Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:09. Kobe Port Terminal
    • 9:30-10:10 Ikuta Shrine
    • 10:30-11:30 Kobe Harborland
    • 11:45-12:45 Nankinmachi

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I took them to Ikuta Shrine, where we prayed for a safe journey at Daikai Shrine and the main hall. We had planned to take the bus to Harborland, but the bus did not come for a while, so we headed to Harborland by taxi instead. After viewing the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, we went to Mosaic. When the guests found a vintage shop and were looking at it very enthusiastically together, I asked about it and learned that they run a vintage shop themselves, and they taught me a great deal. In Chinatown, when I took them to a secondhand kimono shop, they again found a record store and browsed around. I brought them to the shuttle bus stop for the ship 15 minutes early, and they returned to the ship. It was a very rewarding tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30@Meeting@Hotel at universal Studio Osaka
    • 9:20-12:00 @ Osaka Castle
    • 12:30-13:20 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:40-14:10 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 14:40 Dismissal@Nishikujo Station

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had traveled in Japan the previous year, including Osaka, but without a guide they had not been able to learn about the history and culture, so they returned. On the day of the tour, they took their time enjoying Osaka Castle Main Tower and the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum, both of which had been reserved online, and also enjoyed the fair at Shitennoji Temple and the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. Due to light rain and the fatigue of a long trip, we limited the planned visit to the Umeda Sky Building to photographing it from a distance, but it seemed to be a fulfilling day that made up for their lingering regret from the previous year. I saw them off at the station nearest their accommodation and the tour ended without any trouble.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUniversal City~Osaka200JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Section 5SubwayNamba (Subway)~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Section 6TrainOsaka~Nishikujo180JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae
    • 9:40~10:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:10~12:10 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30~14:00 Gion Shirakawa, Hanamikoji, Gion Kaikan, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park
    • 14:10~15:00 Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka – Kiyomizu-dera  Dismissal

    What Does a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and they had arrived in Kyoto via Tokyo the day before. We were able to follow the course requested by the guests as planned, visiting Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Gion, Maruyama Park, and Kiyomizu-dera. The guests were impressed by how clean and well-maintained everything was, with no litter to be found either in the city streets or at the tourist sites. We talked about many topics along the way, including Japanese history, the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the relationship between the shogun and the emperor, and Japanese customs and lifestyles, and the guests enjoyed the sightseeing throughout. While taking frequent breaks, the guests took many photographs in spots where the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and they were delighted to be able to make it all the way to Kiyomizu-dera to pay their respects.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 3SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 5TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Roppongi Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Roppongi Station & Ginza Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 9:10 Depart Roppongi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 9:10 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:20 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ueno Park
    • 12:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihonbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 12:20 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:30 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:40 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Hibiya Chanter
    • 14:20 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Ginza Station
    • Ginza Ginza 4-chome and others
    • 14:50 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Roppongi Station
    • 15:00 Disband: Roppongi Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, one visiting Japan for the first time and one returning after about 30 years. The main purpose of this trip was a celebratory journey. They had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight the previous night and planned to stay in Japan for an extended period, spending some days in Tokyo before leisurely visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then returning to Tokyo before flying home. The next day they planned to sightsee in the city, and the day after they planned a day trip to Mount Fuji. They expressed a wish to visit the main spots that give a sense of what Tokyo is like. One of the guests enjoyed photography as a hobby. In the morning we had light rain, but the weather was fairly warm during the tour. First, we went to Tsukiji. Although it was a market holiday, it was quite crowded, and we strolled leisurely through the market area. I explained the history of the fish market since the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems there are many tourists." As a result, they tried grilled eel and tuna sushi. After this, we went to Asakusa. The grounds of Senso-ji Temple were crowded with tourists and student groups, partly because it was a Sunday. I explained the history of Senso-ji and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, what Buddhism is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the main religions of Japan?", "How many Christians are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" We moved on to Ueno Park and strolled along Sakura Street. The weeping cherry trees at the entrance were nearly in full bloom, but the cherry trees along the street were only just beginning to bloom. There were many food stalls out, and we browsed as we walked. We then moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the Imperial family, World War II and the Tokyo air raids, and how the stone walls were built. There were questions and comments such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political authority?", "Who is the next Emperor?", "Can a woman become Emperor?", and "How many members of the Imperial family are there in total?" The guests seemed very interested in the Japanese Imperial family. After this, since they very much wanted to have lunch, we went to a shopping complex in Hibiya. After browsing around, they chose a restaurant, and remarked, "We can finally take a break." We then went to Ginza and strolled leisurely along the pedestrian street. They commented that it was full of famous European shops. There were comments and questions such as "The whole town is clean, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are beautiful and clean," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" They also had various questions about the spots they should visit the following day. I saw them off at Roppongi Station, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRoppongi~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 6TrainHibiya~Ginza180JPY
    Section 7TrainGinza~Roppongi180JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    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
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour

    Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:15 Welcome at Tsukiji Outer Market 11:30 Hamarikyu 13:00 Meiji Shrine 14:15 Kagurazaka 15:30 Chidorigafuchi 17:00 End at Asakusa Station

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Kagurazaka, and Chidorigafuchi The guest was a visitor from Europe. On the day of the tour, my private tour began after the guest had taken part in a Tsukiji food tour. The guest loved Japan and, as requested, enjoyed Japanese sweets and matcha at Hamarikyu Gardens. The guest was in high spirits throughout and could hardly stop talking. The guest loved Japanese scenery and took many photos. The guest was fond of Kagurazaka, an area not many tourists visit, and also shared some stories related to "geisha." It was a little early for cherry blossom viewing, but when we went to Chidorigafuchi, there were several cherry trees in full bloom, which delighted the guest. Although we walked quite a long distance, the guest showed no signs of fatigue, and we parted with a smile.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiodome~Shimbashi190JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Iidabashi210JPY
    Section 4TrainIidabashi~Kudanshita180JPY
    Section 5TrainHanzomon~Asakusa210JPY
    Total970JPY

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Meiji-jingumae Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Meiji-jingumae Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
    • 9:10 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 10:15 Depart Tobu Asakusa Station
    • (Tobu Skytree Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive Tokyo Skytree Station
    • Oshiage Tokyo Skytree
    • 11:30 Depart Tokyo Skytree Station
    • (Tobu Skytree Line)
    • 11:35 Arrive Tobu Asakusa Station
    • 11:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Yoyogi-Uehara Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Gotokuji Station
    • Gotokuji Lunch: Hidakaya
    • 13:00 Depart Yamashita Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • 13:05 Arrive Miyanosaka Station
    • Gotokuji Gotokuji Temple
    • 13:30 Depart Miyanosaka Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • 13:35 Arrive Yamashita Station
    • 13:40 Depart Gotokuji Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Yoyogi-Uehara Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 14:10 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • 15:00 Disband: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Skytree, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan. Originally, another member of the party was also supposed to join, but due to a sudden change in work commitments, they were unable to come along. This was their trip to Japan, and they had arrived at Haneda Airport early this morning on a flight, having just reached their hotel. This time, they were visiting Japan for eight days. After staying in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Osaka, and after their stay there, return home from Kansai Airport. They said, "We've heard all sorts of things about Osaka, so we really want to go." The tour took place under cloudy skies, in weather that was almost warm. In line with their wishes, we first went to Asakusa. Despite it being a weekday, the grounds of Sensoji Temple were extremely crowded with tourists and groups of students on school trips. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what Buddhism is," and "the differences between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots. We strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Christians are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" We moved on to Tokyo Skytree. Despite the clear conditions elsewhere, thick clouds hung low, and we were unable to see Mount Fuji. The guests remarked, "We've learned that Tokyo, like our home area, is a vast city." The guests did some shopping at a character goods shop, mentioning being a longtime fan of Japanese anime. After this, the guests said, "We still haven't had a proper breakfast, so we'd like to have lunch somewhere," so we stopped at a ramen restaurant in Gotokuji along the way. The guests enjoyed "tonkotsu ramen," "gyoza," and "spring rolls." We then walked to Gotokuji Temple. We strolled through the grounds of Gotokuji Temple. They mentioned that they actually prefer dogs to cats. They purchased a "cat figurine" and a "pendant" as souvenirs. We moved on to Harajuku, which was fairly crowded with tourists. At Meiji Shrine, I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why the sake barrels are displayed," and "why the wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, and the guests eagerly took photos. We moved on to Shibuya. They said, "We plan to take our time exploring Shibuya tomorrow." There were comments and questions such as "The city is so clean, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean, and it's rare for them to be free," and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" We parted ways in front of Shibuya Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Skytree~Asakusa160JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Yoyogi-Uehara260JPY
    Section 5TrainYoyogi-Uehara~Gotokuji170JPY
    Section 6TrainYamashita (Tokyo)~Miyanosaka160JPY
    Section 7TrainMiyanosaka~Yamashita (Tokyo)160JPY
    Section 8TrainGotokuji~Yoyogi-Uehara170JPY
    Section 9TrainYoyogi-Uehara~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 10TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total1,860JPY

    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
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 9:10 Don Quijote, 3D cat
    • 9:35 Meiji Shrine, purchase goshuincho (stamp book)
    • 10:30 Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:20 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:20 Disband at 7-Eleven on the 1st floor of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America and stayed in Tokyo for a few days before continuing on to Asia. The trip was arranged around a family celebration, and relatives from various places were also planning to gather at the family home. Although the guests had joined a bus tour in Tokyo with family about ten years earlier, they had almost no memory of it, recalling only eating ice cream in the cold weather. This trip was effectively their first real experience of sightseeing in Tokyo. In advance, the guests had asked by email to hear some Japanese scary stories, so I introduced urban legends such as "Hanako-san of the toilet" and "Kuchisake-onna," complete with gestures — though these were all met with calm indifference, and my animated storytelling may have been scarier than the tales themselves. By the time we reached Tsukiji, the final stop on the planned itinerary, the tour time had already passed, but since the guests felt uneasy about Tokyo's complex railway network, I guided them all the way to their accommodation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Higashi-ginza220JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00  From Hatchobori ➡ to Miyajimaguchi by Hiroden streetcar. (Customer's request)
    • 2. 10:20  To Miyajima by ferry
    • 3. 12:00  Stone torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine
    • 4. 12:40  Lunch at Yamaichi Bekkan
    • 5. 14:00  From Miyajimaguchi ➡ to Atomic Bomb Dome by Hiroden streetcar
    • 6. 15:10  Dome, Monument to the Mobilized Students, Children's Peace Monument, Cenotaph
    • 7. 16:20  Peace Memorial Museum
    • 8. 16:30  Customers explore the city on their own

    Title: What Is a Private Peace Memorial Tour in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Europe. The previous year, some of the guests had visited the peace memorial museum and strongly recommended that they go. The day before, I received a message on a messaging app asking, "Where should we go in the city in the afternoon?" So I let them know the places we would visit today in March. I had listed the cenotaph and the dome among them, but they said that since they had gone there the day before, today they only wanted to hear the explanations. However, when I said, "I will explain in detail, so please listen," and began my explanation, the guests listened very attentively. In particular, one of the guests asked, "Were there no disabilities among children born from marriages of atomic bomb survivors?" and remarked, "Many people from the Korean Peninsula were also exposed to the bombing." Another of the guests was more interested in trying tempura for the first time than in the topic of the bombing. They also said that Japanese culture is fascinating because old and new coexist. Among the dishes, they said that Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was delicious.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Miyajimaguchi Port240JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Port~Atomic Bomb Dome/Hiroshima Electric Railway Bus240JPY
    Total480JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima: Museum & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Museum & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Ujina Port Cruise Ship Terminal, Welcome
    • 9:10-9:30 Travel by taxi to Peace Memorial Park
    • 9:30-10:45 Peace Memorial Park, guided tour of each monument begins
    • 10:45-12:00 Museum
    • 12:00-12:15 Travel by taxi to Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:15-12:45 Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:45-13:00 Travel by taxi to the downtown lunch venue
    • 13:00 Tour ends

    # What's a Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe, enjoying a cruise ship journey together. Because the ship had stopped at a port the previous day, immigration procedures were required upon arrival, and disembarkation took considerable time, possibly due to a shortage of staff handling the process. I was worried about the delay, but the guests were only about 10 minutes behind schedule, and we were able to meet up and depart. After visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, the somewhat solemn atmosphere was gently eased by the cherry blossoms at Shukkeien Garden, where the blooming had been declared three days earlier. This private tour with a government-licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) allowed the guests to experience both the historical significance and the seasonal beauty of Hiroshima. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Glass Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Owakudani & Glass Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 Owakudani
    • 11:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 13:30 Glass Museum
    • 15:00 Tour ends at the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from North America. After visiting Japan last year and touring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, they had come to love Japan so much that this time they came specifically to stay in Hakone. During their stay they took the shinkansen to Tokyo for sightseeing and shopping, and they planned to join a Mount Fuji tour afterward. This Hakone tour took place in between those activities. We first headed to Owakudani, where the guests were amazed by the volcanic scenery and were very satisfied after trying the local specialty. After taking the pirate ship to Motohakone Port, we made our way to Hakone Shrine. There I explained Shinto, the influence it has had on Japanese culture, and the way of worship, and the guests seemed deeply impressed, purchasing many good-luck charms. Unfortunately, due to the cloudy sky, we were unable to see Mount Fuji, but they were scheduled to join a Mount Fuji tour afterward. In the afternoon we visited a glass museum, where the guests, who love art, were delighted and also purchased a number of accessories.

    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.

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

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

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

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