What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had already traveled to places such as Singapore and were spending their final days in Tokyo before returning home. It was their first time in Japan, and they had arrived in late in the month. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed tuna and beer, and since one of the guests loved matcha, they purchased matcha and black soybeans and enjoyed exploring the outer market. In Asakusa, they visited Senso-ji Temple and also enjoyed some delicious conveyor-belt sushi. They remarked that Meiji Shrine was very beautiful, and they found the children dressed for Shichi-Go-San celebrations adorable. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed ice cream and had fun seeing micro pigs, and in Shibuya they crossed the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, took photos from Starbucks, and then returned to the Hotel. The weather was wonderful and they said it was great to be able to visit so many different places, so I believe they truly enjoyed the day.

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Tour Report by FUMIKO

Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

What Is a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from North America. They had been close friends since their university days. The original meeting point had been set as a hotel in Tamano City, but after communicating carefully in advance, it turned out that they were not actually staying there, and Uno Port, the ferry departure point, was more convenient, so we met at Uno Port. Since there was nearly 30 minutes before the ferry, I showed them the art projects around Uno Port. After that, we took the ferry to Naoshima, went to the Honmura district by town bus, and, ahead of our afternoon visits, walked around to get a quick overview of the destinations and made a concrete plan. We then headed to the Benesse House Museum, but before that we walked around and saw about ten nearby artworks. We stayed at the museum for about an hour, then went to the Valley Gallery, and next to the Lee Ufan Museum on the opposite side of the road. After that we went to the Chichu Art Museum and thoroughly enjoyed the works. Keeping an eye on the time, we then extended our walk to the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery, where we admired the artworks in the garden while enjoying a set of sencha green tea and Japanese sweets. We then had to move a little more quickly and headed to the Naoshima New Museum of Art, which opened in May of this year. Before dusk approached, we purchased viewing tickets for the Art House Project in the Honmura district and managed to walk through and see all five sites. On the bus heading to Miyanoura Port, we met someone I had met before who has lived on Naoshima for five and a half years. This person, who has settled on Naoshima and works as a guide while running a bookshop, is a wonderful individual who can, in a sense, explain the appeal of Naoshima even better than the islanders themselves, and deepening this acquaintance made for a very meaningful tour. Tonight we would return to a hotel in Kurashiki, but since the guests wished to have sushi for dinner in Okayama City, I guided them to a reliable sushi restaurant and explained the local Okayama specialty, barazushi.

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Tour Report by Sam

My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had worked together at the same workplace for many years. One of them planned to travel on to Tokyo after visiting Kyoto. The destinations were requested by the guests, and although I felt four hours might not be enough time, we managed to complete the planned itinerary, even if the guiding at each site had to be somewhat condensed. Both guests walked briskly, and we also caught the buses at good timing, which helped a great deal. The stage of Kiyomizu-dera with its traditional kake-zukuri construction and the townscape of Sannenzaka seemed to leave a strong impression on them. They were scheduled to join a sake tasting tour from 4:30 pm, so I recommended they stroll around the Nishiki Market area until then, walked them to the market entrance, and said goodbye.

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Tour Report by Naoki

I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

Title: What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like for a Family Reunion Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, made up of relatives who had emigrated from Kurashiki City, Tottori Prefecture, in the 1900s. This visit to Japan was described as an important trip for a family reunion. Each part of the group had come to Japan separately, and some had visited Kurashiki City to meet with distant relatives. The night before, everyone had gathered in Hakone, and they planned to hold a banquet together that evening. Originally the plan was to split into two groups and sightsee separately in two taxis, but at the strong request of the guests, both groups followed the same itinerary and proceeded together at the same time. I was in charge of one part of the group, staying at a nearby B&B rather than at the Hotel. A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide was in charge of the other part of the group. For everyone, the top request was a view of Mount Fuji. Some of the guests had difficulty walking, so we proceeded slowly and at a gentle pace. It was a clear day (Hakone had reportedly been rainy the day before), and the tour took place in weather that was almost a little cold. First, we went directly from in front of the Hotel to Owakudani. I explained the formation of Hakone and gave an overview of the history of Owakudani. There were questions such as "When were the volcanic mountains of Hakone formed?", "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?", and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" Everyone purchased the famous black eggs and also bought various souvenirs at the shop. Each person moved around at their own pace, so it was difficult to keep the whole group together, and I had some trouble controlling the flow of the itinerary. We took the ropeway to Togendai. After a short wait, we boarded the "pirate ship," which was packed with tourists. Despite the cold wind, some of the guests stayed on the upper deck the whole time, taking commemorative photos again and again. 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 Motomachi 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 lined up to take photos?" We took a taxi to a soba restaurant in front of Chokoku-no-Mori Station. Despite the large number of people, we managed to secure seats, but each family ordered separately. Some also ordered an additional dish after everyone had finished eating, so it took more time than expected. After this, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I explained the origins of the museum. However, only two of the guests entered the grounds, while the others waited at the entrance. After this, everyone returned to their accommodation. There were comments such as "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are so orderly," "There's no litter on the ground," and "Everyone is so polite." We parted ways in front of the Hotel.

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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.

Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and Autumn Leaves Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from Europe. In the pre-tour communication, after I sent a proposed itinerary, the guests requested four locations — Asakusa/Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine — plus autumn leaf viewing, and replied that they were happy to meet at the first destination rather than the hotel if it meant more time for the tour. When I suggested the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center as a meeting point, the guests gladly agreed. On the day, we met at the Hotel to reconfirm the itinerary and start the tour (the guests had already purchased Welcome Suica cards). When I asked about their travels, I learned they had already visited central Japan (Kanazawa, Toyama, Tsumago, Magome), the Kansai area (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama), and Hiroshima. Simply hearing words like a cooking experience in Kyoto, the Kumano Kodo (where they said there seemed to be many visitors from North America), Kii-Katsuura, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and a sake brewery in Tateyama gave me a wonderful sense of how the guests enjoy their travels. Having experienced many shrines and temples during their trips in Japan, they seemed quite accustomed to them, but they continued to listen attentively to my explanations wherever we went and asked many questions. In Akihabara, since one of the guests loves games and Monchhichi, I guided them to Yodobashi Camera and the Radio Kaikan building. While moving around, they asked me for recommendations on observation decks in the city, an udon restaurant (which they had not yet tried), and places to enjoy nighttime autumn leaf illuminations, so I shared Google Maps and recommended links via a messaging app. One of the guests, who works in marketing, had an amazing memory for films and all sorts of things, and shared plenty of information about Oxford (where they likely spent their student days) and other historic sites. At Hibiya Park, the SAKANA JAPAN FESTA 2025 began that day, and even though it was a weekday it was very lively; the ginkgo leaves had turned a magnificent color, and the guests quietly gazed at the carpet of fallen leaves and the leaves drifting down, enjoying taking videos and photos. At the Imperial Palace, we exchanged views while chatting about royal gossip on both sides. At Meiji Shrine as well, we talked about many things (films, music, their future dreams, and more), and the time flew by. Before we knew it, it was time to part ways, and we said a smiling goodbye at Jingu Bridge.

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Tour Report by Tachi

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto History and Zen Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from the Middle East. They mentioned that they live in a place with subtle geography, where a small canal connecting two seas divides the land, with one side belonging to Asia and the other to Europe. I knew it was a politically and religiously complex region, and hearing their stories confirmed just how complicated the area truly is. They came to Japan for travel and, after a brief look around Tokyo, headed to Kyoto. They planned to enjoy Kyoto for three days before flying back home from Tokyo. Since they were especially interested in history, they asked me to talk about Japanese history, and they also wished to see karesansui (dry landscape gardens), which shaped the itinerary for this tour. In the hotel lobby first thing in the morning, when I said, "Then let me begin with a brief overview of Kyoto's history," one of the guests leaned forward and listened intently, which I found both amusing and gratifying, and I spent the whole day explaining a wide range of topics. As part of their customs, they observe certain religious practices, and I was able to hear some fascinating stories. Since this was their first visit to Japan and Kyoto, they were delighted with every view we saw, finding each one wonderful. Whenever I took photos of the group, they were always so warm and affectionate with each other. The photo I uploaded is the only one where the surroundings were not crowded with people. I received a review from them right away today. Tomorrow they said they would like to watch a maiko perform Kyoto-style dance in Gion and have a meal at Nishiki Market. I hope they will enjoy their time.

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Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Yanaka, Ueno, and Ameyoko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a lively group visiting from North America, traveling together on a tour I led through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). At first, they requested, "Please tell us as much as you can about Japanese history," so I focused on history and spoke at length on the subject. However, the moment we arrived at Yanaka Ginza, they eagerly began eating their way through the street, sampling skewered wagyu beef, three kinds of strawberries from Tochigi, banana, ice cream, matcha, coffee, and more. Watching this from beside them was a joy in itself. We had planned to go to Shibuya, but as we talked, I learned that they had reserved dinner at a sushi restaurant in Aoyama for 5:30, and they decided they could head to Shibuya afterward. This freed up some time, so we took a leisurely stroll through Ueno Park while I explained its highlights, and then spent time in Ameyoko, where the guests thoroughly enjoyed some takoyaki, saying it was "very delicious." It was a delightful trip with a truly unique and cheerful group, and guiding them made me happy as well.

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Tour Report by MINORUASAI

I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

Title: What Is a Private 6-Hour Nagoya Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I was assigned to this tour on short notice, two days before the tour date, as an urgent request. The information I received from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) at that time was that the itinerary had been agreed upon as a 6-hour tour covering Nagoya Castle, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and Osu Shopping Street, after which the guests would go to Atsuta Shrine on their own and return to the port. When I met them, I learned that their wish was to visit as many landmarks as possible — many places, briefly. However, they were very fond of taking photographs, and Nagoya Castle alone took nearly 90 minutes. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum, I limited our stay to just under an hour to match the bus schedule, and I had planned to go to Osu Shopping Street via Nagoya Station afterward. But once we boarded the bus, one of the guests suddenly said they wanted to visit a Japanese garden first, and that they would go to the shopping street on their own. It was at this point that I realized they had wanted to visit a Japanese garden — Tokugawaen — rather than Atsuta Shrine. Atsuta Shrine could have been made the final stop before returning to the port, but since Tokugawaen is far and in the opposite direction, it was impossible to make it the last stop, so I had no choice but to follow their wish. We arrived at Tokugawaen from Nagoya Station after 13:00, and it ended up being the 13:55 bus by the time we left Tokugawaen. It was necessary to get off at the TV Tower, go to Sakae Station, and take the subway to Kamimaezu, but since I felt it would be impossible for them to do this on their own, I recommended a taxi. However, they preferred the bus and subway, so I gave up on that idea, accompanied them to Kamimaezu, explained how to get back to Nagoya Port, and parted with them at the entrance of the shopping street. By then it was 14:45. During the tour, I asked whether they needed a break or lunch, but their priority was simply to visit as many places as possible. The only thing they ate was the persimmon I had peeled and brought from home. They showed me photos of their family and home and kindly said that if I ever came to North America, I should be sure to visit their house. I believe they were satisfied with the tour, but on my part, I regret that I was not able to finish on time, and that the cause was my insufficient initial confirmation — namely, that they had wanted to visit a garden.

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Tour Report by Nozomi

Hello, my name is Nozomi. Being a tour guide is both my work and hobby! I love traveling myself and I’ve traveled far and wide within Japan. Especially I know Tokyo and Nagoya well as I’ve lived and worked in both cities for many years. I’m delighted to guide you foreign tourists introducing all the good and interesting places and things in Japan. Please ask me anything, not just typical sightseeing places but also food, culture, hot-spring, daily life and anything really! I love to see my guests enjoying and having good experiences in Japan!

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Asakusa to Harajuku The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania, having arrived the previous day. After Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka the following week before returning to Tokyo and heading home. During our prior communication, they mentioned they wanted to become comfortable with the transportation system, so I gave them a metro route map, a JR route map, and a Tokyo Travel Guide, and explained possible destinations for days other than today. Since they had already booked TeamLab Planets, which is a little tricky to reach, I explained the route (TeamLab Borderless would have been easier). They were delighted by Ameyoko, and when I explained the museums and art galleries in Ueno Park, they said they would come back another day to see them all together. At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, they enjoyed strawberry candy and melon bread. In Akihabara, there were so many things they wanted to buy that they decided to return another day to take their time. Originally, I had planned to take them to Ginza afterward and part ways there, but since some of the guests wanted to see Harajuku while others wanted to shop, I took them to Harajuku. I gave a brief explanation of Meiji Shrine, guided them along the shopping routes of Omotesando and Cat Street, and took them to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, where, after giving an overview, we parted ways.

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Tour Report by Ted

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

What Can You See on a Private 8-Hour Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had spent a few months working in Tsugaike, Nagano about thirty years ago, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived in Japan the day before and planned to stay about five days before continuing to Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, as part of an overall trip of about three weeks. I guided them through Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, Asakusa, Yanaka, and Nezu Shrine. We mainly visited traditional places, and the guests enjoyed the atmosphere while listening to my explanations. At Tsukiji, they tried sashimi and wagyu beef at standing food stalls. Although it was a fairly long tour of 8 hours, the weather was pleasant and the guests walked at a good pace, so we were able to cover everything smoothly and as planned. When we reached JR Ikebukuro Station, the nearest station to their accommodation, the guests said they could return to their hotel on their own and that we could finish there, so we parted ways.

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Tour Report by Haru

Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!