Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ueno

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ueno

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:30 Tsukiji
    • 12:50 Asakusa
    • 14:00 Ueno
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ Akihabara

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara Body: The guests were visitors from North America. I had let them know in advance that we would have to skip Tsukiji this time, but since they said they would go there on their own later, we went just to check the location. When I asked at the information desk, they said it would be fine as long as we did not walk around while eating, so we took a quick look around and enjoyed wagyu beef and sashimi in front of the shops. Since the guests wanted to visit historical places, we then went to Asakusa and Ueno. Unfortunately, the Tokyo National Museum was closed because it was a Monday, so they plan to visit again another time. As the guests also enjoy Japanese anime, I took them to Akihabara, introduced them to the Radio Kaikan and Animate, and we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Akihabara150JPY
    Total720JPY

    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…

  • Hokkaido: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Hokkaido: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 10:30-11:30 Yoichi Nikka Whisky tasting, shop
    • 12:00 Otaru Canal
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch at Takeno Sushi
    • 13:30-15:00 Shopping at Sakaimachi Street
    • 15:15-15:50 Tanaka Sake Brewery tour, tasting
    • 17:00 Arrive at hotel

    What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Asia. It was their first time in Hokkaido, and although it was a snowy and cold day, they spent it comfortably without any trouble. Since there were many photo spots, they enjoyed taking pictures and shopping. As they enjoy alcohol, they were pleased to be able to sample whisky and sake. They mentioned that the next day they planned to go snowmobiling and visit the Sapporo Beer Garden, and since the day after that would be free, they asked for advice. I recommended a ski resort and an onsen resort within Sapporo City.

    Hello I’m Hiroko.
    I started tour guide in 2017. I work not only in Hokkaido but also in Honshu area.
    Last year
    Freelance tour guide-operates over 120 days of operation.
    8 times of long -term escort tour in Hokkaido. 4 times of 8-10days in Honshu.
    12 times of Cruise guests’ one day excursions in Hokkaido and Tohoku. I love my job.
    Until then I’ve worked as a short-term study abroad coordinator of an English language School in Japan and Canada.
    I was born and brought up in Sapporo, I’m good at skiing.
    I majored Japanese history at college in Tokyo. I like Calligraphy.
    Let’s enjoy the tour together!

    Aug 11, 2024
    M
    Miller A
    Good intro to Sapporo
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide was very knowledgeable…

    May 24, 2024
    Brian_K
    Sapporo with guide
    Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and…

  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:50 Toyosu Market: wholesale shops, restaurant street, Senkyaku Banrai, seafood market
    • 12:10 Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:00 Disband @ Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour to Toyosu and Tsukiji for a group visiting from North America, Asia, and Oceania. We traveled by bus, but because the group's departure from the Hotel was delayed, we ended up using a bus other than the one originally planned. Since the intermediate wholesale shops at Toyosu tend to close around 11:00, we went there first, where the guests bought rice crackers and other items. As they enjoyed shopping, they purchased a variety of things at the souvenir shops in the Senkyaku Banrai complex. After that, we visited the seafood wholesale market, and the guests took an interest in the hand signals used during the auctions. Because some in the group walked at a slower pace, we could not catch the bus we had planned to take, and walking to another bus stop looked difficult for them, so we ended up waiting about 20 minutes for the next bus in strong winds. At Tsukiji, the guests bought large quantities of wasabi bean snacks and other treats. When I heard they wanted to eat sushi at Tsukiji before heading back, I took them to a favorite sushi restaurant, confirmed that they could return to the Hotel on foot, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGinza 4-chome / Toei Bus~Shin-Toyosu Station / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusShijomae Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at EDITION Ginza, depart by taxi
    • 9:10 Tsukiji Fish Market
    • 11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Disband at Tsukiji 4-chome Intersection

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji Market Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before and had signed up for the tour to show the others around Tsukiji. We first walked through the fish market area, then enjoyed sushi topped with fatty tuna (otoro), conger eel (anago), sea urchin (uni), a rolled omelet made with dashi and truffle, fried chicken, Shine Muscat grapes, and Amaou strawberries, which we savored on the third floor. They also purchased a large quantity of dashi stock as souvenirs. In the outer market as well, they enjoyed sweet potato chips, black sesame soft serve ice cream, and a coffee shop that drew them in with its John Lennon theme. They also purchased chopstick rests, cooking chopsticks, a rice ball mold, T-shirts, and a large amount of beans. For one of the guests, it was their first time visiting the fish market, and they were delighted because it was less crowded and easier to shop compared to the outer market. While there seemed to be few tourists from Asia, despite the request for tourists to refrain from visiting Tsukiji, I did not personally feel that the overall number of visitors had decreased. Since these guests spent a significant amount of money in Tsukiji, I would consider them not merely sightseers but genuine shoppers.

    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

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet up @Meiji Shrine
    • 2.11:00 @Yasukuni Shrine
    • 3.13:00 Lunch @bills Ginza
    • 4.14:30 @Takeshita Street
    • 5.15:00 Disband @Takeshita Street

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Yasukuni, and Takeshita Street The tour was for a group of guests visiting Tokyo. On this day, the group wished to visit places of historical importance. After lunch, the original plan was to go to Asakusa and Kuramae, but since they were scheduled to visit the Skytree the next day, Asakusa and Kuramae were moved to the following day, and instead we changed the plan to visit Takeshita Street. At Meiji Shrine, the group listened to the history of Japan and of shrines, and wrote their wishes on ema plaques to offer them. At Yasukuni Shrine, we visited the Yushukan museum. The kamikaze exhibits seemed to leave a particularly strong impression. For lunch, we went to a restaurant in Ginza. The group followed a plant-based diet, and it was good that the restaurant was able to accommodate this. Afterwards, we went to Takeshita Street, where some of the guests wanted to visit a ninja cafe and others an animal cafe. I guided them to the locations and concluded the tour on Takeshita Street. Although it was a large group, I was glad that everything went smoothly and finished without any trouble.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMeiji-jingumae~Kudanshita210JPY
    Section 2TrainGinza~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total390JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at The B Akasaka
    • 2. 10:20 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:20 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:20 Lunch at Towada
    • 5. 14:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 15:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 16:10 Disband at Akasaka Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, and they asked me to teach them about Japanese culture, history, customs, and how to use the subway. When I explained that the Tokyo subway network was modeled on the London Tube, they seemed a little surprised but understood the connection. Although the weather was unfortunately a bit rainy at times, it did not significantly affect the tour, and we were able to complete the entire planned itinerary, which pleased the guests very much. Since they had requested something Japanese for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant where they could enjoy soba and tendon, and they were delighted with this as well. When they mentioned that they had once lived in a town in Europe, I told them that I had lived in a neighboring town, which surprised them greatly. We were able to finish the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere from beginning to end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka (Tokyo)~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Akasaka (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hilton Kyoto
    • 9:15 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:50 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:00 Gion
    • 12:30 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were experienced travelers, but this was their first time in Japan. Despite some light rain, we were able to complete the planned itinerary. At Fushimi Inari, preparations for the New Year decorations were busily underway, giving a real sense of the year's end. Both guests took a keen interest in Japanese culture, and upon seeing a torii gate within the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, they asked about the difference between Shinto and Buddhism. I explained that, through the historical blending of Shinto and Buddhism, both are religions deeply rooted in the hearts of Japanese people, and that I myself sometimes visit both shrines and temples for the first prayer of the New Year. In Gion, they spotted a maiko walking by and took photos from a distance. Around lunchtime, I took them to Nishiki Market, where we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total850JPY

    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: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station.
    • 09:20 to 10:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 to 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30 to 12:00 Gion
    • 12:40 to 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 to 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America and Oceania. Since their Kyoto tour was only for this one day, they requested to visit the above five locations within six hours. A high school ekiden relay race was being held in Kyoto today, and we were about to get caught in traffic around Kinkaku-ji Temple, but thanks to the driver's quick thinking, we were able to avoid the congestion. We were able to carry out the tour smoothly and just as the guests had requested.

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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

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

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel→9:47 Depart Makishi Monorail Station→9:59 Arrive Shuri Station→10:15 Shuri Castle Park (free area) 11:30→11:53 Depart Shuri Monorail Station→11:55 Arrive Ishimine Station→12:05 Lunch at Okinawan restaurant 13:00→13:15 Depart Ishimine Monorail Station→13:20 Arrive Urasoe-Maeda Station→13:30 Hacksaw Ridge 14:45→15:06 Depart Ishimine Monorail Station→15:26 Arrive Makishi Station→15:36 Hotel

    What Is a Private Walking and Monorail History Tour of Naha, Okinawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the course itinerary had been discussed thoroughly in advance, the tour turned out to be very satisfying. The guests enjoyed history and did not mind walking, so we used only a one-day monorail pass and were still able to learn a great deal about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era and the history of the Battle of Okinawa, which they were very pleased with. For lunch, the guests wished to try local cuisine. For lunch, I selected an Okinawan restaurant and asked the chef in advance to arrange a specially prepared menu. The guests thanked me, saying, "Thank you for choosing this restaurant!", and it became a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMakishi~Shuri290JPY
    Section 2OtherShuri~Ishimine250JPY
    Section 3OtherIshimine~Urasoe-Maeda250JPY
    Section 4OtherUrasoe-Maeda~Makishi320JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9.00 Intercontinental Tokyo Bay
    • 2.9.25-10.00 Imperial Garden From Otemon Gate to Hirakawamon Gate
    • 3.10.30-11.10 Asakusa From Kaminarimon Gate to Nitenmon Gate
    • 4.11.25-12.20 Ueno Park
    • 5.12.30 -14.00 Ramen (Rokurinsha)
    • 6.14.30-15.30 Meiji Jingu
    • 7.16.00 Intercontinental Tokyo Bay

    Title: What Is a Private Minibus Tour of Tokyo Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private chartered minibus tour for a group of guests visiting from North America. During the ride, I explained Japanese history and information about our destinations. With a small number of guests, I can proceed while chatting, but with a larger group the guide needs to keep talking continuously, so at times I ran out of topics, and some guests looked at their smartphones even while I was speaking. I taught them some simple Japanese, talked about the origins of kanji, hiragana, and katakana, shared some of my own English mistakes, and did my best to keep them from getting bored. Ueno Toshogu Shrine has more than 250 stone lanterns, and one of the guests asked, "Do you ever light these?" I was also asked, "Why does the five-story pagoda have five stories?" and I answered, "Because odd numbers are considered lucky numbers. There are also three-story pagodas." (Looking it up later, I learned that the five roofs symbolize earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.) Along the way, the bus we were waiting to meet arrived 20 minutes late, and there was a 40-minute wait at a ramen restaurant, so we ended up returning one hour past the scheduled time, resulting in an extension fee of 6,600 yen. The guests were very endearing, coming to hug me many times and asking to hold hands. We all headed to the hotel singing Christmas songs, and at the end I said, "It's time to say 'Sayonara'" as we parted ways.

    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!

    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…

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    Voyager795644
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    Leslie_B
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    JKing275
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    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…