Category: Uncategorized

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Today I met the customer at JR Miyajimaguchi Station at 10:50 and headed to Miyajima by ferry.
    • As the customer enjoys collecting goshuin (temple/shrine stamps), I guided them straight to Itsukushima Shrine upon arrival, and after waiting in a short line, they made their visit. Since they had a strong desire to visit various places, I prioritized covering as many spots as possible over historical explanations or photography. As the goshuin reception line was short, they were able to receive the goshuin smoothly at Itsukushima Shrine, after which I guided them to Daiganji Temple, where they also received a goshuin.
    • Before 1:00 PM we arrived at Daishoin Temple, where they received a goshuin as well.
    • Afterward, they considered taking the ropeway to Mount Misen, and I guided them to the ticket counter, but as the wait time was announced to be about 45 minutes, we decided not to use the ropeway this time. Instead, we strolled around Momijidani Park until around 2:00 PM, and they leisurely enjoyed the natural scenery.
    • During the walk, I directed the smoking customer to a smoking area, and in the meantime, the other customers enjoyed shopping and light refreshments in the surrounding area. After regrouping, I guided them to a café, where they spent tea time with drinks and cake while enjoying the view of Toyokuni Shrine. As they mentioned they were not very hungry, we skipped a meal at a restaurant and kept it to light refreshments.
    • At the café, there was also a moment when they saw a snake that appeared on a tree, which they observed with interest, enjoying themselves in a pleasant atmosphere.
    • After relaxing at the café, we headed to the ferry terminal, departed Miyajima on the ferry just after 3:00 PM, and said our goodbyes on board.

    What Is a Private Goshuin Shrine-Stamp Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this tour, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) arranged an itinerary centered on collecting goshuin (shrine and temple stamps), carried out at a comfortable pace tailored to the guests' wishes. During the transfers, the guests kindly shared memories and photos from their travels around various parts of Japan, and I could feel their strong interest in and affection for Japanese culture. The tour proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout. There were no major troubles or health issues, and the guests shared encouraging comments such as wanting to visit Japan again, making this a truly rewarding tour to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Total100JPY

    As a person who grew up near the A-Bomb Dome, I offer a personal connection to Hiroshima’s past and present. During my time as an official interpreter for Hiroshima City municipal government, I guided many government officials through our Peace Memorial Park, sharing not just facts, but the emotions and resilience that define our city.
    I love introducing visitors to Hiroshima’s hidden gems – local eateries where you can taste delicious local food and lesser-known spots that even guidebooks don’t mention.

    Baseball fans might be interested to know I created the “squat cheering style” for our beloved Hiroshima Carp team and even hosted their TV show.

    I’m committed to being flexible and tailoring each tour to your interests and preferences. Having traveled solo internationally many times, I understand the mix of excitement, anticipation, and occasional uncertainty that comes with exploring a new culture. This experience helps me anticipate your needs and create meaningful connections.

    Together, we can create more than just a sightseeing experience—we can craft lasting memories that capture the true spirit of Hiroshima.

    I hope your time here becomes a treasured part of your journey.

    May 26, 2025
    marthakX1636LW
    Insightful Half Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Naomi was a wonderful guide through…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Shopping Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet guests at hotel
    • 08:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, lunch
    • 12:30 Kaminarimon, Nakamise, main hall, stroll around the area
    • 13:40 Kappabashi Shopping Street
    • 14:00 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. We traveled by subway and, at Meiji Shrine, I explained Japanese history, religion, and the connection between the shrine and the era it honors before entering. Walking along the approach, we talked about the sake barrels, the masugata, and waka poetry as we made our way to the main hall to pray. Next, we walked along Takeshita Street and then took the subway to Shinjuku Gyoen. The guests seemed to fully enjoy strolling through the Japanese garden, taking photos with the late-blooming cherry blossoms and other scenery. We then moved to Asakusa and had lunch at a ramen restaurant, which they seemed very satisfied with. Walking from Kaminarimon Gate through the Nakamise shopping street, they appeared to enjoy sampling Japanese sweets. After praying at the main hall, we moved on to the Kappabashi shopping street, where the tour came to an end. [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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKasumigaseki (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Asakusa260JPY
    Total620JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture & Café

    Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture & Café

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at hotel
    • 10:00 Nishizaka Park & Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum
    • 11:00 Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture (including lunch)
    • 13:30 Suwa Shrine
    • 14:00 Meganebashi Bridge and Teramachi walk (Kotaiji Temple)
    • 14:30 Café
    • 15:30 Disband near Shianbashi

    The guests were visitors from Europe, and while I had some difficulty understanding their accent, we communicated well by using tools such as Google Translate and by my speaking slowly. I suggested visiting the history and culture museum, as it explains the history and culture of Nagasaki in an easy-to-understand way. Since the guests wanted to read all of the explanations at the museum and exhibition hall, I let them know roughly how much time we had so that it would not affect the rest of the itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMedical Center / Nagasaki Bus~Nagasaki Station190JPY
    Total190JPY

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hiroshima Station (8:30) → Travel by JR and ferry → Miyajima – Itsukushima Shrine (10:00) → Daisho-in Temple (10:30) → Omotesando Shopping Street (11:00) → Travel by JR and ferry → Hiroshima Station (12:30)

    **Title:** What's a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. The weather was very nice, and because we started early in the morning, we were able to enter Itsukushima Shrine smoothly without waiting in line. The guests were delighted by the beautiful scenery and the deer. They enjoyed taking photographs and took a great many pictures. As some of the guests were fond of the sea, we walked along the sandy beach together toward the area near the shrine. Afterwards, at the guests' request, we visited Daisho-in Temple, enjoyed lunch at the Omotesando shopping street, and said our goodbyes at Hiroshima Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Sep 29, 2026
    Q
    Q4398TTjades
    Yoko was exactly what we were looking for in a guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed…

    Sep 18, 2026
    horner92
    Yoko is amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Yoko was amazing. She…

    Sep 6, 2026
    Shelly_H
    You must visit Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yoko was exceptional on this…

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel)
    • 7:30-7:50 Move (on foot; Hotel → Yasaka Shrine)
    • 7:50-8:30 Yasaka Shrine visit
    • 8:30-9:50 Kiyomizu-dera visit (including; Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka)
    • 9:50-10:10 Move (city bus: Gojozaka → Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 10:10-11:00 Sanjusangendo visit
    • 11:00-11:20 Move (Keihan train; Keihan Shichijo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 11:20-12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • 12:10-12:40 Move (Fushimi Inari → Gion Shijo)
    • 12:40-13:30 Lunch (Chibo Gion branch)
    • 13:30 Tour end  After lunch, we parted with the guests at Gion Shijo Station.

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and More The guest was a visitor from North America. Originally the plan had been for the guest to join together with another person, but that person was unable to walk around, so the tour proceeded with the guest alone. I took the guest to Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since the guest wished to have a local meal for lunch, I took them to an okonomiyaki restaurant. The summer weather made it perfect conditions for sightseeing. Although Kiyomizu-dera, which we visited first, was part of an early-morning tour, there were already many people coming to visit. At Fushimi Inari Taisha the grounds were extremely crowded, but by chance a festival, the Minakuchi Hashu Sai, was being held, and the guest was able to view a little of it. The okonomiyaki was not a particular favorite, but the guest enjoyed eating it. The guest said that of all the places on today's tour, Sanjusangen-do was the one they liked the most.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojozaka/Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Shichijo/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Shichijo/Queen Line~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Gion Shijo240JPY
    Total650JPY

    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 !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    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.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Here TOKYO UENO & Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Here TOKYO UENO & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 &Here TOKYO UENO
    • 10:00-10:30 Ueno (Hibiya Line for Nakameguro Pt1) → East Ginza
    • 10:30-11:00 KabukiZa Theater
    • 11:00 – 13:30 Ginza
    • (Mitsukoshi Department Store, Ito-ya, UNIQLO, Hakuhin-kan Toy Park )
    • 13:30 – 13:45 Ginza (Hibiya Line for Tobu-dobutsu-koen Pt6) → Tsukiji
    • 13:45 -14:30 Tsukiji Honganji Temple and Tsukiji Fish Market

    What Can You Do on a Private Ginza Shopping Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the group visiting from North America around Ginza. Some of the guests especially enjoyed Itoya in Ginza (stationery, washi paper, and more), one enjoyed Uniqlo, and the younger members of the group loved Hakuhinkan Toy Park, where we stayed longer than originally planned. One of the guests mentioned that while there is Uniqlo back in North America, the Ginza store is much larger in scale, and the prices are roughly half when converted to dollars. Since Uniqlo can be found all over the world, I had not previously included it in tours for guests from North America or Europe, but I felt it would be worthwhile to introduce it to guests who might be interested from the perspective of scale and pricing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno~East Ginza180JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Total360JPY

    My name is Keiji Iwasaki. I am male holding the certification of National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. The members of my family are a wife , two daughters both of whom are married and four grandchildren. I have been a researcher in the field of pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. I have experience in working in the United States for 3 years when I was thirties and have Ph.D. degree from Kyoto University in biochemistry.
    My interests are Japanese culture including Kabuki along with Japanese nature including climbing mountains such as Mt. Takao in the suburb of Tokyo and strolling Japanese traditional gardens. I also love Japanese cuisines such as Sushi and Tempura especially with beer or Japanese sake.
    Let us enjoy Japanese culture, nature, and cuisines with me during your stay in Japan.

    May 14, 2026
    wibblephil
    Great tailored tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide for Tokyo was Keiji Iwasaki and he…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Travelalerter
    Wonderful Guided Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I had a wonderful tour with…

    Mar 28, 2026
    A
    Adventure66869898889
    Good day in Tokyo.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with Keiji.…

    Jun 19, 2025
    C
    Cydney_A
    Great overview of the markets
    Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great walking…

  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park Museum & cruise terminal

    Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park Museum & cruise terminal

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Departure from Ujina Port by taxi
    • 9:20 Arrival at Peace Memorial Park Museum
    • 10:00 Visit to Peace Memorial Park Monument
    • 11:30 End of monument tour
    • Guided tour of local Japanese confectionery shops, etc.
    • 12:30 To cruise terminal by taxi
    • 13:00 End of tour

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who arrived by cruise ship. They travel all over the world, and this was their first trip to both Japan and Hiroshima. The cruise itinerary had been planned to avoid the relatively large ports, and the route was clearly a "refined" one aimed at repeat travelers. Hiroshima is, I think, one of the more popular destinations even among these, but for the guests it was a very relaxing one-day visit. However, perhaps because the cruise ship that day carried around 600 passengers, neither the gathering nor the Peace Memorial Museum was very crowded, and we were able to visit during relatively quiet hours.

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Tokyo: Koishikawa Botanical Garden & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tokyo: Koishikawa Botanical Garden & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro Meet up
    • 10:40 Koishikawa Botanical Garden
    • 12:10 Ueno Park – Lunch in the park
    • 15:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 16:00 Disband at Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were very friendly and well-mannered, and although it was a tour that involved quite a lot of walking in the heat, they enjoyed it thoroughly and made the most of the nature. At Ueno Park, they bought their own lunches at the food court in the station and had a picnic within the grounds. They were delighted with how well the day was organized. One of the guests had long dreamed of coming to Japan, and was captivated by the late-blooming cherry blossoms and the Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen, exclaiming that it was a "dream come true." They were very grateful and gave me a kangaroo doll and some VEGEMITE (a spread applied to toast like butter) as gifts, handed to me personally by one of the guests. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIkebukuro~Myogadani180JPY
    Section 2SubwayHakusan (Tokyo)~Ueno380JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Shinjuku Gyoenmae210JPY
    Total770JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting point: Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle tour
    • 16:00 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori stroll
    • 17:00 Sightseeing ③: Shinsekai stroll
    • 18:00 Guided tour ends and disperses at Shinsekai

    Title: What's a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai The guests this time were a group visiting and sightseeing in Japan from Oceania. Prior communication about the destinations was made with one of the guests. Since it was their first visit to Japan, the guests told me, "We'd like to leave the itinerary up to you, the guide." As it was a short "4-hour course," we settled on the classic route of Osaka Castle → Dotonbori → Shinsekai. On the day, I met the guests in the hotel lobby almost as scheduled, gave a brief greeting and an explanation of the itinerary, and set off on the Osaka tour. The guests were all of good build (particularly tall — I, the guide, was the shortest of all), and there were no problems at all with getting around on foot. The weather was "cloudy with occasional sun," neither too hot nor too cold, making for perfect sightseeing conditions. As it was their first visit to Japan, they listened very attentively to my explanations. At Osaka Castle I focused on "the history of samurai rule," and in Dotonbori and Shinsekai on "the characteristics of Osaka as a city of common people," and in each place I received many questions, making for a rich and rewarding tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNipponbashi (Osaka)~Ebisucho190JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

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

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at 4 Points Flex by Sheraton Yokohama West
    • 9:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:25 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:40 Lunch @ Inataya Palace Building Branch
    • 12:40 Ginza (visit 2 eyeglass shops)
    • 13:35 Asakusa (Skytree photos, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Matsuya)
    • 15:30 Disband at 4 Points Flex by Sheraton Yokohama West

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Asakusa The weather was very good, and although it got hot when the sun came out, the tour proceeded comfortably. We started after a short meeting at the Hotel. At Meiji Shrine, it happened to be a holiday, and we were able to see a ceremony taking place. There were also many families visiting for shrine blessings. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, some late-blooming double cherry blossoms were still in flower, though the guests did not seem particularly interested. The guests said the lunch at a soba restaurant was delicious, and aside from the soba noodles, which seemed a little difficult to eat, they ate well. In Ginza, the guests visited some eyewear shops. In Asakusa, the guests appeared to be getting tired, so we finished early and I saw them back to the Hotel, ending the tour. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Meiji-jingumae490JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi700JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Ginza0JPY
    Section 4Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 6TrainUeno~Yokohama620JPY
    Total1,810JPY

    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.

    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
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    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…