Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: 40 @ Hanazono Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: 40 @ Hanazono Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Hamamatsucho
    • 2.11:00 @ Maikoya Shinjuku Kimono Rental & Tea Ceremony Experience
    • 3:12:40 @ Hanazono Shrine
    • 4.13:00 Lunch @ Mo-Mo-Paradise Shinjuku Meiji-dori Branch
    • 5.15:00 @ Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 6.15:40 @ Takeshita Street
    • 7.16:00 Disband @ Takeshita Street

    What's a Private Kimono and Tea Ceremony Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Although they booked early, they did not let me know where they wanted to go until close to the date. They expressed interest in a kimono rental and a tea ceremony experience, so I recommended making reservations in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. They first put on kimono in Shinjuku and enjoyed a tea ceremony experience. Surprisingly, it was so cold that snow was falling in the morning, but it stopped partway through, so we went to nearby Hanazono Shrine in kimono and took photos. The kimono looked wonderful on them. After that, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant with an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu course. They really liked the restaurant, which was great. We then visited Meiji Shrine. They said the forest and the buildings of Meiji Shrine were very beautiful. They wrote wishes on ema plaques and purchased amulets. Finally, we went to Takeshita Street, where they bought souvenirs at a 100-yen shop. Since they wanted to visit a capybara cafe, I guided them to the shop and ended the tour. The weather gradually improved, and although it was cold, I believe they had an enjoyable time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Shinjuku210JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total390JPY

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple and others & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple and others & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 9:40 Sensoji Temple and others
    • 10:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:50 Tsukiji
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Sushi Tomi
    • 13:10 Tempura @ Uogashi
    • 13:50 Hamarikyu
    • 15:20 Omotesando, Takeshita Street
    • 15:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:50 Shibuya
    • 17:10 Dismiss @ Scramble Square

    Title: What Is a Private Food-Focused Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya I guided guests visiting from North America who were longtime friends. Since they loved eating, we started with melon bread in Asakusa, and then enjoyed coffee, sushi, tempura, candied strawberries, shrimp crackers, and matcha latte in Tsukiji. They enjoyed each place we visited and asked many questions about Japanese history, the emperor, and politics. They were both very talkative and chatted with each other throughout the day. It was quite an interesting day weather-wise, with rain in the morning, snow midway, and clear skies at the end. They were pleased that they could smoothly reach places they could not easily get to on their own. At the end, in Shibuya, they said they would explore on their own from there, so the tour finished earlier than scheduled.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji180JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Ueno Matsuzakaya (Chuo-dori) / Toei Bus~Nezu Shrine Entrance / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShiodome~Omotesando290JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Castle town Chofu & Karato Market

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Castle town Chofu & Karato Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Hotel, bus travel
    • 11:00 Castle town Chofu → Kozanji Temple → Chofu Mori Residence → Iminomiya Shrine
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:00 Karato Market
    • 14:40 Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were relaxed, as they were longtime friends. They were amused by using cashless payment at vending machines and on the bus. Since walking long distances was difficult for some of the guests, we took breaks along the way, but my impression was that we walked almost the entire time with little rest. At lunch, the options were somewhat limited, so a place serving meat such as steak might have been more to their liking. A bit more guest research beforehand would have been helpful. That said, it seemed they were happy to visit a local restaurant with a menu only in Japanese. They also showed interest in plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and summer oranges, and asked many questions. They smiled and shared many stories, and they told me, "It was so much fun. We'll head back to the ship together, right?"

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKarato/Sanden Transport~Castle town Chofu/Sanden Transport400JPY
    Section 2BusCastle town Chofu/Sanden Transport~Karato/Sanden Transport400JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello, I’m Rie, who has been assinged to your guide this time. First of all, thank you so much for choosing this town as one of your travel destination. I am very exciting to show you around! I had live in abroad (Kentucky (USA), Guam, Lugano (Switzerland) ) for about 30 years. I enjoyed to learn many different cultures and languages through the time. I love to meet new people, eat and drink like bar hopping 🙂 and make a great memory together. Please feel free to ask any question, request, etc. I will work my best and accommodate your visit as you wish. We are on “Once-in-a- lifetime.” Let’s have some fun and together! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

    Apr 3, 2026
    Edward_G
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the are…
    Wonderful tour of the…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Namba Yasaka Shrine & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Namba Yasaka Shrine & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Namba Daikokucho
    • 10:10-10:20@Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 10:50-12:10@Osaka Castle, Plum Grove
    • 12:40-13:30@Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:50-14:00@Shinsekai
    • 14:00 Disband @Shinsekai

    What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Namba, Osaka Castle, and Shinsekai The guests visited Japan for the first time. Starting from Namba Yasaka Shrine near their hotel, we visited Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Shinsekai. It was memorable to see the guests collecting commemorative stamps at each destination and station, and praying sincerely at the shrines and temples. Unfortunately, the plum grove at Osaka Castle, which they had been looking forward to, was past its peak, but it was charming to see one of the guests spotting the plum blossoms still in bloom and filming videos of the group. It was a day that filled me with joy at being able to help create wonderful travel memories.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information in advance, such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of primary 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 the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Private Tsukiji and Tuna Auction Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The day's tour and the guests' reactions The guests were from North America. At the tuna auction, they were amazed to see a single tuna sold in about five seconds. We played a game of trying to spot the winning bid together, but since the auction moved on to the next tuna in an instant, it was difficult to catch the price. Still, we managed to find the winning bids for a few tuna, and at those moments the three of us cheered out loud together and had a great time. At the sushi restaurant, they ordered a tuna-focused selection along with the chef's recommended nigiri, sharing everything between them and enjoying the flavors of various cuts of tuna as well as ingredients now in season. They mentioned that they sometimes eat sushi where they are from, but they were delighted, saying it was on a completely different level of deliciousness. Since they seemed interested in food ingredients, we explored Tsukiji mainly around the wholesale shops. Especially at a shop dealing in dried goods for making dashi, they were surprised to learn that dashi can be made not only from katsuobushi but also from a wide variety of ingredients such as tuna flakes, mackerel flakes, iriko, ago, Rausu kombu, and donko. There they sampled dashi made from the shop's blended dashi packs and purchased a bag. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests The guests were very curious and asked many questions. Because they each had their own culinary backgrounds, we had a lively conversation about differences in how soups are prepared across various cuisines, and it was an enjoyable time for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    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: Tsukiji Market & Dai-ichi Life Building

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Market & Dai-ichi Life Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:45 Tsukiji Market (fish market, outer market)
    • 12:00 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, West Approach, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 13:15 Lunch @ Sanshin
    • 14:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 16:25 Dai-ichi Life Building (former GHQ)
    • 16:30 Dismissal @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from North America. During the first half of the tour we were hit by cold rain, so we focused our walk around the indoor fish market area of Tsukiji, which worked out well. Some of the guests bought disposable hand warmers and gloves in Asakusa. As it was March, I mentioned the Tokyo air raids, which tend to be forgotten in the shadow of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the guests were surprised to hear about it for the first time. At Santei, where we had lunch, they were delighted, saying "This is exactly the kind of place we wanted to come to." (photo). After lunch the rain stopped, and the second half became a comfortable tour. Nezu Shrine never disappoints, as always. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I explained the transition from Edo Castle to the Imperial Palace, and the guests showed interest in the stone walls. Since one of the guests had a family connection to a period of stay in Japan long ago, as a bonus I also showed them the former GHQ building. Today's driver was very attentive and easy to work with as well.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at Toyosu Market, special tour registration
    • 05:00 – 05:35 Explanation of the tuna auction process from the general viewing floor
    • 05:35 – 05:45 Explanation of precautions in advance by market staff
    • 05:45 – 06:10 Watch the tuna auction from the special viewing floor
    • 06:10 – 06:50 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant in Toyosu Market
    • 06:50 – 07:05 Move to Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 07:05 – 08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Tuna Market Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions on the day The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although they had just arrived in Japan the day before, they gathered five minutes earlier than scheduled. Thanks to this, we were able to get an early-numbered ticket and secure a good viewing position, which pleased them. However, by the time we were guided to the special viewing deck (around 5:50), most of the fresh tuna auction had already finished, so it turned out to be an experience with less of a live atmosphere. At the sushi restaurant, everyone in the group ordered the "all-tuna course" and enjoyed lean tuna (akami), medium fatty tuna (chutoro), premium fatty tuna (otoro), marinated tuna (zuke), seared tuna (aburi), scraped tuna gunkan, negitoro gunkan, and a tuna roll (tekkamaki). They were amazed at the differences in taste and texture depending on the cut of tuna, and happily shared their impressions with one another, saying things like "I like the zuke best" and "I prefer the chutoro." In Tsukiji, they bought wasabi-related ingredients at a wholesaler's shop and purchased matcha for making matcha lattes at a specialty tea shop. Since it was cold, they showed more interest in warm food than in seafood, and the group shared and enjoyed piping-hot roasted sweet potatoes and freshly grilled mochi prepared right in front of them. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests The viewing on the special observation floor starts around 5:50, so the fresh tuna auction that begins at 5:30 is often nearly over or already finished. I think guests would enjoy it more if they watched the frozen tuna auction from beginning to end from the general floor. In particular, when there are visitors invited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on the special viewing floor, half of the floor—especially the half closest to the fresh tuna—is occupied for them, resulting in a situation where the auction is almost impossible to see. Going forward, for guests who wish to enter the lottery for the special viewing floor, I would like to explain this current situation so that they can carefully consider whether or not to participate in the lottery.

    Transportation cost per person

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    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.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Nanzenji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Nanzenji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel meet
    • 10:55 Nijo Castle
    • 12:35 Nishiki Market
    • 14:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 15:40 Nanzenji Temple
    • 16:40 Drive back to hotel and tour ends

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Some of the guests currently work in Osaka. One member of the group had difficulty with stairs and could not go up and down them alone, so support from others was needed, mainly provided by another member of the group. I also assisted a little. We managed to reach Nijo Castle by subway since escalators were available, but for the rest of the day we used taxis. Between Sanjusangendo and Nanzenji Temple, there was heavy traffic due to road construction, which took quite a lot of time. It was raining at first, but by the time we left the Ninomaru of Nijo Castle the weather had improved. The guests seemed to enjoy Fushimi Inari, but Sanjusangendo appeared to leave the strongest impression. One of the guests was constantly taking photos and videos. The photo was taken at Sanjusangendo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIn front of Kyoto City Hall~In front of Nijo Castle220JPY
    Total220JPY

    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.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:25 Arrive at hotel
    • 11:10 Meet at Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Nishiki Market
    • 15:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a tour booked through a travel agency. The meeting point differed between the guide and the guests, so we were unable to meet at the hotel. As a result, I obtained the guests' agreement to meet instead at Nijo Castle. The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, and since they would be spending four days in Kyoto, I gave them an introduction and an overview as a starting point. As someone in the group had an interest in painting, they were greatly impressed by the fusuma sliding-door paintings and the transom carvings at Nijo Castle. They were also captivated by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji. Since we were not able to meet smoothly, I extended the time and guided them through Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShijo Takakura~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Kitaoji Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3SubwayKitaoji~Shijo (Kyoto City)260JPY
    Total720JPY

    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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  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:30 @ Himeji Castle (Nishi-no-Maru, Nagatsubone Hundred-Ken Corridor, Main Keep)
    • 4. 11:10 Break @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 11:40 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 6. 12:30 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 7. 13:00 Disband @ Himeji Station East Ticket Gate

    Title: What's a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. We met at the central ticket gate of Himeji Station, then visited the Castle View spot, Himeji Castle (including the West Bailey and the Hyakken Roka corridor, and the Main Keep), took a break at the Otemon Chaya rest house, and afterward toured Kokoen Garden and the rooftop of Egret Himeji, ending the tour at the east ticket gate of Himeji Station. At Himeji Castle, we also toured the West Bailey and the Hyakken Roka corridor, which are usually skipped, but the guests were strong walkers and moved through the itinerary smoothly. Although it was a somewhat cold day, the weather was fine, and the guests enjoyed today's tour.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
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    No rush beautiful walking tour.
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    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

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    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
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