Category: Uncategorized

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:20 @ Mount Shosha Engyoji Temple (Maniden Hall, Daikodo Hall, Jogyodo Hall, Jikido Hall)
    • 4. 12:40 Lunch @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 13:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 6. 15:00 Disband @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate

    What's a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a family group visiting Japan from North America. After explaining the historical background of Himeji Castle's construction at Castle View, we headed to Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha. At Engyoji Temple, the guests enjoyed many activities, such as lighting candles and incense, buying omamori charms, and writing wishes on ema plaques. After Engyoji Temple, we had a meal at Otemon Chaya and then headed to Himeji Castle. The reason we skipped Koko-en Garden was that the guests had return Shinkansen tickets and there was not enough time, and also because they gave top priority to Himeji Castle, so this was how the plan worked out. Tours with a larger number of participants tend to run longer, but the guests enjoyed the tour at every destination we visited.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHimeji Station (North Exit) / Shinki Bus～Mount Shosha Ropeway / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Section 2OtherEngyoji Temple Microbus Round Trip (Shinnojo Ropeway Summit Station～Maniden Hall)500JPY
    Section 3OtherMount Shosha Ropeway / Shinki Bus～School for the Deaf・Kokoen / Shinki Bus320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Guide arrives at Toyama Century (meeting place: 7-3-36 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 10:00 Meet the guests at the meeting place
    • 10:10 Depart from the meeting place, walk to Higashi-Shinjuku Station
    • 10:20 Depart from Higashi-Shinjuku Station, take the Toei Oedo Line toward Aoyama-itchome via Tochomae
    • 10:50 Depart from Aoyama-itchome Station, take the Ginza Line toward Asakusa Station
    • 11:18 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • 11:25-12:20 Guide through Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street (Hozomon Gate, Five-Story Pagoda, Big Straw Sandal, Omikuji fortune, incense burner, purification fountain, main hall, Asakusa Shrine, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8F observation deck)
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch at Yakiniku Heiseien Asakusa Main Store restaurant
    • 13:36 Depart from Asakusa Station, take the Ginza Line toward Shibuya
    • 14:10 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • 14:10-14:30 Guide through Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko
    • 14:30 End at Shibuya Station

    Title: What Is a Private 4-Hour Asakusa and Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time, arriving after traveling in another part of Asia. It was a warm and friendly family tour throughout. The guests took many photos at Senso-ji Temple. They learned the differences between temples and shrines, mastered the respective ways of praying at each, and gained an understanding of Japanese history and culture. Since one of the guests does not eat fish or seafood, I made a reservation for them at a yakiniku restaurant in Asakusa, and everyone seemed to enjoy the meal. They planned to visit teamLab in Toyosu on their own tonight, so I explained how to get there. They also planned to take a bus from Tokyo Station to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji the next day, so I explained the routes and meeting points for each. The four hours passed in the blink of an eye, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the first day of their Tokyo tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHigashi-Shinjuku～Asakusa320JPY
    Section 2OtherAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Total580JPY

    Tour Report by Nobby

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Request Booking

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo In A Day Tour with Nobuo
    The excursion…

    Apr 18, 2026
    Traveler10250323486
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with a Japanese guide who seemed like…

    Sep 23, 2025
    johnsL7185LE
    Brilliant family day trip with Nobuo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobuo Kokure is a wonderful guide.…

    Aug 4, 2025
    leslie_w
    Nobby was an awesome tour…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobby was an awesome tour guide. Very…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel meeting (changed to Hilton Kyoto) 10:35 Todaiji Temple 11:15 Nara Park 11:40 Lunch 12:45 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 13:35 Naramachi Koshi-no-ie (Lattice House)
    • 14:15 Harushika Brewery (sake tasting) 15:00 Shopping 15:50 Depart Nara 17:00 Arrive at hotel

    What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Sake Tasting The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were relatively quiet and a close-knit group. The questions were mainly asked by one of the guests. One of the guests took on the challenge of squeezing through the hole in the pillar at Todai-ji Temple, and although it took a little time, they managed to pass through beautifully. It was surprising that the others did not attempt it. They spent time getting along very well with the deer. Recently, more of the deer have been bowing, so the guests found this amusing and bowed to them many times. The sake tasting at Harushika Sake Brewery ended very quickly because they drank each cup in one go. Thanks to the absence of school excursion groups and the poor weather, all the sightseeing spots were uncrowded. In particular, only two tour buses were parked at Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The photo was taken in front of the Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    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

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10.00-1110 Sensouji Temple　
    • 2.11:30-11:50 Lunch
    • 3.11.50-12.50 Imperial Palace Garden
    • 4.13.20-14.10 MeijiJinguShrine　
    • 5.14.40-15.10 Gotokuji Temple
    • 6.15:30 disband at Yoyogi Uehara Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, and Gotokuji Temple The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their home region is a Spanish-speaking area where the pharmaceutical industry is well developed, and I learned that roasting a whole pig is a traditional Christmas dish there. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, one of the guests asked, "Are the descendants of the Tokugawa family still alive?" I answered, "Yes, they are still living, and there have been calls to reconstruct the castle keep." The response was, "That makes sense — it would be a great tourist attraction." I jokingly added, "Osaka Castle still stands today, but it is said to have been built by the Obayashi Corporation." One of the guests then asked, "Who was more highly regarded, ninja or samurai?" I explained, "There was a class system of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and ninja were considered below that." The guests looked surprised. At Meiji Shrine, I was asked, "Is Meiji the name of an emperor?" I answered, "It is a name based on the era called the Meiji period. The current emperor's name is Naruhito, but he could also be referred to as the Reiwa emperor." At Gotokuji Temple, I asked, "Remember how I said I would give you a quiz later, since you often see beckoning-cat souvenirs in Asakusa? Can you tell the difference from the cats in Asakusa?" I explained, "The cat at Gotokuji does not hold a gold coin. Money does not necessarily bring happiness, but meeting people brings true happiness." The guests nodded deeply in understanding. When we parted at Yoyogi-Uehara, the tip was given in dollars.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTakebashi～Takadanobaba180JPY
    Section 3TrainTakadanobaba～Harajuku170JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Miyanosaka490JPY
    Section 5TrainMiyanosaka～Yoyogi-Uehara330JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Request Booking

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel 9:15 Take the hotel shuttle car to Sounzan, then by ropeway to Owakudani, then by ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate ship 11:25 Motohakone Port, from the shore of Lake Ashi, walk through the old Tokaido cedar avenue, via the Hakone Checkpoint, and after lunch at Maruyama Bussan Donburi Chaya 13:15 Take the bus from Hakone Port to Ninotaira, then walk
    • 14:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum 15:20 From the Open-Air Museum, take the train to Gora Station. The guests will go shopping nearby and then return by the hotel shuttle as they did yesterday, so we disband at 15:30

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who seemed quite accustomed to traveling, on their way to sightseeing in Tokyo via Hakone after finishing the Kyoto area, before returning to North America. Compared to where they live in North America, Hakone felt cold today. Nevertheless, they thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty starting from Owakudani in Hakone. They also tasted the black eggs. At the cedar avenue and the old checkpoint, they got a sense of history, and at a woodcraft demonstration by a local craft shop, they admired traditional Japanese craftsmanship and purchased many souvenirs. At a local restaurant, they enjoyed soba and sushi while I introduced kanji to them, which they found enjoyable. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, although it began to rain, the guests enjoyed the foot bath and the maze together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara～Odawara6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08：50　Meet ＠ Hotel
    • 09：30　Meiji Shrine
    • 10：20　Takeshita Street
    • 11：20　Tsukiji Market
    • 12：10　Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13：10　Dismissal ＠ Shimbashi Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu Gardens The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakuba, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples, and seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Takeshita Street and Tsukiji Market, they were surprised by the large number of international tourists and the lively bustle of the shops. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they were impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden and enjoyed matcha at the tea house on Nakajima Island. Since they said they could return to their hotel on their own after shopping and dining in Ginza, we parted ways at Shimbashi Station. As I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi～Harajuku180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji210JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Ueno Park

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Ueno Park

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 No-show, so called and found out that they had changed hotels, tour started at 8:30
    • 8:30 @Sensoji Temple
    • 9:30 @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:00 @Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 @Shibuya
    • 14:00 @Ueno Park
    • 14:30 Dismissed @Ueno Park

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Because of a no-show at the meeting point, I called the guests and found that they were at a nearby hotel, so I moved there and started the tour (30 minutes late). The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and I guided them to Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine and Harajuku, and Shibuya, finishing with the tour ending at Ueno Park. They had already visited temples in Kyoto and had a goshuin stamp book, and they were delighted to receive additional goshuin stamps at the places we visited. One of the guests was looking for a vinyl record by a Japanese artist, so I guided them to Tower Records in Shibuya, where they found what they were looking for and were overjoyed.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShibuya～Ueno0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Seky

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    Request Booking

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Monkey Park

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Monkey Park

    Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Seikoro Ryokan) .The start was delayed due to the customer's circumstances. Originally scheduled to start at 8:00.(Breakfast was delayed)
    • 8:30-9:30 Travel (Keihan Electric Railway; Kiyomizu-Gojo → Gion-Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Kyoto-Kawaramachi → Arashiyama)
    • 9:30-10:30 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 10:30-11:30 Arashiyama walk & sightseeing (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Garden [Sogenchi Garden], Bamboo Grove)
    • 11:30-12:20 Travel (Keifuku Electric Railroad; Arashiyama → Randen Tenjingawa, Subway; Uzumasa Tenjingawa → Shijo)
    • 12:20-12:30 Travel (on foot; Karasuma-Shijo → Nishiki Market)
    • Took the customer to Nishiki Market at 12:30 and ended the tour there.　　After finishing, we said goodbye to the customer.

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Nishiki Market The guests were a group visiting from North America. We visited the Arashiyama Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple (Sogen-chi Garden), and the bamboo grove, and afterward I took them to Nishiki Market. The tour took place in unfortunate rainy weather. I had been worried that the poor weather would keep the monkeys sheltering in the woods and that they would not come out, but this concern proved unfounded. The guests enjoyed feeding the monkeys. This tour was originally scheduled to start at 8:00, but the guests' breakfast ran late, so we actually began 30 minutes behind schedule. For this reason, we also pushed the finishing time back by 30 minutes, ending the tour at 12:30.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

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

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    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

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    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

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    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:10 Advance explanation of the auction, guide to the fresh tuna auction area, observation and explanation of the buying and selling of seafood other than tuna
    • 05:30 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:10 Stroll around the Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:10 Disband at the Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is a Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Market Private Morning Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were a group from North America. One of them worked in the food industry, and they had chosen to watch the tuna auction on their first day in Japan. Since they requested to observe the Japanese fish market and auction in detail, I proposed meeting at the main gate of Toyosu Market to save tour time, which they kindly accepted. Thanks to this, we were able to secure the best spot (right above the place where the frozen tuna auction begins first), allowing them to watch the tuna auction up close, and they were deeply impressed. One of the guests mentioned not being very fond of sushi, but was encouraged with the words "Japanese sushi is completely different from sushi in North America," and tried a sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside the market. This guest remarked on sensing the professionalism in the brisk movements of the chef preparing the sushi right in front of them, and was moved by how delicious it was. They were amazed, saying "I had never eaten real sushi until now," and told me "I have come to love sushi." While eating, they enjoyed themselves greatly, asking the chef about nikiri sauce and more. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I showed them the wholesale shops, and we were lucky enough to pass in front of a shop just as they were about to break down a fresh tuna, so they were able to see a fresh tuna right before their eyes, which delighted them. At a shop selling dried goods for dashi, they sampled three types of dashi packets, bought two of them, and looked forward to making miso soup back home. Finally, I guided them to a knife specialty shop, where one purchased a santoku knife for their own cooking, and another bought a meat-cutting knife as a souvenir, and they seemed very satisfied. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests to JGA In early December the volume of tuna at auction had decreased, but toward the end of the year a large quantity of tuna is put up for auction for the New Year, and I believe it was the largest volume of tuna auction I had ever guided. As a result, the auction was more lively than usual, and I found myself guiding with some excitement of my own. Since a request for tourists to refrain from visiting had just been issued for the Tsukiji Outer Market, I explained this situation to the guests, gained their understanding, and guided them through the outer market. However, perhaps because it was an early morning visit, there were few shoppers, and we were able to stroll around with ease. That said, the number of general shoppers seemed larger than usual, so I imagine it probably became crowded after 9:00. In that sense, I felt that ending the tour at 8:00 was good timing. It turned out that one of the guests had worked in the same location abroad during the same period as my own time working overseas, and we first hit it off talking about local cuisine there, so we were able to begin the tour in a very friendly atmosphere. For me too, it was a fun tour that brought back nostalgic memories of that cuisine.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market／Toei Bus～Tsukiji 6-chome／Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market Seafood Wholesale Building & Tsukiji Uogashi

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market Seafood Wholesale Building & Tsukiji Uogashi

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at Hotel Ginza 6-chome
    • 5:15 Toyosu Market Seafood Wholesale Building
    • 6:30 Toyosu Market Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • 7:00 Breakfast at Sushi Dai (2 guests only)
    • 7:45 Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 8:15 Dismissal at Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Tuna Auction Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia who had been to Japan several times before. On this trip they also planned to visit Kusatsu Onsen. They had long been interested in seeing the tuna auction, so they observed it carefully until 6:25. I received many questions about the supply chain, the issue of passing down expert appraisal skills, freezing technology, prices, and more. They wanted to have breakfast at Sushi Dai, so we headed to the shop in the intermediate wholesalers' building, but there was no availability until 11:30. Fortunately, there was space for two, and since I stepped out, they were able to be seated right away, which was very lucky. At Tsukiji I guided them around the fish market. At Kitani, the tuna butchering was just about to begin, and by purchasing tuna myself, I made it possible for the guests to take photographs. We agreed that they would explore the outer market freely, and we parted ways there. I believe their long-held wishes were fulfilled: they were able to see the tuna auction they had wanted to see, and to enjoy sushi at Sushi Dai (which the guests described as "unthinkably inexpensive compared to their home country").

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    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, Norway, 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

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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