Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Haneda Airport T2
    • 9:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:25 Imperial Palace, from Nijubashi Bridge to Otemon Gate
    • 11:00 Lunch @ Inataya Palace Building Branch
    • 12:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13:35 Disband at Haneda Airport T3

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour from Haneda Airport Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On a sunny day, the tour went smoothly. After meeting the guest at Haneda Airport Terminal 2, we took the Keikyu line through the Toei subway, transferred at Mita, changed to the Chiyoda line at Uchisaiwaicho, and headed to Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine, we talked a lot about spiritual beliefs, and discussed common points with Shinto, such as the presence of many deities. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed, for the wish to see the Imperial Palace we walked the outer perimeter from Nijubashimae Station to Otemachi. We talked about topics such as the role of the Emperor. Since the guest was happy to eat soba, I guided them to a soba restaurant, where they had vegetable tempura soba. It was well received. As the guest wished to see a garden, I guided them to Hamarikyu, and then to Haneda Airport Terminal 3, where the tour ended. No tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHaneda Airport Terminal 1・2 (Keikyu)~Uchisaiwaicho550JPY
    Section 2TrainHibiya~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shimbashi290JPY
    Section 5TrainShimbashi~Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Keikyu)510JPY
    Total1,740JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at OyadoNene Heiwajima
    • 9:00 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 10:30 Kappabashi, spent quite a lot of time looking at shops and shopping
    • 12:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, took many photos
    • 13:30 Snacks @ Seven-Eleven Palace Building Store
    • 14:10 Disband at Otemachi Station Hanzomon Line platform

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Kappabashi, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Although it was unfortunately raining, the group set out from the hotel, each carrying a clear plastic umbrella. Almost everyone in the group had a Suica card, which made getting around easy. Many of the guests took a lot of photos. One person carried two DSLR cameras and also took pictures with a smartphone. At Asakusa, the guests enjoyed activities such as drawing omikuji fortunes. They also had a matcha drink and some snacks. At Kappabashi, they bought many kitchen tools, including a rectangular pan for making rolled omelets (dashimaki tamago), and they also looked at knives. They said they would like to come again. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, they took many scenic photos as well. We had planned to go from Otemachi to Shibuya and Harajuku, but they spent so much time taking photos that, after having some snacks, we ran out of time, so I guided them to the train bound for Shibuya and ended the tour there. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHeiwajima~Asakusa510JPY
    Section 2TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Takebashi180JPY
    Total690JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • AM 10:30-11:15 Kenrokuen tour
    • AM 11:15-PM 12:00 Kanazawa Castle Park, tour of Hishi Turret, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Turret
    • Travel by bus to Hashiba-cho
    • PM 12:30-13:30 Higashi Chaya District, tour of Shima
    • Travel by bus to Musashigatsuji
    • PM 13:50 Guide to the ramen restaurant for lunch and end of tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Europe. During our meeting, they mentioned that they were quite tired, having already traveled to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka. Since a prior consultation about the tour had not been possible (as there was no reply from the guests beforehand), we confirmed their desired destinations on the day itself. Because rain was forecast from the afternoon, we first visited Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. Fortunately, the heavy rain held off until partway through our visit to Kanazawa Castle Park. While at the Higashi Chaya District during the heavy rain, the guests requested a recommendation for a good ramen restaurant after visiting Shima. I took them to a ramen restaurant near their hotel, bringing the tour to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokutetsu Bus~Hashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Toshogu Shrine

    Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Toshogu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meeting at Tobu Nikko Station was planned, but the customer was late, so we met at 9:05
    • 9:55 Kegon Falls
    • 10:55 Lake Chuzenji
    • 12:00 Kanmangafuchi
    • 12:50 Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:35 Rinnoji Temple – Since it closed at 15:30, we only saw the exterior of the building and the garden
    • 16:00 Dismissed at Shinkyo Bridge

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Nikko Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a cold day, with parts of the ground partially frozen, but the guests remained energetic throughout the tour. We had planned to meet at Tobu Nikko Station at 8:30, but the guest coming from Tokyo missed the train and came by taxi, so we started by boarding the bus at 9:05. Kegon Falls was quite cold, with many parts frozen over. After briefly viewing Lake Chuzenji, we moved on to Kanmangafuchi Abyss. We went down to the river and touched the water, which made me a little nervous. At Toshogu Shrine, the guests took their time visiting all the facilities. I had not known that the Crying Dragon (Nakiryu) had become free of charge. We arrived slightly after the opening time at Rinnoji Temple, so we only viewed it from the outside, and we parted ways at Shinkyo Bridge. The tour ran slightly over the scheduled time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station/Tobu Bus~Chuzenji Onsen/Tobu Bus1,250JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen/Tobu Bus~Kanaya Hotel History Museum/Tobu Bus1,150JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Residence Inn Yoyogi Park & Rikugien Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Residence Inn Yoyogi Park & Rikugien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Residence Inn Yoyogi Park
    • 9:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:40 Ameyoko
    • 11:00 Ueno: Statue of Saigo Takamori, Grave of the Shogitai, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Azabu Sabo
    • 13:00 Yanaka Cemetery, Tsuiji-bei Wall, Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:20 Rikugien Garden
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ Rikugien Garden

    What's a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Ameyoko, Ueno and Rikugien I guided a group of guests visiting from Africa. The group seemed very interested in Japan; some could read hiragana, and one had a Japanese-character tattoo on their arm. They were a friendly group and asked many questions. When I explained the omikuji fortune slips at Meiji Shrine, everyone drew one and enjoyed it. At Ameyoko, they bought sweets such as Hi-Chew at a candy shop, sunglasses because of the bright sunlight, and tea bags of Japanese tea, which they liked. The admission fee at Ueno Toshogu had gone up to 700 yen. Since one of the guests was studying architecture and said they only knew of Kengo Kuma, I wrote down the names of other Japanese architects and some information on a note and handed it over. For lunch, thinking of a place that could accommodate a larger group, I had them choose a restaurant from the dining floor on the second floor of Atre at Ueno Station. Because I had taught them how to hold chopsticks, everyone selected and bought chopsticks in Yanaka. At Rikugien, they enjoyed matcha and sweets at a teahouse while looking at the garden. It was heartwarming to see them earnestly trying to memorize how to say "gochisousama deshita." On the way back, they arranged a large vehicle to their hotel themselves, so we parted ways at Rikugien.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYoyogi Park~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Yushima210JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Section 4BusSendagi 3-chome / Toei Bus~Kamifujimae / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total750JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 09:10 to 09:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 10:00 to 10:30 Ryoan-ji
    • 11:15 to 11:45 Ginkaku-ji
    • 12:30 Disband at Yasaka Pagoda

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. On this trip to Japan, their stay in Kyoto lasted two days, and since they were heading to Nara the following day, their actual Kyoto sightseeing was limited to just this one day. Their plan was to visit the three requested locations over four hours, and then explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, and other areas on their own afterward. Since they wished to part ways near Kiyomizu-dera, I guided them as far as the Yasaka Pagoda before we said goodbye. Visiting the three locations in four hours and then leading them to the Yasaka Pagoda made for quite a busy tour, but I felt the guests kept up with me very well throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShimogyo Ward General Government Building/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKarasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Ginkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainGion/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 13:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 15:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 16:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 17:15 Disband @ Miyuki-dori Shopping Street

    Title: What's a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, who had previously visited Japan. Everyone in the group showed great interest and enthusiasm during the tour and listened attentively to my explanations. Beyond the sightseeing spots themselves, they asked in-depth questions about Japanese culture and history, as well as local industries in Himeji. On this day, the year-end maintenance work at Himeji Castle, traditionally carried out by the Self-Defense Forces, was taking place. A considerable amount of water had been drained from the castle's moats for the maintenance. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive. Everyone in the group was very friendly and pleasant, and they treated me kindly, for which I was grateful. From a little after 17:00, part of the castle was lit up, and the local shopping street was decorated with Christmas illuminations, which were very beautiful.

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuiganji Temple & Matsushima Sightseeing Boat

    Miyagi in Half a Day: Zuiganji Temple & Matsushima Sightseeing Boat

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai ~ Sendai Morning Market
    • 9:25~9:56 Move to Matsushimakaigan via the Senseki-Tohoku Line
    • 10:10 @ Zuiganji Temple
    • 10:50 @ Fukuura Bridge & Fukuura Island
    • 12:00 @ Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
    • 13:00 Disband @ Near Matsushimakaigan Station

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Matsushima Tour from Sendai? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group that had previously lived in Tokushima Prefecture. Within a limited four-hour timeframe, we reworked the itinerary several times, and it was decided that the destination would be Matsushima, with Zuihoden to be visited after the tour on their own, so the tour time was changed from 11:00 to 9:00. Since one of the guests enjoyed anime and samurai, I was asked about Shiroishi Castle as a place to visit before returning to Tokyo the next day. Until the day before, it was uncertain whether the fastest Senseki-Tohoku Line would run due to strong winds, but in the morning it was confirmed to operate, so we started from Sendai Station rather than the nearest station listed on the itinerary. During their time in Shikoku, the guests had learned about the 88 temples and become interested in temples. I explained that Zuiganji Temple has an aspect as a second Sendai Castle. Thinking that the sightseeing boat would be better closer to the afternoon when the strong winds would subside, I placed it at the end of the itinerary. Since Fukuurajima is a place where time can be adjusted, the guests seemed to enjoy the beautiful scenery there. It was unfortunate that a route we had been able to take before was now off-limits because the path had deteriorated. As the guests wanted to have lunch in Matsushima, I shared several recommended options, and they also checked restaurant reviews themselves and wanted to go to a fisherman's seafood rice bowl restaurant, so we parted ways in front of the shop. It was good that there was no long line as there would be on weekends. For the return trip, I also provided them with a map and timetable.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendai~Matsushimakaigan420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku area

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:20 Stroll around the Shinjuku area
    • 10:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Takeshita Street
    • 12:20 Shibuya
    • 12:50 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:00 Tour ends at Akihabara

    Guide-set title and body: **Title:** What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan just the night before and were on a relatively short trip, spending some nights in Tokyo before continuing to Kyoto, timed to coincide with a school holiday. With almost no prior knowledge of Japan before the tour, and given the short 4-hour duration, we focused on the western and central parts of Tokyo. We started near the Hotel at Shinjuku Center Street, seeing the 3D cat billboard and the Godzilla statue, before heading to Meiji Shrine. To provide a useful reference for the temple and shrine visits that are an essential part of any trip to Japan, I explained the differences between them, their influence on Japanese culture, and the differences in how to pray. The guests actually followed these explanations and prayed accordingly. At a McDonald's along the way, the guests tried the Japanese menu for the first time and were delighted, saying it tasted better than the version back home. After visiting the Shibuya Crossing, which one of the guests had wanted to see, we went to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. I explained the history from Edo Castle to the present day and why the Emperor now resides at the current Imperial Palace, which they seemed to find convincing. They were also surprised to learn that "Tokyo" means "the eastern capital" in relation to Kyoto. Finally, in line with the guests' request, we headed to Akihabara, where we concluded the tour.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

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    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

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    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
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  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Start at hotel
    • Move on foot to Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 10:15-11:30 Stroll through Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya District, shopping, visit Shima, Utasu Shrine
    • Move by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 12:00-12:45 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:45-13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park, visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Move on foot to Korinbo, lunch PM 13:45-14:30
    • PM 14:30-15:40 Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit Nomura Family Residence
    • Move by bus to Omicho Market
    • PM 16:00 Tour ends at Omicho Market

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia, and this was their second trip to Japan. In Kanazawa, one of their goals was to shop for souvenirs, so at the Higashi Chaya District, which we visited first thing in the morning, they purchased pottery and many souvenirs. At each sightseeing spot they always stopped by the pottery shops, so they seemed to have a strong interest in ceramics. For lunch, there was a request for ramen, and although I had assumed tonkotsu (pork bone) soup might not be an option, there was no problem at all, and they happily finished the soup to the last drop. We were blessed with good weather, and the guests enjoyed the tour itself very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashibacho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji / Omicho Market / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。