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

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Move by subway to Meiji Shrine
    • AM 09:30-10:30 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • AM 10:30-11:00 Takeshita Street
    • Move by subway to Shibuya
    • AM 11:20-PM 12:20 Shibuya Cross, Hachiko Statue, lunch at Shibuya Yokocho
    • Move by subway to Nijubashi
    • PM 12:45-13:30 From the Imperial Palace Outer Garden to Marunouchi and Tokyo Station
    • Move by JR & subway to Asakusa
    • PM 14:00-14:40 Visit Senso-ji Temple, tour ends at a tempura restaurant

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Early January? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were close friends visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although it was early January, we visited Meiji Shrine first thing in the morning and were able to worship without any waiting time, which was wonderful. After that, Shibuya Sky and lunch at Shibuya Yokocho were relatively uncrowded, but at the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, because it was the New Year's public visiting day, access to the immediate area was not possible, so I gave my explanations from a distance. I shared a variety of stories, and I believe the guests enjoyed it. At Asakusa, there was also a wait to worship at the main hall, but since the guests had asked me to recommend a good tempura restaurant, I introduced the long-established Daikokuya and took them there. As the wait was about 20-30 minutes and the guests themselves wished to wait there, the tour came to an end. Many spots were closed for the New Year holidays, but the guests enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Kanda (Tokyo)150JPY
    Section 5SubwayKanda (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Total900JPY

    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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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:40 Visit @ Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:50 Visit @ Cat Street
    • 5. 12:25 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 12:40 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:25 Visit @ Senso-ji Temple
    • 8. 14:15 Disband @ Senso-ji Temple Kaminarimon Gate

    Title: What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Harajuku, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan. There were some moments where the English was a little difficult to catch, so listening carefully was needed at times. The guests had listed several local shopping streets in the Shibuya area as places they wished to visit, but since these were outside the planned itinerary from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and far from the other spots, we decided to skip them. However, since Cat Street can be used as a route from Harajuku to Shibuya, I chose to guide the group on foot along that path while moving between the two areas. Since traveling directly from Shibuya to Asakusa takes about 40 minutes, I usually include another stop in between, but this time it was a 4-hour tour and there was not enough time to spare, so we took the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to its final stop. After visiting Senso-ji Temple, I took the group to Kaminarimon-dori, which has many restaurants, and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Via Inn Nihonbashi Ningyocho 11:20 Akihabara 12:30 Marunouchi Maruzen 13:30 Imperial Palace General Visit 15:30 Gotokuji 16:30 Meal 17:20 Disband at Shibuya

    What Can You See on a Private Tour of Tokyo? Akihabara, the Imperial Palace, Gotokuji, and Shibuya — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests had begun studying Japanese at university a few months earlier and could speak simple Japanese. The other was studying at university. Both moved around energetically and briskly, which made guiding them easy. One of the guests was a big fan of anime and manga and was delighted in Akihabara, taking many photos and shopping. Suddenly one of the guests wanted to buy a Japanese-language book by Haruki Murakami, so I changed the itinerary on the spot and we went to a large bookstore in Marunouchi. In addition to the target book, they bought several comic books. At the Imperial Palace, a public appearance ceremony happened to be taking place, and at the guests' request we joined it, which became a valuable experience. We then moved to Gotokuji Temple. They were able to buy the beckoning cat figurine they had been looking for and were very satisfied. We were only able to have lunch after 16:00 (until then the guests insisted they were not hungry). We arrived at Shibuya, which they had been looking forward to, after 17:00. I gave them a brief tour and we parted ways around 17:20.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNingyocho～Akihabara180JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara～Tokyo150JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae～Gotokuji380JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji～Shibuya260JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Shinji

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

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    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

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

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting place: Ginza Mitsukoshi, in front of the lion statue at the entrance
    • 10:40 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 12:00 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 13:10 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • 3D Cat Billboard
    • Godzilla Head
    • 14:00 Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 14:30 Dismissal: Ginza Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They were staying at a hotel in the Tsukiji area. They had arrived at Narita Airport in the evening in late December and taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. They planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks. After spending several days in Tokyo, they would visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, then return to Tokyo before heading home. The next day, they were planning a day trip to Mount Fuji. The tour took place under clear skies, though the weather was rather chilly. First, at the guests' request, we headed to Nezu Shrine. Within the grounds, preparations for the New Year visits were underway, and there were many worshippers. I explained "About Shinto," "About torii gates," and "The history of Edo and Tokyo," and we also visited an Inari shrine. While passing through the torii gates, I also explained "About Inari shrines." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "Why did Shinto arise?" We then moved to Asakusa. We started from the front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "What is the purpose of the five-story pagoda," "What is Buddhism," and "The difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled leisurely through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" From here, at the guests' request, we headed to Shinjuku. They very much wanted to see the "Godzilla Head" and the "3D cat billboard." I explained "The origins of Shinjuku," "The difference between the east and west sides of Shinjuku," and "The history of Kabukicho." There were comments and questions such as "The streets are clean and there is no litter. It's very clean," "I was surprised at how clean the public restrooms are," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" I saw them 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 1TrainGinza～Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNezu～Asakusa510JPY
    Section 3OtherAsakusa～Shinjuku260JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)～Ginza210JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    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…

  • Okayama in One Day: Korakuen & Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Okayama in One Day: Korakuen & Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    Kurashiki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Okayama Station West Exit
    • 11:30 Korakuen (Free admission on New Year's Day)
    • 12:10 Okayama Prefectural Museum (Free admission on New Year's Day)
    • 12:40 Okayama Castle (Free admission on New Year's Day)
    • 13:50 Lunch at Okayama Station
    • 15:00 Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
    • 17:00 Disband at Okayama Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Okayama and Kurashiki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met smoothly at the west exit of Okayama Station. It was a one-day sightseeing trip to Okayama and Kurashiki, with the guests staying overnight in Osaka. The weather was clear and not too cold, making it a perfect day for sightseeing. The guests were a group traveling together. At Korakuen Garden, the beauty of the garden and a koto performance were very well received. Okayama Castle was something the guests had been looking forward to. For lunch, we split up between a ramen restaurant and a tonkatsu restaurant inside the Sante shopping area at Okayama Station. Both the ramen and the tonkatsu were very popular. After that, we moved to Kurashiki and strolled through the Bikan Historical Quarter. Along the way, some of the guests enjoyed strawberry candy. The scenery of the Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki was calm and very well received. We traveled together from Kurashiki back to Okayama and parted ways in front of the Shinkansen ticket gates. Since it was New Year's Day, lunch options were limited, so I did thorough advance scouting. (The shops in the Chika Ichibangai underground street were closed, while the shops in Sante were open.) On New Year's Day, Korakuen Garden, the Okayama Prefectural Museum, and Okayama Castle were open to the public free of charge, which I thought was wonderful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOkayama Station Front～Shiroshita160JPY
    Section 2TrainOkayama～Kurashiki330JPY
    Section 3TrainKurashiki～Okayama330JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    English / Guide in English and German / Guiding areas are in Tokyo, Yokohama and my home town Okayama. (Since I’m based in Tokyo, I might not be able to guide in Okayama, depending on the timing.) My profile in German follows!
    First of all, thank you very much for your taking time to have a look at my profile. My name is Naoki Shimono. Naoki would be fine. I’m a certified tour guide in English and German. After long years of work at Japanese electronics manufacturer, always in charge of international marketing, I’m focusing on tour guide and interpreter. As of now, I did tour guide more than 50 times in English and more than 50 times in German. Not only in Tokyo but also other cities, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha etc. It is always a big pleasure for me to show around Japan to guests from abroad. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

    Deutsch / Reiseleiter auf Deutsch und Englisch / In Tokio und Yokohama sowie in meiner Heimatstadt Okayama. (Da ich in Tokio ansässig bin, kann ich je nach Zeitpunkt möglicherweise nicht in Okayama als Reiseleiter tätig sein.)
    Zunächst einmal vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, mein Profil anzusehen. Mein Name ist Naoki Shimono. Naoki wäre schön. Ich bin zertifizierter Reiseleiter in Englisch und Deutsch. Nach langjähriger Tätigkeit bei einem japanischen Elektronikhersteller, wo ich stets für das internationale Marketing verantwortlich war, konzentriere ich mich nun auf die Reiseleitung und Dolmetschertätigkeit. Bisher habe ich über 50 Mal auf Englisch und über 50 Mal auf Deutsch als Reiseleiter gearbeitet. Nicht nur in Tokio, sondern auch in anderen Städten wie Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha usw. Es ist mir immer eine große Freude, Gästen aus dem Ausland Japan zu zeigen. Ich freue mich darauf, Sie in Japan zu sehen!

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    Oct 16, 2025
    Songqi_L
    Highly recommend!
    Viator review: Okayama Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Naoki san is a great guide. He’s very friendly, adaptive,…

    Oct 11, 2025
    Gizelle K
    Wonderful Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    A very organise tour, from the prompt pick up…

  • Nagasaki: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Oura Cathedral

    Nagasaki: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Oura Cathedral

    Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:40 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 10:50 Hypocenter Park & Peace Park
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:30 Oura Cathedral
    • 15:00 Disband at Nagasaki Station

    What Happens If Guests Change Their Hotel Before a Private Tour in Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was supposed to be at a hotel, but the guests had apparently changed to a different hotel, so we could not meet at the original hotel. After contacting the guests through a messaging app, it turned out they were staying at a different hotel. Both the driver and I had been waiting at the original hotel, and neither of us had caught up with the updated information. There had been no notification from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and I had not received any notice of the change from the guests either. We were able to meet at the other hotel in the end, but it was a nerve-wracking moment. The weather was poor with snow during the tour, but the guests enjoyed themselves.

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

    Tour Report by Coco

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station/Miyajimaguchi & Atomic Bomb

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station/Miyajimaguchi & Atomic Bomb

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:24/9:46 Hiroshima Station/Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:00/10:10 Miyajima Ferry
    • Miyajima walk (along the coast, torii gate, from outside Itsukushima Shrine, giant rice scoop, Machiya-dori Street)
    • 11:40/11:50 Miyajima Ferry
    • 12:03/12:27 Miyajimaguchi/Shin-Hakushima
    • 12:53/13:00 Shin-Hakushima/Kenchomae Astram Line
    • 13:00/14:30 Peace Park (Dome, ground zero)
    • 14::30/15:10 Okonomiyaki
    • 15:10/15:30 Cenotaph tour and tea
    • 16:30/17:00 Atomic Bomb Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Peace Park In the afternoon, it began to snow more heavily than forecast. Some of the guests said they were seeing snow for the very first time and were amazed and delighted by it. Some of the guests opened their mouths toward the sky to catch the snowflakes, clearly having fun. One of the guests twirled again and again in the snow. Before long, another of the guests also began to taste the snow and enjoyed the moment. There was a strong request today to focus on guiding through the Peace Memorial Park, so we wrapped up Miyajima a little early, which gave us time to walk through the entire park. While guiding the western side of the park, one of the guests wondered, with some regret, why so few people visit a place with so many historically important memorial monuments. At the atomic bomb-related sites, one of the guests could not hold back tears. In particular, the emotions ran very high when I explained that at the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound there are remains whose names are known but who have never been claimed, and when the guests saw the computer graphics in the museum showing the city before and after the bombing. As I heard the guests would be staying in Hiroshima again tonight, I suggested entering the Atomic Bomb Museum from 4:30. The tour ended at 5:00, but the guests continued to view the museum until 6:00 afterward. Since it was not a crowded time, I believe they were able to take their time and see it slowly. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the okonomiyaki they had been looking forward to since we met that day, and they were also able to take their time visiting the museum and memorial monuments, which had been a strong wish of one of the guests. The materials from Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) noted dietary needs, so I was a little concerned about the meal, but the guests had okonomiyaki made with special udon, and everyone enjoyed it greatly, saying how delicious it was. The guests were cheerful, and waved to me many times as we parted. There were also many questions about peace and the atomic bomb, and I shared information to the extent I was able to answer. It was a truly enjoyable time spent with the guests. That is all.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 3OtherShin-Hakushima～Kenchomae220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by miki

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

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    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:00　Meet at Hotel Kyoto Shijo
    • ②　11:05　Explanation of today's itinerary and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　12:10　Sanjusangendo
    • ④　12:45　Daitoku-ji Temple, Obai-in
    • ⑤　14:30　Saga Daikaku-ji Temple
    • ⑥　15:15　Tour ends at Arashiyama
    • ⑦　15:45　Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Temple and Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from Europe. They mentioned being very busy with work but always able to take a proper break around the year-end and New Year holidays, which they use to travel around the world. When I asked how many countries Japan ranked among their travels, they said they weren't sure but probably somewhere around the 30th to 40th. They listened attentively to explanations about religious teachings and doctrines. They were very interested in Japan's blended religious culture of Buddhism and Shinto, and when I said that I feel Buddhism and Shinto in Japan are less like religion and more a part of daily life, they responded that Christian culture in Europe is quite similar, with many people not being practicing believers. European history spans several thousand years, whereas the history of Kyoto's temples and shrines ranges from a few hundred years up to about 1,500 years at most. So, unlike when I explain to visitors from North America, with European guests I often describe things as being "only" 800 years old. Today's guest laughed at this, but noted that since they are interested in learning about the national character rooted in religion from its history, they don't really mind the number of years. They were amazed by the 1,002 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo and asked many questions, such as why so many Buddhist statues are concentrated in one place, the meaning of the 1,002 figures, and the meaning of the number thirty-three. They were also deeply moved by the dry landscape garden. Although traveling alone this time, they shared that others in their life are involved in busy work, currently traveling around various African countries. There really are all sorts of people in the world, and it is truly fascinating. Talking about Japanese history and religion is of course interesting, but hearing various stories is equally fascinating. Attending to guests traveling solo often turns out like this.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Ryokan Ginkaku Kyoto, departure　➡　By train, Fushimi Inari Taisha (9:10~10:10)　➡　By train and bus, Kasuga Taisha (11:30~12:20)　➡　On foot, Nigatsudo→Todaiji→Nara Park (12:40~14:40)　➡　Lunch at an izakaya in Higashimuki Shopping Street (15:00~16:00)　➡　On foot, Naramachi→JR Nara Station　➡　Disband at JR Nara Station (16:30)

    **Title:** Can You Add Fushimi Inari to a Private Nara Day Tour from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests were a group visiting from North America. During our advance communication, they asked whether the Arashiyama bamboo grove could be added to a Nara sightseeing tour, but since Arashiyama is in the opposite direction from Nara, I suggested Fushimi Inari Taisha instead. At the guests' request, we departed 30 minutes earlier than planned. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasuga Taisha were extremely crowded, but the special New Year decorations made the visit enjoyable. At Fushimi Inari Taisha we climbed up to Mitsutsuji, and at Kasuga Taisha the guests were charmed by the adorable young deer and took many photos. Since lunch came after a great deal of walking, everyone was very hungry, and at the izakaya they ordered plenty of small dishes. The menu was rich and varied, and they seemed to discover a new side of Japanese cuisine.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nara Station／Nara Kotsu～Kasuga Taisha Omotesando／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

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    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
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    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Hotel Monterey Sendai ~ Taxi to Matsushima (via Sanriku Expressway) ~ 11:40 @ Oshima ~ 12:40 @ Kanrantei ~ 13:30 @ Zuiganji Temple ~ 14:10 @ Godaido ~ 14:30 Take a taxi from in front of Matsushima Rest House & travel to Sendai (via Sanriku Expressway) ~ 15:30 @ Arcade stroll (Fujisaki ~ Marble Road Omachi ~ Clis Road Sendai ~ Mitakisan Fudoin ~ Hapina Nakakecho ~ Currency Exchange ~ Don Quijote) ~ 16:10 @ Disband at Hotel Monterey Sendai

    What Is a Private Matsushima and Sendai New Year Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group visiting from North America. They had visited Matsushima some 60 years ago and chose it again out of nostalgia. On the day, they arrived in Sendai after taking the Shinkansen from Hiraizumi, where they had stayed the previous night. They wanted to experience the New Year atmosphere in Japan, and up until the day itself there were ongoing communications with the taxi company and the guests to finally make it happen. On the day, I asked the driver, "Would shrines be difficult?" and he replied, "During the first three days of the New Year the areas around shrines are extremely crowded, so I'd prefer to avoid getting close if possible." The guests understood this, but I felt bad that they had extended the tour by an hour only to spend it mostly on travel time. Anticipating an early return to Sendai, I told the driver that we would have to be flexible, and that if we had time to spare I wanted to be dropped off in front of the arcade (in front of Fujisaki) so I could walk the guests to the hotel while showing them the New Year "hatsuuri" first-sale scenery. One of the guests was not very steady on their feet, so at Oshima we avoided the steeper stairways. The guests knew about Koyasan, so they were impressed that this distinctive landscape is called "the Koyasan of Oshu." Having seen Chusonji the previous day, they seemed to have developed an interest in the Buddhist world. There is a bit of a distance from Oshima to Kanrantei, but since the roads in Matsushima were congested and would eat into travel time, we decided to see everything on foot until 2:30. I also made adjustments such as choosing slopes over stairs wherever possible. After walking at Oshima, Kanrantei was a good place for a rest, and the guests enjoyed a matcha set with zunda mochi, a Sendai specialty. Because we proceeded slowly through Zuiganji and Godaido, I felt Fukuurabashi would be difficult, so I contacted the taxi driver to say, "We're running about 10 minutes behind, so we'll get back in the car around 2:40." I also explained to the guests that visiting Fukuura Island requires at least 40 minutes to go and return, and that a full photo of Fukuurabashi could be taken from Godaido, so we could omit the visit, which they understood. While riding the taxi back toward Sendai, they asked about visiting the fox village the next day, so I told them the easiest and quickest way was Shinkansen plus taxi, and sent them a link by message. Central Sendai was terribly congested, but even so we arrived 30 minutes early, and they experienced the atmosphere of the Sendai first-sale by walking through the arcade. They were surprised to learn that the first-sale tradition originated in Sendai, and that this year a Ferrari and a trip to North America were among the department store's lucky bags. Wanting them to experience the atmosphere of the first shrine visit of the year, we also stopped by Mitakisan Fudoin. It was crowded, but they seemed satisfied to make their visit. They also wanted to exchange dollars (cash) into yen, so I took them to a currency exchange in the arcade that was open even on the holiday. They had also been asked by a relative to buy a snack called dondonyaki, and when we inquired at the nearby Don Quijote it turned out to be in the traditional sweets section, and they were delighted to find it. We walked slowly to the hotel, running a little over time, but I saw them off safely. They asked about places for dinner, so I let them know there is a restaurant area in the basement of Sendai Station and suggested a few recommended spots. I hope tomorrow's trip to Shiroishi goes well. Lastly, thank you again for your continued support this year.

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

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