Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Oyama-cho 5-6 Tour starts from Spark & Co
    • Travel by foot to Omicho
    • AM 09:15- 10:00 Stroll through Omicho Market
    • Travel by foot to Oyama Shrine
    • AM 10:15- 11:10 Visit Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Travel by taxi to Myoryuji Temple
    • AM 11:30- PM 12:00 Participate in Myoryuji Temple tour
    • PM 12:10-12:25 Travel by taxi to guest's hotel
    • PM 12:25-12:40 Travel by guest's rental car to the parking lot where my car is parked
    • Travel in two cars to Yamato Soy Sauce & Miso Park in Ono
    • PM 13:30-14:45 Lesson on how to make miso and soy sauce at Yamato Soy Sauce & Miso Park, plus tasting experience and ice cream
    • PM 14:45 Guide to the location of Chirihama and end the tour

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kanazawa Castle, Myoryuji, and a Soy Sauce Park The guests were visiting from Oceania. The meeting point changed on the day of the tour, but we were able to meet up without any trouble. The guests had originally requested a visit to Kanazawa Castle Park, Myoryuji Temple, and the Nagamachi samurai district, so I made a reservation for Myoryuji in advance. We started at Kanazawa Castle Park and then joined the Myoryuji tour as scheduled, but one of the guests developed knee pain and left the tour partway through. Since the guests were traveling around Japan by rental car, they expressed a wish to drive to the Yamato Soy Sauce & Miso Park in Ono, near Kanazawa Port, and it seemed they could also join the miso and soy sauce making explanation tour that started at 14:00. Considering what to do at the end of the tour, I headed to Ono in my own car while the guests drove their rental car. I believe they enjoyed it. Fortunately, there were no other visitors, so I was able to interpret freely without worrying about anyone else. I guided them to the location of Chirihama and the tour ended. A notable stop on the tour was Kanazawa Castle Park. Kanazawa Castle is a historic castle that was once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain during the Edo period. The castle park features reconstructed gates and turrets, impressive stone walls, and spacious grounds, and it sits adjacent to the famous Kenrokuen Garden. Visitors can enjoy the blend of historical architecture and seasonal natural beauty throughout the year.

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:20 Asakusa
    • 13:00 Ginza (Mitsukoshi Department Store Basement)
    • 14:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 14:30 Lunch @ Gonpachi
    • 15:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Dismiss @ Hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a very cheerful group visiting from North America. They are now enjoying travel at their leisure. First, we went to Asakusa. It was very crowded, but luckily the October cherry blossoms had begun to bloom. After that, lunch was planned at a restaurant in a department store, but since the guests said they were not yet hungry, we went to the Shibuya Crossing before having lunch. Meiji Shrine was also crowded, but with the pleasant autumn weather, it was very comfortable to walk around. Afterward, I saw the guests off at the Hotel and we parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a spacious forested area in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, the shrine is surrounded by a lush forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a tranquil retreat from the surrounding city. Visitors often pass through its towering wooden torii gates and may encounter traditional ceremonies or seasonal events, making it one of the most visited shrines in the country.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
    Total1,020JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Nanzen-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 8:40 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:15 Nijo Castle (travel by taxi)
    • 11:45 Ginkaku-ji (travel by taxi)
    • 12:40 Lunch near Ginkaku-ji
    • 13:50 Nanzen-ji
    • 14:30 End at Nanzen-ji

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Africa. As requested in advance, I guided them to Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Ginkaku-ji, and Nanzen-ji. The plan also included Sanjusangen-do, but as the guests were tired at Nanzen-ji, the tour ended there. Since they were fond of gardens, they were able to see four different types of gardens. They took quite a lot of photos and videos. As they enjoyed coffee, I took them to a popular coffee shop for breakfast where they could relax. I also suggested and made a reservation at a restaurant for dinner. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. It is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding paths up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through these tunnels of gates, which create a striking and atmospheric experience, and the shrine is also known for its fox statues, regarded as messengers of Inari.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 3SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Total560JPY

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Aug 18, 2026
    janetaF288XA
    Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Odaiba

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Odaiba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet @ Hotel Lobby
    • 08:30 Asakusa (Azumabashi, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise, Kannon Street)
    • 11:00 Hamarikyu
    • 12:15 Lunch @ La Boheme Odaiba
    • 13:00 Odaiba (Statue of Liberty, Fuji TV Observatory)
    • 14:10 Dismiss @ teamLab Planets Entrance

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Hamarikyu, and Odaiba The guests were a group from Oceania who had arrived the previous night for an 18-day trip to Japan. Considering this, they walked energetically throughout the day. Asakusa was still relatively uncrowded, which made it easy to walk around. They were captivated by the gold leaf on the altar at Senso-ji Temple, so I recommended visiting a gold leaf workshop when they travel to Kanazawa. At Hamarikyu Gardens, I explained the history of the Edo period and how the shogun spent his leisure time here. We then moved to Odaiba by the Yurikamome line. On a clear day, simply taking in the scenery from the train window makes for great sightseeing in itself. Since we had time before lunch, I gave a detailed explanation about Japan. The view from the observation deck of Fuji TV today exceeded expectations and made the climb well worthwhile. We could see the outer rim mountains of Hakone, though Mount Fuji was not visible, so I recommended taking the Komagatake Ropeway when they visit Hakone the day after next. This time the travel agency stepped aside at an early stage, so it was good to be able to communicate directly with the guests. A notable stop on the tour was Hamarikyu Gardens. Hamarikyu is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located in central Tokyo, originally developed as a feudal lord's residence and later used as a strolling garden during the Edo period. The garden features seawater ponds that change with the tides, as well as a teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding modern skyscrapers.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi220JPY
    Section 3TrainShiodome~Odaiba330JPY
    Section 4TrainOdaiba~Shin-Toyosu330JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, 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…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Riverain & Nanzoin Temple

    Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Riverain & Nanzoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel pickup
    • 9:15 Hakata Riverain
    • 9:25 Nakasu Kawabata Shopping Street
    • 9:55 Kushida Shrine
    • 10:20 Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
    • 10:30 Tocho-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Shofuku-ji Temple
    • 11:28 Depart JR Hakata Station
    • 11:55 Arrive JR Kido Nanzoin-mae Station
    • 12:00 Lunch at Kojin Chaya
    • 12:30 Nanzoin Temple
    • 13:54 Depart JR Kido Nanzoin-mae Station
    • 14:17 Arrive JR Hakata Station
    • 14:30 JR Hakata Station Observation Deck
    • 15:00 Hakata Station – Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Fukuoka Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, arriving in Fukuoka from Oceania via Asia. They showed interest in all aspects of Japanese culture and listened attentively to everything. They did not mind walking at all and mentioned that they usually walk close to 20,000 steps a day. At Nanzoin, they bought T-shirts. They said that gardening was a hobby of theirs at home, and they often talked about plants. For lunch, they ordered a soba and tempura set as well as a soba set meal, and shared both between them. Since they wished to purchase a hanging scroll, I recommended places such as Kyoto and Tokyo, which they would be visiting later. A notable stop on the tour was Nanzoin Temple. Nanzoin is a Buddhist temple located in Sasaguri, near Fukuoka, and is best known for its enormous reclining bronze statue of Buddha, said to be one of the largest in the world. The statue measures about 41 meters in length and draws many visitors who come to walk around it and observe its impressive scale. The temple grounds are set among quiet wooded hills, making it a peaceful place to experience Japanese Buddhist culture and traditional architecture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakata~Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 2TrainKido Nanzoin-mae~Hakata450JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Sep 25, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Amazing Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sasuke, was very prepared and…

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

  • Kanagawa: Hakone-Yumoto Station & Hakone-Motomachi Port Bus

    Kanagawa: Hakone-Yumoto Station & Hakone-Motomachi Port Bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Aura Tachibana
    • 9:10 Hotel
    • (On foot)
    • 9:24 Depart Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 10:15 Arrive Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 11:45 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:30 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani
    • Kuro-tamago Hall
    • 13:30 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:45 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 13:55 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 14:25 Arrive Hakonemachi Port
    • Hakonemachi Hakone Checkpoint Site
    • Lunch: Soba restaurant
    • 15:15 Hakonemachi Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:30 Arrive Hakone-Motomachi Port Bus Stop
    • Hakone-Motomachi Hakone Shrine
    • 16:20 Depart Hakone-Motomachi Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 17:00 Arrive Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Hakone-Yumoto Station

    **What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi** The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They were on a 14-day trip to Japan and had already visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. The previous evening, after sightseeing around the Mount Fuji area, they had arrived in Hakone. They planned to stay one more night in Hakone, then return to Tokyo and fly home. They said, "Yesterday we only caught fleeting glimpses of Mount Fuji, which was disappointing. Today we hope to see Mount Fuji in its full, beautiful form." The tour took place under cloudy skies all day, with occasional light rain. Unfortunately, we were not able to see Mount Fuji. First, we walked from the Hotel to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then transferred to reach the Open-Air Museum. On the way, I explained the history and characteristics of Hakone. I explained the origins and current state of the Open-Air Museum, and we strolled slowly through the grounds. They said they were looking forward to the Picasso Pavilion. They viewed the sculptures with great interest and took many photographs. From there, we traveled via Gora and Sounzan, then took the ropeway to Owakudani. I explained the origins of Hakone, its history as a hot spring and summer resort area, and an overview and history of Owakudani. They asked questions such as, "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano? When did it last erupt?" They purchased and tried the famous "black eggs," saying they were "extremely delicious." We then took the ropeway to Togendai Port and boarded the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. I explained the history and current state of Lake Ashi. Although it was a little chilly with light rain, we went up to the top observation deck. We arrived at Hakonemachi Port and visited the Hakone Checkpoint. I explained what a checkpoint was in the Edo period, the Five Highways, and the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration. Here we had lunch at a soba restaurant. They said that since coming to Japan, they had "come to love soba." We took a bus to Motohakone Port, then walked to Hakone Shrine. They remarked, "We have seen many shrines and temples in Kyoto, but this one is truly in the midst of nature, and it is wonderful." They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan the towns are clean. There is no litter on the streets," "There are no trash cans around," and "Everywhere you go the greenery is beautiful. In our home region there is a lot of dry land." We took a bus to Hakone-Yumoto Station, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kochi Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Kochi Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Shin-ko Port~9:00 Godaisan Chikurin-ji Temple~10:00 Harimaya Bridge~10:20 Town Walk~11:00 Sunday Market・Hirome Market~12:00 Kochi Castle Museum of History~12:30 Kochi Castle (did not enter the castle tower due to guests who had difficulty walking)~13:00 Shin-ko Port

    Title: What Can You Do in Kochi on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report Because some of the guests had difficulty walking, we were not able to climb up to Kochi Castle. Since it was also raining, I guided the group to the Kochi Castle Museum of History and Culture instead. They enjoyed the indoor exhibits, trying on a jinbaori (samurai surcoat) on the third floor, and making postcards. At the Sunday Market, they were very curious about Kochi vegetables and fruits that are not found in their home region. As they did not want lunch, they tried imo-ten, a local Kochi specialty, at the Sunday Market. They said it was delicious. When I saw them off at the new port, I received a tip. On my way back in the car, I found a raincoat on the floor of the back seat, so I turned around and delivered it to them. They were very pleased, and I later received a message of thanks for the item and for the trip through a messaging app. A notable stop on the tour was the Kochi Sunday Market, which is one of Japan's oldest and largest open-air street markets, with a history stretching back more than 300 years. Held every Sunday along a long street near Kochi Castle, the market features hundreds of stalls selling fresh local vegetables and fruits, plants, antiques, local crafts, and street food such as imo-ten. It is a lively place where visitors can experience the everyday food culture and seasonal produce of the Kochi region, making it a popular stop for those wishing to see local life beyond the usual sightseeing spots.

    I qualified as a regional interpreter-guide in Kochi Prefecture in 1991 and I am a guide as the first student. Since then, I have guided many visitors, and they have enjoyed Kochi. I am encouraged by the 5-star reviews I receive from TripAdvisor. Kochi is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Shikoku Mountains to the north and is blessed with nature. I want visitors to enjoy food, nature, history, experience the lifestyle of the people of Kochi. I hope you will make good memories of Kochi. I will continue to devote myself to becoming a guide who makes you think, “I’m glad I came to Kochi and I’m glad I had you as my guide”.

    Feb 19, 2026
    Barbara G
    Awesome Day in Kochi!
    Tripadvisor review: Kochi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the best day in Kochi,…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Yanaka Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30-9:50 Nihonbashi (hotel) greetings and itinerary explanation
    • 10:25-11:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:00-13:30 Tsukiji
    • 14:00-14:45 Imperial Palace
    • 15:10-15:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:40-15:55 Hebimichi, Yomise Street
    • 15:55-16:15 Yanaka Ginza
    • 16:30 End at Nippori

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Yanaka The weather had been uncertain, but it turned out to be a warm day with glimpses of sunshine. The guests were from Oceania. Overall, they enjoyed the tour and showed interest in the materials, which they recorded with photographs. At Senso-ji Temple, they took an interest in each of the buildings. At Tsukiji, they walked around the many shops lined up there, enjoyed standing and eating sashimi, and then savored a seafood rice bowl and grilled dishes. They each enjoyed a measure of chilled sake as well. At the Imperial Palace, they were interested in the historical background, such as the transfer of power between the emperor and the samurai. They seemed captivated by the beauty of Nezu Shrine. There happened to be a baby's shrine visit and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies taking place, which made it easy to explain the differences in the relationship with Buddhism. The shopping street in Yanaka seemed to leave a strong impression with its atmosphere so different from other areas. A notable stop on the tour was Nezu Shrine. Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo's oldest shrines, said to have been founded over 1,900 years ago, and it is renowned for its vermilion torii gates and beautiful azalea garden. The shrine's elegant architecture reflects the Gongen-zukuri style and offers a peaceful contrast to the busier parts of the city. Seasonal events and traditional ceremonies held there provide visitors with a window into long-standing Japanese customs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMitsukoshimae~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukiji~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 4TrainNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Total750JPY

    Hello. My name is Kazuo Fukuda. I was born in 1958 and grew up in Okayama Prefecture, located in western Japan. I majored in physics at university and worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry. During that time, I moved around various parts of Japan before settling in Tokyo in 2009. I personally love traveling and have a deep interest in art and history. I have traveled to Europe many times. In 2018, I left my company and started working as a tour guide. Tokyo developed into a modern city after being destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, but many historical aspects still thrive there. Recent pop culture is also fascinating. Discovering these cultural aspects will surely be an enjoyable experience for you. I would be happy to help you make such discoveries and understand their origins. If you tell me your favorite tourist destinations, I will create the perfect itinerary for you. And with heartfelt hospitality, I will make your tour the best it can be. I am looking forward to meeting you.

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 9:40 Breakfast at Tsukiji Sushi-dokoro Unitora (specially reserved private counter seating at "Sushi Unitora" located in the back, as it was fully booked)
    • 10:20 Receive goshuin (shrine stamp) at Tsukiji Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:00 Shibuya Hachiko, Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Mega Don Quijote
    • 11:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:15 After strolling along Harajuku Takeshita Street, disband.

    Family Private Tour in Tokyo Visiting Namiyoke Shrine, Harajuku, and Tsukiji: A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of the guests had been to Japan several times before for work and had planned the entire trip for the rest of the group, who were visiting Japan for the first time. They had decided on the destinations based on the wishes of the group, and after today's tour they were scheduled to visit a hedgehog cafe they had reserved. At the meeting point, some of the guests showed me their stamp notebook and happily asked, "Bruce, can we collect stamps at shrines and stations?" As they wished, they received a goshuin stamp at Namiyoke Shrine, and at Harajuku Station they cheerfully pressed the station stamp with all their might. Both also brought along the recently popular instant cameras and showed me many richly atmospheric photos with a nostalgic Showa-era feel. A notable stop on the tour was Namiyoke Shrine. Located near the Tsukiji area of Tokyo, Namiyoke Shrine is historically associated with offering protection from waves and misfortune, as its name suggests. The shrine is well known for the goshuin, a hand-written seal stamp that visitors can receive as a memento of their visit, and it remains a popular spot for those exploring the Tsukiji district and its famous outer market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Total370JPY

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

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

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

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Art House Project

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Art House Project

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • 09:06 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 09:25 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • on foot “Yellow Pumpkin” & OutdoorArtworks
    • 10:00~11:00 Benesse House Museum
    • on foot
    • 11:15~12:00 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 12:30~13:55 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch)
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 14:17 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 14:27 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 14:33 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • 14:40~15:50 Art House Project
    • (Multi-Site Ticket is for five art houses, including "Kadoya", "Go'o Shrine", "Ishibashi","Gokaisho" and
    • "Haisha")
    • 15:56 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 16:05~16:30 Naoshima Passenger Boat Pier & Naoshima Sento I love 湯
    • 16:30 Miyanoura Port [Say goodbye]

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. From the email exchange beforehand, I learned a little about their background, which made me slightly nervous at first, but they turned out to be friendly and easygoing, which was reassuring. During the prior email exchange, I was asked why the guests themselves could not handle museum reservations and payments, and what added value a guide provides. I explained these points while also consulting ChatGPT, and they were satisfied with the answers. When we actually met, they were a pleasant group, and since the weather was good, we ended up walking quite a lot; fortunately, they mentioned that they enjoy walking. They received my guiding warmly and kindly praised how well I had shown them around, which put me at ease. A notable stop on the tour was Kyoto. Kyoto served as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years and is renowned for its numerous temples, shrines, traditional wooden townhouses, and beautifully preserved historic districts. The city is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains one of the most popular destinations for visitors wishing to experience traditional Japanese culture, gardens, and seasonal scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Nokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusNokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Total300JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…