Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　08:30　Meet at JR Inari Station (in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • ②　08:35　Itinerary explanation
    • ③　08:40　Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • ④　10:30　Nijo Castle
    • ⑤　12:10　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑥　14:00　Ishibei-koji Alley, Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Yasaka Pagoda
    • ⑦　14:30　Disband at Sannen-zaka

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. This was their first trip to Japan, and their wish was to see the most popular spots first even if crowded, which shaped the destinations for this visit. The guests had a quiet manner, and when I gave explanations it was sometimes hard to tell from their reactions whether they had fully understood. However, one of the guests would relay my explanations to the others, and each time it matched almost exactly what I had said, so I was surprised at how well it had been understood. At one point I even found myself saying, "It's impressive how accurately you remembered what I said." Since the group including me numbered five people, we traveled by two taxis. I usually rode in one taxi with one of the guests, and along the way to each destination I explained various things about the next place, asking that it be shared with the rest afterward. Because some of the guests were still young, it was difficult to find time for thorough explanations. On the way from Kinkaku-ji to Sannenzaka, the 10–15 minutes in the taxi were perfect for talking in depth about the world of Gion and the world of geisha and maiko. When guiding groups of more than four guests, deciding who rides in which taxi is quite important, and I want to keep this in mind next time as well. Today, at the guests' request, we skipped lunch and visited four places in one go. Afterward they planned to have a meal and then explore Kiyomizu-dera and Gion. I hope they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

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

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kyoto Station)
    • 9:30-10:20 Transfer (City Bus; Kyoto Station→Gojozaka)
    • 10:20-11:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit (including Zuigudo Hall, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo)
    • 11:50-12:20 Yasaka Shrine visit
    • 12:20-12:40 Transfer (City Bus; Yasaka Shrine→Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 12:40-13:30 Sanjusangendo visit
    • 13:30 Tour ends.　　　After the tour ended at Sanjusangendo, we said goodbye to the guests.

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they had only one day in Kyoto. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do, Yasaka Shrine, and Sanjusangen-do. At Kiyomizu-dera, I had them enter Zuigu-do Hall, which is not usually part of the visit. I believe the response was fairly good. One of the guests was involved in running a Japanese restaurant, so during our travels I also explained Japanese cuisine, sake, and green tea (matcha). Today's tour fell on the middle day of a three-day weekend, and with the warm weather and travelers visiting for the Lunar New Year from Asia, Kiyomizu-dera and its approach were extremely crowded. Even so, the guests said they enjoyed the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. In particular, one of the guests was impressed by the cliff-built architectural structure.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station/Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusGion/Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Matsugae Terminal & Confucius Shrine

    Nagasaki in One Day: Matsugae Terminal & Confucius Shrine

    Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Matsugae Terminal
    • Travel by tram
    • 9:50 Peace Park
    • 10:20 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 11:00 Take the tram to Dejima
    • 11:30 Dejima Museum
    • 12:10 Chinatown
    • 12:40 Take the tram to Oura Church
    • 13:00 From Oura Church to Glover Garden
    • 14:00 Walk from Glover Garden to the Confucius Shrine
    • 14:20 Confucius Shrine
    • 14:50 Walk to Matsugae Terminal
    • 15:00 Matsugae Terminal

    What Is a Private Nagasaki Walking and Tram Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at 9:00 at the Matsugae Terminal. We traveled by tram, transferring at Shinchi Chinatown, to reach Peace Park, which was extremely crowded. At Peace Park, I explained about the damage caused by the atomic bomb, the support provided by various countries, and Urakami Cathedral. We then moved to the Atomic Bomb Museum, where I explained the effects of the bomb and the circumstances that led to the war. The guests said it was important to know the facts. Next, we took the tram to the Dejima Museum, where I gave an explanation of the site. The guests said they had not known about the history of ceramics. We walked to Chinatown for a light meal. We then took the tram to Oura Church and Glover Garden for a visit, and the guests were amazed by the view from Glover Garden. We moved to the Confucius Shrine, where I explained about Confucianism, and then walked back to the Matsugae Terminal to part ways. The guests seemed very interested in Japanese history and asked many questions about how the war came about. They also seemed to be reading books on Japanese history, and I believe I was able to satisfy their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOura Kaigan-dori～Shinchi Chinatown150JPY
    Section 2TrainShinchi Chinatown～Peace Park150JPY
    Section 3TrainPeace Park～Dejima150JPY
    Section 4TrainShinchi Chinatown～Oura Church150JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Experienced, skillful tour guide with high customer satisfaction. My purpose is to spread world peace through cultural communication.
    A witty conversation enriched with abundant academic knowledge. My strength is the strong academic background of the history, culture and religion of Japan.
    I have abundant tour guide experiences in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Dazai-fu, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Saga.
    I have many experiences of guiding Fukuoka city area including Fukuoka city museum, Dazaifu shrine, Nanzoin Buddha statue, Tochiji temple, Kushida shrine, Fukuoka ramen and sushi restaurants and Fukuoka tower.
    I also have many experiences of guiding Nagasaki area including Atomic bomb museum, Dejima museum, Oura church, Glover park, Inasayama mountain and Shimabara castle.
    I have abundant knowledge on porcelains, potteries of Imari, Arita, Kashima, Ogi, and sake of Saga.
    I have a national itinerary manager license(80-25-F00030) and a national travel service manager license(2025-171) in addition to a national tour guide license.
    TJT-certified Tour Guide by Car (N26007バ).
    A member of Japan Health Tourism Society (J26-10019).
    While my dialogue is laced with sparkling wit and humor, it never lacks for intellectual depth.
    Great Britain Guiness Scotch Whiskey Student Ambassador
    Only orders from the company are accepted. The company is the sole contracting party with customers.

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    Sep 22, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Beautiful Nagasaki
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a full itinerary but our…

    Aug 17, 2026
    inexology
    Fun and Knowledgeable Tour Guide, thank you Hiro-san!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    I…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Nancy_P
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Select Hiro as your guide
    It was a wonderful experience…

    May 13, 2026
    Edwin_R
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro is a hero!
    Hiro is a very knowledgeable and skilled guide.…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at Tenyu, Meeting, 9:30 By bus to Soun-zan, Ropeway, Owakudani stroll, Ropeway, 10:35 Arrive at Togendai, 10:45 Pirate Ship, 11:25 Motohakone Port, Stroll along Lake Ashi, Visit Hakone Shrine, 13:00 From Motohakone Port by bus to Hakone Checkpoint, 13:10 Donburi Chaya, Lunch, Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint, Cedar Avenue Old Highway
    • 15:00 By bus from Hakone Branch Office, 15:20 Get off at Yunessun, Accompany to hotel lobby and disband at 15:30

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very friendly visitors from North America. A perfectly clear view of Mount Fuji greeted us, likely exceeding what they had hoped for, and the ropeway gondola was packed, with everyone inside—including other passengers—sharing in the excitement. Carried by that momentum, the guests finished the black eggs. They decided to save the remaining one for someone joining them the following day, so I reminded them that the eggs are best eaten within two days. We took the boat along the upper deck to Moto-Hakone. We visited Moto-Hakone Shrine, where I explained Shinto, Buddhism, and the legend of the nine-headed dragon. At a donburi shop, the guests sampled soba, and they were amazed by the secret puzzle boxes at a local specialty store, followed by some shopping. At the Hakone Checkpoint, they enjoyed ice cream with Mount Fuji in the background, and along the avenue of cedar trees they reflected on the Edo period and the samurai. Tomorrow they head to Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Section 2BusTenyu / Izuhakone Bus～Sounzan Station Entrance / Izuhakone Bus220JPY
    Total6,220JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 The KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
    • 9:10 JR Shinjuku Station (I'll show you how to get to Omiya)
    • 10:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 10:40 Yanaka (Snake Road, public bath, sake ball, cemetery, Ueno Sakuragi)
    • 12:00 Ueno Park (Toshogu Shrine, Asahi Inari)
    • 13:20 Shibuya

    Title: What's a 2-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like Before a Ski Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, Ueno, and Shibuya Body: I guided a group visiting from Oceania. The moment I arrived at the hotel, the lobby was so packed with international visitors that I gave up trying to spot them myself, so I described my appearance to the guests and had them find me instead. Since they would spend most of their stay in Japan at ski resorts in Hakuba, Rusutsu, and Niseko, they had not done any research about their two days in Tokyo, so they asked me many questions about the city. At the start of the tour, I was asked, "We're going to Hakuba on Wednesday, so could you show me which train to take?" (it later turned out this was actually a mistake and it was meant to be Monday). I wrote down on paper the route from Shinjuku Station to Omiya Station and then from Omiya Station to Nagano Station, and stressed, "Please be very careful not to make a mistake," to which they replied with a laugh, "Wow, there are that many lines? I'm not sure I'll be okay." At Nezu Shrine, they enjoyed passing through the red torii gates and were moved by the beauty of the main hall building and the red and white plum blossoms. In Yanaka, they were delighted by the ordinary residential streets along with the traditional Japanese beauty the area retains. At Hanazono Inari Shrine in Ueno, they felt lucky to see the weeping plum and winter cherry blossoms and took photos. The flowers looked beautiful against the blue sky, and the weather today was wonderful. We were originally planning to go to Asakusa last, so I was standing on the Ginza Line platform heading toward Asakusa when the guests asked, "Where are we going next? What about Shibuya?" I replied, "Oh, weren't you going there after the tour?" and asked, "Which would you prefer, Asakusa or Shibuya?" They said, "Definitely Shibuya," so the final destination became Shibuya. From the second floor of Magnet by Shibuya109, they filmed the crossing with great interest, and then walked across the intersection with a big smile, saying to themselves, "This is so Australian." Since they said, "We're going to enjoy Shibuya after this, so please tell us how to get back to the hotel," we went back to JR Shibuya Station, purchased tickets to Shinjuku Station in advance, and I showed them the Yamanote Line platform before ending the tour. They said, "It was so much fun, thank you," and, "One of my family members works at a travel agency, so I'll tell them about you." I was very happy that they enjoyed it. At the ski resorts, they apparently ski more than twenty runs a day at full pace (even in my younger days, twelve or thirteen was about my limit). When I asked how they had such strong legs despite being around the same age as me, they said, "We usually get around by car, but there's a beach nearby, so we train by walking." They were a warm and talkative group, and I hope they thoroughly enjoyed Japan's powder snow.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Nishi-Nippori210JPY
    Section 2SubwayNishi-Nippori～Nezu180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Shibuya210JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Doguyasuji Shopping Street

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Doguyasuji Shopping Street

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
    • 10:15 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 11;45 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:30 @ Doguyasuji Shopping Street
    • 13:30 Dismiss @ Doguyasuji

    What Is a Private Osaka Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and everything went smoothly. They seemed more interested in shopping than in sightseeing spots, so we ended up significantly changing the itinerary that had originally been decided. At Osaka Castle, they purchased chopsticks engraved with names for several people at an adjacent souvenir shop, and at Doguyasuji, a shopping arcade used by professional cooks and chefs, they bought an authentic kitchen knife. Because both shops took quite a lot of time, we had to skip some of the originally planned spots, but the guests were delighted to have made good purchases. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were very pleased to receive.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2SubwayMorinomiya～Nipponbashi (Osaka)240JPY
    Total480JPY

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

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

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tuna Auction and Sushi Breakfast Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were visitors from North America. Both of them enjoy cooking and were very interested in Japanese tuna. As the auction began, they found it fascinating to watch the young auctioneer point out bids in an almost dance-like manner, and they took many videos. Tuna is also caught in their home region, so it is common to see it at markets there, but since most of it is caught by pole-and-line fishing, they were amazed by the large tuna landed in Japan using the longline fishing method. I explained how longline fishing is carried out and the techniques used on board to maintain freshness, and then described the route the tuna takes before reaching the auction floor. Hearing all this, they were impressed and said, "Everything is so well thought out." After the auction, they enjoyed a sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant, savoring the chef's omakase selection. Because the course allows two additional pieces to be ordered at the end, the guests asked me and the chef, "What do you recommend?" After consulting with the chef, I offered them cod milt and alfonsino sushi, things they could never eat back home. They were a little surprised by the appearance of the milt, but the moment they put it in their mouths, their eyes widened and then they broke into big smiles. Together with the chef, I felt relieved and delighted that they enjoyed it. There is a popular dish in their home region, created by the local Japanese community, called poke, which is similar to a marinated tuna rice bowl. When I mentioned that I had been impressed by how the taste of poke differs from shop to shop when I visited, the guests began comparing their favorites — "That place is the best," "No, this one is better" — and the three of us had a lively conversation about the differences between Japanese and North American tuna dishes. Since they were full from the sushi and did not want any more food, we spent extra time exploring Nakamise, and the tour ended with the purchase of a Japanese kitchen knife at a knife shop. 2. Other comments, notes, and requests The conversation about poke was very lively, and the chef even joined in, teaching us how to make marinated tuna, which I really enjoyed. The guests shared the recipe for the poke sauce they make at home, and the chef was delighted, saying, "Oh, so sugar and rinsed onion are the key points." Thanks to all this, it turned out to be a very enjoyable tour, and I felt very happy too.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Toru

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
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  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet (@ Noku Kyoto)
    • 8:00-8:50 Travel (Subway; Marutamachi→Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Train; Sanjo Keihan→Fushimi Inari)
    • 8:50-9:40 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 9:40-10:20 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu Gojo)
    • 10:20-11:40 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo)
    • 11:40-12:00 Visit Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:00-12:20 Travel (City Bus: Yasaka Shrine front→Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 12:30-13:10 Lunch (@ Sato, near Sanjusangendo)
    • 13:20-14:10 Visit Sanjusangendo
    • 14:10 Tour End After the tour at Sanjusangendo, we parted ways with the guests.

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sanjusangendo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and it was everyone's first time in Japan. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led the group to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Koshin-do), and Sanjusangendo. I had wondered whether Kiyomizu-dera, with its many steps, might be difficult for some of the guests, but they had no trouble at all and walked at nearly a normal pace. The tour fell on a Saturday and coincided with the Lunar New Year period, so all three sites were crowded with many travelers. The weather was remarkably warm for what did not feel like February. At Sanjusangendo in particular, everyone was overwhelmed by the 1,001 statues of Kannon.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi (Kyoto Municipal)～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu Gojo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion／Kyoto Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo／Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how the auction proceeds, collection methods, and the roles of wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe 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

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Morning Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very cheerful group visiting Japan from North America. The day before, they had traveled to Tokyo, but due to heavy snow the airport was temporarily closed, and they had contacted me saying they might not be able to make it to Toyosu the next day. I provided websites with weather and flight information available in English, and explained that according to that information the airport was expected to reopen within a few hours, which reassured them. In the end, they arrived in Tokyo with a five-hour delay and looked tired, but the moment they saw the enormous quantity of tuna lined up, they were thrilled and said "Wow," and smiled the whole time after that. During the auction, the three of us played a game trying to spot the buyers' bidding hand signals and figure out who had won each bid, which they enjoyed. They were deeply impressed with the sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside the market. They were delighted, saying they could not eat sushi this delicious back home, and that it was even better than the sushi they had eaten in Hokkaido. At Tsukiji, they requested, "Please tell us all of your favorite shops, Toru, because the two of us will come back and explore slowly after the tour." So I introduced about seven shops, and at the end they enjoyed large rock oysters from Iwate at a shop where fresh oysters are shucked and served on the spot. They were surprised, saying they could never see oysters of this size back home, and enjoyed the deep, salty flavor. They were simply a cheerful group who kept smiling and talking to me throughout, and I enjoyed myself as well. Right after the tour, they posted a long five-star review, which made me feel truly honored as a guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Toru

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
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    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Port & Repatriation Memorial Monument

    Fukuoka in One Day: Hakata Port & Repatriation Memorial Monument

    Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hakata Port
    • 9:50 Tocho-ji Temple
    • 10:20 Shofuku-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Hakata Station
    • 11:30 Kido Nanzoin Station
    • 11:40 Nanzoin Temple
    • 12:40 Kido Nanzoin Station
    • 13:10 Hakata Station
    • 13:20 Ramen Shop
    • 14:10 Pokemon Shop
    • 14:50 Depart Hakata Station
    • 15:15 Repatriation Memorial Monument
    • 15:30 Hakata Port

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Fukuoka's Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at Hakata Port at 9:00 and traveled by bus to Gion. At Tochoji Temple, I explained Buddhism and the Shingon sect and showed them the Great Buddha and the depiction of hell. Since the guests were also interested in Zen, we walked to Shofukuji Temple, where I explained Zen and the samurai. Afterwards, I asked about their wishes, and since they wanted to see Nanzoin, we took the train to Nanzoin. We returned to Hakata Station by train and went to a ramen restaurant. Based on their wishes, we then visited a Pokémon shop. We returned to the port by bus, and finally I explained the Repatriation Memorial before seeing the guests off at the port at 15:30. As the guests were interested in Buddhism and Shinto, they asked many questions. Since I was able to explain Buddhism and Shinto, I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHakata Pier / Nishitetsu Bus～Gion (Fukuoka Prefecture)260JPY
    Section 2TrainHakata～Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 3TrainKido Nanzoin-mae～Hakata450JPY
    Section 4BusHakata Station-mae (Hakata Exit / Highway / Connecting Bus)～Hakata Port (Hakata Pier / Highway / Connecting Bus)260JPY
    Total1,420JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Experienced, skillful tour guide with high customer satisfaction. My purpose is to spread world peace through cultural communication.
    A witty conversation enriched with abundant academic knowledge. My strength is the strong academic background of the history, culture and religion of Japan.
    I have abundant tour guide experiences in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Yanagawa, Dazai-fu, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Saga.
    I have many experiences of guiding Fukuoka city area including Fukuoka city museum, Dazaifu shrine, Nanzoin Buddha statue, Tochiji temple, Kushida shrine, Fukuoka ramen and sushi restaurants and Fukuoka tower.
    I also have many experiences of guiding Nagasaki area including Atomic bomb museum, Dejima museum, Oura church, Glover park, Inasayama mountain and Shimabara castle.
    I have abundant knowledge on porcelains, potteries of Imari, Arita, Kashima, Ogi, and sake of Saga.
    I have a national itinerary manager license(80-25-F00030) and a national travel service manager license(2025-171) in addition to a national tour guide license.
    TJT-certified Tour Guide by Car (N26007バ).
    A member of Japan Health Tourism Society (J26-10019).
    While my dialogue is laced with sparkling wit and humor, it never lacks for intellectual depth.
    Great Britain Guiness Scotch Whiskey Student Ambassador
    Only orders from the company are accepted. The company is the sole contracting party with customers.

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    Sep 22, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Beautiful Nagasaki
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a full itinerary but our…

    Aug 17, 2026
    inexology
    Fun and Knowledgeable Tour Guide, thank you Hiro-san!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    I…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Nancy_P
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Select Hiro as your guide
    It was a wonderful experience…

    May 13, 2026
    Edwin_R
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro is a hero!
    Hiro is a very knowledgeable and skilled guide.…