Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 11:30 Akihabara
    • 3. 12:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 4. 13:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 5. 15:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 15:45 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 17:00 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing and Transit Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Europe, and the main purpose of this trip to Japan was to go skiing in Hokkaido. The guest planned to stay in Tokyo and requested to visit the main highlights and to learn how to use the public transportation. Even though there was little reaction to my explanations during the tour, at the end of the tour the guest told me it had been an enjoyable tour, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Iwamotocho220JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Total960JPY

    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

    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…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Hokokuji Temple - Drink matcha

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Hokokuji Temple – Drink matcha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 Meet at Kamakura Station
    • 10:40 Hokokuji Temple – Drink matcha
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Momiji Chaya (-12:40)
    • 13:00 Zeniarai Benten
    • 13:45 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 14:15 Hasedera Temple
    • 15:25 Disband at Kamakura Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was nice, there was no wind, and it was not too cold, so the tour was very pleasant. At the guests' request, I guided them from a hotel in Shinjuku to Kamakura Station. At Hokoku-ji Temple, they took their time viewing the garden and enjoyed matcha tea. They had questions about religion in Japan and temple cemeteries. We returned to Kamakura Station and had udon for lunch, where the flavor of the broth was well received. At Zeniarai Benten Shrine, I gave them a 100-yen coin to wash, as they did not have any coins with them. We then visited the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple, where they enjoyed seeing the plum blossoms, daffodils, and wintersweet in bloom at Hase-dera. The tour ended at Kamakura Station, but since we were heading the same way, I guided the guests to near their hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 3TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Total640JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo Toranomon
    • 2.10:30 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 3.11:30 @ Shibuya
    • 4.12:00 Lunch @ Gyumon Halal Restaurant Shibuya
    • 5.13:20 @ Shibuya Sky
    • 6.15:00 @ Asakusa
    • 7.16:00 Disband @ Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guest was a solo traveler from the Middle East. The guest loved photography, and although I am not very skilled at taking photos, the guest kindly taught me how, and I was able to take some nice photos of the guest. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we went to Shibuya, experienced the Shibuya Crossing, and enjoyed halal wagyu ramen. There were three branches of the ramen shop in Shibuya, and we first went to the wrong one, but afterward we found the correct restaurant and were able to enjoy the halal wagyu ramen. After taking in the view from Shibuya Sky, we headed to Asakusa, where we took photos, drew omikuji fortunes, made a visit, and drank matcha. Since the guest wished to purchase souvenirs along Nakamise, we parted ways in Asakusa. The guest planned to visit Mount Fuji the next day, then go skiing in Niseko, and watch sumo afterward. The weather was lovely and the guest was very friendly, so I enjoyed the day as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamiyacho~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total590JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Kitchen Town

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Kitchen Town

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:25 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Imperial Palace
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Aoyuzutora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:50 Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:40 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 15:40 Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Osaka and then fly from Kansai International Airport to Asia. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was greatly different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. At Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, they showed great interest in shops such as those selling cooking knives. Since I responded according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Tameike-Sanno210JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at The Peninsula
    • 2. 09:50 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
    • 3. 12:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 14:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 5. 14:35 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 6. 15:45 Disband at The Peninsula

    The guests were visitors from Europe and North America. The guests had provided their requested destinations in advance, so I guided them according to their requests and ended the tour after seeing them off at their hotel. It was a very lively tour, with the guests talking continuously, so I sometimes found it a little challenging to find a moment to add my explanations. The weather was fine, but a strong wind blew from time to time, making it quite a cold day. The atmosphere was pleasant throughout the tour, and I believe the guests were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Hibiya180JPY
    Total770JPY

    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

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at Gion Sowaka
    • ② 10:05 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:35 Departure
    • ④ 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤ 12:45 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • ⑥ 13:45 Lunch break
    • ⑦ 15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑧ 16:15 Return to Sowaka and disband

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like for Return Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Asia who had visited Japan many times before for work. Both spoke very beautiful American English and were friendly, cheerful, and wonderful at enjoying themselves. Since they had expressed an interest in Japanese history, we began right from the hotel in the morning with the question of what the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun was. This is a topic I personally enjoy, so I got quite enthusiastic about it. They travel all over the world and have visited 64 countries so far, with only the southern half of Africa and Antarctica remaining on their list. They are quite the food lovers, yet somehow they did not know about Japanese okonomiyaki, which I found unacceptable, so we had okonomiyaki for lunch. As expected, they were very pleased with it. They were surprised when I told them that people in the Kansai region eat okonomiyaki as a side dish with plain white rice. As I always do, I taught them the phrase "ookini," and they used it repeatedly at the okonomiyaki restaurant and became friendly with the staff. Since they are going on a day trip to Hiroshima tomorrow, I said the Hiroshima guide would surely suggest eating Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and that they should compare the two, and they said, "Got it!" They were a lively group to be with. They had originally said they wanted to visit the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, so I took them to a small but quiet bamboo grove located behind the mountain of Fushimi Inari, which they enjoyed. Afterward they planned to go shopping for shoes at Onitsuka Tiger. They love Uniqlo and Muji. Today we were pressed for time and did not have much to spare, but the driver was very helpful all day, using great judgment in various places and providing useful information. Thank you very much. Please pass along my regards.

    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

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 10:15 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 11:45 @ Kuromon Market
    • 13:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 14:00 Disband @ Umeda Sky Building

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Kuromon Market The guests were visiting Japan from North America, traveling for leisure. The tour went smoothly with easy movement throughout the day. The guests seemed very interested in Japan and clearly held a warm affection for the country. They listened attentively to the guide's explanations. At "Miraiza," adjacent to Osaka Castle, they purchased some souvenirs. At Kuromon Market, they enjoyed "takoyaki" and commented that it was very delicious. When I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, they were delighted, saying it was their favorite color. At the end, the guests kindly told me that a friend of theirs was also planning to visit Japan for leisure, and that they would be sure to request me as their guide when that time came.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Morinomiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMorinomiya~Nipponbashi (Osaka)240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Total660JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 09:50 to 10:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:45 Sanjusangen-do
    • 12:00 to 13:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 to 14:50 Nijo Castle
    • 15:00 Disband at Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Group Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of ten visiting from North America. Nine of the guests were present at the 9:00 meeting time, but one of them was absent, having gone to the police station to report a wallet lost the previous day at Nishiki Market. In the end, we were only able to depart around 9:20, and I was concerned about whether we would be able to finish the tour within the scheduled time. Thanks to the cooperation of the guests, we managed to complete the tour without incurring any overtime charges. The wallet had still not been found, so the guest went to the police station again.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15 Depart from the hotel and walk to the nearby Kachikachiyama Ropeway station.
    • 10:31 After a round trip by ropeway to Mt. Tenjo, walk to Kawaguchiko Station and take the 10:31 Fujikyu train to Shimoyoshida Station.
    • 11:50 After visiting Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda, return to Shimoyoshida Station and take the 11:50 train back to Mt. Fuji Station.
    • 11:55~12:20 Coffee time while waiting for the bus.
    • 12:20 Take the bus to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.
    • 13:34 After visiting the shrine, head from the bus stop in front of the shrine to Oshino Hakkai. (In reality, the bus was delayed by about 10 minutes.)
    • 14:10 approx. Arrive at Oshino Hakkai, sightseeing and lunch.
    • 15:00 approx. Walk to the "Aquarium in the Forest."
    • 15:40 After visiting the aquarium, head to the bus stop.
    • 16:00 Board the delayed bus to Kawaguchiko Station.
    • 16:35 Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station further delayed, disband.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of the Fuji Five Lakes Area? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania, and since it was summer where they came from, they seemed surprised by the cold, but we were fortunate enough to see Mount Fuji, and they stayed cheerful and active throughout. The ropeway, the Chureito Pagoda, and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine were requested by the guests. Since we had a little time left over, I suggested Oshino Hakkai and the Aokigahara forest, and they chose Oshino Hakkai. Including their time in Tokyo, they were delighted, saying, "Japan may be small in terms of land area, but there really are so many interesting things to see." In particular, it seems they had missed Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (they arrived just as it was closing), so they especially enjoyed the atmosphere of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. On this occasion, I think the use of public transportation went very well. (Even so, on two of the three bus rides, the bus was delayed by more than 10 minutes, and we had to stand and wait in the cold.) In the Lake Kawaguchi area, you can reach most of the sightseeing spots by train and bus, but the service frequency is low (at best once every 30 minutes, at worst once every two hours), which makes it very difficult to build a tour without relying heavily on taxis or a chartered car. Looking at the tour company's promotional material, it does say that for a 6-hour tour, guests should choose only about three destinations, but I think the way the itinerary section is written gives the impression that many more places can be visited more easily. (The same applies to Hakone, where I am also occasionally assigned.) Rather than leaving the explanation of such matters entirely to the guide, I would like the tour company's promotional material itself to be made a little more balanced.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKawaguchiko~Shimoyoshida310JPY
    Section 2TrainShimoyoshida~Mt. Fuji230JPY
    Section 3BusMt. Fuji Station/Fujikyu Mobility~Sengen Jinja-mae/Fujikyu Mobility180JPY
    Section 4OtherSengen Jinja-mae~Oshino Hakkai390JPY
    Section 5BusSakana Park/Fujikyu Bus~Kawaguchiko Station/Fujikyu Bus620JPY
    Total1,730JPY

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

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  • Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at the hotel lobby. 9:30 Depart by taxi (originally suggested a bus, but changed to taxi at the guest's request), and arrive at Morioka Handi-Works Square at 10:00. After touring workshops such as Nambu ironware kettles, indigo dyeing, pottery, and Iwayado chests, shop at the souvenir store. 12:14 Depart Morioka Handi-Works Square by bus, arriving at Morioka Bus Center at 13:10. Free lunch such as soba at Azumaya. 13:50 Depart on foot, arriving at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine at 14:10. Tour the shrine grounds, worship, and purchase charms. 15:10 Depart Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, take a taxi from the bus center, and arrive at Hoonji Temple at 15:20, worship at the main hall and tour the Five Hundred Rakan. 15:40 Stroll along Teramachi Street from Hoonji Temple, arrive at Mitsuishi Shrine at 15:50, tour the shrine grounds, and end the guided tour at 16:00. Arrive at the hotel together by taxi.

    Title: What Is a Private Winter Day Tour of Morioka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At Morioka Handi-Works Square, the guests entered the workshops for Nambu ironware and indigo dyeing and observed the production processes with great interest. They purchased Nambu ironware and Nambu senbei crackers as souvenirs. Nambu senbei traces its origins to the Nanboku-cho period, when a local warlord named Akamatsu is said to have offered a hungry emperor a preserved food made with buckwheat (today made with wheat flour). On the return bus from the Handi-Works Square, the guests were amazed by the view of the heaviest snowfall of the year from the window. For lunch, we ordered soba and other dishes at Azumaya, a long-established restaurant that has even been featured in the New York Times. We enjoyed a lively conversation about the differences between the food cultures of Oceania and Japan. In Oceania, even a light lunch reportedly costs more than 2,000 yen. This time we did not try wanko soba, but when I mentioned that competition records exceed 200 bowls, the guests were astonished. At Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, we visited the shrines of the twelve zodiac animals and the main hall. I explained the history of its founding, which dates back to when a local powerful clan prayed for the victory of Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in the Zenkunen War. The guests purchased amulets for good health and well-being. They described the snow-covered grounds, difficult to walk on, as being like a beach. At Hoonji Temple, they took commemorative photos of the magnificent temple gate and visited the main hall. I explained that the temple is one of the representative temples of the Nambu domain, and that in 1867, following the domain's defeat by the new government forces in the Boshin War, a chief retainer committed seppuku there; then, 50 years later in 1917, Prime Minister Hara Takashi, a native of Morioka at the time, held a memorial for those who died in the Boshin War at this site. We entered the Rakando hall next to the main hall and viewed the five hundred rakan statues. I introduced Marco Polo, Genghis Khan, and the only female rakan, and explained how to distinguish Chinese, Indian, and other figures by their clothing. When I explained that there are actually only 499 statues, the guests asked why one is missing, but the reason remains unknown to this day. We searched for the ogre's handprint at Mitsuishi Shrine but could not find it. When we crossed Kaiun Bridge, known as the "bridge of two tears," for the second time, the guests remembered it well, and I was impressed by their strong memory. I had the impression that the guests took a deep interest in the history and culture of Japan and Morioka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Morioka Handi-Works Square / Iwate Kenko Bus~Morioka Bus Center / Iwate Kenko Bus690JPY
    Total690JPY

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

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    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
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