Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Osaka Castle Park

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Osaka Castle Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi Meet up
    • 10:30~10:50 Tennoji, Abeno Harukas 16F Observation Garden
    • 11:00~12:10 Tennoji Park ~Chausuyama, Isshinji Temple
    • 12:30~13:00  Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:15~13:40  Osaka Castle Park
    • 14:00 Disband at Shinsaibashi

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, having come from the United States to Tokyo by cruise ship, and had arrived in Osaka from Kyoto the previous day. They mentioned they were surprised by how many young people crowded Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi during the holiday the day before, so today's tour was planned to avoid crowds as much as possible. We walked around Tennoji Park, Chausuyama, and the area near Isshinji Temple, enjoying some autumn foliage along the way. Around Chausuyama I spoke about the history of the Summer Siege of Osaka, and the guests enjoyed the contrast with the surrounding high-rise buildings. From Isshinji Temple we went to Shitennoji Temple, where we talked about the history of Buddhism and Shinto. After that, despite some foot discomfort, we made our way to Osaka Castle Park, and the guests were impressed by the outer moat and the fortifications. They took many photos at each location and had a wonderful time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tennoji240JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shinsaibashi190JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Ota Memorial Museum of Art

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Ota Memorial Museum of Art

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen
    • 10:35 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Irori-an Kiraku Soba Ueno
    • 12:40 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:25 Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:55 Ota Memorial Museum of Art
    • 17:00 Disband at Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen

    What Can You See on a Private Tour of Tokyo's Asakusa, Ueno, and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was mostly cloudy, with occasional thin sunshine, making it a pleasant day for a tour. We had planned to travel by public transportation, but from Ueno onward we switched to taxis. Because we spent more time than expected at places such as the Tokyo National Museum, we were unable to make it to Meiji Shrine. In Asakusa, the guests took their time viewing Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding area. The guests were very knowledgeable about Japan and asked many questions. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, they were surprised at how well the old structures, including the five-story pagoda, had been preserved. At the Tokyo National Museum, they mainly viewed the second floor but appreciated it at a leisurely pace. At the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, they carefully admired the ukiyo-e prints they said they were fond of. I saw them back to their hotel, and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Total700JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kagoshima in One Day: Shiroyama Observatory

    Kagoshima in One Day: Shiroyama Observatory

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:10 Shiroyama Observatory → Saigo Cave
    • 11:20 Sengan-en & Shopping
    • 12:50 By bus to Tenmonkan
    • 13:15 Wagyu Lunch
    • 14:30 Tsurumaru Castle & Terukuni Shrine
    • 16:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kagoshima Sengan-en Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests love Japan enough to visit multiple times, and on this occasion they were staying for an extended period. At Sengan-en, a chrysanthemum festival was being held, and they took many photographs of the chrysanthemums. They enjoy crafts that can only be bought in Japan, and when I explained that Yakusugi is cedar over 1,000 years old and described the complex process of making Oshima Tsumugi textiles, they purchased quite expensive Yakusugi craft items and Oshima Tsumugi products. They also shared that the wagyu beef was the most tender and delicious they had ever eaten.

    I’m a national government licensed tour guide. I moved to Kagoshima from Osaka four years ago because I was amazed by its perfect blend of stunning nature beauty and rich culture. We can see the majestic Sakurajima volcano from the city, which reminds us the powerful natural forces. Kagoshima was home to major Meiji Restoration figures, so history lovers will find plenty to explore. And of course, the food is incredible—famous for Kurobuta (Berkshire pork), Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes), and Shochu (a local distilled spirit).

    I’m passionate about history and love visiting historical sites all over Japan. I also like outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping. Kagoshima’s natural landscape is perfect for these adventures, so there’s always something new to discover.

    I look forward to sharing wonderful Kagoshima with you and making unforgettable memories together!

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Koishikawa Korakuen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 10:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 11:15 Lunch @ Nyorosuke Tonanya Asakusa Branch
    • 12:40 Shibamata, Taishakuten
    • 14:20 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 15:45 Disband in front of Shinjuku Yodobashi Camera

    The weather was good, and the tour proceeded comfortably. At the guest's request, we started the tour by first purchasing a Pasmo card. Due to their beliefs, the guest did not proceed beyond the Treasure House Gate at Asakusa, but enjoyed the atmosphere of the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street. On the way back from Asakusa, the guest asked me what my favorite food was, and when I answered eel, they said they liked it too and suggested we go to that restaurant, so we had a meal at an eel restaurant. At Shibamata, the guest was delighted by the traditional shopping street and the many Japanese visitors, saying "I love this atmosphere." At Korakuen, the guest enjoyed the scenery, but seemed disappointed that the autumn leaves had not yet turned. As one of the guests was not feeling well, we skipped Meiji Shrine and, at their request, I guided them to Yodobashi Camera before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku~Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Oshiage0JPY
    Section 3TrainOshiage~Shibamata200JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata~Oshiage200JPY
    Section 5Free PassOshiage~Asakusabashi0JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusabashi~Suidobashi150JPY
    Section 7TrainSuidobashi~Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,630JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 From the bus stop "Hatoba Verkehr Museum", take the bus toward "Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi".
    • 9:30 After visiting Miho Shrine, walk along the Path of the Gods to Miho no Matsubara. See the Hagoromo Pine, then head to the coast to view Mt. Fuji.
    • 10:20 Take a taxi toward Nihondaira. After enjoying the scenery from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace, take the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.
    • 12:30 From Nihondaira, take the bus toward Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit. Take the Tokaido Line to return from Higashi-Shizuoka to Shimizu.
    • 13:30 Walk from Shimizu Station and visit Kashi no Ichi (Riverside Market). After that, take the free shuttle bus to S-Pulse Dream Plaza.
    • 14:30 Since the guests wanted to buy souvenirs at Dream Plaza, we disbanded there.

    What Is a Private Mount Fuji Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were refined and easy to guide, which was a great help. Today, Mount Fuji was clearly visible everywhere we went from the morning, and the guests were delighted. When I told them that even Japanese travelers consider it very lucky to see Mount Fuji on a given day, they became very cheerful. They shared their travel plans, mentioning that they would take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kyushu, and then travel around Asia afterward. It was a pleasant and enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus波止場フェルケール博物館/しずてつジャストライン~三保松原入口/しずてつジャストライン340JPY
    Section 2Bus日本平~東静岡駅南口/しずてつジャストライン570JPY
    Section 3Train東静岡~清水(静岡県)200JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    I am glad to introduce myself to the prospective tourists visiting Japan from abroad. My name is Yasuo Ochiai, but please call me “Yasu” if you have a chance to be my guests in Japan. I have been an English tourist guide for 37 years and having a good reputation from my guests. I am proud of having a good knowledge not only about the scenic spots in Japan but also about Japanese cultures, such as Kabuki, Noh, and Flower Arrangement. When I show you around the sightseeing spots, I always promise to treat you warmly and give the best explanation as much as possible. I hope that you will go back to your countries with good memories of Japan.

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel-9:00 Fukagawa Fudodo & Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine-10:20 Kiyosumi Garden-11:10 Fukagawa Edo Museum-12:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple-13:30 Yanesen-14:15 Nezu Dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Kappabashi, and Yanaka The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although today was a solo tour, the guest had come to Japan with several friends and planned to meet up with them at DisneySea after the tour ended. The guest had expressed interest in visiting places related to Katsushika Hokusai, a large shopping mall, a restaurant chain, and the National Diet Building. However, since the shopping mall had already been visited the previous day and the Sumida Hokusai Museum was closed, the itinerary turned out a little different from what was planned. Even so, our stroll through Asakusa extended to the Kappabashi kitchenware street, and afterward we visited the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, allowing the guest to enjoy a relaxed and pleasant day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSeibu Shinjuku~Monzen-nakacho370JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Kiyosumi-shirakawa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-shirakawa~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Nippori330JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo: Ikuta Shrine & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

    Hyogo: Ikuta Shrine & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:10 Ikuta Shrine Stroll
    • 11:40 Rokkosan Garden Terrace Observation terrace, souvenir shops
    • 12:10 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum 
    • 14:30 Kobe Harborland Lunch, shopping
    • 15:00 Arrive at port Dismissal

    What Is a Private Cruise Passenger Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived on a cruise ship and were visitors from North America. Although they have roots in Japan, they seemed largely unfamiliar with the country and enjoyed the sightseeing with great interest. They were also able to see a Shichi-Go-San ceremony at a shrine, which I believe they thoroughly enjoyed. As the tour content was left up to me, I planned an itinerary that would let them experience both the mountains and the sea that characterize Kobe in a well-balanced way. They also enjoyed local specialties such as sake from the Nada district of Kobe and Kobe beef, and I believe they fully savored what Kobe has to offer. The weather was excellent, there were no crowds, and we were able to complete the tour as planned.

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen gate, Hiroshima Station
    • 10:30a.m. Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 10:45a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:20a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 12:30p.m. Lunch and Explore Shopping Street
    • 2:20p.m. Take a direct ferry to Peace Park
    • 3:05p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 5:00p.m. Take a taxi to Hiroshima station
    • 5:30p.m. End of the tour at Hiroshima station.

    Title: What's a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. One member of the group preferred to walk at a slower pace, while another walked very quickly, so at the start we were slightly adjusting to the difference in pace. At Itsukushima Shrine, they took many photos, saying how beautiful the torii gate looked floating on the sea. Because it was a public holiday, Itsukushima Shrine was very crowded. Since the guests had already seen shrines in Kyoto and were not especially fond of crowds, we moved through the shrine grounds a little quickly and enjoyed the scenery slowly in the less crowded areas. All of them loved taking photos and took a great many. At Daisho-in, one member of the group waited on a bench at Daigan-ji while I toured with the rest of the guests. They were very delighted by the corridor walk and the Henjokutsu cave. For lunch, since one of the guests was not fond of seafood, we went to a restaurant in the shopping street with a wide variety of menu options. This place was also very crowded, so while I waited in line for a table, the guests strolled around the shopping street. Everyone loved cooking, and during lunch we had a lively conversation about food, with the guests even showing me photos of a cooking tour they had joined in Japan and dishes they had made at home. They also took a liking to lemosco in the shopping street and all purchased some. When we traveled to the Peace Park via the World Heritage Sea Route, the guests were very pleased to have a direct route where they could sit and rest, saying that traveling can be tiring for them. At the Peace Park, they listened very earnestly to the stories about the atomic bombing. Because the museum was very crowded, we went through it a little quickly and returned to Hiroshima Station by taxi. Since the guests wanted to sit and have a beer before their bullet train, I guided them to a shop and ended the tour. At the end, each of them warmly thanked me, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Sugimoto Cutlery Main Store

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Sugimoto Cutlery Main Store

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN Meet up
    • 9:40 Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 12:50 Tsukiji "Sugimoto Cutlery Main Store"
    • 13:30 Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 15:10 In front of the ticket gate of "Shinjuku Station" on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, we will explain how to get to the station nearest the hotel (Akasaka-mitsuke Station) and disband.

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Guests on a Multi-City Japan Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. After arriving at Narita Airport, they stayed at a traditional Japanese inn with over 200 years of history in front of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The next day they traveled to Kanazawa by shinkansen, strolling through Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, and then continued through Nagano City and Matsumoto before arriving in Tokyo the previous day. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days, then stay in Kyoto for several days, pass through Osaka, and move on to Hyogo to visit Himeji Castle. One of the guests had studied Japanese intensively for this trip and asked many questions, such as the difference between "kudasai" and "onegaishimasu," and whether Japanese has an expression equivalent to the English "Bless you" or the German "Gesundheit." At Meiji Shrine, the autumn grand festival chrysanthemum exhibition was being held, and the guests admired the beautiful cascade chrysanthemums, bonsai, and miniature landscape gardens.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Toji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Toji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet(@Hyatt Place Kyoto)
    • 8:00-9:00 Transfer (Subway; Karasuma Marutamachi → Kyoto Station, Kintetsu Line; Kyoto Station → Toji)
    • 9:00-10:00 Visit Toji Temple
    • 10:00-11:00 Transfer (Kintetsu; Toji → Kyoto Station, Subway; Kyoto Station → Keage)
    • 11:00-12:00 Visit Konchi-in Temple
    • 12:00-12:50 Visit Nanzenji Temple
    • 12:50-13:20 Transfer (On foot; Nanzenji → Heian Shrine) [Quick Lunch/light meal at a convenience store en route]
    • 13:20-14:00 Visit Heian Shrine
    • 14:00 Tour ends (After the tour ended at Heian Shrine, we said goodbye to the guests)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Hidden Spots Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto, and they requested lesser-known spots away from the crowds, so I took them to To-ji Temple, Konchi-in, Nanzen-ji Temple, and Heian Shrine. Since the schedule was tight, we did not make a restaurant reservation and instead picked up light snacks at a convenience store while on the move. The weather was perfect for sightseeing, and as expected, the places we visited that day were free of crowds, allowing the tour to go smoothly. My explanation of Esoteric Buddhism and mandalas at To-ji may have been a little too difficult, but it was wonderful that we were able to enter the five-story pagoda, which is normally not open to the public. At Konchi-in, we also enjoyed a special viewing, and the guests seemed very pleased. At Heian Shrine, the main hall was unfortunately under renovation, but the guests said they enjoyed the four gardens of the shrine. I believe they particularly enjoyed the stepping-stone bridge, Garyu-kyo. On the way to To-ji, the train connection at Kyoto Station did not go smoothly, so I had the guests walk a little more than expected.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Marutamachi (Subway Marutamachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Toji180JPY
    Section 3TrainToji~Kyoto180JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyoto~Keage260JPY
    Total880JPY

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
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    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
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    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…