Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @Remm Hibiya
    • 2. 08:55 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:20 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:00 Stay @Takeshita Street
    • 5. 10:30 Travel: Train
    • 6. 10:45 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 7. 11:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 11:30 Stay @Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 9. 12:45 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 13:20 Lunch @Sansada
    • 11. 13:50 Stay @Asakusa
    • 12. 15:00 Disband @Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station

    What Does a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. I walked at a slightly faster pace to match the group's rhythm as we proceeded. The initial list of desired spots included Tsukiji, but since it was closed on Wednesday, the guests decided to visit it on another day, and instead I added the Imperial Palace East Gardens to the route. Because it was close to their accommodation, I had not originally planned to guide them through the East Gardens, but as the group was fond of history, the response was even more positive than I expected. After arriving in Asakusa, we first took a meal break, and then I guided them around the Sensoji Temple area at a somewhat leisurely pace. After walking through the main sights, the timing worked out well, and we parted ways at Asakusa Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa290JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Conrad Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 Travel∶Train
    • 3. 10:40 Stay@Marunouchi, East Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 13:30 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 14:10 Lunch@KOMEDA is □
    • 7. 14:50 Travel∶Subway
    • 8. 15:20 Stay@Sensoji Kaminarimon
    • 9. 15:30 Travel∶Taxi
    • 10. 15:50 Dismissal@Tokyo Skytree

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Oceania. I had been informed by email beforehand that one of the guests was experiencing some knee discomfort, so I paced the tour carefully to make sure we did not walk too quickly. For the first stop, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I thought it would be better to use the JR line, which required no transfers, rather than the subway. Unfortunately, there were delays that day, and it ended up taking longer than expected. From Tokyo Station, I guided the group at a relaxed pace, including an introduction to the Marunouchi area. At the East Gardens, I considered shortening the route, but as one of the guests seemed to enjoy plants, I deliberately took time to walk all the way to the main keep area. After guiding the group through Tsukiji, I took them to a vegan cafe in East Ginza, but the meal took a long time to be served here as well. As a result, we did not have time to visit the main hall of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and I only guided the group around the Kaminarimon Gate area. Since the guests had a reservation at Tokyo Skytree at 16:00, we took a taxi from Kaminarimon to Tokyo Skytree, where we parted ways at the reception.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Tokyo160JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayHigashi-ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Total560JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet@Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:55 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 10:15 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 10:45 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 12:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 7. 12:30 Stay@Ueno Park
    • 8. 13:15 Lunch@Obon de Gohan
    • 9. 14:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 10. 14:30 Stay@Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 11. 15:40 Disband@Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Season Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. After they purchased PASMO cards for everyone at Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro, we set off. Given the flow of the itinerary, we decided to have lunch in Ueno rather than in Tsukiji. In Ueno during the cherry blossom season, many people seem to eat outdoors, so it was helpful that we were able to be seated without much of a wait. The cherry blossoms were still close to full bloom, and I believe the guests enjoyed the experience. At Kappabashi Kitchen Town, our final stop, we spent more time than planned. The visit was at the request of one of the guests, and because we went around several shops to compare and find a kitchen knife suited to their needs, we spent more than an hour there. In the meantime, the other guests did some separate shopping. After the shopping was finished, I explained how to get to Tokyo Skytree, and then we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • (2) 11:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • (3) 12:00 Mount Wakakusa
    • (4) 12:30 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • (5) 12:45 Lunch @ "Azekuraya"
    • (6) 13:15 Great Buddha Hall
    • (7) 14:00 Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • (8) 15:30 Disband @ Saidaiji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. When we met at the Hotel, one of them looked somewhat displeased, which concerned me at first. When I asked about it, they explained that their Kyoto sightseeing guide had not shown up the previous day, so they had been forced to do their own sightseeing. That was part of the reason for the mood, but once the deer came to greet us along the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, the guests finally began to smile, which was a relief. Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed feeding the deer the shika senbei crackers. While Shinto and Buddhism did not seem to interest some of the guests much, one of the guests had prepared a stamp book and requested goshuin seal stamps at both Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Great Buddha Hall. The weather today was clear and perfect for sightseeing, and although we walked a great deal, the guests walked cheerfully throughout. I did recommend Wakakusa-yama, but since they had climbed all the way to the summit of Mount Inari the previous day and gotten soaked in the rain, which was quite an ordeal, they said they were fine for today and did not take up the suggestion. On the way from Nigatsu-do to the Great Buddha Hall, one of the guests became hungry and said they could not walk any further, so we had a Japanese lunch at "Azekuraya." After lunch, the guests regained their energy. They were delighted by the Great Buddha Hall, where one of the guests offered a special prayer before the Kokuzo Bosatsu statue, and another enjoyed attempting to crawl through the pillar hole. For the finale, I had planned to have the guests enjoy making paper cranes at the visitor center by Sarusawa Pond, but unfortunately the center had closed at the end of March. As an alternative, I guided them through the shopping street hoping they would enjoy some shopping, but the guests said they wished to return to Kyoto and rest, so even though there was still guiding time remaining, they decided to head back to the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Nara720JPY
    Section 3BusNara～Todaiji Great Buddha Hall / Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by train to Arashiyama
    • AM 09:40-11:20 Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Garden to the Bamboo Grove
    • Travel by train to Ninna-ji
    • Travel on foot to Ryoan-ji
    • AM 11:50-PM12:50 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • Travel by bus to Kinkaku-ji
    • PM 13:20-14:20 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • Travel by bus to the hotel　　　PM 15:00 Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The final list of places to visit had not been decided until the day of the tour, but it was settled before the tour began. We planned to visit Ninna-ji and Ryoan-ji after Arashiyama, but since it was the Omuro cherry blossom season at Ninna-ji and entry would have taken about 30 minutes, we changed the plan on the spot to visit Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, which allowed us to finish the tour within the scheduled time. Although we were not able to see the Omuro cherry blossoms, the guests were delighted to be able to visit Kinkaku-ji. I guided them to the front of their Hotel, and the tour ended there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Omuro Ninna-ji250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoan-ji-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kawaramachi Matsubara / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

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    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto: DUSIT THANI KYOTO Start of Tour （ & Former katana producer's

    Kyoto: DUSIT THANI KYOTO Start of Tour （ & Former katana producer’s

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 DUSIT THANI KYOTO Start of Tour （→ 18:00） Car
    • 11:20-13:00 Horyuji Temple + Lunch at near-by Japanese restaurant Car
    • 14:10 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park: enjoy feeding friendly deer
    • Walk 5 minutes
    • 14:20-30 Todaiji Temple Nandaimon South Great Gate
    • Walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40-15:10 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
    • Car
    • 15:20-50 Former katana (samurai sword) producer's
    • Car
    • 16:00-50 Naramachi: Sake Tasting Imanishi Shuzo, Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie
    • Car
    • 18:00 End of Tour (DUSIT THANI KYOTO)

    Title: Can You Do a Private Nara Day Tour with Limited Stair Access? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. A travel agency was involved as an intermediary, and the arrangement was that the guide should not contact the guests directly before the tour day, with any necessary information passed along through the agency instead. I asked several questions beforehand, and the reply from the travel agency described the walking as "just normal pace." However, when I first met one of the guests, the very first question I was asked was, "Are there any stairs?" Due to an old injury, stairs were not possible, and both going up and down proved very difficult. Taking this into account, I had already planned a route with as few stairs as possible, but even so it became tiring, so we skipped Kasuga Taisha Shrine and switched to a sake tasting instead.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 09:30 @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 10:10 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 12:30 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 13:10 @ Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 5. Disband at 13:30 @ Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Today we met at the Kobe Port Terminal and toured the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Sorakuen Garden, and Nankinmachi (Chinatown), finishing the tour at Nankinmachi. The guests arrived in Kobe by cruise ship, and the atmosphere was a little different from usual, as most of the passengers were from Europe and there was a group that came ashore by bicycle. The weather today was fine, neither too hot nor too cold, the herb garden was beautiful, and the view of Kobe from the herb garden was lovely as well, so we were able to enjoy the tour course very comfortably. The guests were in very good spirits. This private tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [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.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKobe New Transit Port Island Line (Port Terminal～Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit))100JPY
    Section 2OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe)110JPY
    Section 3OtherKobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Shin-Kobe～Kenchomae (Hyogo Prefecture))110JPY
    Total320JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the ticket gate of Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 9:30 Take the bus to Moto-Hakone Port
    • 10:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:10 Take the pirate ship to Togendai
    • 12:35〜13:10 Wait for the ropeway at Togendai Station. Quite crowded since it's Saturday
    • 13:30 Arrive at Owakudani
    • Eat black eggs as a lunch substitute
    • 14:46 Take the cable car at Sounzan
    • 15:08 Take the mountain train at Gora Station
    • 15:45 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • Disperse at the station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and Mt. Fuji The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Knowing in advance that they needed to catch the 18:00 bullet train from Odawara Station, I kept a close eye on the time throughout the tour. Because of heavy crowds, we took the route in reverse of the popular Golden Route, traveling by bus toward Motohakone Port and Hakone Shrine. I had considered stopping for lunch, but it turned out to be a good decision to board the pirate ship first. The pirate ship was packed with people, so as soon as we arrived at Togendai, we headed straight to the ropeway station. There we waited about 40 minutes. At Owakudani, the guests enjoyed the famous black eggs and were able to take in a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Afterward we hurried back down and managed to arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station right on schedule. It was a busy tour without a lunch break, but that is unavoidable during the current peak tourist season. I was relieved that everything went smoothly.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara～Hakone-Yumoto6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Request Booking

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1100 ANA InterContinental Tokyo (8 min from Metro Tameike-Sanno Station) Meeting
    • 1125 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1155 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tokyo Station
    • 1300 Nezu Shrine
    • 1345 Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1500 Tokyo Tower
    • 1515 Guide ended below Tokyo Tower
    • The vehicle and guests headed to Yokohama

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Originally the group was expected to be larger, but only some of the guests were present this morning, so the meet-up took a little extra time. One member of the group had a change in the party size due to circumstances that arose just before the tour, and they were making arrangements regarding their upcoming plans. Since the change occurred after we met and posed no problem for me or the vehicle, I am simply noting it here in this report. There had been advance communication that some of the guests preferred no stairs and easy walking. They had been looking forward to the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, but since the blossoms had already mostly turned to leaves when I guided there two days earlier, I contacted them and proposed either the Tokyo National Museum or Nezu Shrine, and we changed the plan to Nezu Shrine. Shinjuku Gyoen would have had late-blooming cherry blossoms at their peak, but it involves a fair amount of walking, so I left it out. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed sashimi and Kobe beef skewers. At Nezu Shrine, the azalea festival had just begun and the flowers were at their best, which delighted them. However, as they were tired, at Senso-ji Temple we entered and exited through the Nitenmon Gate rather than the Kaminarimon Gate. They said they only needed photos at Tokyo Tower, and since check-in had become available at their hotel in Yokohama, they asked to be dropped off early, so my guiding ended at 15:15. The driver informed me that they arrived at the hotel at 16:00. Tomorrow they will board a cruise ship.

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

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

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    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
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  • Nagasaki: Dejima Wharf & Oura Cathedral

    Nagasaki: Dejima Wharf & Oura Cathedral

    Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Dejima Wharf
    • 9:30 Mount Inasa
    • 10:00 Dejima Museum
    • 11:20 Lunch
    • 12:30 Peace Park
    • 13:20 Meganebashi Bridge
    • 13:30 Sofukuji Temple
    • 14:00 Suwa Shrine
    • 14:30 Oura Cathedral
    • 15:00 Dejima Wharf

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Nagasaki Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at the Dejima Wharf at 9:00. First, we went to the Inasayama Observatory, where they enjoyed the view. Next, we visited the Dejima Museum, where I explained the history of ceramics and porcelain. After that, we had lunch and went to Peace Park, where we took photos in front of the statue and saw Urakami Cathedral. Then we took photos at Meganebashi Bridge, went to Sofukuji Temple to see its exterior, and visited Suwa Shrine, where the guests enjoyed the view. Finally, we went to Oura Cathedral, where they enjoyed some shopping, and then returned to the Dejima Wharf. Since one of the guests had difficulty walking, it was a pity that at Sofukuji Temple we could only see the gate area, but even the gate alone was magnificent, and the guests exclaimed in admiration. When I mentioned that many Chinese people used to live here, the guests asked about the cultural differences between Japan and China.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Experienced, skillful tour guide with high customer satisfaction. My purpose is to spread world peace through cultural communication.
    A witty conversation enriched with abundant academic knowledge. My strength is the strong academic background of the history, culture and religion of Japan.
    I have abundant tour guide experiences in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Dazai-fu, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Saga.
    I have many experiences of guiding Fukuoka city area including Fukuoka city museum, Dazaifu shrine, Nanzoin Buddha statue, Tochiji temple, Kushida shrine, Fukuoka ramen and sushi restaurants and Fukuoka tower.
    I also have many experiences of guiding Nagasaki area including Atomic bomb museum, Dejima museum, Oura church, Glover park, Inasayama mountain and Shimabara castle.
    I have abundant knowledge on porcelains, potteries of Imari, Arita, Kashima, Ogi, and sake of Saga.
    I have a national itinerary manager license(80-25-F00030) and a national travel service manager license(2025-171) in addition to a national tour guide license.
    TJT-certified Tour Guide by Car (N26007バ).
    A member of Japan Health Tourism Society (J26-10019).
    While my dialogue is laced with sparkling wit and humor, it never lacks for intellectual depth.
    Great Britain Guiness Scotch Whiskey Student Ambassador
    Only orders from the company are accepted. The company is the sole contracting party with customers.

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    Sep 22, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Beautiful Nagasaki
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    It was a full itinerary but our…

    Aug 17, 2026
    inexology
    Fun and Knowledgeable Tour Guide, thank you Hiro-san!
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    I…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Nancy_P
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    Select Hiro as your guide
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    May 13, 2026
    Edwin_R
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    Hiro is a hero!
    Hiro is a very knowledgeable and skilled guide.…