Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Sumo Museum & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Sumo Museum & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at The Peninsula Tokyo
    • 11:00 Sumo Museum
    • 11:40 Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno Station
    • 12:15 Ueno Toshogu Shrine (go inside for a tour)
    • 13:10 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 14:15 Disband at Asakusa

    The weather was cloudy, but it managed to hold up throughout the day. After meeting at the Hotel, I took the guests to the Sumo Museum as they had requested. It was not a very large museum, so we soon headed to Ueno Station. Right after meeting, the guests had requested to purchase a Welcome Suica, so after buying it at Ueno Station, we proceeded to Ueno Toshogu Shrine. There were questions about religion, so I talked about Shinto and Buddhism. The guests took many photos after entering through the gate. They also took many photos in Asakusa. I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple, and we leisurely walked around the temple grounds before parting ways. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho~Ryogoku170JPY
    Section 2TrainRyogoku~Ueno170JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total520JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Hotel start
    • Travel by train to Arashiyama Sagano
    • AM 09:40-11:00 Bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryuji Temple garden tour
    • Travel by train & bus to Kinkakuji
    • AM 11:40-PM 12:40 Kinkakuji tour
    • Travel by bus & train to Fushimi Inari, lunch at Kitaoji on the way
    • PM 14:00-15:00 Fushimi Inari tour
    • Tour ends at JR Inari Station

    Can You Visit Fushimi Inari and Nara in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Kyoto Tour Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They did not seem particularly fond of Japanese cuisine, but they were very interested in Japanese culture and history, and asked many questions. Since they were moving to Tokyo the next day on a 3:00 PM bullet train, they had planned to visit Nara beforehand. After visiting Fushimi Inari on today's tour, we concluded that it would be most efficient to continue directly to Nara on the Nara Line, so they went on to see the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and the deer. They thoroughly enjoyed the tour itself as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Nijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total1,540JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Miyagi in One Day: Sendai Castle Ruins & Sendai City Museum

    Miyagi in One Day: Sendai Castle Ruins & Sendai City Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ The Westin Sendai
    • 11:20 Board the Loople Sendai
    • 11:30 @ Sendai Castle Ruins
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Cafe Mozart TEO (inside the Sendai City Museum)
    • 13:10 @ Sendai City Museum
    • 14:49–15:31 Travel to Sendai Agricultural and Horticultural Center by subway and bus
    • 15:35 @ Sendai Agricultural and Horticultural Center and Onuma
    • 16:59~17:26 Travel to Sendai Station by bus and subway
    • 17:40 Disband (near The Westin Sendai)

    Title: What Can You Do on a Private Day Tour of Sendai for Bird Photography? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They let me know in advance that they would be visiting Matsushima on the 7th, so they asked that the tour on the 6th cover somewhere other than Matsushima. (The guide originally arranged separately by their agency was cancelled, so I ended up guiding them on the 7th as well.) The guests later mentioned that they enjoyed photographing birds, so I told them that Onuma pond at the Agricultural and Horticultural Center is one of the best places in Sendai to see many birds, and they chose to go there. They said they liked history but preferred to keep it light. We decided to go directly to the Sendai Castle ruins and then walk down to the Sendai City Museum. We moved along while viewing the castle walls, and since they had brought a single-lens reflex camera, they took photos as we walked. Lunch was at the café inside the Sendai City Museum, and it was here that I learned about a dietary restriction. I recommended zunda mochi, the only item on the menu that could be eaten, and they said it was delicious, which put me at ease. Next, we took the subway and bus to Onuma pond within the Agricultural and Horticultural Center. This was the place the guests had been looking forward to the most. It was memorable to see them following the waterbirds with their camera, explaining to me one by one what each bird was, with their eyes sparkling.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSendai Station Front~Sendai Castle Ruins260JPY
    Section 2SubwayInternational Center (Miyagi Prefecture)~Oroshimachi (Miyagi Prefecture)310JPY
    Section 3SubwayOroshimachi (Miyagi Prefecture)~Sendai (Subway)250JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 近鉄奈良駅(ガイドツアー開始 → 16:00 ツアー終了)
    • 徒歩5分
    • 10:20-50 興福寺(ユネスコ世界遺産)
    • (すでに奈良公園内におり、ツアーのほぼ最後まで公園内に滞在します。)
    • 徒歩15分
    • 11:20-50 春日大社(ユネスコ世界遺産)
    • 徒歩5分
    • 12:00-13:00 若草山のふもと
    • しろがねやで昼食
    • 元刀鍛冶屋、工芸品店など
    • 徒歩5分
    • 13:10- 東大寺(ユネスコ世界遺産):
    • 13:10-30 東大寺二月堂 (絵馬堂茶屋で軽食?)
    • 徒歩5分
    • 13:40-50 東大寺鐘楼
    • 徒歩5分
    • 14:00-30 東大寺大仏殿:
    • 世界最大の木造建築と青銅像。
    • 入場料:800円
    • 徒歩5分
    • 14:40-50 東大寺南大門
    • タクシー
    • 15:00 近鉄奈良駅に戻る(ツアー終了)

    What's a Private Nara Park Tour Like for Guests from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They came to Japan combined with participating in the Tokyo Marathon. At the start, everything seemed fine, but the park area turned out to be larger than expected, with many ups and downs, so in the end we wrapped up one hour early. Even so, the guests seemed very pleased and gave me a tip beyond what I had anticipated. After the tour, it occurred to me to look it up, and I found that Nara Park is twice the size of Central Park in North America. (There are various definitions of Nara Park, so there is no official fixed figure for its size.)

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet up @ Grand Prince New Takanawa
    • 10:45 Yanaka Ginza ~ Yomise Street ~ Snake Road ~ Nezu Shrine
    • 12:15 Omotesando, lunch @ Tsukiji Kyu Sushi (Omotesando Hills), Ura-Harajuku, Takeshita Street
    • 14:10 Shinjuku Gyoen, break @ Sasaya Iori
    • 15:45 Disband @ Uniqlo Shinjuku Main Store

    Guests were a group from North America. They arrived in Japan as part of a large group and had visited Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine on a bus tour the previous day, then separated from the group today. To avoid overlapping with the previous day, the itinerary above was arranged. Since we were able to meet earlier than planned, we reviewed Japanese history and the places visited the day before before setting off. The Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area had fewer people than the places visited the previous day, and the guests particularly liked the atmosphere of Nezu Shrine. At Yanaka Ginza, they purchased rice crackers and cat-tail-shaped doughnuts. We had planned to stop by a Uniqlo in Harajuku to buy a lightweight coat, but to pass the time before a food tour starting at 17:00, we changed to a Uniqlo in Shinjuku and parted ways there. During the travel and lunch, I explained the daimyo system and the Japanese language. The guests listened attentively and asked many relevant questions, making them easy to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Nippori210JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu~Omotesando210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Sendagaya150JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Nakamise Street

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Nakamise Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko Statue
    • 10:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:30 Lunch @ KITTE Building in front of Tokyo Station (ramen shop on the first basement floor)
    • 14:40 Imperial Palace
    • 15:50 Nakamise Street (Asakusa)
    • 16:30 Sensoji Temple・Asakusa Shrine
    • 17:30 Dismissal @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were planning to go on a 10-day cruise tour. At Meiji Shrine, the guests appeared impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. They also purchased many omamori charms as souvenirs. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden, and were delighted to see the early-blooming cherry blossoms. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate, and purchased souvenirs along Nakamise Street. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied. Please note that as this was a tour with a vehicle provided, there were no advance transportation expenses for the guide.

    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

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 2. 10:20 Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park
    • 3. 11:50 Gotokuji Temple
    • 4. 12:45 Lunch Ippudo
    • 5. 13:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 6. 14:30 Hanazono Shrine, Golden Gai, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho, Metropolitan Government Observation Floor
    • 7. 16:05 Disband Tochomae

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America traveling in Japan. On this day, based on a request made in advance, I guided the guest around the Shinjuku area. As the guest was fond of nature, they especially seemed to enjoy strolling through Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen. For lunch, I took the guest to Ippudo in Lumine Shinjuku, and they were very satisfied, finding it delicious. The weather was wonderful, making it a perfect day for a walking tour, and I believe the guest fully enjoyed the experience.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYoyogi-Hachiman~Gotokuji170JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyanosaka~Shinjuku350JPY
    Total520JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:35 Meet up@Hilton Yokohama
    • 2. 10:20 @Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:50 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 4. 12:30 @Ginza (Ginza 4-chome Crossing, Mitsukoshi, Kimuraya)
    • 5. 13:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 6. 13:45 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 7. 14:15 Lunch@Tokyo Station Gransta Yaekita Hageten
    • 8. 15:45 Disband@Yokohama Station (Taxi Stand)

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo and Yokohama Tour Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. From the next day, they planned to travel around Japan on an 11-day cruise. Both had retired, and had recently relocated to a new area to be near family. They kindly showed me photos on their phone of their family, including their dog, and of their home. Their family lives nearby, and their dog was being looked after during the trip. Possibly due to a health condition, the guests became short of breath easily when walking, and had undergone surgery a few years earlier. For these reasons, I slowed the walking pace considerably and made a point of using elevators and escalators whenever possible. When heading to Shibuya, only local trains stop at Shin-Takashima Station, which is the closest station to the Hotel. Since we boarded at Shin-Takashima and were able to get seats, we went straight to Shibuya without transferring to a more crowded express train, even though it took a little longer. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, the guests wrote their wishes on an ema votive plaque, hung it on the ema rack, and took commemorative photos. There was a line to purchase the ema, but the guests said they did not mind waiting, so we did so. They appeared very satisfied and said they really loved the atmosphere of Meiji Jingu Shrine. After viewing the Imperial Palace, the guests said, "We're tired and would like to return to the Hotel a bit early." So we decided to first have lunch and take a break before heading to Yokohama. At Gransta Yaekita in Tokyo Station, we chose a place where we could be seated right away and went to Hageten. The guests enjoyed the tempura very much and were highly satisfied. For the return trip, since we now departed from Tokyo Station rather than as originally planned, we first took the JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama. When we were about to transfer to the Minatomirai Line, the guests, finding the walk from the station to the Hotel too much of a burden, requested to return directly to the Hotel by taxi from Yokohama Station. At the taxi stand, I told the driver the destination, and once the guests had boarded the taxi safely, we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Takashima~Shibuya510JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station~Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Yokohama490JPY
    Total1,900JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet 9:50 Kinkaku-ji 11:00 Ryoan-ji 12:00 Lunch (Ramen Restaurant) 13:30 Higashiyama Area 14:35 Gion 15:15 Tour Ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji and Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan for the first time from North America. Their accommodation was a hotel, and in front of another hotel that they found in the Higashiyama area they took commemorative photos and also toured the interior. In the morning the wind was a little cold, but by early afternoon the sky cleared into blue, making it a perfect day for sightseeing. In the Higashiyama area, we went inside a Starbucks located in a traditional Japanese house and bought coffee. Recently, many international visitors can be seen trying to offer their seats to elderly Japanese passengers on buses and trains. Perhaps they have heard about overtourism somewhere and are being mindful of it. Since one of the guests preferred vegetarian meals, we had lunch at a restaurant serving vegetarian ramen near Ryoan-ji Temple. We used a taxi between Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and from the lunch spot to the Nishioji-Oike subway station. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus~Tofuku-ji / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainTofuku-ji~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4OtherNishioji Oike~Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 5OtherHigashiyama Shichijo~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
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    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
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    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
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    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
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  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point Keio Plaza
    • 10:50 Asakusa (Sky Tree photo)
    • 12:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:20 Dismissal Keio Plaza

    Title: What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine The weather was clear and there were no problems. The drive went smoothly with no traffic jams. We first went to Asakusa, and following the driver's instructions we parked at a lot near Nitenmon Gate. From there we proceeded to Azumabashi Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, and the main hall, then exited through Nitenmon Gate and returned to the bus. During this time, we spent quite a lot of time, as one of the guests got separated from the group and shopping at Nakamise took a while. The driver paid the 6,000 yen parking fee, which was charged to the guests. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we entered through Hirakawamon Gate and headed toward the main citadel, but as some of the guests mentioned they could not walk up the steep slope, we strolled only through the garden area. At Meiji Shrine, we walked from the parking lot to the Second Torii Gate, but some of the guests said they did not want to walk any further and returned to the bus, so I guided the remaining guests to the main hall before returning to the hotel. We returned to the hotel early, as the walking time was much shorter than expected and there were no traffic jams.

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
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    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
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    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
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    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
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    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…