Category: Uncategorized

  • 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

    • 11:00 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 Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 12:40 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:00 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 13:15 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 14:00 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Hakone Shrine
    • 14:30 Depart Motohakone Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 14:50 Arrive Kowakidani Station Bus Stop
    • 14:55 Depart Kowakidani Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 15:00 Arrive Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum Break: Museum cafe
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 16:00 Depart The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 16:45 Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 17:00 Arrive Odawara Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Odawara Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour from Odawara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. The group had originally been expected to be smaller, but on the day we met, they informed me that additional members had joined, making a larger group in total. This trip to Japan was a 16-day journey. They had first arrived at Kansai Airport, then traveled through Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto, arriving in Hakone this morning. Their stay in Hakone was only for today. This evening they would move on to Tokyo (staying near Disneyland), and after three days there, they planned to fly home. Everyone's top wish was to see the view of Mount Fuji. One of the guests walked slowly and needed to proceed at a gentle pace. The tour took place in cold, cloudy, and very windy weather. First, from Odawara Station, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, and the ropeway in succession up to Owakudani. I explained "the formation of Hakone" and "an overview and history of Owakudani." There were questions such as "When did the volcanic group of Hakone form?", "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?", and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" They purchased and tasted the famous "black eggs." Since each of them moved around at their own pace, it was difficult to keep everyone together and manage the progress of the itinerary. Next, we took the ropeway to Togendai. After a short wait, we boarded the "pirate ship," which was packed with tourists inside. Despite the cold wind, they stayed up on the upper deck the whole time and took many commemorative photos. There were questions such as "How deep is Lake Ashi? What is the water temperature?", "Can you swim in it?", and "Can you fish here?" We disembarked at Hakone Moto-Hako Port and went to Hakone Shrine. I explained "the history of Hakone Shrine." After visiting the main hall, we went to the torii gate on the lake. Regarding the torii, there was a question: "Why are so many people lining up to take photos?" We returned to the port, then took the Hakone Tozan Bus and the mountain railway to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the origins of the "Open-Air Museum." Everyone entered and made a quick circuit of the grounds. After this, we went to Odawara Station via Hakone-Yumoto. There were comments such as "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are so orderly," "It feels safe and secure," and "Everyone is so polite." We parted ways at Odawara 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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet up　Hotel Ginza Premier
    • 2. 11:50 Tsukiji (Outer Market, Honganji Temple)
    • 3. 13:00 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street walk-through, East Gardens)
    • 4. 15:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 5. 16:30 Dismissal　Asakusa

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, staying in Japan for an extended trip. On this day, I guided them based on the requests they had shared in advance, and since the tour started at 11:30 and there was no need to set aside time for a meal, we were able to move through the itinerary a little ahead of schedule. I had been thinking of taking them to Ueno, but the guests said, "It's cold, so we'd like to have an early meal in Asakusa and head back to the hotel," so we finished the tour about an hour early. The weather was perfectly clear, but it was the coldest day of the winter so far, and it seemed to be too cold for the guests. I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Shinkyo Bus

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Shinkyo Bus

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meeting place: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo By IHG
    • 7:15 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Yamanote Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 7:50 Arrive Kita-Senju Station
    • 8:03 Depart Kita-Senju Station
    • (Tobu Limited Express Spacia X No.1)
    • 9:39 Arrive Tobu-Nikko Station
    • 9:50 Depart Tobu-Nikko Station Bus Stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 10:10 Arrive Chuzenji Onsen Bus Stop
    • Chuzenji Lake area Lake Chuzenji
    • Kegon Falls
    • 11:30 Depart Chuzenji Onsen Bus Stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 12:20 Arrive Nishi-Sando Entrance Bus Stop
    • Nikko city center Nikko Futarasan Shrine
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple
    • Shinkyo Bridge
    • Lunch: Asaya
    • 14:30 Depart Shinkyo Bus Stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 14:45 Arrive Tobu-Nikko Station Bus Stop
    • 14:57 Depart Tobu-Nikko Station
    • (Kegon No.38)
    • 16:45 Arrive Kita-Senju Station
    • 16:50 Depart Kita-Senju Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Shinjuku Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting Japan from North America, both on their first trip to Japan. This was a 9-day trip to Japan. They decided to visit Japan on the recommendation of a friend who had traveled here two years earlier. They had arrived at Narita Airport three days before, taking the Narita Express to Shinjuku. By the previous day, they had visited the main spots in Tokyo. From the following day, they planned to travel to Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before going home. They chose the Nikko tour because they wanted to see the Japanese countryside and mountain scenery rather than the city. Both guests also shared a love of photography and said they wanted to photograph a variety of landscapes. The tour took place under clear skies, in weather that was almost cold. Since it was the busy season for Nikko sightseeing, we could not get the reserved seats we had hoped for, so we moved the departure about one hour earlier. From Kita-Senju Station, we took the Tobu Railway Spacia to Nikko. On board, I explained topics such as the origins and history of Nikko, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Five Highways and the sankin-kotai system, and the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. I also explained the origins of the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. From Tobu Nikko Station, we first went to Lake Chuzenji, which the guests had strongly requested. Despite the greater-than-expected cold, there were quite a few tourists. We then walked to Kegon Falls. Most of the autumn leaves had already fallen, but the guests enthusiastically photographed the surrounding mountains. They remarked that the cold was hard to bear, unlike back home. I also explained why Nikko became a summer retreat. We then moved to central Nikko by bus. First, we visited Nikko Futarasan Shrine. The guests said the avenue of cedar trees was wonderful, noting that where they live it is dry, with no green scenery, and that water shortages are always an issue. From there we walked to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Despite it being a weekday, it was very crowded with tour groups from overseas and groups of Japanese schoolchildren and students. We toured the Yomeimon Gate, the main hall, the gate with the cats and sparrows, and the crying dragon in turn. The guests seemed especially fond of the "Three Wise Monkeys" and the "Sleeping Cat," and took their time photographing them. At Rinnoji Temple, they admired the Japanese garden in front of the main hall and photographed it at leisure. We then walked to the Shinkyo Bridge, where they stood on the bridge and took photos here and there at a relaxed pace. Afterward, we had lunch at a local restaurant, where both guests ordered Japanese soba. Then we took the bus back to Tobu Nikko Station. They commented that Toshogu was completely different from the shrines they had seen in Tokyo, being far more lavish and ornate, and that they found it very interesting. On the return journey, the guests mostly napped. They shared comments such as "Japanese people are friendly and polite everywhere you go," "The towns are clean and there is no litter," and "The public transportation network is very well developed." They mentioned they planned to go to Omoide Yokocho for dinner. I saw them off from Kita-Senju Station to Shinjuku Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Nishi-Nippori210JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Nippori～Kita-Senju180JPY
    Section 3OtherKita-Senju～Tobu-Nikko6,430JPY
    Section 4BusShinkyo／Tobu Bus～Tobu-Nikko220JPY
    Section 5TrainKita-Senju～Nishi-Nippori180JPY
    Section 6TrainNishi-Nippori～Shinjuku210JPY
    Total7,430JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • 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

    • 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:30 Hiroshima Station – Dismissal

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from Oceania around Hiroshima and Miyajima. It was a clear, cloudless day and a calm autumn day. On Miyajima, Maple Road was dyed a deep crimson like a red carpet, and the group enjoyed tossing the fallen leaves into the air. At the Peace Memorial Park, the group toured attentively and asked me what day of the week the atomic bombing had fallen on. Relying on my memory, I answered "Monday," and I was relieved to later confirm that this was correct. Recently, since ChatGPT has become available, looking things up has become much easier.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 4TrainAtomic Bomb Dome～Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Miyuki-dori Shopping Street & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Miyuki-dori Shopping Street & Sosha Shrine

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Himeji Miyuki-dori Shopping Street
    • 09:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:15 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 13:15 Disband @ Himeji Underground Food Court

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Although the confirmation sheet indicated a larger group, from the outset it was understood to be a smaller party, and the tour proceeded very smoothly. On the way to Himeji Castle, I introduced them to a shop selling handmade "beckoning cat" figurines along the Miyuki-dori shopping street, and they were delighted and purchased some as souvenirs. At both Himeji Castle and the next stop, the Soja shrine, the guests showed great interest during the visit and listened attentively to my explanations. Before returning to their hotel in Shin-Osaka, the guests wished to have lunch, so I guided them to the "okonomiyaki" restaurants in the dining area beneath Himeji Station, where we parted ways. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were pleased to receive. This time as well, the guests were very pleasant, and it was an enjoyable tour from start to finish. Note) It was difficult to reach the guests directly beforehand. Also, even though this was a Himeji tour, the guests requested a pickup at their hotel in Shin-Osaka. They said they had been told so by the local travel agency, and the information about the number of participants was also incorrect, which I believe was due to a lack of awareness or a mistake on the local travel agency's side.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    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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    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel)
    • 8:30-9:00 Travel (Subway; Keage→Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo→Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 9:00-9:50 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 9:50-10:20 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu Gojo)
    • 10:20-11:20 Visit Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:20-11:50 Travel (Taxi; Kiyomizu Gojo→Nijo Castle)
    • 11:50-12:50 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 12:50-13:10　　　Travel (Taxi; Nijo Castle→Restaurant CoCo Hana near Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:10-14:00 Lunch (Coco Hana)
    • 14:00-14:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:30 Tour ends after visiting Kinkaku-ji. After the tour, we took the customers to their hotel (by taxi) and said goodbye in front of the hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and after staying a few days they planned to travel on to other destinations in Asia. I took the group to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji. When moving from Kiyomizu-dera to Nijo Castle, the Keihan train line happened to be suspended for about an hour and a half due to an accident, making travel by train difficult, so thanks to the guests' kind cooperation we switched to a taxi and continued the tour. Some autumn foliage still remained, and compared to the cold of the previous day, we were able to proceed with the tour in mild weather. The guests said that Fushimi Inari left the strongest impression on them, as they were fond of the story behind its origins as the shrine of the rice deity.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu Gojo240JPY
    Total700JPY

    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…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin Station & Hakata Bayside

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin Station & Hakata Bayside

    Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Hakata
    • 9:30 Depart Hakata Station
    • 10:00 Arrive Kido Nanzoin Station
    • 11:30 Kido Nanzoin Yoshidaya Lunch
    • 12:35 Depart Kido Nanzoin Station
    • 13:05 Arrive Hakata Station Hakata Station Rooftop Observation Deck
    • 13:40 Depart Hakata Station Front Nishitetsu Bus
    • 14:00 Tour Hakata Port Tower
    • 14:40 Depart Hakata Bayside
    • 15:00 Hotel Hakata

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Fukuoka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had joined a walking tour in Fukuoka City the previous day and were a little tired, mentioning that it would be fine to end the tour a bit early, but in the end we completed the full 6-hour tour as planned. At Kido Nanzoin, some autumn foliage still remained. The guests said they loved moss gardens, and they were moved by the beautiful moss as well. They especially enjoyed the lunch at Yoshidaya, which had the atmosphere of an old-style inn. It was fortunate, as this restaurant is only open three days a week, from Friday to Sunday. The guests had a 21-day JR Pass and, since they would have free time staying in Fukuoka for the next two days, they asked me for recommended places to visit. I recommended trying the tonkatsu and pork shabu-shabu in Kagoshima, telling them it was well worth the experience.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakata Station／JR Kyushu Bus～Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 2TrainKido Nanzoin-mae～Hakata Station／JR Kyushu Bus450JPY
    Section 3BusHakata Station (A・E・F)／Nishitetsu Bus～Hakata Port (Hakata Pier・Highway・Connecting Bus)260JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Sasuke

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

    Sep 4, 2025
    mareen589
    Great 6 hour Tour of Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was 6 hours…

  • Osaka: Wargo kimono rental & Osaka Castle

    Osaka: Wargo kimono rental & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Tour & Kimono Experience, Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Canopy by Hilton Osaka
    • 11:00-11:30@Wargo kimono rental
    • 11:35-12:00@Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 12:25-13:30@Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00-14:10@Harukas Garden
    • 14:30-14:45@Shinsekai
    • 15:10-16:00@Osaka Castle
    • 16:20@wargo kimono rental
    • 16:25 Disband @Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Kimono Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America on a trip, having booked through a travel agency. They looked wonderful in their kimonos, and at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine they were delighted to be photographed alongside children in kimono who had come for their shichi-go-san celebration. Unfortunately it was a very cold day, and in the latter half of the tour, around the time we visited Osaka Castle, the sun began to set. Perhaps due to the cold and the tightness of the obi, the guests mentioned some discomfort around the shoulders, so we hurried to the rental shop. After changing back into regular clothes, they regained their energy and headed out to enjoy a meal in Dotonbori.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Tour & Kimono Experience, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUmeda (Subway)～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Toriimae～Tennoji-ekimae240JPY
    Section 4SubwayTennoji～Dobutsuen-mae190JPY
    Section 5SubwayEbisucho～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 6SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shinsaibashi190JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 09:30 to 10:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:35 to 11:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30 to 11:45 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 12:00 to 12:15 Gion
    • 12:40 to 13:10 Lunch at Tenkaippin
    • 13;20 to 13;50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14;05 to 14:45 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 15;00 Dismissal at Dhawa Yura Kyoto

    What's a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. The guests had requested Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Kinkaku-ji, along with the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, but I explained that fitting all of these into six hours would not be possible, so we added the Kyoto Imperial Palace instead. The guests mentioned that they would visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on their own the following day. Considering the pace, I conducted the tour at a relaxed speed and avoided uphill sections. I believe the guests enjoyed the tour.

    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 !!

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    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: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Koko-en Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Toyoko Inn Himeji Station North Exit
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Group Tour in Japan Like with Non-English-Speaking Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They moved smoothly throughout the tour, but communication in English was very challenging, with perhaps only around 30% understood, and I felt that only about 50% of my own explanations were getting across (their primary language is French). This also explained why there had been no responses to my earlier emails and messaging-app contact beforehand. Even so, everyone was very friendly, kind, and warm toward me as their guide. The weather was quite cold and chilly (their home region has a tropical climate with no winter), but at each spot they showed genuine interest, viewed everything attentively, and took many photos enthusiastically. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    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

    Request Booking

    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…