Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:00　Meet at Mil Kyoto Gion
    • ②　10:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　11:00　Daitokuji Temple (Obaiin)
    • ④　12:30　Nijo Castle
    • ⑤　13:30　Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji Alley
    • ⑥　14:20　Dismissal at Yasaka Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Cultural Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe, on their first trip to Japan and their first time in Kyoto. [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. From the email exchanges before the tour, the guests showed a deep and wide-ranging curiosity about everyday life in Japan and in Kyoto: what daily life is like, what it means to visit temples and shrines, how one is meant to worship, and the cultural and historical background behind these customs. They also wanted to know about traditional annual events, their history, how people take part in them, and what and how things are celebrated. Guided by their questions, we talked freely about the history of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, what a shogun was, feng shui, Onmyodo, the concept of wabi-sabi, what one contemplates during zazen meditation, the Doll Festival, Obon, Jizo statues and the riverbank of Sai no Kawara, stone lanterns, the Gozan Okuribi bonfire, the floating of spirit lanterns, the old class system of warriors, farmers, artisans and merchants, why the return of political power to the Emperor took place, the roots of the Japanese people, and the Mongolian spot, among many other topics. The conversation was endless, and four hours passed in the blink of an eye. One of the guests works as an illustrator, and another has long practiced yoga, which explained the keen interest in topics such as Zen and dry landscape gardens. Even so, the concept of wabi-sabi was new to them, so I took some time to explain it in detail. When we said goodbye, they gave me some gummy candy that is very common in Europe. It was a flavor not quite found in Japan, but I enjoyed it. Some time ago I often traveled to Europe for work, so it felt like meeting old, familiar friends. The guests spoke excellent English, as ever.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • 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

    • 1000 Hotel Tokyo (5 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meeting
    • 1030 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
    • 1055 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Shrine visit
    • 1305 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Tatsumi Yagura Gyoko Street Tokyo Station
    • 1400 Akihabara
    • 1435 Asakusa Kaminarimon Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
    • 1600 Tokyo Skytree Confirm ticketing on the 4th floor and part ways

    Title: Can a Licensed Guide Help with Tokyo Sightseeing and Travel Planning to Hakone? A Private Tour Report The guests were visitors from Europe, coming to Japan for the first time. They had arrived the day before, and due to recent world conditions, their journey via Helsinki had taken 24 hours. After checking in, they had walked around the neighborhood and eaten at Omoide Yokocho, but they wanted to try something more distinctly Japanese. Since they did not have anything specific in mind, I suggested the buildings in Shibuya (such as MyCity and Scramble Square), which offer a wide variety of options. They planned to visit the Skytree but had not been able to secure tickets. On the Japanese-based website, the language switched to Japanese partway through, and they had struggled to find the English site. Previous guests had not had this issue, so it may have simply been a misunderstanding somewhere, but in the end they were able to make a reservation, so it worked out fine. The next day, they planned to tour the older downtown area with another guide. Since they would be moving to Hakone the day after next, they asked me for advice on how to do this. At first, as they had a JR Pass, they were considering Shinjuku → Tokyo → Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto. Since they had a lot of luggage and were worried about transfers, I explained that they could take a single Odakyu line from Shinjuku directly to Hakone-Yumoto (had I known in advance, I could have shown them at Shinjuku Station), and I explained that advance reservations were possible if they asked at the Ticket Office at the Odakyu gates. After that, they would be heading to the Kansai region.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Akihabara160JPY
    Section 5SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusa～Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

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    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

  • Kyoto: Chapter Kyoto & Bamboo Path

    Kyoto: Chapter Kyoto & Bamboo Path

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 The Chapter Kyoto
    • 09:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • 　 Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Yasakakoshindo by walking
    • 12:50 Lunch(Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch）
    • 13:50 Kinkakuji (500)
    • 15:00 Bamboo Path
    • 15:50 The Chapter Kyoto
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they enjoyed shopping very much, they often stopped along the way and tended to fall behind, so the tour took quite a bit of time. They made small purchases here and there and seemed to have a wonderful time. Because the Kawazu cherry blossoms were blooming at Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge, we stopped there on the way from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Kinkaku-ji Temple to take some commemorative photos. The guests loved taking pictures and took many along the way. Although I had planned the itinerary with plenty of time to spare, by the end we had run nearly an hour over schedule.

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

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Kyoto Station
    • 11:00 　From Arashiyama Torokko Train Station to Mikami Shrine, Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest, etc.
    • 12:10　Kyoto Imperial Palace, cherry blossoms at the Imperial Garden
    • 13:20　Heian Shrine, flea market
    • 14:10　Nijo Castle, castle keep ruins, etc.
    • 16:00　Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: It was the group's first trip to Japan. I planned the itinerary to incorporate their requests as much as possible so that we could cover everything within the available time. The guests loved Japan and asked many questions with great interest, so I also guided them to a few slightly more unusual spots located near the main sightseeing places. They responded to my jokes even more enthusiastically than I expected, and together with the driver, we all had a wonderful time. We were also lucky enough to see the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Imperial Garden, as well as the Sunday flea market at Heian Shrine. I recommended the takoyaki from a food truck at the flea market, and the guests finished every bite. They clearly enjoyed learning about Japan's history and culture, which made us very happy as well.

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

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Request Booking

    Aug 9, 2026
    Angelika_H
    Viator review: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Tour
    Super Tour who was Shaped for us…

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00　Meet up at Shimokitazawa Station, tour the town's street art
    • 15:30　Visit Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30　Stroll through Takeshita Street, Ura-Harajuku, and Omotesando
    • 18:00　Disband at Harajuku Station

    What Is a 2-Day Private Tour of Western Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. About the Tour and the Guests' Reactions This was the second day of a two-day tour. I mainly guided the guests around the western side of the Yamanote Line. One of the guests was interested in art, so after visiting three small galleries in Shimokitazawa, we saw two spots of so-called "graffiti art" (permitted street art), which the guests enjoyed. At one of these spots, the artist was in the middle of painting a large wall, so we were able to speak with the artist directly, which the guests found enjoyable. The guests had no prior knowledge of Shinto, so they listened with great interest as I explained that the deities are believed to dwell in all natural things, and that the forest of the shrine was not naturally occurring but was created through tree planting by volunteers. We also happened to come across a wedding procession, which some of the guests were very pleased to see. In Harajuku, some of the guests enjoyed shopping. They were especially satisfied to purchase many items for their pets back home. 2. Other Impressions, Special Notes, etc. This was my first time guiding a two-day tour on consecutive days. On the first day, the guests were a little quiet, likely tired from a long journey, but by the second day a good rapport had developed, and we were able to conduct the tour in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. When guiding a tour over two consecutive days like this, it is possible to divide the areas covered, which allows for an efficient tour and was very satisfying for me as a guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimokitazawa～Harajuku290JPY
    Total290JPY

    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

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by railway to Arashiyama
    • AM 09:40-11:10 Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • AM 11:10-PM 12:50 Via Tenryu-ji Temple Garden, Bamboo Grove, Snack Lunch along the way
    • Travel by railway to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 13:30-14:45 Fushimi Inari sightseeing
    • Travel by railway to Kyoto Station
    • PM 15:15 Tour ends

    What's a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia and the Middle East who had known each other previously. Just before the tour, there was a request to visit the monkey park, so it was added to the itinerary. However, since one of the guests had an injured leg and could not manage stairs or hill climbing, we split the group so that some went to the monkey park while others enjoyed a rowing boat. Since there had been no advance information about this, it was a bit challenging, but everyone enjoyed both activities. Also, although I had been informed in advance of a smaller group, the tour turned out to be a larger group than expected. It was demanding, but the guests had a wonderful time at Fushimi Inari, where they counted the number of torii gates and wrote their wishes in Japanese on the torii-shaped ema plaques.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

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    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9.00 Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 2.9.20-11.00 Ueno Park and National Museum
    • 3.11:30-12.40 Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    • 4.12.40‐13.20 Lunch at Shinjuku　
    • 5.13.40‐15.00　Imperial Palace East Garden

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Body: The guest was a multilingual visitor from Europe who came to Japan as part of a longer trip. At the Tokyo National Museum, the guest viewed Japanese art with great enthusiasm, and took many photographs of cherry blossoms, various plants, and a grey heron at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Interestingly, the guest had been asked by someone with a connection to Japan to take photographs of Japanese cherry blossoms on their behalf, since that person could not make the trip. The guest is very knowledgeable about tea and enjoys around fifty varieties, and purchased cherry blossom tea as a gift. After this, the guest planned to continue to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, as well as other destinations, before returning home. The guest spoke about the nature of their work, noting how important it is to provide care that stays close to the patient, and I hope they continue to offer such compassionate care in the future.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Sendagaya210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Machiya Ebisuya
    • 9:40 Nijo Castle
    • 11:20 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 Lunch at Gion
    • 13:50 Gion
    • 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 15:15 Tour ends at Kiyomizu-dera

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They came to Kyoto after visiting Tokyo and Osaka, and this was the first day of their stay in Kyoto. Since they had not eaten breakfast, we made stops at a convenience store and a food stall along the way, which took some time and made the tour finish a little later than planned. They asked many questions, especially about history, so I explained in detail. For lunch, they enjoyed okonomiyaki in Gion. After lunch, we walked up the slope to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so by the end they seemed a little tired.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Sanjo (Kyoto)220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo (Kyoto)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Kuni

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    janetaF288XA
    Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
    • 09:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 11:15 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 12:30 Dismiss @ Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and they moved smoothly throughout the day. The first spot on the itinerary was Sumiyoshi Taisha, which had been confirmed in advance, but the guests mentioned that they had already visited many shrines and temples in Japan and hoped to visit other spots if possible. When I explained as their guide that Sumiyoshi Taisha is a rather unique shrine and well worth visiting, they were happy to agree. On the day, we encountered many "Omiyamairi" first-shrine-visit ceremonies, and some of the guests experienced praying at the shrine. In addition, they picked up the small stones of the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" spot and purchased the small amulet pouches, and as a result they seemed very satisfied. In Dotonbori, they sampled authentic "Kobe beef," and also enjoyed the soft-serve ice cream that is popular for its Turkish-style performance, which they were pleased with. After finishing the visits to each spot, the guests wished to explore on their own, so we parted ways about 30 minutes early. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch made by a member of my family, which they were delighted to receive. Note) As with a previous group of guests from Oceania, today's English was very difficult for me to catch, and I believe I understood only about 50%. The guests, however, seemed to understand what I explained. The talk about the very rare wildlife of Oceania was extremely interesting to me as a guide who loves animals.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHonmachi～Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Total670JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Sep 27, 2026
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Inui-dori Avenue & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Inui-dori Avenue & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Hotel Tokyu
    • 11:30 Imperial Palace Inui-dori Avenue
    • 12:50 Lunch at Tokyo Sake Bar Anbai (Asakusa)
    • 13:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Disband in front of Takeshita Street

    What Can You See on a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America (one of the group stayed home to care for a French bulldog). Because one of the guests was interested in an animal cafe on Takeshita Street, and because they had a dinner reservation in Shibuya at 18:00, I planned the itinerary as the Imperial Palace Inui Street, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, accepting that some travel time would be lost. On Inui Street, they were delighted by the combination of cherry blossoms and Edo Castle and took many photos. Since the Jindai-akebono cherry, which is expected to be the next-generation cherry blossom, was almost in full bloom, we took a photo together there (or rather, as usual, I had a guest take the photo), and they mentioned that the Japanese Prime Minister had sent 250 cherry trees to North America (I did not know this). I looked it up online, but there was no mention of the type of cherry tree, so I answered "probably Jindai-akebono." At the Inui Gate, the guests told me, "Thank you for bringing us here" and "It was wonderful." After that, at Asakusa, since one of the guests said they were hungry, we entered a restaurant where we could have lunch right away. Since it becomes an izakaya at night, they enjoyed the atmosphere of the interior. Along the way in Asakusa, they asked me about Alice in Borderland, but I did not know what it was, and one of the guests said, "What, how do you not know it, it's so famous?" They probably wanted to ask me something about this drama, so I apologize. I was surprised that an ordinary Japanese drama is popular in North America. To save time, I skipped Asakusa Shrine, Azuma Bridge, and the area along the Sumida River. On the Ginza Line to Meiji Shrine, when I showed them a video of the animal cafe on Takeshita Street, they were very interested and said, "This is definitely a place we're going," and afterward looked it up themselves. At the final stop, Meiji Shrine, since we were running past our time, we went around quickly, but we were able to come across a wedding photo shoot, and the guests were happy to take photos. There were many people out, but the weather was calm, and it was a good day for touring places with a traditional atmosphere. They were glad to be able to visit the only traditional, historic places during their three days in Tokyo, and I received a thank-you email afterward.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2SubwayKudanshita～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
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    Great tour guide and experience.
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