Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:50 Meet up @JR Nara Station
    • 2. 10:25@Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 3.11:50@Todaiji Temple
    • 4. 12:40 Lunch @"Tokyo-an" in front of Todaiji Nandaimon Gate
    • 5.13:55@Yakushiji Temple
    • 6.14:55@Toshodaiji Temple
    • 7.16:02 Disband @Kintetsu Tsuruhashi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like From Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and we met at Nara Station. They had come from Osaka to Nara by JR train, and when I sent a message while I was also on a JR train heading to Nara Station from Osaka, it turned out they were on the same train. As a result, there was no problem meeting up. We visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine and then Todaiji Temple. I had explained in advance that the deer can be aggressive, and while one of the guests was feeding senbei crackers to a deer, a deer bit them through their trousers. Later they showed me a photo, and the bitten area had turned into a red bruise. After visiting Todaiji Temple, we went into a soba restaurant. The guests had sansai soba and nishin soba, but a small piece of cellophane was found in the sansai soba. I mentioned this to the restaurant staff afterward, but they only said "sorry" and left it at that. I regret that I should have raised the matter more firmly with the staff. After lunch, we visited Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple, but by then the guests had grown tired of temples. They then said that since they were going to Hiroshima the next day and this was their last night, they wanted to head back early. Hearing that comment was disappointing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station/Nara Kotsu～Todaiji Daibutsuden/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 2OtherTodaiji Daibutsuden/Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu Nara～Nishinokyo300JPY
    Section 4TrainNishinokyo～Yamato-Saidaiji180JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:05 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • (Since the bullet train time was moved up, the start time was moved earlier on the day.)
    • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:40 Nijo Castle
    • 11:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk ~ Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 14:15 Gion Tatsumi Bridge ~ Hanamikoji Street Walk
    • 15:05 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests visiting from North America. They had traveled by cruise ship from Shanghai through various parts of Asia, stopping in Nagasaki, Ishigaki Island, and Kochi, and were planning to continue on to Tokyo. Since they did not look at souvenirs at all, took relatively few photos, and the sites were comparatively uncrowded, the tour proceeded very smoothly. I had initially thought we would not be able to see very many places and had not included the Tenryu-ji garden or Gion in the itinerary, but we were able to visit those as well, which they were delighted about. I believe they had an enjoyable time.

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

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 09:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 11:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 12:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Sake Brewery Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and the tour proceeded smoothly. At each spot, everyone showed great interest during the visits and listened attentively to the guide's explanations. They took many photos at all the points, including the full view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, the point directly below Himeji Castle, and the interior of Himeji Castle. Regarding Himeji Castle, comments such as "Wonderful!" were heard many times. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they greatly enjoyed not only the free tasting but also the paid tasting. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed 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

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    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai～Shiodome Station (Oedo Line) Tsukiji Shijo Station＜10:30 Tsukiji Outer Market 11:15＞Higashi-ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line) Asakusa Station＜11:45 Sensoji Temple 12:15＞Lunch＜12:15 Jozushi 13:00＞＜13:15 Kappabashi Kitchen Town 13:40＞Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line) Daimon Station～Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Focused on Nori Seaweed Shops Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, having arrived the previous day. Their visit combined sightseeing with gathering information about nori seaweed, and since I had heard in advance that they were interested in nori, the tour became an introduction to Japan combined with visits to nori seaweed shops. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides frequently lead this kind of themed private tour tailored to a guest's specific interests. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guests purchased nori at a nori specialty shop, and in Asakusa they bought nori at another specialty shop that offered tastings of various types. For lunch, we walked into a sushi restaurant on Tanuki Street for the first time, and they seemed to like the atmosphere of this establishment with 90 years of history. In addition, there had been an email from a travel agency asking me to contact the guests directly by phone, so I reached them by phone. It seems my prior confirmation email had not reached the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome～Tsukiji Shijo180JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Daimon (Tokyo)220JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Hiroaki

    Hi I am Hiroaki. I am pleased if I could help you to have a good and memorable experience here in Japan.
    I started as a guide in 2017 after retiring. My expertise is outdoor/town walking tour as well as universal tourism.
    If you like, I might show you a lively ordinal local life during the tour.
    I love tourism. I visited all 47 domestic prefectures in Japan and all 50 states in US. I like long journey like walking/biking historical/pilgrimage routes, and love sports especially rugby, triathlon.
    I would like to make your tour as much as customized according to your preference. So the information about spots you want to visit, things you want to do is very helpful for me to prepare plan some options of the day.
    Do not hesitate contact me via email.

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    Mar 22, 2025
    Tracy_L
    Special Day in Tokyo with Hiroaki!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful day with Hiroaki! He tailored…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Meet
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Dissolution in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group visiting from Oceania. They mentioned that they live in a small inland town, and the atmosphere throughout the tour was warm and relaxed. The rain from the previous night had cleared, and we were blessed with beautiful clear skies on the day of the tour. On Miyajima, the cherry blossom buds had just begun to take on a hint of color, and together with the bright smiles of the guests, it made for a moment where one could truly feel the arrival of spring. For lunch, we visited an okonomiyaki restaurant on the mainland side with a view of Miyajima, and were able to be seated without any wait. In the afternoon, after touring the Peace Memorial Park, we also stopped by a local supermarket and an antique shop, allowing the guests to experience everyday Japanese culture. From start to finish, it was a calm and heartwarming tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Hakushima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

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    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
    • 10:30 Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno Station (quite crowded)
    • 11:00 Asakusa (Skytree photos) It was very crowded due to a festival, so it was hard to make progress
    • 12:40 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:00 Hibiya Godzilla statue and Godzilla shopping
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:40 Disband at Conrad Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was not very good, but it did not rain, so the tour proceeded smoothly. During a brief discussion right after meeting, I learned that the guests wished to purchase a Welcome Suica, so we changed the plan to buy it at Ueno Station and began from there. In Asakusa, there was a dragon dance festival, so we could not pass through Nakamise and it took some extra time. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests took many photos of the various varieties of cherry blossoms and camellias. After visiting the requested Godzilla statue in Hibiya and doing some shopping, we entered Meiji Shrine, where I explained its history and religious background. Around this point, fatigue from the time difference and other factors became noticeable. I called an Uber taxi and saw the guests off at their hotel, bringing the tour to a close.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Ueno200JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Takebashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi～Hibiya0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHibiya～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Pontocho & Onitsuka Tiger

    Kyoto: Pontocho & Onitsuka Tiger

    Kyoto Customized Tour & Kimono Experience, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:05 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 10:30 Pontocho
    • 11:00 Kimono experience　
    • 12:30 Tatsumi Bridge area　
    • 13:00 Café, shopping
    • 14:00 End of kimono experience
    • 14:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:30 Onitsuka Tiger

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like for Cruise Ship Arrivals? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived by cruise ship at Kobe. They were not clear on the difference between Kobe and Kyoto, so it took some time to decide on a meeting point. I was relieved when we were finally able to meet at Kyoto Station. They had said Kyoto was what they were looking forward to the most, and they wanted to see something that felt truly like Kyoto. They were very pleased with Pontocho before it became crowded. They had said they only wanted to wear kimono for the kimono experience, but I convinced them that it would be a shame to stop there, and guided them to Tatsumi Bridge. They had not intended to walk around outside, but they became very excited and took many photos. Although it was before the scheduled end of the tour, we finished early at the guests' request.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Tour & Kimono Experience, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hakone Yumoto Aura Tachibana→Hakone Yumoto Station→Hakone Tozan Railway→10:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum→11:50 Lunch at Gora→12:45 Hakone Cable Car from Gora Station→Ropeway→Owakudani→13:20 Togendai→Pirate Ship→Bus from Hakonemachi Port→15:15 See off at Hakone Yumoto Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting at the hotel, we headed from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests loved art and looked at the works in the museum with great interest, and as this day happened to fall on the once-a-year grass-burning event, they were delighted by the sight. For lunch, we visited a small seafood restaurant as usual, where the conversation in French with the proprietress was lively and enjoyable. The sky was cloudy that day, so we had no expectations of seeing Mount Fuji at all, but on the way to Owakudani by ropeway, the clouds covering the entire sky had cleared only in the direction of Mount Fuji, and everyone was thrilled when the snow-capped Mount Fuji came into view. It turned out to be a truly fulfilling day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Hakone Yumoto Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassHakone Yumoto Station～Chokoku-no-mori Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassChokoku-no-mori Station～Gora Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassGora Station～Sounzan Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSounzan～Togendai0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTogendai～Hakonemachi Port0JPY
    Section 7Free PassHakonemachi Port～Hakone Yumoto Station0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:10　Meet at JR Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit
    • ②　11:00　Explanation of today's itinerary and Kyoto's history in front of Saga-Arashiyama Station
    • ③　11:20　Heiseiin ~ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Kameyama Park ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • ④　12:30　Obaiin at Daitokuji Temple
    • ⑤　14:00　Lunch around Nishiki Market
    • ⑥　15:20　Nijo Castle
    • ⑦　16:00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑧　17:00　Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America who were staying in Tokyo and came to Kyoto early in the morning by bullet train, planning to return to Tokyo in the evening. It was their first time in Japan, and although one of the group had visited once before, the group requested that I explain everything as if it were everyone's first visit. Their wishes were to learn about Japanese history and to see a dry landscape garden (karesansui), and to add the bamboo grove of Arashiyama as well. The first thing they asked when we met was that, while they were interested in Japanese history, what mattered most to them was why each event happened — the background, this "Why?" was important. Why was the capital moved to Kyoto? Why did the capital need to move to Tokyo? Why did the 15th Tokugawa shogun have to return power to the emperor? Why is the shogun called the shogun? Why are the torii gates at Fushimi Inari gathered together to form a tunnel? What exactly is Arashiyama? That was the kind of thing they wanted to know. For me it was exactly what I had been waiting for, and I happily talked about everything one after another. Since they were interested in dry landscape gardens, I also talked about Zen Buddhism, seated meditation, and what karesansui is, but surprisingly there were no deep questions on this topic. Perhaps its spiritual nature was difficult to grasp. On the other hand, they listened with great interest to topics like Onmyodo, perhaps because it overlapped in their minds with feng shui. The North American pronunciation of "Yin Yang" was difficult for me, so I took the opportunity to ask them to repeat it many times, and when I practiced the pronunciation on the train asking "Is it something like this?" it got a big laugh for reasons I don't quite understand. For lunch we went into an udon shop. Starting from how the udon broth is completely different between the Kanto and Kansai regions, we somehow ended up talking about the difference in temperament between people from Kansai and Kanto. Today it started raining in the afternoon, and at the final destination, Fushimi Inari Taisha, it rained quite hard and got cold, so sightseeing became difficult. Unfortunately we had to wrap up early, and as time was running short, we returned to Kyoto Station and said goodbye. I hope it became a good memory for them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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

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    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…

  • Kochi: Ryuga Cave & port

    Kochi: Ryuga Cave & port

    Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00　Depart from port
    • 8:40　Ryuga Cave
    • 9:30　Daiso
    • 10:00　Travel
    • 11:00　Kochi Castle
    • 12:00　Obiyamachi Shopping Street
    • 12:20　Lunch (Hiromatsu)
    • 13:10　Harimaya Bridge
    • 13:20　Kochi Daimaru
    • 13:40　Travel
    • 14:00　Arrive at port

    Title: What Is a Private Cruise-Port Day Trip to Ryugado Cave and Kochi Shopping Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family from North America visiting from a cruise ship. They wished to visit Ryugado Cave, so I recommended the adventure course, saying it was fun, but they chose not to take it, perhaps because it takes about an hour longer than the standard course. The cost of 4,700 yen per person, plus having to cover the guide's admission, may also have been a factor. As some of the guests wanted to buy stationery, I took them to a 100-yen shop and the Hands section inside a department store. Some of the guests also wanted to buy clothes, but there were no shops aimed at that style and the remaining time was short, so we decided to skip it.

    Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by KAY

    Hi! I’m Kay.
    It’s my pleasure to be your guide.
    I was born and raised in Kochi city, and I worked for Kochi City Hall for nearly 30 years, so I think I know a lot about Kochi.

    Firstly, I can guide you to the Kochi castle. Most castles you can find in Japan have been rebuilt after fires, wars, or natural disasters. However, Kochi Castle is one of the very few castles that still have the whole structure of its original tower and the mail palace from the Edo period (1603–1868). This makes it especially valuable for understanding Japan’s history and traditional architecture. You’ll like it!

    Other major tourist sites are adventurous Ryugado limestone cave, Makino botanical garden, Chikurinji temple with historical stonesteps, Zenjibuji temple with the spectacular panoramic view, paper-making activity, Oboke gorge, Nakatsu gorge, Niyodo river with a historical bridge and so on.
    If you like sake, you can visit sake brewery, and if you are interested in walking local streets, you can stroll my neighborhood.

    Kochi is a small city, but it’s very popular among tourists for its beautiful nature and good food. I took my kids to rivers and mountains when they were little. If you are interested in those places, please ask me. And I know many good restaurants, too.
    I’m looking forward to enjoying them together with you!

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    Jul 7, 2026
    A_J
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent tour with Kay
    Had an amazing time with our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    romankU9693SM
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our trip to Kochi
    Kay was a wonderful guide, very…

    May 28, 2026
    nancykotr
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Kay was a wonderful…
    Kay was a wonderful guide. We…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Jörg R
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Ein toller Ausflug in Kochi
    Pünktliche Abholung, kurze Transferzeiten…