Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Tour Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Tour Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:58 Travel to Miyajima
    • 11:51 Tour Miyajima
    • 14:20 Travel to Miyajimaguchi Port
    • 14:34 Travel to JR Hiroshima Station
    • 15:15 Travel to Kamiyacho
    • 15:25 Tour the hypocenter, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:10 Travel to Hiroshima Station
    • 17:40 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a day trip from Kyoto. I understood that for the past decade or so they have traveled the world together once a year. From the moment we met, we were able to joke around and chat comfortably, which made me very happy. I was impressed that one of them had prepared an excellent manual in preparation for this trip to Japan. On Miyajima, in addition to the torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, they thoroughly enjoyed sampling street food, and during the tour of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the monuments in Peace Memorial Park, they listened very attentively. Since Miyajima cannot be explored by car and involves a lot of walking, after visiting the museum we decided to head to Hiroshima Station a little early so they could enjoy a leisurely dinner before the time of their bullet train. I was relieved to finally find a restaurant at the mall in Hiroshima Station that seemed to meet their wishes. We were blessed with good weather, we did not run into any large cruise ship groups, and I was grateful to be able to guide such bright and wonderful guests. Thank you very much! A notable stop on the tour was the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima. The Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the few structures that remained standing near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing in 1945, and it has been preserved as a symbol of peace. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands adjacent to the Peace Memorial Park, where numerous monuments commemorate the victims and express hopes for a world without nuclear weapons.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 3OtherHiroshima~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Fukuoka: Tochoji Temple & Dining and shopping in Tenjin

    Fukuoka: Tochoji Temple & Dining and shopping in Tenjin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Tochoji Temple
    • 10:10 Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, shopping
    • 11:10 Kushida Shrine
    • 11:50 Nakasu Kawabata Shopping Arcade
    • 12:40 Dining and shopping in Tenjin

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Fukuoka's Hakata and Tenjin Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I made an effort to take plenty of time and, rather than giving a standard explanation, to share lesser-known stories and episodes along the way. The guests enjoyed shopping, purchasing small Hakata-ori textile items at places such as the Hakatamachi area, the local history museum, and the Nakasu-Kawabata shopping arcade. We had a light meal at a popular sushi restaurant inside a newly opened building in Tenjin. It was well received as being very delicious at a reasonable price. If we had had more time, I had considered extending the tour to the Fukuoka Castle ruins and Ohori Park, but there was not enough time. A notable stop on the tour was Ohori Park. Ohori Park is one of Fukuoka's most beloved green spaces, built around a large central pond that was once part of the moat of Fukuoka Castle. The park features walking paths, a traditional Japanese garden, and scenic bridges connecting small islands across the water, making it a popular spot for relaxing strolls. Located right next to the Fukuoka Castle ruins, the area offers a peaceful blend of history and nature in the heart of the city.

    Hi! I’m Masaaki Chiwata. I’m a bit old man but luckily I’m fine and healthy. I have just passed the government licensed guide interpreter test in February 2025, so my command of English might not be good enough yet, but hopefully I’m going to be a good guide and I’ll do my best to help you enjoy the tour. I worked for the news agency “Kyodo News Service” as a stuff writer for over 40 years. I retired several years ago. As a reporter, I covered and wrote articles on wide range of topics from murder case, trials, elections, politics, volcanic eruptions, even an airplane accident. May be I could share some of my experiences with you.

    Feb 27, 2026
    Vicki_C
    Fabulous Fukuoka
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr Masaaki Chiwata made our trip to Fukuoka so…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:30 Meet @Hotel
    • 2.9:05 @Sannenzaka, Hokanji Temple
    • 3.9:20 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4·11:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 5. 12:40@ Nishiki Market
    • 6. 13:30 Part ways with family @Shijo Takakura Bus Stop
    • 7.14:30 Part ways with one friend @Nijo Castle

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nishiki Market This was a tour for a group of four guests from Oceania. Unlike the three rainy days in Tokyo, Kyoto today was sunny with fresh, pleasant air. Both Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha were quite crowded, but everyone enjoyed the visit. After Fushimi Inari Taisha, it was just about lunchtime, so I guided the group to Nishiki Market. What the guests particularly enjoyed were the Kobe beef skewers and hamburger at a shop selling wagyu in Nishiki Market, and the vegetable and seafood tempura at a sushi restaurant. One of the guests bought some fruit and browsed a knife shop. After finishing at Nishiki Market, we waited at the Shijo Takakura bus stop for the number 12 bus to go to Nijo Castle, but the wait was long, so part of the group decided to continue shopping around the area. It was suggested that the rest of us take a taxi, so we went on to Nijo Castle. I gave a brief explanation of the history of Nijo Castle, entered through the Karamon Gate, and went as far as the entrance of the Ninomaru Palace. Around that point, the time for the tour came to an end, so I explained how to return to the hotel and we parted ways. The guest seemed deeply impressed by the beauty of the Karamon Gate and the buildings. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Taisha. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. It is especially known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form winding paths up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the tunnels of torii gates and encounter many fox statues along the way, as foxes are believed to be the messengers of Inari.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Tofukuji/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Tofukuji/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji~Inari150JPY
    Section 5OtherFushimi Inari~Keihan Shijo240JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Osaka: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Osaka Port
    • 9:00 Osaka Castle
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 12:45 Keitakuen Garden
    • 14:15 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:30 Namba, Shinsaibashi Area
    • 17:00 Tour ends at Osaka Port

    Osaka Private Tour Report: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You in One Day at Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Shinsaibashi? [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour for the guests in Osaka. The guests had been looking forward to the tour and shared this with me from the moment we met. At Osaka Castle, we went inside and viewed all of the exhibits thoroughly, which took longer than expected, but I guided them according to their interests. We changed the plan for Umeda Sky and instead enjoyed tempura and takoyaki together at a local restaurant. After Keitakuen Garden, the guests suddenly said they wanted to visit Shitennoji Temple, so I took them there. In Shinsaibashi, I showed them inside the Daimaru department store and talked about the architectural connections of interest to them. A notable stop on the tour was Shitennoji Temple. Shitennoji is one of the oldest officially administered temples in Japan, founded in 593. It is widely regarded as one of the first Buddhist temples ever built in the country. The temple complex includes a five-story pagoda and several halls arranged in a historic layout, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's early Buddhist architecture and traditions. Its long history and serene grounds make it a meaningful stop for those interested in the cultural and religious heritage of the region.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome620JPY
    Section 2Free PassTanimachi 4-chome~Dobutsuen-mae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShinsaibashi~Osaka Port0JPY
    Total620JPY

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

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

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

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

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel On foot Oyama Shrine & Kanazawa Castle Park
    • AM 09:15-11:00 Oyama Shrine & Gyokusen'in Kanazawa Castle Park tour
    • AM 11:00-11:45 Kenrokuen Garden tour
    • Travel Bus Higashi Chaya District
    • PM 12:00- 12:45 Stroll and shopping in Higashi Chaya District
    • Travel Bus Korinbo
    • PM 13:15- 13:30 Around the Nagamachi Samurai District
    • 13:30 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The booking had been arranged through a travel agency, so I had initially assumed they were based elsewhere, but they were in fact residents of North America who had asked an acquaintance to make the reservation on their behalf. During the tour, I received a variety of questions, and at Kanazawa Castle Park we took our time as I answered their questions and gave explanations. As a result, the tour fell somewhat behind schedule, but I adjusted by shortening or lengthening the time spent at each destination according to the guests' preferences. The weather was lovely, and they seemed to enjoy themselves. A notable stop on the tour was Kanazawa Castle Park. Kanazawa Castle was once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain during the Edo period. The park features beautifully reconstructed gates, turrets, and long storehouses that showcase traditional Japanese castle architecture, and its spacious grounds are a pleasant place to stroll in any season. It sits adjacent to Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens, making the area a highlight for visitors interested in history and gardens alike.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHirosaka & 21st Century Museum / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Korinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total440JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyu
    • 2. 9:15 Meiji Shrine / Takeshita Street (entrance)
    • 3. 10:50 Tsukiji
    • 4. 12:30 Asakusa
    • 5. 12:45 Lunch (Asakusa)
    • 6. 13:30 Asakusa
    • 7. 14:50 Dismissal

    A Private Tokyo Day Tour Covering Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa: What Does a Licensed Guide's Itinerary Look Like? The guests were visitors, and we met the group at the planned time and place. Since some of the group had been to Japan many times, only part of the group joined the tour as originally arranged. Throughout the day, one of the guests took many photos using a camera with a telephoto lens rather than a smartphone. The weather was pleasantly warm for walking, and at Meiji Shrine they listened closely to my explanations and both purchased omamori amulets. They also did some shopping at the souvenir shop within Meiji Shrine. At Tsukiji, since it was Sunday, some shops were closed (I had informed them of this by email in advance), but they looked around the open shops with great interest and shared some chutoro tuna while standing. In Asakusa, they enjoyed the view from Azuma Bridge (including the Asahi Breweries headquarters), and for lunch we went to a tempura restaurant. They told me it was "the best tempura they had ever eaten." After the meal, we walked around Asakusa again while I explained the sights. We also enjoyed ningyo-yaki together. Since I had been asked earlier in the day to take plenty of photos, I photographed them in many different locations. Toward the end they seemed a little tired and we finished slightly early, parting ways around the Asakusa Rokku area.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet @ Blossom Hibiya
    • 15:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Takeshita Street
    • 16:45 Ura-Harajuku / Omotesando
    • 17:00 Cat Street
    • 17:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 18:15 Shinjuku (3D cat billboard, Godzilla Head, Kabukicho)
    • 19:00 Disband @ Omoide Yokocho
    • 19:00

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shinjuku: A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, having arrived in the morning on the day of the tour. At Meiji Shrine, they took photos by the sacred camphor trees and purchased an ema votive tablet. They were overwhelmed by the rapidly changing scenery: the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, the bustling crowds of Takeshita Street, the slightly more grown-up ambiance of the backstreets of Harajuku and Cat Street, and the Sunday-evening scramble crossing overflowing with people. In Shinjuku, they experienced yet another kind of liveliness. I shared tips on how to spend the next couple of days in Tokyo, and since they mentioned they would be heading to Yunishigawa, I spent extra time explaining Japanese history, including the Genpei War and the story of the fugitive Heike clan survivors. They walked the above itinerary very well. They had dinner at Omoide Yokocho on their arrival day, and I only hope it does not upset their stomachs. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, it is set within a vast forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors often pass through its massive torii gates, write wishes on ema votive tablets, and enjoy the peaceful contrast between the shrine's solemn grounds and the surrounding urban energy of Harajuku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
    Total380JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet in front of Yasaka Pagoda
    • 8:30 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 9:00 Kiyomizu-dera ~ Shopping at Sannenzaka
    • 10:50 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:30 Lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
    • 13:45 Nijo Castle
    • 14:55 Dismiss at Nijo Castle shop

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, and Nijo Castle The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were traveling from Tokyo along the Nakasendo route, visiting Matsumoto Castle and Takayama, and planned to continue to Kyoto, Okayama, and Hiroshima. To avoid the crowds, we first went to Kiyomizu-dera. Since we arrived early, it was not too crowded, and I believe the guests enjoyed it. On Sannenzaka, one of the guests became interested in Kiyomizu-yaki pottery and browsed through various shops. After that, we visited Sanjusangen-do. There were many tour groups and it was very crowded, but the guests were greatly amazed by the 1,001 Buddhist statues. We then had lunch at a restaurant in Pontocho, and headed to Nijo Castle. There were quite a few tour groups, but we were able to look around at a relaxed pace. I believe the guests enjoyed the day. A notable stop on the tour was Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was built in the early 17th century as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and it is now registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is famous for its Ninomaru Palace, known for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon as a security measure, as well as its beautifully painted sliding doors and expansive traditional gardens.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total630JPY

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Lobby
    • 2. 9:15 @ Asakusa
    • 3. 10:35 @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:45 Lunch @ Harakado Harajuku
    • 5. 12:30 @ Takeshita Street
    • 6. 13:00 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 13:55 @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 14:30 @ Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • 9. 15:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    Title: What's a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya Tour: Tokyo 6 Hours Weather: Sunny, 22°C Guests: The guests were visitors from North America. [First stop] Asakusa Because of the route from the Hotel, we took the usual course in reverse. We entered from the back of Senso-ji Temple and strolled through Nakamise-dori and Kaminarimon Gate. The guests experienced Japanese culture, including the smoke of the large incense burner, purification at the water pavilion, and praying at Senso-ji Temple. I explained Buddhism and Shinto. Finally, from the 8th floor of the Culture and Tourism Center, we looked out over all of Asakusa and reflected on what we had seen. [Second stop] East Gardens of the Imperial Palace The weather was fine and the area was lively with many people. We walked to the former castle keep foundation and back. [Third stop] Lunch at a facility in Harajuku As a break, we had conveyor-belt sushi. [Fourth stop] Takeshita Street This area was also crowded. We stopped by an Apple Store before heading to Takeshita Street. [Fifth stop] Meiji Jingu Shrine The guests happened to show interest in a doll appreciation festival that was being held. [Sixth stop] Shibuya Scramble Crossing Being a Sunday, the crossing was crowded, and the guests experienced crossing it. [Seventh stop] Shinjuku Golden Gai Since most places are closed during the daytime, there was not much of an atmosphere, so we passed through quickly and ended the tour at Shinjuku Station via Kabukicho. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Jingu Shrine. Meiji Jingu is a major Shinto shrine located in a vast forested area near Harajuku in central Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine is surrounded by a man-made forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a tranquil retreat within the busy city. Visitors often pass through its large wooden torii gates and may encounter traditional ceremonies and seasonal events held within the grounds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya~Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
    Total730JPY

    Hello! My name is Katsu Hayama.
    My nickname is “goreilo” and it means a futsal goalkeeper in Portuguese.
    I love football. I play football every weekend with my senior teammates.
    I live in the suburban area in Tokyo, where surrounded by the nature.
    I used to be a mechanical engineer of commercial vehicle,
    heavy duty truck and bus, for long years. After retirement, I studied hard,
    and I could become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I will navigate you all around the fascinate city, old and modern Tokyo wherever you want to go!
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!
    Thank you very much.

    Halo! Nama saya Katsu Hayama. Nama panggilan saya adalah “goreilo” yang berarti penjaga gawang futsal dalam bahasa Portugis.
    Saya suka sepak bola. Saya bermain sepak bola setiap akhir pekan dengan rekan-rekan senior saya.
    Saya tinggal di daerah pinggiran kota Tokyo, yang dikelilingi oleh alam.
    Saya dulunya adalah seorang insinyur mekanik kendaraan komersial, truk tugas berat, dan bus, selama bertahun-tahun.
    Setelah pensiun, saya belajar keras, dan saya bisa menjadi Juru Bahasa Pemandu Berlisensi Pemerintah Nasional.
    Saya akan memandu Anda berkeliling kota yang mempesona, Tokyo lama dan modern ke mana pun Anda ingin pergi!
    Saya berharap dapat segera bertemu dengan Anda!
    Terima kasih banyak.

    Sep 6, 2026
    629jayalakshmia
    Best guide – Goreillo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Goreillo San was a wonderful…

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    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    BTS Thunfisch Auktion
    Goreiilo hat uns als Foodies den…

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    ecthomps17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Tokyo exceeded every expectation. From the energy of the city and…

    Jul 7, 2026
    luisacQ7698XW
    Fabulous and unique experience
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza Area & Harajuku End

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza Area & Harajuku End

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – Walk
    • 10:30 Ginza Area
    • 11:00 International Forum, Imperial Palace
    • 12:00 Otemachi – Meiji-jingumae
    • 13:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:07 Harajuku End

    Title: What Does a Private Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Walking Tour in Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report During the tour, the guests from Europe shared many interesting reflections, and our conversation touched on a wide range of cultural topics. We talked about how the Emperor had recently visited parts of Europe, and about the long-standing ties between those regions and the Japanese Imperial Family. One of the guests noted that the Emperor holds no political power and serves as a symbol of the nation. As we walked, I pointed out the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa family. I also shared a famous waka poem composed by Emperor Meiji, enshrined at Meiji Shrine, which carries the message that there is no excuse not to keep studying and improving oneself. The conversation also turned to differences in daily life and society. The guests mentioned that in their region, the balance between women and men in the workforce is close to equal, and that cooking and household tasks are shared at home. They explained that people in their region often continue working at companies and tend to retire around the age of 63. We also discussed languages, as they study several European languages while relying on English for international communication. This naturally led to a lively exchange about why many Japanese people find it difficult to speak English. At 14:07, the guests decided to continue on their own on foot toward Takeshita Street and the Shibuya crossing, so we said goodbye in Harajuku. Before parting, I shared information about notable sights and dining spots in Ginza, as they planned to head in that direction later that evening. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, it is surrounded by a large forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a peaceful green sanctuary in the heart of the city. Visitors often come to write prayers, witness traditional ceremonies, and experience a quiet atmosphere just steps away from the busy streets of Harajuku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
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    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

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    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

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