Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 11:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to
    • Yasakakoshindo
    • Ninenzaka by walking
    • Gion area by walking
    • Yasaka Shrine
    • Hanamikoji
    • 14:10 Kenninji (800) by walking
    • 15:00 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 　　　End of the tour

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Higashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since it was a 4-hour tour, they wanted to explore the area around their hotel, so I planned an itinerary that started with a taxi ride to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, followed by walking down toward the Gion area. In the afternoon it began to drizzle, but since it was not heavy rain, some of the guests bought an umbrella while others walked without one. One of the guests seemed rather bored, so I asked whether they knew Studio Ghibli, and their eyes lit up as they mentioned having seen Spirited Away and said they wanted to buy something related to it. So I took them to the Donguri Republic shop on Ninenzaka. Our final stop was Kennin-ji Temple. Although it was a 4-hour tour, we had walked almost continuously without much rest, so the guests were a little tired, and they were pleased that their hotel was located right where we exited Kennin-ji Temple.

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

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Request Booking

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: @ Shitennoji Temple & @ Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet @ JR Osaka Station
    • 13:00 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 @ Kuromon Market
    • 16:15 Disband @ Kuromon Market

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shitennoji, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Kuromon Market The guests were visitors from North America, and the transfers went smoothly. Because the hotel check-in was delayed, the tour started about 30 minutes behind schedule. The guests seemed to have a great affinity for Japan and showed a strong interest in the country. At each spot, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations. On the way to Shitennoji Temple, we stopped by "Kongo Gumi," which was founded by descendants of the carpenters that the temple's founder, Prince Shotoku, invited from the Korean peninsula at the time, and which is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest company (over 1,400 years old); the guests were very interested in this explanation. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they experienced praying and also picked up the popular "Godairiki" pebbles and purchased small amulet pouches. The weather was unfortunately rainy today, but as a result there were fewer people at the spots and we were able to sightsee smoothly. However, since we arrived at Kuromon Market, our last stop, after 15:00, some of the shops had already closed. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, and the guests were very pleased. Although we started about 30 minutes late, the guests said it was fine to end at the originally planned time, so we finished about 15 minutes early. I heard that a family member is also planning to visit Japan, and since one of the guests is very fond of sake, I recommended a brewery tour in Kobe, and received the comment that they would love to visit. Once again, the guests treated me very warmly and were truly likable, for which I felt grateful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 2TrainTennoji-ekimae～Sumiyoshitorii-mae240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Total720JPY

    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

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ueno Park

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ueno Park

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:40 Yanaka (Tennoji, Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza)
    • 11:10 Ueno Park
    • 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 13:00 Dismiss @ Ramen Shop (Asakusa)

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who wanted to learn about Japanese culture, so they requested Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa. At Yanaka Cemetery, they were amazed to see the many large gravestones. Along Yanaka Ginza, they bought souvenirs such as accessories and enjoyed matcha lattes as they strolled. After that, we visited Toshogu Shrine and Kiyomizu Kannon-do in Ueno before heading to Asakusa, where they were overwhelmed by the huge crowds. We walked through Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, and Asakusa Shrine, and since it was exactly 1:00 p.m., we said goodbye in front of a ramen shop. The guests were very genuine and it was a lovely group to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Nippori260JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total590JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Request Booking

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:50　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 08:00　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 08:20　Meiji Shrine
    • 09:50　Imperial Palace
    • 11:00　Sensoji Temple
    • 12:00　Lunch @ Sushizanmai Asakusa Kaminarimon Branch
    • 13:15　Akihabara
    • 14:15　Disband @ Shibuya Station

    What Does a Private Tokyo Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, and Akihabara The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. They also purchased several omamori charms as souvenirs. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to my historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji, they were interested in learning about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, one of the guests, who is a fan of Japanese anime, purchased several anime figures and other goods. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Ueno200JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 6TrainAkihabara～Shibuya260JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Request Booking

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel to Kyoto Station by JR

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Travel to Kyoto Station by JR

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • 09:15 Travel to Nijo Castle by two taxis
    • 09:30 Sightseeing ①: Tour of "Nijo Castle"
    • 10:30 Travel to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple by two taxis
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ②: Tour of "Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple"
    • 11:30 Travel to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple on foot
    • 11:50 Sightseeing ③: Tour of "Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple"
    • 12:30 Travel to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station by two taxis
    • 12:40 Travel to Kyoto Station by JR
    • 13:00 End of guided tour (in front of the hotel)

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour by Taxi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a multi-generational group visiting from North America, on the 10th day of their trip to Japan. Advance planning of the itinerary, including the places to visit, was coordinated through messaging with one member of the group. It was originally a short 4-hour course, and the destinations were clear from the outset: the requested route was Nijo Castle, then Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and finally Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. One consideration was that public transportation such as trains, subways, and buses would be too demanding for the group. I therefore advised, "Considering everyone in the group, I recommend traveling by taxi," and the guests agreed. On the day, we were able to meet a little earlier than the appointed time, and completed a brief self-introduction and confirmation of the itinerary. Everyone in the group appeared cheerful and in good spirits, which was reassuring. A baby stroller had been prepared in case walking became tiring, which gave us added peace of mind in case anyone became sleepy. As mentioned above, we moved entirely by hailing two taxis as needed at each location, which allowed us to travel in a relaxed and safe manner. At Nijo Castle, we toured the interior of the Ninomaru Palace and viewed the Japanese garden, which everyone in the group seemed to enjoy. At the second and third stops, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, we went around looking at the comical rakan statues and also enjoyed the bamboo grove. Above all, the rain from the previous days had cleared up, and there was plenty of shade to walk in away from the sun, so everyone was able to stay comfortable, which was the best part of the day. The group spent the time cheerfully, and there were no moments of fussing or crying. It was a fun tour, and I was glad to guide this multi-generational group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

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

    Request Booking

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

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Goo Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Goo Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet @ Nijo Castle entrance
    • 8:50-10:30　Nijo Castle (including light meal for guests)
    • 11:00-12:00　Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:15-12:40　Goo Shrine
    • Dismissal @ Goo Shrine

    What Is a Private Kyoto History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace Before the tour, there was a question in the pre-tour communication asking whether I held a guide license. The meeting time was also changed a couple of times, and the guests said they wanted more time to think it over, so I felt anxious right up until the day of the tour. The meeting was finally set for 8:40 in front of Nijo Castle, but on the morning of the tour I received a message asking to push the start back by 25 minutes. Fortunately, the guests arrived by taxi at 8:50, so the start was not delayed by much. Since the guest introduction noted a request for "a guide who is knowledgeable about history," I prepared some materials based on the visual guide Japanese history timeline provided by the company, with a few additions of my own. First, I explained beforehand that although Kyoto was the capital for a long time, the period during which the imperial family actually held political power was short, that there were three warrior governments, and the relationship between the shogun and the emperor. After entering Nijo Castle and explaining the Karamon gate, it became apparent that one of the guests had recently been injured and wanted to walk while taking frequent rests. The two younger members of the group listened to my explanations at first, but as the other guests were asking many enthusiastic questions and I was responding to them, they probably found it a bit dull. For much of the time, they were talking among themselves. After walking around the Ninomaru Palace, since the guests had gone to Kiyomizu-dera in the morning and had not had breakfast, they said they wanted to eat somewhere, so I guided them to the simple dining hall at Nijo Castle. They seemed to enjoy curry and wagyu beef sandwiches, and ate them happily. One of the guests took a liking to mango juice and said it was delicious. After that, we admired the Ninomaru Garden and decided to go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Considering one guest's condition, we decided to take a taxi. Here again, some of the guests were talking among themselves, so I mainly guided the others. Like me, they were especially moved by the Oike Garden, and some of the guests stopped for a while to watch the carp and birds. Finally, since one of the guests seemed to have an injured leg, we decided to stop by Goo Shrine, known for legs and lower back. The guests did not seem to have any objection to visiting a shrine as a tourist attraction, but they asked me, "What exactly are people praying to?" and at first I did not understand what they were asking. According to the explanation from one of the guests, who follows a particular faith that worships a single god, they could not understand why Japanese people worship at shrines in so many different places. I explained that Japanese people regard all sorts of things in nature as deities, and that real historical people are also revered as gods. This once again made me realize that when religions differ, what seems obvious to us is not obvious at all. When it was time to part, I stamped a Goo Shrine pamphlet for the younger members of the group and gave them character stickers as a souvenir before saying goodbye. The photo was taken at the Oike Garden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

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

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Hyatt Place Kyoto & Kinkakuji (500) by taxi

    Kyoto in One Day: Hyatt Place Kyoto & Kinkakuji (500) by taxi

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hyatt Place Kyoto
    • 10:30 Fushimiinari by Subway & JR train
    • 11:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • 14:30 Lunch（Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Store）
    • 15:00 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 16:00 Hyatt Place Kyoto
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji The guests were friends visiting from North America, though they were originally from the Middle East. The morning was a little chilly, but it cleared up toward midday and the sunshine became strong. We had cold drinks in front of Chawan-zaka near Kiyomizu-dera, though one of the guests skipped Kiyomizu-dera and spent time along the approach instead. They had initially said they would not eat lunch, but since they wanted to sit down at a restaurant and use the restroom, we went to a conveyor-belt sushi place near Kinkaku-ji. At first they said they would like somewhere with a beautiful garden, but I suggested saving that for another occasion. Once we arrived, both of the guests turned out to love eel, ordering the same eel three times. As they were also feeling a bit tired from walking, after Kinkaku-ji we took a taxi back to the Hotel and ended the tour there. Neither of the guests was particularly interested in history.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMarutamachi (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Total410JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Request Booking

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 9:40 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:30 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, main hall, lunch
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Tour ends

    What Does a Private Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. After praying at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, they visited the outer market. While strolling, they enjoyed coffee, sweets, wagyu skewers, and sashimi, and had a wonderful time. In Asakusa, at the Culture Tourism Center, I explained the history of Asakusa and the surrounding buildings, and then the guests walked from Kaminarimon Gate through Nakamise while taking photos at many spots. Along the way, they tried drawing omikuji fortunes, and one of the guests was delighted to draw the best fortune. After praying at the main hall, we had lunch at a Japanese restaurant. At the next stop, Meiji Shrine, I explained the history of Emperor Meiji and the shrine, and after entering, we proceeded while I provided explanations at various points, and the guests were moved by the sacred forest. After praying at the main sanctuary, on Takeshita Street they showed interest in the unique shops and seemed likely to return later. I guided them to the train to their hotel, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGotanda～Tsukiji330JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

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

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    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Kyoto Station (The customer took the wrong train and arrived at Kyoto Station 1 hour late)
    • 11:00-11:20 Transfer (JR; Kyoto Station → Inari)
    • 11:20-12:10 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:10-12:40 Transfer (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Shichijo)
    • 12:40-13:30 Visit Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 13:30-13:50 Transfer (Kyoto Bus: Higashiyama Shichijo → Gion)
    • 13:50-14:40 Visit Gion and Yasaka Pagoda
    • 14:40-15:20 Transfer (City Bus; Keihan Shijo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 15:20-16:10 Visit Kinkakuji Temple
    • 16:10-17:00 Transfer (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi → Kitaoji Bus Terminal, Subway; Kitaoji → Kyoto Station)
    • 17:00 End of tour Said goodbye to the customer at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Port for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group from Europe. It was their first visit to Japan, and they arrived as cruise ship passengers from Osaka Port. I had sent them transfer information from Osaka Port to Kyoto in advance, but they boarded the wrong train and arrived at Kyoto Station about one hour late. Since they had contacted me through a messaging app to let me know they would be late, I could not simply leave, so we ended up starting the tour one hour behind schedule. I considered ending the tour at the originally planned time, but decided instead to finish one hour later than scheduled. I took them to Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, Gion plus Yasaka Pagoda, and Kinkakuji. A visit to Yasaka Pagoda had not originally been planned, but the guests requested to see it during our visit to Gion, so I took them there on short notice. Since they wanted to visit as many places as possible, the tour did not include a meal arrangement, but because we kept walking in heat that felt like midsummer, I arranged just a drink break along the way.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Keihan Shichijo/Queen Line180JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama Shichijo/Kyoto Bus～Gion/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGion-Shijo～Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji～Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,280JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike

    Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike

    Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    July, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the lobby of Onn Nakatsugawa, a hotel in Nakatsugawa Station city.
    • 8:45 Purchase the post-tour Limited Express Shinano tickets together at Nakatsugawa Station.
    • 9:10 Take the bus departing from Nakatsugawa Station to Magome.
    • 9:35 After arranging to send luggage to Tsumago at the Magome tourist information center, start walking toward Tsumago.
    • 13:20 Lunch at Otokichi in Tsumago.
    • 14:20 Stroll around Tsumago. You purchased items such as folding fans at a souvenir shop. Received the luggage sent ahead at the tourist information center.
    • 15:26 Take the bus to Nagiso Station.
    • 15:55 See off boarding the Limited Express Shinano departing at 15:55. You are planning to go from Nagoya to Kyoto.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was fine and the walk went smoothly, but since many photos were taken, it took quite a long time. For lunch, we ordered a set meal of mountain-vegetable tempura and soba. The conversation flowed and we lingered for a while, though some food was left uneaten, so I am not sure whether the meal suited the guests' tastes. The guests enjoyed talking about politics, and we had a lively conversation about Donald Trump. We also took plenty of time for breaks along the way, so the schedule ended up tighter than expected, but the guests said it turned out to be just the right pace after all.

    Click here for more details: Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Nakatsugawa Station／Kitaena Kotsu～Magome／Kitaena Kotsu800JPY
    Section 2BusTsumago／Kitaena Kotsu～Nagiso Station／Kitaena Kotsu300JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Tour Report by TAKU

    Gifu Prefecture, where I was born and raised, is located in the heart of Japan. It is home to many mountains exceeding 3,000 meters, and the historic Nakasendo (Samurai Road) runs through this dramatic landscape. Once a vital artery for travelers during the Edo period, the route still preserves the traditional atmosphere of that era, with many historical houses standing much as they did centuries ago. Walking along this path allows you to experience Japan’s original rural landscape—a distinct and refreshing contrast to the bustling former capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

    I also spent many years working in Nagoya, so I can guide you through the city with confidence. Nagoya is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Furthermore, the city is famous for “Nagoya-meshi,” a variety of delicious local specialties unique to the region.

    It is my great pleasure to introduce visitors to the depth of Japanese cuisine, history, and culture. Welcoming guests from all over the world is always a joy for me, and I truly look forward to guiding you and creating wonderful memories together.

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    Jul 14, 2026
    wandahB6389XA
    Tripadvisor review: Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide
    The Nakasendo Trail: A beautiful blend of nature and culture.…

    May 26, 2026
    adamkO4340OC
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great trail with a fantastic guide
    Excellent experience with…

    May 18, 2026
    rubia_k
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nakasendo Trail
    Our guide Taku Hasegawa was so knowledgeable…