What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Europe, on their first trip to Asia, planning to spend several days in Tokyo and a few days in Kyoto. Since one of the guests was not comfortable in English, another translated for them. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and they were delighted by a scene unlike anything back home. During a crowded bus ride toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the guests began to feel unwell, and I was concerned about what to do, but we managed to reach the nearest bus stop, where they rested and got some fresh air for a while and recovered, so we continued the tour. The guests asked me many questions about geisha: whether one chooses the profession oneself, how they are compensated, whether side jobs are allowed, and whether they can continue after marriage, and I answered to the best of my knowledge. I explained how to get to Nishiki Market, and we said our goodbyes.

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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.

Title: What's a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests were very interested in the atomic bombing, I explained the historical background of the war before we began. Afterward, I took them to Shukkeien Garden, where they enjoyed viewing the cherry blossoms that had just started to bloom. As they seemed to enjoy taking photographs, I helped by suggesting various angles for their shots. The guests planned to stay overnight in Hiroshima but had not yet decided on their dinner plans, so I recommended an oyster restaurant, Kanawa, and made a seat reservation for them. Since they would be taking a taxi from the hotel, I sent screenshots of the restaurant's name in Japanese along with the map and address so the information could be easily conveyed to the taxi driver, which the guests greatly appreciated.

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Tour Report by Kyoko

Hello, I’m Kyoko, a certified regional interpreter-guide for Hiroshima Prefecture. I was born, educated, and worked in Hiroshima while raising my children, and I absolutely love this city. I have a deep interest in learning about history and culture, and I enjoy exploring the city and trying out local foods. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and chatting with them brings me great joy, so I’m really looking forward to helping make your trip to Hiroshima a wonderful and memorable experience.

Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a poignant reminder of history, standing gracefully within a beautiful park. Walking through the park together, we can reflect on the powerful message of peace it conveys. Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its red torii gate floating in the sea, is located on a picturesque island. It’s a place where you can enjoy a truly relaxing and serene time.

I can also guide you to other popular tourist destinations, help you enjoy Hiroshima’s local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and conger eel, or assist you with shopping.

I will do my utmost to ensure that your trip to Hiroshima becomes a wonderful and unforgettable memory.

Title: What's a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, all making their first trip to the country. Their journey lasted about two weeks. After arriving at Narita Airport, they immediately flew on to Kansai Airport. They started their trip in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, then moved to Tokyo two days ago. Over the previous two days, they had enjoyed Disneyland and DisneySea. Today they spent a full day sightseeing in the city, with plans to return home from Narita Airport the following morning. "We really loved Kyoto," they said. It was a chilly day with light rain, so the tour was conducted under umbrellas. The guests expressed a wish: "We want to see cherry blossoms. We couldn't see them in the Kansai region." First, we visited Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained "The history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen" and "The history of Edo and Tokyo." The cherry blossoms had begun to bloom, and several trees were in full bloom. The guests eagerly took commemorative photos in front of several cherry trees. "The pine trees are wonderful," they said, taking many photos here and there. They also remarked, "The Japanese garden is magnificent." After this, the guests explained that touring various Disneylands is a family hobby. There was a piece of Disney merchandise they really wanted, but it was not sold at Tokyo Disneyland. They wished to visit the Disney Store in Shinjuku to buy it if available, so we went there. They purchased the socks they had been looking for. We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained "Japanese history from the Edo to Meiji periods," "About the Meiji Restoration," "Why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "The history of the Imperial Family," "World War II and the air raids on Tokyo," and "How stone walls are constructed." There were questions and comments such as: "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", and "How many members are there in the Imperial Family in total?" We moved to Ueno Park and strolled along Sakura Street. The weeping cherry tree at the entrance was nearly in full bloom. However, the cherry trees along the street were "still just beginning to bloom." Despite the rain, there were many tourists. Many food stalls were set up, and we strolled while browsing them. At the guests' request, we went to Akihabara. I explained "The history and current state of Akihabara." Spotting a sign for a "maid café," they asked, "What is that?" We browsed several shops. They purchased Pokémon merchandise. After this, the guests said they wanted to have lunch, so we went to a family restaurant. There were comments and questions such as: "The streets are clean and there's no litter," "The public toilets are beautiful and clean," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" Since the guests were unfamiliar with Tokyo's geography, I saw them off at Maihama Station, where we parted ways.

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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.

Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Shorenin, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, arriving in Kyoto via Tokyo the previous day. At Nijo Castle, we discussed Japanese history, especially the relationship between the shogun and the emperor and the circumstances that led to the restoration of imperial rule, and the guests were deeply impressed by the fusuma paintings and the carved transoms of the Ninomaru Palace. We also had a lively conversation about William Adams (Miura Anjin), the first Englishman to become a samurai. In the Ninomaru Garden, the guests took many photographs. Afterward, they were moved as they gazed for a while at the garden floating in the mystical stillness of Shorenin Temple. At Maruyama Park, they admired the weeping cherry trees in full bloom and took many photographs. Finally, we climbed up to Kiyomizu-dera, where the guests were moved to watch the setting sun dyeing the West Gate in crimson.

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Tour Report by shige

Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.

# What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. This was a 22-day trip to Japan to celebrate a special occasion. They had arrived at Narita Airport early the previous morning and taken the Narita Express to Shimbashi, arriving around 8:00 a.m. Since they could not yet check in, they spent time walking around the Shimbashi area. They planned to stay in Japan for 22 days. In addition to Tokyo, they intended to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, and even Okinawa (for scuba diving). They mentioned that tonight they would go out for sushi, and that tomorrow they planned to explore the western part of Tokyo. Today, the guests expressed a wish to see cherry blossoms. It was a tour in light rain, and they remarked, "It's the same in our home country." First, we went to Asakusa. Despite it being a weekday and rainy, there were large crowds. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. The guests asked 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?" They also asked, "We see many people wearing kimono within the temple grounds — why is that? Are they all Japanese?" We then moved to Ueno. In Ueno Park, the weeping cherry tree at the entrance was in full bloom, but the Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the path were only just beginning to bloom. One of the guests enjoys plant photography and was absorbed in taking pictures here and there, so we fell a little behind schedule. Wishing to see an old part of Tokyo, we visited Yanaka Ginza. I explained the history of Yanaka, and they said, "We love this kind of atmosphere." We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom in various places. I explained about Japan's history from Edo to Meiji, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the Imperial family, World War II and the air raids on Tokyo, and how the stone walls were built. The guests asked and commented, "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political authority?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", and "We also have a king in our home country." They mentioned that people from their home region are interested in Japan's Imperial family and the Imperial system. They also commented and asked, "Tokyo is so clean everywhere in the city, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and free, which we really appreciate," and "There are no trash cans on the streets — why is that?" I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, where the tour ended.

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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.

Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Aoyama, Roppongi, and Tsukiji The guests were a group visiting from Europe. In the pre-tour communication, they mentioned they wished to skip Shibuya and Asakusa, and asked for information about a sumo practice experience without a meal. I recommended several options in Tokyo for a no-meal sumo experience, but none could be booked; in the end, they managed to reserve one in Osaka. They also informed me of a hotel change, and based on that I prepared and presented a draft itinerary in advance, which the guests happily approved. I met the guests at their hotel, reconfirmed the itinerary, and started the tour. At the station, the guests purchased the "Tokyo Free Ticket" (¥1,720). As we entered the Ura-Harajuku area from Takeshita Street in Harajuku, one of the guests requested a place to eat, saying they had not yet had breakfast. A pancake café we happened to pass by had space, so we went in, and the guests each ordered pancakes and drinks. With the guests' consent, I joined them at the table, but since I had already eaten a full breakfast, I only had water (self-service). There were two people in the kitchen, and the café was nearly full and busy, so we waited a little under 15 minutes, chatting during the wait. When the pancakes finally arrived, they were finished in no time. After taking the subway, we walked in the rain as the guests wished, visiting SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama (Taiwanese pineapple cakes), a street lined with fashionable and sophisticated buildings such as Prada and the Yoku Moku Aoyama flagship store, and the Nezu Museum (exterior only). From a pedestrian bridge, we stepped briefly into Aoyama Cemetery and took photos of the guests together with the cherry blossoms (probably kanhizakura). From the National Art Center Tokyo (exterior only), I showed them the giant spider sculpture at Roppongi Hills and, from the terrace, Tokyo Tower and Mori JP Tower. After another subway ride, I let them see Tokyo Tower (exterior only) up closer, at which point the rain began to fall heavily. While taking shelter at the Ankokuden hall of Zojoji Temple, one of the guests purchased an amulet. After Zojoji, I offered a choice between Tsukiji and the Imperial Palace, and the guests chose Tsukiji. After another subway ride, at Tsukiji they enjoyed takeout sushi and matcha drinks (thanks to the guests' kindness, I was also treated to a warm hojicha with a small daifuku). They said they would enjoy a week-long vacation, visiting Mount Fuji the next day, followed by Kyoto and Osaka. I shared information about Uji City in Kyoto via a messaging app, confirmed the subway route to their hotel, and we parted with smiles at the station ticket gate.

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Tour Report by Tachi

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

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for a walking tour. We moved smoothly from the platform meeting point to the Peace Park and then to Miyajima, and the guests were very appreciative. The guests were excited to see so many deer on Miyajima. I think the exhibits at the Peace Memorial Museum were difficult for some of the younger members of the group. In fact, one of them looked distressed and said they could not look anymore, so I gently told them it was fine not to see it and stayed close to offer comfort. The guests were happy to enjoy okonomiyaki, a beloved local specialty of Hiroshima. At the Miyajima brewery we had a good conversation that touched on topics such as peace and Japanese culture. The guests thanked me again, saying they had spent a truly wonderful day, which made me very glad.

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Tour Report by Hiro

Hi, My name is Hiroko. Please call me Hiro. So far, I’ve done total 65 tours and had 331 customers, having all the good 61 reviews.

I usually guide around Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima island. Visiting Shukkeien Garden (Asano park), Hiroshima castle and Hiroshima Prefectual Art Museum will be also fun!

If you’d like to visit the eastern part of Hiroshima like Onomichi and Tomonoura, it’s also a good choice!

It’s really a mild climate here in Hiroshima becuase Seto Inland Sea is here.
Hiroshima is famous for the oysters, lemon sweets and Okonomiyaki!!
Okonomiyaki is Hirosima’s specialty pancake which formation is like the lasagna with special sauce on top!

Well, I’d like to share some enjoyable time with you here in Hiroshima.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!!

What Is a Rainy-Day Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. During the tour I heard many enjoyable stories about ranch life and was shown many photos. Unfortunately it rained, and Owakudani was covered in deep fog with poor visibility, but there was a moment when Owakudani became clearly visible from the ropeway, and the guests happily took a video, which was a relief. We visited all the places that had been requested. During a mealtime conversation, I was asked, "I saw on the news that there are so many inbound foreign visitors that Japanese people are unhappy about it — is that true?" I answered, "It's somewhat unavoidable that tourist spots get crowded. Rather than the crowding itself, the news may be referring to people with poor manners. Tourists with poor manners exist all over the world, and it isn't only a problem in Japan. Personally, I want to respect foreign cultures, and I'd be happy if visitors from abroad respect our culture as well."

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Tour Report by Makiko

I have over 20 years of experience as a part-time university lecturer and have lived in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

I have studied and practiced several traditional Japanese arts, including calligraphy (3rd Dan), competitive karuta (2nd Dan), tea ceremony (thin tea preparation), and kimono dressing (both self-dressing and dressing others). As I own several kimono, I am also able to offer kimono dressing experiences for international guests.

I enjoy playing the piano and occasionally share music in informal settings, which can help create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere when meeting guests. I am also able to introduce classical Japanese poetry and explain the Hyakunin Isshu, which I have memorized in full.

While living in the United Kingdom, I had the opportunity to attend formal High Table dinners and experience the traditions of academic hospitality. In the southern United States, I encountered the culture of “Southern hospitality,” which emphasizes warmth and generosity toward guests. These experiences deepened my understanding of hospitality and led me to reflect on the unique spirit of Japanese omotenashi.

During my time overseas, I frequently hosted gatherings featuring Japanese cuisine and welcomed guests from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. Through these experiences, I developed a strong respect for different values and customs.

As a guide, I hope to create meaningful cultural connections by sharing not only the beauty of Japanese traditions but also the stories, history, and spirit behind them, helping visitors experience Japan in a warm and memorable way.

What Is a Private Matsushima Bay Tour from Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Departure was delayed by nearly 30 minutes due to the guests' request to stop by a convenience store. The group of three, visiting from North America and South America, came to Sendai after Yamagata and were heading to Morioka, visiting the Tohoku region for the first time. Although it was unfortunately raining, they were more interested in nature than in temples and shrines, so they enjoyed a Matsushima Bay cruise, Fukuurajima Island, and a matcha experience at Kanrantei while taking many photos. At Fukuurajima, they were delighted to see cherry blossoms and camellias blooming at the same time. For lunch, they were satisfied with fried oysters and a sea urchin rice bowl. I also shared information about how far the tsunami reached and about the damage and recovery situation following the Great East Japan Earthquake. As they wished to do some shopping around Sendai Station, we said goodbye in front of Sendai Station, exchanging a firm handshake and words of thanks at the end.

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Tour Report by Sergio

(Vedere giu’ in italiano)
Welcome to Japan and to Tohoku!
My name is Sergio Kurahashi, a certified National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English and in Italian, resided in Italy for 13 years, Singapore 9 years and travelled in 70 countries.
I was originally born in Kyoto, but now am living near Sendai in Miyagi prefecture.
I have more than 10 years experiences of tourism industry as a tour guide especially in Tohoku region, northern Honshu island or north-east of Japan.
I attended G7 meeting of Science and Technology ministers held in Sendai in 2023, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic games as a volunteer guide.
Please let me know any of your idea and preference, I will do my best to make your trip unforgettable!

Benvenuti in Giappone!
Mi chiamo Sergio Kurahashi, una guida interprete autorizzata dal governo in italiano ed in inglese. Abitavo in Italia per 13 anni e viaggiato in 70 paesi.
Nato e cresciuto a Kyoto, ma abito ora vicino a Sendai nella prefettura di Miyagi Tohoku.
Ho l’esperienza piu’ di 10 anni nel settore di turismo specialmente nella regione di Tohoku nord-est del Giappone.
Assistito sia alla riunione di G7 a Sendai nel 2023 che ai giochi olimpici di Tokyo 2020.
Non esitare di farmi sapere qualsiasi esigenze e cerco di fare il Vostro viaggio indimenticabile!

Can You Do a Private Day Tour in Fukuoka from Hakata Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Despite several attempts to get in touch beforehand, it was difficult to get a reply, and I was only able to make contact just before the tour. Because of this, I decided on the itinerary after arriving at Hakata Port and hearing what the guests wanted to do. Since the group's leader had a visual impairment, I paid close attention to helping with getting around and moving safely. I made an effort to talk with the guests as much as possible. At first things felt a little awkward, but gradually everyone opened up, and in the end we parted on a very good note. The pawnshop we had planned to visit happened to be closed that day, but the guests were satisfied simply to have been taken all the way there.

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Tour Report by Masa

Hi! I’m Masaaki Chiwata. I’m a bit old man but luckily I’m fine and healthy. I have just passed the government licensed guide interpreter test in February 2025, so my command of English might not be good enough yet, but hopefully I’m going to be a good guide and I’ll do my best to help you enjoy the tour. I worked for the news agency “Kyodo News Service” as a stuff writer for over 40 years. I retired several years ago. As a reporter, I covered and wrote articles on wide range of topics from murder case, trials, elections, politics, volcanic eruptions, even an airplane accident. May be I could share some of my experiences with you.