Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hilton Tokyo
    • 9:00 Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Head, Don Quijote
    • 9:30 Coffee break at "VERVE COFFEE ROASTER" at Shinjuku New South Exit
    • 10:00 Self-photo shooting at "Photoism Harajuku Takeshita Street Store" on Takeshita Street
    • 11:00 Loyal Dog Hachiko, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11:45 Coffee break at "PARK STAND TOKYO Kiyosumi-Shirakawa" in front of Kiyosumi Park
    • 12:20 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 13:10 Strolling around Kuramae Station (touring general goods stores). Helping purchase a "chasen (tea whisk)" at "Mizukiya Baba Shoten"
    • 14:10 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:00 Helping purchase sencha and matcha at "Jugetsudo Ginza Kabuki Store"
    • 15:40 In front of "Kabukiza Tower," telling the taxi driver the guest's desired destination "The National Art Center, Tokyo," and dispersing.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. After visiting Kyoto, they arrived in Tokyo the previous day and planned to return home the day after next. Since one of the guests was recovering and doing rehabilitation, this was arranged as a walking tour, so I made an effort to use elevators and escalators as much as possible during the guiding. As the guests wished to avoid famous tourist spots, I received a list of their preferred destinations and organized the itinerary to follow their wishes as closely as possible. Because one of the guests loves Japanese cafés, I introduced recommended cafés near the places we visited, and we took coffee breaks at two cafés.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae～Shinjuku West Exit180JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Kiyosumi-Shirakawa210JPY
    Section 5TrainKiyosumi-Shirakawa～Kuramae180JPY
    Section 6TrainKuramae～Tsukiji Market220JPY
    Total1,090JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs (12 min from Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station) Meeting
    • 1100 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1155 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building Pine Pilings, Tokyo Station
    • 1255 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 1420 Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine Visit
    • 1550 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1610 Dismissal after crossing the Scramble Crossing

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan for the first time the previous night. The accommodation specified was a hotel, but the address listed corresponded to a nearby annex of the same hotel, which caused some confusion. Just before departure this morning, I received a message from the guests saying they were not sure which one it was (this may have been due to inconsistent data on the booking platform). I first went to the former and checked at the front desk, but there was no check-in record under the name. I went to the latter and asked at the front desk as well, with the same result. While I was puzzling over this, a message came in saying they were on their way, so I went over and was able to meet them at the main building. The check-in had been made under the name of one of the party, and it did not appear in the booking information. The guests told me that the night before, they had been dropped off by an arranged car at Kaminarimon and had struggled to find their way to the hotel. They would be in Tokyo for a few days, and since they had signed up for various events in the city and had many places they wanted to visit, I explained the differences between the subway and JR lines and how to ride them. Next week they would move on to Disney Resort, after which they planned to board a cruise ship. They had hoped to see cherry blossoms, but the Kawazu cherry blossoms within Sensoji Temple had already turned to leaves. Even so, the Yoko cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen were about thirty percent in bloom, which delighted them. Today they had signed up for sushi and a sake tasting in Aoyama, so I gave them some materials I had on hand about the brewing methods, classifications, and flavors of sake. Until that time, they planned to go shopping in Shibuya.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo～Shinjuku-gyoemmae210JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagaya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total900JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Tokyo: Tochomae Station & Shinkyo bus

    Tokyo: Tochomae Station & Shinkyo bus

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hotel Tokyo
    • 8:10 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Oedo Line)
    • Ueno-okachimachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:45 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 9:00 Depart Tobu Asakusa Station
    • (Tobu Limited Express Spacia X No.3)
    • 10:50 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station
    • 11:00 Depart Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 11:20 In front of the Shodo Shonin Statue
    • Nikko Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • (Walk)
    • Nikko Futarasan Shrine
    • (Walk)
    • Break: Cafe
    • 12:40 Nishisando entrance
    • Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • (Walk)
    • 13:30 Depart Nishisando entrance bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shinkyo bus stop
    • Shinkyo Bridge
    • Lunch: Asaya Rest House
    • 14:30 Depart Shinkyo bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 14:45 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • 14:57 Depart Tobu Nikko Station
    • (Kegon No.38)
    • 16:45 Arrive Tobu Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno-okachimachi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Dismissal: Tochomae Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They arrived at Narita Airport via a connecting flight and traveled to Shinjuku by the Narita Express, on a trip of about two weeks in Japan. Since arriving, they had explored central Tokyo, including a theme park, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, and had also enjoyed a day trip to Mount Fuji. From the following day they planned to continue to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and other places, eventually flying home from Kansai Airport. Today they said they wanted to see and enjoy "Japanese history and the atmosphere of a regional area." It was a clear but chilly day for the tour. We met at a hotel in Shinjuku and headed from Asakusa toward Nikko. On the way, I explained "the origins and history of Nikko," "the Edo period, and the Edo period in relation to Tokugawa Ieyasu," and "the five highways and the system of alternate attendance (sankin-kotai)." First, we took a bus from Tobu-Nikko Station to central Nikko. We walked around Rinnoji Temple, where a goma fire ritual was being performed, and we observed it for a while. I explained "about Buddhism" and "Buddhism in relation to Shinto." At Rinnoji, the guests admired the Japanese garden and took their time photographing it. From there we continued on foot to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Despite it being a weekday, it was quite crowded with large tour groups from overseas. We went around the Yomeimon Gate, the main hall, and the "crying dragon" in turn. The "three wise monkeys" and the "sleeping cat" seemed to be particular favorites, and the guests spent a lot of time photographing them. Regarding the "three wise monkeys," they mentioned they had heard about them beforehand. We then walked to Nikko Futarasan Shrine. The guests said, "The avenue of cedar trees is wonderful. This is a landscape we could never see back home," and strolled slowly around the grounds. We walked to the entrance of the West Approach. The guests said they wanted some coffee, so we took a break at a cafe. After resting, we walked on to Kanmangafuchi Abyss. Along the way, snow remained on the road, so we could only proceed slowly, stopping here and there to take photographs. We walked back to the entrance of the West Approach and headed to the Shinkyo Bridge. At Shinkyo, for some reason there were few tourists, so we were able to take our time photographing various spots. After that, we took a short break, then took a bus to Tobu-Nikko Station. The guests commented, "Nikko is cold," and "Toshogu is completely different from the Japanese shrines we've seen so far. It is very lavish and highly decorated. Very interesting." They also remarked, "Everywhere you go in Japan, there is no litter on the ground; it's clean. It's completely different from back home." On the way back, the guests mostly napped in the vehicle. I saw them off from Asakusa Station via Ueno-Okachimachi Station to Tochomae Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae～Ueno-okachimachi220JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno-okachimachi～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3OtherTobu Asakusa Station～Tobu Nikko Station3,000JPY
    Section 4OtherTobu Asakusa Station～Tobu Nikko Station3,590JPY
    Section 5OtherAsakusa～Ueno-okachimachi180JPY
    Section 6OtherUeno-okachimachi～Tochomae220JPY
    Total7,390JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet up　Hilton Tokyo
    • 11:00　Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:15　Lunch　Heijoen
    • 14:00　Imperial Palace East Gardens, Nijubashi Bridge, Naka-dori
    • 15:55　Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 16:30　Tour ends (accompany to the shuttle bus stop for the hotel at Shinjuku Station)

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Blessed with fine weather perfect for a stroll, it turned into a pleasant and enjoyable time. The guests, visiting from North America (with roots in South America), were experiencing Japan (Asia) for the first time, and they showed great interest in the culture and atmosphere, so different from what they were used to. In particular, one of the guests enjoyed conversation, and we exchanged all sorts of enjoyable information, including customs and food from South America. However, toward the end at Meiji Shrine, one of the guests became tired, so we turned back partway and returned to the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Asakusa330JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Harajuku210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku150JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Yukari

    Welcome to Japan! I am Yukari. I live in a suburb of Tokyo. I have three children and two grandchildren. I’d be happy to help you to feel comfortable and excited to be in Tokyo. At a tourist spot, if you learn the historical background related to the spot, then you will get more interested. In the cultural experience, if you know the spirit of the Japanese, then you can taste the essence of Japanese culture. About Japanese food and life-style, why don’t we chat about how people live in each country eating some good Japanese food? Then we can feel relaxed and discover something fun. I will live up to your expectations with my smile and hospitality. Let’s enjoy exploring the beautiful city together!

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  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel Tribute
    • 8:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 9:44 Saga Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Kameyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • Use taxi from JR Enmachi
    • 12:15 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 13:15 Disband in front of Kinkakuji Temple

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji I guided guests visiting from Asia on a private one-day tour of Kyoto. We visited Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji. By going early in the morning, Fushimi Inari was relatively uncrowded, and we were able to walk at a leisurely pace. In addition to these three places, I had also considered Ryoan-ji and the Nishijin Textile Center if time allowed. However, the guests were deeply moved by the beauty of the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, and after strolling slowly, shopping, and enjoying some snacks, we ended up staying there for over two hours. As a result, Kinkaku-ji became our final destination. From Kinkaku-ji, the guests took a taxi, so we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Hello. I’m YUASA Katsura. Call me just K(Kei). I have been a national government licensed guide interpreter since 2024. I am also teaching English at a university in Nara, so I’m good at explaining even complicated things plainly so that everyone can understand. I hope you will choose me if you would like to learn about Japanese history and traditional culture. I can not only guide you to major tourist sites such as Golden Pavillion in Kyoto and the Great Buddha in Nara but also introduce you hidden gems in Kyoto and Nara. I’m fascinated with charms of these ancient cities. Let’s make your travel to Japan enjoyable and memorable together.

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    Jul 29, 2026
    Charlotte_C
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kei was a wonderful guide…
    Kei was a wonderful…

    May 23, 2026
    allenk947
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoughtful tour with excellent support and service
    The experience and…

    Mar 11, 2026
    K
    ketchbaw
    Great Guide excellent Tour recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent Guide fun Tour…

    May 1, 2026
    C3857WLstevenk
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    My wife and I had a 4hr private tour with…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Explain related information in advance, such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Inner Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Market Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests had worked for a company that also had a store in Japan and had visited Japan from time to time in the past, and had experienced visiting the old Tsukiji Market during that time. They were looking forward to seeing how the tuna auction at Toyosu would differ from the Tsukiji auction they had seen years ago. They were amazed that a single tuna auction was over in five seconds, and watching one tuna after another being auctioned off and carried away, they were impressed and called it "well-organized." The three of us watched the hand signals of the intermediate wholesalers and tried to spot the highest bids, but the auction moved so quickly that we couldn't keep up, and we failed to catch the winning prices of two or three tuna. Even so, the three of us had fun calling out "over there!" and "this one!" and enjoyed the feeling of taking part in the auction ourselves. At the sushi restaurant they enjoyed a tuna-focused meal, and both were impressed that the chef's specialty marinated tuna (zuke) was the most delicious. When I relayed the chef's words—"Zuke takes a lot of effort, so it makes me happy as a sushi chef when people say it's delicious"—the guests smiled and kept saying "oishii." At Tsukiji, I showed them the intermediate wholesalers' shops and let them see fresh tuna cut into large blocks and displayed, helping them understand which parts were otoro, chutoro, and akami. At another wholesaler, they saw round slices of the part near the tail that had been cut off at the auction site, as well as the nakaochi part attached to the bone, and they came to understand that tuna is consumed with as little waste as possible. One of the guests had been asked to buy a Japanese meat knife, so I guided them to a Japanese knife shop whose craft traces back to the making of samurai swords, and had them choose a knife. I explained a brief history and the various types of Japanese knives, and they were delighted to see the sword-long knives used specifically for breaking down tuna, displayed like blades in the shop. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests Since one of the guests and I both remember Tsukiji Market at its peak, I guided the group through the few streets that still retain traces of those days, and together we explained to the rest of the group, "It used to be like this—there were many more narrow shops." One of the guests reminisced in front of a long-established shop, saying, "I might have seen this place before," and I too had a wonderful time being able to talk about the Tsukiji of old.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market／Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome／Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at Toyosu Market, special tour reception
    • 05:00 – 05:35 Explanation of the tuna auction process from the general observation floor
    • 05:35 – 05:45 Explanation of advance precautions by market staff
    • 05:45 – 06:10 Observe the tuna auction from the special observation floor
    • 06:10 – 06:50 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 06:50 – 07:05 Move to Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 07:05 – 08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is a Private Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They chatted happily together, though one of the guests unfortunately could not enjoy sushi due to a lack of appetite. Still, by the time we reached Tsukiji they had recovered, and I was relieved to see them enjoying strawberries. This time we won the lottery and were able to go down to the special observation floor to watch the tuna auction. Since the lottery application allows up to five people, the guests applied for their group and I applied for my own spot separately. I thought it might be difficult for both to win, but we did win, and a familiar market staff member kindly allowed all six of us to be combined into one group, so I was able to secure a good viewing spot and guide them well. Some of the guests had watched the Tsukiji tuna auction 17 years ago and were very much looking forward to seeing the auction with the latest facilities this time. They were delighted, saying, "At Tsukiji you could watch the auction up close, but at Toyosu, Toru explained how the auctioneers keep each other in check while looking down from above, so it was dynamic and fun, like a live broadcast." At the sushi restaurant after the auction, some of the guests enjoyed a full course of tuna and were impressed by how the taste differed depending on the cut. The others each ordered their favorites, such as salmon and eel, and were satisfied. At Toyosu it turned into a "sweets tour" for the group. We shared strawberry skewers and large freshly grilled mitarashi dango as a family, bringing a lively end to the tour. One of the guests initially felt unwell due to jet lag, and I had even considered pausing the tour, but with attentive care they began to smile around the time we were strolling through Tsukiji, which reassured me. When they ordered strawberry skewers at the end of the tour, their expression brightened, and it made me happy as a guide when they said "Arigato" and shook my hand at the end. This time the special observation floor was also more than half occupied by an inspection delegation from Europe, so I was worried about securing the best remaining position. However, one of the guests cooperated with me to secure a spot, and the rest of the group followed along carefully, so we were able to watch the auction right in front of us. Recently there is always an inspection delegation guided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, so securing a viewing spot on the special observation floor has become quite difficult. On the special observation floor you cannot always see the auction clearly, so personally I think guests enjoy the experience more when I explain what is happening on the floor with a live feel while viewing the whole scene from the general floor. Since guests come having seen images and videos online that capture the best moments, their expectations for the special observation floor are high, which makes it a difficult balance.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market／Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome／Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Maihama Station
    • 10:45 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:00 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 14:00 Harajuku Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Miyashita Park, Pokemon Center
    • 16:00 Tour ends

    What Is a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, and this was their first time traveling abroad. They looked amazed at the developed transportation network, the crowds of people, and the density of buildings. Since they had only one day of free time and wished to see as many places as possible, I guided them without stopping for a meal. The guest who had booked the tour appeared to be deeply impressed.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae320JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 4TrainKasai Rinkai Park～Tsukiji410JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    Tour Report by Miho

    Hello, I’m Miho Ozawa, and I’ve been working as a government licenced guide interpreter for six years in Tokyo. I live in east Tokyo with my family, including my three children, and I love art, gardens, photography and traveling.
    It’s such a pleasure to explore this fascinating city Tokyo with you. There are so many things you can do, although sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do within a limited time. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what you would like to do or where you would like to visit in Tokyo. I would be happy to help you plan to make your trip a memorable one. I’m forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Apr 18, 2026
    CRM
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day 1 Japan Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
    Miho was an amazing tour guide.…

    Mar 31, 2026
    M
    maaz06
    Private Half Day tour with Government Licenced Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our half day…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Maria_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant half Day Private tour customized to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Rick_G
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun day out with Miho
    We had a great time exploring the…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)9:05 Meet at the hotel, then take the JR to Arashiyama
    • 2)10:00-11:20 Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Observation Deck, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 3)11:30-12:20 Lunch, Kimono Forest, then take the Randen, subway, and bus to Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
    • 4)13:30-15:30 Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Donguri Kingdom, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then take the bus and JR to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 5)16:10-17:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, then take the JR to JR Kyoto Station
    • 6)Around 17:30 Say goodbye at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari **Body:** The guests were a pleasant group, and their friendly nature made the tour very easy to conduct. At Arashiyama, they especially enjoyed the bamboo grove, and I took some group photos of everyone. We decided to have lunch in Arashiyama, but since some of the guests preferred to avoid fish and shellfish (I had asked about any dietary preferences before the tour, but did not receive a reply), we visited several places before settling on a restaurant for lunch. They kindly treated me to the meal. Afterwards, we visited the Kimono Forest, and since some of the guests seemed interested in mochi, I bought mitarashi dango for everyone to enjoy. Then we headed to Kiyomizu-dera. On the way, we stopped by a shop selling Studio Ghibli goods and took photos with Totoro. At Kiyomizu-dera, the guests experienced ringing the bell, pouring water over the Kannon statue, and drinking the water at Otowa Waterfall. At Fushimi Inari, they were amazed by the sheer number of torii gates, and here too they tried the omokaru-ishi (lifting stone). Afterwards, I accompanied them to the Hachijo exit of Kyoto Station near their accommodation, where we said our goodbyes. Having experienced so many things, it seemed they enjoyed the tour very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 3TrainUzumasa Tenjingawa～Higashiyama (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 4BusHigashiyama-sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kiyomizu-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKiyomizu-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Tofuku-ji／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainTofuku-ji～Inari150JPY
    Section 7TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Request Booking

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Mercure Kyoto Station
    • 11:30~12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30~13:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 14:00~15:00 Nijo Castle
    • 15:30 Kyoto Station　　　Dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Nijo Castle Body: The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Tokyo about a week earlier and had come to Kyoto the previous day via Kanazawa. Although they mentioned it felt a little cold with the lower temperatures, the day was clear and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing. At Fushimi Inari, they were especially captivated by the main hall, the vermilion Senbon Torii, and the fox statues. At the Negiami no Matsu pine, they touched the roots of the pine, hoping for its blessings. They also lifted the Omokaru-ishi stone at the inner shrine and made a wish. At Sanjusangendo, they were deeply moved by the solemn atmosphere and the 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon and the statues of the 28 guardian deities. At Nijo Castle, they gazed with admiration at the Karamon gate, the fusuma paintings and ranma transoms of the Ninomaru Palace, and the grand hall that was the setting for the return of political power to the Emperor. Finally, since they planned to visit Sagano-Arashiyama the next day, we confirmed the location of their departure platform at Kyoto Station before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo180JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo～Sanjo (Kyoto)180JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo (Kyoto)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…