Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 11:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 13:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:30 Tour ends at Otemon Gate

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Having arrived in Japan only the day before the tour, they seemed to have a little jet lag. As this was their first visit to Japan, they were unsure about how to use public transportation. For this reason, issuing tickets from the Tokyo subway voucher the guests had brought, purchasing a PASMO card, and searching for a currency exchange location took some time, so the overall schedule ran longer than planned. In Asakusa, we first went to the culture and tourism center, where I explained the surrounding buildings, the history of Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and the five-story pagoda. After that, walking from Kaminarimon through Nakamise, the guests enjoyed Japanese sweets such as ningyo-yaki and kinako dango before heading to the main hall. After praying at the main hall, they also visited Asakusa Shrine. They seemed to enjoy strolling around while eating sweets. We then took the subway to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, entered through the Otemon Gate, viewed the buildings within the grounds, and in the end they were deeply impressed by the beauty of the Japanese garden. We ended the tour just outside the Otemon Gate. It rained all day, making it a difficult day for walking.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIkebukuro～Ueno210JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meet at Kyoto Station　10:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　11:40 Kinkaku-ji　13:00 Nishiki Market　14:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace　15:50 Fushimi Inari　17:00 Gion　17:30 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Just before our meeting today, it turned out that the guest's accommodation had changed from the one assigned at booking. After exchanging emails, we were able to meet without any trouble at the central exit of Kyoto Station. Their accommodation was actually a Hotel. Although I sent several emails to confirm, the guest did not seem to notice until the day itself. With affiliated hotels sharing similar names, it is easy to make a mistake unless you confirm the full name until the end. This is something we guides should also be careful about. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace there was a special spring opening, with special exhibitions including sliding-door paintings, the junihitoe layered kimono, and the takamikura throne, and it was wonderful to be able to see the Shishinden hall from quite close up. Many cherry blossoms were in bloom, and the guests happily took photos. The rain of the previous day had given way to clear skies, making it a very pleasant tour. We took a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to the Kitaoji terminal. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Kitaoji Subway Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo (Kyoto City Subway)260JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo (Kyoto City Subway)～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 8OtherFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total1,820JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.　Hotel Kagoshima 　　　 Depart 10:00
    • 2.　Streetcar Chuo Station-Aquarium Entrance + Walk Arrive 10:15 Depart 10:50
    • 3.　Sakurajima Ferry Terminal 　Arrive 10:50 Depart 11:00
    • 4.　Sakurajima Visitor Center 　　 Arrive 11:30 Depart 12:00
    • 5.　Nagisa Park Foot Bath + Lunch 　　　　Arrive 12:05 Depart 12:36　　
    • 6.　Yudaira Observatory　　By bus Arrive 13:10 Depart 13:40
    • 7.　Ferry Terminal; Sakurajima side Arrive 13:55 Depart 14:05
    • 8.　Ferry Terminal; Kagoshima side Arrive 14:20 Depart 14:25
    • By taxi, passing by Terukuni Shrine, Saigo Takamori Statue, and Goromon Gate viewed from the car window　
    • 9.　Satsuma Kiriko Glass Workshop　　　　　　　　　Arrive 14:50 Depart 15:05
    • 10. Sengan-en　　　　　　　　　　　Arrive 15:10 Depart 16:49
    • 11. 　Chuo Station Arrive 17:20

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Sakurajima in Kagoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were traveling across Japan over about a month, following the cherry blossoms from Hokkaido down to Kagoshima. We met at the hotel and traveled by streetcar and ferry to cross over to Sakurajima. We picked up lunch at a convenience store on Sakurajima, and the attached photo was taken when we reached a foot bath. The sky had cleared beautifully, as if yesterday's rain had never happened, and Sakurajima, releasing its white plume of smoke, was captured clearly in the shot. When I asked whether I could use the photo for promotional purposes, the guests kindly agreed. We ran over on time, but since it was due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, it never even crossed my mind to charge an overtime fee.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKagoshima Chuo Station～Aquarium Entrance170JPY
    Section 2OtherSakurajima Visitor Center～Yudaira Observatory230JPY
    Section 3OtherYudaira Observatory～Sakurajima Ferry Terminal230JPY
    Section 4OtherSengan-en Front～Kagoshima Chuo Station230JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Dear Guest

    I am Guide for your Kagoshima Tour.
    My nickname is Tachi, short hair, 69 years old, wearing glasses and quite small.

    In Kagoshima, we can see many things in “What to expect”, like Sengan-en, Reimeikan, Terukuni Shrine, etc.
    Could you please select must-see spots from the list and let us know, we will create your customised itinerary.

    in addition, Could you please advise what kind of food/materials you want to eat for lunch?
    and also if you have, what food/materials you can not eat, or what food/materials are prohibited to eat ?

    thank you for your request
    best regard

    Hideto Tachimoto

    Request Booking

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
    Fantastic
    Our experience was great and our guide Tachi was…

    Apr 3, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Kagoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable Guide around Kagoshima
    Tachi is an experienced, helpful and well organised…

    Mar 28, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
    Great tour guide
    Great tour guide. Friendly and went out…

    May 8, 2025
    Louann710
    Great day in Kagoshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide ＆ Vehicle
    Tachi was very responsive during the…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 40 @ Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: 40 @ Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 2.8:40 @ Gotokuji Temple
    • 3:10:40 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 4.11:20 @ Takeshita Street
    • 5.12:00 Lunch @ Chiles Mexican Grill
    • 6.13:30 @ Shibuya Crossing
    • 7.14:00 Disband @ Shibuya

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had already traveled to Kyoto, and they said Kyoto was a wonderful place with no high-rise buildings, quiet and full of preserved tradition. Unfortunately, it rained from the morning today. They had used Uber in Kyoto as well, and in Tokyo they traveled entirely by Uber. First, we visited Gotokuji, the birthplace of the beckoning cat (maneki-neko), and then went to Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine, they said the waka poems of Emperor Meiji and the Empress were wonderful and took photos of them. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed buying accessories and clothing. For lunch, we went to a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed the meal. In Shibuya, we saw the statue of Hachiko and enjoyed the Shibuya Crossing. After that, since they wanted to enjoy shopping in Shibuya, we ended the tour in Shibuya. Although it rained, I think they were able to enjoy the day in their own way.

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

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Yotsuya-sanchome Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Yotsuya-sanchome Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meeting place:
    • 8-16 Aizumicho, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku (vacation rental apartment)
    • (The meeting place has been changed on short notice)
    • 12:40 Depart Yotsuya-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line 9
    • 13:00 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:45 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 15:20 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • 16:10 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Yotsuya-sanchome Station
    • 16:30 Disband: Yotsuya-sanchome Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Fast-Paced Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, both visiting Japan for the first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides led this private one-day tour of Tokyo. They had arrived at Narita Airport two days earlier and gone to their accommodation, and the previous day they had explored Shibuya and Shinjuku. They planned to stay in Japan for a longer period, visiting not only Tokyo but also Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. Both guests were big fans of motorsports and planned to stop by Fuji Speedway and Nagoya as well. They also planned a day trip to Mount Fuji the following day. For today, their request was to "cover the main spots in Tokyo at a quick pace." The tour took place in warm, sunny weather. They mentioned that it was currently rainy back home. First, we headed to Tsukiji, which was quite crowded. After a quick look around the Tsukiji fish market area, we took a leisurely stroll through the outer market. I explained the history of the fish market since the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems there are many tourists." They wanted to try something to eat and sampled tuna sushi. We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from the Edo to the Meiji period, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the imperial family, World War II and the Tokyo air raids, and how the stone walls were built. There were questions 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 "Is the Emperor loved by everyone?" Next, we moved to Harajuku, which was quite crowded with tourists. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Shinto, the torii gate, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed there, and why wine barrels are also displayed. There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, which the guests photographed enthusiastically. They made comments and asked questions such as "Tokyo is so clean everywhere, with no litter on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean and free, which is wonderful," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" We saw them off at Yotsuya-sanchome Station and parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYotsuya-sanchome～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2OtherTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)～Yotsuya-sanchome180JPY
    Total910JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:10 Meet @ Grand Prince Shin-Takanawa
    • 9:00 Ueno Park
    • 9:45 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Nishi-sando, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 11:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Gonpachi Nori Temaki
    • 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing ~ Shopping preview
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Square 12th Floor

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Asakusa, and Shibuya At first, the guide booking system listed the meeting point as one hotel, but the guests were actually staying and waiting at a different hotel with a similar name. We got in touch via a messaging app and resolved the issue without trouble, though it cost us about 10 minutes. The guests were a group visiting from North America, all around the same stage of life. Some of the guests were not confident in English, so most of the conversation was with one member of the group. The cherry blossoms in Ueno Park had bloomed further than the previous day (photo). In Asakusa, they purchased souvenirs such as folding fans and chopsticks. At the East Gardens, due to the rain, we only visited the Ninomaru Garden. After lunch, I guided one of the guests to Meiji Shrine, while the rest of the group did some window shopping along Omotesando. In Shibuya, we scouted a few shops to confirm their locations for shopping the next day. One of the guests was interested in history, so before parting ways, we reviewed some history using a timeline and then said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Ueno260JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Request Booking

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer & Shinjuku Gyoen National

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer & Shinjuku Gyoen National

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00　Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:30 Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:40 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 14;50 Shibuya
    • 15:10 End the tour at Shibuya

    Title: What's a First Day of a Tokyo Private Tour Like for a Family Visiting Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had come to Japan to watch the F1 race in Suzuka this weekend, and today was the first day of a two-week trip that would take them to Osaka before returning to Tokyo. Since they planned to stay in Tokyo for an extended period during their later revisit, we focused on giving them an overview of the city and covering the places they had requested in advance. We started by taking the "Yurikamome" line around the Tokyo Bay area and then visited the Tsukiji Outer Market. They seemed to enjoy the unique atmosphere there and sampled a variety of foods. Next, in Asakusa, they were amazed by the huge crowds and purchased various souvenirs, and they mentioned they would like to return to explore the area again, including Kappabashi. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the cherry blossoms were at the perfect timing of about 50 percent bloom, and despite the light drizzle, they were very excited to admire them. Finally, they were astonished by the Shibuya Crossing, and I introduced them to the "Pokémon Center" that the children had wanted to visit, bringing the tour to a close.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Kokoen Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:00 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and they moved through the day smoothly. Both of them appeared to have a great deal of interest in and curiosity about Japan, and it was clear that they had done considerable preparation in advance. They asked very detailed questions, especially about Himeji Castle, and listened attentively to the guide's explanations. At the Sangoku Moat of Himeji Castle, the guests were delighted to be able to see a white heron, which is the origin of the castle's nickname "White Heron Castle." In addition, the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, which we visited before entering the castle, drew high praise, and the guests eagerly took photographs. At Koko-en Garden, they were pleased to see what is said to be the largest carp in the garden. When I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, the guests commented that it was "very Japanese and made a wonderful memory."

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by subway to Nijo Castle
    • AM 09:30-AM 11:00 Visit Nijo Castle
    • Transfer by taxi to Kinkaku-ji
    • AM 11:30-PM 13:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji and lunch
    • Transfer by taxi to Kitaoji Bus Terminal
    • Transfer by subway and JR to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 14:10-14:50 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • Transfer by railway to Kiyomizu-Gojo Tour ends PM 15:10

    Title: Can You Do a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Part of the trip was combined with work. One of the guests wanted to visit places with a strong local feel where you can sense the everyday life of Kyoto residents, but since the places the younger members of the group wanted to see were all popular areas, I shared information via a messaging app about the Sanjo shopping arcade, which was relatively close to their accommodation, so that the guests could explore it on their own before we started the tour. For their meal, I recommended a tonkatsu restaurant near Kinkaku-ji, and they enjoyed both the meal and the tour. This private one-day tour of Kyoto was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Total870JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Seiryu Higashiyama
    • 10:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:45 Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 13:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 14:00 Gion
    • 15:00 Nijo Castle
    • 16:00 Nijo Castle　Dismissal

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had exchanged emails with them many times beforehand, so it did not feel like our first meeting when we met in person. It was a 6-hour walking tour, and I was a little concerned about whether it might be too much, but they were both strong walkers and even did the tour without a lunch break (with no request from the guests for one). One of the guests was a keen photographer at a professional level, carefully considering composition and exposure and enthusiastically taking photos at each place we visited. This year the cherry blossoms happened to bloom early, and they were especially moved by the cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle. At times I struggled to follow the rapid English being spoken, but at the end I received a business card and was told to get in touch if I ever came to their home area, which was a relief. From the following day they were set to begin a 12-day cruise departing from Yokohama. They were a lively and energetic group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Shichijo230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion／Kyoto City Bus～Nijo Station-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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