Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 5:20 @ Toyosu Market (tuna auction, intermediate wholesale market)
    • 7:30 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Disband @ Tsukiji Outer Market

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the group visiting from North America to Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Outer Market. Some of the guests enjoy fishing, while others enjoy cooking fish, so at the intermediate wholesalers' section of Toyosu, they purchased cooking utensils for preparing fish dishes. At the tuna auction, they were amazed to see hundreds of tuna all sold off within just one hour. At Tsukiji Outer Market, I gave an overview of the area over about 30 minutes, after which we parted ways on site.

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

    Tour Report by Seky

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    Request Booking

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Azabu-juban Station & Jomyoji bus

    Tokyo in One Day: Azabu-juban Station & Jomyoji bus

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Hotel & Apartments Tokyo Azabu
    • 8:10 Azabu-juban Station
    • (Toei Oedo Line)
    • Aoyama-itchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
    • 9:33 Arrive at Kamakura Station
    • 9:40 Depart Kamakura Station
    • (Enoshima Electric Railway)
    • 9:50 Arrive at Hase Station
    • Hase Kotoku-in / Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • Hase-dera Temple
    • 11:00 Depart Hase Station
    • (Enoshima Electric Railway)
    • 11:10 Arrive at Kamakura Station
    • 11:20 Depart from Kamakura Station bus stop
    • (Keikyu Bus)
    • 11:40 Arrive at Jomyoji bus stop
    • Jomyoji Hokoku-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Depart Jomyoji bus stop
    • (Keikyu Bus)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Kamakura Station bus stop
    • Kamakura Komachi-dori Street
    • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • Break: Cafe
    • 13:40 Depart Kamakura Station
    • 13:50 Arrive at Kita-Kamakura Station
    • Kita-Kamakura Meigetsu-in Temple
    • Engaku-ji Temple
    • 14:40 Depart Kita-Kamakura Station
    • (Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Aoyama-itchome Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 15:58 Arrive at Azabu-juban Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Azabu-juban Station

    What's a One-Day Private Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. This was part of a longer trip to Japan. After spending several days in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. They mentioned, "Tokyo was crowded everywhere and tiring. We thought Kamakura might be quieter and more relaxing." Today, they wished to "visit as many of Kamakura's main spots as possible, even in a short time." It was a pleasant tour under clear skies with comfortable weather. However, all the spots were crowded with tourists. First, we took the Enoden train from Kamakura Station to Hase. Along the way, I explained "the history of Kamakura," "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the feudal system," "the Meiji Restoration," and related topics. I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "What other religions are practiced here?" "Are there Catholics?" "Are there various sects within Buddhism?" They also went inside the Great Buddha and said, "Now I understand well how the Great Buddha was made." They also asked, "Which is bigger, this one or the Great Buddha in Nara? And which was made first?" We moved on to Hasedera Temple. They said, "The garden within the temple is wonderful. I'd like to create a garden like this at home," and "The view of Kamakura from the hilltop is magnificent." We returned to Kamakura Station and took a bus to Hokokuji Temple. We strolled slowly through the temple and its bamboo grove, taking photos. They said, "I love the calm atmosphere," and "I definitely want to visit the bamboo path in Sagano in Kyoto as well." They asked, "What sect is this temple?" "What kind of sect is Zen Buddhism?" "When was it built?" We returned to Kamakura Station and headed to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which was crowded with many tourists. A wedding ceremony was being held on the stage, which they enthusiastically photographed. There were also many visitors for Shichi-Go-San. I explained "about Shinto," "how to worship," "amulets," "ema votive tablets," and related topics. We also visited the Inari Shrine within the grounds. We walked along Komachi Street back toward Kamakura Station. We strolled slowly through the very crowded street. They seemed particularly interested in "curry bread." We returned to Komachi Street and took a short break at a café along the way. From Kamakura Station, we went to Kita-Kamakura Station. We quickly visited "Meigetsuin" and "Engakuji." They said, "I love the quiet atmosphere," and "I'd like to try zazen meditation someday." They commented, "Japan is very safe. I'd love to come back again," "There's no litter on the streets," "I don't see any homeless people," and "Everyone is so polite." They also commented, "The transportation network, including trains and subways, is so sophisticated." We headed back from Kita-Kamakura Station. I saw them off at Azabu-Juban Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAzabu-juban～Shibuya290JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Kamakura950JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura～Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 4TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)～Kamakura200JPY
    Section 5BusKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus～Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 6TrainJomyoji / Keikyu Bus～Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 7TrainKamakura～Kita-Kamakura150JPY
    Section 8TrainKita-Kamakura～Shibuya830JPY
    Section 9TrainShibuya～Azabu-juban290JPY
    Total3,350JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel )
    • 9:00-9:55 Travel (Subway; Karasuma Oike→Shijo, Hankyu Train; Karasuma→Arashiyama)
    • 9:55-11:10 Arashiyama walk & visit (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Garden, Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine)
    • 11:10-12:00 Travel (Keifuku Train; Arashiyama→Ryoanji)
    • 12:00-12:50 Ryoanji visit
    • 12:50-13:10 Travel (City Bus; Ryoanji-mae→Waratenjin-mae)
    • 13:10-14:00 Lunch (CoCo Kana・near Kinkakuji)
    • 14:10-15:00 Kinkakuji visit
    • 15:00 Tour ends. After visiting Kinkakuji, we escorted you to the station nearest your accommodation (Karasuma Oike Station) and said goodbye.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Arashiyama, Ryoanji, and Kinkakuji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto. I took them to Arashiyama, Ryoanji Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple. The cold was not too severe, and some autumn foliage still remained. There were not many crowds, so we were able to proceed with the tour at a relaxed pace. Some of the guests commented that the view from Togetsukyo Bridge was wonderful, while others said they especially enjoyed the rock garden at Ryoanji Temple. During the tour, some of the guests mentioned there was a shop they wanted to visit, and when I looked it up, I found it was near Kiyomizu Temple, where I was scheduled to take them the day after next, so I decided to include it in that day's tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 4BusRyoanji-mae／Kyoto Municipal Bus～Waratenjin-mae／Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & 15;45 Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & 15;45 Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 　 Meet at Dhawa Yura Kyoyo
    • 10:50 to 11:30 　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:50 to 12:15 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 12:15 to 13:0 Lunch around Arashiyama Randen Station
    • 14:00 to 14:40 Kodai-ji Temple
    • 15:00 to 15;45 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 Disband at Keihan Shichijo Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like for a Returning Visitor to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest today was a visitor from Oceania. They had been to Japan once three years earlier, but that trip had covered only the Tokyo area, so this time they planned to focus on western Japan, visiting Kanazawa, Takayama, and Hiroshima in addition to Kyoto. The recent appearances of bears in urban areas across Japan have become a topic of conversation even among international tourists, and some travel agencies reportedly hand out bear hazard maps. The guest was also aware that a bear had been sighted in Kyoto. They wondered whether Takayama, being deep in the mountains, might also have bears.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nishioji Oike260JPY
    Section 2BusNishioji Oike／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Shijo Omiya250JPY
    Section 4BusShijo Omiya～Higashiyama Yasui／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusHigashiyama Yasui／Kyoto City Bus～Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusHakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Shichijo Keihan-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Meet
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:00 In front of Atomic Bomb Dome, dismissal

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania on a full-day tour of Hiroshima. For lunch, the group enjoyed my usual okonomiyaki restaurant and ordered "koune," a beef specialty unique to Hiroshima, à la carte. They seemed to really enjoy its distinctive, chewy texture. At each facility and station, I discreetly pointed out the locations of restrooms so that the guests could feel at ease throughout the day. They were a friendly and warm group, and it was a relaxed and pleasant day from start to finish.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIn front of Atomic Bomb Dome～Nishi-Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima～Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima～In front of Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Machiya Ebisuya
    • 10:40 to 11:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:10 to 13:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 to 13:50 Lunch at Dragon Burger
    • 14:40 to 15:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Disband at The Mahciya Ebisuya

    Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Microbus Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of colleagues visiting from Europe. Since this tour involved travel by microbus, movement tended to take extra time. In order to make the most of the 6 hours for the tour itself, I had suggested a quick lunch such as sandwiches from a convenience store to finish eating early. However, this may not have been well received, as an email came in the day before the tour requesting to cancel only the guide, since they wished to enjoy a more leisurely lunch. In the case of a tour that includes a vehicle, canceling only the guide is not possible, and finding a new guide the day before the tour is difficult, so in the end I was asked to serve as the guide as planned. However, on the day of the tour, many of the guests seemed dissatisfied that I had come without a change of guide. According to the tour leader, they wanted the tour itself to go ahead, the microbus was needed, and a guide was needed, but they would have preferred a different guide. I carried out the above tour itinerary as the guests requested, but it was a long 6 hours.

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

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: To-ji Temple & Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: To-ji Temple & Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at The Rpjiyu Kyoto
    • 10:00 to 10:50 To-ji Temple
    • 11:30 to 12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:15 to 14:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:45 to 15:30 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Dismissal at Tenryu-ji Temple

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Temple and Shrine Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guest was a solo traveler visiting from North America. The guest had an interest in East Asian history and culture, and before coming to Japan had visited historical sites in another part of Asia. For this tour, the guest chose spots among the popular destinations (apart from Kinkaku-ji) that involve more in-depth explanations and take a little more time to appreciate. Since the guest was traveling alone, we were also able to talk about the temples and shrines of Kyoto while moving between locations. I believe it was a rich and fulfilling tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo-Omiya／Kyoto City Bus～Toji-Higashimon-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusToji-Higashimon-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo-Omiya／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusShijo-Horikawa／Kyoto City Bus～Nijojo-mae／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusNijojo-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Kitano-Hakubaicho／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainKitano-Hakubaicho～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Nagasaki: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Dejima

    Nagasaki: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Dejima

    Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:40 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 10:40 Hypocenter Park & Peace Park
    • 12:00 Lunch at Stadium City
    • 13:20 Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
    • 14:20 Dejima

    What Is a Private Nagasaki Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, and Dejima At the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, the guests viewed the exhibits with great interest, and they also listened to the account of my own family's experience of the bombing. Since the guests tended to view the exhibits quite separately from one another, I found myself unsure of whose pace to match and where to provide my guiding. They looked carefully at the air-raid shelter in Peace Park. During the tour I learned that the guests were fans of football, so we had lunch at Stadium City. They were very pleased, and when I mentioned that V-Varen Nagasaki had been promoted to J1, the conversation became very lively. At Dejima, the guests were interested in the history of the Dutch trading post, so I explained it in connection with Hirado.

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

    Tour Report by Coco

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet @ Sendai Station～8:56 Travel from Sendai to Matsushima Kaigan～9:50 @ Oshima～10:50 @ Zuiganji Temple～12:00 @ Matsushima Bay Cruise～13:00 Lunch @ Taikantei～13:50 @ Kanrantei～14:10 @ Godaido～14:20 @ Fukuura Bridge & Fukuura Island～14:45 Disband (Fukuura Island)

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Matsushima and Sendai? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group. One of them had a connection to Japan, having lived in Sendai long ago, and had also visited Matsushima together with family many years ago. During lunch, one of them asked me, "I've brought a portion of a family member's remains—would it be possible to have them buried at a temple in Matsushima or Sendai?" I explained that Zuiganji Temple does not have parishioners, and that Entsuin and Tenrin'in would likely require purchasing a new burial plot. I explained that establishing a new connection with a temple and arranging a burial would not be something that could be resolved during a short stay, and asked whether they had any relatives in Japan. They mentioned having a relative here. In that case, I suggested that they consult with that relative and see if the remains could be buried together in the family's existing grave, though of course it might involve some cost. They replied, "I see, then I'll consult with my relative." At first they had looked quite serious, but after talking, they seemed a little relieved. That made me think that perhaps this was why they had wanted to visit Ojima. Accepting remains at Ojima was only done until the early Meiji era, and of course is no longer done today. On the way from Ojima to Zuiganji, one of the guests suddenly panicked, realizing they had left a bag in the restroom we had stopped at along the way. They hurried back to the restroom and the bag was safe. After that, every time we moved on, I made a point of checking whether everyone had all their belongings. In our email discussions beforehand, I had said that even with six hours it would be impossible to visit every place they hoped to see, but they still wanted to visit as many places of memory as possible. So we agreed that I would give them clear directions for the return route, and we would part ways at Fukuurajima at the end. I was careful not to rush them at each place we visited. They wanted to spend a little more time at Fukuurajima, and mentioned they would buy souvenirs on the way back to the station. There were various little mishaps, such as a change in schedule due to a mistaken bullet train reservation and the forgotten item, but we said goodbye with smiles, and they thanked me warmly and said they had enjoyed it very much.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendai～Matsushima Kaigan420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    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!

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    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara Station & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara Station & Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Odawara Station
    • 11:10 Odawara Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:00 Arrive at Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 12:40 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Togendai Station
    • 10:45 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Hakone Shrine
    • 12:30 Depart Motohakone Port bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Arrive at Kowakudani Station bus stop
    • Depart Kowakudani Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum Break: Cafe in the museum
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 14:10 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 15:00 Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 15:00 Disband: Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Mount Fuji Views, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi The guests came from North America, together with one other member of the group who lives in Asia. Some years ago, one of the guests had moved from Asia to North America. On this trip to Japan, they were stopping over in Japan for a short stay on the way back from visiting Asia. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous day, spent a night in Shinjuku, and came to Hakone this morning. "I'm looking forward to going into an onsen. There are no onsen where I come from," one of them said. They planned to stay one more night in Hakone before returning home from Narita Airport. Everyone's top request was a view of Mount Fuji. It was a tour under cloudy skies, with occasional returning sunshine, in cold weather. At the guests' request, we changed the meeting point from the Hotel to Odawara Station. First, from Odawara Station, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Here, we sent their suitcases to the Hotel where they would stay tonight, and set off. We transferred between the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, and the ropeway to reach Owakudani. From inside the ropeway, we were somehow able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji through a break in the clouds. I explained "the formation of Hakone" and "the overview and history of Owakudani." There were questions such as "When were the volcanoes of Hakone formed?", "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?", and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" They bought and tasted the "black eggs." They also bought large quantities of souvenirs such as cookies, chocolate, and curry rice. Then, by ropeway, we headed to Togendai. After waiting a little, we boarded the "pirate ship." Inside, it was full of tourists. There were questions such as "How deep is Lake Ashi? What is the water temperature?", "Can you swim in it?", and "Can you fish there?" We disembarked at Hakone Moto-Hakone Port and went to Hakone Shrine. I explained "the history of Hakone Shrine." We skipped visiting the main hall and went to the torii gate on the lake. We took commemorative photos from the side. In front of the torii, there was a question: "Why are so many people lined up to take photos?" We returned to Hakone Moto-Hakone Port, and transferring between the Hakone Tozan Bus and the mountain railway, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the origins of the "Open-Air Museum." We made a quick loop through the grounds. At the shop, they bought postcards. After this, since they said they wanted to have a late lunch in Hakone-Yumoto and also walk around the shopping street, we went together to Hakone-Yumoto Station. There were also comments such as "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are clean," "It's safe and reassuring," and "Everyone is polite." We parted ways at Hakone-Yumoto Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass～Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

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

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