Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Tamozawa Imperial Villa & JR Nikko Station

    Tochigi in One Day: Tamozawa Imperial Villa & JR Nikko Station

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 　　　　Meet the guests at JR Nikko Station
    • 09:50　　　 Move to Tamozawa Imperial Villa by taxi
    • 10:00~10:40　Sightseeing at Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 11:05~11:10 Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:20~12:20 Lunch
    • 12:30~14:20 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:20~14:50　Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple
    • 14:50~15:15　Sightseeing at Futarasan Shrine
    • 15:20~15:30 Move to JR Nikko Station by bus
    • 15:30　　　　 Disband at JR Nikko Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu, Tamozawa Villa, and Rinnoji Temple The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had requested to see the World Heritage sites and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, so I first guided them to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. Since they had mentioned an interest in history, culture, and architecture, they viewed it with great interest. We were also fortunate that the cherry blossoms were in bloom, so they were able to enjoy the garden as well. After that, we had lunch at a traditional Japanese-style restaurant, and then I guided them to Toshogu Shrine. As the highlight of the Nikko tour, it seemed to leave a very strong impression. We took two hours here so they could enjoy it thoroughly. Afterwards, we also took plenty of time at Rinnoji Temple to see the Japanese garden and the golden Buddhist statues in the Sanbutsudo hall. Since we still had a little time, I also guided them to Futarasan Shrine. It seemed to match their preferences perfectly, and I believe they were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park／Tobu Bus～Shinkyo Bridge／Tobu Bus220JPY
    Section 2OtherFutarasan Shrine Front～JR Nikko Station／Tobu Bus350JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Taka

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

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    Sep 5, 2026
    Adventure06097262461
    Wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was a truly…

    Aug 30, 2026
    inbyten
    A perfect day in Nikko with Taka
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Taka crafted…

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

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

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Meet
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Dismiss at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group visiting from Oceania. During the ice-breaker, I shared a story about nearly drowning at the Great Barrier Reef, which helped us start the tour in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Unlike the previous day, the weather turned rather sunny with strong sunlight. Although the cherry blossoms had mostly fallen, the fresh green leaves swaying beautifully in the light seemed to convey a strong sense of the power of life. The guests were all very energetic, actively exploring Miyajima and the Peace Park, and enjoyed a lovely spring day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Yuji

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Akabanebashi & Yoyogi-Uehara

    Tokyo: Akabanebashi & Yoyogi-Uehara

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the lobby of The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • Stroll around Zojoji Temple, take photos at Shiba Park
    • 11:30-12:00 Akabanebashi → Tochomae
    • 12:00-12:45 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
    • 12:45-13:20 Stroll around Nishi-Shinjuku
    • 13:20-13:30 Shinjuku → Yoyogi-Uehara
    • 13:30-14:30 Lunch at Yoyogi-Uehara
    • 14:30-15:00 Yoyogi-Uehara → Akasaka
    • 15:00-16:00 Stroll around Akasaka, from Hikawa Shrine to Roppongi
    • 16:00 Disband around Roppongi Station

    Title: What Is an Off-the-Beaten-Track Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors who requested an off-the-beaten-track experience. The weather was fine and the cherry blossoms were beautiful, so from the Hotel we headed out to Shiba Zojoji Temple and took photos in the park. At the Zojoji Temple grounds, an investiture ceremony was being held, with buses gathering and many worshippers coming to pray. A large-scale Buddhist memorial service was taking place in the main hall, giving a solemn atmosphere. I explained the group of Jizo statues nearby and the burial site of the Tokugawa shoguns. We walked to Shiba Park, where there were hardly any tourists, and Tokyo Tower looked photogenic amid the colorful flowers. From the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building, we enjoyed the panorama of the surroundings, taking in the contrast between the orderly skyscraper district of Nishi-Shinjuku and the lively, bustling town at its feet. One of the guests wanted to eat sushi, so we went to a sushi restaurant near Yoyogi-Uehara Station, which is easier to enter than others. Unfortunately, it was crowded with families celebrating school entrance ceremonies and so on, and we could not get a table. We had a late lunch at a soba restaurant in the same station. While heading back toward the Hotel, we moved to Akasaka. Viewing cherry blossoms from around the TBS area, we headed to Hikawa Shrine. Hikawa Shrine was also nearly deserted; the only visitors in sight were young guests praying at the shrine. We looked at the ornate portable shrines and festival floats, and deepened our discussion of Shinto. After walking as far as the Roppongi area, the guests wished to return by taxi, so we parted ways. They seemed satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAkabanebashi～Tochomae220JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku～Yoyogi-Uehara170JPY
    Section 3TrainYoyogi-Uehara～Akasaka (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Hello, Bonjour, Buongiorno!

    I’m Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, japanese freelance Government-licensed guide and interpreter in French and in English, speaking Italian as well. Having accompanied guests to all over Japan by now with whole 47 prefectures, all year round. 11 years and over 1500 days of experience as a professional guide since 2015, after 24 years of work at French Tourist Board in Tokyo in charge of promotion and marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Je suis Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, guide-interprète indépendant japonais, agréé par le gouvernement en langues française et anglaise, parlant également italien. Ayant accompagné des clients dans tout le Japon avec se 47 départements, toute l’année. 11 ans et plus de 1500 jours d’expérience en tant que guide professionel depuis 2015, après 24 ans de travail à l’Office de Tourisme Français à Tokyo en charge de la promotion et du marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Sono Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, un guida-interprete indipendente giappone e approvato dal governo per le lingue francese e inglese, parlo italiano anche. Avo accompagno i clienti in tutto il Giappone, con sue 47 province, tutto l’anno. 10 anni e piu di 1500 journi di esperienza come guida professionista dal 2015, dopo 24 anni di lavoro presso l’Ufficio del Turismo francese a Tokyo come responsabile della promozione e del marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Having lived mostly in Kawasaki city attached to Tokyo in the West, I have a good knowledge and profound experience of Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kamakura or Nikko.
    A history lover and food lover, qualified as JSA Wine Expert, I’d like to help you choosing good restaurants and good drinks including Sake.
    Let’s go together for a delightful discovery in Japan.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Ayant vécu principalement dans la ville de Kawasaki rattachée à Tokyo à l’Ouest, j’ai une bonne connaissance et une profonde expérience de Tokyo et de ses environs comme le Mont Fuji, Hakone et Kamakura ou Nikko.
    Passionné d’histoire et de gastronomie, diplômé JSA Wine Expert, j’aimerais vous aider à choisir de bons restaurants et de bonnes boissons dont le Saké.
    Partons ensemble pour une délicieuse découverte du Japon.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Avendo vissuto principalmente nella città di Kawasaki, vicina a Tokyo, ho una buona conoscenza e una profonda esperienza di Tokyo e dei suoi dintorni, come il Monte Fuji, Hakone e Kamakura o Nikko.
    Appassionato di storia e gastronomia, laureato Wine Expert presso la JSA, vorrei aiutarvi a scegliere buoni ristoranti e buoni bevande, tra cui il sakè.
    Partiamo insieme per una deliziosa scoperta del Giappone.

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    Jun 5, 2025
    Jenan_A
    Lovely experience but expensive
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    What a lovely…

  • 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

    • 9:30 Meet at Hatchobori Station　10:00 Ameya Yokocho 10:30 Ueno Park　11:15 Tokyo Skytree　12:15 Sensoji Temple　13:00 Kappabashi Street　14:00 End at Hatchobori Station

    **Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like from a Maihama Resort Hotel? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were calm and pleasant, and appeared to enjoy themselves throughout the day. Since they were staying at the Maihama Disney Resort area in Urayasu, Chiba, we met at Hatchobori Station. At their request we visited Ameyoko, but because it was early in the morning many shops were still closed; however, they were happy to be able to shop at Don Quijote. At Ueno Park, which had not been on the original plan, they showed interest in Hanazono Inari Shrine. Visiting Tokyo Skytree was also their request, and they seemed very satisfied to be able to go up to the observation deck. During the tour, I was told—though it was a little difficult to hear—that since Disney Sea would close at 18:00 that day, they wished to end the tour at 14:00, so we decided to leave out the planned Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. Even so, we were still able to visit Senso-ji Temple and Kappabashi Street, and I feel we managed to cover quite a lot within the limited time available.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori (Tokyo)～Naka-okachimachi180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Tokyo Skytree340JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Skytree～Asakusa160JPY
    Section 4TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)～Hatchobori (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Shinji

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Request Booking

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:45 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 11:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Motomachi Station

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kobe Beef The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and we were able to move around smoothly. Although we visited only two locations, everyone took their time exploring each one carefully. At a local bakery near the Ohashi bridge that I recommended, the guests purchased some sweet pastries and seemed very satisfied. At Nunobiki Herb Garden, they enjoyed seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms just beginning to fall. I presented them with handmade drawstring pouches, which they were delighted to receive. At the guests' request, I introduced a restaurant serving authentic local "Kobe beef," and after guiding them to the shuttle bus stop for the terminal of the cruise ship they were staying on, we parted ways. They planned to have their meal at the restaurant afterward. Today we ran significantly over time because we spent so long at each spot, but the guests were friendly and it was a pleasure to guide them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko～Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 4SubwaySannomiya～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 5SubwayShin-Kobe～Sannomiya210JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Odawara Station→Bus→Motohakone→11:30 Pirate Ship→11:55 Togendai→Bus→12:50 Lunch→15:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum→16:40 Hakone Tozan Railway→17:45 Farewell at Odawara Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Odawara? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America around Hakone. We met at Odawara Station and took a bus to Moto-Hakone, where we boarded a sightseeing pirate ship on Lake Ashi. Originally, we had planned to take the ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani, but because strong winds had suspended the ropeway service, we instead took a bus toward Miyagino and had lunch at a sushi restaurant. After enjoying the sushi to the fullest, we changed buses and headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where we enjoyed a wide variety of artworks. The group delighted in attractions such as the large maze and the stained-glass tower, and although the plans differed from the original itinerary, we were able to spend a full and rewarding day in Hakone.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Motohakone Station0JPY
    Section 2Free PassMotohakone Port～Togendai Port0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTogendai～Miyagino0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMiyagino～Hakone Glass Forest Museum0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHakone Glass Forest Museum～Chokoku-no-mori-mae0JPY
    Section 6Free PassChokoku-no-mori Station～Hakone-Yumoto Station0JPY
    Section 7Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station～Odawara Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

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

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    Sep 25, 2026
    scottrE3713WR
    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kaz was amazing! Great communication before…

    Aug 27, 2026
    H694KFjoannet
    Great Day in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Chinatown

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Chinatown

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:20-11:20 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:40-12:30 Ijinkan District + Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
    • 12:59-13:30 Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, Harborland
    • 13:45 Chinatown
    • 14:00 Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kobe Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests spoke English, and I interpreted into another language for the group. We took the train to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, and since the weather was fine, we walked down to the mid-station along the way. In the greenhouse, which had recently been renovated, we enjoyed a wonderful view. We walked up to the Kitano foreign residence district and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, offered a prayer, and had some ice cream. We took a taxi to the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, then walked to Harborland, and since the guests wanted to change money, I took them to a currency exchange before continuing by taxi to Chinatown. At the Herb Garden, one of the guests, who was very knowledgeable about flowers and herbs, taught me many things. In Chinatown, I took the guests to a Kobe beef restaurant to end the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 11:00 @ Lobby of Hotel
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and tour the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower 11:00-12:30・・・To Nagoya Castle, travel by subway
    • 3. Move to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and tour the Textile Machinery Pavilion and Automobile Pavilion 12:30-14:30・・・To the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, travel by taxi
    • 4. Lunch @ Cafeteria inside the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 14:30-15:00
    • 5. Move to the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and tour the tower's sky deck 15:00-15:40・・・To the MIRAI TOWER, travel by taxi
    • 6. Move to Osu Shopping District and tour the shopping district and Osu Kannon 15:40-16:40・・・To Osu Shopping District, travel by subway
    • 7. Move to Hotel and disband 16:40-17:00・・・Hotel, travel by subway

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It rained all day, sometimes heavily, so I made an effort to avoid the rain as much as possible by staying inside buildings and at covered sites. During a lighter spell of rain at the start of the tour, we visited Nagoya Castle, and then moved on to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, where we spent time viewing the exhibits and also had lunch. The guests had especially been looking forward to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, so they enjoyed the visit very much. They were also delighted to purchase a miniature of their favorite car at the shop. It was fortunate that we were able to spend the heaviest period of rain inside the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Despite the rain, the guests wished to visit the sky deck of the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, so I guided them there. Afterward, we visited the covered Osu shopping arcade, then returned to the hotel near Nagoya Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya～Nagoya Castle240JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)～Kamimaezu210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsu Kannon～Nagoya210JPY
    Total660JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

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    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto: Yasaka Pagoda & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet @ Hokke Club Kyoto
    • 8:15-8:20 @ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 8:30-9:30 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:35-10:30 @ Gion
    • 10:40-10:50 @ Pontocho
    • 11:00-11:30 @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was raining from the morning, so we set off with umbrellas. To avoid the crowds, we first headed to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but there were already many groups of school trip students, so it was just as crowded as during the daytime. The rain began to fall heavily around the time we were strolling through Gion, so I gave my explanation using materials about geisha and maiko in a covered area. At Nishiki Market, we simply walked through without stopping, and the guests did not purchase anything in particular. After the tour, the guests mentioned that they wanted to go to the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping streets, so I guided them to the location and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

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    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Motomachi Station & Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Motomachi Station & Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up at Hotel & Towers
    • 9:30 Arrive at Motomachi Station
    • Pass through Chinatown
    • 9:45 Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 10:20 Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
    • (They chose this after deliberating between here and the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution)
    • 11:30 Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum
    • 12:30 Disperse at Hotel & Towers
    • (An early dispersal to catch the cruise ship)

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had originally hoped to visit Nunobiki Herb Garden as their first choice, but since it rained from the morning and the weather was poor, they contacted me to say they preferred to skip the herb garden. Instead, we visited a memorial park that they had also expressed interest in, took photos with a Kobe-style backdrop at Meriken Park where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and then moved to HAT Kobe, home to the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. At the Prefectural Museum of Art, we viewed the Ando Gallery, and I explained the exhibits related to the earthquake disaster. The guests expressed a wish to visit a sake brewery, which had been on their list, so we moved to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where they enjoyed the tour and a tasting before purchasing some sake. They also seemed to greatly enjoy the amazake soft-serve ice cream. As the guests were scheduled to board a cruise ship in the afternoon, we returned to the Hotel and parted ways a little earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIsland Center～Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)250JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)～Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)200JPY
    Total450JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    I’m Yuki.
    I am a National Government licensed guide interpreter.
    I was born and grew up in Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture.
    Kobe is one of the attractive cities in Japan to explore the Japanese history and modern city life.

    Also, I have learned the way of tea for more than 15 years and Japanese flower arrangement which there are lots of things to learn more about Japanese history and traditions.

    I like joining in the tea gathering, traveling, watching Noh performances and Gagaku performances (Japanese Imperial Court Music and Dance), visiting to temples (also as pilgrimage) and Japanese gardens and wearing Kimono (Japanese traditional clothes).

    I would like to support your stay in Japan with its experiences including Japanese traditions and history.
    I look forward to seeing you.

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    Apr 14, 2026
    alanU8359AN
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kobe walkabout
    Excellent walk around the city and on the cable car