Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 08:30 to 09:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:00 to 11:00 Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Yasaka Pagoda,
    • 11:20 to 11:40 Gion
    • 12:05 to 12:45 Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:15 to 13:45 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:00 to 15:00 Lunch at Itsuki Chaya Arashiyama Main Store
    • 17:00 Disband at Kobe Port Terminal

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were all very friendly and approachable, and we enjoyed pleasant conversation throughout the tour. As planned, I guided them around the popular spots listed above. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. The private tour was extended by one hour, and the group had a great time exploring Tokyo together.

    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 !!

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Okura Tokyo
    • 2. 09:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:40 Stay @ Sensoji Temple
    • 4. 10:40 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:10 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 12:10 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:35 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8. 12:55 Disband @ Tsukiji Higashi-dori

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Tsukiji The guests were visitors from North America. They were both strong walkers and already had Suica cards, so getting around went smoothly throughout the day. I guided them to three places: Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Tsukiji. To save time, we transferred to the Toei subway when heading to Asakusa first. One of the guests was a smoker, but a cigarette break was needed only at the first stop, Senso-ji. At the East Gardens, I believe they took many photos, mainly of the Kanzakura (early-blooming cherry blossoms). Since they wished to have lunch in Tsukiji after the tour, I guided them there last. Because the time spent at the first two locations was somewhat short, there was room to introduce the shops inside the Tsukiji Fish Market. I took them to a recommended sushi restaurant on Higashi-dori before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Total650JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Taxi
    • 3. 10:20 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:25 Travel: Taxi
    • 5. 11:40 Stay @ Sensoji Temple, Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 6. 12:40 Travel: Taxi
    • 7. 12:55 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 8. 14:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gate

    What Is a Private Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were a group visiting Japan. Since it had been difficult to get in touch beforehand, this was a booking I had been somewhat concerned about, but on the day everything proceeded smoothly from start to finish. At the group's request, we traveled entirely by taxi, and perhaps because it was a Sunday, the roads were relatively empty, so I felt we were able to save time compared with traveling by train. I guided the group mainly around three areas: the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa and the Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, and Shinjuku Gyoen. I had expected shopping at Kappabashi Kitchenware Street to take some time, but this time the guests only wanted to check out the location and planned to return another day, so it took relatively little time. As a result, at the final stop of Shinjuku Gyoen, I was able to show them a fairly wide area, including the greenhouse. Please note that on this occasion the guests paid the admission fee for Shinjuku Gyoen themselves.

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Gion Ichirin
    • 8:40 Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
    • 9:00 Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu-dera → Fushimi Inari by taxi)
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Lunch in Gion (okonomiyaki)
    • 13:50 Gion
    • 14:20 End at the hotel (guest has agreed to the 10-minute early finish)

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. After coming to Tokyo, they were traveling on to Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. The guest wished to sightsee during less crowded hours, so we started at 8:30. Since the guest also expressed a desire to have time for taking photographs, I guided them mainly around photogenic spots. As the sightseeing progressed smoothly, I suggested Nijo Castle, which had not been on the original plan, and the guest was happy to visit it, so I guided them there. In Gion, the guest enjoyed okonomiyaki.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo (Kyoto)220JPY
    Total630JPY

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

    Kuni

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

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

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

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel
    • 12:50-13:20. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 13:50-14:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:50-15:35 Nijo Castle
    • 16:10-16:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 17:20-17:45 Gion
    • Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of visitors from North America. Since they had already finished lunch, we were able to spend a full six hours sightseeing, which made for a rich and satisfying tour. We viewed the Arashiyama bamboo grove, passed through Tenryu-ji Temple, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and then headed to Kinkaku-ji Temple. At the bamboo grove they took many photos, and although English sometimes did not fully get through, I believe they understood most of what I explained. I explained about Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, and at Nijo Castle there were questions about the shogun. At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, we drew omikuji fortunes and my explanation made things lively and enjoyable. We then went to Hanamikoji Street in Gion and I gave an explanation there, but around 5:45 the guests wanted to see more of Gion, so we ended the tour.

    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.

    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.…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:30 Hiroshima Station – Dismiss

    Title: What's a Private Family Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. On the day of the tour, there was a notice about a train delay, but I was able to meet the group safely in front of their arriving carriage. Because the group included young members, I paced the tour around them while checking in with the guests along the way. At the temple, I made an effort to keep everyone engaged, and it was memorable how much they enjoyed the darkness experience. At the Peace Memorial Park, everyone toured the site attentively, and within the limited time available I adjusted the schedule so that they could catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto without any trouble, making for a fulfilling day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae~Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kochi: Ekingura & Kochi Shinko Port

    Kochi: Ekingura & Kochi Shinko Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart from Kochi Shinko Port
    • 9:25 Arrive at Ekingura
    • 10:10 Depart from Ekingura
    • 10:40 Arrive at Kochi Castle
    • 12:15 Walk to Hirome Market
    • 13:10 Depart from Hirome Market
    • 13:25 Arrive at Makino Botanical Garden
    • 14:25 Walk to Chikurinji Temple
    • 14:50 Depart from Chikurinji Temple
    • 15:00 Arrive at Kochi Shinko Port

    Title: What Is a Private Sightseeing Day Tour in Japan Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, there had been an inquiry expressing concern about the vehicle size for the group. In practice, however, it was well within the anticipated range, and everyone was able to travel comfortably with plenty of space inside the vehicle, so there were no particular issues. The guests had expressed a wish to visit as many places as possible and to experience Japanese culture, even if the time spent at each spot was short. As a result, the itinerary became somewhat busy, but overall it went largely as planned. Differences in physical stamina within the group became especially noticeable at the castle and temples. I felt it would be helpful if there were a way to learn in advance about the guests' individual physical conditions.

    Hello everyone, I am Saori Nishida.
    I was born in Hokkaido, but risen up in Tokyo, and live in Ehime prefecture.
    I met my husband in Australia. Our honeymoon was traveling around Japan by hitchhiking, It can be said that I am a natural born traveler like you.

    Uwajima city where I live is famous for Japan’s top produce and shipping volume of citrus and pearl. And we are also proud of the quality and quantity of fish farming in our city.
    There is one of the 12 existing castle towers. Those castle towers are originally constructed more than 400 years ago. Our city is located on the route of pilgrimage to visit 88 temples on Shikoku island where our prefecture is.

    I run a guesthouse with my family : we have small daughters. I think I can pass on the happiness of doing what I like to my children and the younger generation in the community.

    My favorite things are sake brewery, temples and shrines, art museum, castles, water activities, and karaoke. I am sure I will get along with one of you.
    I always drink coffee in the morning and beer at night. This is how I stay healthy.

    My first tour was in 2023. Since then, I have been guiding approximately 300 guests each year on average, spending around 90 days annually taking them to various places across Shikoku as well as to Okayama, Hiroshima, Wakayama, Kyoto, Kyushu, and other regions.

    As a licensed English-speaking tour guide, I have worked with a wide range of clients, from individuals to large groups. I can accommodate everything from short tours lasting half a day to extended tours of around two weeks.
    Whether it’s a shore excursion from a cruise ship, a Shikoku round-trip tour, guiding for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, or a cycling tour, I lead each experience with energy, humor, and lots of fun!

    Shikoku, where I live, is a hidden gem where Japan’s original landscapes and traditional culture still remain deeply preserved. It is also home to the Seto Inland Sea, a region that has gained global attention as a sanctuary of contemporary art. Shikoku is where the 1,200-year-old pilgrimage route, the Shikoku Henro, continues to be walked even today. Here, the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. I promise to show you a fascinating side of Japan that you’ve never seen before. Let’s travel together!

    Sep 30, 2025
    Eveline_E
    If this tour is available for your date I would grab immediately!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sanjusangen-do

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel Meet (@M's Plus Shijo Omiya)
    • 7:30-8:30 Travel (Hankyu Line; Omiya→Kyoto Kawaramachi, Keihan Line; Gion-Shijo→Fushimi Inari)
    • 8:30-9:30 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 9:30-10:00 Travel (Keihan Line; Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 10:00:11:20 Visit Kiyomizu-dera (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 11:20-11:40 Visit Yasaka Shrine
    • 11:40-12:10 Travel (City Bus; Yasaka Shrine→Higashiyama-Sanjo)
    • 12:10-13:00 Visit Sanjusangen-do
    • 13:00-13:15 Travel (Keihan Line; Keihan Shichijo→Gion-Shijo)
    • 13:15-13:30 Travel (On foot; Gion-Shijo→Nishiki Market)
    • 13:30 Tour ends We escorted them to the entrance of Nishiki Market and said goodbye

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were traveling together as friends. It was their first time in Japan, and they came to Kyoto after visiting Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, and other places. It was the first visit to Kyoto for all of them. We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Sanjusangendo, and then I took them to Nishiki Market, where the tour concluded. It was an early morning tour starting at 7:30, but both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera were very crowded with visitors from overseas. During the tour the temperature rose quite a bit, making for a very pleasant climate. We were also able to spot some early-blooming cherry blossoms here and there. Some of the guests said they liked Fushimi Inari best, while others preferred Kiyomizu-dera. Some of the guests were particularly impressed by the cliff-side architectural structure of the Kiyomizu stage at Kiyomizu-dera.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOmiya (Kyoto Prefecture)~Kyoto Kawaramachi170JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion/Kyoto Bus~Higashiyama-Shichijo/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainKeihan Shichijo/Queen Line~Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at hotel, discuss today's itinerary 9:45 Hotel 10:20 Fushimi Inari 12:10 Kinkaku-ji 13:20 Tour ends 13:30 Guide to lunch spot (Indian restaurant) and end the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji Body: The guests visited Japan from Asia, and communication before the tour was difficult, as there were fewer than two days between the assignment and the tour day, and they had arrived in Japan only the day before. As a result, we decided on the destinations at the hotel before setting out. Their English was at times a little difficult to follow, but they understood my explanations very well. At Fushimi Inari, they took time to try the "Omokaru Ishi" (lifting stone) and to dedicate a "white fox ema" (votive plaque). They followed Japanese customs and manners very respectfully throughout. By the time we arrived at Kinkaku-ji, it was already midday. The weather was fine and there was no wind, making it a very pleasant tour. After Kinkaku-ji, I guided them to a nearby Indian restaurant, and the tour concluded there. It was a comfortable and enjoyable day. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOishibashi~Tofukuji230JPY
    Section 2OtherTofukuji~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 4OtherEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total810JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet @ Strings InterContinental
    • 9:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:45 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:15 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 13:00 ~ Tour by car around the Imperial Palace, Ginza, Odaiba, Tokyo Tower
    • 14:45 Disband @ Strings InterContinental

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Yokohama the previous day after traveling through several destinations in Asia. At Meiji Shrine, I took a photo of them by the well-known camphor trees. A family wedding photo session happened to be taking place, and the guests watched with great interest. In the Imperial Garden, although the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms had not yet bloomed, the weeping cherry trees and others had progressed noticeably compared to four days earlier, and the guests were very satisfied. At Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, the sunshine was pleasant, so we relaxed on a bench and enjoyed conversation while taking in the garden scenery. As one of the guests began experiencing itchy eyes and a runny nose along the way, we stopped at a pharmacy to purchase some medicine. Because of this, after Korakuen the guests stayed in the vehicle, and with the help of the driver, we viewed the Imperial Palace, Ginza, Odaiba, and Tokyo Tower from the car windows. I hope the guest feels better before tomorrow's tour.

    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

    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…