Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.　9:00 Meet in front of "Prince Smart Inn Ebisu" (Guests stay at a nearby Airbnb)
    • 2.　9:45　Institute for Nature Study, National Museum of Nature and Science
    • 3.　12:00　Former Asakura Family Residence
    • 4.　13:45 　Lunch @ Yanaka
    • 5.　14:40　Stroll around Yanaka
    • 6.　15:40　Disband at JR Nippori Station

    Title: What's a Private Nature and Old-Architecture Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met slightly before the scheduled time on the street in front of the Hotel. We then headed to the Institute for Nature Study (National Museum of Nature and Science), located near Shirokanedai Station. From my prior communication with the guest, I understood that there was little interest in shrines and temples, and that cherry blossom viewing was already planned for a separate tour the next day. Since the guest loves nature, I included this spot in the route. The guest was delighted, taking many photographs of plants with a large camera. The guest had mentioned eating ramen in Shibuya the previous day and had a mobile SUICA, so I felt reassured, but at the point of paying the admission fee it turned out there was no cash on hand. We went to a nearby convenience store to withdraw cash before entering. After that, since the guest liked old things (such as houses) around 100 years old, we went to the former Asakura Residence in Daikanyama. Here too the guest was continually moved and took many photographs. Both the Institute for Nature Study and the former Asakura Residence were pleasantly uncrowded even on a Sunday in the middle of the spring holidays, which turned out to be a great choice. Finally, we went to Yanaka. The wait was a bit long, but we had a late lunch at a shop renovated from an old traditional house and took a short stroll around Yanaka. Along the way, some used books had been placed in a cardboard box on the roadside with a note saying "Please take freely," and the guest was overjoyed, calling it "a gift from heaven" and stuffing them into a backpack despite the weight. As an artist, the guest said they would use them not for reading but as backgrounds for sculptures and such. The guest was moved throughout, which made things take longer and pushed back our parting time. The guest was very satisfied, and a tour on April 9 is also planned by personal request.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu～Meguro160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeguro～Shirokanedai180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShirokanedai～Meguro180JPY
    Section 4TrainMeguro～Ebisu160JPY
    Section 5TrainDaikanyama～Shibuya140JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Nippori260JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Tour Report by Mac

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

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    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: morning market & Red brick warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: morning market & Red brick warehouse

    Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 cruise terminal pick up
    • 9:10 morning market
    • 10:45 Goryokaku Tower
    • 11:30 Magistrate office Goryokaku fort
    • 13:30 Red brick warehouse
    • 14:00 sushi shop disband

    Title: What Can You Do on a Private Food and Culture Tour in Hakodate? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. When I asked about their wishes, they said they were not very interested in typical tourist spots but were keen on local food and culture. A tea ceremony requires advance reservation, so it was not possible to arrange one on short notice. We first went to the morning market. The guests looked with great interest at the seafood on display. One of the guests suddenly wanted to try squid fishing at the squid pond, but there was already a long line. As we walked through the market, we found another spot where you could catch squid, and there they were able to catch one. It was grilled for them right away, and the whole group shared it together and was extremely delighted. For lunch, I took them to the most famous ramen shop in Hakodate, but as it was right at lunchtime, there was a long line. We also went to a branch location, but that too had a line. They were disappointed not to be able to eat there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherIn front of Hakodate Station～Goryokaku800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Akira

    Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
    So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
    I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
    I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
    and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

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    May 22, 2026
    Leanne S
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Cruise port must
    Akira was our tour guide and was great.…

    May 7, 2026
    Narayanan_V
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akira san is a wonderful…
    Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…

    May 1, 2026
    Maria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best of Hakodate
    Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…

    Feb 18, 2026
    Danielle_S
    An insider’s tour of Otaru
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet in front of Hakone Gora Station ~ 10:16 Gora Hakone Cable Car ~ 10:27 Sounzan ~ Ropeway. Arrive at Owakudani at 11:00. Tour Owakudani. 12:00 Owakudani ~ Ropeway. Arrive at Togendai at 12:20. 12:45 Togendai ~ Pirate Ship ~ Arrive at Hakonemachi Port at 13:10 ~ Lunch (Hotel) ~ 14:05 Hakone Checkpoint Ruins ~ 14:45 Hakone Checkpoint Ruins ~ 15:25 In front of Kowakidani Station
    • 15:30 Board the Gora-bound train at Kowakidani Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and disband.

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We had exchanged many emails beforehand and arranged the schedule so there would be plenty of time before the guests' flight departing Haneda before 11 p.m. that night. The guests were very friendly visitors from North America, and we talked about many things. Before coming to Japan, they had attended a family wedding in Oceania, then visited other parts of Asia before arriving in Japan. The day in Hakone happened to be a birthday for one of the guests, who had worked as an engineer before retirement and had previously lived in various places overseas. Some of their family members now live in North America. When they heard my English, they asked whether I had lived in North America, but unfortunately I have not had that experience. Having worked for a joint venture for 25 years, my English has long had an American accent. At Owakudani we bought the famous black eggs, sat on the outdoor chairs, took photos, and enjoyed them together. The weather was good, but the wind was strong and it was a little cold. For lunch, the guests initially said ordinary Japanese food would be fine, and we looked at a soba restaurant's menu out front, but they were not very keen on it. When I mentioned that the lunch at the Hakone hotel I had recommended earlier was reasonably priced and had a nice view, they asked me to check whether we could go without a reservation, and we had lunch at the Hakone hotel without one. After lunch, they said it had been a good choice. At the Hakone Checkpoint site, they told me it was an interesting place. Although our time together was short, we talked about each other's families and past work and, I believe, spent an enjoyable time. The guests mentioned that their 47-day trip might have been a little too long, and that they planned to travel again this autumn to visit friends abroad.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHakonemachi Port～Kowakidani Station / Hakone Tozan Bus820JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Akey

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

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    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1 8:30 Heian Shrine
    • 2 8:50 Keage Incline
    • 3 9:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 4 10:00 Philosopher's Path
    • 5 11:40 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 6 13:20 Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in Temple

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour of Zen Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were on a ten-day trip in Japan. They requested a Kyoto guide for just today. The guests enjoyed gardening as a hobby and had a strong interest in Japanese gardens. For this reason, we visited two rock gardens and Ginkaku-ji Temple, which I believe they enjoyed, though one point of reflection is that the layout of the sites required quite a lot of walking. I took breaks along the way and regularly checked whether they were tired, but many of the locations unavoidably involved walking, which may have been demanding for the guests.

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

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Je m’appelle Nobu, enchanté.
    Depuis 2019, en tant que guide francophone et propriétaire d’un établissement d’hébergement, je fais découvrir les charmes de Kyoto, Osaka et Nara.Après avoir obtenu un master en environnement et tourisme à Paris, il a passé cinq ans et demi au Sénégal et au Gabon en tant que chercheur et parle français avec un accent africain;)
    Je peux vous proposer des itinéraires adaptés à vos goûts, comprenant bien sûr les sites touristiques célèbres, mais aussi des lieux et des restaurants recommandés que seuls les habitants connaissent. N’hésitez pas à me consulter.

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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1100 Hotel (directly connected to JR Tokyo Station) Tokyo Station front plaza, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Naka-dori, Gyoko-dori, Tatsumi Yagura Turret
    • 1210 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theater, Ginza 4-chome intersection
    • 1335 Nezu Shrine
    • 1500 Ueno Park
    • 1600 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 1700 Tour ends at Asakusa Station
    • Since my way home is the same, I will accompany you to Shibuya Station, see you off to the Pokemon Center, and then part ways

    **Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. In the morning, while I was getting ready, I received the following message via a messaging app: "we arrived on Station Hotel. We can not Go to our Room before 3 p.m. Therefore we could start earlier. Is it possible?" We managed to meet on site at 11:00, one hour earlier than planned. They would spend three days in Tokyo. Today the goal was to get familiar with the public transportation while accompanied by a guide, and for the following two days they planned to move around on their own (visiting places such as TeamLab Planets). I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide (in German) and explained the transportation network and various sightseeing spots. After Tokyo, they planned a two-week trip covering Nikko, Hakone, and the Kansai area. They told me they had been planning this trip for four years, waiting until the time was right to travel. However, due to recent world circumstances, the flight time had become considerably long. Since they mentioned they had not been able to sleep much, I was a little worried about whether they would have the stamina, but the group kept going strong, motivated in the end by the promise of Pokémon. Ueno Park was in an extraordinary state, with the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom, clear skies, and a Sunday crowd larger than I had ever seen. Swept along by the one-way flow of people to the left, we had to give up on Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Kiyomizu Kannon-do, but the group was overjoyed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom and spent a great deal of time taking photos, so I considered that a fine outcome.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNijubashimae～Hibiya – Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza – Hibiya～Nezu0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu～Nishi-Nippori0JPY
    Section 4TrainNishi-Nippori～Ueno160JPY
    Section 5Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassAsakusa～Shibuya0JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

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    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 　Hotel Pickup
    • 09:25　Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:30　Philosopher's Path
    • 11:30　Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 12:15　Heian Shrine
    • 13:00 Tour End

    What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from North America. The day was perfectly clear and warm, ideal weather for cherry blossom viewing. Since the guests had requested that they wanted to see cherry blossoms, I changed the course I had initially proposed. The cherry blossoms in Kyoto had begun blooming on the 23rd, and thanks to the warmth on Saturday and on the day itself, they bloomed rapidly all at once, so the guests were able to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms wherever we went. Regarding the tour timing, I had initially expected we would have time to spare. However, on the way from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji Temple, they stopped by various shops, so we arrived at Heian Shrine later than expected. As a result, I guided them somewhat quickly through the "Shinen" garden before we parted ways. Also, on the day I had the impression that there were fewer people than I had expected. I had imagined that the Philosopher's Path and the Keage Incline would be more crowded. That said, it was lucky for us.

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

    Tour Report by Yoshi

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

    Request Booking

    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine & Mojiko

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine & Mojiko

    Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel, walk to Karato Market and Akama Shrine
    • 10:00 Akama Shrine
    • 10:30 Kanmon Straits Pedestrian Tunnel
    • 10:50 Taxi from Mekari
    • 11:00 Mojiko
    • 11:30 Ferry to Karato
    • 11:45 Lunch
    • 12:30 Stroll through the shopping street
    • 13:40 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Local Food Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I believe the guests enjoyed themselves. In particular, after lunch, their expressions when buying eclairs at the shopping street were very cheerful and memorable. One of the guests who wanted to shop there purchased chocolate as a souvenir. When we had lunch, the guests were interested in local specialties, so I ordered a kawara soba and fugu rice bowl set, though only the toppings were eaten. The guests commented that the shopping street had few people even during the daytime. It was helpful that UBER was available.

    Click here for more details: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMojiko～Karato400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by RIE

    Hello, I’m Rie, who has been assinged to your guide this time. First of all, thank you so much for choosing this town as one of your travel destination. I am very exciting to show you around! I had live in abroad (Kentucky (USA), Guam, Lugano (Switzerland) ) for about 30 years. I enjoyed to learn many different cultures and languages through the time. I love to meet new people, eat and drink like bar hopping 🙂 and make a great memory together. Please feel free to ask any question, request, etc. I will work my best and accommodate your visit as you wish. We are on “Once-in-a- lifetime.” Let’s have some fun and together! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

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    Apr 3, 2026
    Edward_G
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the are…
    Wonderful tour of the…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Waiting at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 9:45 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 10:00 Drop off luggage at Ryokan Ginkaku
    • 10:45 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:30 End at Kiyomizu-dera

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The point of contact was one of the guests. Although the email indicated we would meet at a ryokan, a message came in via a messaging app just beforehand saying they were currently on a train heading to Kyoto and would be late for the meeting time. Contrary to the prior information, we quickly met at the central ticket gate of JR Kyoto Station instead. Since the group traveled from Osaka on separate trains, we finally met at 9:45. They had gone to the wrong meeting place and were a little flustered when they contacted me, but I reassured them that everything was fine and kept in good communication. After that, I guided them to the ryokan where they were staying so they could leave their luggage, and then we began the tour. Since they had not answered in advance where they wanted to go, I adjusted the plan on the spot and guided them to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera. The tour time became shorter, but I believe the guests enjoyed it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Tour Report by Kuni

    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

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    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meeting The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street passage, East Gardens)
    • 4. 13:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 5. 14:30 Dismissal Ginza Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Cherry Blossoms The guests were visitors from North America, and while one of them had traveled to Japan before, this was their first visit for sightseeing purposes, with the other visiting Japan for the first time. They were scheduled to join a cruise ship tour the following day. Since they had requested in advance to visit the Imperial Palace, temples and shrines, and Japanese gardens, I presented a plan, obtained their approval, and then started the tour. Because it was a Sunday during the peak season with fine weather, every location was very crowded, but we were able to complete the tour on schedule, and I believe the guests were satisfied. Even the Inui Street passage at the Imperial Palace, which was expected to be extremely crowded on its final day, only had about a 20-minute wait to enter, and the guests were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I saw the guests off at Ginza, from where they could return to Roppongi without transferring, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Harajuku340JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ginza210JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Monkey Park Iwatayama

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Monkey Park Iwatayama

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 Nijo Castle sightseeing
    • 11:59-12:09 Nijo → Sagaarashiyama JR 200 yen
    • 12:20-13:30 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, etc.)
    • 13:40-14:20 Lunch @ Tenryu Ramen
    • 14:40-15:30 Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 15:57-16:15 Arashiyama → Kyoto Kawaramachi Hankyu 240 yen
    • 16:20-16:50 Stroll around Kiyamachi & Nishiki Market
    • 17:00 Disband @ In front of Daimaru

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and among themselves they spoke a European language other than English. One of the guests had not been feeling well after an upset stomach a few days earlier, so on the way to Nijo Castle we stopped at a drugstore to buy some stomach medicine. After taking it, the recovery was remarkably quick and everything turned out fine. At Nijo Castle, I explained the beginning and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, and in Arashiyama we visited the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park, which the guests enjoyed. In particular, for those in the group who had begun to tire a little of the historical sightseeing, the Monkey Park was a perfect change of pace.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo～Sagaarashiyama200JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Kyoto Kawaramachi240JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

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    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…