Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 9:30: Meet at Kyoto Station
    • (2) 10:00 Guide to Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (3) 11:15 Guide to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • (4) 12:00 Lunch @ Randen "Arashiyama Station"
    • (5) 13:30 Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • (6) 14:45 Guide to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • (7) 15:30 Disband @ Kyoto Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera Tour in Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests, a group visiting from Oceania, were met at the Shinkansen platform, and we traveled by arranged vehicle to Kinkaku-ji, where I guided them around the temple. It was a perfect autumn day, and the guests fully enjoyed the beautifully shining Golden Pavilion. They were deeply moved as I explained the background and highlights of Kinkaku-ji. Next, we moved to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, walking through the bamboo from Nonomiya Shrine while I talked about how bamboo grows and the difficulty of maintaining the grove. We passed through Kameyama Park and took a short break at the Hozu River. The weather was ideal, and after the bamboo grove the guests wanted to have a beer with lunch, so we had beer and some snacks for lunch inside Arashiyama Station of the Randen tram line. After Arashiyama, we headed straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where the guests enjoyed learning about Shinto, foxes, and the thousands of torii gates, though we moved quickly due to time constraints. We then tried to move to Kiyomizu-dera, but we got caught in traffic congestion and lost more time than expected, so at Kiyomizu-dera the guests enjoyed the autumn foliage without entering the main hall, and we returned to Kyoto Station. Overall, we visited four locations today, and I believe the guests enjoyed their sightseeing in Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto Station admission ticket～Kyoto Station150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Onomichi Shopping Street

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Onomichi Shopping Street

    Onomichi Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet
    • 10:10 Onomichi Shopping Street Stroll (Onomichi Commercial Memorial Hall, Otabisho, Anago no Nedoko, Imagawa Gyokkou Tea Shop)
    • 　　　Ropeway
    • 11:30 Senkoji Observation Deck
    • 12:00 Lunch at Restaurant
    • 12:30 Senkoji Temple
    • 12:45 Guest House Miharashi-tei Cafe
    • 13:15 Cat Alley
    • 13:30 Ushitora Shrine
    • 13:45 Onomichi City Hall Observation Deck
    • 14:00 Disband near Onomichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Onomichi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests chose Onomichi after seeing it on a website and becoming interested in the history and scenery of this port town. During our stroll through the shopping arcade, I guided the group to an exhibition hall for Onomichi's traditional festival (the Becchā Festival), a guesthouse renovated from a traditional townhouse, and a tea shop with over 100 years of history, all of which they greatly enjoyed. Having heard beforehand that curry was a favorite, I took the group to a café restaurant with a lovely view inside Senkoji Park, which they also loved. In addition, we enjoyed coffee at the café of the guesthouse where I work, took a look inside a produce wholesaler, and admired the view from the observation deck at the city hall. Finally, when asked for a dinner recommendation, I suggested a long-established Onomichi restaurant, for which the guests were very grateful.

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

    Tour Report by TAKA

    I was born in Onomichi. After spending a lot of time in Onomichi until I graduated from high school, I entered Chiba University in Chiba Prefecture, next to Tokyo. After graduating from university, I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. For the three years in Osaka, I was in charge of tourism public relations for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, planning tourism events in Hiroshima and promoting it to media and travel agencies. After that, I took an early retirement from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and returned to my hometown, Onomichi. I worked as a staff member at the guest house Miharashitei, which is popular among foreign tourists, and at a vegetable and fruit wholesaler in Onomichi, which is famous for its citrus fruits. I like hiking and cycling on my days off. As for my experience as an interpreter and guide, I made my debut as an interpreter and guide in April 2024. I have guided walking around temples in Onomichi City, guided cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, and guided the townscape of Onomichi, a Japanese Heritage site. I am looking forward to cycling and walking with the guests who visit Onomichi.

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    Nov 17, 2025
    bencR654US
    Taka is an amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Taka was an amazing tour guide.…

    Jan 11, 2025
    I2403NFjasonm
    Taka gracefully led us through the Itsukushima Jinja shrine and island on new years
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with…

  • Takamatsu Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takamatsu Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takamatsu Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 ロイヤルパークホテル高松 ロビー【集合】
    • タクシーで
    • 09:30～11:10 栗林公園
    • タクシーで
    • 11:35～13:10 四国村
    • 13:15～14:15 わら家（有名なうどん店）で昼食
    • タクシーで
    • 14:45 ロイヤルパークホテル高松 ロビー【解散】

    What Is a Private Takamatsu Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ritsurin Garden and Shikoku Village The guests were visitors from North America. This was their second visit to Japan, and they planned to stay from early to late November, traveling to Matsuyama, the Iya Valley, Takamatsu, Tokyo, Kyushu, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. At both Ritsurin Garden and Shikoku Village, they took their time to enjoy the scenery and cultural properties. In Takamatsu, the guests wanted to try Olive beef during their stay, so I provided a list of restaurants for them to choose from. At the udon restaurant, I shared how Sanuki udon is famous throughout Japan. They were delighted and found it very delicious. The guests were quiet but friendly throughout, which made them easy to guide. I believe they were able to enjoy Takamatsu at a relaxed pace.

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

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:15 　Tour starts in front of Hyatt Centric
    • Travel by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 11:00- AM 11:45 Higashi Chaya District sightseeing
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 12:15-13:00 Kenrokuen Garden sightseeing
    • PM 13:00-14:00 Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura sightseeing
    • Travel on foot, tour ends at Omicho Market　PM14:15

    Title: What Is a Private 4-Hour Kanazawa Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a private tour. Some of the guests had visited Kanazawa once before. They were passengers on a cruise ship, but since the group tours arranged through the cruise offered little freedom and only brief explanations, they chose an independent tour instead. Due to waiting in line for a taxi from the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal, they arrived in front of the Hotel, the meeting point, about 15 minutes after the 10:00 meeting time, and the tour then began. Although it was a short 4-hour tour based around the cruise ship schedule, the guests enjoyed Kanazawa during its autumn foliage season. We finished the tour at Omicho Market, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station／Hokutetsu Bus～Hashibacho／Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho／Hokutetsu Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hiromine Shrine & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hiromine Shrine & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:30 @ Hiromine Shrine
    • 10:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:30 @ Egret Himeji
    • 13:00 Disperse @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Himeji Castle and Hiromine Shrine The guest was a solo traveler from North America who found walking somewhat difficult, and seemed to push themselves quite a bit on the slopes and stairs at Hiromine Shrine and Himeji Castle. The guest expressed an interest in Japan, and this was their second visit. At Hiromine Shrine, they visited to pray and experienced the popular "Kyusei Mairi" (a ritual in which you place a wooden tablet with your wish written on it into the hole corresponding to your destiny star among nine divisions, then quietly whisper your wish three times, and it is said the wish will come true). Incidentally, the guest's destiny star was "Sanpeki Mokusei." At Himeji Castle as well, the guest listened attentively to my explanations. At our final stop, "Egret Himeji," the guest seemed very pleased with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop. They also enjoyed a sake tasting at a booth run by a local sake brewery inside the building. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which they were delighted to receive. The guest kindly taught me various modern English expressions, which made the day very worthwhile.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet @ Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Sakuradori 10:00
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle keep 10:00-11:50・・To Nagoya Castle, travel by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawa Garden and view Tokugawa Garden (Japanese garden) 11:50-12:40・・To Tokugawa Garden, travel by taxi
    • 4. Move to the Shikemichi area and view the galleries and shops around Shikemichi 12:40-13:45・・To the Shikemichi area, travel by taxi
    • 5. Return to Meitetsu Inn Nagoya Sakuradori and disband 13:45-14:00・・From the Shikemichi area to the hotel, travel on foot

    What Is a Private One-Day Nagoya Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from Oceania. Although they had experience traveling to various countries, including Japan, they enjoyed today's guided tour in Nagoya. I guided them to three sites: Nagoya Castle, Tokugawaen (a Japanese garden), and the Shikemichi area. The guest understood the charms of Japan and how to enjoy a tour here, and viewed with great interest the castle and garden that represent Japanese culture, as well as the merchant town built around the same time as the construction of Nagoya Castle. Since the guest's hotel was within walking distance of the final site, the Shikemichi area, the entire tour proceeded smoothly and I was able to please them. This private one-day tour in Nagoya was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKokusai Center～Nagoya Castle210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

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    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

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

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

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Meeting/Briefing: The Thousand Kyoto
    • 14:40 Transfer: Move by bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ①: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:00 Sightseeing ②/Transfer: Walk to Kodai-ji Temple (Sannenzaka ~ Ninenzaka ~ Nene-no-Michi)
    • 16:30 Sightseeing ③: Visit Kodai-ji Temple
    • 17:00 Transfer: Walk to Yasaka Shrine
    • 17:20 Sightseeing ④: Visit Yasaka Shrine
    • 17:40 Sightseeing ⑤: Stroll through Gion (Hanamikoji Street ⇒ reserved restaurant)
    • 18:30 End of guide/Dismissal (Japanese restaurant "Hanasaki Manjiro")

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama and Gion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. All the advance arrangements regarding destinations were made through the staff of a travel agency. In my first contact, I requested to communicate directly with the guests, but in the end all communication went through the agency staff. At first I felt a little uneasy, but because the agency staff communicated smoothly with the guests, I was able to proceed with preparations without any problems. As for the destinations and itinerary, the agency had accurately understood the guests' wishes before contacting me, so it was easy to finalize. The outline of the itinerary was confirmed as follows, centered on the southern part of Higashiyama in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera ⇒ Kodai-ji ⇒ Entoku-in ⇒ Gion ⇒ Japanese cuisine at Hanasaki Manjiro. On the day, the weather was cool and clear with autumn skies, making perfect conditions for sightseeing. We gathered as planned at the Hotel, exchanged brief greetings and confirmed the itinerary, then moved to the bus stop in front of Kyoto Station, arriving at the "Gojo-zaka" bus stop in about 15 minutes. Since the destination after Kiyomizu-dera was Kodai-ji and we would inevitably pass through Kiyomizu-zaka, we headed up to Kiyomizu-dera via the less crowded side street "Chawan-zaka." During this walk, one of the guests appeared tired after the long approach and offered to "wait near the entrance rather than entering the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera." Under these circumstances, although the rest of the guests entered the main hall, we took a shortcut covering about half the usual route and rejoined the waiting guest. Since the next destination was Kodai-ji, we passed through "Sannei-zaka" and "Ninen-zaka," famous spots along the Kiyomizu-dera approach, where the guests also enjoyed shopping for souvenirs. By the time we entered Kodai-ji it had grown dim, and we strolled through the grounds while enjoying the autumn foliage illumination, which was finally becoming noticeable. At this point, the guests requested, "We would like to arrive at the Japanese restaurant with plenty of time before our reservation, so it's fine to skip Entoku-in. We'd rather take our time enjoying the atmosphere of Gion in the evening," and we headed toward Gion. However, since we had some time to spare, I proposed, "I would definitely like to introduce Yasaka Shrine, which is also a symbol of the Gion area," and we visited Yasaka Shrine as well. The final destination was "Hanamikoji," the heart of the "Gion" district the guests had been looking forward to, and we strolled through it. Upon coincidentally passing a maiko, they whispered their impressions, "So cute and beautiful!" After that, we arrived at the Japanese restaurant called "Hanasaki Manjiro," where a seat had been reserved, and I concluded the guiding there. The tour used the bus only once and was otherwise entirely on foot, coming to 10,400 steps by my count, but I believe the guests were able to fully enjoy Higashiyama and Gion.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station Front／Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:20 Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
    • 9:40-10:10 Sanjusangendo
    • 10:30-11:15 Ninenzaka & Sanneizaka ~ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:45-12:45 Lunch (Kyoto Cuisine Izutsu)
    • 13:00-13:45 Nijo Castle
    • 14:15-14:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. On the morning of the tour, it turned out that the guests were staying at two separate hotels, which caused some scrambling, including rearranging the itinerary. In the end, we completed the day with the following schedule: Hotel → another Hotel → Sanjusangendo → Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera → lunch (a Kyoto cuisine restaurant) → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Hotel. At each sightseeing spot, the guests marveled at the beauty of the scenery and took photos slowly at their own pace. In particular, Kinkaku-ji that day was dazzling, with the golden pavilion reflected in the Kyoko-chi pond, and the guests were very moved by what turned out to be the best shot of the day. Regarding food, it was one of the things the guests praised about Japan, alongside the railway system. They said that everything in Japan is delicious, that even inexpensive items taste good, and that even convenience store food is of high quality. For lunch that day, I had made a reservation at a Kyoto cuisine restaurant, and when I explained the menu, the guests were very much looking forward to it, and they thoroughly enjoyed set meals of sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. During lunch and in the car, we had lively conversations on topics such as rankings of countries with poor tourist manners, the emergence of AI and employment issues, and the currently topical measures against bear sightings.

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

    Tour Report by Masaki

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

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    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel-9:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens-11:30 Tsukiji Outer Market-12:15 Lunch-13:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple-14:30 Ueno Ameya Yokocho-15:10 Akihabara Dismissal

    # What Can a Family Do on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for a group visiting from North America, and it was near the end of their trip to Japan, with two days remaining. Some of the guests had visited Japan before for work, including a business meeting the previous day. The tour started from Kasumigaseki. We walked from Sakuradamon Gate, passing Nijubashi Bridge and Kikyomon Gate, and continued to Otemon Gate. The guests were taken by the contrast between the quiet, greenery-filled calm of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the surrounding skyscrapers of Marunouchi and Otemachi. At the Tsukiji Outer Market that we visited next, they happily enjoyed jumbo shumai, melon, strawberry candy, and Shine Muscat grape candy.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills～Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 5TrainOkachimachi～Akihabara150JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

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    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50　Meet up @ Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 10:20　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:50　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:10　Imperial Palace
    • 12:50　Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10　Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:10　Akihabara
    • 16:05　Disband @ Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Tokyo for guests from Europe who were visiting Japan for the first time. Before arriving in Tokyo, the guests had already visited Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, and Hakone, and they planned to return home after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, they showed great interest in the large electronics stores. Since I attended to everything according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 7TrainAkihabara～Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…