Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome Eki Tower. Buy a 24-hour ticket at the subway station and start
    • 11:20 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:35 Ueno Station, purchase Welcome Suica
    • 12:50 Akihabara, purchase power adapter
    • 13:45 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, buy snacks at the Seven Palace Building store and eat them at Otemachi Station
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:40 Iidabashi Heart Tree Wedding (wedding consultation) until 18:40
    • 19:15 Disband in front of the Godzilla Building in Shinjuku Kabukicho

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and the Imperial Palace The sky was cloudy, but there was no rain, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At Asakusa, the guests took many photos and enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes. After purchasing a Welcome Suica at Ueno Station, we walked through Akihabara, where they shopped for a power adapter. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, many varieties of cherry blossoms were in bloom, and the guests took plenty of photos. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we went to a wedding information center that had been arranged in advance to fulfill the wish of holding a wedding ceremony in Tokyo, and I provided interpretation. The details of the wedding were finalized, and a contract was signed. The guests expressed their gratitude. I guided them to Shinjuku, where the tour concluded. I received a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNishishinjuku-gochome～Ueno-okachimachi280JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno-hirokoji～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno～Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAkihabara～Takebashi0JPY
    Section 6Free PassOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 7TrainHarajuku～Iidabashi210JPY
    Section 8TrainIidabashi～Shinjuku200JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)8:50 　　　　Meet, take Keihan to Fushimi Inari
    • 2)9:20～10:00　Fushimi Inari, then take Keihan to Sanjusangendo
    • 3)10:30～11:20 Sanjusangendo, then take a taxi to Takashimaya, Nishiki Market
    • 4)11:40～12:40 Takashimaya, Nishiki Market (lunch), then via subway, JR Kyoto, to Arashiyama
    • 5)13:30～14:40 Arashiyama (Tenryuji, Bamboo Grove, Observation Deck, Togetsukyo Bridge), then take a taxi to the hotel
    • 6)Around 15:20, part ways in front of the hotel

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Nishiki Market With the guests, we were able to finalize the itinerary just before the tour by incorporating their wishes, and when I mentioned that this tour would be a little tight on time, they said they didn't mind using a taxi if needed. On the day, since the schedule was tight, I went to the Hotel early and contacted them by SMS, which allowed us to start the tour ten minutes ahead of time. It was the guests' first visit to Japan, and they were both friendly and easygoing, which was a great help. At Fushimi Inari, they tried the Omokaru-ishi stone and were amazed at the sheer number of torii gates. At Sanjusangendo, we took photos with the cherry blossoms that had partly begun to bloom in the background. They were also astonished by the number of Buddhist statues. One of the guests seemed particularly interested and purchased a photo book of Buddhist statues. As one of the guests was interested in Nintendo games, I mentioned the Nintendo game shop at Takashimaya, and since they wanted to go, we visited Takashimaya and Nishiki Market. We had lunch at Nishiki Market (they requested seafood and tempura, and I had lunch as well), shopped at a spice store, and enjoyed some Japanese sweets standing at a shop. In Arashiyama, they took many photos of the flowers blooming at Tenryuji Temple and the bamboo grove. We passed by the observation deck and went to Togetsukyo Bridge, which one of the guests had wished to see, though it turned out to be a little different from what they had imagined. By this point it was around 14:40, so when I suggested that we head back soon, the guests said they would return to the Hotel by taxi. We took a taxi back to the Hotel and said our goodbyes in front of it. They seemed tired at the end, but as we had visited a variety of different types of spots, it appeared they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Request Booking

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Daimon & Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Daimon & Tsukiji

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai
    • 09:30 Daimon
    • 10:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple qqqqqqqand Shrine
    • 11:15 Omotesando
    • 12:00 Tsukiji
    • 13:00 Enfing at Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What Do European Guests Ask on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. Below are some of the questions and comments they shared during a private walking tour in Tokyo, offered through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). 1. European streets are dirty. It's very clean here. I see many seniors cleaning. 2. Our retirement age is 66 and increases every year. 3. What is the minimum wage? 4. We have braille marks, but not everywhere. 5. What's that five-story building over there? 6. Why are they touching the paper lantern? (Kaminari-mon) 7. I want to buy a kimono for a family member who doesn't know much about them. Is there a good kimono shop here, or should I buy in Kyoto? 8. "Matcha" — we have it in Europe too, but sweet. Is real matcha expensive? We're going to a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and I'll buy some if it's worth it. 9. Where is the best place for Sakura? Ueno Park, Nakameguro? Where do you recommend? 10. I work in one country but live in another. 11. My passport surname is very long where I'm from. I'll show you my passport. 12. Family names can be very long where I'm from. After an upcoming marriage, a name will become even longer, as one name is added to another. 13. Oh, are lawmakers that old? Only 14 percent of them are female lawmakers. 14. A family member works in the wine business. 15. We like cars. A family member used to have many vintage cars, 10 or 11.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Omotesando260JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando～Tsukiji180JPY
    Total660JPY

    Tour Report by Hideaki

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Tokyo: Asakusa for Nijubashi

    Tokyo: Asakusa for Nijubashi

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 09:30　Tokyo Tower　Top Deck Tour　For guests only. I will wait at the Main deck
    • 10:30　Depart Tokyo Tower for Asakusa
    • 11:50　Asakusa　Lunch
    • 12:40　Depart Asakusa for Nijubashi
    • 13:00　Nijubashi
    • 13:40　Depart Nijubashi for hotel
    • 14:00　Hotel　Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Family Car Tour of Tokyo and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The itinerary changed several times, which was a little confusing at first, but the guests were a lovely group, and I was able to guide them comfortably. In the car, I talked about a simple overview of Japanese history and the concept of religion in Japan. Since Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa was crowded and I thought it would be difficult to explain things on the spot, I used photos in the car to give explanations beforehand. Because the group was very close and enjoyed each other's company, I worked hard to strike the right balance — not intruding on their time together, while still providing enough explanation so they would feel it was worthwhile to have hired a guide, and I believe it went well. The final part of the itinerary finished early, so I asked where they might like to visit next, but they said they wanted to return to their hotel, so we ended the tour one hour early.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Tomoko

    Hello, my name is Tomoko, I have been an English guide since 2011. I have guided Asakusa, Tokyo SkyTree, Nihonnbashi, Shibuya, Harajyuku, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Ginza, Yanaka, Tsukiji, Hamarikyuu Garden and many places in Tokyo. Public transportation in Tokyo is very complicated, I show the guests how to use public transportation in Tokyo. I will exchange a lot of emails with my guests and according to your requests, I will make itineraries. The tour will be a customized tour only for you. Will you tell me whatever you want to do and whereever you want to visit in Japan? My motto is ‘Enjoy! I am looking forward to guiding you. Thank you.

    Request Booking
  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8am Four Points Flex by Sheraton Tokyo Shibuya West→Shibuya Crossing→9am Meiji Shrine→10:20 am Chidorigafuchi→In front of Kabukiza Theatre→11:20am Tsukiji Outer Market (Lunch)→Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple→1pm Sensoji Temple→2:15 Farewell at Ginza Subway Station

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting at the hotel, we headed to Shibuya Crossing. It was a Sunday morning so there were fewer people, but the guests eagerly snapped many photos. We then made our way to Meiji Shrine. Looking with great interest at the rows of sake barrels donated from breweries across Japan, we proceeded to the main hall. The guests offered a prayer following the two bows, two claps, and one bow that I taught them. At Chidorigafuchi, the cherry blossoms were only about ten percent in bloom, but we found a single tree in full bloom and took photographs. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we enjoyed street food and had lunch at a sushi restaurant. After seeing Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, we visited Senso-ji Temple, where the guests bathed in the incense smoke at the large incense burner. The guests thoroughly enjoyed an authentic side of Japan through shrines, temples, cherry blossoms, and seafood cuisine.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherIkejiri-Ohashi～Shibuya140JPY
    Section 2OtherShibuya～Harajuku145JPY
    Section 3OtherMeiji-jingumae～Hanzomon178JPY
    Section 4OtherHanzomon～Ginza178JPY
    Section 5OtherTsukiji～Ueno178JPY
    Section 6OtherUeno～Asakusa31JPY
    Section 7OtherAsakusa～Ginza209JPY
    Total1,059JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    scottrE3713WR
    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kaz was amazing! Great communication before…

    Aug 27, 2026
    H694KFjoannet
    Great Day in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzen-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the hotel lobby
    • 13:30　Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 15:00　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:00　Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka – Gion stroll
    • 17:00　Tour ends in Gion

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Nanzen-ji and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from North America. They had also come to Japan two years earlier, but on that occasion some of the guests were unable to visit Nanzen-ji, and only part of the group visited. Since it had been a wonderful experience, they wished to return together this time. At Nanzen-ji, there were few people, and the guests were able to take their time exploring in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. We then moved on to Kiyomizu-dera, where they were very surprised by the large number of tourists. On Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, they enjoyed the "Otabe" sweets, and since they had not known about the Ghibli-related shops, they had fun taking photographs. Finally, I guided them to a ramen restaurant in Gion, and the tour came to an end. They seemed satisfied throughout, and it was a very enjoyable tour for me as well.

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

    Tour Report by Umi

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Beforehand, explanation of related information such as tuna capture methods, how the auction proceeds, the collection method, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What's an Early Morning Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Market Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Tour Highlights and Guests' Reactions The guests were a close group visiting Japan from North America. They were looking forward to the tuna auction and eating sushi within the market. On the day, many tuna were laid out at the auction site, and they were deeply impressed by the lively atmosphere of the auction. After watching the auction, they were amazed by the deliciousness of the sushi they enjoyed, and were very satisfied, describing it as "a taste from another world that they had never experienced in North America." At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they enjoyed shopping and purchased a nakiri knife at a long-established Japanese knife shop, which delighted the guests. 2. Other Comments, Notes, and Requests Since it was a Saturday during the spring break period, the Tsukiji Outer Market was crowded with many tourists, including Japanese visitors, and even in the early morning it was a little difficult to make our way through the narrow streets. Further crowding is expected from now through the first week of April.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Toru

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Okura Kyoto, depart by taxi　➡　Ginkaku-ji (11:30~12:20)　➡　By taxi to Nanzen-ji (13:00~13:50)　➡　By subway and Keihan train to Fushimi Inari Taisha (14:30~15:20)　➡　By JR to Kyoto Station　➡　Shopping at Kyoto Station, lunch at a soba restaurant in Miyakomichi (16:10~16:50)　➡　Send off by taxi from in front of Kyoto Station, disband (17:00)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji Body: The guests were a group visiting Japan, with some of the group having traveled from Asia and meeting up in Tokyo before continuing together. On this day in Kyoto, the air was crisp but the weather was fine, and the greenery in the gardens of Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji was beautiful, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It happened to be around the time of a notable diplomatic visit, and the guests asked me what I thought about it. What stayed with me was that one of the guests remarked that they found the related remarks very clever. The guests wanted to try not only taxis but also trains, so we were able to enjoy the subway, private railway lines, and JR. Along the way, the guests also enjoyed a little shopping, including a nail clipper and a hat. It was a pleasure to guide such a friendly and easygoing group through Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    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!!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kifune

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kifune

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Kyoto　
    • 10:00‐10:50　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:50‐11:30　Coffee break @ (I forgot the name.)
    • 12:30‐14:45　Kurama-yama stroll
    • 14:45‐16:00　Kifune stroll (Main Shrine, Inner Shrine, Yui-no-yashiro Shrine)
    • 17：00　Disband @ Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Kinkaku-ji, Kurama, and Kifune Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from Europe. I gathered their requests in advance and prepared a backup plan in case of rain before the tour began. At Kinkaku-ji, some of the guests were busy photographing the scenery. Since there are no lunch spots if one heads toward Kurama, I had suggested in advance that it would be better to have lunch around Kinkaku-ji. When I asked about lunch, they said a coffee break would be enough, so we stopped at a coffee shop on the second floor near Nishioji-dori. We then traveled by bus and the Eizan Railway to Mount Kurama. The guests enjoyed walking in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since they seemed to enjoy hiking, we walked the winding path instead of taking the cable car, resting once along the way. Sitting together on a bench, the guests ate their chocolate bars while I had a light snack. Such experiences are rare, and I enjoyed it very much myself. Along the tree-root path, we all felt like Yoshitsune, carefully walking so as not to step on the roots. Finally, we entered the Okuno-in Mao-den, soaking in the mystical atmosphere, and after finishing Mount Kurama, we moved on to Kifune Shrine. At Kifune Shrine, we visited in the customary order of the main shrine, the inner shrine, and the Yui-no-yashiro. When I explained that the Yui-no-yashiro enshrines a deity said to bring people together, the guests said they absolutely had to go, and worshipped there with great delight. On the way back, the guests said they preferred to walk to the Eizan Railway station rather than take the bus, so we walked. When I mentioned that I had begun guiding in earnest after the pandemic, one of the guests shared a story about earning a university degree during the pandemic and about a graduation ceremony, which I found very moving. As promised, I saw them off near their hotel and was able to end the tour at just the right time. Personally, I had a difficult experience on a tour two days earlier, so I was very grateful to be able to finish today's tour on such a pleasant note. Although one of the guests does not like being photographed, they kindly agreed to have their photo published on the website, so I have attached it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus400JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Demachiyanagi Station / Kyoto City Bus460JPY
    Section 3TrainDemachiyanagi～Kurama470JPY
    Section 4TrainKibuneguchi～Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 5TrainKibuneguchi～Demachiyanagi470JPY
    Section 6TrainDemachiyanagi～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total2,510JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    Request Booking

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Karato Pier & Shimonoseki Station

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Karato Pier & Shimonoseki Station

    Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30　Stroll around Karato Pier
    • 11:05　Depart from Karato Pier
    • 11:15　Ganryujima Island
    • 12:05　Mojiko Pier
    • 13:00　Lunch
    • 13:45　Kanmon Tunnel Pedestrian Walkway
    • 14:20　Akama Shrine
    • 15:00　Chofu Mori Residence
    • 15:30　Shimonoseki Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shimonoseki and Moji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 9:30 at the request of the guests. We had planned to meet at Shimonoseki Station, but there was a mix-up with JR Shin-Shimonoseki Station, so the start was slightly delayed. After the tour began, I adjusted the plan according to the guests' wishes, skipping the Kaikyo Yume Tower and instead guiding them through the Kanmon Tunnel pedestrian walkway and the Chofu Mori Residence. At Moji Port, the guests shopped at a flea market and enjoyed the local specialty, baked curry. At the Chofu Mori Residence, they had a matcha set. One of the guests mentioned being very fond of matcha.

    Click here for more details: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Suzy

    Hello, I’m Suzy!
    I am a National Government Licensed Interpreter Guide and a Yamaguchi Yume Kairo Area Licensed Interpreter Guide. I have experience working as a tour guide in various locations throughout Yamaguchi Prefecture.
    I was born and raised in Yamaguchi Prefecture and love Japanese history, so I would like to introduce the rich natural beauty and history of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Additionally, Yamaguchi is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is a place known for its delicious food.
    I look forward to meeting you in Yamaguchi.

    Request Booking

    Apr 24, 2026
    Jose_S
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Experience Japanese traditions and culture
    If you want to…