Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 　　　Meet at JR Osaka Station
    • 10:00~11:00 Osaka Castle Park & Tenshukaku
    • 11:30~12:10 Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:20~12:50 Isshinji Temple, Shinsekai
    • 13:00~13:30　Namba, Dotonbori

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who came from Kyoto to Osaka Station by JR train, where we met for the tour. We first visited Osaka Castle Park and the castle tower. They were deeply impressed by the grandeur of the castle's outer moats, the moats, and the stone walls. At the castle tower, they were moved by the exhibits depicting the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the fierce battles of the Summer Siege of Osaka. At Shitennoji Temple, they observed a Buddhist memorial service being conducted in the main hall and were impressed by the solemn chanting of sutras and the rituals. After that, we strolled through Shinsekai, and at the guests' request, we went to the entrance of the arena for the Grand Sumo Osaka Tournament in Namba, where they enjoyed the atmosphere. They were delighted to spot a passing sumo wrestler by luck and took a photo with him. Finally, we took commemorative photos in Dotonbori and parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho～Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total560JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:15 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 10:45-11:45 Kenrokuen Garden tour
    • AM 11:45-PM13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park – Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura tour, Gyokusen-in
    • Travel on foot via Oyama Shrine to the Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 14:00-14:15 Nagamachi Samurai District – Tour ends in front of the Nomura Family Residence

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa's Nagamachi Samurai District Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, taking their first trip to Japan. On the day, they requested via a messaging app to start at 10:15, which was no problem, so we began the tour a little early. They seemed to have some difficulty with English, but appeared to understand my explanations well enough. One of the guests tried hard to ask questions in English, though there were times when I could not fully understand. They thoroughly enjoyed the tour itself. We ran out of time in the Nagamachi samurai residence district, so I introduced the Nomura Family residence and the Ashigaru Museum, and concluded the tour there.

    Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station／Hokutetsu Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokutetsu Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:30-12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30-13:10 Nijo Castle
    • 13:30-14:00 Lunch
    • 14:20-15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:20-16:00 Nishiki Market
    • Tour ends
    • 1

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji Body: The guests were a very pleasant group from Oceania. After exiting Fushimi Inari Station, they purchased a kitchen knife at a cutlery shop and had their name engraved on it. This took a little time, but afterward I guided them around Fushimi Inari, where we visited the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) and the "Neagari no Matsu" pine. On the way back, we picked up the knife and headed to Nijo Castle, where I also guided them through the gardens and explained the relationship between the shogun and the emperor. We took a taxi to a Hama Sushi near Kinkaku-ji for lunch, and we enjoyed a little game together, which livened things up. At one point I accidentally left my backpack in the taxi and panicked, but the driver came back with it, so all was well. Since I had been holding the knife, I was very relieved. I then guided them through Kinkaku-ji, and we took a taxi to Nishiki Market, where we spent about 30 minutes looking around before we ran out of time, so they went on to Gion on their own. They were wonderful guests, and I truly enjoyed accompanying them myself.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo Keihan240JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen gate, Hiroshima Station
    • 9:35a.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:30 Visit Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:15a.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:40p.m. Lunch (1,000 JPY – 2,000 per adult)
    • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • https://hiroshima-benbe-ootemachi.owst.jp/en/
    • 2:00 p.m. End of the tour at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park and Shukkeien Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had traveled from North America to Asia, and then came to Japan. It was a special trip for the group, and I was honored to guide them. Since neither of us was a native English speaker, we communicated slowly and used simple words as much as possible. One of the guests was studying Japanese and also spoke to me in Japanese. They mentioned that the guide in Osaka the day before was not Japanese, and they were happy that today's guide was a native Japanese speaker, giving them plenty of opportunity to practice Japanese. At Shukkeien Garden, one of the guests took many photos. Another guest had a deep interest in history and listened attentively as I spoke about the atomic bombing and about my grandfather, who was a survivor. While waiting for the restroom at Hiroshima Station, they had received a paper crane, and at the Peace Park they offered that paper crane at the Children's Peace Monument. The museum was quite crowded, and one of the guests found it hard to look at the depictions of injured children and moved through quickly, while another guest viewed the exhibits carefully. They really enjoyed the okonomiyaki we had for lunch and thanked me many times for bringing them there. We had a lively conversation about our families and about recommended sightseeing spots and food in North America, and it was a very relaxed and warm tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHondori / Hiroshima Electric Railway Bus～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Mari

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hilton Osaka
    • 09:15 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 10:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 12:15 Disband @ JR Osaka Station

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shitennoji, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Namba The guests were visitors from North America, both of whom had visited Japan several times before, so we were able to move around smoothly. At each spot, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations. I also took them to a construction company (Kongo Gumi) near a temple founded by descendants of a Korean carpenter who had been invited by Prince Shotoku to build Shitennoji Temple, and when I explained that this company is the oldest continuously operating company in the world, they were very interested. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they offered prayers, picked up the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles, and purchased the small amulet pouches. We encountered several families performing "Omiyamairi" (taking photos on the dedicated stage), and in addition, Sumiyoshi Taisha, which is currently serving as lodging for the ongoing "Grand Sumo Spring Tournament," did not present us with any sumo wrestlers there, but the guests were delighted to spot a wrestler at Namba Station on our way back. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by the guide's family member, which they were happy to receive. As they were a little tired, we ended the tour about 15 minutes early.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 2TrainTennoji-ekimae～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba (Subway)～Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Total960JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up with guests at the hotel
    • 09:00 Tokyo Tower
    • 10:30 Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
    • 11:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:30 Tour ends at the Midori no Madoguchi at Shibuya Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania who had arrived by cruise ship. They lived in the same area and were a very close-knit group. We began the tour with the Top Deck Tour at Tokyo Tower. The day was perfectly clear, and as soon as we reached the observation deck, Mount Fuji appeared crisply right in front of us, which greatly moved the guests. They had visited Oshino Hakkai on a bus tour the previous day, and while showing me photos of a hazy Mount Fuji under a cloudy sky, they were delighted, saying, "Today's photos are more beautiful, with the lovely contrast between the blue sky and the white snow at the summit." At the Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden, they came to understand the design and concept of a typical strolling-style garden. When I explained that seawater used to be drawn into the garden in the past, they were impressed at how skillfully the Japanese incorporate nature. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, we stopped at a stand-up sushi restaurant I frequent for lunch. The guests thoroughly enjoyed both the taste of the sushi prepared by the young head chef and the "stand-up" style, and showed big smiles. Afterward they had grilled wagyu skewers and seemed very satisfied. We also stopped by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where they sat for a while inside the main hall and enjoyed the Buddhist-style interior. The interior of the main hall was very quiet, and they enjoyed the contrast with the liveliness of the Tsukiji Outer Market. In Asakusa, they were surprised by the crowds at Senso-ji Temple. When I explained that Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji Temple exist within the same precincts as a remnant of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, they were impressed, remarking, "The Japanese have flexibly incorporated new things since ancient times." At Meiji Jingu Shrine, they were impressed by the size and tranquility of its forest and grounds despite being in the heart of the city. In contrast, they were surprised by the chaos of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing afterward, and I believe they enjoyed both the stillness and the movement of Tokyo. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests Although it was a group of around senior travelers, everyone was a strong walker, easily covering 22,000 steps during the 8-hour tour. As someone who has passed sixty myself, I found myself hoping to enjoy a healthy retirement of overseas travel like these guests. Since I had once attended an academic conference held at a university in the area where the guests live, our conversation was lively as we talked about beer bars along the river running through that area and debated which Japanese beer is better, Asahi or Sapporo. Thanks to the beer and the clear skies, it was a very enjoyable tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDaimon (Tokyo)～Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total810JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    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!

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: JR Tokyo Station & Akihabara

    Tokyo in Half a Day: JR Tokyo Station & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50 Meet at Keiyo Line Tokyo Station
    • 09:10 JR Tokyo Station
    • 09:30 Imperial Palace (exterior only, up to Kikyo Gate)
    • 10:20 Asakusa
    • 11:30 Ueno Park
    • 12:40 Akihabara
    • 13:00 Disband at JR Akihabara Station

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report At first the meeting point was undecided, and after checking the accommodation it turned out to be next to Tokyo Disneyland in Chiba, so I suggested a JR station. In the exchanges after the assignment, the guests seemed a little displeased, saying things like "there is no JR station at the meeting point" and "this kind of thing should have been mentioned at the time of booking," but with the help of the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) staff, the meeting point was resolved and we reached the day of the tour. Thank you very much for your assistance at that time. When we actually met, some of the guests seemed to have thought that we could cover the entire [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) list (this had been correctly understood by another of the guests), so after a moment of thought it became "then, let's do the eastern side: the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Ueno Park and Akihabara. We don't need to go to Tsukiji." I was asked whether they could "have" the map of Tokyo showing sightseeing spots that I usually use for introductions, so I gave it to them. The guests took photos everywhere they went, and since I heard that this was their only day in Tokyo, I made an effort to cover as much as possible in a compact way. During this, some of the guests were absorbed in shopping along Nakamise, and it was always one of the guests who ended up queuing to buy things like strawberry candy. When they said "they love shopping," and I replied "it would probably be the same in any case, wouldn't it?", the response was "yeah, exactly the same — the whole group just gets hooked on shopping," with a resigned look. Just then, the person queuing ahead of us said with a smile "same at our place," and that person was also queuing on someone else's behalf (laughs). At Ueno Park the guests were delighted by the cherry blossoms and kept taking photos (the highlight spot of the day), and at Kiyomizu Kannon-do they spent the whole time choosing power stone bracelets rather than sightseeing (one of the guests seemed quite used to it). I didn't feel that I did much guide-like work, but we were able to visit as many sightseeing spots as possible within four hours and take many photos, so I believe they were satisfied. In the afternoon they planned to tour the western side starting with Shibuya, on track to conquer Tokyo's main sightseeing spots in a single day.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo～Ueno200JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno～Akihabara160JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 In advance, explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction is conducted, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Inner Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Private Tokyo Fish Market and Tsukiji Food Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions on the day The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had a strong interest in food culture and were looking forward to visiting a Japanese fish market. During the auction viewing, they watched with great interest as the auctioneers competed with one another and as buyers placed bids with hand signals. At the sushi restaurant for breakfast after the auction, the guests enjoyed a full tuna course, savoring how the flavor changed depending on the cut. They were impressed not only by the freshness of the fish but also by the perfect combination with the rice. One favorite was the medium-fatty tuna, and another was the marinated tuna. At Tsukiji, they spent a lot of time shopping. They bought many items, including wasabi salt, dashi stock packs, and white strawberries, and seemed very satisfied. 2. Other impressions, special notes The guests showed great interest in Japanese food, so as the guide for this tour I put real effort into my explanations. I explained that the way dashi is made varies by region, and that preferences differ — bonito-based dashi being common in Tokyo, and iriko (dried sardine) dashi being common in the Setouchi region — and I was happy to help them understand the diversity of Japanese food. As we have entered the busy season, securing a spot to view the auction is becoming more difficult by the day. I explain the situation to guests and ask them to strictly observe the meeting time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Toru

    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!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Mitsukoshimae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Mitsukoshimae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
    • 10:10 Depart Mitsukoshimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:20 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:30 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:40 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Hibiya Chanter
    • 13:30 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:45 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:20 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:40 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Mitsukoshimae Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Mitsukoshimae Station

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. The main purpose of this trip was a 14-day cruise departing from Tokyo that circled Japan (including Jeju Island in Korea), with a flight home planned after returning to port. They were staying in Tokyo for just this one day, with departure scheduled for the following afternoon. They said, "We are looking forward to seeing various parts of Japan, and we would very much like to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms." One of the guests mentioned that photography was a hobby. It was a tour under clear skies, in weather warm enough to be pleasant. Since they said, "We leave the choice of destinations up to you," the tour proceeded as follows. First, we went to Asakusa. The grounds of Sensoji Temple were crowded with tourists and school groups, partly because it was a Sunday. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various spots. We strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the major religions in Japan?" "How many Christians are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the history of the Imperial family," "World War II and the air raids on Tokyo," and "how the stone walls were built." There were questions and comments such as, "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?" "Who is the next Emperor?" "Can a woman become Emperor?" and "How many members are there in the Imperial family in total?" After this, since they said, "We really want to have lunch. The breakfast at the hotel was extremely small in portion," we went to Hibiya Chanter. Everywhere was crowded, but we managed to find seats at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. One of the guests could not eat raw fish, and another had allergies. We moved to Harajuku, which was quite crowded, being a Sunday. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about "Shinto," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "why the sake barrels are displayed," and "why the wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as, "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession, which they photographed enthusiastically. We also strolled along Takeshita Street. We moved to Shibuya. We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as, "How many people gather here at the busiest times?" and "Why did it become so famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as, "The city is so clean, with no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean, and it's rare that they're free," and "There are no trash cans on the streets—why is that?" I saw them off at Mitsukoshimae Station, ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train三越前～浅草180JPY
    Section 2Train浅草～大手町(東京都)180JPY
    Section 3Train大手町(東京都)～日比谷180JPY
    Section 4Train日比谷～明治神宮前180JPY
    Section 5Train明治神宮前～渋谷180JPY
    Section 6Train渋谷～三越前210JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

    Jul 1, 2026
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    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
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    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • １．9:30　Meet up ＠Hotel Hibiya
    • ２．9:45　＠Uchisaiwaicho Station (purchase Pasmo card)
    • ３．10:30　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • ４．11:00　＠Tokyo Station (station plaza, station building)
    • ５．11:45　＠Nezu Shrine
    • ６．12:30　＠Yanaka Shopping Street
    • ７．13:45　Lunch ＠soba restaurant (Yanaka Ginza)
    • ８．14:00　＠Akihabara (Chuo-dori)
    • ９．14:30　＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dori, Sumida Park, Tokyo Skytree, Azumabashi Bridge)
    • １０．16:20　Disband ＠in front of Shimbashi Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, and Asakusa Body: The guests were two groups visiting Japan for the first time from North America, where they had been living for about 30 years. They arrived from different parts of North America and met up in Tokyo. Among themselves, the guests spoke to one another in their native language. After Tokyo, they planned to travel on to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and other destinations. The night before this tour, on the way from the airport to their hotel, they had passed by the Imperial Palace but had not been able to see it clearly, so I first guided them to the Imperial Palace before heading to Tokyo Station. From there we went to the first destination we had decided on in advance, Nezu Shrine. They seemed to find the large torii gate and the turtles and carp in the pond quite fresh and interesting, and they were also very interested in the omamori charms, which they purchased as souvenirs. They took many photos at the thousand torii gates and the enormous torii gate. Continuing our walk through the Yanaka shopping street, for lunch they preferred to sit down rather than eat while walking, so they enjoyed soba and Asahi beer while seated. In Asakusa, they were delighted to be able to view the early-blooming cherry blossoms at Sumida Park. During the tour, I received various questions about their future travel plans, so for facilities that require advance reservations I advised them to book early, especially as it was a busy season. They immediately took action one after another, reserving the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone online. The guests who were mainly in charge of planning the trip were very keen on sightseeing and, perhaps inspired by the Tokyo tourism information available online, were excited to try many different experiences. I also shared details about teamLab, including access and online reservations, as well as shopping information such as kitchenware including knives, and Pokémon cards.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Mita Line Uchisaiwaicho Station～Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station1,100JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori～Akihabara200JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    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!

    Request Booking

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
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    It was…

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    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
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    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…