Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Inn Gion the 2nd
    • 8:45 Nijo Castle
    • 11:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:00 Lunch near Fushimi Inari
    • 13:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 15:00 Kiyomizu-dera (visit cancelled just before arrival)
    • 15:30 Take a taxi from Kiyomizu-dera to the hotel and disband

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Guests Who Prefer a Relaxed Pace? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began on schedule, with a meeting in the hotel lobby at 8:00. We walked from the hotel to the front of Yasaka Shrine, and one of the guests walked energetically, which was a pleasant surprise. We then toured Nijo Castle, including the gardens (we understandably avoided the castle keep platform). After that, we took a bus to Kinkaku-ji, where I was glad to secure a seat for the guest. Since Kinkaku-ji also has some stairs, a bit of fatigue had set in by this point, so we switched to using a taxi. We traveled by taxi to the area in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha for lunch. After lunch, we kept the Fushimi Inari visit to a short course to conserve energy. We then took a taxi toward Kiyomizu-dera, but decided to skip the sightseeing due to the slope on the approach, hailing a taxi and seeing the guests back to the hotel. The lunch was very much enjoyed. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Taisha. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, prosperity, and business success. It is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding paths up the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine is also known for its many fox statues, which are considered messengers of Inari. Visitors can explore as much or as little of the mountain trails as they wish, making it accessible for a short visit or a longer hike.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 2OtherNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Hello. I’m Ken. I spent my university years in Kyoto and I love the city. My hobbies include tennis, swimming, and windsurfing in the summer. I‘m also practicing the guitar. 

    Kyoto is a city with over 1000 years of history, and there are so many sights to see that it’s difficult to see everything in one day. My basic tour highlights popular spots that cover the main tourist attractions of Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion), allowing you to make the most of your time. Of course, it can also be customized to your preferences. I can suggest recommended spots based on your preferences, such as avoiding crowds or finding quiet places. Let’s create a plan together that will create wonderful memories! I look forward to meeting you!

    Jun 18, 2026
    fdorerabadia
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Ken-san!!
    We booked this full-day tour directly with JGA, and…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 14:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by railway to Nijojo-mae
    • PM 14:30- 15:30 Nijo Castle tour
    • Transfer by bus to Kinkaku-ji
    • PM 16:00- 17:20 Kinkaku-ji tour Light meal at convenience store
    • Transfer by bus to Shijo Kawaramachi
    • PM 17:50  Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Afternoon Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. They moved from Tokyo in the morning, and after checking in at their hotel, the tour started at 2:00 p.m. with a request to visit Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji. This made for a somewhat tight schedule, but thanks to the guests being able to keep a brisk pace, we were able to move quickly, and at Kinkaku-ji we had plenty of time to enjoy the visit. Afterward, they had mentioned wanting to go to the bamboo grove in Sagano, but in the end they decided to go shopping around Shijo Kawaramachi near their hotel. The tour ended at Shijo Kawaramachi. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, making it one of the most iconic sights in Japan. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a temple according to his wishes. The pavilion sits beside a tranquil reflecting pond, and its mirrored image on the water is one of the most photographed scenes in Kyoto, drawing visitors throughout all four seasons.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Sanjo (Kyoto)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Kawaramachi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total860JPY

    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!

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet @ Hotel lobby
    • 2. 10:05 @ Toyosu Senkyakubanrai
    • 3. 11:10 @ Hamarikyu
    • 4. 12:50 @ Tokyo Station
    • 5. 14:10 @ Imperial Palace
    • 6. 15:00 Dismissal @ Imperial Palace

    Title: What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour name: Tokyo 6 Hours Weather: Cloudy and sunny, 24°C Guests: A group visiting from Oceania [First destination] Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai As the guests wished to see the Rainbow Bridge, we enjoyed the view from the footbath garden on the 8th floor and took commemorative photos. [Second destination] Hamarikyu Gardens We enjoyed the Edo period, the shogun, the seawater pond, the teahouse, the former duck hunting grounds, and the contrast with modern Tokyo. We took a coffee break at the cafe. [Third destination] Tokyo Station We went to the travel concierge counter to exchange the JR Pass. After that, we had lunch. [Fourth destination] Imperial Palace From the red brick station building of Tokyo Station, we walked along the route used for the ceremony of presenting credentials and headed to the Imperial Palace. We then caught a taxi to the Hotel and parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Hamarikyu Gardens. Hamarikyu Gardens is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located near Tokyo Bay, originally developed as a feudal lord's residence and later used as a strolling garden by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. One of its most distinctive features is the seawater pond, which is connected to Tokyo Bay and changes its water level with the tides. The garden is also famous for its teahouse set on an island in the pond, where visitors can enjoy matcha and traditional sweets while taking in the scenery. The striking contrast between the peaceful historic garden and the surrounding modern skyscrapers makes it a memorable stop that captures both old and new Tokyo.

    Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
    My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
    I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
    I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
    I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
    heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
    and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
    Thank you very much.

    Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
    Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
    Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
    Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
    Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
    Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
    Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
    Terima kasih banyak.

    Sep 6, 2026
    629jayalakshmia
    Best guide – Goreillo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Goreillo San was a wonderful…

    Aug 3, 2026
    Chefshunter
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    BTS Thunfisch Auktion
    Goreiilo hat uns als Foodies den…

    Jul 10, 2026
    ecthomps17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Tokyo exceeded every expectation. From the energy of the city and…

    Jul 7, 2026
    luisacQ7698XW
    Fabulous and unique experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    The Toyosu tuna…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:00 Meet at hotel
    • ② 09:05 Explanation of today's itinerary and the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:10 Shimogamo Shrine
    • ④ 11:45 Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Yasaka Pagoda
    • ⑤ 12:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ⑥ 13:50 Lunch in the Gion area
    • ⑦ 15:00 Sanjusangen-do
    • ⑧ 16:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑨ 17:15 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the booking came through a travel agency, I had assumed the guests were from Europe, but it turned out the group was visiting from North America. As with a previous Kyoto tour, we happened to be of the same generation, which created a curious sense of camaraderie. I am not a returnee and honestly do not know exactly what casual spoken English sounds like, but I could sense that the three of us were speaking to each other in a relaxed, informal way. For example, it was like, "What? I can't quite catch your pronunciation! Oh, I see!" One of the group teaches mathematics, though you would not have guessed it from the way they spoke. Both asked many questions and listened attentively to my explanations, and we also talked about personal topics. What was amusing was that the two would start speaking at the same time and throw different questions at me, yet neither seemed to mind. The questions were all sharp and insightful. At Shimogamo Shrine, I spoke about the roots of the Japanese people, the Mongolian spot, the lineage of the emperors beginning with Emperor Jimmu, the Ise Grand Shrine, and the story of the Kamo clan and the Izumo clan. I explained that, before the capital was moved to Kyoto, Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines belonged to the Kamo clan, that after the relocation the Kamo clan served as the head of Onmyodo in the Kyoto court until the famous Abe no Seimei appeared, and about the connection between Shimogamo Shrine and the Tokugawa shogunate. Because the group was such good listeners, there were many questions, making it a busy but very enjoyable day. In the end, we parted at Kyoto Station with a warm "ookini."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total150JPY

    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

    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…

  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①7:00 Meet at the hotel
    • ②8:45〜9:45 Oshino Hakkai
    • ③10:05〜10:45 Arakurayama Sengen Park
    • ③11:15〜12:00 Lake Kawaguchi・Oishi Park
    • ④13:00〜13:45 Mount Fuji 5th Station
    • ⑤14:45〜15:00 Dangozaka Service Area
    • ⑥16:20 Disband at the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of the Mt. Fuji Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who had come to Japan to attend an industry conference, and they were sightseeing around Kyoto, Takayama, the Mt. Fuji area, and Tokyo with the accompaniment of an interpreter guide before and after the event. The weather was excellent today, and Mt. Fuji could be seen clearly from the expressway even in the early morning. The guests seemed especially fond of Oshino Hakkai, which we visited first thing in the morning while it was still quiet, as well as Oishi Park, where flowers such as kochia and cosmos were beautiful. To save time, meals consisted of bread and other items purchased at a service area, which were eaten in the car while traveling. A notable stop on the tour was Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight clear ponds located in the village of Oshino near the base of Mt. Fuji. The ponds are fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji that has been naturally filtered underground over many decades, resulting in remarkably clear water. The area is known for its traditional thatched-roof houses and picturesque views of Mt. Fuji, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region.

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

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

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

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

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

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
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  • Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet the guests at the hotel lobby
    • 09:30 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:30 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Nijo Castle
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 15:00 Tour ends near the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle I guided a group visiting from North America. They walked at a quick pace, so the itinerary progressed faster than planned, and by 12:00 we had arrived at Kinkaku-ji, the final scheduled stop. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests expressed a wish to have matcha soft serve ice cream, so I recommended a matcha soft serve topped with gold leaf, which they were very pleased with. Afterward, they expressed a wish to also see Nijo Castle, so we visited there as well. After finishing all the sightseeing, we had a light lunch, and the tour ended in front of a shop near the Hotel that the guests had wanted to visit. When we said goodbye, the guests gave me a keychain as a gift. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, making it one of Japan's most iconic and photographed landmarks. Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a temple and is set beside a tranquil reflecting pond that mirrors the pavilion, offering stunning views across the seasons.

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

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

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

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Dotonbori Area

    Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Dotonbori Area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet
    • 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:20 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 14:20 Maiko Show and Museum
    • 17:00 Dotonbori Area

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Kyoto and Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting was scheduled for 10:00, but since we were able to meet at 9:30, we started a little early. I had heard beforehand that the guests were interested in Gion and Dotonbori, so we decided the rest of the itinerary while traveling by train. I recommended a maiko show and booked one starting at 14:20, so we used a taxi to get around and had a quick, light lunch. The guests enjoyed both of the places I guided them to. In Dotonbori, I first showed them the taxi stand. After guiding them around the Dotonbori area, the tour came to an end. A notable stop on the tour was Gion in Kyoto. Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya townhouses, teahouses, and atmospheric stone-paved streets. It has long been a center of traditional Japanese arts and hospitality, and visitors are sometimes able to catch a glimpse of geiko and maiko as they make their way to and from their appointments in the evening. The area is also home to historic shrines and temples, making it a popular place to experience the elegant and refined culture of old Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Yodoyabashi290JPY
    Section 2TrainYodoyabashi~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)490JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo~Yodoyabashi (Highway/Connecting Bus)490JPY
    Section 5SubwayYodoyabashi~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Total1,680JPY

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari - JR

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari – JR

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – Keihan
    • 10:40 -11:40 Fushimi Inari – JR
    • 12:20-13:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple, taxi
    • 13:20-14:30 Arashiyama, taxi
    • 15:10-15:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, taxi
    • 16:00 Return to hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera I guided a group visiting from Oceania. As it was their first time in Kyoto, I showed them the classic highlights: Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera. We traveled to Fushimi Inari on foot and by train, and then took the JR line to Kinkaku-ji, though the stairs and slopes seemed a little demanding for one member of the group. I was surprised to hear that one of the guests already knew about the arson of Kinkaku-ji, having read about it in a novel by Yukio Mishima. After that, we used taxis to reach Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera. Unfortunately, by the end one member of the group was tired, so rather than entering the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, we only went as far as the front gate before returning to the Hotel. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto deity associated with rice, prosperity, and business success, and it is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. The shrine dates back to the 8th century and is one of the most iconic and widely recognized destinations in Kyoto. Visitors can walk through the seemingly endless tunnels of torii gates, each of which has been donated by individuals or businesses, and enjoy scenic views over the city from higher points along the trail.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hello. I’m YUASA Katsura. Call me just K(Kei). I have been a national government licensed guide interpreter since 2024. I am also teaching English at a university in Nara, so I’m good at explaining even complicated things plainly so that everyone can understand. I hope you will choose me if you would like to learn about Japanese history and traditional culture. I can not only guide you to major tourist sites such as Golden Pavillion in Kyoto and the Great Buddha in Nara but also introduce you hidden gems in Kyoto and Nara. I’m fascinated with charms of these ancient cities. Let’s make your travel to Japan enjoyable and memorable together.

    Jul 29, 2026
    Charlotte_C
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kei was a wonderful guide…
    Kei was a wonderful…

    May 23, 2026
    allenk947
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoughtful tour with excellent support and service
    The experience and…

    Mar 11, 2026
    K
    ketchbaw
    Great Guide excellent Tour recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent Guide fun Tour…

    May 1, 2026
    C3857WLstevenk
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    My wife and I had a 4hr private tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, PARCO 6th Floor)
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Lunch @ Gonpachi)
    • 13:20 Tsukiji
    • 14:10 Asakusa
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. They often travel together. We first went to the Shibuya Crossing and the 6th floor of PARCO, which was as crowded as ever. Meiji Shrine has been getting more crowded with tourists as well, but we were blessed with good weather and enjoyed a pleasant walk. After strolling along Takeshita Street, we had lunch featuring rolled sushi. We had originally planned to have lunch at Tsukiji, but the rolled sushi seemed unusual to them and was well received. After that, we went around the Tsukiji Market and then headed to Asakusa, but since they had only arrived the day before and were tired, we walked around Senso-ji Temple once and then parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the most visited religious sites in Japan. The approach to the temple, known as Nakamise-dori, is lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs, and the iconic Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate," with its massive red lantern, marks the entrance to the temple grounds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Shibuya290JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel ~ 9:30 Nijo Castle ~ 11:30 Nishiki Market ~ 12:30 Gion Shirakawa ~ Pontocho ~ 14:30 Taiko Lab

    Title: What Can You Experience on a Private Kyoto Cultural Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Africa. One of them had planned hands-on experiences of Japanese culture, including taiko drumming and yuzen dyeing. Although the yuzen dyeing was not carried out, perhaps due to limited time, during the taiko drumming lesson everyone played with great energy, and watching them made me enjoy it as well. The spirited shouts and the changing tones were so fresh that it was a wonderful performance I could have listened to all day. The instructor also taught with plenty of humor. I was impressed by how effortlessly one of the guests carried another on their shoulders at Gion and Nijo Castle. A notable stop on the tour was Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Nijo Castle was built in the early 17th century and served as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. It is famous for its "nightingale floors," which were designed to chirp when walked upon as a security measure against intruders. The castle's Ninomaru Palace features beautifully decorated sliding doors and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the power and artistry of the Edo period.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojomae~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Shijo-Omiya170JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jul 30, 2026
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    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
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    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
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    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…