Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: on Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: on Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 a.m. Meet in the lobby of the Hotel
    • 12:15 p.m. Arrive on Miyajima Island
    • 12:30 p.m. Explore Shopping Street
    • 1:15 p.m. Rickshaw Tour
    • 1:45 p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 2:30 p.m. Lunch
    • 3:30 p.m. Explore Shopping Street
    • 4:45 p.m. Take a short ferry to Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 5:00 p.m. Tour ends at Miyajimaguchi Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from North America. One of the guests had lived in Japan for six years and spoke Japanese well. Since one of the guests could not walk quickly, we moved at a slow, relaxed pace. As soon as we arrived at Miyajima, the guests wanted to try a rickshaw, so I contacted the rickshaw company and waited for the vehicle while the guests looked around the shopping street. I told them I would follow behind, but they kindly said there was an open seat and invited me to ride along, so I got to experience a rickshaw for the very first time in my life. The rickshaw driver was very entertaining and guided in English, and I interpreted for the historical parts when cued. The guests loved photography, and they were delighted to be able to take photos on the rickshaw and to not have to walk. The weather was fine, and they enjoyed the view of Itsukushima Shrine. When I guided them to a less crowded spot, they were pleased and took many photos. They wanted to try various Japanese dishes, so I guided them to a restaurant offering Miyajima specialties and a variety of set meals, which they enjoyed. Since walking to Daishoin was difficult, they decided to skip it this time and instead explore the shopping street, and they seemed to have a wonderful time shopping. In the evening they had a dinner cruise booked from Onoura, so we waited for the train together at Miyajimaguchi and ended the tour. Everyone was very close, and they welcomed me into their circle, making it a day I thoroughly enjoyed together with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up@Monday Apart Hamamatsucho Daimon
    • 09:40 Meiji Jingu
    • 11:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:30 Lunch@Yakiniku Toraji (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:50 Akihabara
    • 15:15 Dismissal@Akihabara

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to visit a theme park after sightseeing in Tokyo, and did not plan to visit Kyoto or other destinations. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared to be impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Shinjuku Gyoen, although peak bloom had already passed, they were delighted to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about the Kaminarimon Gate, and they also bought souvenirs along Nakamise Street. In Akihabara, some of the guests purchased anime figures and Pokemon cards. Since they wanted to browse more anime shops and said they could return to their hotel on their own afterward, we parted ways in Akihabara. As I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Harajuku260JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-gyoemmae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Tokyo210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno200JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 meet @ Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 11:30 Tsukiji (Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple ~ Tsukiji Outer Market)
    • 13:00 Asakusa (Sensoji Temple ~ Kappabashi ~ Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street ~ Azuma Bridge) *Sweets break @ Pure Cafe Mountain
    • 15:00 tour ends @ Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tsukiji and Asakusa in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America making a second trip to Japan. I proposed an itinerary focused on two places: Tsukiji, which they had not yet visited, and Asakusa, where they wanted to return because it had been too crowded to shop the previous time. The guest was very interested in Japan and Japanese people, and we chatted throughout, including during travel between locations. They seemed more interested in personal opinions and impressions than in standard guiding commentary. Since it was a Wednesday, Tsukiji was not very crowded, so the guest was able to leisurely purchase souvenirs such as tea and sweets. In Asakusa, we took a coffee break at a Showa-era retro coffee shop and had a parfait set. The guest commented that it was far better than a chain coffee shop.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hi I am Hiroaki. I am pleased if I could help you to have a good and memorable experience here in Japan.
    I started as a guide in 2017 after retiring. My expertise is outdoor/town walking tour as well as universal tourism.
    If you like, I might show you a lively ordinal local life during the tour.
    I love tourism. I visited all 47 domestic prefectures in Japan and all 50 states in US. I like long journey like walking/biking historical/pilgrimage routes, and love sports especially rugby, triathlon.
    I would like to make your tour as much as customized according to your preference. So the information about spots you want to visit, things you want to do is very helpful for me to prepare plan some options of the day.
    Do not hesitate contact me via email.

    Mar 22, 2025
    Tracy_L
    Special Day in Tokyo with Hiroaki!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful day with Hiroaki! He tailored…

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel pickup
    • 9:00 Walk to Shukkeien Garden
    • Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:30
    • Walking around Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:30
    • Walking in the city center
    • 12:30 Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. We were blessed with wonderful weather, and it was a perfect day for exploring the city on foot. During our itinerary discussions beforehand, the guests had said that viewing Japan's beautiful cherry blossoms was one of their life goals, so I was very concerned about whether the cherry blossoms at Shukkeien Garden would still be holding on. Although they were past their peak, the beauty of the cherry blossoms here truly is a special beauty that is second to none. The guests were delighted, and because we visited early in the day, they were able to fully enjoy the garden in a wonderful, uncrowded setting.

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Kanagawa: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Kanagawa: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet at Odawara Station
    • 12:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 14:00 Take the pirate ship to Owakudani via Togendai.
    • 15:00 Move from Owakudani to Gora
    • 16:20 Gora
    • 18:00 Odawara Station

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like Before Catching the Bullet Train to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The plan was to meet the guests at Odawara Station at 10:00, but due to a personal injury accident on the Tokaido Line, the train was stopped at Totsuka Station for a full hour. I managed to get in touch with the guests just before arrival, and we were able to meet up. Since the guests planned to head to Kyoto on the 18:30 bullet train after Hakone, we hurried through the Hakone loop route. At Hakone Shrine, I guided them while explaining Shinto and its influence on Japanese culture, and they seemed deeply moved, carefully repeating their prayers. At Owakudani, I kept our time short to save the schedule, but as it was peak travel season, the crowds were tremendous, and even boarding the ropeway took a great deal of time and effort. We managed to return to Odawara Station by 6:00 and made it in time for the bullet train. I believe the guests kindly understood the delay in our departure.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo in One Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Shin-Kobe Station
    • 10:15 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:45 at Kitano Ijinkan Street (Moegi House, Weathercock House, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Starbucks Kitano Ijinkan Store)
    • 13:15 at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 14:45 at Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 15:15 Disband at Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden, Kitano, and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge The guests were visitors from North America who had visited Japan a couple of times before, and one of them spoke a little Japanese. Although the weather was somewhat chilly today, we were blessed with clear skies, and from the top of the Nunobiki Herb Garden the guests were delighted to enjoy a sweeping view not only of the Kobe cityscape but also the distant Osaka Bay. At the corner in the herb garden where your personality is judged by the scents you like or dislike, the guests were impressed, saying it "matched them well." In the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district, the guests enthusiastically toured the former U.S. consulate residence "Moegi no Yakata" and the "Weathercock House," and enjoyed a soft-serve ice cream that had once been reported in the newspaper as "the best in Japan," which they were very pleased with. In the grounds of the adjacent Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the cherry blossoms were blooming beautifully. On the way back, we stopped at a Starbucks housed in a Registered Tangible Cultural Property building said to be the only one of its kind in Japan, where the guests entered and purchased souvenirs. At the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, too, we were blessed with clear skies and the guests fully enjoyed the magnificent scenery. As there was time to spare, we finished with a walk through Nankinmachi Chinatown, and since the guests wished to stroll on their own afterward, we parted ways with about 45 minutes remaining. I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was warmly received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Motomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)320JPY
    Total640JPY

    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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:00 ~11:45 Nijo Castle
    • 12:20~13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:20~14:30 Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, and the Ishin no Michi. At the guest's request, we took a taxi to send them to the hotel, and the tour concluded.

    Title: What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visiting Kyoto from North America, traveling via Tokyo. About one hour before the scheduled start time, they contacted me asking to push the start back by 30 minutes, so we met at the Hotel at 10:30. The guests let me know in advance that today's tour would need to end early, and we set off. At Nijo Castle, the guests were impressed by the Karamon Gate, the wall paintings of the Ninomaru Palace, the carved transoms, and the depiction of the shogun receiving the daimyo lords in the grand hall. They took many photos in the Ninomaru Garden and the Seiryu-en Garden. At Fushimi Inari, they were moved by the vermilion torii gates and the main shrine, and offered their prayers earnestly. Afterward, we traveled by taxi to Kiyomizu-dera, walked up to just before the main hall, and they took many photos. They enjoyed strolling along Kiyomizu-zaka slope while buying a few snacks at the shops. They also took many photos at Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda. Around 14:15, at the guests' request, I saw them back to the Hotel by taxi, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total630JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:10 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:40 Irohazaka
    • 11:00 Kegon Falls
    • 11:20 Utagahama
    • 12:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:28 Lunch @ Yonekichi Koju Sushi
    • 15:05 JR Nikko Station
    • 15:15 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 16:05 Dismiss near City Hall parking lot

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had already traveled around various parts of Japan and had arrived in Nikko the previous day, with plans to stay a further two days, so they appeared to have plenty of time to spare. We were blessed with clear skies throughout the day, and at Kegon Falls the guests enjoyed churros shaped like the word "Nikko." They had kept a long list of foods they had eaten in various places, and the churros and the fresh yuba at lunch were added to it. After lunch, we changed the plan, and after I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets at the station, we strolled along Kanmangafuchi Abyss. Since the guests wished to do some shopping partway along the main street, we parted ways at a convenient point. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Hello! I’m Yoko.
    I live in Tochigi Prefecture about 40 years and currently based in Utsunomiya, city near Nikko.
    I’m a mother of two kids, and a beagle dog.
    Also I’ve lived in Tennessee for 3 years until 2020.
    I was always happy whenever introducing Japanese culture to local people while living in US.
    Now I’m so excited to introduce you various attractions here in Japan.
    I love traveling, nature, food, Kimono, tea ceremony, manga etc.
    I’m looking forward to showing my guests beautiful places and interesting things related to my neighbor area.
    Let’s explore and have fun with me!

    May 26, 2026
    Samuel_G
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Informative, fun and well organized
    We had the best day with our…

    May 17, 2026
    E1320OQrobertg
    A fabulous day in Nikko!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day with Yoko as our guide.…

    Mar 9, 2026
    claudiomC4921YK
    The bed guide for a really amazing place
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoko was an amazing…

    Dec 21, 2025
    Earhart_Adventures
    Insight in to Japanese feudal culture
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full Day trip from Tokyo- our…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Gion

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 : Meet the guest. In front of HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
    • 8:40 ~ 9:40 : Kiyomizu-dera ~ Sannenzaka ~ Ninenzaka ~ Kodai-ji
    • 10:10 ~ 11:00 : Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:05 ~ 11:50 : Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkaku-ji Branch)
    • 12:05 ~ 12:55 : Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:10 ~ 14:10 : Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace + Garden)
    • 14:10 ~14:15 : Mikane Shrine
    • 14:30 : Arrive at Gion (Accommodation: Miyagawacho Chaya Ryokan Sawai)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their itinerary had been carefully planned in advance, allowing us to visit the chosen destinations efficiently, and everyone seemed very satisfied. Rain had been forecast throughout the morning, but it only rained occasionally, and thanks to the wet weather in the early hours, Kiyomizu-dera was pleasantly uncrowded, which was fortunate. Since the guests wished to finish lunch in about 30 minutes, I suggested a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, which was a first-time experience for them and greatly enjoyed. Their trip included stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, and then Osaka. The chartered vehicle driver was highly experienced and very familiar with both the roads and the sightseeing spots, which was a great help.

    Discover the Heart of Japan: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Flavor.

    Hello, I am Taichi, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    Having explored the depth and diversity of Japan’s culture, history, and cuisine-particularly in the vibrant regions of Tokyo and Kansai-I’m excited to share my experiences with you.

    With its dynamic seasonal changes and centuries-old traditions, with its ever-changing seasons and profound history, Japan invites you to create moments that stir your imagination and awaken a deeper connection to its beauty.

    And Japan is more than just a destination-its travel experience engages your all five senses.
    From breathtaking landscapes to tantalizing culinary, every corner holds something to delight and inspire.

    Let’s embark journey of discovery, where you’ll sharpen your sense, create unforgettable memory, and embrace the true essence of Japan.
    I look forward to helping your wonderful trip.

    Apr 7, 2026
    Karistan_S
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet the guest at the hotel
    • 08:20 Shibuya Station Crossing, in front of the Hachiko statue
    • 08:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Lunch in Asakusa
    • 12:30 Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Ginza
    • 14:30 Shinjuku Station South Exit – Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they were soon to board a cruise ship, they did not purchase Suica or similar cards, so buying tickets at each station took some time. In front of the Hachiko statue, there was no one around, and we were able to take photos smoothly. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, and the origins of Meiji Shrine, and we offered prayers at the main hall. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I talked about the shoguns, feudal lords, and Edo Castle as we walked, and the guests showed interest in the flowers and the carp in the pond. In Asakusa, they enjoyed eating ramen. In Ginza, we went from the 4-chome intersection to Ginza Six and enjoyed the scenery. Finally, the tour concluded near the Hotel by the south exit of Shinjuku Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 6SubwayGinza~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
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