Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Honen-in & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Honen-in & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the Honen-in temple gate
    • 13:00 Honen-in
    • 13:50 Ginkaku-ji
    • 15:50 Nijo Castle
    • 16:50 Disperse in front of the Nijo Castle Otemon Gate

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They mentioned that they had also traveled to Tokyo and Okinawa. Some of the guests were originally scheduled to join, but one had a fall and injury in the morning and stayed at the hotel. A typhoon was approaching, but there was only light rain in Kyoto, so the fresh green foliage looked beautiful. Honen-in Temple had almost no visitors and was wonderfully quiet. After that, we took a leisurely walk along the Philosopher's Path toward Ginkaku-ji. Ginkaku-ji was also relatively uncrowded, and the moss garden was very beautiful. We then moved by bus to Nijo Castle, which was also uncrowded, allowing us to see it at a relaxed pace. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Horikawa Marutamachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    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.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Yanaka Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 10:20 Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Yoshibo Rin
    • 14:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:20 Yanaka Ginza
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen and Yanaka The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their third day in Japan, and they had explored Ginza, Shibuya, and Akihabara on their own. They had planned their schedule using AI, and the guests chose today's itinerary as well. At the guests' suggestion, the meeting point was changed to Asakusa. It rained on and off, but Koishikawa Korakuen was quiet and beautiful. For lunch, since one of the guests preferred a vegetarian meal, we decided to go to a soba restaurant, and they were very pleased with both the atmosphere and the flavor. Nezu Shrine was also uncrowded, which the guests enjoyed. Afterward, as they did not seem to want to walk more, I suggested taking a taxi to Yanaka Ginza, and we did so. At the subway Suidobashi Station, there was an announcement suspending service due to an earthquake alert, but it resumed shortly afterward, which was a relief. Since they were planning to visit Mount Fuji the next day, I advised them to be careful about the typhoon forecast. I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and the tour ended with the guests expressing great appreciation, saying it had been a wonderful tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Iidabashi290JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuidobashi~Nezu290JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Shinjuku260JPY
    Total840JPY

    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!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:30 Asakusa
    • 14:10 Akihabara
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Akihabara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Some of the guests were anime fans, so they requested to visit Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Akihabara. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed sashimi, wagyu beef, and strawberry daifuku, followed by tempura soba, katsudon, and katsu curry at the food court. The guests had hearty appetites. In Asakusa, they purchased daruma dolls and beckoning cat figures as souvenirs along Nakamise shopping street. I had planned to conclude the tour in Akihabara, but since some of the guests were tired, they bought Pokemon cards and Dragon Ball figures before returning to the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 1000→1045 Kinkaku-ji Temple 1145→1210 Ryoan-ji Temple (including lunch time) 1330→1430 Pokémon Center Kyoto 1450→1500 Kyoto International Manga Museum 1600 Free dismissal on-site

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Including Kinkakuji and Ryoanji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. I held detailed advance discussions with one of the guests, and I flexibly adapted the plan to include the group's interest in animation. At the destinations of Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, both sites were uncrowded thanks to the aftermath of a passing typhoon, allowing for a relaxed stroll. For lunch, I arranged to take the group to a restaurant that could provide suitable meals for one of the guests' dietary needs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Sanjo / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 5TrainShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Karasuma Oike220JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a fantastic…

    Jan 2, 2026
    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

    Oct 17, 2025
    Laura_C
    Amazing experience…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience getting to see sites outside of…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.800 The reception floor of Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 2.830-930 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.1000-1050 Asakusa Semsouji Temple
    • 4.11.20-11.50 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 5.11.50-12.50 Lunch
    • 6.13.10-13.50 Meijijingu Srine
    • 7.14.00 Shibuya Crossing

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Wheelchair Users? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America on a graduation trip, while the rest of the family stayed home in North America. One of the guests plans to enter university in the autumn to study finance and business. The exams were still ahead, but having already taken university-level classes and earned some credits in high school, there was no concern. This was my first time guiding a group using a wheelchair. Although I had not noticed it before, every tourist facility and station had ramps and elevators installed, so we were able to sightsee with almost no problems. One of the guests pushed the wheelchair. Since I am tall, I made sure to bend down so that my explanations could be heard clearly. The only mistake was that we accidentally boarded a women-only train car, and I apologized to those around us, explaining that we needed the wheelchair space. (A few people gave us a slightly stern look.) One of the guests asked, "What are the components of the black-dyed teeth on the lion head at Namiyoke Shrine?" I answered, "Iron and tannin." (I had been asked this before, so I remembered.) The same guest asked, "Why is gravel laid down at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden?" I answered, "As at shrines and temples, gravel is laid in sacred places." At a sushi restaurant in the basement of a building near Marunouchi, one of the guests asked, "How do you decide between vertical and horizontal writing?" I was momentarily stumped. One of the guests asked, "We're going to Osaka after this — where should we go?" I answered, "Osaka Castle is magnificent, though it is said to have been rebuilt by a construction company rather than by Hideyoshi. Also, Shinsekai has a different atmosphere from Tokyo. I once guided some colleagues there when I was younger." When the conversation turned to Ghibli Park in Nagoya, one of the guests said, "The guests in our family love Ponyo and Spirited Away." I said, "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya also became a Ghibli film," and when I described the story, they said, "Interesting!" Regarding the kinako mochi dessert, one of the guests said, "I like mochi, but I'm not so keen on kinako." I said, "Kinako is soybean flour. Much of that soybean is imported to Japan from North America. It might even come from your home region." On the train home, I looked it up and messaged the guests: "Vertical writing is used for traditional texts such as literature, newspapers, signboards, and packaging. Horizontal writing came from the West and is used for business, textbooks, email, and texts mixing Arabic numerals and the alphabet."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total970JPY

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

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

  • Osaka: @  Kimono Rental Shop Wargo & @Kimono Rental Shop Wargo

    Osaka: @ Kimono Rental Shop Wargo & @Kimono Rental Shop Wargo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet up @Hanazonocho
    • 11:50-12:40@ Kimono Rental Shop Wargo
    • 12:45-13:00@ Dotonbori
    • 13:30-16:20@Osaka Castle
    • 16:50-17:15@Shinsekai
    • 17:40-18:10@Kimono Rental Shop Wargo

    What's a Private Kimono Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. After completing a sumo experience in the morning, they had a packed schedule with a kimono walk, but everyone was in great spirits as they toured popular spots such as Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, taking turns to snap plenty of photos together and enjoying themselves. Because breaks were needed due to the heat, the schedule ran behind, so instead of the originally planned Shitennoji Temple with its Bon decorations, we changed our stop to Shinsekai. After they changed out of their kimono, I guided them to a recycle shop they had requested and we parted ways. There were even moments in the car where their kimono attire was admired, making it an energetic day filled with smiles from beginning to end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHanazonocho~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Section 2SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 4SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total960JPY

    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!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:45 @Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:20 @Takeshita Street, Harajuku
    • 4. 13:10 Lunch @Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 14:00 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 6. 14:20 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi side station building, Yaesu Exit)
    • 7. 14:40 @Nihonbashi
    • 8. 15:10 @Asakusa
    • 9. 15:20 Disband @Sensoji Temple Kaminarimon

    What Is a Private Tokyo Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America who had reunited for a trip to Japan. Since Japan happened to be roughly the midpoint between where the members currently lived, this seems to have been a major reason they chose to sightsee in Japan. Some of the guests came from Oceania, while others came from North America, and it was their first visit to Japan. Some of the guests had a strong interest in Japan, including Japanese cuisine. At the first destination, Meiji Shrine, the moment we passed through the torii gate and stepped into the shrine's forest, one of the guests exclaimed, "What a beautiful place," which set the tone and seemed to make a big impression on everyone. Each of the guests purchased five or six amulets. Looking at the ema plaques, one of the guests was moved and said, "What a wonderful way to express a wish." The guests then purchased ema one after another, and using a marker pen wrote their wishes on the wooden plaques, hanging a total of three ema on the rack. In addition, some of the guests wanted to receive a goshuin, so they purchased a goshuin book and obtained their very first stamp. They also enjoyed shopping at the souvenir shop. On Takeshita Street, everyone enjoyed the various animal cafés and other attractions, but unexpectedly one of the guests liked Takeshita Street the most, saying, "I'll definitely come back here." Next, we went to Tsukiji Market. We strolled through the market a little to enjoy its lively atmosphere, and since they wished to have a place to sit and eat, I guided them to a sushi restaurant. The main branch was full, so a private room on the third floor of the annex was arranged, and we were able to be seated without waiting. Some of the guests ordered lunch sets such as nigiri sushi and chirashi sushi, while others ordered à la carte, including negitoro roll, cucumber roll, salmon, and grilled squid legs. In addition, everyone enjoyed drinks such as sake, beer, and sour cocktails. After lunch, we walked to the Kabukiza Theatre, then took the subway to Tokyo Station. We looked at the Marunouchi side station building, and although we did not visit the Imperial Palace this time, I mentioned the Imperial Palace located at the end of Gyoko-dori Avenue. After introducing the Shinkansen platform at the Yaesu side, where they were scheduled to board a train to Kyoto over the weekend, we proceeded to Nihonbashi. We were about to pass by the department store's basement food floor, but the guests stopped in front of a fruit sandwich shop they spotted. Saying, "The one thing I absolutely wanted to buy when coming to Japan was this strawberry sandwich," they purchased it along with other fruit sandwiches. After sightseeing in Asakusa, the final destination of the tour, and since they had made a reservation at Shibuya Sky in the evening, I explained how to get from Asakusa to Shibuya, described the history of Sensoji Temple and Asakusa in general, took a commemorative photo in front of Kaminarimon Gate, and then said goodbye. It was a tour with occasional rain, but until we reached Meiji Shrine it did not rain much, and the umbrellas borrowed from the hotel were only needed occasionally afterward, so we managed to fend off the bad weather and enjoy the sightseeing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station~Yoyogi Station1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-ginza Station~Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihombashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total1,260JPY

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

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Guest NO SHOW, so withdrawing

    What Happens if Guests No-Show for a Private Tour in Japan? A Guide's Report On the day of the tour, the guests were a no-show with no prior contact, so I waited until 11:00 AM before wrapping up. At the meeting point, I sent a message via a messaging app before 10:00 AM (see attached), but received no reply or response. After that, I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to request assistance. I waited until 11:00 AM, but there was no contact whatsoever from the guests, so I began to wrap up. Afterward, it seems there was a message from the guests around 11:00 AM, saying that they had just boarded a bullet train in Tokyo and asking whether the tour could be changed to the following day, so I requested that [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) handle the matter.

    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!

    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。

  • Tokyo: lodging & In front of Kaminarimon

    Tokyo: lodging & In front of Kaminarimon

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:40 Meeting place: 13-2 Kamiyamachō, Shibuya-ku (private lodging)
    • 7:45 Depart from lodging
    • (minibus)
    • 8:20 Arrive at Toyosu
    • Toyosu teamLab Planets
    •    The guide will wait at the exit
    • 11:10 Depart from Toyosu
    • (minibus)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Asakusa
    • Asakusa Sensō-ji
    • Nakamise-dōri shopping street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 12:25 Depart from Asakusa Asakusa
    • (minibus)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Hanakawado
    • Hanakawado Lunch: Chinya
    •         The guide will wait at the entrance
    • 14:00 Depart from Hanakawado
    • (on foot)
    • 14:15 Arrive at Sensō-ji
    • Asakusa Nakamise-dōri shopping street
    • 15:00 In front of Kaminarimon
    • Disband: in front of Kaminarimon

    What's a Private Tokyo Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on teamLab Planets and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, traveling together from North America. They had originally relocated from South America. This was part of a longer holiday trip lasting about three weeks. Before coming to Japan, they had already traveled through Asia, arriving at Haneda Airport by air. They had arrived at Haneda Airport a couple of days earlier and taken a taxi to their accommodation. The previous day, the whole group had strolled around the Shibuya area together. They planned to stay in Japan for about ten days, visiting Tokyo as well as Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka, before returning to Tokyo and flying home. Today, their wish was to see the main highlights with the younger members of the group in mind. It was a tour under cloudy skies, with weather that was almost hot. After departing from the accommodation by minibus, we first went, at their request, to teamLab Planets. Entry had already been reserved for 8:30 am. I waited at the entrance. It took quite a while, and although I made several inquiries via a messaging app, the group did not come out of the exit until after 11:00 am. They said the younger ones did not want to leave and that they had bought and eaten some snacks inside. Once everyone was finally back on board, we headed to Asakusa. Starting from in front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the shift from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, an overview of Buddhism, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon and various spots, and strolled slowly along the crowded Nakamise shopping street. The group often stopped in front of the shops along the street, so progress was slow, and they were also fascinated by drawing omikuji fortunes. There were questions such as what the main religions in Japan are, how many Buddhists there are in Japan, and what other religions people follow. We boarded the minibus in front of Nitenmon Gate and headed to lunch. They said they had enjoyed a relaxed meal and that the shabu-shabu was delicious. Since there was no nearby parking for the minibus, we walked to the bus stop in front of Nitenmon Gate. One of the group had fallen asleep, so we moved along using a stroller. Upon reaching the bus stop, the group discussed the rest of the itinerary — whether to visit the Kappabashi kitchenware street or to return to the accommodation as they were tired. In the end, they decided to stroll along the Nakamise shopping street again, and everyone walked back toward it on foot. Along the way, one of the group had a minor burn from the hot shabu-shabu broth, so we stopped at a drugstore to buy some medicine. We then strolled slowly back through the shopping street in the opposite direction, stopping at various shops. When we finally reached Kaminarimon, they said they wanted to stay longer there and continue enjoying shopping along the Nakamise shopping street, and that they would make their own way back to the accommodation, so the bus would no longer be needed from that point. We parted ways there. I then returned to the driver waiting at the bus stop in front of Nitenmon Gate, conveyed the above, and concluded my guiding duties.

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
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  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9am Meet at Gora Setsugekka→Cable Car→Ropeway→Owakudani→10:45 Togendai→Hakonemachi Port→Lunch→13:00 Hakone Shrine→Bus→Hakone Glass Forest Museum→16:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum→17:00 Farewell at Gora Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting the guests at a hotel at 9:00 a.m., we took the ropeway to Owakudani. Unfortunately, heavy rain and thick fog made it nearly impossible to see the surroundings, so we headed from Togendai to Hakonemachi Port by pirate ship. After lunch, we visited Hakone Shrine. The guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture; they bowed reverently when passing through the torii gate and observed the Kuzuryu water-drawing spot at Kuzuryu Shrine with great curiosity. At the Hakone Museum of Glass that followed, they viewed the exhibited works attentively and enjoyed a fulfilling time. At the last stop, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they took in the fantastical atmosphere amid the thick fog. Although we were not blessed with good weather, it turned out to be a day full of variety.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara~Hakone-Yumoto6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassGora~Sounzan0JPY
    Section 3Free PassSounzan~Togendai0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTogendai~Hakonemachi Port0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHakonemachi Port~Moto-Hakone0JPY
    Section 6Free PassMoto-Hakone~Kowakien0JPY
    Section 7Free PassKowakien~Hakone Glass Forest Museum0JPY
    Section 8Free PassHakone Glass Forest Museum~Chokoku-no-mori0JPY
    Section 9Free PassChokoku-no-mori~Gora0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Jun 4, 2026
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    Personalized Tokyo Experience
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    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…