Category: Uncategorized

  • Wakayama in One Day: Daimon & Gobyo and Torodo

    Wakayama in One Day: Daimon & Gobyo and Torodo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting point: Koyasan Station (Cable Car)
    • 10:30 Move: By bus to Daimon
    • 10:40 Sightseeing ①: Tour of Daimon
    • 11:10 Move: On foot to Danjo Garan
    • 11:20 Sightseeing ③: Tour of Kondo, Konpon Chudo, Sanko-no-Matsu, etc.
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ④: Tour of Kongobuji
    • 12:30 Lunch/Break (restaurant near Kongobuji)
    • 13:20 Move: By bus to Okunoin entrance
    • 13:30 Sightseeing ⑤: Stroll around Okunoin
    • 14:15 Sightseeing ⑥: Tour of Gobyo and Torodo
    • 15:00 Break: Souvenir shop near Okunoin exit
    • 15:50 Move: By bus to Koyasan Station
    • 16:30 End of guide/Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting from North America, traveling in Japan. Prior consultations about which places to visit were mainly done in advance. However, when it comes to a "Koyasan tour," there are no stops you can skip — starting from the Daimon Gate at the western edge, then Danjo Garan, Kongobu-ji Temple, and Okunoin — so I structured the day with lunch in between as "Walking Tour Part 1 (Daimon Gate → Danjo Garan → Kongobu-ji)," "Lunch and Break," and "Walking Tour Part 2 (Okunoin → Gobyo → Torodo Hall)." The guests happily agreed, saying, "It's an itinerary that lets us fully enjoy Koyasan, and we're looking forward to it." On the day, even though it was only just the beginning of December, a severe cold wave struck the Japanese archipelago, and Koyasan had been snowy since the previous day, making it a cold day with temperatures below freezing all day long. As planned, I met the guests at 10:30 a.m. at Koyasan Station (cable car), exchanged brief greetings, confirmed the itinerary, and started the tour by bus. Both of them seemed to have a deep interest in Japanese religion (especially Shinto and Buddhism) and appeared to have basic knowledge about them. At the first stop, the Daimon Gate, I explained the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, and as we proceeded to Danjo Garan and Kongobu-ji, while explaining the outline of Shingon Buddhism founded by Kukai, the guests asked many questions, and answering them seemed to deepen their understanding. After finishing the first half of the tour, we had lunch. Since the guests said, "It's cold, so we'd like to eat something warm," we had an udon set at a diner along the approach and took a relaxing break. The second half was a stroll through Okunoin and a visit and prayer at Gobyo and Torodo Hall. The guests gazed with a moved expression at the countless large and small gravestones — said to number two hundred thousand or three hundred thousand — lined densely on both sides of the Okunoin approach. Okunoin is not a place for loud explanations, but rather a place to fully feel its atmosphere, so I did not say much. However, I did emphasize how many people, from powerful feudal lords across the country to merchants and common folk, have revered the virtue of Kobo Daishi and sought salvation, from a thousand years ago to the present day. Although it was a suddenly bitterly cold winter day, it turned out to be a tour where the guests could feel the essence of Japanese Buddhism.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKoyasan Station front/Nankai Rinkan Bus~Koyasan Station front/Nankai Rinkan Bus1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:10 to 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30 to 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:45 to 13:00 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 13:15 to 14:00 Lunch at Sushiro
    • 14:00 to 14:30 Gion
    • 15 15 to 15;45 Nishiki Market
    • 16:00 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Southeast Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They are staying in Kyoto for four days, and today was the first day. Their request was to explore popular spots in the southeastern part of Kyoto, which led to the itinerary above. For lunch they wanted to eat sushi, so I introduced them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. They said there are sushi restaurants back home as well, but they were surprised at how inexpensive and delicious it was here. After sightseeing in Kyoto, they plan to go to Osaka. They also mentioned that they would like to visit a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Osaka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji~Gojozaka / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayShijo (Kyoto City)~Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kyoto Station 11:15 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple 12:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple 13:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:40 Short break (Lunch) 14:30 Monkey Park
    • 16:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple  17:15 Drop off at Kyoto Station and end the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Photo-Focused Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. Until the morning of the tour, we had agreed on a route covering Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion, but on the day it changed significantly. The guest had found Monkey Park, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji on social media, so Fushimi Inari and Gion were dropped. The guest was very particular about photography and had me retake photos many times. Taking pictures of themselves at spots featured on social media was a major purpose of the day, and a large number of photos were taken. We used taxis for the round trip between Arashiyama and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji, and from Kinkaku-ji to Nishioji Oike. The guest did not seem interested in Japanese history or culture and was unfamiliar with words such as "shogun" and "Zen." I explained the basics at each site, but as photography was the main focus, this amounted to less than half of the usual explanation. After the tour time had passed at Kinkaku-ji, the guest said they would go to Gion alone, so I decided to guide them to the entrance of Gion, but partway (at Karasuma Oike) they decided to stop and return to the hotel, so I saw them off to Kyoto Station and the tour ended. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2OtherNishioji Oike~Kyoto260JPY
    Total500JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at the main gate (south side) of Toyosu Market
    • 5:05 Advance explanation about the tuna auction
    • 5:30 Watch the auction
    • 6:00 Sushi breakfast inside the market
    • 7:10 Stroll through the Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Disband at the Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What Is a Tsukiji Market Tuna Auction and Sushi Breakfast Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The day's tour, guest reactions, and other impressions The guests were a family visiting Japan from North America. The group was deeply impressed by the sheer number of tuna lined up at the auction site and by how skillfully each fish was sold in about five seconds. Today, the most animated young auctioneer was calling out the bids right below us in an almost dancing style, so the guests were delighted to watch him. (I personally call him the "Dancing auction guy," and whenever he takes his place at the auction, the crowd gets excited, which is a great help to me.) After watching the auction, the guests were very satisfied with the sushi breakfast. Everyone loved the sushi prepared by the head chef, and they requested, "We'd like two more pieces, so please have the chef choose for us." The chef recommended fresh milt and rich, fatty conger eel, which they tried, and they happily said, "The milt was the best sushi today." Of course, they were also very satisfied with the conger eel. At Tsukiji, I showed the guests the wholesalers' shops, where they saw large cuts of tuna and came to understand how the tuna sold at auction is processed. After they enjoyed fresh rock oysters at a fish shop and a strawberry daifuku at a sweets shop, I guided them to a specialty store for Japanese kitchen knives. One of the guests enjoys cooking as a hobby, and buying a Japanese kitchen knife was one of the purposes of this trip. I took plenty of time to explain the characteristics of the knives, and they happily purchased three that they liked. One of the three was bought as a gift from one of the guests to another, and it was a heartwarming group. The attached photo captures everyone's smiles after buying the knives. 2. Special notes and requests to Japan Guide Agency This morning was the coldest winter morning we've had so far, and one of the guests looked quite cold. Coming from a relatively warm region in North America, they seemed sensitive to the cold. I had informed them in advance that the early morning would be chilly, but since it will get even colder from now on, I will make sure to also share the expected temperature for the day when contacting guests the day before.

    Transportation cost per person

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Monkey Park & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Monkey Park & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 11:20 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 12:35 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 12:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 14:20 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 15:00 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 16:50 Disband in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from Oceania. The meeting time was set for 10:00, but I received a message that they would be running late, so we started at 10:30. One of the guests had been looking forward to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where there were many wild monkeys, and the group enjoyed feeding them. Perhaps because it was quite cold today, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove area was not very crowded, which was nice. The group had planned to visit Nijo Castle, but since they placed great importance on taking photos and photography is not allowed inside, I recommended Kinkaku-ji instead, and they happily agreed to the change. As we were running short on time, I gave an overview of our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha, before we parted ways. I believe the group enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto Station~Kyoto Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ANA Holiday Inn Sendai~9:40 @Zuihoden~10:40 @Sendai Castle Ruins~11:20 @Osaki Hachimangu Shrine~12:00 @Mediatheque~12:10 Stroll along Jozenji-dori~12:30 @Mitakisan Fudoin Temple~12:50 @Sendai Morning Market~13:00 Disband @Sendai Station

    Title: What Is a Private Snowy Winter Tour of Sendai and Zuihoden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania, and were interested in the idea of teaching English in Japan in the future and had come to Sendai to see what it might be like to live there. They asked me many questions, such as whether Sendai is a comfortable place to live. On the day of the tour, snow that had fallen the previous night made the footing poor, but they wanted to decide between Matsushima and Sendai depending on the weather, and since they mentioned enjoying nature, I had expected Matsushima. However, they said they wanted to head toward the mountains, so we used the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus to visit the city's main attractions. Since snow is rarely seen in Oceania, they were delighted by the snowy scenery along the approach to Zuihoden and the grounds of Zuihoji Temple, exclaiming how lucky they were. The guests moved quickly and were light on their feet, so the itinerary progressed smoothly. We decided on the spot where to get off the Loople bus, alighting at the Mediatheque and strolling along Jozenji-dori. As they planned to stay in Sendai for a while, I let them know that the Pageant of Starlight would begin the next day, and they said they would come back the following evening to see it. They also enjoy walking, so they asked about other sightseeing spots, and I recommended Yamadera, which has good access and is perfect for those who like to walk. I often give tours around central Sendai, but this time I explained things from the perspective of what it would be like to actually live there as I guided them.

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 a.m. Meet at Hotel
    • 9:50 a.m. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island
    • 10:35 a.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
    • 10:50 a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:30 a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 12:45 p.m. Lunch and Explore the shopping street
    • 2:00 p.m. Take the ferry and JR train to Hiroshima station
    • 3:30 p.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 5:15 p.m. End of the tour in Hiroshima City center

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Miyajima and Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe, and mentioned that they had originally lived in North America before relocating about five years earlier. They were very cheerful and polite, and they shared many stories with me during the tour, which I truly enjoyed. Since I received a message that they had already visited the Peace Park the day before, I quickly adjusted the itinerary so we could spend more time exploring Miyajima, and visited Shukkeien Garden instead of the Peace Park. Perhaps because it had been snowing lightly and cold since the previous day, Miyajima was quiet today, allowing us to explore at a leisurely pace. They had purchased a goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) book in Tokyo, and were delighted to receive stamps at Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. We were also able to catch the very last of the autumn foliage, and they took many photos. For lunch, they enjoyed a conger eel rice bowl and sake, and they found the momiji manju so cute that they bought many different varieties. Both of the guests love animals, and they were thrilled when they came across a Papillon dressed in a kimono at Itsukushima Shrine. With the owner's permission, we were able to take photos. When a deer was about to eat some trash, they gently took it away, saying it would make the deer sick, and I was moved by how kind-hearted they were. They also loved Shukkeien Garden, and since there were few people around, they said it was so peaceful and the scenery so beautiful that they wanted to stay there forever. When I mentioned that I had taken my pre-wedding photos at Shukkeien Garden, they took photos in the same spot, which was a little embarrassing for me but became a fun and lovely memory. Finally, I guided them to some shops for shopping and to restaurants in the city serving okonomiyaki and teppanyaki for their dinner, and the tour came to an end. The guests told me they had been traveling to a different country each month this year, and during our travels they showed me photos of the countries they had visited and shared recommendations for places and foods. We also showed each other our wedding photos, and it was very enjoyable. At the end, they told me that they would absolutely come back to Hiroshima, and that they would surely be back soon, and that they were so happy to have made a wonderful friend. I was truly delighted to hear this.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 2BusHiroshima~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Section 3OtherPeace Memorial Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Total1,860JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Kaminarimon
    • 2. 09:15 Asakusa (Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 3. 10:30 Ueno Park – Kaneiji Temple – Yanaka Cemetery – Yanaka Ginza
    • 4. 12:40 Lunch: Oshimaya
    • 5. 13:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 14:10 Omotesando – Harajuku
    • 7. 15:00 Dismissal: Harajuku

    What Can You See on a Private Tour of Asakusa, Yanaka, and Omotesando in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America and planned to stay in Japan, so in line with their advance requests I guided them through Asakusa, Ueno–Yanaka–Nezu, and Omotesando–Harajuku. Since they wanted to see unique architecture in the Omotesando–Harajuku area, we visited in the order of the Prada Aoyama store, the Nezu Museum, SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama, and Omotesando Hills, finishing the tour in Harajuku. They had requested soba for lunch, so I took them to Oshimaya in Yanaka, and they were delighted, saying it was very delicious. The weather was unfortunately a bit drizzly, but I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu~Omotesando210JPY
    Total390JPY

    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

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • JR Yamazaki Station 13:00~ Suntory Factory (13:10~14:30) ~ Fushimi Inari 15:30~18:00 (including meal) ~ Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine ~ JR Kyoto Station (21:30)

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Including the Yamazaki Distillery, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at JR Yamazaki Station and toured the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. The guests were visitors from Asia who reside in Europe, and they were cheerful and talkative. After enjoying a whisky tasting, we had a meal at Fushimi Inari. Although it was already close to 5 p.m. by then, the dimly lit precincts had a mystical atmosphere, and the guests took many photos. We had originally planned to finish at Yasaka Pagoda, but the guests wished to explore Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera, so the tour was extended. They especially enjoyed the night view from Kiyomizu-dera. We also visited Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and the tour ended at 9:30 p.m. when I saw them off for the bullet train at Kyoto Station.

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet
    • 12:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Castle
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Castle Dismissal

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests, visitors from the Middle East, on a half-day tour of Hiroshima. They were very calm and warm-hearted. Having heard they were from the Middle East, I had refrained from bringing up a certain well-known news topic, but the guests themselves asked whether I knew about it, and since one of their relatives had worked in Japan, we quickly became comfortable with each other. When I guided them to a gravestone that had survived the atomic bombing and explained that Japanese graves hold the remains of generations of ancestors, they were surprised that so many remains could be interred in one place, so I added an explanation about the culture of cremation. It was a meaningful time in which we could share the simple questions that arise from cultural differences.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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.

    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…