Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 5:30 Toyosu Market
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 8:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The hotel changed at the last minute, which caused a bit of a scramble, but the staff quickly shared the updated information, which was a great help. They were truly wonderful people, and our conversations were very lively. They had covered most Japanese foods during their trip, and it seemed they had also shopped so much that their newly purchased suitcase could barely hold everything. They were amazed and called it crazy that a tuna had been auctioned off for 500 million yen at the New Year's first auction. They were very satisfied, gave me a generous token of thanks, and we said goodbye with everyone offering hugs.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Station/Toei Bus～Tsukiji/Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:45 Asakusa (Skytree photos) > Buy snacks and eat while moving
    • 13:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:55 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • 15:30 Disband at Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was very nice with little wind, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the garden areas were not crowded, but the honmaru area where the cherry blossoms were in bloom was quite busy. It was a shame we could not see the long-finned nishikigoi carp up close. Asakusa was very crowded. Since no time had been set aside for lunch, the guests bought snacks, sandwiches, and coffee at a convenience store and ate in the car. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we had some time left, so we went to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This is where the taxi portion ended. Although Mount Fuji was not visible, the guests enjoyed the view, and we saw them off at their hotel to conclude the tour. A tip was received.

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

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Benesse House Museum Bus

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Benesse House Museum Bus

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:42 Miyanoura Port [Meet]
    • 09:50 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus (special delivery bus)
    • 09:55 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • 10:00~11:25 House Art Project (Ishibashi, Haisha, Gokaisho, Kadoya)
    • 11:31 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 11:39 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 11:50~12:45 lunch at Naoshima-Shokudo
    • 13:00 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 13:07 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 13:15~14:00 Chichu Art Museum
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 14:12 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • 14:15~14:35 Lee Ufan Museum
    • 14:42 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 14:44 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 14:50~15:15 Benesse House Museum (including coffee break)
    • 15:29 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 15:32 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 15:45 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus (special delivery bus)
    • 15:55 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 15:56 Miyanoura Port [Say goodbye]

    What Is a Private Naoshima Art and Architecture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of the guests had first come to Japan in 1969, making this their second visit, while it was the first time in Japan for the other. Their stay in Japan was planned from January 15 to January 30. Their itinerary included six days in Tokyo, four days in Kyoto, four days in Kurashiki and Naoshima, and one final day in Tokyo. They chose to visit Naoshima out of an interest in art and architecture, as well as recommendations from friends. The guests had previously worked in education and were both cheerful and gentle, which made them easy to guide. Naoshima is currently in its winter low season and would normally not be crowded, but even at this time of year there were many visitors from Asia. To reach the Chichu Art Museum, we had planned to take the Benesse shuttle bus departing from Tsutsujiso at 11:45 with a six-minute transfer window, but a tour group of more than ten visitors was already waiting at the bus stop, and we ended up being left behind right at our turn. This bus has a rule that all passengers must be seated, and standing is not permitted. The next bus to the Chichu Art Museum was an hour later, which would not make it in time for our reservation. I thought we had a problem, but when I called the Chichu Art Museum, I was relieved to hear that we could change our reservation to one hour later than originally scheduled. Furthermore, we were able to have lunch at Naoshima Shokudo, located right nearby at Tsutsujiso, so no time was wasted. The guests enjoyed their lunch as well. Naoshima is a small island, but one must be careful about being left behind when buses reach capacity. I was reminded once again how important it is to always have various pieces of information on hand. The guests mentioned they had a special occasion the following day. It was a busy tour, but they seemed very satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Nokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusNokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Total300JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo. Due to late arrival and installing Welcome Suica Mobile, departure at 8:30
    • 8:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:15 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Yakitori Samushin
    • 12:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 14:00 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00 Disband at a cafe near Ueno Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ueno It was a slightly cold and cloudy day, but there was no rain, so the tour proceeded smoothly. We started after the guests set up Welcome Suica Mobile. After finishing the guided walk through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we headed to the planned lunch spot, but since it opened at 11:30, we had to wait for a while. The guests were satisfied with the lunch. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping at Nakamise and other shops. We ran out of time at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, but I extended the time a little to give my explanation. I received the kind words, "Thank you for a tour that far exceeded our expectations today." The tour was scheduled to end at the ticket gate of Ueno Station, but since the guests had some questions, we talked for a while at a café before finishing. However, there was no additional charge for the extension.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 3Free PassTakebashi～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Kyoto Station　11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　12:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple　13:50 Yasaka Pagoda　14:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Shopping　15:30 Gion　16:30 Drop off at Kyoto Station, tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from Europe. One of the guests was visiting Japan for a return trip, while the other was visiting for the first time. Both were quite tall, which made meeting them at Kyoto Station easy. Although it was a cold day, the guests were accustomed to cold weather and did not mind it much. They enjoyed taking photographs but did not seem particularly fond of being photographed themselves; however, they kindly agreed when I took pictures for them. All of the sightseeing spots were less crowded than usual. Partway through, some sleet began to fall, but it soon stopped and the sky cleared. The guests remarked that it was curious to see so many foreign tourists taking photos in kimono, and expressed that visitors should learn more thoroughly about the culture, traditions, and history. We used a taxi to Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4OtherKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNishioji-Oike～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)260JPY
    Section 6OtherHigashiyama-Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Tsukiji

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet in front of the main gate of Toyosu Market
    • 05:00-05:30 Explanation of related information in advance, such as tuna capture methods, how auctions proceed, collection methods, and the roles of primary and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Move to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Market Private Morning Tour in Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The day of the tour and guest reactions The guests were visitors from North America. It was their final day in Japan; after this tour they planned to return to their hotel to pack and depart on an evening flight home, and they had been looking forward to the tuna auction on their last day. I explained the flow from catch to landing, the role of the fishery cooperative, and the difference between primary and intermediate wholesalers, and they came to understand the distribution chain all the way to retail shops and restaurants, remarking on how systematic it all was. They were fascinated by how the young auctioneers determined bids quickly with dance-like movements, and they took many videos. Watching the intermediate wholesalers' hand signals on video, they enjoyed guessing, "Ah, this person is bidding 5,000 yen." At the sushi restaurant breakfast, I learned on the spot that one of the guests had a gluten allergy, but the head chef immediately brought out gluten-free soy sauce and other items, so the guest was able to enjoy the sushi to their liking. I am grateful to the chef. At Tsukiji, they took a liking to a sushi keychain and magnet, as well as a manga T-shirt of a tuna riding a turret truck, and bought them as souvenirs. Since one of the guests told me they loved eel, I guided them to a long-established eel restaurant in Tsukiji, where they enjoyed freshly grilled kabayaki eel and seemed very satisfied. 2. Other impressions and special notes On Tuesdays there are usually fewer fresh tuna, so I focused the tour mainly on the frozen tuna auction. For that reason, I secured a spot close to the tuna in the row where the frozen tuna auction gets the most lively, and I believe the guests were pleased to watch it there. Since there are fewer tourists in January and February, at Tsukiji they were able to try various foods right away. It is cold in the early morning, but the fish is fatty and delicious, so in a sense this may be the easiest time of year to 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…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:50 Tsukiji Outer Market, Honganji Temple
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge, Kusunoki Masashige Statue
    • 12:10 Shibuya Hachiko, Crossing
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Masuda-tei
    • 1:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 2:40 Takeshita Street
    • 3:05 Dismissal @ Omotesando

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Harajuku I guided a group visiting from Oceania on a private day tour of Tokyo. At Tsukiji, since they preferred not to eat raw fish, they enjoyed grilled chicken skewers and bought a pack of white strawberries. When they said they wanted coffee, we bought cappuccinos at a coffee shop, which they really enjoyed. The guests already knew the story of Hachiko, so we lined up to take photos there. For lunch, they had requested okonomiyaki, which they had enjoyed on a previous visit to Japan, so we went to a restaurant in Shibuya where the staff cooked it for them. The staff seemed a little unaccustomed to it and I thought it might have been slightly overcooked, but the guests ate it happily and chatted with the high school students sitting next to us, so I believe they had a pleasant time. They were impressed by the peaceful atmosphere of the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. They received a good-luck charm for a safe childbirth for an acquaintance and drew an omikuji fortune. Takeshita Street made a strong impression on them, and they said it was fun. They bought some Kitty-themed goods as gifts. Since Shinjuku Station can be difficult to navigate, I recommended taking a taxi back to the Hotel, and after seeing them into the taxi, the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting point　Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 09:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3. 11:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch　Asakusa Umaimon Azuma
    • 5. 13:40 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 14:10 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 15:05 Dismissal　Harajuku

    Title: What's a Private Food-Focused Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America, and since they told me at the start of the tour that they love eating their way around a city, I first took them to the Tsukiji Outer Market. At Tsukiji, they fully enjoyed sampling fresh oysters, grilled wagyu skewers, and tuna and salmon sushi as they strolled, and they also purchased two knives at Aritsugu, so I believe they had a very satisfying time. Because we went well over the time we had planned to spend at Tsukiji, we skipped Hamarikyu and headed to Asakusa, where again the focus was on eating along the way and shopping. They had said they would just buy some snacks for lunch, but they stopped in front of Azuma and decided they wanted to have lunch there together with some sake. The guests were cheerful and lively, and I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu→10:00 Stroll around Sengokuhara Choanji Temple→11:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum→12:30 Lunch at Gora Iseriki→14:00 Pirate Ship from Motohakone Port→14:25 Togendai Port→Ropeway→Owakudani→15:30 Farewell at Kowakien Ten-yu

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The first stop was Choanji, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone. The guests watched with keen interest the approximately 300 stone statues of the Five Hundred Rakan, the disciples of Buddha, placed throughout the temple grounds. The temple also features a bell, a Jizo hall, and a cemetery, making it an ideal place to convey Japanese Buddhist culture. Next we headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests love art and flowers, and although it was a season with few blossoms, they were delighted by the camellias blooming in the garden. For lunch we visited a recommended small restaurant called Iseriki, where they savored fresh local fish that had just been landed at Odawara Port. They cheered at the view of Mount Fuji seen from the ropeway and Owakudani, bringing a fulfilling day in Hakone to a close.

    Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMotohakone Port～Togendai Port1,700JPY
    Section 2OtherTogendai～Owakudani2,000JPY
    Total3,700JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

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

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    Sep 25, 2026
    scottrE3713WR
    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kaz was amazing! Great communication before…

    Aug 27, 2026
    H694KFjoannet
    Great Day in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:00　Meet at Park Hyatt Kyoto
    • ②　10:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　10:50　Sanjusangendo
    • ④　12:00　Daitoku-ji Temple (Obai-in)
    • ⑤　13:15　Nishiki Market
    • ⑥　13:50　Lunch in the Kawaramachi-Rokkaku area
    • ⑦　14:50　Heian Shrine
    • ⑧　15:20　Gion・Shirakawa Shinmachi
    • ⑨　15:45　Yasaka Pagoda～Ninen-zaka
    • ⑩　16:00　Disband at the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Daitoku-ji and Gion The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After spending a few days in Tokyo, they came to Kyoto. The original plan was to visit Heian Shrine, Gion, Higashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera, but the day before, I suddenly received a message that their accommodation had changed to a luxury hotel located on Ninenzaka. So on short notice, I proposed different spots on the day, which led to the itinerary we ended up doing. At Daitoku-ji's Obai-in, one of the guests was very taken with the dry landscape (karesansui) garden and the pond-strolling garden with its tea house. Daitoku-ji is known as the place where Rikyu studied Zen and where he perfected wabi-cha, the tea ceremony based on wabi-sabi. It is also a special place where Hideyoshi, after defeating Akechi Mitsuhide in the wake of the Honno-ji Incident, held Oda Nobunaga's funeral over seven days. The sub-temples Obai-in and Soken-in are connected to Oda Nobunaga, and whatever story you tell there, the place itself carries a historical intensity. I think it is a place where guests can truly feel that. The guests said they were glad we had changed the itinerary, so I was happy they enjoyed it. They were great lovers of sake, the kind who seem to drink it every day, and they had visited a sake museum on the previous day's tour. We talked about sake over the meal, and they clearly understood the differences between the special designation sakes (honjozo, ginjo, daiginjo, junmai daiginjo, and so on). They even understood, given the nature of junmai brewing, that each sake has its own quirks and that some suit you and some don't — which surprised me. One of the guests was heavily built, almost like a "barrel," and, as it turned out, practiced various martial arts including judo, Chinese martial arts, and Thai-style combat sports. The guests drank and ate well. From the moment I met them in the morning, the energy this person gave off felt a little different, which I attributed to their martial arts background. It took some effort to get such a well-grounded person to laugh out loud. But of course they were both good-natured, and they shared many stories with me about their home city and its people. Kyoto has a great many narrow lanes (roji), which is one of the city's characteristic features. I explained that you can almost "warp drive" into the neighboring block as we cut through the roji (pronounced "rouji" in the Kansai region). The guests said that their home city is also a city of lanes, but that, unlike Kyoto, they are dangerous at night. They mentioned that they hoped to come back to Kyoto and Osaka before long, and I was glad to have shared the day with them. Thank you very much to the driver, Mr. Suzuki, who navigated the tricky streets of Gion, going this way and that at my request.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car 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…