Category: Uncategorized

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet and depart at Hotel – 8:22 Depart from Uno Port – 8:40 Red Pumpkin – 10:05 Tsutsujiso with the Yellow Pumpkin – 11:10 Explore Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Corridor – 12:20 Benesse House Museum – 13:40 Appreciate nearby art works – 14:50 Valley Gallery – 15:00 Lee Ufan Museum – 15:15 Chichu Art Museum – 16:30 Arrive at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Oceania. The moment I met them at the hotel for pickup, I could tell they were warm and kind, which put me at ease. A relative of one of the guests runs a travel agency in Oceania and had carefully planned this tour. Since the ferry port and the hotel were a little far apart, I expected we would be a ferry behind schedule, but fortunately the hotel arranged a car to take us to the port. Thanks to that, we were able to board a ferry an hour earlier than planned, giving the tour a promising start. We began at the Benesse House Museum and everything went smoothly. However, at the Chichu Art Museum there were many people, so it took some time to view the exhibits. Since the guests planned to visit the neighboring island of Teshima on their own the following day, I helped a little with arranging their itinerary. Also, when I struck up a conversation with a couple at a bus stop on Naoshima who turned out to be from Oceania, they not only hit it off with my guests but also discovered they lived very close to one another back home. It struck me how small the world is, that neighbors could meet in Japan, so far away in the Northern Hemisphere. Perhaps it was fate, because I happened to run into them again when I went to Teshima the next day, in April. It was unfortunately rainy that day, but I am sure they continued to enjoy their journey.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUno Port~Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)740JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyanoura Port (Naoshima)~Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture200JPY
    Total940JPY

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00. Hotel
    • 09:30 Tsukiji
    • 10:45 Ginza Ginza Six, Fire Kids, Rasin, Onitsuka Tiger,
    • 12:30 We wait here (Onitsukatiger's) 3 hours. Thank you, you're free.

    Title: What Do Guests Notice on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests shared several observations during the private tour with a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide. 1. The guests noted that Japan has "women only" train cars, mentioning that a similar system exists in their home region. 2. The guests described large carnivals held in February in their home region, with three days dedicated to competition. 3. The guests were impressed that the trash on the street is neatly organized (along Tsukiji street). 4. The guests asked, "Can I walk a little more? 9,000 yen for sea urchin is very touristic." 5. The guests mentioned that their accommodation is located in the center of a shopping area. 6. The guests asked whether Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station would be better for going to Osaka. 7. The guests commented that the watch prices were similar to the ones they had seen the previous day, noting that the prices at pawn shops were the same. 8. The guests expressed a wish to buy shoes at the Onitsuka Tiger store.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Ginza180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Toyama in One Day: JAL City Toyama & Toyama Station

    Toyama in One Day: JAL City Toyama & Toyama Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 JAL City Toyama
    • 11:10 Iwase – Sake Brewery Shop – Baba Residence
    • 12:10 Lunch (Iwase)
    • 13:20 Castle Ruins Park – Toyama Castle
    • 14:30 Hie Shrine
    • 15:10 Glass Art Museum 
    • 15:50 Ikeda Yasubei Shoten 
    • 16:20 Toyama Station 
    • 16:30 JAL City Toyama

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Toyama City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Despite an unlucky day of rain and strong winds similar to the previous week, the itinerary made the most of the tram and indoor facilities. After introducing Toyama's fish at "Marute" in Toyama Station, we headed to the Iwase area. At a sake brewery, the guest enjoyed a tasting experience, and at the Baba family residence, a former Kitamaebune shipping agent's house, I explained the history and Toyama's architectural style. After enjoying Iwase's fish cuisine for lunch, in the afternoon we traced the history of successive castle lords at the Toyama Municipal Folk Museum (Toyama Castle). In response to a request from the guest, who was interested in shrines and temples, we visited Hie Shrine, affectionately known as "Sanno-san." After that, we went to the Toyama Glass Art Museum. An Art Nouveau exhibition happened to be on display, so I gave a detailed explanation of Gallé and Daum, which are my areas of expertise. Finally, at Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten, the guest observed and experienced a demonstration of making pills of the traditional medicine "Hangontan." On the tram ride back, I introduced recommended restaurants around Toyama Station and ekiben boxed lunches for the trip to Takayama the following day, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToyama Station~Iwase650JPY
    Total650JPY

    With a unique professional background encompassing both academia and international affairs, I offer a distinctive and enriching guiding experience for visitors to the Hokuriku region, specializing in Toyama and Kanazawa. My approach goes beyond standard sightseeing; I focus on providing a deep, comparative cultural understanding of Japan and its traditions.
    For many years, I served as an English Language Instructor at various junior colleges and universities. This extensive experience has honed my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and to engage with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, I have had valuable exposure to high-level international communication through my work accompanying delegations for international conferences and official inspection tours. This has equipped me with a strong foundation in professional protocol and a refined sense of hospitality essential for serving international guests.
    My professional strengths are notably multifaceted. Having worked in art galleries, I possess a detailed knowledge of art and aesthetics, allowing me to offer nuanced explanations of local crafts, museum exhibits, and artistic traditions. Complementing this, my knowledge of real estate provides a solid understanding of architecture, enabling me to discuss the historical context and structural significance of both traditional Japanese buildings—such as those found in Gokayama—and modern regional developments. By weaving together art, history, and architecture, I can present a holistic narrative of the region’s development.
    I am proud to be a certified Regional Licensed Tour Guide, having obtained my qualification in January 2025. Since then, I have successfully guided tours through key areas of Toyama Prefecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, the historical castle town of Takaoka, the stunning natural beauty of Kurobe, and the modern vibrancy of Toyama City. Given the deep historical connections between the prefectures, my guiding extends to the famous cultural capital of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Moving forward, my goal is to cover the entire Hokuriku region (Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui), providing comprehensive itineraries that connect these culturally rich areas.
    What truly sets my tours apart is my passion for the natural environment. I am an enthusiast of outdoor activities and deeply familiar with Toyama’s spectacular landscapes. For travelers who wish to connect with nature, I can seamlessly integrate activities such as hiking in the mountains or fishing excursions into a custom itinerary. This allows my guests to not only witness the region’s natural beauty but to actively experience it.
    My commitment is to utilize my overseas guiding experience to introduce the unique charm of Toyama and the Hokuriku region from a comparative cultural perspective, ensuring every international visitor gains an appreciation that resonates personally. Book a tour with me to unlock a deeper, more personalized, and adventurous journey through the heart of Japan.

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Sendagi

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Sendagi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 10:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine Nakamise
    • 12:30 Yanaka
    • 14:00 Sendagi

    Title: What Do Guests Ask a Licensed Guide on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Guide's Report 1. You have that many suicides every year? 2. I'll take a picture, taking a peep, statue. 3. So, they are pictures which used to look like? (in Yanaka) 4. They are for pleasure, not for commuting, so it is not mandatory to wear a helmet riding it. 5. You have many abandoned houses. We can buy them. 6. They are teaching war at schools, what do the people feel about war? I visited 5 places in Europe, and they told us how they feel about the war. Aren't they teaching modern history of Japan, not good. 7. So, what's the story about a white cat? 8. We are from South America. I spent 14 years to get an M.S. and PhD. I was on a scholarship and studied hard to maintain good records. 9. 1,000 cups of coffee are worth one Seiko watch. The economy there is 7th or 8th, you have only 20 or 30% left for arable land. You have no natural resources but good industry and success. Why?

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Omotesando

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Omotesando

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 09:30 Omotesando
    • 10:00 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omohara
    • 13:00 Nijubashi, Int'l Forum Bldg.,

    Please provide the Japanese tour report you would like me to anonymize and translate. The text you've shared appears to be a set of English quotes or notes, not a Japanese tour report with the required fields (title, tour report body, tour route, guide transportation, etc.). If you'd like me to process these, please share them within the proper report structure so I can apply the anonymization and translation rules correctly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Omotesando180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel, Shinjuku
    • 9:10 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Ueno-okachimachi Station
    • Ueno-hirokoji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 10:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • Lunch: Hidakaya
    • 13:10 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 14:30 Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:50 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shibuya The guest visited Japan from Europe. It was their first visit to Japan. They had previously run a company but were now retired. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and taken the Narita Express to Shinjuku. The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 14-day cruise around Japan starting the following day. Their hobbies were gardens and plants. They mentioned that in Europe they also do volunteer work maintaining public parks. They said, "I would like to visit various Japanese gardens." They also said, "I would like to take my time viewing the cherry blossoms." It was a tour under cloudy skies. First, we headed to Asakusa. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo, what the five-story pagoda is for, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various spots. The weeping cherry blossoms in the temple grounds were beginning to fall. Despite the rain, the area was full of tourists absorbed in taking photos. Amid the crowds, we strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What is the main religion in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" We then went to the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from Edo to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the Imperial family, World War II and the Tokyo air raids, and how the stone walls were built. There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", and "Can a woman become Emperor?" Next, we went to the East Exit of Shinjuku. We strolled through Kabukicho. I explained the history of Shinjuku and the difference between the East and West exits of Shinjuku. Walking through Kabukicho, the guest eagerly photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla head. We strolled through Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho. The guest eagerly photographed the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla head. They also commented, "Unlike other areas, there is litter scattered about here." Since they said, "I would like to eat ramen," we went to a ramen restaurant. We moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history and current situation of Shinjuku Gyoen. Despite the rainy weather, the garden was full of many tourists. Here too, the cherry blossoms were beginning to fall. The guest enthusiastically took commemorative photos in front of cherry trees here and there. They also said, "The pine trees in the garden are wonderful," and eagerly took photos in various spots. They added, "The Japanese garden is also wonderful. I am creating a Japanese garden in my own garden as well." We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Square crossing. There were questions such as "About how many people cross here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled through Shibuya Center Street. There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "The public toilets are clean," "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines everywhere." I saw the guest off to Shinjuku Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train都庁前~上野御徒町220JPY
    Section 2Train上野広小路~浅草180JPY
    Section 3Train浅草~大手町(東京都)180JPY
    Section 4Other大手町~新宿210JPY
    Section 5Train新宿~新宿御苑前180JPY
    Section 6Train新宿御苑前~渋谷180JPY
    Section 7Train渋谷~新宿200JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo: Standby at Tokyo Station & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo: Standby at Tokyo Station & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Standby at Tokyo Station
    • 8:15 Meet the guests
    • 9:00-10:00 Sensoji Temple → Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:00-11:40 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:40-12:00 Walk through Golden Gai
    • 12:00-13:20 Sukiyaki lunch @ Kabukicho
    • 13:30-15:00 Takeshita Street → Cat Cafe
    • 15:10-15:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00-16:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 17:00 Guide them to the Narita Express at Tokyo Station and disband

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests joined the tour together. At Senso-ji Temple, they enjoyed candied sweet potatoes and seemed to like them very much. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they took photos of the late-blooming cherry blossoms and strolled around the garden. After that, they walked through Golden Gai in Shinjuku and headed to a sukiyaki restaurant for lunch. Since they wanted to try the best option available, they enjoyed sukiyaki made with A4-grade beef. After lunch, they strolled along Takeshita Street and had crepes. As they liked cats, they spent about 30 minutes at a cat cafe before heading to Meiji Shrine. There, they wrote wishes on ema plaques and purchased good-luck charms. After visiting the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I saw them off at Tokyo Station where they boarded the Narita Express, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Asakusa340JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Tokyo260JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hello! My name is Chiho Tsukamoto, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.

    I have been working as a flight attendant, providing thoughtful and detailed service to passengers from around the world. Currently, I serve as a cabin manager on international flights.

    During my student days, I studied abroad in Manchester, UK for nine months. When my friends from that time visited Japan, I had the opportunity to guide them around the country, which sparked my interest in becoming a tour guide.

    I have strong communication skills, a deep understanding of different cultures, and a sincere spirit of hospitality developed through my career in aviation.

    I’m passionate not only about Japanese traditional culture, but also about the country’s modern lifestyle and latest trends. I aim to help visitors experience the real Japan through fun, engaging, and easy-to-understand tours.

    I look forward to helping you create wonderful and memorable moments during your time in Japan.

    Let’s enjoy this journey together!

    Apr 5, 2026
    174ramanm
    Wonderful day long tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chiho was amazing!! She was very…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nihon-odori Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Nihon-odori Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama
    • 8:10 Depart Nihon-odori Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 8:17 Yokohama Station
    • (JR Ueno-Tokyo Line)
    • 8:46 Arrive Tokyo Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 9:30 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • Monzen-nakacho Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive Tsukishima Station
    • Tsukishima Monja Street
    • 11:00 Depart Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Nishi-Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • Lunch: Marugame Seimen
    • 13:45 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Nishi-Shinjuku Station
    • Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:45 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:20 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
    • 15:48 Yokohama Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Nihon-odori Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Nihon-odori Station

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo and Yokohama Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, residing in North America. All were retired. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day and taken a taxi to their hotel. In the evening, they mentioned they had strolled around Chinatown. The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise departing from Yokohama Port starting the next day. They said, "We'd like to see a bit of Tokyo before we set off." They also mentioned, "We've been looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms." It was a tour under cloudy skies, with occasional light rain. First, we headed to the Imperial Palace via Yokohama Station and Tokyo Station. We visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the cherry blossoms had just begun to fall. I explained about "Japanese history from the Edo to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial Family," "World War II and the Tokyo air raids," and "how the stone walls were built." There were questions and comments such as "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who will be the next Emperor?", and "Can a woman become Emperor?" At their request, we moved to Tsukishima. Unfortunately, it was too early before opening time, so many shops in the shopping street were closed, and there was not much liveliness to be seen. From there, we moved to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. We took in the view of the city from the observation deck. Due to the weather, we couldn't see a clear view, and we were unable to see Mount Fuji either. However, they said, "We could really tell that Tokyo is a vast plateau that spreads out widely." Since some members said, "We'd love to have a Japanese lunch, but no vegetables or seafood," we went to a Marugame Seimen. The "vegetable kakiage" and "fried chicken" toppings were well received. We moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained about "the history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen." The garden was packed with many visitors. Here too, the cherry blossoms ranged from nearly full bloom to just beginning to fall. They eagerly took commemorative photos in front of the cherry trees here and there. They also said, "The pine trees in the garden are wonderful," and took photos enthusiastically all around. They also said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I have a Japanese garden in my own yard as well." We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "About how many people cross at once?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled around Shibuya Center-Gai. There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there's no litter," "The public restrooms are clean," "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?", "Everyone is quiet on the trains," and "There are vending machines all over the place." Finally, I saw them off at Nihon-odori Station, the nearest station to their hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train日本大通り~横浜230JPY
    Section 2Train横浜~東京530JPY
    Section 3Train大手町(東京都)~門前仲町180JPY
    Section 4Train門前仲町~月島180JPY
    Section 5Train月島~都庁前280JPY
    Section 6Train都庁前~新宿西口180JPY
    Section 7Train新宿(東京メトロ)~新宿御苑前180JPY
    Section 8Train新宿御苑前~渋谷180JPY
    Section 9Train渋谷~横浜440JPY
    Section 10Train横浜~日本大通り230JPY
    Total2,610JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Kitano Ijinkan District

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Kitano Ijinkan District

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:30 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30 @ Kitano Ijinkan District (Moegi House, Weathercock House, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Starbucks)
    • 14:00 Disperse @ Kobe Mint (shuttle bus stop to hotel)

    What's a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Kitano Ijinkan The guests were a group visiting from North America. As one of the guests seemed to have some difficulty walking, we proceeded at a relaxed pace. Unfortunately it was rainy, and at one point there was quite heavy rainfall, but in a sense, at the top of Nunobiki Herb Garden, they were able to enjoy a magical atmosphere quite different from what one experiences in clear weather, and the guests seemed all the more satisfied because of it. One of the guests appeared to love flowers and enjoyed the visit immensely, taking many photographs. At the Kitano Ijinkan district, we visited the "Moegi House" and the "Weathercock House," the only two buildings in the area designated as Important Cultural Properties, and the guests toured them with great interest. They also tasted a nearby soft-serve ice cream that had once been reported as the best in Japan, and were very pleased, saying it was indeed the best soft-serve ice cream they had ever had. On the way back, I introduced the only Starbucks housed in a building registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, which they viewed from the outside. (Its exterior paintwork and logo are unique and not seen anywhere else.) After finishing the visits to each spot, I guided them to the boarding area for the dedicated shuttle bus to the hotel that runs from near Sannomiya Station, where we parted ways. I presented two of the guests with handmade drawstring pouches made by my sister, which they were delighted to receive. (On my own assumption, I had brought only two, so they chose them by drawing lots.)

    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

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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Tamiya Plastic Model Factory

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Tamiya Plastic Model Factory

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Hotel
    • 13:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:20 Nippori Fabric Town
    • 15:20 Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza, Career Cafe
    • 16:20 Tamiya Plastic Model Factory
    • 16:45 Dismissal @ Shimbashi

    What's a 4-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like from Shinjuku Gyoen to Yanaka? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group from Oceania on a 4-hour private tour that started at 12:30, after they had arrived at Narita that morning. They were scheduled to depart on a cruise from Yokohama two days later. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms had already turned to leaves, but the falling petals and the late-blooming cherry trees were beautiful, and the guests were delighted. Since one of the guests had mentioned in advance an interest in sewing and a wish to visit a fabric shop, I took the group to the Nippori Textile District, where they purchased fabrics they liked and Japanese-made pins. As the guests seemed quite tired from lack of sleep, I suggested a break in Yanaka, which they warmly welcomed, and they enjoyed coffee and frozen daifuku. Finally, I took the group to a plastic model shop in Shimbashi at their request, where they chose and bought a kit they liked. Since the guests preferred to return by taxi, I helped them into one near the shop, and the tour concluded. The rain and wind were strong, and since my own umbrella had broken that morning, I recommended carrying the hotel umbrella, though it was hardly used and may have been a bit of a burden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Sendagaya160JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku~Nippori260JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Shimbashi210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
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    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

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    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
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