Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at HOTEL MYSTAYS Iidabashi
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:30 Stroll around Asakusa
    • 12:00 Lunch at Tsukishima Monja Okoge Asakusa
    • 13:45 Stroll around Shibuya
    • 14:00 Shibuya PARCO (Pokemon Center, Nintendo), disband

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Shibuya The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. One member of the group had been to Japan once before for the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, but for the rest of the group it was their first visit. Before coming to Tokyo, they had enjoyed skiing in Niseko. We started at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. They listened to my explanations with great interest and asked many questions. In places the cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom, and we took many photos. In Asakusa, we were fortunate to catch the "Golden Dragon Dance" performance just at the right moment. This was my 146th tour, and when I told them it was the first time I had ever seen it myself, they were delighted, saying we were truly lucky. For lunch, they enjoyed okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Since one of the younger guests was not fond of ramen broth or raw foods, I recommended yakisoba, and they tried it for the first time and said it was delicious. At this restaurant, even when it is busy, the staff grill the food for you and the service is smooth, so I would happily use it again. Our last stop was Shibuya. When arriving by the Ginza Line, the walk from Shibuya Station toward the Hachiko statue offers a view of the Shibuya Crossing from the second floor, which I often like to point out. We finished at the Pokémon Center in Shibuya PARCO. As it was quite crowded, the guests said we could end the tour there. It was a tour where everything went smoothly, and I was very happy that the guests enjoyed it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIidabashi～Takebashi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Shibuya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by AYAKA

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

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    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:30 Nijo Castle
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:00 Higashiyama Area
    • 15:00 Gion

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Ninenzaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group of guests, including a local friend, on a private tour. Since the guests wished to visit four locations, they purchased lunch at a convenience store. All of the destinations seemed to leave a strong impression on the group. As one of the guests was tired and walking slowly, I made sure to keep a relaxed pace. Also, because it was raining, the ground was slippery, and one of the guests slipped several times, which was alarming. Fortunately nothing serious happened, but I felt the importance of guiding carefully. Since the guests had a reservation for a tea ceremony experience at Ninenzaka, we parted ways in Gion.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto City Hall Front～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2TrainNijojo-mae～Inari410JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji / Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    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.…

  • 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

    • 08:30 Hotel Meet
    • 09:30 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:30 Atomic Bomb Dome (dismissal)

    Can You Do a Private Family-Friendly Tour of Miyajima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The tour began in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with the guests smiling as we chatted about coffee. To ease physical strain during the tour, we prioritized using elevators and escalators for getting around. It began to drizzle partway through, but at Miyajima we avoided slopes as much as possible and carefully selected the sites to visit, keeping the itinerary comfortable and manageable. Throughout the day, the tour was designed with safety and comfort in mind.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakaramachi Kita / Hiroshima Bus～Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima～Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Glad One Kyoto Shichijo Meet-up
    • 10:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 11:55 Nijo Castle
    • 13:30 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 14:20 Lunch at Togenkyo
    • 15:20 Disband at Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests visiting from Europe. They had already traveled through Hiroshima, Osaka, and Nara, and were planning to head to Tokyo next. They were interested in the Japanese language and had been studying it on their own, and I was surprised at how many words they already knew. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was not very crowded, so we were able to take our time going around, which was nice. Nijo Castle also happened to be at a good time and was not too crowded, so I was able to give explanations at a relaxed pace, which was great. In the garden the cherry blossoms were already in bloom, and the guests were delighted. Kinkaku-ji Temple also had relatively few people, perhaps because it had started to rain, so we were able to go around slowly. Since lunch had become late, I suggested ramen, and the guests said they very much wanted to try it, so we went together to Togenkyo. Afterward they asked if there were any recommended places, and when I suggested Sanjusangendo, they said they wanted to go and asked me to explain how to get there, so I accompanied them to the Kyoto Station bus stop and gave directions. As a result the tour ran considerably over time, for which I apologize.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2SubwayImadegawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji～Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo: Ueno Park & Asakusa

    Tokyo: Ueno Park & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Strings InterContinental
    • 9:30 Ueno Park (Hirokoji Exit ~ Kiyomizu Kannon ~ Toshogu Shrine)
    • 10:30 Tokyo National Museum
    • 12:30 Kappabashi Shopping Street
    • 13:00 Asakusa (Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple / Golden Dragon Dance)
    • 15:10 Disperse @ Strings InterContinental

    Title: What Is a Two-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Kappabashi, and Asakusa Today was the second day with the same guests. We strolled through Ueno Park in pleasantly comfortable weather. The Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms were only blooming a few flowers at a time, but the number of food stalls and the size of the trash bins prepared gave the guests a good sense of the lively crowds expected from this coming weekend. One of the guests enjoys history, so they took their time appreciating the exhibits, and we stayed longer than planned at the Tokyo National Museum. At Kappabashi, they found a knife they liked and purchased it. At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, they were able to buy souvenirs for family, freeing them from the burden of gift shopping. Adjusting the schedule between the 17th and 18th to coincide with the Golden Dragon Dance at Sensoji Temple in March worked out well, and the guests appeared very satisfied. When the same guide handles a two-day multi-day tour, it is convenient and flexible for both the guests and the guide. This was the second time pairing up with today's driver, which made things go smoothly.

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

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Sannenzaka

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Sannenzaka

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Depart from hotel
    • 10:30　Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 12:00　Yasaka Koshindo・Yasaka Pagoda・Sannenzaka
    • 12:30　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:40　Sannenzaka
    • 14:00　End at Sannenzaka

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nanzenji and Kiyomizudera I guided a group of guests visiting from Europe. They had informed me that they had already visited Fushimi Inari Taisha the previous day, so we changed the plan on short notice and went to Nanzenji Temple instead. There were relatively few tourists, and the guests were able to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Sanmon gate, the Hojo Garden, and the Suirokaku aqueduct. Nanzenji in particular received high praise, and the change turned out to be a good decision. At Kiyomizudera, the guests appeared a little tired from the crowds, but they showed strong interest in the explanation of the Yasaka Pagoda and the earthquake-resistant structure of the Kiyomizu stage. At the end, they expressed their satisfaction with the tour. I have also been informed that a review was kindly written via chat, so I would appreciate it if this could be checked.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Sanjo／Kyoto City Bus～Nanzenji Eikando-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeage～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kiyomizu-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total680JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum & Ikuta Shrine

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Naka Pier
    • 09:45 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 11:15 @ Nishimura Coffee Shop
    • 12:30 @ Ikuta Shrine
    • 13:00 Disband @ Ikuta Shrine

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kobe Walking Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour in Kobe for guests visiting from North America. One of the guests used a cane but moved around smoothly throughout the day. On the way, I took the group to "Hokodo," said to be the oldest coffee shop in Japan (opened in 1878), located in the Kobe Motomachi shopping arcade, and the guests were very interested. I also explained that Kobe is the place where the first Hollywood film in Japan was screened and where jazz was first performed in the country. At the "Hakutsuru Sake Museum," the guests were particularly interested and toured it enthusiastically, asking many questions. On the way back, we visited "Ikuta Shrine," where the guests also offered a prayer. However, since one of the guests seemed a little tired, they requested a break at the long-established local coffee house "Nishimura Coffee Shop," and afterward decided to return to their ship. As a result, we ran short of time and were unable to visit the "Kitano Ijinkan (Foreign Residences) area" and "Nankinmachi Chinatown" as originally planned, which was a little disappointing. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which the guests were delighted to receive. Although in practice we only visited one main site, the guests toured the Hakutsuru Sake Museum with great interest, and were very satisfied with the wonderful coffee at "Nishimura Coffee Shop." In the end, the guests commented that it was "the most enjoyable tour ever," which I truly appreciated. Note) Today, a mix-up occurred regarding the meeting location. I had confirmed with the guests, both previously and on the day itself, that we would meet at "the 3rd-floor lobby of the Kobe Port Terminal," but in reality it was the "Naka Pier Terminal." Fortunately, these two locations are close to each other, and since I had arrived early to wait, I was able to take a taxi from the "Kobe Port Terminal" to the "Naka Pier Terminal" and managed to start the tour as originally scheduled. While there was some lack of confirmation and awareness on the guests' side, I deeply reflect that a major cause was also my own failure to confirm the name of the ship, and I will make sure to carry out thorough advance confirmation in the future.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)～Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)～Sannomiya200JPY
    Total400JPY

    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

    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 in One Day: 00 @ Tsukiji

    Tokyo in One Day: 00 @ Tsukiji

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.12:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 2.12:30 @ Tsukiji Market
    • 3:13:00 @ Tsukiji
    • 4.14:10 @ Asakusa
    • 5.15:50 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6.16:40 @ Takeshita Street
    • 7.17:10 @ Cat Street
    • 8.17:40 @ Shibuya Crossing
    • 9.18:00 Disband @ Shibuya

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Europe. The tour was originally scheduled to start at 9:00, but due to a conflict in the Middle East, their flight was changed. They arrived on the morning of the 17th, so the tour began at 12:00 instead. Since they had already had lunch, at Tsukiji they enjoyed salmon nigiri at a stand-up sushi bar. They said it was very fresh. They walked around and looked at various shops, and seemed to want to come back on their own. In Asakusa, they purchased subway tickets and remarked how beautiful the buildings of Senso-ji were. They also found the forest of Meiji Shrine wonderful and took many photos. After that, on Takeshita Street, they enjoyed a different atmosphere with animal cafes and crepes. They were very fit and did not mind walking at all, so we strolled along Cat Street, experienced the Shibuya Crossing, and ended the tour in Shibuya. They were lovely guests who could enjoy anything.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total730JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

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    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Naka Pier Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Naka Pier Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Naka Pier Terminal
    • 10:00-10:30 Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 10:45-11:45 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:05-12:40 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 13:10-13:30 Ikuta Shrine
    • 13:45 Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • Tour ends

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Herb Gardens, Sake Museums, and Nankinmachi The guests were visitors from Europe. After seeing the Earthquake Memorial Park, we took a taxi from the Hotel to Nunobiki Herb Garden. We rode the ropeway to the top, and although there were not many flowers in bloom, we walked back down. At Shin-Kobe Station we took a taxi to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (4,000 yen), where the guests asked interesting questions with great curiosity. We then took a taxi to Ikuta Shrine and walked to Nankinmachi, where the tour concluded as the guests planned to take a coffee break. Since it started to rain, I thought it was fortunate that we could walk from Ikuta Shrine through the covered arcade street and stay relatively dry.

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

    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.

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    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.…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00　　　　Meet the guests at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 09:10~09:20　Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing
    • 09:30~11:20　Toshogu Shrine sightseeing
    • 11:25~11:40　Futarasan Shrine sightseeing
    • 11:55~12:40　Lunch
    • 12:40~13:20　Hotel History Museum sightseeing
    • 13:25~14:30　Tamozawa Imperial Villa sightseeing
    • 15:00　　　 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko's World Heritage Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guest was a visitor from North America. As the guest wished to see recommendations related to World Heritage sites and architecture, I guided them to the two shrines and one temple of Nikko, the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, and the Kanaya Hotel History Museum. The guest was very curious and listened attentively to my explanations about the World Heritage sites. Since the guest was interested in architecture-related sightseeing, I allocated a little extra time at the Tamozawa Imperial Villa and the Kanaya Hotel History Museum and gave an overview of Japanese architectural styles, which the guest seemed to greatly enjoy. I believe they were very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station～Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTamozawa Imperial Villa～Tobu Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Taka

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

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    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…