What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from North America, who were in the middle of a six-week journey covering various destinations. In the early morning we visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and I was very surprised to find it already extremely crowded. Even so, I was glad that I could properly guide them through the spots I especially wanted them to enjoy. They seemed very interested in the various shops along Sannenzaka. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where they enjoyed the Senbon Torii. We then enjoyed soba noodles at a restaurant they had requested, and finally visited Kinkaku-ji. Although it was crowded, I was glad they were able to take their time and enjoy it as we walked around. I believe they truly enjoyed the day. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most iconic shrines, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity. It is especially famous for the Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the tunnels of gates, each of which has been donated by individuals or businesses praying for success. The shrine's many fox statues are also a notable feature, as foxes are regarded as the messengers of Inari.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kaeko

Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Nijo Castle I guided a group from North America around Kyoto. Originally, we had planned to visit Kinkaku-ji first, but as it began to rain, I quickly changed the itinerary and visited Genko-an Temple first instead. At Genko-an, the guests took their time admiring the beautiful garden, glistening in the light rain, through the Window of Enlightenment and the Window of Delusion, and they were very pleased. At Kinkaku-ji, I was guiding at the usual pace, but the guests expressed a wish to spend a little more time, so they spent a while gazing at the Golden Pavilion. One of the guests enjoyed photography as a hobby and stopped at many spots to take pictures enthusiastically. At Ryoan-ji, there were many tour groups, making it difficult to view the garden quietly, but the guests stopped by the perfume shop inside and purchased a fragrance they liked, and seemed satisfied. At Nijo Castle, which we visited next, the guests were a little disappointed that the wall paintings were replicas, but when I explained that top-class artists had meticulously reproduced each one over a period of three to six months, they were impressed. Finally, we passed through Teramachi Street and I guided the guests to the entrance of Nishiki Market to conclude the tour. Throughout, I guided while flexibly adjusting the itinerary to the weather and the guests' pace.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Umi

Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine We were initially concerned about the condition of one of the guests, but they turned out to be very well. The tour proceeded with one guide, FUJII, leading at the front and MORIKAWA at the rear. We had almost given up, but then Mount Fuji became visible, which relieved us and delighted the guests, who felt very lucky. The younger members of the group enjoyed being together with the whole family more than seeing Mount Fuji, and they remained lively and cheerful throughout. On the pirate ship, everyone stayed on deck and fully enjoyed the clear blue sky after a long time and the lake surrounded by deep greenery. From Moto-Hakone Port, six guests who wished to go visited Hakone Shrine with guide FUJII. I took charge of the remaining six guests who waited, starting lunch ahead and letting them relax around the table. A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. It is well known for its striking red torii gate that stands in the water, a popular spot for photographs. The shrine has long been revered by travelers and worshippers and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forest and the lake.

Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Hiro

I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
dummy

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Nagasaki Tour from the Cruise Terminal? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived at the terminal exit at the agreed time of 9:00, and we began the tour by private car. In the car, I introduced myself and headed toward Mount Inasa while explaining about Kyushu and Nagasaki. We were blessed with good weather that day, and the guests were able to enjoy a wonderful view from Mount Inasa. They were very pleased. Next, we went to the Atomic Bomb Museum. Before entering, I gave an overview of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, and inside I kept my explanations brief so the guests could view the exhibits at their own pace. After the museum, we passed through the hypocenter and went to the Peace Park, and from there took a taxi to Sanno Shrine. The guests viewed the one-legged torii gate and the atomic-bombed camphor tree, and I also explained the proper etiquette for visiting a shrine. After that, we had lunch at a restaurant. The prices here were reasonable and the food was delicious, and the guests seemed to enjoy their meal very much. After lunch, we visited Dejima (the miniature Dejima, the archaeological museum, and the Captain's quarters). Since the guests wanted to buy a bracelet and an umbrella, we went to a nearby shopping center. Finally, we entered Glover Garden from the upper second gate (the private car service concluded at the arrival point in front of the Glover Garden entrance), and the guests viewed exhibits where they could learn about the modernization of Meiji-era Japan and the achievements of Mr. Glover and others. After leaving the garden, we walked back to the Matsugae International Cruise Terminal. We moved at a somewhat brisk pace and visited many places in order to fulfill the guests' wishes, but they were very gentle and I believe they were satisfied.

Click here for more details: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Junichi

Hello, my name is Junichi Matsumoto.
I will be your guide on this occasion. With warm hospitality, I will do my best to help you fully enjoy and appreciate the charm of Japan.

Before becoming a guide, I worked for the Kumamoto Prefectural Government and retired in March 2023. From 2003 to 2005, I was stationed in Montana, USA, which has a sister-state relationship with Kumamoto. During that time, I actively interacted with the local community together with my family, which gave me valuable cross-cultural experiences.

I am an easygoing person who quickly builds a friendly relationship with international guests. With a sincere smile and attentive care, I always strive to provide tours that are warm, enjoyable, and memorable. It would be my great pleasure to help you make unforgettable memories during your stay in Japan.

What's a Private Day Tour of Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sakurajima and Sengan-en The day before the tour, the guests and I exchanged messages at length through a messaging app, and they seemed somewhat uninterested, asking questions like "We've seen plenty of volcanoes in other places, so is it really worth visiting?" and "Would we even be interested in a garden?" However, once they tried a foot bath for the first time at Sakurajima, they were delighted, saying, "This is so relaxing and feels wonderful!" At Sengan-en, they told me, "We were able to learn about Japanese history and culture. We're so glad we came here!" It seemed that poor weather had prevented them from enjoying much sightseeing up to that point, and in the end they finished the tour overjoyed, saying, "Today has been the best day of our whole trip!" A notable stop on the tour was Sengan-en in Kagoshima. Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden that was built in 1658 by the Shimazu clan, the powerful feudal lords who ruled the Satsuma domain. The garden is famous for its "borrowed scenery" landscaping, which incorporates Sakurajima volcano and Kinko Bay into its design, making the natural surroundings part of the garden's view. Within the grounds visitors can also explore the historic Shimazu residence and learn about the region's role in Japan's industrial modernization during the late Edo and Meiji periods.

Click here for more details: Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Mio

I have been living in Kagoshima since 2019. I love talking with people, and I look forward to guiding you around this beautiful city.
Kagoshima has many attractions: the active volcano Sakurajima rising right before your eyes, the lively atmosphere of the city, its rich history, and its delicious local cuisine. I hope you will be able to feel the charm of this place through the many stories it has to offer.
I will do my best to share the wonders of Kagoshima with all who visit, and to provide a special experience with heartfelt hospitality.

What's a Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. On this trip, they enjoyed trails along the ancient Kumano Kodo routes and hot springs, relaxing at Katsuura Onsen after walking the Kumano trails. They stayed in Wakayama for a total of about a week, and were scheduled to spend three more days afterward including today. On the Kumano Kodo they had been accompanied by a guide, so they already knew about the shrines and temples, but they mentioned they were not very familiar with Japanese history, so I gave a brief explanation. Having walked the Kumano Kodo, they were strong walkers and enjoyed the nature of Nara. They were also amazed by the size of the Great Buddha. I believe the guests enjoyed the tour of Nara. A notable stop on the tour was the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Todai-ji is one of Japan's most famous temples and houses a monumental bronze statue of Buddha, known as the Daibutsu, which is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The temple's Great Buddha Hall is also celebrated as one of the largest wooden buildings in existence, and the surrounding Nara Park is home to freely roaming deer that have long been associated with the area. Walking through this historic site offers visitors a vivid sense of Japan's ancient capital and its deep cultural and religious heritage.

Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by akira

My name is Akira.
I am a national licensed tour guide in English.
I have been a tour guide in 9 years.
I am specialized in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji castle and Hiroshima.
When you have a plan to visit those area, please contact me.
Kyoto and Nara are old town from 8th century, so you will learn Japanese culture and tradition there .
Nara is our first capital from710 for about 70 years and Kyoto was the capital from 794 for abut more than 1200years.
So there are a lot ofold buildings are remained and specially in Kyoto there are 17 Unesco heritage site.
You will enjoy Japan with me and be satisfied with my guiding .
I am looking forward to seeing you in Japan.

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like with a Licensed Guide? Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji, and Dotonbori The guests were visitors from North America, currently traveling in Japan. They had arrived in Tokyo about a week earlier, passed through Hakone and other areas, and planned to tour Osaka and Kyoto. Prior communication was handled through one of the guests. On the day of the tour, the plan was to meet at the Hotel at 14:30, since the guests would leave Hakone in the morning and arrive at Shin-Osaka around noon. However, when I drafted a proposed itinerary, there was a possibility that we would not make it in time before the closing of one of the sites (Shitenno-ji Temple). I therefore asked the guests whether we could start about an hour earlier. The reply was that they would be leaving Hakone in the morning and arriving at Shin-Osaka around noon, but if they bought a boxed lunch and ate on the Shinkansen, it could work. On the day, the guests made the effort to rush over by taxi from Shin-Osaka, and we were able to meet up around 13:15. To save travel time, we hailed taxis on the spot for the moves between sites (Hotel ⇒ Osaka Castle ⇒ Doguyasuji). Thanks to this, we were able to see not only Osaka Castle but also Shitenno-ji Temple thoroughly. After that, at the request of a cooking enthusiast among the guests, we carefully browsed through the many shops of the Doguyasuji shopping street, enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori, and from there also enjoyed shopping along Shinsaibashi. In the end, the guests seemed tired from the shopping and strolling in the latter half, so we finished an hour earlier than planned. A notable stop on the tour was Shitenno-ji Temple. Shitenno-ji is one of the oldest officially administered temples in Japan, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, and it is considered one of the first Buddhist temples ever built in the country. The temple grounds feature a five-story pagoda and a central gate laid out in a style known as the Shitenno-ji garan arrangement, reflecting early Japanese temple architecture influenced by continental Asia.

Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Nori

Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This was a day trip from Tokyo. The weather had been rainy for a long time, but today it was refreshing and pleasant. For shopping, they only picked up some furikake with ease. They took only a few photos. They did not show much interest in the history of Kyoto. At Nishiki Market, they happily enjoyed takoyaki, fried chicken, and wagyu skewers. I shared information about the shops in Teramachi and Shinkyogoku, and we walked to Hanamikoji Street in Gion, wrapping up around the Kaburenjo Theater in the Kobu district. Before returning to Tokyo on the 17:00 bullet train, they seemed to plan to head back once more to Teramachi shopping street for some shopping. A notable stop on the tour was Nishiki Market in Kyoto. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a narrow shopping street lined with more than a hundred shops and stalls selling local specialties, fresh seafood, pickles, sweets, and various Japanese street foods. With a history stretching back several centuries, it has long been a central spot for Kyoto's food culture and remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking seasonal ingredients and tasty bites.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazz

I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

What Is a Private History and Culture Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. They appeared in the lobby with warm smiles about ten minutes before our scheduled meeting time at the hotel. They walked at a brisk pace, which made getting around by train very smooth as well. Since the guests had planned their destinations and time allocation in advance and had requested that the tour include Japanese history and culture, I devoted much of our time to topics such as the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era, in line with their wishes. The guests listened with great interest throughout.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Sachi

My name is Sachiko Fujita, and I’m a licensed government-certified tour guide in Japan. I have been working as a tour guide since 2018, mainly in Tokyo. I have guided visitors to major destinations such as Asakusa,Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. In particular, Asakusa is one of my specialties, and I have guided tours there over 100 times. I am a cheerful and open-minded person who truly enjoys meeting new people from different cultures. I may not be a young guide but I consider my age as a strength, as it has given me rich life experience, strong communication skills, and a calm, flexible approach. I strive to provide safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for every guest.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Sachiko Fujita

Tour Route： Meeting point at Hotel What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Asakusa, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Before the tour, the guests requested Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine, Denpoin Street, Hoppy Street, Harajuku's Takeshita Street, and Meiji Shrine, and I replied with a proposed itinerary. I had also informed them in advance to arrive at the hotel ten minutes before the meeting time, along with details to help them easily identify me as their guide. When we met, I reconfirmed the itinerary with the guests and started the tour on time. At the nearest station, I had them purchase a "Tokyo Metro 24-hour subway pass," which would be the main form of transportation for the day. After smoothly guiding them through Meiji Shrine and Harajuku's Takeshita Street, I felt the long direct transfer to Asakusa (about 50 minutes) would be a waste of time, so I planned to show them Shibuya and Shinjuku. However, upon arriving in Shibuya, it turned out the guests were planning to visit Shibuya the following day, so I dropped that part. As we were heading to Shinjuku as originally planned, I was asked, "Can the 24-hour pass not be used on JR lines?" I realized that when they purchased the 24-hour pass at the station near the hotel, my explanation had not been fully understood, so I explained again, and the guests understood. To head to Asakusa, we took the JR line and arrived at Akihabara Station, where I guided them along Chuo-dori, then arrived at Asakusa Station via the Ginza Line. After guiding and explaining all the requested places one by one, our time was up. I obtained permission to use the photos from the day, shared the itinerary via a messaging app, and unexpectedly received a gift, parting ways with smiles. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the most visited sacred sites in Japan. Visitors approach the main hall through the striking Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern, followed by Nakamise Street, a bustling shopping lane lined with traditional snacks and souvenir shops leading up to the temple grounds. The area retains a lively, historic atmosphere that offers a vivid glimpse into Tokyo's cultural heritage and old downtown spirit.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Tachi

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!