Category: Uncategorized

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 09:40 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 3. 11:30 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 4. 13:00 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 5. 14:00 Disband @ Kobe Port Terminal

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like from the Cruise Terminal? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were visitors from North America. We met at the Kobe Port Terminal and visited the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, and the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. Since the destinations were spread over a wide area, we used a combination of trains and taxis as appropriate, which made for a somewhat long tour. That day was a fine autumn Saturday, and perhaps because rain was forecast for the following day, there were many people everywhere we went. Even riding the ropeway at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden was quite crowded. When I asked the guests for their impressions of the tour, they said the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum was the highlight. The guests were in very good spirits.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPort Terminal (Kobe New Transit)~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)100JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya~Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)410JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Tokaido)~Sannomiya200JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Get off at Gion

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Get off at Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Depart Grand Hyatt Fukuoka
    • 9:45 Kushida Shrine 
    • 10:05 Machiya Folk Museum Free area only
    • 10:15 Tocho-ji Temple
    • 10:35 Board Nishitetsu Bus from Gion
    • 10:53 Board JR from Hakata Station bound for Kido Nanzoin
    • 11:15 Arrive Kido Nanzoin Lunch on the way at "Tamaya" inside Kido Nanzoin
    • 13:35 Board JR from Kido Nanzoin
    • 13: 55 Arrive Hakata Station
    • 14:10 Hakata Station Observation Deck
    • 14:30 Board Nishitetsu Bus from Hakata Station bound for Hakata Pier
    • 14:45 Arrive Hakata Pier Hakata Tower
    • 15:20 Board bus from Hakata Pier bound for Hakata Station
    • 15:35 Get off at Gion
    • 15:45 Disband at Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

    What Is a Private Walking Tour Around Fukuoka and Nanzoin Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Some of the guests live in Japan and are very familiar with the country, so the tour had the feel of a family outing. Tomorrow they plan to travel to Kusu Town in Oita Prefecture by car. On this day as well, we walked over 10,000 steps. The Nanzoin area in particular had many ups and downs, so I think it was tiring. They mentioned they had already eaten plenty of ramen, so for lunch they enjoyed curry rice instead.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGion (Fukuoka Prefecture)~Hakata Station Front (Hakata Exit / Highway / Connecting Bus)150JPY
    Section 2TrainHakata Station / JR Kyushu Bus~Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 3TrainKido Nanzoin-mae~Hakata Station / JR Kyushu Bus450JPY
    Section 4BusHakata Station Front (Hakata Exit / Highway / Connecting Bus)~Hakata Pier / Nishitetsu Bus260JPY
    Section 5SubwayHakata Pier / Nishitetsu Bus~Gion-machi (Fukuoka City) / Nishitetsu Bus260JPY
    Total1,570JPY

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

    Sep 4, 2025
    mareen589
    Great 6 hour Tour of Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was 6 hours…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kenninji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kenninji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Michiku Yasaka)
    • 8:30-9:15 Travel (Keihan Railway; Gion-Shijo→Keihan-Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo-Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:15-10:20 Nijo Castle visit
    • 10:20-10:40 Travel (Subway; Nijojo-mae→Keage)
    • 10:40-11:10 Nanzenji stroll (Keage Incline, Aqueduct)
    • 11:10-11:50 Travel (Subway; Keage→Sanjo-Keihan, Keihan Railway; Keihan-Sanjo→Gion-Shijo)
    • 11:50-12:30 Kenninji visit
    • 12:30 Tour ends after Kenninji visit. We said goodbye at Gion Hanamikoji

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had been to Japan before and were currently studying Japanese online about three times a week with a teacher based in Yokohama. For others in the group it was their first visit to Japan, and this trip had been planned especially for them. Today I guided them to Nijo Castle, Nanzen-ji Temple and its aqueduct, and Kennin-ji Temple. It was a little chilly, but the weather was perfect for walking. Since we were able to enter Nijo Castle early, we avoided the crowds, and Nanzen-ji and Kennin-ji were not very crowded either, so the tour went smoothly. One of the guests asked about the differences and relationship between Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. Although it was a short four-hour tour, I believe they were able to deepen their understanding of Japanese history, architecture, gardens, the tea ceremony, and religion.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Sanjo-Keihan180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage~Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 5TrainSanjo-Keihan~Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Total1,060JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Start at the hotel
    • Travel by bus to Hirokoji
    • AM 09:50-10:45 Join the Myoryuji Temple tour
    • Travel on foot to Nishi Chaya District
    • AM 10:50-11:20 Visit the Nishi Chaya Museum, pick up the Myoryuji Temple goshuin (temple stamp)
    • Travel by bus to Korinbo
    • AM 11:50-PM 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit the Nomura Family Residence, Takada Family Residence, and Ashigaru Museum
    • Tour ends

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of longtime friends visiting from North America. One of the guests had spent many years in Japan previously and was familiar with the country, and the group had been traveling to local Japanese cities by rental car, deliberately choosing places that were not affected by overtourism. The other guests were visiting Japan for the first time. This was a 4-hour private tour arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Because the group had joined a tour of Myoryuji Temple, during our time together I guided them around the Nishi Chaya District and the Nagamachi samurai residence area. I also recommended that they visit Kenrokuen Garden, where the autumn foliage was beginning, and the Higashi Chaya District on their own after the tour. The tour ended on a good note, and I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hirokoji (Kanazawa City)/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Korinbo/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo: Start Kobe Port Terminal & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

    Hyogo: Start Kobe Port Terminal & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Start Kobe Port Terminal
    • 9:20-9:50 Kobe Port Tower
    • 10:00-10:20 Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 10:30-10:40 Ijinkan District
    • 10:45-12:00 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30-13:20 Lunch (Mikage Kohada Sushi)
    • 13:30-14:15 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 14:35. Kobe Port Terminal

    What's a Private Kobe Cruise-Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were picked up at 9:00 in a gorgeous BMW arranged by the driver. Before heading to the Port Tower, the group visited the earthquake memorial park in Meriken Park, and then went up Kobe Port Tower on their own. In Nankinmachi (Chinatown) the shops had not yet opened, but the group took a quick look around, walked through the Motomachi shopping arcade, and returned to the car. After taking photos in the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district, we headed to the Nunobiki Herb Garden. At the herb garden the guests enjoyed some ice cream and looked around at various spots. We had originally planned to have lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, but since it was Saturday the wait time was expected to be quite long, so the driver made a reservation at a sushi restaurant instead. It was a very delicious sushi restaurant and the guests were very satisfied. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum I gave explanations and the guests enjoyed a tasting, and on the way back we returned to the Kobe Port Terminal early while enjoying the massage function of the car. The guests were very pleasant and it was an enjoyable tour. With the help of the guests and the driver, we were able to finish safely and happily.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet-up
    • 9:25 Nijo Castle
    • 11:45 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Higashiyama area
    • 14:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Tour ends at JR Inari Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests who were visiting Japan for the third time but seeing Kyoto for the first time. Since the guests already knew the names and relationships of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, I focused on connecting the places we visited with these three great warlords of the Sengoku period. At Nijo Castle, the guests strongly felt the spirit of the samurai. At Nanzen-ji, they climbed the Sanmon gate and enjoyed the view, and while looking at the Left Daimonji, I also explained the Okuribi (farewell fire) tradition. Since they were so pleased with the Sanmon gate, I additionally guided them to the Sanmon gate of Chion-in as well. Ninen-zaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Fushimi Inari Taisha were all crowded, but the guests enjoyed them very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShichijo Horikawa~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
    Section 3BusOkazaki Park Museum・Heian Shrine-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Chion-in-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Tofuku-ji / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainTofuku-ji~Inari150JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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!

    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…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel 
    • Toei Shinjuku Line and Tozai Line
    • 10:30-11:30 Imperial Palace
    • Chiyoda Line
    • 11:50-14:00
    • From Meiji-jingumae, passing through Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Miyashita Park to Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What's a Private Tour of the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Harajuku Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had been friends for a long time and both had a stylish sense of fashion. One of the guests was especially curious and took a lot of photos throughout the day. Since they wanted to see the many different faces of Tokyo, I guided them around the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Harajuku. They enjoyed themselves, trying candied strawberries and buying a Hello Kitty doll. After the tour, they planned to have ramen and then head to Ginza, so I showed them the way to the ramen restaurant and to the Ginza Line before we parted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo210JPY
    Total500JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at Fushimi Inari
    • 8:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 9:30 Higashiyama Area
    • 10:15 Gion
    • 11:15 Lunch (Ramen)
    • 12:20 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 13:10 Tour Ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nanzen-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were bright and friendly, and it was easy to communicate with them. We met at Fushimi Inari at 7:00. Although it was a Saturday, there were few people at Fushimi Inari early in the morning. Since the guests preferred not to use crowded trains or buses, we took taxis from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera, and after lunch, from the lunch spot to Nanzen-ji. We walked from Kiyomizu-dera to the ramen restaurant for lunch. Because it was a Saturday, Nanzen-ji had about twice as many visitors as usual. We were blessed with fine weather throughout the tour. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency
    • 10:50 Arashiyama
    • 13:00 Nijo Castle
    • 14:00 Nishiki Market — Disband

    What Does a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Nijo Castle Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The guests were friendly and actively started conversations, which kept the atmosphere lively and was helpful in a way. As requested, the guests were very pleased with the scenic beauty of Arashiyama, and at the Monkey Mountain they were delighted to see many monkeys up close. Since we had plenty of time, I took them to Nijo Castle. When we were about to stroll through the garden, one of the guests said they were hungry, so we skipped the garden walk and quickly moved to Nishiki Market instead. The guests walked quickly and the movement became a little hurried, but I believe they were satisfied to see many things along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Section 2TrainShijo Kawaramachi (Highway/Connecting Bus)~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama Tenryuji-mae (Randen Arashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Uzumasa Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @Hotel Nihombashi Bakurocho Ekimae
    • 13:40 Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:00 Lunch @Raamen Kuroudo (Shinjuku Sanchome)
    • 16:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 17:40 Tokyo Tower
    • 19:15 Disband @Hotel Nihombashi Bakurocho Ekimae

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? Asakusa, Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, and Tokyo Tower — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the second time. They had arrived in Yokohama on a cruise tour that passed through Hakodate, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they planned to return home. In Asakusa, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about Kaminarimon Gate. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed the beautiful Japanese garden and the chrysanthemum display. In Shibuya, they were amazed by the lively atmosphere of the scramble crossing. At Tokyo Tower, they seemed deeply impressed by the beautiful night view of Tokyo. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-nihombashi~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Ebisu150JPY
    Section 5SubwayEbisu~Kamiyacho180JPY
    Section 6SubwayKamiyacho~Higashi-ginza180JPY
    Section 7SubwayHigashi-ginza~Higashi-nihombashi180JPY
    Total1,310JPY

    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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