Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station.
    • 11:40 to 12:15 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 12:50 to 13:35 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:10 to 14:50 Nishiki Market Stroll and Lunch
    • 15:00 Dismiss at Ninjya & Samurai Museum

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from Oceania. They had only about one day for sightseeing in Kyoto during a very short stay in Japan, followed by an early-morning departure the next day, making for a demanding schedule. When they browsed the souvenir shops at Nishiki Market, they were very interested and said they would definitely love to return to Kyoto again. Since they were keen to try a ninja experience, I took them to a Ninja & Samurai Museum at the end, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion-Shijo~Shijo-Takakura/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total950JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①8:30 Meet at the hotel, travel by taxi to Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • ②8:50〜10:00 Asakusa・Sensoji Temple
    • ③10:00〜10:30 Travel to Akihabara
    • ④10:30〜11:00 Akihabara
    • ⑤11:00〜11:40 Travel to Odaiba
    • ⑥11:40〜13:10 Odaiba・Lunch
    • ⑦13:10〜13:45 Travel to Harajuku
    • ⑧13:45〜14:40 Meiji Shrine
    • ⑨14:40〜15:00 Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station (Disband at Ikebukuro Station. Guests only continue on to Ueno Station)

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Odaiba, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Japan the day before. The tour started at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, as they had requested. Although the original plan was to visit Tsukiji next, we decided to stop by Akihabara and Odaiba instead, considering more efficient travel access and the fact that some of the guests enjoyed shopping. At Senso-ji Temple, they purchased many charms, and at Odaiba they bought souvenirs and shoes, thoroughly enjoying their time. At the end of the tour, we visited Meiji Shrine as planned, and everyone was very satisfied with the serene atmosphere.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAsakusa~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2OtherAkihabara~Shimbashi170JPY
    Section 3OtherShimbashi~Daiba330JPY
    Section 4OtherIn front of Tokyo Teleport Station (Highway・Shuttle Bus)~Harajuku520JPY
    Section 5OtherHarajuku~Ikebukuro180JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Kido Nanzoin

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Kido Nanzoin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Departure from The Ritz Carlton
    • 10:00 Tenjin Underground Mall, Daimaru Department Store food floor After that, travel by bus to Kushida Shrine
    • 10:40 Arrive at Kushida Shrine
    • 11:15 Arrive at Canal City Hakata
    • 11:40 From Kushida Shrine, take the subway to Hakata Station
    • 11:50 Arrive at Hakata Station
    • 12:08 Depart Hakata Station on JR bound for Nogata
    • 12:30 Arrive at Kido Nanzoin
    • 13:35 Depart Kido Nanzoin Station, take JR to Hakata Station
    • 14:00 Arrive at Hakata Station, head to Ramen Street
    • 14:15 Lunch: ShinShin Ramen
    • 14:45 Explore the area around Hakata Station Department Store food floor
    • 15:30 Tour ends at Hakata Station

    Title: What Is a Private Local Food Tour in Fukuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the second time. The booking listed the number of participants as "1 Adult, 2 Children," but in reality the group consisted of two guests with no children. When I contacted them beforehand via a messaging app, I asked about the age of the children, since the tour content would change if young children were involved. They replied that there were no children in the group. It seems there had been some kind of miscommunication about the information. When we met, they mentioned that they had no children and could travel wherever they liked, whenever they liked. They were staying at a Hotel, and appeared to be very comfortable financially. They requested to eat delicious local food and specifically asked for ramen at ShinShin. Since there is always a long line there, I shifted our timing to a later lunch to avoid the peak hour. They were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTenjin Daimaru-mae/Nishitetsu Bus~Canal City Hakata-mae (Kushida Jinja-mae Station)/Nishitetsu Bus150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKushida Jinja-mae~Hakata210JPY
    Section 3TrainHakata~Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 4TrainHakata~Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    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.

    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…

    Sep 4, 2025
    mareen589
    Great 6 hour Tour of Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was 6 hours…

  • Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & Dentsu 46F

    Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & Dentsu 46F

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 meet at ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU
    • 9:00 1 ASAKUSA / Senso-ji
    • 10:00 2 UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 11:15 3 THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 12:45 4 HAMA-RIKYU GARDENS
    • 13:50 5 Dentsu 46F
    • 1430 See off at the Shinbashi station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report This was a relatively new assignment for a tour where advance contact with the guests had not yet been established. When I sent a message through a messaging app the night before regarding the morning pickup, I received a prompt reply, which was reassuring. I presented the itinerary for the first time in the hotel lobby at pickup, and the guests were pleased, so we were able to set off smoothly. Along with the guiding, we had a cheerful time with casual conversation and jokes throughout. When the guests expressed a wish to take a short break, we paused for coffee and sweets at the Starbucks within the Imperial Palace grounds. As we began to run short on time for the final part of the itinerary, I offered an alternative by guiding them to the 46th floor of the Dentsu Building, which they found very satisfying.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku-gyoemmae~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno ~ Hibiya, Otemachi ~ Monzen-nakacho0JPY
    Section 3TrainMonzen-nakacho~Shiodome220JPY
    Total920JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 Beforehand, explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how auctions are conducted, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Travel to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Tokyo Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Private Morning Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They had toured Kyoto before coming to Tokyo, and during their stay in Tokyo they found a tuna auction tour and joined it the day before returning home. The guests were both very friendly, and we were able to enjoy pleasant conversation together. They were amazed to see so many frozen tuna lined up at the tuna auction site, and when I explained that "even so, today's volume is about 60% compared to peak days such as year-end," they were even more astonished, saying they couldn't imagine how much tuna is consumed in Japan. At Tsukiji, we were able to watch a wholesaler cutting fresh tuna into large blocks, and the guests came to understand how the fresh tuna won at that day's auction is sold. At a specialty shop for dried ingredients used for dashi, they tasted two kinds of the shop's recommended dashi packs, and they happily purchased the premium dashi pack. At a seafood store that shucks and serves fresh raw oysters, I asked the shopkeeper to select good oysters for them to enjoy. They were surprised by oysters larger than the palm of a hand and delighted, saying, "You can't eat it in one bite! Not just the taste, but the size is Amazing!!" Finally, I accompanied them to a café once frequented by John Lennon and helped them order coffee before we parted ways. It was a very cold morning as a cold wave arrived from the continent. I had told them in advance to dress warmly, but the morning in Toyosu with its sea breeze seemed to be even colder than they had imagined. In the future, I will make sure to advise guests about wind protection in advance as well. If the attached photos are uploaded to the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) website, please let me know, as the guests seem to be looking forward to it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market/Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome/Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Hotel & Spa Ueno Station Front
    • 2.10:20 @ Asakusa
    • 3.11:40 @ Akihabara
    • 4.12:40 @ Tsukiji Outer Market, Lunch
    • 5.14:30 @ Shibuya Crossing
    • 6.15:20 Disband @ Parco

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like Visiting Asakusa, Akihabara, Tsukiji, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, all coming to Japan for the first time. In Asakusa, they bought ningyo-yaki, purchased matcha as a gift, and bought paper fans at the Nakamise shopping street. Everyone enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes. After that, in Akihabara, they purchased figures, and we visited Yodobashi Camera to see home appliances and the Nintendo corner. At Tsukiji, unusually there was no line at Kitsuneya, so they had gyudon. They also had tuna at Kurogin, which they found very delicious. We then headed to Shibuya, where they took photos with the Hachiko statue and experienced the Crossing. After that, I guided them to Nintendo Tokyo in Parco, and since they wished to enjoy Shibuya on their own from there, we ended the tour a little early in Shibuya. After spending two days in Tokyo, they plan to enjoy skiing for the following days in Hokkaido.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa (TX)~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji~Shibuya210JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Courtyard Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Courtyard Marriott Tokyo Ginza & Nezu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Courtyard Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 9:15 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 10:50 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Chikuan
    • 13:10 Yanaka Cemetery, Tsuiji-bei Wall, Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ Higashi-Ginza Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Local Food I guided a group visiting from North America. Since their hotel was in the Ginza area, we walked to Tsukiji, where they enjoyed delicious fatty tuna (otoro). They bought coffee at a local coffee shop. In Asakusa we took a break with strawberry daifuku and strawberry sorbet. For lunch we went to an udon restaurant, where they had tempura udon, kitsune udon, meat udon, and an assorted tempura platter, and were very pleased. They mentioned that they were not particularly interested in souvenirs. They asked about various Japanese expressions, and I taught them a few. They were cheerful and pleasant, and we chatted about many things along the way. After the tour, the group had initially planned to go to Shinjuku, but perhaps because they had walked so much, they decided to return to their hotel, so I accompanied them to the nearest station, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2BusTobu Asakusa Station (west side) / Toei Bus~Nippori Station / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu~Higashi-Ginza180JPY
    Total680JPY

    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 in One Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 10:00 to 10:45 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 11:45 to 12:00 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:15 to 12:40 Tenryu-ji Temple (garden only)
    • 12:50 to 13:15 Lunch (around JR Sagano Station, soba)
    • 14:00 to 14:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Dismiss at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was not feeling well, and I was touched to see how kindly they were being cared for within the group. During the visit, I learned that they preferred not to enter the inner areas of a temple, as those spaces were considered sacred to them. This was something I learned for the first time today. Although one of the guests was under the weather, thanks to the attentive care within the group, we were able to complete the tour without any trouble, which I was very glad about.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShichijo Horikawa/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Omiya/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo Omiya~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total870JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo: Tsukiji & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Mimaru Asakusa Suites
    • 8:45 Tsukiji
    • 10:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:20 Lunch @ Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu
    • 11:55 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:15 Shopping at Kiddy Land
    • 13:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 14:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 15:40 Disband at Nihombashi Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The weather was excellent and the guests had a Suica card, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At Tsukiji, I guided the group through the market, where they enjoyed sushi and strawberries on a rooftop. From Meiji Shrine onward, the guests wanted some snacks, which made things a little challenging. They purchased a good-luck charm. After lunch in Harajuku, the guests wanted to visit an animal cafe and shop along Takeshita Street, but this was gently held back, and they did a fair amount of shopping at Kiddy Land. The plan had been to finish at Shibuya Parco, but the guests felt they had enough toys and wished to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, so I guided them there and the tour ended partway along the return route. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShibuya~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTakebashi~Nihombashi0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hotel Nishishinjuku
    • 12:40 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 14:10 Lunch @Harajuku Torimachi
    • 16:00 In front of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (past entry time, introduction only in front of the entrance)
    • 16:35 Yasukuni Shrine, introduction to Yushukan Museum
    • 17:25 Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 17:45 Akihabara
    • 17:55 Games at Akihabara Super Potato
    • 18:20 Break @Karaoke Pasela Honey Toast Cafe
    • 20:00 Dismiss at Tokyo Sumo Festival

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was good, and the tour proceeded smoothly. We started by purchasing a 24-hour subway pass in Nishi-Shinjuku. The guest loved Japan and was very knowledgeable about its history and culture, so I received many questions at each location. Meiji Shrine was quite crowded, so we were unable to worship at the main hall. The guest purchased an omamori charm. Because lunch took some time, I was unable to guide them through the Imperial Palace East Gardens. We visited Yasukuni Shrine and Kanda Myojin Shrine, and when I guided them around Akihabara, the guest said they wanted to visit Super Potato, so I took them there. After they mentioned feeling tired, we rested in Akihabara, and then I guided them to the entrance of a sumo show to conclude the tour. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNishishinjuku~Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Kudanshita0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKudanshita~Ochanomizu0JPY
    Section 5Free PassKanda~Ginza0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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…