17:10　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:00　Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report When I met the guests at the Hotel, they had mistakenly believed the tour included a vehicle, so I quickly arranged a taxi at the Hotel and proceeded with the tour. The guests were a group visiting Japan, and one of them had visited Japan about 30 years earlier and came to Kyoto with the goal of introducing the charm of Kinkaku-ji to the group. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests showed great interest in explanations about the exterior of the golden pavilion, the gold leaf, and the tea house, and they appeared very satisfied. We then moved on to Fushimi Inari Taisha, but due to strong wind and cold weather, one of the guests looked very cold, so I guided the group at a faster pace. On the other hand, the guests very much enjoyed the Omokaru-ishi stone and the Neagari-no-matsu pine tree. Although the original plan was to guide the guests back to the Hotel by public transportation, they expressed a wish to travel to another location by taxi after the tour, so we concluded the tour at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

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

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    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…

  • Nara in One Day: Tour Kofuku-ji Temple & Tour Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara in One Day: Tour Kofuku-ji Temple & Tour Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meeting point: Kintetsu Nara Station, East Ticket Gate
    • 09:45 Move: Walk from Kintetsu Nara Station to Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 10:00 Sightseeing ①: Tour Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 10:50 Sightseeing ②: Stroll through Nara Park, feed the deer, walk to Todai-ji Temple
    • 11:50 Sightseeing ③: Tour Todai-ji Temple
    • 12:40 Sightseeing ④: Tour Nigatsu-do Hall while walking
    • 13:15 Lunch/Break: Inn and eatery at the foot of Mount Wakakusa (Japanese cuisine)
    • 13:50 Move: Walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ⑤: Tour Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 Move: Take the bus to Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 14:40 Sightseeing ⑥: Stroll and shop through Higashimuki Shopping Street and Naramachi
    • 15:30 Guided tour ends, disband

    What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting Japan during their travels from North America. Requests and pre-tour discussions regarding the places they wished to visit were handled through correspondence beforehand. Although it was their first visit to Japan, one of the guests had a family member with a strong interest in Japanese culture who had visited Japan four or five times before, and the guests themselves seemed to have a deep interest in Japanese culture and history influenced by that background. As a result, the destinations in Nara were clear from the start, and they wanted to take their time visiting mainly "Kofukuji Temple → Nara Park → Todaiji Temple → Kasuga Taisha Shrine." For that reason, whereas first-time guests would usually require at least five or six rounds of email exchanges, this time only two rounds (four emails in total) were needed. On the day, there was some concern about rain that had been falling since the previous night, but the rain stopped at dawn, and although the temperature was a little low, it remained lightly overcast all day, making it favorable weather for a walking tour. As I always do, I make sure to arrive at the meeting point more than 30 minutes early, so in preparation for the 10:00 meeting I arrived at the east ticket gate of Kintetsu Nara Station around 9:20. The guests also arrived about 15 minutes early, and we were able to meet up. (In the business report, the "start time" can only be selected in 30-minute increments, so it shows a 9:30 meeting, but I actually met the guests around 9:45.) After a brief self-introduction, I explained the overall itinerary of the tour based on the itinerary sheet, and when we discussed how to handle "lunch," which had not been decided during the pre-tour consultation, it was settled that "since they liked Japanese food very much, they wanted Japanese cuisine." For the itinerary that followed (Kofukuji Temple → Nara Park → Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsudo) → Wakakusayama → lunch → Kasuga Taisha Shrine), I made efforts in my explanations to respond as much as possible to the guests' interests. Since the guests already had some basic knowledge of Japanese culture, I tried to build new discoveries and knowledge on top of that foundation. The main themes covered a wide range, including the differences and coexistence between Shinto and Buddhism, and their influence on the daily life of Japanese people. At the end of the tour, the guests expressed their gratitude, saying, "We were able to learn so many things today, thank you very much." The guests naturally also had a strong interest in the lives and culture of modern-day people in Japan, so since there was about an hour to spare at the end of the tour, I also showed them around the "Higashimuki Shopping Street" and the "Naramachi" area. During that time, they stopped by several shops, bought the local specialty "kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi)," watched the high-speed mochi pounding at "Nakatanidou," and bought souvenirs at small shops making and selling handmade goods, enjoying themselves greatly. I myself thoroughly enjoyed guiding, being able to share the Nara tour with such refreshing and curious guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine／Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara Station／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total250JPY

    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.

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    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Tanabe & Hashigui-iwa Rocks

    Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Tanabe & Hashigui-iwa Rocks

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Kii-Tanabe
    • 10:10　Hamano in front of the station
    • 11:10　Gyuba-Doji-Guchi
    • 11:40　Gyuba-Doji
    • 11:50　Hashiori Pass Observation Deck
    • 12:30　Hongu Taisha
    • 12:45　Oyunohara
    • 13:00　Lunch inside the shrine
    • 14:10　Daimon-zaka
    • 14:20　Seiganto-ji
    • 14:40　Nachi Taisha
    • 15:10　Nachi Falls
    • 15:40　Nachi-no-Taki-Mae
    • 16:20　Hashigui-iwa Rocks
    • 18:00　Kii-Tanabe

    What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guide rode together in a taxi to Kii-Tanabe. When the train arrived, I met up with the guests. We stopped by a bento shop by car to pick up the boxed lunches we had ordered, and then headed to the Kumano Kodo. The guests were visiting from South America and spoke together in Spanish. They mentioned that they often go hiking in their home area as well. Starting from Gyuba Doji-guchi, we walked and I explained about Hashiori Pass and the Gyuba Doji statue. After descending to the road below the lookout point, we took a taxi toward Hongu. As we chatted about how glad we were for the clear weather since it had rained during the night, we arrived at Hongu. We prayed at Kumano Hongu Taisha and took photos at Oyunohara. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography and took pictures frequently. To save time, we ate our boxed lunches in the car while traveling to Nachi. Both of the guests seemed to enjoy the bento. We took photos at Daimonzaka and then went to the parking lot of Seiganto-ji. The guests seemed moved by the view from above. At Seiganto-ji, one of the guests received a goshuin (temple seal). The three of us prayed together at Nachi Taisha. One of the guests bought omamori charms both for personal use and as souvenirs. We moved on to the waterfall and took many photos. On the way back to Kii-Tanabe by taxi, we stopped by Hashigui-iwa, where one of the guests again took many pictures. The driver adjusted the timing skillfully, and we arrived at Kii-Tanabe at exactly 18:00. I helped the guests purchase their return tickets, said goodbye, and concluded the tour.

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kiyoko

    Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.

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    May 23, 2026
    Cecile_V
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    A great and manageable hike with Kiyoko!
    This is…

    Apr 20, 2026
    rosesinthorns
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    The best way to experience the Kumano Kudo in…

    Mar 26, 2026
    22luisandr_sm
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Amazing experience in Kumano kodo
    Kiyoko was amazing. We are…

    Apr 4, 2025
    robrP6297MQ
    Beautiful Tour with detailed Tour Guide!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kobe Port Naka Pier Terminal　10:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　11:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple　12:45 Lunch (Sushi)　13:50 Sanjusangendo　15:10 Gion　16:05 Depart Kyoto
    • 17:50 Drop off 2 of the 4 people at a Kobe beef restaurant　18:00 Arrive at Kobe Port Naka Pier Terminal　Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto and Arashiyama from Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Some of them had visited Japan several times before for other purposes, but this was their first time doing serious sightseeing. There was some concern about the road conditions from Kobe, but thanks to the driver's choice of route, the trip took about one hour and forty minutes each way. In consultation with the driver, we also arranged the route in Arashiyama so as not to take the same path twice. The weather forecast predicted improvement in the afternoon, but there was occasional light rain. Later, as we left Kyoto and headed toward Kobe, the sky became perfectly clear. Throughout the day the cold was not too noticeable. On the way back to Kobe Port, some of the guests wished to visit a shop specializing in Kobe beef, so I guided them there, then took the rest of the guests to the terminal, ending the tour. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    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.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Karasuma Line Gojo Station & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Karasuma Line Gojo Station & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Karasuma Line Gojo Station
    • 13:30-14:10 Nijo Castle
    • 14:40-15:20 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:50-16:30 Gion
    • End

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. Everyone was very polite and enjoyable to be with. We took the subway to Nijo Castle and I guided them through the Ninomaru Palace and its gardens. As it was very cold, we then moved by taxi to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). We had originally planned to head to Fushimi Inari Taisha afterward, but since everyone felt cold, we went directly to Gion by taxi, where I gave explanations before stopping at a café on Hanamikoji Street. We finished with a small Japanese game, and the guests stayed at the café while I headed back on my own. I felt a little sorry that the tour ended earlier than planned, but the guests said they were satisfied, which was reassuring.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, Hotel
    • 9:40 3D Cat, Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Head, Don Quijote
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:10 Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Pachinko parlor tour, Hachiko Loyal Dog Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 12:50 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:15 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:10 Assistance with purchasing sencha and matcha at "Jugetsudo Ginza Kabuki Store"
    • 15:40 Take the Namboku Line from Yotsuya Station and get off at the next station "Nagatacho Station", inform them that Exit 9a is directly connected to the hotel, and disband.

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who arrived in Japan and were staying in Tokyo before continuing by Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, then spending time in Kyoto and Osaka before returning home. Because some of the guests were busy, the itinerary had been prepared in advance by one member of the group. When we met on the day of the tour, we finalized the route together while looking at their wish list. They were a very close-knit group, and during the tour I received several questions about the economic situation in Japan. Although there had been some concern about jet lag since they had only recently arrived, everyone stayed energetic and engaged throughout the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNagatacho～Yotsuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainYotsuya～Shinjuku200JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 7TrainYurakucho～Yotsuya210JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: the b asakusa
    • 9:10 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:20 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Station Travel Concierge
    • 9:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Lunch: Tsukiji Sushisei
    • 13:30 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 13:45 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:15 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Break: Starbucks
    • 16:20 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Asakusa Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya The guests were friends visiting Japan from Europe. It was the first visit to Japan for both of them. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening. They took a taxi to their hotel, but due to a mistake by the agency, it turned out that no reservation had been made. After finally learning the name of the correct hotel by phone, they took another taxi to the hotel where their reservation had actually been made. They mentioned that they had felt quite tired by then. This time they were on an approximately two-week visit to Japan. Starting the day after next, they planned to travel to Hakone, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, before returning home from Kansai Airport. They said they had enjoyed shabu-shabu at a restaurant near their hotel the previous evening. They expressed the wish to explore Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree on their own another day, and to visit the other main spots with a guide. They also said they wanted to experience a variety of Japanese cuisine during their stay in Japan. The tour took place under cloudy skies and rather chilly weather. First, we went to Tsukiji. We strolled slowly through the market area. Although the market was closed for the day, it was crowded with tourists from abroad. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They commented that it was very crowded, that there seemed to be more tourists than locals, and that there are no fish markets this large in Europe. We moved on to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history and current situation of Shinjuku Gyoen, as well as the history of Edo and Tokyo. The cherry blossoms had begun to bloom, and we took commemorative photos in front of several cherry trees. They remarked that the pine trees were wonderful, and eagerly took photos everywhere, saying they always make a point of photographing the places they visit. Since they wanted to try sushi for lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in the Shinjuku Isetan building. They shared that they had first eaten sushi ten years ago and had been fascinated by it ever since. The chef kindly cooperated with various photo requests, and they took many pictures. We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels are displayed there, as well as why wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as what kind of religion Shinto is, and how Buddhism and Shinto differ. We also walked through the crowded Takeshita Street. We moved on to Shibuya. We actually crossed the scramble crossing. There were questions such as how many people gather at peak times, and why it became famous. We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue, and also strolled through Shibuya Center Street. Afterwards, we took a short break at a coffee shop. There were comments and questions such as how clean the streets are with no litter, why there are no trash cans on the streets, and surprise that the public toilets are clean and free, whereas in Europe they are paid and often dirty. I saw them off at Asakusa Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukiji～Shinjuku-gyoemmae210JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku-gyoemmae～Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 6TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

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

    Kyoto: Kofuku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Kyoto Sawaya Honten
    • 10:50 to 11:20 Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 11:35 to 12:15 Todai-ji Temple
    • 12:30 to 12:45 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 13:10 to 13:40 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 to 14:35 Lunch at Tenkaippin
    • 15:45 to 16:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 17:00 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Nara and Fushimi Inari Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Their home area has an average temperature of around 20 degrees, so when they arrived in Japan they found it colder than they had expected, and everyone was feeling slightly under the weather. Even so, although we also used the bus, it was admirable that they were able to walk through the vast Nara Park and climb all the way up to Nigatsu-do Hall. Originally the plan after lunch was to stroll around Naramachi, but the guests said they wanted to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, so we changed the itinerary on short notice. The morning was a little rainy, but the afternoon turned out clear and sunny, and I believe the guests enjoyed today's Nara tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKumano Jinja-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Kintetsu Nara760JPY
    Section 3BusKencho-higashi / Nara Kotsu～Todai-ji Daibutsuden / Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 4BusKasuga Taisha Honden / Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara Station / Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 5TrainKintetsu Nara～Tanbabashi680JPY
    Section 6TrainTanbabashi～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 7TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total2,560JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shiomi Station & Hatchobori Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shiomi Station & Hatchobori Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 9:10 Shiomi Station
    • (JR Keiyo Line)
    • Hatchobori Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:30 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive at Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 11:30 Depart from Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Starbucks
    • 12:40 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Hatchobori Station
    • 13:00 Disband: Hatchobori Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shibuya Body: The guests were two families visiting Japan from North America, all traveling to Japan for the first time. Three days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport and taken a taxi to their hotel. The day before, they had visited TeamLab. Today, after this tour, they planned to go and watch a "sumo show." Tomorrow they planned to visit Disneyland, and from the day after, they would travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, returning home from Kansai Airport. They said, "We'd like to visit the main spots in Tokyo." It was a sunny but somewhat chilly day for the tour. From Shiomi Station, we first headed to Asakusa. Despite it being a weekday, there was a large crowd. We started from the front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and various other spots. We strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question: "We see many people wearing kimono within the temple grounds — do you have to come to the temple in kimono?" We moved on to Akihabara. I explained about "the history and current state of Akihabara." The guests were all fans of Pokemon, and bought large quantities of Pokemon goods and T-shirts as souvenirs. We moved on to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Square. There were questions such as "How many people gather here at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. They said, "We've seen a movie about Hachiko." At Starbucks, they bought mugs as souvenirs. There were comments and questions such as "Tokyo is so clean throughout the city, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean," and "There are no trash cans on the streets — why is that?" I saw them off at Hatchobori Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Hatchobori (Tokyo)200JPY
    Section 2TrainHatchobori (Tokyo)～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainSuehirocho (Tokyo)～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya～Hatchobori (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Four Seasons at Otemachi
    • 9:35 Tsukiji (Fish Market, Outer Market)
    • 11:00 Nezu Shrine ~ Hebi-michi ~ Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:15 Ueno Park
    • 13:15 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Hoppy, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 14:25 Skytree, Solamachi
    • 14:50 Dismissal @Skytree Observatory Ticket Counter

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour from Tsukiji to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arranged a minute-by-minute itinerary in advance, which they had created using ChatGPT, and after meeting and discussing it together, we settled on the route above. Creating itinerary plans has now become an era of working with AI. We started by explaining the Imperial Palace from the hotel lobby on the 39th floor before setting off. At Tsukiji, the guests were more excited than I expected, enjoying sushi at the fish market, purchasing dashi stock, and savoring wagyu skewers. They were deeply moved by the tranquility of Nezu Shrine and Hebi-michi (Snake Road). At Yanaka Ginza, they enjoyed a sweet potato crepe. We passed through Ueno Park and headed toward Asakusa. The cherry blossom bloom in Ueno Park was unchanged from the previous day. As the guests did not seem to enjoy crowds, they preferred Nezu Shrine over Senso-ji Temple. We strolled through the shops in Solamachi, and after helping them purchase tickets for the observation deck, we parted ways. Both listened attentively and asked good questions, which made me happy as a guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji～Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Ueno160JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Oshiage180JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…