Category: Uncategorized

  • Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port Terminal 9:00 Kitano Ijinkan 9:30~Ikuta Shrine 10:30~Seafood Restaurant 11:30~Center Gai 13:00~Chinatown 13:20~
    • 14:00 Dismissal

    **Title:** What Is a Private Cruise Port Shore Tour in Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** I met the group at the port terminal at 8:50. They were visitors from North America. Even when I contacted them before the tour, they insisted on leaving the itinerary entirely up to me, which made me feel a strong sense of responsibility. When we actually met, they turned out to be very friendly people. I guided them to the Weathercock House, but they felt there was no need to pay the admission fee to go inside, and instead wanted to walk around the town. Since walking uphill was difficult for some of the guests, we canceled the planned herb garden and decided to visit Ikuta Shrine, which is on flat ground, for the time being. Afterward, they expressed a wish to eat sushi or seafood, so I took them to a seafood restaurant in front of Sannomiya Station, and they seemed very satisfied. We talked about aspects of daily life in Japan. After the meal, we strolled through Nankinmachi (Chinatown) and were about to head to our next destination, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, but unfortunately the guests wished to return to the ship, so I called a taxi and we said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya (Kobe New Transit)~Port Terminal210JPY
    Section 2BusSubway Sannomiya Station Front/Shinki Bus~Kitano Ijinkan300JPY
    Section 3BusKitano Ijinkan/Shinki Bus~Subway Sannomiya Station Front/Shinki Bus300JPY
    Total810JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kiyomizu-dera Temple 9:00 ~ Higashiyama 12:30 Gion 12:45 ~ Nijo Castle 13:15 ~ 15:00

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Nijo Castle The evening before, at 8:30, the meeting point was changed from the Hotel to the front of the Nio-mon Gate at Kiyomizu-dera, and the time was changed from 8:30 to 9:00. At Kiyomizu-dera, the guests asked about the different kinds of Buddhist statues and why water is poured over them. From Kiyomizu-dera we walked down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, stopping at many enjoyable shops such as an antique store, a cafe, a Studio Ghibli shop, and a matcha ice cream stand. At the guests' request, we skipped Yasaka Shrine, spent only a little time in Gion since they had seen it the previous night, and headed to Nijo Castle without stopping for lunch. One of the guests was interested in history and seemed very satisfied with the castle. Another of the guests asked about the meaning of the fine ranma transom carvings at Nijo Castle, and since I did not know, I consulted a curator. It was a great learning experience for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total390JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel – 9:00 Fukagawa Fudodo – 10:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 11:40 Tsukiji Outer Market 12:30 Lunch – 13:10 Tokyo Tower – 14:05 Disband at Shinjuku

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Fukagawa and Monzen-Nakacho Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America on their first trip abroad, traveling solo in Japan for the first time for about ten days. They had already spent several days in Tokyo and planned to visit Hakone on the weekend. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour that began at Fukagawa Fudodo, where the guest could enjoy an immersive and striking experience. I explained Japan's religions by visiting Fukagawa Fudodo, representing Buddhism, one of Japan's main religions, and Tomioka Hachimangu, representing Shinto. The guest had researched Japan quite thoroughly before this trip and had already enjoyed delicious sushi and wagyu beef, so when I suggested trying eel, they immediately agreed. We enjoyed eel at a long-established restaurant with over two hundred years of history, and the guest was very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSeibu-Shinjuku~Monzen-Nakacho370JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-Nakacho~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukijishijo~Akabanebashi180JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamiyacho~Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)210JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Park Hyat(9:00)~Arashiyama Bamboo Grove(9:30)Tenryu-ji Temple(10:00)~Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple(11:30)~Kinkaku-ji Temple(12:30)~Fushimi Inari(13:30)~Hotel(15:40)

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari I went to pick up the guests at the Hotel just before 8:00, but they did not appear at the scheduled time, which was quite worrying. When the front desk kindly contacted their room, it turned out they had thought the tour was starting at 9:00. We departed the Hotel at 9:00 and first headed to Arashiyama. We skipped Gio-ji Temple due to limited time. The guests were deeply impressed by the beauty of the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, they were surprised by the unique scenery and asked why the gravestones were so small. They enjoyed some tea at a small nearby cafe. At Kinkaku-ji Temple, they showed great interest in the beauty of the Golden Pavilion, the other buildings, and the garden. At Fushimi Inari, they were impressed by the mystical sight of the thousands of torii gates and also bought a good-luck charm. They enjoyed strolling among the food stalls as well.

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:35 Disband at Shinjuku Gyoen

    title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a somewhat cold day with occasional cold rain mixed in, but the autumn foliage in both red and yellow could be seen very well. After meeting up, I explained the itinerary and we set off. The guests had a Welcome Suica Mobile, so we were able to proceed smoothly through the itinerary. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we entered and exited through the Ote-mon Gate, covering many of the sights on the left side such as the Fujimi-yagura Watchtower. The guests showed interest in the plants, including citrus, persimmons, and autumn leaves. They took many photos in the gardens as well. At Meiji Shrine there were visitors for a wedding, a first-shrine visit, and Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and the guests took many photos here too. I then guided them to Shinjuku Gyoen, and the tour ended as planned. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOnarimon~Otemachi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total900JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at Hotel Vista Tokyo Tsukiji
    • 2. 10:15 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street walkthrough, East Gardens)
    • 3. 13:00 Aoyama – Omotesando – Harajuku
    • 4. 15:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    • 5. 15:40 Dismissal at Tochomae

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Architecture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who wished to visit buildings designed by renowned Japanese architects. Before starting the architecture tour, since the Inui-dori avenue of the Imperial Palace was open to the public, I recommended it and the guests enjoyed the autumn foliage within the Imperial Palace grounds. After that, I guided them in the following order: the PRADA Aoyama store, the Nezu Museum, SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama, Omotesando Hills, the AEAJ Green House, Yoyogi National Gymnasium, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The guests seemed to be very familiar with Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando, but did not know much about Kengo Kuma, whose works they viewed and photographed with the greatest interest. It was a somewhat unconventional tour, but I believe the guests were pleased with it. I have guided guests who wished to see buildings designed by Japanese architects before, and although it may be a niche interest, I feel there is a certain demand for it. I would like to study this field further and make it one of my strengths.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Omotesando180JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tochomae290JPY
    Total650JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00 Meet up @Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand
    • 2. 12:45 @Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome intersection: Mitsukoshi, Wako, etc.)
    • 3. 13:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 14:00 @Imperial Palace Inui Street walk-through
    • 5. 14:45 @Imperial Palace East Gardens (Hirakawamon Gate, Tenshudai Donjon Base, Stone Cellar, Fujimi-tamon Defense House, Site of the Pine Corridor, Fujimi Yagura Turret, Shiomizaka Slope, Ninomaru Garden, Hyakunin-bansho Guardhouse, Doshin-bansho Guardhouse, Otemon Gate) 
    • 6. 15:50 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, Midori-no-madoguchi Ticket Office)
    • 7. 16:30 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Underground Food Hall)
    • 8. 17:30 @Shinjuku (Kabukicho Godzilla Head, 3D Advertisement, Omoide Yokocho)
    • 9. 18:00 Disband @Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Nihonbashi The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America, stopping over in Japan on the way to another destination out of a longstanding interest in the country. The tour was originally booked for the group, but because urgent work came up for one member of the party, the guest joined the tour on their own. At Kobikicho, located in the basement of the Kabukiza Theatre, the first stop, the guest showed interest in finding souvenirs for family members, though no purchases were made there. During the visit to the Imperial Palace, we saw not only the Nijubashi Bridge and the Main Gate, but were also able to walk along the Imperial Palace Inui Street, which was open to the public from November for a special walk-through. This allowed us to stroll through areas of the Imperial Palace grounds not normally accessible while admiring the autumn foliage. The guest was enchanted by the vividly red autumn leaves and the four-season cherry blossoms that were in full bloom at this time of year. After the walk-through, rather than exiting via the Kitahanebashi Gate, we crossed the bridge from the Hirakawa Gate to enter the East Gardens, climbed up to the former castle keep foundation, and the guest listened attentively to explanations of Japanese history. We were also able to go inside the Fujimi-tamon, viewed from the Inui Street side, and it was fascinating to look down onto Inui Street from its windows. Recalling the Kabukiza Theatre we had seen earlier, I explained the kabuki play "Chushingura" at the site of the Matsu-no-Oroka corridor in the Imperial Palace, and the guest listened intently, saying they would share it with a family member interested in samurai culture. At the ticket counter of Tokyo Station, I helped with purchasing shinkansen tickets to Kyoto and Narita Express tickets for onward travel. At Nihonbashi Takashimaya, the guest was moved by the enormous Christmas tree displayed at the main entrance and shared a photo of the Christmas tree at their own home. I was amazed by the magnificent tree and the large house surrounding it. At an adjacent shop, the guest purchased many gnome figurines as souvenirs. After completing tax-free procedures, the guest showed interest in the basement food hall, and when I guided them there, they were surprised by the large Japanese apples and made a purchase. As time passed, it became clear that there would not be enough time to visit Asakusa as originally planned, so by mutual agreement, instead of Asakusa, we decided to see the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku before returning to the hotel. I introduced Omoide Yokocho along the way and walked the guest back to the hotel. (As for the photos, I unfortunately only managed to take ones in portrait orientation. My apologies.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Nishi-Shinjuku Station~Hibiya Line, Higashi-Ginza Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line, Nihombashi Station~Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
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    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
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  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & 15;50 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & 15;50 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotek Okura Kyoto
    • 11:00 to 11:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:00 to 12:30 Gion
    • 12:45 to 13:30 Lunch at Tenkaippin
    • 13:45 to 14:45 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:15 to 15;50 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 16:30 Disband at Hotel Okura Kyoto

    **Title:** What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Kyoto suddenly turned cold starting today, but North America is a vast region, and the guests said that where they live it is currently around minus 5°C to 10°C, with heavy snowfall from around November through March. The guests said that today's weather felt pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold. When the driver turned on the car heater, the guests said they found it too warm and asked to switch to the air conditioning. I, on the other hand, was shivering from the cold. When the tour ended, I felt relieved to be freed from the chill.

    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
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    Amazing!
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  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet on foot Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins Onshi Park Hakone Old Highway Cedar Avenue Motohakone Port shore then 10:30 by bus via Ninotaira on foot 11:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum (including cafe) 13:31 by bus via Kowakien 14:00 Hakonemachi Port (introduction of tomorrow's boat dock) then return to Maruyama Bussan for shopping
    • 14:45 Disband near Hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After having to give up on an earlier trip due to COVID, the guests were finally able to realize their long-awaited visit to Japan, and since Hakone (today and tomorrow) was to be the final part of their trip, I proceeded flexibly so that it would not end on a disappointing note. For tomorrow, I recommended the easily accessible pirate ship, the ropeway, and Owakudani, which they could enjoy on their own, and today we followed the course described above. In contrast to the bustle of Kyoto and Osaka, they were able to fully enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of the autumn foliage, quite different from where they usually live. Since we entered the local products shop right after it opened, we had the place to ourselves and enjoyed the presentation, and they bought a puzzle box, deciding it would make a perfect souvenir. In the dance photo taken of the group and me, you can clearly see how short my legs are. As it was a special anniversary for the guests, I made a congratulatory board for them.

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
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    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

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    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
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    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1)850 Meet at Hotel (reception area)
    • (2)Subway from Nihonbashi to Kiyosumishirakawa
    • (3)950-1140 Edo Fukagawa Museum & Kiyosumi Garden
    • (4) Subway from Kiyosumishirakawa to Asakusa
    • (5) 1200-1300 Asakusa & lunch
    • (6) Subway from Asakusa to Takebashi
    • (7)1320-1500 East Garden of the Imperial Palace

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with Young Children Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. They traveled with a tandem double stroller, so finding elevators to navigate the subway and taking time for diaper changes made the itinerary run a little longer. They were surprised at how quietly people walked along the streets in Japan, but in the afternoon we encountered a group chatting loudly, and they exchanged glances with amusement. At Sensoji Temple, they asked about the interior of the five-story pagoda and about the water basin placed in front of the main hall. I gave brief answers on the spot and looked into the details afterward to add more. Regarding the pagoda, the foundation level contains a meeting room and offices, the first floor holds one hundred Kannon statues and 12,000 memorial tablets, floors two through four house many dedicated miniature five-story pagodas, and the top floor enshrines Buddhist relics. The water basin was used for fire prevention in the Edo period, but at the temple it symbolizes purification by water and was dedicated by worshippers. The guests mentioned they planned to visit an onsen in Nagoya, and they were surprised when I explained that one typically enters naked and that people with tattoos may sometimes be refused entry. Throughout the day, some of the guests were praised by Japanese passersby who said how cute they were.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi (Tokyo)~Kiyosumishirakawa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKiyosumishirakawa~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Takebashi290JPY
    Total760JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
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    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

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    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
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