Category: Uncategorized

  • Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour

    Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour

    Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at Izumo Taisha Shrine front torii gate (9:00) → Guide through Izumo Taisha Shrine (9:00-10:10) → Travel by Ichibata Electric Railway → Guide through Matsue Vogel Park (11:10-12:00) → Travel by taxi → Lunch (near Matsue Castle. 12:30-13:10) → Guide through Matsue Castle (13:10-14:30) → Eat soba at a soba restaurant (14:40-15:00) → Travel by taxi → Guide through Yuushien Garden (15:30-16:30) → Travel by taxi → See off at Matsue Station (17:00). After that, the guest takes the JR to Yasugi Station, and from there travels by an already-arranged taxi to Sagi-no-yu-so.

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Izumo and Matsue Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had visited Japan several times before but were exploring the countryside for the first time, and they had a strong desire to experience local culture. In that respect, it was good to be able to guide them to distinctive attractions such as Izumo Taisha Shrine, Matsue Vogel Park, and Matsue Castle, and it was also nice to use a local mode of transportation, the Ichibata Electric Railway. According to prior email correspondence, lunch was planned to be soba noodles, but on the day itself the guests requested Shimane wagyu beef, so we enjoyed sukiyaki. Since they also wanted to try soba, we went to a soba restaurant after touring Matsue Castle. As a result, we were unable to visit the samurai residence we had originally planned to see.

    Click here for more details: Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIzumo Taisha-mae～Matsue Vogel Park770JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by KATSUMI

    I started as a volunteer guide for foreign tourists at Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture when I was in my 40s, and after retiring at the age of 60, I became a certified interpreter guide and expanded the scope of my activities to include all of Shimane Prefecture, as well as Tottori and Hiroshima Prefectures.
    I was born and raised in Matsue City in western Japan. Matsue is a medium-sized city and the capital of Shimane Prefecture. It is a quiet town that retains the old atmosphere with Matsue Castle, which was built over 400 years ago, and is known for its culture of drinking matcha green tea frequently. I would like to share with you the charm of a regional city like Matsue. Near Matsue, there is a shrine called Izumo Grand Shrine, one of the largest, oldest and most venerated shrines in Japan. The origin of this shrine is written in the Japanese myths, and its precincts are very mysterious. Shimane Prefecture and the neighboring prefecture of Tottori were the setting of Japanese mythology and have well preserved Japan’s historical heritage and traditions. Shimane and Tottori prefectures are not on the so-called “golden route” frequented by foreign tourists, but I hope they will be included in your sightseeing route because they are full of Japan’s unique charm. From its beginnings to the present day, Japan has weaved a long history without being dominated by any other country or, conversely, without advocating hegemony over neighboring countries – although, unfortunately, it did invade Asian countries for a period of time in the 20th century. It is my great pleasure to introduce you to a part of Japan’s culture, which is diverse and peaceful. I am also a guide in Hiroshima Prefecture, the southern neighbor of Shimane Prefecture. I mainly guide visitors to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where I try to convey the tragic event of the atomic bombing based on the testimonies of those who suffered as much as possible. It is a place that you should definitely visit at least once.
    Furthermore, I hope to convey the Japanese way of thinking and lifestyle through various conversations during the guided tour. This is also one of my joys.
    I myself often travel, and I always make sure to have a guide with me. This is because the quality of the trip is greatly enhanced by the guide’s explanations. I also make an effort to make travelers feel that way. Enjoy your trip!

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Michelle W
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Matsue Private Tour
    Our guide was Katsumi and he…

    May 18, 2025
    F
    FarTooFrequentFlyer
    Bringing its samurai heritage to life!
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We lucked in…

    Oct 29, 2024
    Bern_Y
    Day Trip to Izumo Taisha and other Shrines
    Viator review: Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide…

    Sep 6, 2024
    Tshiehnewton
    Excellent local guide for English speakers
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsumi Nagata was a…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (@OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Trsort)
    • 9:00-9:50 Travel (Keihan Train; Gion-Shijo → Keihan-Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo-Keihan → Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:50-11:20 Nijo Castle Visit
    • 11:30-11:50 Travel (City Bus: Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 12:00-12:50 Kinkakuji Temple Visit
    • 12:50-13:00 Travel (On foot; Kinkakuji → Restaurant/CoCo Hanana)
    • 13:00 Tour End We parted with the guests in front of the restaurant.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of eight visiting from Oceania. It was everyone's first time in Kyoto. I took them to Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji, and then to a restaurant near Kinkaku-ji, where the tour concluded. Originally, after visiting Kinkaku-ji, the guests had hoped to walk the Philosopher's Path, and I had planned to take them to its entrance to end the tour there. However, we were running behind schedule, and the guests requested a recommendation for a restaurant, so I took them to one near Kinkaku-ji that could accommodate their dining needs. Arriving at the restaurant coincided perfectly with the scheduled end time of the tour. Everyone seemed to really enjoy Kinkaku-ji and took many photos. There were few other visitors, so I believe they were able to take plenty of pictures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)180JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total630JPY

    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 !

    Request Booking

    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.…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:42 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) [Meet]
    • 09:45 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:51 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • 10:00~11:25 House Art Project
    • 11:31 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 11:39 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 11:45 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 11:52 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 12:00~13:35 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch at the café in the museum)
    • on foot
    • 13:50~14:25 Lee Ufan Museum and Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 14:35~15:45 Benesse House Museum and Outdoor Art Works (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • on foot
    • 15:50 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • Outdoor Art Works (including “Red Pumpkin”)
    • 16:20[Say goodbye]

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Naoshima Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan from North America. We met at Miyanoura Port on Naoshima Island, after the guest traveled on a day trip from Hiroshima by connecting the Shinkansen (Hiroshima to Okayama), a taxi (JR Okayama Station to the Uno ferry terminal), and a ferry (Uno Port to Naoshima). The connections were made just in time along the way, so it was fortunate that we were able to meet as scheduled. On this trip, the guest arrived in Japan in January and planned to travel from Osaka to Hiroshima (visiting sites such as the Peace Memorial Museum), then Naoshima, back to Hiroshima (including Miyajima), Kyoto, and Tokyo, before returning home in January. The guest came to Naoshima out of a love for contemporary art and Tadao Ando, and mentioned that the family had also visited Naoshima four years earlier. The guest was currently a graduate student pursuing a master's degree at university. On the way back to Hiroshima, I advised that taking the JR line between Uno and Okayama would be convenient and economical, and I later heard that the guest did just that. The guest was very energetic and cheerful, and it was a fun day of guiding.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNaoshima Port／Naoshima Town, Kagawa～Nokyomae／Naoshima Town, Kagawa100JPY
    Section 2BusNokyomae／Naoshima Town, Kagawa～Tsutsujiso／Naoshima Town, Kagawa100JPY
    Section 3BusTsutsujiso／Naoshima Town, Kagawa～Naoshima Port／Naoshima Town, Kagawa100JPY
    Total300JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Hakone Checkpoint

    Kanagawa in One Day: Motohakone Port & Hakone Checkpoint

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Gora Kadan
    • 11:28 Board the cable car and ropeway
    • 12:00 Owakudani sightseeing, black eggs
    • 12:40 Board the ropeway
    • 12:40 Arrive at Togendai, stroll around Lake Ashi
    • 13:20 Board the pirate ship
    • 14:00 Arrive at Motohakone Port
    • 14:00-14:45 Lunch at Ashinoko Chaya
    • 15:00-15:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 15:30-16:00 Stroll along the old highway cedar avenue
    • 16:00-16:15 Hakone Checkpoint
    • 16:35 Board the bus
    • 17:00 Arrive at Kowakudani Station, call the inn while waiting for the bus to request the shuttle car
    • 17:00 The Gora Kadan shuttle car arrives and we disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Early January? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. They were interested in Japanese culture and history and asked many questions, which made for a lively conversation. Hakone just after the New Year holidays was not crowded, and public transportation arrived on time with no waiting, so we were able to tour the Golden Route smoothly. Mount Fuji occasionally revealed its beautiful form, which the guests were delighted to see. One disappointment was that the Peace Torii Gate at Hakone Shrine was closed. It was closed from the end of the year until February 9 in order to avoid congestion. The guests this time had no particular preferences, so they did not mind, but since some tourists come to Hakone specifically to take photos here, I wished this information had been shared more widely.

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

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

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    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Choanji Temple

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Choanji Temple

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:05 Hakone Shrine
    • 10:15 Pirate ship from Motohakone Port to Togendai
    • 11:00 Hakone Ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani
    • 11:40 Ropeway from Owakudani to Sounzan
    • 12:28 Hakone Cable Car from Sounzan to Gora
    • 12:50 Lunch at Gora
    • 13:30 Bus from Gora to Sengoku
    • 13:50 Choanji Temple
    • 14:20 Bus from Sengoku to Motohakone Port
    • 15:00 Disband in front of the hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hakone Shrine, the Ropeway, and Owakudani The guests were a group visiting from North America. In the morning it was cloudy and Mount Fuji was not visible, but Mount Fuji became visible from the pirate ship along the way. They mentioned this was their second visit to Japan. I took great care, for example when walking along the roads with the lively members of the group. At Hakone Shrine, they purchased zodiac charms and ema votive tablets, wrote their wishes on the ema, and hung them up. On the pirate ship, they enjoyed the scenery from the upper deck. Mount Fuji was also visible from the Hakone Ropeway. At Owakudani, they purchased the famous black eggs. We then traveled to Gora and had lunch at Ninja Cafe Fuma. We took a bus to Sengoku and visited Choanji Temple. There were almost no other visitors and it was quiet, so they leisurely viewed the Five Hundred Rakan statues and other sights, which was very well received. Before the tour, they had requested ① Hakone Shrine, ② the Hakone Ropeway, ③ Owakudani, and ④ Choanji Temple, and we were able to visit all of them at a relaxed pace, which seemed to leave them very satisfied. Also, I had informed them in advance about the Hakone Free Pass, which they purchased, and this covered the entire itinerary. (Regarding my transportation costs, if tickets for the entire route had been purchased individually the total would have been 6,060 yen, so I would like to settle this with the Hakone Free Pass.)

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMotohakone Port～Togendai6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassTogendai～Owakudani0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOwakudani～Sounzan0JPY
    Section 4Free PassSounzan～Gora0JPY
    Section 5Free PassGora～Sengoku0JPY
    Section 6Free PassSengoku～In front of the hotel0JPY
    Section 7Free PassIn front of the hotel～Motohakone Port0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    English / Guide in English and German / Guiding areas are in Tokyo, Yokohama and my home town Okayama. (Since I’m based in Tokyo, I might not be able to guide in Okayama, depending on the timing.) My profile in German follows!
    First of all, thank you very much for your taking time to have a look at my profile. My name is Naoki Shimono. Naoki would be fine. I’m a certified tour guide in English and German. After long years of work at Japanese electronics manufacturer, always in charge of international marketing, I’m focusing on tour guide and interpreter. As of now, I did tour guide more than 50 times in English and more than 50 times in German. Not only in Tokyo but also other cities, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha etc. It is always a big pleasure for me to show around Japan to guests from abroad. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

    Deutsch / Reiseleiter auf Deutsch und Englisch / In Tokio und Yokohama sowie in meiner Heimatstadt Okayama. (Da ich in Tokio ansässig bin, kann ich je nach Zeitpunkt möglicherweise nicht in Okayama als Reiseleiter tätig sein.)
    Zunächst einmal vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, mein Profil anzusehen. Mein Name ist Naoki Shimono. Naoki wäre schön. Ich bin zertifizierter Reiseleiter in Englisch und Deutsch. Nach langjähriger Tätigkeit bei einem japanischen Elektronikhersteller, wo ich stets für das internationale Marketing verantwortlich war, konzentriere ich mich nun auf die Reiseleitung und Dolmetschertätigkeit. Bisher habe ich über 50 Mal auf Englisch und über 50 Mal auf Deutsch als Reiseleiter gearbeitet. Nicht nur in Tokio, sondern auch in anderen Städten wie Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha usw. Es ist mir immer eine große Freude, Gästen aus dem Ausland Japan zu zeigen. Ich freue mich darauf, Sie in Japan zu sehen!

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    Oct 16, 2025
    Songqi_L
    Highly recommend!
    Viator review: Okayama Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Naoki san is a great guide. He’s very friendly, adaptive,…

    Oct 11, 2025
    Gizelle K
    Wonderful Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    A very organise tour, from the prompt pick up…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:50　Hotel
    • 08:15　Meiji Shrine
    • 09:15　Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 10:20　Imperial Palace
    • 11:10　Lunch @ Tori Soba Zagin KITTE Marunouchi Store
    • 12:20　Sensoji Temple
    • 14:05　Dismissal @ Pokemon Center (Nihonbashi Takashimaya East Building)

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Asakusa The guests were a group from Oceania visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to go skiing in Hokkaido. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. They also purchased omamori charms and ema plaques as souvenirs. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they appeared impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Since the guests had a reservation at the Pokemon Cafe after the tour, we parted ways at the Pokemon Center in the Takashimaya East Building. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Chishaku-in Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Chishaku-in Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Hotel Meet (@Dusit Thani)
    • 7:00-7:40 Travel (Subway; Gojo→Kyoto Station, JR; Kyoto Station→Inari)
    • 7:40-8:40 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 8:40-9:20 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 9:20-11:00 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (including Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 11:00-11:30 Travel (City Bus; Kiyomizu-michi→Higashiyama-Sanjo)
    • 11:30-12:20 Visit Sanjusangen-do
    • 12:30-13:00 Visit Chishaku-in Temple
    • 13:00 Tour ends. Said goodbye to the guests at Chishaku-in Temple.

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had been to Kyoto several times, while others were visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time. I guided the group to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Chishaku-in, and it turned out to be a moving tour unlike any I had experienced before. On the stage at the Okunoin of Kiyomizu-dera, one of the guests proposed to another member of the group. Fortunately it was not too crowded, so the proposal went beautifully — kneeling down and offering a ring — just like a scene from a movie. The people nearby broke into applause. The day before, I had received an email asking me to suggest some romantic spots, and I recommended the Sky Walk at Kyoto Station, so I was completely surprised when the proposal took place at Kiyomizu-dera during the tour, and I was deeply moved as well. The rest of the group looked delighted too. The attached photo shows the moment after the proposal, with the received ring being shown. Everyone in the group commented that this proposal scene was the highlight of the tour. As a guide, it was a great honor to be present for such a moment.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus～Higashiyama-Shichijo / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total840JPY

    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 !

    Request Booking

    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.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Takanawa
    • 9:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:00 Break @ Otter Cafe Harry (guests only)
    • 13:05 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:20 Harajuku (visit a few shops on Omotesando)
    • 13:55 Tsukiji
    • 14:05 Disband in front of a Tsukiji sushi restaurant

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Tsukiji The morning was cloudy, but it did not rain, so the tour proceeded smoothly. We took a taxi from the Hotel to Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine, there were many New Year worshippers and people making formal hall visits, and I received many questions about religion. In Asakusa, the guests noticed an otter cafe in a building along the way to Senso-ji Temple and decided to visit it later. They stayed for about 30 minutes. I waited outside as I found the smell unpleasant. Along the way, they also mentioned that they wanted to have lunch in Tsukiji at the end, and although I informed them that this would extend the time, they said they did not mind. After the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided them to a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, and the tour concluded. I received a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & SHIBUYA

    Tokyo in One Day: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji & SHIBUYA

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 meet at Hotel
    • 10:15 1 ASAKUSA / Senso-ji
    • 11:15 2 UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 12:15 3 TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 13:00 4 THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 14:00 5 KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN GARDENS
    • 15:00 6 SHIBUYA
    • 15:30 See off at Shibuya

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Oceania. Because we had coordinated the destinations several times beforehand via a messaging app, the guided tour proceeded smoothly. Regarding Tsukiji Outer Market, I had informed them in advance that many shops would be closed since it was a Wednesday, so the guests were satisfied with visiting a seafood shop and a takoyaki shop that were open. During the visit to the Imperial Palace, we took a short break at the Starbucks near Wadakura Gate, which was reassuring. After guiding them around Shibuya, the guests expressed interest in a recommendation for a light lunch, so I introduced sushi, gyoza, and ramen restaurants in line with their request before taking my leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2Free PassKanda～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Ueno – Tsukiji – Hibiya, Otemachi – Korakuen – Shibuya0JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

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

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

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

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

  • 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

    • 10:00 Hotel meetup　10:35 Fushimi Inari　　12:00 Lunch (sushi)　13:10 Kinkaku-ji　　14:20 Nijo Castle　　15:30 Gion　　16:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. Today was a relatively warm day with little wind and clear skies, which I think was pleasant for the group coming from a summer climate. The sushi restaurant we visited for lunch was very crowded, but Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle were not so busy. One of the guests was quiet but very composed, appearing calmer than the others. Another of the guests seemed sleepy in the morning but became lively after lunch and took many photos. Since lunch ran a bit long and we also took a break at Kinkaku-ji, our visits to Nijo Castle and Gion afterward were a little rushed, but I was able to guide them through the most important points. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4OtherKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 5OtherNishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijojo-mae～Higashiyama (Kyoto)220JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    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.

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    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…