Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    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.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    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

    Tour Report by Toshi

    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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    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

  • Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Morioka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    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.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Hitoshi

    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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    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae
    • 10:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory
    • 11:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch at Jangara Ramen
    • 12:40 Omotesando (Harry Potter) Takeshita Street (Totti Candy Factory)
    • 14:15 Gotokuji Temple
    • 15:15 Shibuya (Crossing, Cyberspace)
    • 16:20 Disband at Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station

    What's a Family Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Gotokuji to Harajuku I guided a family that included two children. The children were very well-behaved. To keep them engaged, I asked a few questions and quizzes along the way, and they participated enthusiastically, quickly spotting all five cat figures on the three-story pagoda at Gotokuji Temple. When I heard that one of the children liked Harry Potter, we stopped by a shop in Omotesando, and the child happily walked around the store, then went to pay all alone holding a single bottle of butterbeer, which was heartwarming to see. They had a daily allowance of five dollars during the trip, and since the price was 1,000 yen, they were satisfied buying it as "today's and tomorrow's allowance." It reminded me of when I once traveled to Europe with my own children and did something similar, which perhaps sparked their interest in traveling abroad, and I found myself telling the guests, "It's a wonderful memory and a great experience." The guests were also very friendly, and I had a wonderful day. Their eagerness to absorb Japanese culture was evident throughout, they listened attentively, and they asked many questions. Whenever I casually said "this is how it is," it seems a "why" would always come back. However, I was at a loss for how to answer the question "Why is Japanese women's skin so beautiful?" I could have explained fashionable style, but in any case, I want to brush up my answers to various questions for future tours. I had heard in advance that they wanted ramen for lunch, and since Harajuku has many kinds of ramen shops, I checked what they preferred and we went to Jangara. It has tonkotsu and spicy ramen, and they were very satisfied. Since they were going to see a sumo show in Shinjuku from 17:30, we parted ways at Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line, and they told me with smiles that they had a great time. They were heading to Gala Yuzawa from Friday for their first-ever skiing experience, and I hope they enjoy it. As usual, I had the guests take a few photos, and one of the guests checked their own smile before selecting a shot.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae～Tochomae290JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Miyanosaka490JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyanosaka～Shibuya340JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya～Shinjuku170JPY
    Total1,440JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by bus to Hashiba-cho
    • AM 10:30-PM 12:00 Visit Kazuemachi Chaya District and Higashi Chaya District (Shima, Sakuda Gold Leaf)
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • PM 12:20-12:40 Visit Kenrokuen
    • PM 12:40-13:30 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Travel on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • PM 14:00 Guide through the Nomura Family Residence and end the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Winter Snow Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Due to a heavy snow warning issued from the previous day, it was uncertain until the day itself whether the tour could go ahead, but since public transportation was operating normally, I contacted the guests on the day to confirm and we were able to carry out the tour without any problems. The guests were accustomed to snow and enjoyed the snow-covered Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. As the tour reached its scheduled end time in the Nagamachi samurai district, I guided them through the Nomura Family Residence and introduced places for dinner before concluding the tour. The guests enjoyed a snowy day in Kanazawa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMinamicho・Oyama Shrine／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hashiba-cho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:00 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:30 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:15 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America (changed from the original number of guests). They moved around very smoothly. All of them seemed very interested in Japan, and some could even hold simple conversations in Japanese. At each spot they asked many in-depth questions and listened very attentively to the guide's explanations. At a handmade maneki-neko (beckoning cat) shop in a local shopping street we stopped at on the way to Himeji Castle, they purchased a quite rare "maneki-neko" and seemed very satisfied. Everyone was also fond of Japanese sake and had been looking forward to visiting Nadagiku Sake Brewery, where they enjoyed many tastings and bought a large amount of souvenirs. (There was so much that the guide, concerned about the customs inspection when entering their home country, asked about it, and the reply was, surprisingly, "We'll drink it here in Japan, so there's no problem.") The guide presented some of the guests with handmade drawstring pouches made by the guide's family, and they were delighted, saying it would be "a wonderful memory of Japan." After the tour, they wanted to try Himeji's specialty "anago" (conger eel) recommended by the guide, so they headed to a popular local restaurant.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    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 in Half a Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station.
    • 11:40 to 12:15 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 12:50 to 13:35 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:10 to 14:50 Nishiki Market Stroll and Lunch
    • 15:00 Dismiss at Ninjya & Samurai Museum

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from Oceania. They had only about one day for sightseeing in Kyoto during a very short stay in Japan, followed by an early-morning departure the next day, making for a demanding schedule. When they browsed the souvenir shops at Nishiki Market, they were very interested and said they would definitely love to return to Kyoto again. Since they were keen to try a ninja experience, I took them to a Ninja & Samurai Museum at the end, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 4BusGion-Shijo～Shijo-Takakura／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • 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

    • ①8:30 Meet at the hotel, travel by taxi to Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • ②8:50〜10:00 Asakusa・Sensoji Temple
    • ③10:00〜10:30 Travel to Akihabara
    • ④10:30〜11:00 Akihabara
    • ⑤11:00〜11:40 Travel to Odaiba
    • ⑥11:40〜13:10 Odaiba・Lunch
    • ⑦13:10〜13:45 Travel to Harajuku
    • ⑧13:45〜14:40 Meiji Shrine
    • ⑨14:40〜15:00 Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station (Disband at Ikebukuro Station. Guests only continue on to Ueno Station)

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Odaiba, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Japan the day before. The tour started at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, as they had requested. Although the original plan was to visit Tsukiji next, we decided to stop by Akihabara and Odaiba instead, considering more efficient travel access and the fact that some of the guests enjoyed shopping. At Senso-ji Temple, they purchased many charms, and at Odaiba they bought souvenirs and shoes, thoroughly enjoying their time. At the end of the tour, we visited Meiji Shrine as planned, and everyone was very satisfied with the serene atmosphere.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAsakusa～Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2OtherAkihabara～Shimbashi170JPY
    Section 3OtherShimbashi～Daiba330JPY
    Section 4OtherIn front of Tokyo Teleport Station (Highway・Shuttle Bus)～Harajuku520JPY
    Section 5OtherHarajuku～Ikebukuro180JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    Tour Report by SAM

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Request Booking

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Kido Nanzoin

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kushida Shrine & Kido Nanzoin

    Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Departure from The Ritz Carlton
    • 10:00 Tenjin Underground Mall, Daimaru Department Store food floor After that, travel by bus to Kushida Shrine
    • 10:40 Arrive at Kushida Shrine
    • 11:15 Arrive at Canal City Hakata
    • 11:40 From Kushida Shrine, take the subway to Hakata Station
    • 11:50 Arrive at Hakata Station
    • 12:08 Depart Hakata Station on JR bound for Nogata
    • 12:30 Arrive at Kido Nanzoin
    • 13:35 Depart Kido Nanzoin Station, take JR to Hakata Station
    • 14:00 Arrive at Hakata Station, head to Ramen Street
    • 14:15 Lunch: ShinShin Ramen
    • 14:45 Explore the area around Hakata Station Department Store food floor
    • 15:30 Tour ends at Hakata Station

    Title: What Is a Private Local Food Tour in Fukuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the second time. The booking listed the number of participants as "1 Adult, 2 Children," but in reality the group consisted of two guests with no children. When I contacted them beforehand via a messaging app, I asked about the age of the children, since the tour content would change if young children were involved. They replied that there were no children in the group. It seems there had been some kind of miscommunication about the information. When we met, they mentioned that they had no children and could travel wherever they liked, whenever they liked. They were staying at a Hotel, and appeared to be very comfortable financially. They requested to eat delicious local food and specifically asked for ramen at ShinShin. Since there is always a long line there, I shifted our timing to a later lunch to avoid the peak hour. They were very pleased.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTenjin Daimaru-mae／Nishitetsu Bus～Canal City Hakata-mae (Kushida Jinja-mae Station)／Nishitetsu Bus150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKushida Jinja-mae～Hakata210JPY
    Section 3TrainHakata～Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Section 4TrainHakata～Kido Nanzoin-mae450JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    Tour Report by Sasuke

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    Inspire07663535521
    Amazing Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sasuke, was very prepared and…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & Dentsu 46F

    Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & Dentsu 46F

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 meet at ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU
    • 9:00 1 ASAKUSA / Senso-ji
    • 10:00 2 UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 11:15 3 THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 12:45 4 HAMA-RIKYU GARDENS
    • 13:50 5 Dentsu 46F
    • 1430　See off at the Shinbashi station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report This was a relatively new assignment for a tour where advance contact with the guests had not yet been established. When I sent a message through a messaging app the night before regarding the morning pickup, I received a prompt reply, which was reassuring. I presented the itinerary for the first time in the hotel lobby at pickup, and the guests were pleased, so we were able to set off smoothly. Along with the guiding, we had a cheerful time with casual conversation and jokes throughout. When the guests expressed a wish to take a short break, we paused for coffee and sweets at the Starbucks within the Imperial Palace grounds. As we began to run short on time for the final part of the itinerary, I offered an alternative by guiding them to the 46th floor of the Dentsu Building, which they found very satisfying.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku-gyoemmae～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Ueno ~ Hibiya, Otemachi ~ Monzen-nakacho0JPY
    Section 3TrainMonzen-nakacho～Shiodome220JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji inner market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the Toyosu Market main gate
    • 05:00-05:30 Beforehand, explanation of related information such as tuna catching methods, how auctions are conducted, collection methods, and the roles of primary wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers
    • 05:30-06:00 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00-07:00 Sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00-07:15 Travel to Tsukiji
    • 07:15-08:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji inner market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji

    What Is a Tokyo Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Private Morning Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They had toured Kyoto before coming to Tokyo, and during their stay in Tokyo they found a tuna auction tour and joined it the day before returning home. The guests were both very friendly, and we were able to enjoy pleasant conversation together. They were amazed to see so many frozen tuna lined up at the tuna auction site, and when I explained that "even so, today's volume is about 60% compared to peak days such as year-end," they were even more astonished, saying they couldn't imagine how much tuna is consumed in Japan. At Tsukiji, we were able to watch a wholesaler cutting fresh tuna into large blocks, and the guests came to understand how the fresh tuna won at that day's auction is sold. At a specialty shop for dried ingredients used for dashi, they tasted two kinds of the shop's recommended dashi packs, and they happily purchased the premium dashi pack. At a seafood store that shucks and serves fresh raw oysters, I asked the shopkeeper to select good oysters for them to enjoy. They were surprised by oysters larger than the palm of a hand and delighted, saying, "You can't eat it in one bite! Not just the taste, but the size is Amazing!!" Finally, I accompanied them to a café once frequented by John Lennon and helped them order coffee before we parted ways. It was a very cold morning as a cold wave arrived from the continent. I had told them in advance to dress warmly, but the morning in Toyosu with its sea breeze seemed to be even colder than they had imagined. In the future, I will make sure to advise guests about wind protection in advance as well. If the attached photos are uploaded to the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) website, please let me know, as the guests seem to be looking forward to it.

    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.…