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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:30　Meet at Hotel Vischio Kyoto By Granvia
    • ②　09:35　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　10:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④　11:15　Lunch break
    • ⑤　12:10　Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • ⑥　13:00　Heisei-in
    • ⑦　13:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑧　15:10　Hokan-ji Temple Five-Story Pagoda ~ Sannenzaka
    • ⑨　15:40　Disperse near Sannenzaka

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Including Tenryu-ji and Sannen-zaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had been to Japan before, but it was everyone's first time in Kyoto. This time the tour was mainly based on a request from one of the guests, and since Tenryu-ji and the nearby temple grounds were right close by, we strolled around there as well. One of the guests listened to my explanations with great interest throughout and seemed genuinely delighted — very much an "I'm all ears" kind of mood. Another of the guests kept yawning and looked very sleepy. They had spent time in Tokyo and Hakone before coming to Kyoto, so jet lag was starting to set in. I kept talking away regardless, with a laugh. The group普段—well, they told me they are normally extremely busy and had finally been able to take a family vacation together. I couldn't help but say "Congratulations!" My persistence in continuing to talk paid off, as in the latter half the sleepy guest woke up and listened happily. To help shake off the drowsiness, I explained the difference between furisode and tomesode kimono, which went over quite well. I also talked with the guests about many things unrelated to sightseeing. We had a long conversation on the train about whether zero-calorie cola, though calorie-free, is still bad for your health — the point being that while it has no calories and so is not an issue in terms of fat, it contains a lot of chemicals, and drinking it continuously could be harmful. Since it is currently the off-season and there were almost no inbound visitors from Asia, I felt we were able to look around relatively at a leisurely pace. At the end, I explained about Sannen-zaka before we parted ways. We agreed to meet again someday in the future. It was another enjoyable day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel)　Meeting to reconfirm/reconsider requests for destinations
    • 7:20-8:00 Travel (Subway: Karasuma Oike→Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Line; Keihan Sanjo→Fushimi Inari)
    • 8:00-9:00 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 9:00-9:00 Travel (Keihan Line; Fushimi Inari→Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:00-10:20 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 10:20-11:10 Travel (Subway; Nijojo-mae→Imadegawa)
    • 11:30-12:30 Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:30-13:00 Travel (Subway; Imadegawa→Shijo/Shinkyogoku)
    • 13:00 The tour ended at the entrance of Shinkyogoku, and we said goodbye.

    Title: What Is a Private Early-Morning Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a tour with a large group. On the tour, I took the guests to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It was an early-morning tour starting at 7:00. The tour content had been finalized in advance, but the day before the tour, an email arrived requesting a change to the destinations. Since several of the originally planned places had been visited the previous day, they asked to change the destinations. We were able to communicate through a messaging app, but they wanted to decide on the destinations again before the tour the next day. Because it was an early-morning tour and the available destinations were limited, I prepared three alternative plans and went into the early-morning meeting. I proceeded with the tour based on what was decided there, but Ryoanji, which we had agreed on this morning, was skipped, and we changed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where no admission fee applies. The guests also expressed a wish to do some shopping, so at the end I took them to Shinkyogoku before parting ways. Although it seemed like a difficult request the day before, I made sure to arrange things so that they would not visit the same places again. Some of the guests said they liked Fushimi Inari best, some preferred the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and others enjoyed Nijo Castle the most.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Imadegawa220JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • 9:15-10:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannen-zaka, Hokan-ji Temple, Yasaka Koshin-do, Nene no Michi, Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:20-13:00 Lunch @ Kotokiki Chaya
    • 13:00-14:10 Kameyama Park → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Nonomiya Shrine
    • 14:20-14:30 Kimono Forest
    • 14:30 Disband @ Keifuku Arashiyama Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and More The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. As they had requested the itinerary above, we first traveled by bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Since they came from Oceania, our conversation moved from a major earthquake in their home region in 2011 to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and I mentioned that just yesterday marked its 30th anniversary. As Shijo Street has many points of interest, I used photos I had on hand to explain kabuki and, with a photo of a geisha, to explain the entertainment districts. When we arrived at Kiyomizu-dera, the guests were moved, saying, "We've never seen such a huge temple." I had thought people of their age were not usually so impressed by temples, so I told them that hearing those words made me happy as well. They also enjoyed the beautiful view from above. We entered the main hall, and one of the guests was especially eager to try everything, taking on the challenge of lifting the 96 kg staff, ringing the keisu bell, and offering incense. Then we left Kiyomizu-dera and headed to Hokan-ji Temple via Sannenzaka. They climbed the five-story pagoda and were delighted to find the peephole on the second floor in particular. After that, we arrived at Yasaka Shrine via Yasaka Koshin-do and Nene-no-michi. They seemed to have visited Meiji Shrine in Tokyo but without really understanding it, so I explained the etiquette for worshipping at a shrine, and we actually washed our hands and paid our respects together. Then we walked to Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and traveled to Arashiyama. As they wanted to have lunch before going to the bamboo grove, I guided them to Kotokikichaya, which usually has good turnover. Everyone loved ramen, and all but one of the guests ordered the "Kotokiki ramen." One of the guests looked at the kamaboko fish cake in the ramen with curiosity, so I explained what it was made of and so on. They also sprinkled on the shichimi that was on the table. Then we moved from Kameyama Park to the bamboo grove. Most guests enjoy the scenery and taking photos, but this group observed the inside of the bamboo grove closely, and were particularly interested in the fact that the palm fibers surrounding the grove were also held in place by bamboo. When I asked if they wished to visit Tenryu-ji Temple, they said they did not, so I guided them to Nonomiya Shrine, and on the way to Kimono Forest at the end, one of the guests had cotton candy in front of Burari Arashiyama. Afterward, a long line formed behind them, so I remarked, "That's good advertising for the cotton candy shop." Then we arrived at Kimono Forest. Everyone seemed to like it very much. Finally, there is a pool of water with an explanation to the effect that "the dragon of Mount Atago descended here," and since the explanation also said "if you touch the water, your wish will come true," all but one of the guests actually did so, and I joined them. As we were discussing what to do next, at first they said they would stroll around Arashiyama and then return, so I had told them where the JR station was, but since the Randen tram was right in front of us, they said they would take the Randen back to their hotel, and there we concluded the tour. The attached image shows two of the guests offering incense in front of the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Total470JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Kyoto: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at The Blossom Kyoto
    • 09:00 to 09:40 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:00 to 10:30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 11:15 to 12:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:30 to 13:25 Nijo Castle
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Lunch near Nijo Castle (Ramen)
    • 14:30 to 15:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:00 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were great admirers of Japan and had a deep interest in Japanese history and culture, so they had been very much looking forward to visiting historically significant sites such as Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. However, after finishing Nijo Castle, one of the guests suddenly felt unwell, so it was decided to return to the hotel, and the rest of the group continued on to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since sightseeing in Japan involves a lot of walking, they seemed to have grown tired. The tour was guided by [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.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal Subway)～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Karasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKarasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto Municipal Bus～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 8TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,770JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu train for Nishinokyo departs & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Kintetsu train for Nishinokyo departs & Kyoto Station

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Pick up at Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia (→end of tour 17:30)
    • 9:41 Kintetsu train for Nishinokyo departs
    • 10:24-11:30 Nishinokyo station
    • Yakushiji temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • Pagoda: one of the world's oldest wooden buildings
    • Medicine Buddha
    • 11:30 Nishinokyo station　 via Kintetsu railway
    • 12:00 Kintetsu-Nara station
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:00-30 Kofukuji Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • walk 20 minutes
    • 14:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • (Lunch at Mizuya Chaya)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50- Todaiji Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 14:50-15:20 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:30-40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:50-16:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 16:30-40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 17:00 Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • 18:00 Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Tour with a Philosophy-Focused Guide Like? A Licensed Guide's Report A very rewarding day! The guests, visitors from North America, were deeply interested in both Shinto and Buddhism and asked many precise, thoughtful questions. Within the limited time available, and even while enjoying the deer, I was able to explain everything to my heart's content. When I mentioned that phenomenology is fundamentally the same as the concept of "form is emptiness" (shiki-soku-ze-ku) in the Heart Sutra, the guests were both surprised and delighted. I promised to look for English materials on the Prajnaparamita sutras and send them. I would be very happy if I could be of help to philosophical research in North America. A tour spent discussing philosophy all day long may be something only possible in Nara. I confirmed once again that, from a Western perspective, the content of the sutras is closer to philosophy than to religion.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Nishinokyo760JPY
    Section 2TrainNishinokyo～Kintetsu-Nara300JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu-Nara～Kyoto760JPY
    Total1,820JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    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.

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    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…

  • 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

    • Meet at 11:30 @ Dormy Inn Himeji
    • 11:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 12:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:30 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 15:15 Disband at Dormy Inn Himeji

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The group moved along smoothly throughout the tour. Some of the guests had spent time in Japan before but understood very little Japanese, and this was their second visit to Himeji. Everyone was deeply impressed by the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. At Himeji Castle, the group toured with great interest and enthusiasm. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed a tasting and purchased souvenirs, and one of the guests especially enjoyed Japanese sake. I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was very warmly received. Since the group wished to return to the hotel a little early, we parted ways with about 15 minutes remaining.

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Harajuku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Harajuku

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:10 Harajuku
    • 13:00 Tour ends at Harajuku

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like on the Final Day of a Japan Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since arriving in Japan in January, they had traveled through Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Nagano, and this was their final stay in Tokyo. The day before, they had visited Shibuya Sky and the famous crossing, so today we started at the Tsukiji Outer Market. The whole group enjoyed seafood, but as it was right after breakfast, they said they would like to come back another time. At Namiyoke Shrine in the outer market area, as a way of wrapping up their trip in Japan, I explained the differences between temples and shrines and their influence on Japanese culture, and they said it helped them understand the background well. We then continued to the Imperial Palace, where I explained Japan's modern history. They were amazed that such a vast open space exists in the very center of Tokyo. Finally, we headed to Harajuku for some window shopping along Harajuku Street. Since they had a reservation at a capybara cafe from 1:00, we ended the tour there.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①9:00 Meet at the hotel, travel by taxi
    • ②9:30〜10:00 Take the Hakone Cable Car from Gora to Sounzan, view the outer rim mountains from the observation deck
    • ③10:00〜10:30 Travel from Sounzan to Owakudani by substitute bus (ropeway out of service)
    • ④10:30〜11:15 Stroll around Owakudani
    • ⑤11:15〜11:30 Take the ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai. Take a break at a cafe
    • ⑥12:00〜12:40 Lake Ashi cruise
    • ⑦12:40〜13:40 Lunch at Moto-Hakone
    • ⑧13:40〜14:25 Travel to Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus
    • ⑨14:40 Shopping at a souvenir shop in Hakone-Yumoto, disband

    What's a Private Hakone Day Tour with the Free Pass Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. They had traveled into Hakone from central Tokyo the previous day, and today we used the Hakone Free Pass to tour the Golden Route starting from Gora Station. We had originally planned to visit Hakone Shrine at Moto-Hakone, but since some of the guests were tired from walking, we skipped it and moved to Hakone-Yumoto Station a little earlier than planned. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, the guests planned to take the mountain railway on their own to return to Gora Station and their hotel, so I guided them to the platform and we parted ways at a souvenir shop. We were blessed with fine weather and had a beautiful clear view of Mount Fuji, and the guests appeared to enjoy themselves greatly throughout the day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora～Hakone-Yumoto6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:00 Miyajima
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:00 Hiroshima Station, dismissal

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a private family tour for a group visiting from Oceania. Based on their family name, I sensed they might have European roots, and when I gently brought it up, we had a lively conversation about the film "The Godfather," which allowed us to start the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We touched briefly on their background during the conversation. After visiting Daisho-in Temple, the group gradually opened up, and we exchanged conversation on current topics, including the recent restrictions on social media viewing for younger people in Oceania. At the Peace Memorial Park, the group was strongly moved by the exhibits, which were even more harrowing than they had imagined, and they appeared deeply reflective.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae～Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up　Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 11:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 3. 13:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:40 Lunch Umaimon Azuma
    • 5. 15:00 Disband Shinjuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America, coming to Japan for the first time. The guest mentioned that a family member had lived in Kobe in the 1950s, and visiting Kobe was one of the main purposes of this trip to Japan. Since the guest wished to visit two or three main spots, I had planned to show them Hamarikyu Gardens, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, but as time ran short, Meiji Shrine was skipped at the guest's request. For lunch, the guest requested Japanese food other than noodle dishes, so I took them to a restaurant with a wide selection of options, which they enjoyed very much. The weather was also fine, and I believe the guest was very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku West Exit～Shiodome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)260JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

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

    Request Booking

    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…