Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Tempozan Terminal 10:50 Fushimi Inari 12:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:45 Short break (lunch) 15:00 Kinkaku-ji 16:20 Gion area
    • 17:10 Board the Hankyu train heading to Tempozan Terminal 18:30 Tour ends at the subway "Osakako" station near Tempozan.

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Kyoto and Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They lived in a community where communication in English was somewhat limited. Because some of the guests were interested in shopping, the others sometimes had to wait. At Fushimi Inari, there was a wait of more than ten minutes, so I gently spoke up about it. During the tour, I focused on staying calm and taking responsibility for managing the whole group. Some of the guests were unable to walk quickly and needed extra time, so I paced the tour accordingly. As we visited Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion, the group gradually warmed up to one another, and it was wonderful that we were able to finish in a pleasant atmosphere. Because of the pace of the day, it was difficult to take photos along the way, and we were finally able to take pictures after returning to Tempozan. Some of the guests had gone off to Dotonbori partway through, so the photo was taken with the rest of the group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsakako~Yodoyabashi290JPY
    Section 2OtherYodoyabashi~Fushimi Inari490JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4OtherRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 5OtherKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 6OtherKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 7SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 8OtherHigashiyama-Sanjo~Gion230JPY
    Section 9TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi~Osaka-Umeda (Hankyu Line)410JPY
    Section 10SubwayUmeda (Subway)~Osakako290JPY
    Total2,920JPY

    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…

  • Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour

    Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Depart Shinko
    • 0850 Chikurinji Temple
    • 1000 Harimaya Bridge and shopping (kimono)
    • 1040 Kochi Castle
    • 1200 Lunch (Waraya)
    • 1300 Katsurahama Beach
    • 1430 Shinko

    What Is a Private Kochi Day Tour Like? Kochi Castle, Katsurahama, and More — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had some difficulty with long walks, but was able to move around fairly well and received good support from the rest of the group, so there was no cause for concern. At Kochi Castle and Katsurahama, some of the guests naturally took turns sitting and waiting together, which made things go smoothly. Because responses during our pre-tour communication were slow, the itinerary was only finalized a few days before the tour. The Niyodo River had also been requested, but since it takes about an hour one way, we added Katsurahama at the end of the itinerary instead.

    Hi! I’m Kay.
    It’s my pleasure to be your guide.
    I was born and raised in Kochi city, and I worked for Kochi City Hall for nearly 30 years, so I think I know a lot about Kochi.

    Firstly, I can guide you to the Kochi castle. Most castles you can find in Japan have been rebuilt after fires, wars, or natural disasters. However, Kochi Castle is one of the very few castles that still have the whole structure of its original tower and the mail palace from the Edo period (1603–1868). This makes it especially valuable for understanding Japan’s history and traditional architecture. You’ll like it!

    Other major tourist sites are adventurous Ryugado limestone cave, Makino botanical garden, Chikurinji temple with historical stonesteps, Zenjibuji temple with the spectacular panoramic view, paper-making activity, Oboke gorge, Nakatsu gorge, Niyodo river with a historical bridge and so on.
    If you like sake, you can visit sake brewery, and if you are interested in walking local streets, you can stroll my neighborhood.

    Kochi is a small city, but it’s very popular among tourists for its beautiful nature and good food. I took my kids to rivers and mountains when they were little. If you are interested in those places, please ask me. And I know many good restaurants, too.
    I’m looking forward to enjoying them together with you!

    Jul 7, 2026
    A_J
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent tour with Kay
    Had an amazing time with our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    romankU9693SM
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our trip to Kochi
    Kay was a wonderful guide, very…

    May 28, 2026
    nancykotr
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Kay was a wonderful…
    Kay was a wonderful guide. We…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Jörg R
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Ein toller Ausflug in Kochi
    Pünktliche Abholung, kurze Transferzeiten…

  • Osaka: Kintetsu-Nara Station walk 20 minutes

    Osaka: Kintetsu-Nara Station walk 20 minutes

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal (17:00 End of tour)
    • take trains 960y-1140y (Fare differs due to available route.)
    • 10:30 Kintetsu-Nara Station  walk 20 minutes
    • We go through Kofukuji Buddhist Temple. (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 11:00-20 Ukimido floating pavilion in Sagiike pond free entrance walk 10 minutes
    • 11:40-12:10 Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • (entrance 700y We may skip entrance though I recommend it.) walk 5 minutes
    • 12:20-40 Lunch at Mizuya Chaya? Traditional fast food: Udon noodles 1200y
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:00-20 Ukigumo-enchi in Deer Park: enjoy communicating with deer
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30-40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate) free entrance walk 5 minutes
    • 13:50-14:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall entrance 800y walk 10 minutes
    • 14:30-15:00 Yoshikien Garden free entrance
    • walk 20 minutes, or walk 5 minutes and bus 250y
    • 15:30 Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • take trains 960y-1140y (Fare differs due to available route.)
    • 17:00 Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal

    Title: What Is a Private Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. At first they spoke to me in clear, polite English, which was very easy to understand, but perhaps because they felt reassured that I could follow a bit of the local accent, their accent gradually grew stronger, and toward the end I found myself asking them to repeat things again and again. I wondered where the English I had over twenty years ago—when I actually found that accent easier to understand—had gone (laughs). Even so, we reached a great deal of mutual understanding on topics such as how Buddhism can be seen as a philosophy without an absolute deity, and how religion tends to lose its authentic spirituality and become distorted when political powers try to control it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka Port~Kujo (Osaka Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 2TrainKujo (Osaka Prefecture)~Kintetsu-Nara900JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu-Nara~Kujo (Osaka Prefecture)900JPY
    Section 4TrainKujo (Osaka Prefecture)~Osaka Port240JPY
    Total2,280JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 9:20 Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara
    • 10:50 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:20 Meiji Shrine, lunch
    • 14:00 In front of Hachiko in Shibuya, Scramble Crossing
    • 14:30 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. We started at Asakusa Station, where I assisted them with purchasing PASMO cards. We then went to Akihabara and stopped at a specialty store to consult about repairing a smartphone that was malfunctioning. After moving to Shinjuku, we strolled through the Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen. A chrysanthemum exhibition happened to be taking place, and the guests enjoyed the chrysanthemums and seasonal flowering trees. At Meiji Shrine, after I explained an overview of Japanese history, the difference between temples and shrines, the origins of Meiji Shrine, the torii gate, the masugata layout, and the camphor trees, the guests offered a prayer, drew an omikuji fortune, received a goshuin seal, and experienced the customs of a Shinto shrine. We then walked along Takeshita Street and had lunch in Harajuku. Finally, we moved to Shibuya, where the guests took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and the Scramble Crossing, and the tour came to an end. This private one-day tour of Tokyo was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa (TX)~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Shinjuku180JPY
    Section 3TrainSendagaya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total720JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Gin'yu Meet 10:15 By bus from Miyanoshita Station in front of Gin'yu Togendai 11:25 Pirate Ship 11:50 Hakone-machi Port Maruyama Bussan Sekisho Entrance 13:00 Hakone-machi Port Light Meal 13:35 By bus via Ninotaira Entrance On foot 14:10 Hakone Open-Air Museum 15:40 From the Open-Air Museum By train Disband at Miyanoshita Station 15:50

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Ashi, the Open-Air Museum, and Yosegi Woodwork The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since a clear view of Mount Fuji could not be guaranteed, I mentioned this at the outset and turned it into a lighthearted joke. As the guests had expressed interest in the pirate ship, the Open-Air Museum, and woodwork, I planned the route accordingly. From the pirate ship on Lake Ashi, I was able to introduce autumn foliage at its peak, likely quite different from what they were used to back home, and the timing was excellent. At Maruyama, the presentation on yosegi marquetry woodwork was met with applause and cheers. The guests made various purchases, including a "magic box." At the checkpoint, they cheered at the entrance. At the Open-Air Museum, they took photographs so carefully that I began to wonder whether it would take a great deal of time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel-11:30 Meiji Shrine-12:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-15:00 Disband at Suidobashi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was effectively the second day of an approximately ten-day trip, and a one-box van had been arranged through an online travel platform. When we actually saw the vehicle, the baby seat that had been requested turned out to be unusable, and although the foreign driver claimed the car was a rental, the license plate was white, making it clearly an unlicensed taxi. We decided not to use this vehicle, arranged another car through the hotel, and started the tour. After visiting various spots, the highlight of the day was finishing with a bowl of ramen.

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Toyama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Toyama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Toyama Station 1000→1045 Iwase (townscape) 1130→1215 Kansui Park 1300→1330 Lunch Time (Toyama Bay Sushi) 1400→1420 Toyama Castle 1500→1510 Glass Art Museum 1600 (send-off by taxi)

    What Is a Private Cruise Port Tour in Toyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived at Fushiki-Toyama Port on a cruise ship. Since I had asked about their wishes in advance through email correspondence, I was able to guide them efficiently, as these requests were connected by Toyama's renowned tram network. Unlike the famous tourist destinations in the nearby Hokuriku area, none of these spots were overflowing with inbound visitors, and the guests were very satisfied with that. In addition, the clear autumn sky and the beautiful gradations of the fall foliage made it a perfect autumn day, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed in the regional city of Toyama.

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a fantastic…

    Jan 2, 2026
    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

    Oct 17, 2025
    Laura_C
    Amazing experience…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience getting to see sites outside of…

  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:40 Meet at Osaka Port
    • 09:50 to 10:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:10 to 12:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:30 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:15 to 14:00 Nishiki Market
    • 14:35 to 15:15 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 16:40 Disband at Osaka Port

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like from a Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. There was not much congestion, and they enjoyed the popular spots mentioned above. In the morning, the driver called to say that there was no reservation for the parking lot at Osaka Port, so the car could not be parked there. I went over as well and asked the parking lot manager, and we were able to park after promising to leave if the lot became full. This delayed our meeting with the guests by about 10 minutes, so I also extended the dismissal time by 10 minutes. The driver said that the parking reservation at Osaka Port is something [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) arranges once the driver has been assigned. I was not aware that a reservation for the Osaka Port parking lot needed to be made. I am reporting exactly what the driver told me.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Tokyo Station & Gaiemmae Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Tokyo Station & Gaiemmae Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 9:10 Departure: Tokyo Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • 9:40 Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line 9
    • 9:45 Arrive at Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku West Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • 10:30 Depart from Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive at Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
    • Kabukicho
    • Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • 11:10 Depart from Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 11:20 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Depart from Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 9
    • 13:15 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 13:45 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Gaiemmae Station
    • Gaiemmae Ginkgo Tree Avenue
    • 14:40 Depart from Gaiemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 9
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive at Tokyo Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Tokyo Station Nihombashi Exit

    Can You See Tokyo's Top Spots in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report from Tokyo Station The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a round-Japan cruise departing from Yokohama Port. The guests had boarded a 12-day round-Japan cruise from Yokohama Port, mainly circling northern Japan, and returned to Yokohama Port this morning. This morning, they traveled from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Station by Shinkansen. After leaving their suitcases in temporary storage, we met up at the hotel adjacent to Tokyo Station. Today, after the tour, they would stay one night at a hotel in Asakusa. The following day, they planned to board a southern-route cruise departing from Yokohama, enjoy another 12-day journey, and then return home from Haneda Airport. Their request was: "We'd like to see the main spots in Tokyo at a brisk pace." It was a tour under clear skies but in slightly chilly weather. First, in line with their request, we went to a tall observation deck. There was a long line of tourists. As we made a loop around the observation deck, I explained the prominent spots around the city. They remarked, "Tokyo is vast," and "Now I really understand that Tokyo is a city that stretches out enormously." They asked questions about "the population of Tokyo," "the average annual income of people living in Tokyo," and "rent within the city." We moved to the east exit of Shinjuku. I explained "the origins of Shinjuku," "the difference between the east and west sides of Shinjuku," and "the history of Kabukicho." We strolled through "Omoide Yokocho," "Kabukicho," and "Shinjuku Golden Gai" in turn. The "cat billboard" seemed to be a favorite, and it was photographed enthusiastically. There was a comment that "some litter is scattered around." At "Shinjuku Golden Gai," almost all the shops were closed, but several groups of tourists were strolling through. We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" and "How is Buddhism different from Shinto?" After a break at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine, we also strolled along Takeshita Street. Regarding "pet cafes," the comment was, "We're not particularly fond of them." We actually crossed the Scramble Square crossing. There were also questions like "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. We moved from Shibuya to Gaienmae. Unfortunately, the ginkgo trees lining the avenue were still almost entirely "green." We strolled slowly along the avenue and took photos. We returned from Gaienmae Station to Tokyo Station and picked up the luggage. I explained the route to Asakusa, and we parted ways here. There were also comments and questions such as "The town is clean and there's no litter on the ground," "The inside of the trains is very quiet," and "Is it safe to walk around late at night?"

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)210JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku West Exit~Tochomae180JPY
    Section 3TrainTochomae~Shinjuku West Exit180JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Gaiemmae180JPY
    Section 7TrainGaiemmae~Ginza180JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
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  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel – 5:50 Toyosu Market – 7:50 Tsukiji Outer Market – 8:15 Dismissal at Tsukiji

    Can You Visit Toyosu Market's Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Outer Market on a Private Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. For the final day of their tour, they chose a private tour of the tuna auction at Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They had already visited fish markets in Kanazawa and Kyoto, and had also once been to the old fish market in Tsukiji. Even so, they seemed genuinely impressed by how hygienic and efficient the operations at Toyosu Market were. When I suggested a sushi restaurant with a good reputation for breakfast, they decided to go in right away. After looking at the menu, their first comment was that it was "expensive," so I watched to see how things would unfold, but they soon commented that "expensive" had been the wrong word and that it was more than delicious enough to be worth it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
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    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
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