Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara in One Day: Great Buddha Hall & JR Nara

    Nara in One Day: Great Buddha Hall & JR Nara

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Planned to start around 12:30 or 13:00. However, in reality
    • Guest arrived after 14:00 → Taxi →
    • 14:30　Great Buddha Hall → Nandaimon Gate → Taxi →
    • 15:30　Kintetsu Nara → Taxi
    • 16:20 JR Nara → 16:38 Yamatoji Line →
    • 16:49 JR Horyuji: Said goodbye on the train → Train stopped due to fire along the line
    • Exchanged messages on WhatsApp until around 19:00

    タイトル: What's a Private Nara Tour Like When Guests Arrive Late by Shinkansen? A Licensed Guide's Report 本文: This was a tour full of unusual circumstances. The original plan was to start at 13:00. Through the pre-tour correspondence, it gradually became clear that the guests would leave Tokyo in the morning, arrive in Kyoto by Shinkansen, transfer to Nara for the tour, and afterward head to a hotel near Shin-Osaka. They said they might arrive in Nara earlier, but that it would not be certain until the day itself. In the end, I was able to meet the guests in Nara at 14:00. When I asked why the Shinkansen could only be arranged for such a time, they explained that they had arrived at Haneda from North America that morning and taken the Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama. They had probably not been able to make a reservation in advance due to the flight schedule. From around 9:00 that morning, I was kept busy by a flurry of exchanges over a messaging app. The tour start was delayed by another 30 minutes or so while the guests put their luggage in coin lockers and exchanged money. On top of that, since one of the guests was not feeling well, the Nara tour ended up covering only the Great Buddha Hall, the Nandaimon Gate, the deer, and a few scattered cherry blossoms. Rather than the Nara guiding itself, the "guiding until reaching Nara" and the "guiding after the tour ended" were the more demanding parts. I saw the guests onto the direct rapid train from Nara Station to Shin-Osaka (I rode along with them partway), and about an hour after I returned home, I received a message on the messaging app saying, "The train has stopped. It's already been about an hour!" There was a fairly large fire beside the tracks, and both the Yamatoji Line and the Osaka Higashi Line had suspended operations. I had parted ways with the guests before 5:00, but the trains apparently did not resume until around 8:20 in the evening. I truly hope they managed to reach their hotel safely!

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNara～Horyuji240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tawaramachi Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tawaramachi Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Monday Apartment Premium Asakusa
    • 10:20 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 10:50 Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Station Travel Concierge
    • Kabukicho
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • 11:00 Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Tochomae Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • 11:45 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 12:00 Nishi-shinjuku Station
    • 12:00 Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:10 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 13:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 14:00 Disband: Ginza Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Ginza The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. The group arrived at Haneda the previous morning via a connecting route and took a taxi to their Hotel. The previous day, they had explored Asakusa. This visit was part of an 18-day trip to Japan. After spending four days in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Hiroshima before returning home from Kansai Airport. They were also planning a day trip to Nikko two days later. Today, the group expressed a wish to see cherry blossoms. The tour took place under alternating sunny and cloudy skies, in fairly warm weather. We first headed to Shinjuku. Since the group very much wanted to buy a "Welcome Suica Card," we first visited the Ekitabi Concierge at Shinjuku Station. After this, we went to Shinjuku Kabukicho. We walked around to see the "3D Cat Billboard," the "Godzilla Head," and "Omoide Yokocho," and then visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory. We made a full loop of the observatory, and the group remarked, "We can see how vast a city Tokyo is. It's far larger than London." After this, we moved on to Harajuku. Meiji Shrine was full of visitors. I explained about Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels and wine barrels are displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How does Buddhism differ from Shinto?" We came across a wedding procession, which the group photographed enthusiastically. The day happened to fall on an auspicious day, and many weddings were scheduled to take place. We took a break at "Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu." We also strolled through the very crowded Takeshita Street. We then moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "How many people gather here at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and walked through Shibuya Center Gai. After this, the group asked to be taken to Ginza. Along the way, there were comments and questions such as "The level of crowding is completely different in the back streets just off the tourist spots," "Is it not allowed to talk on the trains?" "Tokyo is so clean throughout the city, with no litter on the ground," "Which public restrooms are clean?" and "There are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?" I saw the group off at Ginza Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)～Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)260JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku-nishiguchi～Tochomae180JPY
    Section 3TrainTochomae～Shinjuku-nishiguchi180JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Ginza210JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

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    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…

  • Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuihoden & Sendai Castle Ruins

    Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuihoden & Sendai Castle Ruins

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:15 Meet @ Sendai Station ~ 11:20 @ FamilyMart in front of Sendai Station (cash withdrawal)
    • 11:45 @ Board Loople Sendai
    • 12:10 @ Zuihoden
    • 13:20 @ Sendai Castle Ruins
    • 14:10 Lunch @ Gyutan Rikyu Chuo-dori Store
    • 14:47 Board the Senseki Line from Aobadori Station
    • Around 15:10 disband (disband on the train)

    Title: What Is a Private Sendai and Matsushima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This tour was assigned just two days in advance. With the date approaching, I was almost ready to decide the destinations only after meeting the guest. When boarding the Shinkansen from the Tokyo area, the guest apparently panicked upon not being able to find the ticket, and messaged me: "I got on the Shinkansen arriving at 11:06. I'll be a little late." I replied through a messaging app not to worry. Being a Saturday, the station was terribly crowded. The guest had trouble finding a locker to store luggage, so we actually met at 11:15. Since the Matsushima sightseeing boat we would take after the tour is operated by a cash-only company, the guest wanted to stop at a convenience store to withdraw cash, so we stopped at a convenience store in front of the station. There was also a long line in front of the Loople Sendai bus. I had assumed that the 15-minute intervals on weekends would be fine, but it turned out to be like a rush-hour commuter train. Since the guest's requests were Zuihoden and Sendai Castle Ruins, the Loople was the only option. The guest seemed interested in history and had studied Japanese history quite a lot. The guest had visited Osaka before Sendai and asked about the relationship between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Date Masamune. We also talked about how old Japanese history continues to influence society today and the reasons behind that. Although it wasn't too far to Sendai Castle Ruins, the Loople bus has a small body, so we couldn't sit. The guest seemed fine with it. From Sendai Castle Ruins, I had planned to take the Loople again back to the front of Sendai Station, but the guest said, "We'll run out of lunch time. Wouldn't it be faster to take the subway from the next stop, Aobayama Station?" This was exactly what I had hoped, so I asked, "It'll cost an extra 250 yen, is that okay?" The guest agreed, and we returned comfortably to the front of Sendai Station. The guest apparently wanted beef tongue for lunch. I am not fond of beef, so I planned to just watch, but since Rikyu also serves seafood, I was relieved that I wouldn't just be watching during lunch. After the tour, the guest wanted to go to Matsushima and take the last boat for a Matsushima cruise, so I recommended the Nioumaru, which runs until 4 p.m. However, the 15:07 train would arrive at Matsushima Kaigan at 15:47, making the 16:00 boat difficult, so I suggested taking an earlier train. I said I would ride partway too, so it would be fine, and we boarded the 14:47 train. When the guest said, "Let's run if we won't make it!", I dashed without hesitation and we made the train. When I said, "Sorry for rushing you," the guest laughed and said, "This is a good memory too." Until I got off at my nearest station, we talked about various recommendations for Matsushima and more. (Since it would be 5 p.m. after getting off the boat, sightseeing would be limited.) The guest was eager, asking about various Japanese expressions and more. I hope the guest enjoys Matsushima.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAobayama～Sendai (Subway)250JPY
    Section 2TrainAobadori～Tagajo260JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

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    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:40-12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Disband @ Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Nijo Castle Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. This was a tour that came in suddenly two days before, and since it was a first-time booking where contact had not been possible, I asked [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for help, and they advised me to make contact via a messaging app. When I contacted the number listed at the time of assignment, it turned out to be the travel agency's number, but they quickly shared a direct messaging contact, so the matter was resolved without trouble. There had been requests to visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Kodaiji, and Kiyomizudera, but since the travel between Kinkakuji and Kodaiji takes about an hour, I explained that it would not fit within four hours, and they said, "We will go on our own from Kinkakuji onward, so that is fine." On the day, although we were able to meet at 11:00, the group said they were going to get coffee and did not come out for about 20 minutes. From that point, some of the guests already seemed a little tired. The group had proposed from the start to go to Nijo Castle on foot, so I asked, "You seem tired, are you sure you are all right?" and they said they were fine, so we decided to walk to Nijo Castle. Since some of the guests did not appear to understand English, I was very mindful that speaking too much to the others might make them bored. I have studied a little Spanish, and I thought that if I could speak more fluently, I could handle situations like this better. Inside the grounds as well, the group was occupied with looking after the younger members, so I felt I should not intrude and decided to keep my explanations to a minimum. After going around the Ninomaru Palace, some of the guests said they wanted to use the restroom, so without seeing the garden, we went to the outside toilets. When they came out, they said, "Since some of us are tired, we would like to leave part of the group at the Hotel and continue the tour with just some of us." I asked, "Will it be all right to leave them by themselves?" and they said, "There are cameras, so it will be fine," so we decided to walk back to the Hotel again. On the way, they said they wanted to shop at a convenience store, so they bought rice balls and snacks. It seemed they tried a monaka ice cream sandwich for the first time and liked it very much. They said that although a similar snack exists back home, the Japanese Pocky tasted better. Then, when we arrived at the Hotel, the group said, "After all, it is better to stay together, so we would like to end the tour here," and we said our goodbyes. The guests remembered that I had asked at the start of the tour to take a photo, and kindly sent me the photo I had taken via the messaging app. The photo was taken in front of the gate of Nijo Castle.

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

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    Request Booking

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Sakura Street in Ueno Park

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Sakura Street in Ueno Park

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 8:50 3DCat, Godzilla Head
    • 9:20 Help guests purchase Welcome Suica at Eki Tabi Concierge Shinjuku (Shin-Minami)
    • 9:50 Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 10:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 11:10 Takeshita Street. Purchase strawberry candy at Strawberry Fetish. Purchase rainbow cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory.
    • 11:50 Try on shoes at Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando Yellow Concept Store
    • 12:50 Asakusa Nakamise Street
    • 13:20 Light lunch at Asakusa KADOMASU
    • 13:50 Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Stroll along "Sakura Street" in Ueno Park
    • 15:35 Disband at the lobby of "Hotel Tokyo"

    Title: What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Ueno Park in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests, a group visiting from North America, had arrived in Japan and planned to stay in Tokyo before continuing by shinkansen toward Shin-Osaka to explore Kyoto and Osaka before returning home. In an email beforehand, they had requested that Ueno Park's cherry blossoms be included, so I managed to work it into the schedule and we were able to visit successfully. As it happened to be a weekend at peak bloom, Ueno Park was incredibly crowded. While walking and admiring the cherry blossoms, some of the guests and I briefly got separated in the surging crowds, but we were able to reunite without any problem. After that, I was able to guide them back to their hotel without getting lost, which was a relief. One of the guests works as a travel advisor, and the thought that I might be observed with a professional eye made me a little more nervous than usual, but they seemed to enjoy the experience, which put me at ease.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno～Shinjuku260JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    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).

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Hotel start
    • Travel to Arashiyama
    • AM 10:40- 11:50 Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • Travel to Sagano Torokko Station near the bamboo grove
    • PM 12:15- 13:30 Bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji Temple garden, light meal
    • Travel to Ninna-ji Temple
    • PM 14:00 -14:30 View the five-story pagoda of Ninna-ji Temple
    • Travel to the hotel via the Imperial Palace and Gion PM 15:10 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Before the tour, the travel agency had informed me that the itinerary should include somewhere enjoyable, and during the advance planning we decided to visit the monkey park. However, I had not been informed in advance that the group included a very young child using a stroller. With the guests' consent, we proceeded to the monkey park, and although one adult had to carry a child up the hill on their shoulders, the group enjoyed the experience very much. Based on the guests' judgment that everyone was already quite satisfied and it was time to rest, we decided not to visit Kinkaku-ji as originally planned and instead headed to the hotel. On the way back, our drive passed through the center of Gion, and the guests enjoyed the view from the car.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    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: ANA InterContinental & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: ANA InterContinental & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 ANA InterContinental
    • 09:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:00 Ginza Stroll
    • 11:40 Tour Around the Imperial Palace by Taxi
    • 12:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Guide through Shibuya Center Street
    • 12:30 Tour Ends

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ginza, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America. We had communicated in detail beforehand and agreed on a plan. Although the tour was scheduled to start at 11:00, they had been unable to sleep due to jet lag, so on the morning of the tour they requested to move the start time to 9:00, which I accepted. We met at 9:00 and proceeded as planned to the Tsukiji Outer Market. At Tsukiji, they looked at the various shops with great interest, and enjoyed buying and eating tuna sushi. However, since they had just eaten a large breakfast, that was all they had. We then walked toward Ginza while I guided them, but around that point the fatigue from lack of sleep began to show quite a bit. Since they no longer wished to continue sightseeing on foot, I hailed a taxi so they could enjoy views of the Imperial Palace, Nijubashi Bridge, and the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi from the car window, before getting out at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. At the Scramble Crossing, they were amazed and said it was "amazing." I then guided them through Center Street, but they were satisfied with the tour up to that point, so we concluded there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno～Tsukiji180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Tour Report by Takeshi

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day

    Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day

    Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Nakatsugawa Station → 9:20 Magome (travel by guest's rental car) → 13:00 Tsumago (travel on foot) → 14:50 Magome (travel by bus) → 15:00 Disband at Nakatsugawa Station (travel by guest's rental car)

    Title: What Is a Private Nakasendo Tour of Magome and Tsumago Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came by rental car, so we met at Nakatsugawa Station and drove together by rental car to Magome, where we parked in the lot there. The guests enjoyed shopping and other activities in Magome. Afterward, since we had plenty of time, we headed to Tsumago at a leisurely pace. In Tsumago the guests had lunch, and we took the 14:22 bus together back to Magome. The bus runs only once every two hours, and it was packed with international travelers. From the parking lot in Magome, the guests kindly gave me a ride again in their rental car, and we parted ways at Nakatsugawa Station. The guests were very pleased. They also said they appreciated that the explanations at the sightseeing spots were not excessive but just the right amount.

    Click here for more details: Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTsumago / Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture～Magome / Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Elvis

    I am good at factory tours (sake, food, etc.), restaurants and entertainments for adult (pub, karaoke, snack bar, etc.).
    I have been to 91 countrires. And I traveled around the world (14 countrires) for three month in 2023.
    I like travel and I prefer vist islands in Japan. I have been to 232 islands in Japan.
    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I am also Certified General Travel Services Manager, and Certified Domestic Tour Conductor.
    I had worked 35 years at Japanese beer company until last year. So, I like drinking very much.

    Welcome to Elvis’s guided tours! With a passion for Japan, I offer you an unforgettable experience exploring Japan. As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I ensure you not only see the sights but also understand the stories behind them.

    My guided tours are tailored to suit your interests, whether you’re intrigued by the ancient history of Japan, captivated by its vibrant culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. With me, you’ll delve deep into the heart of [location], discovering hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists never experience.

    I bring to life the rich history of [location], narrating its tales of triumphs and tribulations with passion and flair. From the ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to the modern marvels that define its skyline, each tour is a journey through time, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

    Beyond history, I also showcase the vibrant culture of Japan, introducing you to its arts, cuisine, and traditions. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of local cuisine, exploring traditional crafts, or immersing yourself in festive celebrations, I ensure you experience the true essence of Japan.

    As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring smooth communication and enriching interactions with locals. Whether you’re bargaining at a bustling market or conversing with a local artisan, I’m there to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

    My guided tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about creating lasting memories. I strive to make each tour informative, engaging, and, above all, fun! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, I tailor the experience to suit your preferences, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for Japan.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery, join me on a guided tour that goes beyond the ordinary. Let me show you the wonders of Japan through the eyes of a passionate guide interpreter. Your adventure awaits!

    Request Booking

    Sep 15, 2026
    Jardon_B
    Walking tour of Takayama
    Viator review: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great walking tour of Takayama! Miyagawa Morning…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Paul_M
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fascinating Tour of historic Trail
    We recently completed this…

    Sep 28, 2025
    Colleen_E
    Totally worth the cost! Thanks Elvis!
    Viator review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Elvis was so great!…

    Apr 21, 2025
    E9436SKdrews
    great tour with Elvis
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Shinjuku
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch in Tsukiji (at Sushisei)
    • 13:30 Imperial Palace – Cherry Blossom Walk
    • 14:30 Asakusa
    • 15:30 Dismissal

    Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Can You See in a Day? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. After retiring, they enjoy traveling at least once a year. Because their inbound flight was delayed by as much as eight hours, the meeting time was changed three times, but it was finally set for a 10:00 meeting on the day. Starting the next day, they were scheduled to board a cruise ship for two weeks. First, we visited Meiji Jingu Shrine. They happened to see a wedding ceremony and a shrine visit for a newborn, which delighted them. Next, we went to Tsukiji. As it was very crowded, we had lunch at a familiar sushi restaurant. Then we walked through the cherry blossom passage at the Imperial Palace. There was a security check and it was quite crowded, but the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the guests seemed to fully enjoy them. Finally, we headed to Asakusa. They purchased five kimono-style robes as souvenirs and appeared very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji～Nijubashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by AYAKA

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

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    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 15:40 Osaka Castle
    • 17:00 Shinsekai
    • 19:00 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like During Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had come to Japan to see family. They had just arrived by plane from Okinawa, so we set off on the tour as soon as they checked in at their hotel. There was a concert by an idol group at Osaka-jo Hall, and combined with the cherry blossom viewing crowds, the area was very busy. After the guests enjoyed the view from the Osaka Castle observation deck, we decided to head toward Shinsekai. As they were tired and walking had become difficult, we took a short break while eating takoyaki. At the guests' request, we took a taxi from Shinsekai to the hotel and said our goodbyes there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Ebisucho240JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…