Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 10:30 Meet with the guests at the hotel
    • (2) 11:00 Depart from the hotel
    • (3) 11:30 Guided tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • (4) 13:30 Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple
    • (5) 14:30 Guided tour of the Bamboo Grove
    • (6) 15:00 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (6) 16:30 Dismissal @ hotel

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Tenryu-ji, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. The meeting time was 10:30 at the Hotel, but at first only one of the guests came down to the lobby. I was told the rest of the group would be a little late, so I used the time to review the day's itinerary. Around 11:00, the group gathered and we started the tour together. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests took many photos of themselves in front of the Senbon Torii and the shrine buildings, using continuous shooting, and I mainly helped with taking these pictures. The poses were so natural it felt almost like a photo shoot. At the next stop, Tenryu-ji, the guests were deeply moved by the beautiful autumn foliage and took dozens of photos in rapid succession. I also guided them through the bamboo grove, but it became clear that walking on slopes was difficult, so we ended the bamboo grove portion partway through. From that point on, there were some limitations on walking, so at Kinkaku-ji as well we proceeded at a relaxed pace. Overall, the guests were delighted by the scenery filled with vivid autumn colors and seemed to greatly enjoy the day. One of the guests had visited Japan before, and this trip was intended as a gift for the group. Both showed great interest in Japanese culture and asked many questions, which made for a very enjoyable guiding experience.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 13:00 Start at hotel
    • Travel on foot to Kanazawa Castle Park
    • PM 13:20-14:15 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • PM 14:15-15:00 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • Travel by bus to Korinbo
    • PM15:30-16:30 Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit Nomura Family Residence
    • Travel by bus to Omicho
    • PM 17:00 Tour ends in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Half-Day Samurai History Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, with some visiting Japan for the first time. When we met, the guests were having lunch at their hotel, so we talked a little there before starting the tour. I had heard in advance that they wanted to learn about the samurai history of Kanazawa, so I was glad to be able to explain it to them on the spot. In the Nagamachi samurai district, we visited the Nomura Family Residence. Since we entered close to the 4:00 PM closing time, there were almost no other visitors, so the guests were able to look around at a relaxed pace and were very pleased. At the end, they asked for a recommendation for a restaurant for dinner, so I made a reservation, showed them the way, and the tour concluded. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railway Bus～Korinbo / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo / Hokuriku Railway Bus～Musashigatsuji/Omicho Market / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    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!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet the guests at Shimizu Port　9:15 Bus from Hatoba Fermnere Museum to Miho no Matsubara entrance　Visit Miho Shrine → Path of God (Kami no Michi) → Hagoromo Pine → Miho no Matsubara
    • 10:15 Taxi from Miho no Matsubara to Nihondaira　Nihondaira Yume Terrace → Take the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine → 12:30 Bus to Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit → 13:15
    • Head to Shimizu Station by train → Went to visit Kashi no Ichi, but although the cafe on the 2nd floor was open, the shop on the 1st floor was closed, so walked back to Shimizu Station.
    • 14:10 Took the free shuttle bus to S-Pulse Dream Plaza. 14:30 As the guests wanted to go shopping at Dream Plaza, the work concluded there.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour to Kunozan Toshogu with a Licensed Guide? The guests were visiting from North America. In November, the weather was calm, neither hot nor cold, and Mount Fuji was clearly visible, making it a perfect day for sightseeing. When I shared this with them, they were very pleased. The guests climbed the stairs of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine with ease, which was reassuring for me as well. They were very pleasant to guide. Since Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day, they seemed to be in great spirits. At each location, they used their mobile phones to send the scenery to family back in North America.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHatoba Fermnere Museum／Shizutetsu Just Line～Miho no Matsubara Entrance／Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 2BusNihondaira Ropeway／Shizutetsu Just Line～Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit／Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 3TrainHigashi-Shizuoka～Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)200JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Yasu

    I am glad to introduce myself to the prospective tourists visiting Japan from abroad. My name is Yasuo Ochiai, but please call me “Yasu” if you have a chance to be my guests in Japan. I have been an English tourist guide for 37 years and having a good reputation from my guests. I am proud of having a good knowledge not only about the scenic spots in Japan but also about Japanese cultures, such as Kabuki, Noh, and Flower Arrangement. When I show you around the sightseeing spots, I always promise to treat you warmly and give the best explanation as much as possible. I hope that you will go back to your countries with good memories of Japan.

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  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Osaka Port and end

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Osaka Port and end

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:58 Meet at Osaka Port Terminal
    • 10:25 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 12:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:00 Nijo Castle
    • 15.15 Higashiyama Area
    • 15:40 Gion
    • 16:03 Board Keihan train heading to Osaka Port
    • 17:25 Arrive at Osaka Port and end tour

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour from Osaka's Tempozan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for some of the guests. We were blessed with good weather, which made for a comfortable tour. The guests walked energetically throughout the day. Thanks to that, although it became a rather brisk-paced tour and we ran slightly over the scheduled time, we were able to visit all of the planned destinations. Getting from Tempozan to the destinations in central Kyoto inevitably takes about an hour and twenty minutes. Because of this, I was reminded that it is better not to be too ambitious and try to cover too many places. The photo was taken at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant where we had lunch.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Port～Yodoyabashi290JPY
    Section 2OtherYodoyabashi～Fushimi Inari480JPY
    Section 3OtherInari～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 4OtherEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5OtherKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 7OtherNijojo-mae～Higashiyama220JPY
    Section 8OtherHigashiyama Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 9OtherGion-Shijo～Yodoyabashi490JPY
    Section 10OtherYodoyabashi～Osaka Port290JPY
    Total2,880JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

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

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

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

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

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

  • Aichi: Atsuda Jingu Shrine & Shiratori Garden

    Aichi: Atsuda Jingu Shrine & Shiratori Garden

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Naqgoya Castle station
    • Visit Nagoya Castle
    • 12:00 Visit Atsuda Jingu Shrine
    • 13:30 Visit Shiratori Garden
    • 15:00 Tour End

    Title: What's a Private Nagoya Tour Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Tokyo from Europe and were planning to travel by cruise ship to Nagoya, Okinawa, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Some of the guests had stayed in Japan a very long time ago, while this was a first visit for others, and they were enjoying travel by cruise. They were interested in Japanese history, and as I guided them around Nagoya Castle, they seemed genuinely engaged in stories about the warlords of the Sengoku and Edo periods and the Japanese culture that developed during the Edo era under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. At Atsuta Shrine, they listened with great interest to topics such as mythology, the history and position of the imperial family up to the present day, the syncretism and later separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and the background and circumstances leading to the movement to abolish Buddhism. Finally, we visited the nearby Shirotori Garden, where the autumn foliage was at its peak, and they seemed deeply moved by its beauty. (Photos attached.) We had a late lunch together at a small, highly rated ramen shop, and then I saw them off at the subway station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Castle～Atsuta Jingu Temmacho270JPY
    Section 2TrainJingu-mae～Nagoya Port420JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

    Hello
    Let me introduce myself briefly. I have over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry. For the past decade, I have worked with a destination management company, arranging group tours and FIT (private small groups) for overseas visitors while also guiding guests firsthand.I offer guided tours fluently in both English and Japanese across all regions. My areas of expertise include Nara, Nagoya, Gifu (Samurai Road, Sekigahara Battlefield, etc.), Tokyo, and Kyoto.My goal is to ensure you have a wonderful time in Japan by experiencing our local history, culture, nature, and food, and by connecting with local people. I invite you to discover the authentic Japan that lies beneath the surface.

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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Miyanoshita Station & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Miyanoshita Station & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meeting place: Hotel, 359 Miyanoshita
    • 11:45 Depart Miyanoshita Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:15 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 12:45 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:00 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 12:00 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise)
    • 12:40 Arrive Moto-Hakone Port
    • Moto-Hakone Hakone Shrine
    • 13:30 Depart Moto-Hakone Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Kowakudani Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Kowakudani Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 15:00 Arrive Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • Lunch: Restaurant inside The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 17:10 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 17:30 Arrive Miyanoshita Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Miyanoshita Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America and South America. This was a 9-day trip to Japan. They had arrived at Narita Airport, and after staying in Tokyo for a few days, they came to Hakone today. After one night in Hakone, they planned to continue to Kyoto and Osaka from tomorrow, then return to Tokyo and fly home separately. This evening, another member of the group was scheduled to arrive from South America and join them in Hakone. The guests' request was, "Today we would like to visit the main spots in Hakone." The guests' arrival was somewhat delayed, but we met at their Hotel. It was a tour in light rain. First, we headed from Miyanoshita Station to Owakudani via Sounzan. I explained "the origins of Hakone" and "an overview and history of Owakudani." The guests sampled the "black eggs." There were questions such as, "When were the volcanic groups of Hakone formed?" "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" We transferred by ropeway to Togendai. After waiting a little, we boarded the "pirate ship." Even in less-than-ideal weather, it was full of tourists. We stayed on the upper deck the whole time and took many commemorative photos. There were questions such as, "How deep is Lake Ashi? What is the water temperature?" "Can you swim in it?" "Can you fish there?" We disembarked at Hakone-Moto machi Port and went to Hakone Shrine. I explained "the history of Hakone Shrine." Regarding the torii gate on the lake, there was a question: "Why are so many people lining up to take photos?" After this, we transferred by the Hakone Tozan Bus and the Hakone Tozan Railway to the "Hakone Open-Air Museum." First, we had lunch at a restaurant in the grounds. Since the guests said, "We've grown a little tired of Japanese food," everyone ordered pizza. By this time, the rain had stopped and the sunshine had returned. We took a careful walk around the entire grounds. I explained the origins of the "Hakone Open-Air Museum." The guests said, "Hakone is more relaxing and pleasant than Tokyo." There were also comments such as, "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are so orderly," "There is no litter on the ground," and "Everyone is so polite." I saw them off at Miyanoshita Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass～Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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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
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Arashiyama area

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Arashiyama area

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meetup
    • 9:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30 Snack break
    • 12:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 Arashiyama area
    • 15:10 Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting Japan from North America. Because of this, I took more photos than usual. The guests were delighted and said "amazing!" at all four of the places I showed them. Since they were happy with just a light snack for lunch and also wished to visit Arashiyama as the fourth stop, I suggested taking a taxi from Nijo Castle to Kinkaku-ji, and from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama. Because we shortened the travel time, I believe I was able to guide them at a relaxed pace at each location. After the tour, I accompanied the guests to the platform at Katsura Station, near their nearest station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Nijojo-mae410JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Katsura200JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 11:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 12:15 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 12:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 13:15 Disband @ JR Himeji Station Food Court

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Himeji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America. They moved very smoothly throughout the day. One of them was visiting Japan for the second time, while it was the first visit for the other, and the group showed great interest in Japan, asking many in-depth questions not only about each spot but also about Japanese culture and customs. The guests were very friendly and pleasant, treating me with genuine warmth and kindness. We exchanged jokes and had a lot of fun together, which made guiding a real pleasure. I also presented a handmade drawstring pouch, and I received words of gratitude from the guests. Before heading back to Osaka, they wanted to have a light meal, so I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Jul 25, 2026
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  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Monkey Park & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Monkey Park & Sanjusangendo

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:20 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:00 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 10:00 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 10:25 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden only
    • 10:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:40 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkakuji branch
    • 12:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:35 Sanjusangendo
    • 14:20 Disband at Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Arashiyama to Sanjusangendo Body: Today I guided a group visiting from North America. First thing in the morning, we went to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where some of the guests enjoyed feeding the monkeys. After that, we walked from Togetsukyo Bridge toward Tenryu-ji Temple. The autumn leaves were beautiful in some spots, but I was a little concerned to see that some had turned brown, likely due to the extreme summer heat. The bamboo grove was lovely, and although there were quite a few tourists, the guests thoroughly enjoyed it. At Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond was extremely beautiful, and since they had been looking forward to it, they were very pleased. As the desired itinerary progressed smoothly, we finished by visiting Sanjusangendo near the hotel, bringing the tour to a close.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaeko

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

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    Jul 25, 2026
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  • Tokyo: Shijo-mae Station & Otemachi Station

    Tokyo: Shijo-mae Station & Otemachi Station

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:00 Meeting point: Hotel, Otemachi
    • 6:00 Hotel, Otemachi
    • (Taxi)
    • 6:15 Toyosu Toyosu Market・Seafood Wholesale Building
    • Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • 7:30 Depart Shijo-mae Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • 　 (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 8:00 Arrive Tsukiji Market Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Breakfast: Tsukiji Itadori Annex
    • 9:40 Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • 10:00 Dismiss: Otemachi Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Fish Market Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toyosu and Tsukiji The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, on a 14-day holiday. For today's tour, the guest joined alone. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Ten days earlier, the guest had arrived at Narita Airport and immediately headed to the Kansai region. After visiting Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, and Hiroshima, the guest returned to Tokyo yesterday and plans to fly home the day after tomorrow. Today's tour came from a strong wish to see the heart of Tokyo's fish market. Although the temperature was low, it was a sunny day for the tour. First, we took a taxi from the hotel to Toyosu Market, starting at the seafood wholesale building. From the corridor on the third floor, we observed the tuna auction. I explained the history of Edo/Tokyo's fish markets since the Edo period, the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and tuna auctions in general. The guest had many questions, such as "Where are most of the tuna caught?", "Who is allowed to take part in the auction?", "How much does a single tuna cost?", "Is there a price difference between fresh and frozen tuna?", and "Why are the tails of the tuna cut off?" We took a photo in front of the tuna display. From there, we moved to the intermediate wholesale building. The guest also asked, "Why can't we go inside the intermediate wholesale area?" At a tea shop, the guest was served matcha and was delighted. We then moved to the Tsukiji Outer Market. We walked through the Tsukiji Uogashi area and then into the outer market, before strolling slowly through the area. I explained the history of Tokyo's fish market since the Edo period and the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. As always, it was very crowded. The guest asked, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and commented, "It's crowded, but it really seems like there are a lot of tourists." Since the guest wanted to have sushi for breakfast, we went to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. The guest remarked, "Sushi restaurants have been rapidly increasing in Europe too, but there are few satisfying ones, and they are eye-poppingly expensive." The guest also shared these comments: "Japanese people are friendly and polite everywhere you go. I felt this is a country with a completely different culture. The city is clean, with no litter on the streets. The public transportation network is extremely well-organized, whereas the underground and railways back home are completely unreliable." I saw the guest off at Otemachi Station, ending the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae～Toyosu190JPY
    Section 2TrainToyosu～Tsukishima180JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukishima～Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 4OtherTsukiji～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total730JPY

    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
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