Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:30 Hotel start
    • Transport by private car to Kinkaku-ji
    • AM 09:00-10:15 Kinkaku-ji tour
    • Transport by private car to Ginkaku-ji
    • AM 10:45-AM 11:45 Ginkaku-ji tour
    • Transport by private car to Nijo Castle
    • PM 12:15-13:30 Nijo Castle tour
    • Transport by private car to the Kodai-ji area
    • PM 14:00-14:30 Yasaka Pagoda, Sannenzaka, Zen chopstick workshop
    • Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Kodai-ji The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The original plan was to visit Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari, and to finish at a chopstick workshop near Kodai-ji. However, while traveling by car, the guests became interested in Nijo Castle. Since it was closed on all other days during their stay, they would not have been able to visit it otherwise. Although the Ninomaru Palace was not available, they decided to swap Fushimi Inari for Nijo Castle. As they were staying for three days, I suggested that they visit Fushimi Inari, Byodo-in in Uji, and the Arashiyama area on their own, splitting them across the days. The car tour finally ended near Kodai-ji, where we visited the chopstick workshop specified by the guests, with a reservation at 16:00. I then explained how to get to Kiyomizu-dera and suggested places for a light meal before ending the tour. The weather was wonderful and the guests enjoyed themselves.

    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!

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yamanashi: Saiko Bat Cave & Kawaguchiko Station

    Yamanashi: Saiko Bat Cave & Kawaguchiko Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kawaguchiko Station
    • 9:45 Saiko Bat Cave
    • 10:10 Ryugu Cave
    • 10:50 Momijidai
    • 11:25 Sankodai
    • 12:10 Narusawa Ice Cave
    • 13:00 Fugaku Wind Cave
    • 14:20 Kawaguchiko Station
    • 14:40 Disband at Kawaguchiko Station

    The weather was not very good, and Mount Fuji's summit was never visible, but there was no rain, no snow, and no muddy ground, so the tour proceeded smoothly. We headed by bus to the Saiko Bat Cave, and from the Wind Cave onward we walked the entire way, but the guests walked quickly, which was a great help. Mount Fuji should have been clearly visible from Momiji-dai and Sanko-dai, but it was cloudy, which was unfortunate. Perhaps due to the cold, the guests did not linger long at the Ice Cave and Wind Cave, and we returned to the station by bus more than 30 minutes ahead of schedule. At Kawaguchiko Station, I helped move up the departure time of their return bus, confirmed their boarding, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKawaguchiko Station/Fujikyu Bus~Bat Cave Entrance/Fujikyu Bus810JPY
    Section 2OtherFugaku Wind Cave~Kawaguchiko810JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:30 Hotel Meet (@Park Hyatt Kyoto)
    • 6:30-8:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit (including Yasaka Pagoda, Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka)
    • 8:00-8:30 Transfer (Keihan Railway; Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 8:30-9:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit
    • 9:20-9:50 Transfer (Keihan Railway; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Shichijo)
    • 9:50-10:40 Sanjusangendo Temple visit
    • 10:40-11:10 Transfer (City Bus: Sanjusangendo-mae → Gion)
    • 11:10-12:00 Gion stroll (Hanamikoji, Gion Shirakawa)
    • 12:00 Tour ends.  After the tour ended in Gion, we said goodbye to the guests.

    Title: What's an Early Morning Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu, Fushimi Inari, and Gion The guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. Some of them had visited Japan and Kyoto several times before, while it was the first visit for the others. The tour was originally scheduled to start early at 7:00, but due to their plans after the tour, the start time was moved even earlier to 6:30. Their hotel was 15 minutes from the nearest station, but we made it in time by taking the first train of the day. Starting at 6:30, we began the tour from Kiyomizu near the hotel, then visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Sanjusangendo, and Gion. It was still completely dark when the tour began, but the sunrise appeared just as we arrived at Kiyomizu-dera. Some of the guests loved the impressive scale of Kiyomizu-dera. Another appreciated the many torii gates at Fushimi Inari, which cannot be seen elsewhere. Initially, the plan was to take the guests to a restaurant they had reserved after visiting Gion, but they decided to make their own way there by taxi after Gion, so the tour ended a little earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Shichijo/Princess Line180JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama Shichijo/Kyoto City Bus~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total650JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Ebisubashi Bridge

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Ebisubashi Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet up @Hotel Osaka
    • 10:00 Osaka Castle
    • 12:45 Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:00 Kuromon Market
    • 15:20 Hozenji Temple
    • 15:30 Ebisubashi Bridge
    • 16:00 Disband @Namba Parks

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Kuromon Market I guided a group visiting from North America on a private day tour of Osaka. Since we took things slowly and without rushing, I paced the tour gently throughout the day. At Osaka Castle, the guests took a genuine interest in its history. As it happened to be the final day of the year the castle was open, it was extremely crowded, but they still enjoyed viewing the exhibits inside the castle with great interest. At Shitennoji Temple there was not much of a crowd, and we were fortunate to be able to observe a Buddhist memorial service taking place. At Kuromon Market, which we visited by request, prices were rather high even for locals, but the guests said the food was very delicious. Finally, we returned to Namba, where they enjoyed the water-splashing Jizo statue at Hozenji Temple and striking the Glico pose at Ebisubashi Bridge. We said our goodbyes at Namba Parks, which was near the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome620JPY
    Section 2Free PassTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Nipponbashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNipponbashi~Namba0JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello! My name is Tatsuya Ito.
    I have been national government licensed guide interpreter since 2017. I have guided Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other cities and rural areas of Japan. I love travel with trains, and talking with many people from all over the world.
    I can guide any places you want to go. If you don’t have any ideas, I recommend some nice spots where you can enjoy.
    Japan has many beautiful places and original culture. I want to introduce them as much as I can.
    I hope you will have great memories in Japan.
    Let’s enjoy traveling with me.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Ingrid_Z
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Ito is a wonderful guide. I highly recommend him!
    Ito was…

    Jul 7, 2026
    515garyo
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Informative Guided Tour
    We had a great guide experience…

    May 25, 2026
    stephencB9985TL
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private Tokyo Tour
    We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Ito around…

    May 11, 2026
    470gregoryn
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide in Tokyo
    Our guide was Tatsuya Ito, we had 4…

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 9:15 Sightseeing at Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings
    • 10:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:00 Lunch, Marunouchi Building "Aoyuzu Tora"
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:20 Takeshita Street
    • 16:50 Disband at the entrance of Takeshita Street

    What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since it was the first day of their trip to Japan, I explained how to ride the trains and use Suica. One of the guests was unable to have a mobile Suica, so they traveled using a physical card. The Shibuya crossing was quiet because it was early in the morning, but the guests took many photos and videos there. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping for souvenirs along Nakamise Street, praying at the main hall, and having matcha at a tea shop. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were relatively uncrowded, so we enjoyed a leisurely stroll. At a Japanese restaurant in the Marunouchi Building, the guests were delighted with a grilled fish set meal, saying it was delicious. They mentioned they love the flavor of miso so much that they finished every bit of the clam miso soup. At Meiji Shrine, preparations for the New Year's first shrine visit were underway, so the guests could experience the atmosphere of a Japanese New Year a little early. I saw them off at Takeshita Street, where we parted ways. They were very cooperative throughout, and I was relieved that we were able to visit all of their requested spots.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)290JPY
    Section 4TrainNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total930JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Nagasaki in Half a Day: Dejima & Kaisei High School / Oranda Slope

    Nagasaki in Half a Day: Dejima & Kaisei High School / Oranda Slope

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Nagasaki Station
    • 10:20 Dejima
    • 11: 30 Kofukuji Temple
    • 12:00 Coffee break at Nakadori
    • 13:00 Kaisei High School / Oranda Slope
    • 14:00 Disband near Oura Church

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Nagasaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Dejima and Oura Body: The guests were visitors from Europe. Since one of them was very knowledgeable about architecture, I was asked many questions about the origins of the buildings and the materials used. It made me realize there is still much for me to study. We had originally planned to meet at the hotel, but since it takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the city center, we arranged to meet at Nagasaki Station instead. At Dejima, I focused mainly on the exhibits about the historical relationship between Europe and Japan, and the guests showed great interest. At Kofukuji Temple, I explained the differences between Chinese-style and Japanese architecture. Since Kaisei High School is located near Oranda Slope, I also took them there along the way. They were able to get a real sense of Nagasaki's Catholic history as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNagasaki Station Front~Dejima150JPY
    Section 2TrainNishihamamachi~City Hall (Nagasaki Prefecture)150JPY
    Total300JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Randen Arashiyama Station

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Randen Arashiyama Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto
    • 8:40 Hotel by taxi
    • 9:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 9:40 Depart Kinkaku-ji Temple by taxi
    • 10:00 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:40 Depart Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple on foot
    • Around 11:00 Arrive at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • Around 11:30 Depart Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple on foot
    • Around 12:10 To Togetsukyo Bridge via Arashiyama Park
    • 12:20 Arrive at Randen Arashiyama Station
    •    Guide to Kimono Forest
    • 12:30 Say farewell in front of Randen Arashiyama Station, then disband

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Its Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Because some of the guests disliked crowds, they had requested Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, which tend to be less crowded. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests enjoyed taking photos, drawing omikuji fortunes, and purchasing omamori charms. At Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, the guests viewed the interiors of the main hall and the Jizo hall. They also enjoyed finding their favorite rakan statues and taking photos of them. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, I let the guests know that photography was prohibited in certain areas. They took photos along a small bamboo path and experienced the custom of pouring water over the Mizukake Jizo statue. After that, at the guests' request, we walked from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji to Arashiyama Park. We took photos with Togetsukyo Bridge in the background, and I guided them through the shops lining the way to Arashiyama Station on the Randen line, as well as the Kimono Forest. One of the guests had experienced motion sickness the previous day due to a trip involving a lot of travel, but today they had a good appetite and planned to enjoy lunch in Arashiyama after the tour. We said our goodbyes in front of the Randen station and parted ways.

    Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
    Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
    My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.

    I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.

    I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!

    Apr 29, 2026
    K Q
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
    Our guide, Mako,…

    Apr 14, 2026
    A2440DSamandao
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
    Mako was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    uppervalley1
    Must do in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…

    Nov 24, 2024
    Alison_R
    Excellent Kyoto tour!
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara Station & Tochomae Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara Station & Tochomae Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meeting place: Monday Apart Premium Akihabara
    • 13:10 Depart Akihabara Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 14:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 15:45 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Lunch: Torigin Shibuya
    • 16:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:45 Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku West Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • 18:15 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • 19:00 Arrive Akihabara Station
    • 19:00 Dismissal: Akihabara Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Christmas Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. They came from Yokosuka to experience Christmas in Tokyo, planning a short stay in the city. Their request was: "We would like to visit the notable sightseeing spots in Tokyo, and also enjoy the Christmas atmosphere." It was a clear day, though somewhat chilly. First, we moved to Asakusa. We started from the front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate and slowly strolled along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" Next, we moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about "Shinto," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" After a break at the cafe terrace near Meiji Shrine, we also strolled along Takeshita Street. From here, we moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the scramble intersection near Scramble Square. There were questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests said, "We really want to eat yakitori. Recently, sushi restaurants and ramen shops have been increasing in North America, but yakitori restaurants are still few," so we went to a yakitori restaurant in Shibuya. Finally, we went to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The guests enjoyed the night view and illuminations of Tokyo, and some of the guests were delighted. There were comments and questions such as "Unlike North America, the city is clean and there is no litter on the ground," "There are no homeless people to be seen," "Is it safe to walk around at night?" and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" They also mentioned, "Shinjuku was quite noisy last night." I saw them off at Akihabara Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAkihabara~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku-nishiguchi~Tochomae180JPY
    Section 6TrainTochomae~Shinjuku-nishiguchi180JPY
    Section 7TrainShinjuku~Akihabara180JPY
    Total1,330JPY

    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.

    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
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  • Tokyo: Daiba Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Daiba Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
    • 8:10 Depart Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:45 Arrive Asakusa Station Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 10:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:15 Arrive Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 11:15 Depart Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 13:15 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Center Street
    • Lunch: Torigin
    • 15:15 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 16:00 Arrive Daiba Station
    • 16:00 Disband: Daiba Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was their first visit to Japan. They had arrived at Haneda Airport two days earlier and were staying in Tokyo for only a few days, after which they planned to visit relatives elsewhere in Asia for about a week before returning home. The day before, they had joined a day trip to Mount Fuji. The following day, they planned to visit a cathedral and Disneyland. Their request for today was, "We'd like to see the main spots in Tokyo." It was a clear but somewhat chilly day for the tour. First, we headed to Asakusa. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at various spots, including Kaminarimon and in front of the five-story pagoda, and strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow? Are there Christians?" We then moved to Akihabara. I explained "the origins and history of Akihabara." They bought a large amount of Pokémon goods as souvenirs for their grandchildren. They also bought a large amount of traditional Japanese snacks at Don Quijote as souvenirs for their colleagues. Next, we headed to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about "Shinto," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How is Buddhism different from Shinto?" After a rest at the café terrace at Meiji Shrine, we strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street (as one of the guests wished to look at Japanese secondhand clothing stores). From here, we moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing, and there were questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and also strolled leisurely through Shibuya Center-gai. After this, the guests really wanted to eat yakitori, so we went to a yakitori restaurant in Shibuya. They relaxed and enjoyed some beer. There were comments and questions such as "Unlike back home, the streets are clean and there's no litter," "There are no homeless people to be seen," "Is it safe to walk around late at night?", "Why are there no trash bins on the streets?", and "The public restrooms were beautiful and impressive. I'd like to buy a washlet to take home." They also mentioned that "Shinjuku was very noisy and hectic last night." I saw the guests off at Daiba Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train台場~新橋330JPY
    Section 2Train新橋~浅草210JPY
    Section 3Train浅草~末広町(東京都)180JPY
    Section 4Train末広町(東京都)~明治神宮前駅/東京都渋谷区210JPY
    Section 5Train明治神宮前駅/東京都渋谷区~渋谷180JPY
    Section 6Train渋谷~新橋180JPY
    Section 7Train新橋~台場330JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Welcome at Gora Kadan & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Welcome at Gora Kadan & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Welcome at Gora Kadan
    • 10:03 Depart Gora Station Cable Car
    • 10:20 Depart Sounzan Station Ropeway
    • 10:30 Arrive Owakudani
    • 11:10 Depart Owakudani Ropeway
    • 12:00 Depart Togendai Port Pirate Ship
    • 12:40 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • 13:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 13:30 Lunch at Kohanso Sakura Honjin: sansai udon, smelt tempura, french fries
    • 14:15 Motohakone Port Hakone Tozan Bus
    • 15:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:30 End at The Hakone Open-Air Museum

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had certain dietary requirements, so for lunch we chose a restaurant where they could enjoy soba and smelt tempura and where we could be seated without waiting in line. It was very cold that day, and there were light flurries of snow at Owakudani, but by the time we got off the pirate ship there were some breaks in the clouds, and with no wind we were able to enjoy the relaxed scenery of Lake Ashi. At that moment, one of the guests said, "I'll come again." Owakudani, the pirate ship, and Hakone Shrine were all very crowded, but the only times we had to wait in line were when boarding the pirate ship and at the entrance to the main hall of Hakone Shrine, so our movements went very smoothly. As a result, we were able to arrive at the Hakone Open-Air Museum earlier than planned, and I was able to enter together with the guests and guide them all the way to the Picasso Pavilion.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora Station~Sounzan Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassSounzan Station~Owakudani Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOwakudani Station~Togendai Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai Port~Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMotohakone Port~Ninotaira Entrance (The Hakone Open-Air Museum)0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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