Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Meet
    • 11:30 Miyajima
    • 14:30 Lunch
    • 16:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 18:30 Hiroshima Station, dismissal

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and the Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group of visitors from Europe on a family trip. Everyone had a calm and relaxed demeanor, and it turned out to be a peaceful day. As the guests were visiting from Europe, there was an opportunity during the day for me to share my own experiences of cycling abroad. It then came to light that some of the guests had previously lived in Europe. Since I had once stayed at a youth hostel in the same area, we found ourselves talking enthusiastically about it. Recalling shared memories such as the townscape along the river and the atmosphere of the old town, our conversation flowed and I felt the distance between us close quickly. As the tour progressed, I noticed that one of the guests seemed somewhat sensitive. With this in mind, I carefully observed the mood and expressions of the group, kept my jokes to a minimum, and made an effort to choose clear and considerate words. I also paid attention to keeping a comfortable, unhurried pace so that the group could feel at ease. For lunch, since the guests wished to prioritize sightseeing time, we bought boxed lunches at a convenience store on Miyajima and enjoyed them on the ferry. By making good use of the travel time, we were able to secure plenty of time to explore both Miyajima and the Peace Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae~Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel Meet (@Park Hyatt Kyoto)
    • 7:30-8:15 Travel (on foot: Hotel → Kyoto Kawaramachi/Hankyu Railway)
    • 8:20-8:35 Travel (Hankyu Railway; Kyoto Kawaramachi → Arashiyama)
    • 8:35-10:00 Arashiyama visit & stroll (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Garden, Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest)
    • 10:13-10:50 Travel (Keifuku Railway; Arashiyama → Kitano-Hakubaicho, City Bus; Kitano-Hakubaicho → Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 11:00-11:50 Kinkaku-ji visit
    • 11:50-12:10 Travel (City Bus; Kinkaku-ji-michi → Nijo-jo-mae)
    • 12:10-13:30 Nijo Castle visit
    • 13:30 The tour ended and we said goodbye to the guests in front of Nijo Castle.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Including Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Some of the guests were visiting Kyoto for the second time, while others were visiting for the first time. I took them to Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple [Sogenchi Garden and Hyakka-en], the Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, and Kimono Forest), Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Nijo Castle. Originally, in addition to this schedule, we had planned to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, but we were unable to go there because it was closed. Because of that, we were able to allocate plenty of time at Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. Although the forecast had predicted sunny weather, it was actually a light drizzle, and we were rained on in some places. The guests said that Nijo Castle, which we visited last, was their favorite. They said they really felt a strong sense of history there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Nijo-jo-mae230JPY
    Total950JPY

    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 !

    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…

  • Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @HOSHINOYA Tokyo
    • 2. 9:40 @Takanawa Gateway Station (station building, etc.), Takanawa Embankment exhibition
    • 3. 9:45 @Sengakuji
    • 4. 10:30 @Nowoman (rooftop garden)
    • 5. 11:00 @Ebisu Station (light meal at the kiosk)
    • 6. 11:35 @The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 7. 11:50 @Aoyama Cemetery
    • 8. 12:30 @Tokyo Midtown Roppongi
    • 9. 13:25 Disband @Otemachi Station

    Title: What's a Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, including one member visiting Japan for the first time. This stay of a few days was arranged around participation in the Tokyo International Marathon. Having already visited Japan for sightseeing about three years earlier, the group had seen most of the major attractions, and the first-time visitor among them had also toured the main Tokyo highlights before this tour. For this off-the-beaten-path tour, no specific destinations were requested; the guests simply wished to add somewhere a little different. As my suggestion, we first went to Otemachi to purchase NEX tickets for the member departing for Narita that afternoon, as well as for the others leaving Japan two days later, then took the Yamanote Line to Takanawa Gateway Station. After introducing the station's futuristic design and the exhibit of the Takanawa embankment discovered during development, we visited Sengakuji Temple, famous for the graves of the 47 Ako loyal retainers. There we experienced offering incense at the graves of the 47 retainers and Asano Takumi-no-kami. Returning to Takanawa Gateway Station, we rode a guidance robot and enjoyed the view over Tokyo Bay from the rooftop garden of Nowoman, a newly opened commercial facility in front of the station. Since the guests wished to end the tour at Otemachi Station at 1:30 to make the departure from Tokyo Station toward Narita in time, there was no time for a leisurely lunch. However, at the request of a guest who was a little hungry, at Ebisu Station where we transferred toward the next destination, the group chose curry bread (which I introduced as popular among Japanese people) and an onigiri. When I explained that eating while walking or on the train is not looked upon favorably, they immediately understood, quickly ate on the spot, and disposed of their trash in the bins provided. We transferred to the Hibiya Line and went to Roppongi. Passing through the basement supermarket of Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, one of the guests was surprised by white strawberries and purchased some. Next we walked through the National Art Center and headed to Aoyama Cemetery. We strolled while I introduced the foreign cemetery, the grave of Dr. Ueno where the Hachiko loyal dog memorial stands, the cherry-tree-lined path not yet in bloom, and enjoyed the plum blossoms already in full bloom. The guests were very fond of this visit, saying it was "really wonderful." Finally, after touching on the entrance fountain and architectural design of Tokyo Midtown, we hurried to the station and arrived at the Otemachi Station exit ten minutes before the promised time. It was a reassuring time to depart for Narita, and we parted with everyone smiling in satisfaction.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station~Tokyo Station900JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Takanawa Gateway170JPY
    Section 3TrainTakanawa Gateway~Ebisu180JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ebisu Station~Roppongi Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station~Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station0JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    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!…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate
    • 2. 11:40 @ Castle View
    • 3. 12:10 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:10 Break @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 14:40 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 6. 15:10 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 7. 15:30 Disband @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. Originally the group was scheduled to include additional participants, but some of the guests were unable to join due to illness. We met at the Shinkansen transfer gate of Himeji Station, then visited Castle View and Himeji Castle. After taking a short break at the Otemon Chaya teahouse, we continued on to Kokoen Garden and the rooftop of Egret Himeji, before returning to the Shinkansen transfer gate of Himeji Station to end the tour. It was a slightly chilly and windy day, but the weather was fine and we were able to enjoy sightseeing comfortably. The guests were very pleased with today's tour.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kotokuin Great Buddha & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kotokuin Great Buddha & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel Yokohama
    • 13:20 Kotokuin Great Buddha
    • 14:00 Hasedera Temple
    • 15:20 Hokokuji Temple
    • 16:20 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 17:10 Dismissal @ Komachi Street

    What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Asia and North America. I picked them up at their hotel in Yokohama, and since the tour would end in Kamakura, we checked the return route together while taking the train on the way there. It was not very crowded, and they were very fond of the streetscapes and the scenery, including the early-blooming cherry blossoms. As they tended to stop by many different shops, I let them know that Hokokuji Temple closes at 4:00, and managed the time without rushing them too much. They were very cheerful, chatting constantly and taking many photos with poses. We completed the itinerary as planned, and I took them to the entrance of Komachi Street, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNihon-odori~Kamakura590JPY
    Section 2TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 3TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 4BusKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 5BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Hachimangu / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Total1,430JPY

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

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:30 Tour start
    • Travel by subway to Nijo Castle
    • AM 08:50-10:20 Nijo Castle tour
    • Travel by subway to Imadegawa
    • AM 10:40-PM 12:00 Imperial Palace tour
    • Travel by bus to Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • PM 12:20-13:20 Ginkaku-ji Temple tour
    • Travel by bus to Nanzen-ji Temple
    • PM 13:50- 14:30 Nanzen-ji Temple Sanmon Gate tour Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, traveling together in Japan. One of them had visited Japan many times before and was quite familiar with the country, while it was the first visit to Japan for the others, so they were touring a favorite destination, Kyoto, together. The guests had expressed a preference for less crowded spots, but the requested itinerary included classic sites such as Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Despite this, there were few tourists on this day, so we were able to take our time and enjoy the sightseeing. The guests were particularly fond of Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion). At Nanzen-ji, we climbed the Sanmon gate, and due to time constraints, we concluded the tour in front of the Hojo hall. The guests enjoyed the tour very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Imadegawa220JPY
    Section 3BusImadegawa~Ginkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nanzenji・Eikando-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total900JPY

    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。

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:30 Meet at JR Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • ② 11:00 Change into rental kimono at a kimono shop near Gion
    • ③ 11:45 Yasaka Shrine ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
    • ④ 13:00 Return to the rental kimono shop
    • ⑤ 14:00 Dining and shopping at Nishiki Market
    • ⑥ 16:00 Disband around Nishiki Market (Teramachi Street)

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion and Nishiki Market The guests were a group from North America. It was their first visit to both Japan and Kyoto, and their itinerary included traveling from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto before returning to Tokyo and heading home. The meeting time was set at 10:30 because the guests got lost at Kyoto Station and arrived late. This was the first time I guided a group of this size. The guests wished to stroll through Gion in traditional kimono and take many commemorative photos, so we spent much of our time at Gion (Yasaka Shrine). Even before changing at the kimono rental shop, it was a lively, chaotic scene. The guests looked lovely in their kimono, and I took many photos for them. Some of the guests said they were interested in Japanese history, but wherever we went, the crowds made it hard to move forward, the rain grew heavier, and there were many things to attend to along the way, so it was difficult to find time for conversation. The meal at Nishiki Market looked very enjoyable. According to the original plan, we were to visit Kinkaku-ji after Nishiki Market, but as the rain intensified and we were running behind schedule, we decided to cancel that part. At Shijo, the guests discovered a dog cafe and wanted to go in, and that is where our time ran out. Finally, I introduced them to the Nintendo store at Takashimaya in Gion-Shijo before saying goodbye. It was the end of a very eventful day.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate
    • 2. 10:50 @ Castle View
    • 3. 11:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:00 Light meal @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 14:40 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 6. 15:30 Disband @ Honmachi Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a family group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Some of the guests walked with a cane. After meeting at the Shinkansen transfer gate of Himeji Station, I explained the historical background of the castle's construction at Castle View. Because it was raining, we headed to Himeji Castle through the Miyuki-dori shopping arcade. The guests walked at various speeds, so it was difficult to keep everyone at the same pace. There were also many restroom breaks, and it took a long time to reach Himeji Castle. In the rain, we managed to reach the basement level of the main keep, but some of the guests preferred not to climb any higher and chose to wait there. I continued the tour with the rest of the guests, but it took more time than expected. After Himeji Castle, we took a break at the Otemon Chaya teahouse near Kokoen Garden. After this, some of the guests decided not to visit Kokoen and returned to the station by taxi. I then toured Kokoen Garden with the remaining guests. After Kokoen, since the guests wished to do some shopping, we ended the tour at the Honmachi shopping arcade. As it rained all day, it was not the perfect tour, but the guests thanked me many times.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:44 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform (Arriving at 11:44 on Nozomi 21)
    • 11:44-12:10 Travel (chartered car; Kyoto Station → Nijo Castle)
    • 12:10-13:20 Nijo Castle visit
    • 13:20-13:40 Travel (chartered car; Nijo Castle → Restaurant CoCo Hanana / near Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:40-14:30 Lunch (@CoCo Hanana)
    • 14:30-14:40 Travel (chartered car; Restaurant → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 14:40-15:30 Kinkaku-ji visit
    • 15:30-16:30 Travel (chartered car; Kinkaku-ji → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 16:30-17:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • 17:20:17:40 Travel (chartered car; Fushimi Inari → Kyoto Station)
    • 17:44 Tour ended in front of the Kyoto Station ticket gate, and we parted with the guests

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by Bullet Train Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train, and I met them on the bullet train platform, then guided them until the end of the tour, seeing them off in front of the bullet train ticket gates at Kyoto Station, where the tour concluded. I took them to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, and at Kinkaku-ji in particular the tour took place in heavy rain. Since some of the guests had difficulty walking and could not move quickly, and because of the rain, I was concerned about whether we could keep to the planned schedule, but in the end we were able to complete the tour as scheduled. Although all of them viewed the sights in heavy rain, they commented that Kinkaku-ji was wonderful and that Fushimi Inari was also impressive. They also said that lunch was very good.

    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 !

    Jul 19, 2026
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    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

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    Michi our guide was excellent!…

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    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:05 Hotel Meet 9:25 Fushimi Inari 10:40 Sanjusangendo 12:05 Nishiki Market (Lunch) 13:10 Nijo Castle 14:25 Kinkaku-ji 15:00 Tour End

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in the Rainy Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan from North America. The person joining had been studying abroad in Asia. The guests and I had been emailing each other, but for some reason we had trouble getting in touch. Even so, I managed to meet them at their hotel on the day. It was rainy from the morning, and although I suggested they borrow umbrellas, they replied that their raincoats would be enough. In the morning it rained on and off, which did not cause much trouble, but at Kinkaku-ji at the end it rained quite heavily, and I should have more strongly recommended they carry umbrellas. Today at Sanjusangen-do, there was an event related to the Peach Festival (Sanjusangen, 33 → March 3rd), and admission was free. There were three to four times more visitors than usual, especially many Japanese visitors. With so many people, it was difficult to see the English explanatory panels while going through the exhibits. As mentioned earlier, it rained quite hard at Kinkaku-ji, and since the guests had no umbrellas, we went around quickly and I was not able to provide sufficient guiding. The photo was taken at Nijo Castle.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3OtherTofukuji~Higashiyama Shichijo230JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo~Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6OtherNijojo-mae~Nishioji Oike220JPY
    Section 7OtherNishioji Oike~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total1,470JPY

    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
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    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
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    Kazuo was great and…
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