Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing & Parco 6th Floor)
    • 11:40 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 13:30 Disband @ Yoroiya Ramen

    Title: What Can You Do on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Covering Shibuya and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they wanted to see places the younger members of the group would enjoy, I first took them to Shibuya. We crossed the Scramble Crossing and went to the 6th floor of Parco, where they browsed anime goods they liked. After that, we went to Asakusa at the group's request, where they enjoyed shopping along Nakamise as well as dango and ningyo-yaki. They listened attentively to explanations such as the difference between shrines and temples, and showed great interest in Japanese culture. Unfortunately it was rainy and cold, so I took them to a ramen shop before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi~Shibuya330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total590JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet up @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo
    • 2.9:30 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.10:40 @ Asakusa
    • 4.12:30 Lunch @ Sushizanmai in front of Shibuya Tokyu Main Store
    • 5.13:20 @ Shibuya Crossing
    • 6.13:40 @ Takeshita Street
    • 7.15:00 @ Omotesando

    Title: What's a Private Family Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku The guests were a family visiting from North America. They planned to go skiing in Niseko the following week. Tsukiji was less crowded than expected. Although I had been advised to keep guiding to a minimum there, the itinerary had already been set, so I explained this to the guests and proceeded. One of the guests tried wagyu beef and was delighted by how delicious it was. The guests enjoyed strawberry candy, and the family bought strawberries as well as tableware and chopsticks. At Asakusa, they drew omikuji fortunes and were happy that everyone received good luck. After visiting the temple, we had sushi in Shibuya, which they said was very delicious. Afterward, they wanted to purchase Labubu and Sonny Angel character goods on Takeshita Street, so I took them to a shop where they were able to buy them. After enjoying sweets in Harajuku and visiting a mini pig café, the guests mentioned there was a vintage shop they wanted to visit in Omotesando, so I guided them there, explained how to get back to their hotel, and ended the tour. The weather was lovely, making it a great day for a walking tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAkasaka-mitsuke~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total880JPY

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

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

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

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 8:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:40 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo
    • 10:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:40 Lunch at Doi Katsuman Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk ~ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 14:00 Gion Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji Street
    • 14:30 Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since it was the start of the winter holidays, I had expected large crowds, but surprisingly none of the sites were very busy, which was fortunate. Kiyomizu-dera was relatively quiet, so we were able to explore at a relaxed pace. On Sannenzaka, the guests bought a Kiyomizu-yaki plate as a souvenir. One of the guests had wanted to see the Yasaka Pagoda and was delighted to see it. Kinkaku-ji was also relatively uncrowded, and we were able to take beautiful photos. For lunch, at the guests' request, we went to an eel restaurant, and they were very pleased. They mentioned that eel is also eaten in their home region, and we had a lively conversation about their local cuisine. Afterward, the bamboo grove in Arashiyama was especially beautiful, with the greenery glistening after the rain had cleared. I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed the day.

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet-up
    • 9:10 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:10 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:10 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:10 Gion
    • 12:30 Shijo Station Disband

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from Europe who had visited Kyoto two years earlier. This was the first day of a stay in Kyoto lasting about a week. The guest tended to be reserved and usually travels alone. When I offered to take some photos, the guest said they did not need pictures of themselves, but took many photos to share on social media for family and friends. The guest planned to spend the time spontaneously, without any fixed itinerary. We parted after I let them know they could contact me anytime if they ran into any trouble during their stay.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo180JPY
    Section 3BusMuseum Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total790JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:50 Start from Hotel Granvia
    • Transfer by bus to Kiyomizu-dera
    • AM 10:15-12:00 Sightseeing from Yasaka Pagoda to Kiyomizu-dera
    • PM 12:00-13:00 Lunch at Sannenzaka, sightseeing in the Gion area
    • Transfer by train to Nijo Castle
    • PM 13:30 -14:30 Sightseeing at Nijo Castle
    • Transfer by train to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 15:00-15:30 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari, end of tour

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Body: The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, and it had been a long time since some of them had last visited Japan. They traveled by connecting trains from the Shin-Imamiya area in Osaka to Kyoto to join the tour, and our meeting took place about 17 minutes after the scheduled start time. It was unfortunate that we were unable to view the interior of the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle, but the guests enjoyed Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari. At these sites, some of the guests drew omikuji fortunes and tried the Omokaru-ishi stone and the Benkei staff, which they enjoyed. Since we went over time at the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari, I explained the return route via the Y-shaped junction, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station Front/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto230JPY
    Section 5TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    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。

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Nol Kyoto Sanjo, departure ➡ Guided tour of the surrounding area on foot (Nishiki Market, etc.) ➡ By taxi to Kinkaku-ji (11:30~12:20) ➡ By taxi to Ryoan-ji (12:40-13:30) ➡ By taxi to Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, after arrival guided tour of the surrounding area on foot ➡ Soba lunch (14:40-15:10) ➡ Tenryu-ji garden → Bamboo forest → Kameyama Park → Katsura River (15:20~16:30) ➡ By the Katsura River, see off the guest departing by taxi, end (16:30)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Taxi Tour of the Western Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family from North America who love Japan. It was their second visit to Kyoto, and since they had explored the Higashiyama area on their first trip, this time they wanted to see the western part of the city. During our prior communication, we arranged to travel entirely by taxi. By late December, the number of tourists had decreased at every site we visited, which made sightseeing comfortable and taking photos easy. Along the way, whenever they spotted an appealing bakery they would immediately buy and enjoy some bread, and they thoroughly enjoyed food throughout the day with ice cream and coffee as well.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 meeting with your guide in the central gate of the JR Hiroshima station
    • (I will be there with your name board.)
    • 10:30〜11:40 transfer from Hiroshima to Miyajima island through JR train and JR ferry
    • 12:00〜14:30 Miyajima (Itsukushima shrine, lunch, Omotesando shoping street)
    • 14:30〜15:30 transfer from Miyajima island to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park through JR ferry, JR train and Hiroden tram)
    • 15:30〜18:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Atomic Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monument,
    • Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum)
    • 18:30 End of the Tour at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia and Europe, who had arrived in Hiroshima separately the day before the tour and met up together. We exchanged emails several times in advance, and I created the itinerary according to their wishes. For most of the group, it was their first visit to Japan. Blessed with clear weather, they thoroughly enjoyed the Miyajima and Hiroshima tour. They were delighted with the tempura they ate in Miyajima, finding it delicious. At the Peace Memorial Park, in addition to sharing the account of the atomic bombing that I had heard from my grandfather, I explained in considerable detail why Hiroshima became the site of the bombing and why it happened on August 6, 1945. At the Atomic Bomb Museum, some of the guests seemed quite shocked by the exhibits. Overall, I believe it turned out to be a very good tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi Port~Miyajima100JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)330JPY
    Section 4OtherYokogawa Station~Atomic Bomb Dome▶️220JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    My name is Takashi Koizumi. I work as a nationally licensed tour guide, based in Tokyo. Please allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. I obtained an MA in Peace Studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK. I worked in war-torn areas in the former-Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo for 15 years between 1996and 2011, engaging in peacemaking and inter-ethnic reconciliation issues through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I worked in the Tohoku region affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for four years from 2012 and 2016, engaging in a long-term NGO recovery program.

    In 2019, I changed my career, starting to work as a licensed tour guide registered in Tokyo Metropolis. Since then, I have covered more than 180 one-day tours and 21 long tours lasting for more than 10 days. Regions where I have worked cover large parts of Japanese archipelago, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Hokkaido, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Marugame and Fukuoka.

    As an excellent tour guide for international tourists, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, culture, and history in Japan. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the rich tapestry of these aspects.

    I tailor my tours to suit the interest and preferences of each group. By understanding your preferences through informal conversation, I curate personalized itineraries that satisfy your needs.

    Through my extensive oversea experience, I am well-versed in cross-cultural communication. I am also fully aware of the challenges that international tourists often face in Japan.

    Furthermore, I am committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and respect throughout the tour. I educate guests on appropriate behavior, dress codes, and etiquette when visiting religious and cultural facilities such as Buddhis temples, Shinto shrines, and Japanese gardens.

    In conclusion, through my in-depth knowledge of religion, culture and history, personalized itineraries, and commitment to cultural sensitivity, you can expect unforgettable and excellent experiences that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.

    I am looking forward to meeting you.

    Best regards,

    Takashi

    Nov 6, 2025
    janhN5861ZU
    Excellent way to see Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takashi was our travel guide for a…

    Aug 27, 2025
    753lourdesh
    Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking…

    Jun 22, 2025
    pkj1909
    Wonderful & a memorable Trip
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We were assigned Mr.…

    Dec 31, 2024
    andreslau84
    Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What an amazing day with Takashi, he…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku area

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Takeshita Street
    • 16:20 Shinjuku area
    • 17:00 Tour ends in Shibuya

    Title: What's a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like for a Multi-Generational Family? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting from North America, spanning three generations. Based on our advance discussion, we first walked toward Meiji Shrine. Along the way, the group became interested in an event being held at Yoyogi Park and mentioned they would like to return another day to see it. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese people and Japanese culture, and the proper way to worship. Although the group already had some partial knowledge of Japanese religion, they were pleased that everything came together into a more complete understanding. A wedding ceremony happened to be taking place within the shrine grounds, and the group was delighted to witness this rich, traditional culture. They also purchased charms and goshuincho (stamp books), saying they would like to continue collecting stamps in Kyoto, which was very well received. Afterward, on Takeshita Street, the group was amazed by aspects of the culture not seen in North America, and they expressed a wish to return to visit an animal cafe. In Shinjuku, I took them to the Godzilla statue and the 3D cat advertisement, both of which they had requested in advance. The tour concluded at Shibuya Station.

    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…

  • Tokyo: Reception for the special & Advance explanation of the auction

    Tokyo: Reception for the special & Advance explanation of the auction

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the main gate of Toyosu Market (fresh fish)
    • 05:05 Reception for the special tour
    • 05:15 Advance explanation of the auction
    • 05:45 Watch the fresh tuna auction up close from the special viewing floor
    • 06:16 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:10

    Title: What Is a Private Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Market Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family group visiting Japan, with some members residing in Oceania and others in North America. In their emails before the tour, they had requested a special viewing to observe the tuna auction up close, so I introduced them to the Tokyo lottery application website and had them apply as a party of five including myself as the guide. They won the lottery, so they were able to enjoy the powerful auction from a distance of about two meters. The sight of a large number of glistening fresh tuna lined up was spectacular, and the guests were deeply impressed. At the general fish market on the opposite side of the auction area, large quantities of yellowtail were being sold in preparation for New Year, and when I explained that yellowtail, a fish known for changing names as it grows, is welcomed at New Year, they found the concept of such fish fascinating. After the auction viewing, I guided them to a sushi restaurant inside the market, where they enjoyed a sushi breakfast. Each member of the group enjoyed different options, such as an all-tuna set, a themed omakase, and the restaurant's recommended sushi. One of the guests who had the all-tuna set was delighted, saying it was the most delicious tuna they had ever tasted. At a wholesaler in the Tsukiji Outer Market, a TV crew happened to be filming the butchering of a tuna, and the guests were able to watch a fresh tuna of around 200 kilograms being cut. At a shop dealing in dried goods for making dashi stock, they sampled the dashi and purchased packs of the dashi they liked. The Tokyo special auction viewing website has a confusing structure, and the guests tried to apply many times. On each occasion, I explained the process by email, and they were able to successfully complete the lottery application. Because they won after all that effort, they shared the winning email with me with great excitement and looked forward to viewing the auction. Thanks to this, I feel it was good that I was able to build a good relationship with the guests before the tour. Since I have experienced the special viewing several times in the past, they thanked me and said that my help with the advance application and the explanations on the day were greatly appreciated. Also, since visitors are guided to the special viewing area in order of arrival on the day, I proposed meeting at Toyosu Market at 5:00 when the reception opens, and the guests kindly cooperated, so we were able to secure the very best pole position, which they were pleased with.

    Transportation cost per person

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

    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!

    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.
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    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
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  • Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Dotonbori

    Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Mercure Tokyu Syat Osaka Namba
    • 10:30 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 13:45 @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 15:30 @ Dotonbori
    • 16:15 Dismissal @ Dotonbori

    What's a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and all of them were very good walkers, so the tour itself proceeded smoothly. All of them seemed to enjoy taking photos, frequently pressing the shutter not only at sightseeing spots but also to capture the scenes of the city. Everyone listened attentively and with great interest to the guide's explanations, and I received many questions. At Kuromon Market, one of the guests took a great liking to "black bean tea" and purchased a large amount as souvenirs. At the souvenir shop in "Miraiza," attached to Osaka Castle, some of the guests also purchased a large number of souvenirs. I presented handmade drawstring pouches made by the guide's sister to some of the guests, who were delighted. Everyone wished to have ramen for a late lunch, so I guided them to a ramen shop in the Sennichimae shopping street near Dotonbori, also known as "Ramen Street," where we parted ways. One of the guests today was very cheerful, and we enjoyed exchanging jokes, which made for a fun and lively tour.

    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
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