Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Shinkansen & Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in One Day: Shinkansen & Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Arrive by Shinkansen
    • 10:30 From Hiroshima Station, take the Maple Loop Bus to Peace Park
    • 11:00 Museum
    • 12:00 Tour of Peace Park monuments
    • 13:00 Taxi to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 13:40 JR to Miyajimaguchi
    • 14:00 Transfer to ferry, arrive at Miyajima
    • 14:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:30 Split into 2 groups. (Daisho-in and Omotesando shopping teams) A guide accompanies the Daisho-in group
    • 17:00 Gather at Miyajima Port, return to Hiroshima Station by ferry and JR
    • 18:00 Helped change the time of the Shinkansen returning to Kyoto, took them to an Italian restaurant in the station building, and finished.

    What Is a Private Group Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since it was around the year-end period, there was heavy traffic congestion, and facilities such as the Peace Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine were extremely crowded, which meant we could not make it in time for our reservation and had to skip lunch. There were various other hectic moments as well, but everyone seemed to be deeply impressed by Hiroshima, and one of the guests who visited Daisho-in Temple said it was the best temple, better than Kyoto or any other shrine they had seen.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station/JR Bus Chugoku~Atomic Bomb Dome-mae/JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Hello, my namae is Tomoe Ishihara.
    I am qualified as a Hiroshima prefecture tour guide interpreter.
    I have been a tour guide in Hiroshima for three years, mainly working as an interpreter guide at the Japanese traditional garden, Miyajima Island, and Peace Memorial Park.
    Through my activities as a tour guide, I would like to convey the wonders of beautiful traditional Japanese culture.
    I speak English, Spanish, and Japanese. I love art, traveling, movies, reading, and cooking.
    Let me be your guide to help you create wonderful memories of your trip to Hiroshima!

    May 24, 2026
    James_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Best tour on our trip
    Tomoe was absolutely a…

    Mar 18, 2026
    richardF7501FH
    Perfectly balanced tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Tomoe gave us an excellent tour. The…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Jennifer L
    Historical Must!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Tomeo offered a great deal of fascinating…

    Jul 20, 2025
    TATIANA_M
    Gran ciudad y gran city tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Es un excelente tour…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Sensoji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet up @ Hotel Okura Tokyo
    • 12:50 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, etc.)
    • 15:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 16:10 Disband @ Shibuya

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group of friends visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to travel to Kyoto after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines and about the Kaminarimon Gate, and they enjoyed shopping for souvenirs along Nakamise Street. In Shinjuku, they were very intrigued by the 3D cat screen and the Godzilla Head. In Harajuku, they were amazed by the lively atmosphere of Takeshita Street. In Shibuya, after viewing the Scramble Crossing, the guests wanted to shop and dine on their own before returning to their hotel, so we parted ways in Shibuya. Since I accommodated their wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-sanchome260JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total800JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Park Hyatt Kyoto, departure ➡ On foot, Ninenzaka → Yasaka Pagoda → Sannenzaka → Kiyomizu-dera Temple (9:40~11:00) ➡ By taxi, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (11:30~12:10) ➡ By train, Arashiyama shopping street → Tenryu-ji Temple garden → Bamboo grove (13:00~14:30) ➡ By Randen, Takashimaya on Shijo-dori ➡ After shopping, tour ends (15:40)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Kyoto the previous night and had not yet been anywhere. Since some of the guests were interested in Japanese tableware, we stopped by a shop selling Kiyomizu-yaki pottery on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. All the restaurants in Arashiyama were crowded, so we had onigiri, which is easy to eat, at an onigiri shop. They said Japanese rice was very delicious and placed additional orders, and the group ate more than 15 onigiri altogether. Since they liked wasabi, I introduced them to tube wasabi, which delighted them, and they bought a lot of it. The tourist areas of Kyoto around Christmas were a little quiet, but they seemed to be getting busier toward the end of the year.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 3TrainOmiya (Kyoto)~Kyoto-Kawaramachi170JPY
    Total660JPY

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

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Tokyo Station
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:30 Stroll around Shinjuku
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:40 End the tour at the nearest station to your accommodation

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. I had been a little concerned because the meeting point was the crowded Tokyo Station, but we were able to meet up without any trouble. They planned to stay in Japan into the new year and to spend the year-end and New Year period in Kyoto. Since they had not yet booked their Shinkansen tickets despite the busy year-end travel season, we started by helping them make seat reservations. After that, we began with an explanation of the exterior of Tokyo Station and headed toward the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. Along the way, I explained Japanese history around the time of the Meiji Restoration and gave an overview of the Imperial Family. They had assumed the background was the same as that of the British Royal Family, but once I explained the differences between the uniquely Japanese Imperial Family and Western royalty, they seemed to understand. Next, in Shinjuku, I took them to Isetan, which they had wanted to visit. They seemed quite amazed by the food floor in the basement in particular, and immediately bought bento boxes on the spot. Afterward, they ate them on the rooftop and appeared to thoroughly enjoy Japan's unique department store basement food culture. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory that followed, the weather was perfectly clear, so we were able to see a magnificent view of Mount Fuji, which delighted them greatly. At Meiji Shrine, amid the busy atmosphere of New Year preparations, I explained Shinto and how to worship, and also added explanations so they could enjoy the New Year's Day customs unique to Japan that they would experience in Kyoto. Finally, I had them experience the intense crowds at the Shibuya crossing, and then saw them partway toward their hotel in Shin-Yokohama, ending the tour.

    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.

    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…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial & Hiroshima Castle and the

    Hiroshima: Peace Memorial & Hiroshima Castle and the

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00-13:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 13:00-14:10 Monument tour in the park, including the A-bomb dome
    • 14:10-15:40 Hiroshima Castle and the Castle garden
    • 15:40-16:10 Arriving at the bus stop of the Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived exactly at 12:00 as I was waiting outside the Peace Memorial Park. Before viewing the exhibits in the main building, I gave a detailed explanation of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and then had them view the exhibits. Although we waited five minutes at the entrance of the main building, they said that thanks to the explanation they were able to understand it well. They also asked how the people who lost their homes to the atomic bomb lived afterward, so while showing them a photograph of a makeshift shack, I explained, "Since they knew nothing about the atomic bomb or radiation, they did not move elsewhere and survived by eating contaminated food." Looking at the high-rise apartments from the observation deck of Hiroshima Castle, I explained that in the 1970s such apartments were provided at low rent to bomb survivors who had lost their homes. When we parted, they said, "I learned a lot today. Thank you."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Castle~Peace Memorial Park240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet in front of Shin-Okubo apartment, took time to set up Suica at the station
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:45 In front of the Imperial Palace East Gardens (closed, so only exterior introduction and explanation of Edo Castle)
    • 11:25 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:50 Disband in front of a sushi restaurant in Asakusa

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The weather was pleasant, and the tour went smoothly and comfortably. I apologized that the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which we had planned to visit, would be closed for the year-end starting today, and reconsidered the itinerary, but the guests said it was fine to proceed as planned, so we started. Only one of the guests had set up a Suica card, and it appeared they were passing it around to be shared, so I had the others set up their own cards at Shin-Okubo Station, which took some time. At Meiji Shrine, we talked about religion in general and about the New Year's shrine visit tradition. In front of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I explained about Edo Castle and the Tokugawa family. After going through Asakusa, there was still some time left, so I asked whether they would like to go to Akihabara, but they said they would like to stay here for a while. We additionally visited the Nishi-Sando shopping street and Asakusa Shrine, and since the guests asked me to recommend a sushi restaurant for lunch, the tour ended in front of it. Received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Okubo~Harajuku170JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Total560JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:40 Meet at Kowakien 12:00 By bus to Sounzan Ropeway (very crowded) to Owakudani, by ropeway to Togendai 13:20 Pirate Ship 13:45 Hakonemachi Port, lunch at Donburi Chaya, then via Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, steep former checkpoint cedar avenue, to Moto-Hakone Port, Lake Ashi shore. From this point on, the customers requested to disband as they know the way back to the hotel and want to explore at their own pace. 15:45 Disbanded

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America. As usual, I made a celebratory board for them and took a photo. The guests stood out considerably in their presence and bearing, so much so that when I asked if they were in the movies, they laughed and denied it. Along the way, other people also asked me the same question. After enjoying the natural beauty of Hakone, at lunch each of the guests had a serving of sake. I was a little concerned, but they said it was very delicious. There we also talked about kanji, which they listened to with great interest, and we had an enjoyable time. After the checkpoint and the cedar avenue, when we arrived at the shore of Lake Ashi where the red torii gate is visible, Mount Fuji was perfectly beautiful that day. From there, the guests said they could return to the Hotel on their own and wished to spend the rest of the time by themselves, so they gave me a generous tip and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ JR Sannomiya Station
    • 10:45 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 12:30 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 14:00 Dismiss @ Kobe Sannomiya (Royal Mauria)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour from Kobe to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Due to a train delay, we started about 15 minutes late. I had been a little concerned about communicating in English, but overall we were able to communicate reasonably well throughout the tour. One of the guests seemed a little tired, so we kept a slow pace. Since some of the guests were a bit hungry, after visiting the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge I introduced a nearby bakery close to JR Maiko Station, which they seemed to enjoy, purchasing many sweet breads. They ate them right away at a nearby park. They also bought many souvenirs at the shop at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and at the herb garden shop. Partly for this reason, we skipped the visit to Nankinmachi, which had been planned for the end. They had reserved a steak restaurant in Sannomiya, Kobe, that I had introduced in advance, so I guided them to that restaurant, where we parted ways. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were pleased to receive. Some of the guests were very friendly and interacted with me warmly, which made me happy. One of the guests was very flexible and athletic, and shared a little dance and performance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 3SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShin-Kobe~Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    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

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station
    • 09:20 to 10:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:40 to 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:10 to 13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 to 13:30 Lunch at Kura Sushi
    • 13:45 to 14:15 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 15:00 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were staying in Osaka and had only one day for Kyoto, so they made it a day trip from Osaka. We visited four popular Kyoto spots by car, and I advised them to visit Nishiki Market and Gion on their own after the tour. We said goodbye at Nishiki Market at the end. They had also been to Kuromon Market in Osaka, and mentioned that Nishiki Market was even more crowded. Their stay in Japan ends today, and tomorrow they are heading to another destination in Asia.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
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  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo
    • 9:30-9:35 Kyoto→Inari 150 yen JR
    • 9:40-10:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha sightseeing
    • 11:05-11:14 Fushimi Inari→Gion-Shijo 240 yen Keihan
    • 11:20-12:50 Gion area・Yasaka Shrine sightseeing
    • 12:00-12:40 Ramen Kyo
    • 13:00-13:30 Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka stroll
    • 13:40-14:40 Kiyomizu-dera sightseeing
    • 15:00 Disband @ cafe on Kiyomizuzaka

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Some of them were returning to Japan after many years, while others were visiting for the very first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour covering Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the Gion area, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. One of the guests mentioned having a friend named Inari, and when I explained that Inari is one of the most famous deities in Japan, they bought some related goods as a souvenir. The guests had visited Gion, the Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera many years ago, but they said that back then the area was not as crowded with tourists as it is now, and they had been able to sightsee at a relaxed pace. The ramen we had for lunch was also well received as reasonably priced and delicious.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…