Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 a.m. Meet at the lobby of Hotel
    • 11:15 a.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:45 p.m. Lunch at Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 1:45 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 3:30 p.m. End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shukkeien Garden and Peace Park The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very cheerful and enjoyed conversation, smiling and sharing many stories from the moment we met, making it a very enjoyable tour. Shukkeien Garden was not crowded, and the guests loved the scenery, saying they could spend the entire day there. However, since they had chosen this season to see the autumn leaves, they seemed a little disappointed that the maple leaves had not yet turned red. One of the guests loved turtles and took many photos. There also happened to be a couple having pre-wedding photos taken, and the guests were delighted to be able to see the wedding kimono. The bus from Shukkeien Garden to Peace Park was very crowded, so we had to let one bus pass and waited at the bus stop for about 20 minutes. We enjoyed lively conversation during that time, but I felt sorry about the wait. For lunch, we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant. The guests mentioned they had also eaten okonomiyaki in Tokyo, but when I asked about it, it turned out to be monjayaki. They said Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was more delicious (perhaps out of kindness) and ate everything up, which made me happy. Peace Park was as crowded as it could possibly be today, and the museum was so packed that it was hard to move. Even so, the guests listened attentively, heard the songs of children in peace education, and asked many questions about residual radiation, the survivors of the atomic bombing, and peace education. Also, while I was talking about the atomic-bombed streetcar during the tour, one happened to pass by, and the three of us got very excited together. Since the guests planned to explore Miyajima on their own the next day, I shared information about the tide levels and restaurants on Miyajima, which they greatly appreciated.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIn front of Shukkeien Garden~In front of Atomic Bomb Dome / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 7:00 Meet up@Hotel Ginza-gochome
    • 2. 7:05 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 3. 7:15 @Tsukiji Outer Market (food walk)
    • 4. 7:45 @Namiyoke Shrine
    • 5. 8:15 @Breakfast (Food court at Tsukiji Nippon Gyoko Ichiba)
    • 6. 9:15 @Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
    • 7. 10:00 @Zojoji Temple
    • 8. 10:25 @Tokyo Tower
    • 9. 10:40 @Azabudai Hills
    • 10. 11:00 Dismissal@In front of Azabudai Hills Gallery

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tsukiji and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of the guests was visiting Japan for the first time, while the other had visited Japan several times before, with the most recent visit about five years ago. They signed up for this tour with the wish to have breakfast at Tsukiji. Their accommodation was conveniently located about a ten-minute walk from Tsukiji. On the way to Tsukiji Market, I introduced the single-act seat tickets and the gallery at the Kabukiza Theater. One of the guests was very curious to explore a market in Japan, the home of the Japanese food recipes they sometimes make at home. Fortunately, it was not yet too crowded, so we continued strolling for a while and looked at all sorts of things, from ingredients to knives. They were surprised by the popular gyudon and by the appearance of fresh wasabi, which they saw for the first time, but what they actually enjoyed was an assortment of tuna sushi sets. Afterward, one of the guests had a coffee, and we sat and chatted a little about recent social conditions in Japan. Next, I guided them to Namiyoke Shrine. I explained how to purify oneself at the water basin using the ladle, and introduced the Tamago-zuka and Ebi-zuka monuments. Since one of the guests wanted to eat a little more, we went to the food court at the Tsukiji Nippon Gyoko Ichiba, where they enjoyed tempura soba. One of the guests, who had taught English at a school in Japan, fondly recalled often eating soba with students at a station. By the time they seemed to have fully enjoyed Tsukiji, I checked the clock and saw there were still about two hours of tour time left. When I asked what they would like to do, one of the guests, who had a strong interest in contemporary art, had already planned to visit related art museums on another day and asked for a recommendation for something else. I thought of the National Art Center in the Roppongi area, but it happened to be closed that day, so we decided they would visit it the next day. During the tour, I guided them on a walking course from the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden and Zojoji Temple to Azabudai Hills, which houses teamLab. Under the clear autumn sky, they seemed to enjoy a pleasant stroll while looking at the trees just beginning to change color. They murmured "What a gorgeous day!" many times. We parted ways after they showed interest in an exhibition they happened to find at a gallery in Azabudai Hills.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji Market~Daimon (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①14:30 Meet at the hotel
    • ②14:45 Lunch at a restaurant near Hokan-ji Temple
    • ③15:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ④16:15 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
    • ⑤17:00 Gion, Pontocho
    • ⑥18:00 Shopping for knives at Teramachi Street Shopping District
    • ⑦18:15 Board a taxi, see-off
    • (⑧18:30 Arrive at dinner restaurant)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour of the Higashiyama District Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Based on the interests and requests I had heard from each member in advance, and working within a limited amount of time, I guided a walking tour from the Hotel through the Higashiyama district. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we walked toward Yasaka Shrine while enjoying the ceramics and porcelain along the way, which some of the guests were fond of. We then strolled through the Gion and Pontocho geisha districts, which some of the guests had requested. At the Teramachi shopping street, some of the guests purchased a knife, and since they had a dinner reservation at a sukiyaki restaurant in the Marutamachi area at 18:30, I saw them into a taxi and we parted ways there.

    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

    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…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Nijo Market & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Nijo Market & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Monterey Edelhof Sapporo
    • 10:10 Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower
    • 10:35 Nijo Market
    • 11:00 Tanukikoji
    • 12:00 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 14:25 Tour ends @ Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Title: What Is a Private Autumn Foliage Tour in Sapporo, Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were pleasant and kind, and very easy to talk with. They mentioned that the day before they had visited the Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Onsen areas, and that they had chosen to come to Hokkaido expecting this time of year to offer the most beautiful autumn foliage in the region. We were blessed with calm and sunny weather, and everywhere we went — Odori Park and the Shiroi Koibito Park — the autumn foliage was at its peak. Just as the guests had anticipated, it can truly be said that this was the best season for an autumn foliage tour around Sapporo. Perhaps for that reason, the guests took a great many photos.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Miyanosawa290JPY
    Section 2SubwayMiyanosawa~Odori290JPY
    Total580JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

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

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and they chose Japan as the destination for their first trip abroad. The guests did not drink alcohol or smoke, and were very earnest, admiring a temple mandala with great interest. When I explained the three monkeys of "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil," the guests remarked that it was a very wise way of living. As oysters had come into season, I recommended okonomiyaki topped with oysters, which the guests greatly enjoyed. They planned to visit the Mazda Museum the next day, and when I mentioned that the Mazda company began with cork manufacturing, the guests seemed a little surprised.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station (Koi)/Bon Bus~Atomic Bomb Dome Front240JPY
    Section 4TrainAtomic Bomb Dome Front~Hiroshima240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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.

    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 in Half a Day: Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Market, fish market, Namiyoke Shrine, Honganji Temple
    • 11:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:30 Ginza
    • 12:50 Imperial Palace Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:10 Disband @ Kikyomon Gate

    What Is a First Day in Tokyo Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace I guided the group from North America on their first day in Japan. During an 18-day stay, they planned to visit Nagano, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. They had done a great deal of research in advance, and it was clear how much they were looking forward to their trip to Japan. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed grilled chicken skewers, tuna, mini meat buns, grilled eel skewers, and grilled octopus skewers. When I talked about lotus flowers at Sensoji Temple, they said that they had seen many lotuses when they visited Asia, and that they now understood their meaning. Since I had explained in advance how to reserve the Imperial Palace tour, they had signed up for an afternoon tour, so we timed our visit to see the Nijubashi Bridge accordingly, and I took them to the Kikyomon Gate to end the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza-itchome~Sakuradamon180JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Odaiba Drive

    Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Odaiba Drive

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Mesm Autograph Collection
    • 10:35 Sensoji Temple (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nitenmon Gate)
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Nijubashi Bridge, former GHQ
    • 12:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:30 Lunch @Kageyama-ro Omotesando Hills
    • 14:20 Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
    • 15:45 Odaiba Drive
    • 16:16 Dismissal @Mesm Autograph Collection

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Car Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. This was their second visit to Japan, and they were scheduled to board a cruise the following day. After a briefing, I explained the views of Hamarikyu Gardens and the former Tsukiji Market visible from the lobby, and then we set off. At Meiji Shrine, there were many children dressed up for Shichi-Go-San, and one of the guests took photos of the beautifully dressed children after obtaining permission from their parents. Since the guests wanted to buy Made-in-Japan crafts, I guided them to the Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. They found crafts they liked and purchased two items, which made them very happy. As a result, we skipped the planned Ginza Mitsukoshi and instead drove to Odaiba before returning to the Hotel. Because walking was difficult for one of the guests, I arranged with the driver to keep the walking distance short. Having an Alphard arranged was very helpful, though as expected the itinerary had not been communicated to the driver. Note: The Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square is ideal for guests interested in traditional crafts, but due to its location it is difficult to include in an itinerary unless the tour includes a vehicle.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Lebel Osaka Meet up
    • 9:30 Osaka Castle
    • 11:45 Shinsekai
    • 12:15 Doguyasuji
    • 12:30 Kuromon Market
    • 13:00 Dotonbori Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Kuromon Market The guests were visitors from Europe who were staying in Japan and planning to fly home from Kansai International Airport the next day. They had gathered information online and were traveling around eight cities. Their excellent research skills came through in conversation, and it was clear they had gained many experiences and valuable knowledge at each place they visited. Aside from Osaka Castle, at Shinsekai and Kuromon Market I tried to arrange things so they could enjoy experiences that can only be understood by walking around and seeing them in person. They must have learned a great deal from the various experiences they had in Japan. Since they wanted to spend their remaining time shopping and dining, I introduced them to places to eat and shop in Dotonbori before saying goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagahoribashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba (Subway)180JPY
    Total610JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Ginza Premier, tour explanation, etc.
    •  Move from Ginza to Tsukiji
    • 11:15~12:45 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Move from Tsukiji to Hibiya
    • 13:00~13:30 Imperial Palace
    •     Move from Hibiya to Meiji-jingumae
    • 14:00~15:45 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    •    Move from Harajuku to Shibuya
    • 15:50~16:30 Shibuya sightseeing
    •    Move from Shibuya to Ginza
    • 16:50~ Ginza explanation・Mitsukoshi department store basement food floor
    • 17:00 Tour ends

    What's a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like After Arriving by Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America who began a 6-hour private tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) right after arriving in Tokyo by cruise ship that same day. For the itinerary, I proposed adding Meiji Shrine to the guests' requested spots — Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing — and they said it was "Perfect." The tour was originally scheduled to start at 12:00, but since the ship would arrive a little earlier the day before, we changed it to 11:30. On the morning of the tour, I received a message saying they had arrived at the hotel at 10:00 and could start even earlier. As I had been on standby at the hotel early, we began the tour at 11:00, one hour ahead of the original plan. 1. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple: The guests were very interested in Japanese history and culture, and listened attentively to my explanations of Tsukiji Hongwanji, the history of Tsukiji and the Tsukiji Market, Buddhism, and Shinto. 2. Tsukiji Outer Market: Although it was a national holiday, there were many tourists and many shops were open. The guests enjoyed sampling street food such as daifuku mochi, scallop sashimi, yakitori, and sweet potato chips. They especially loved the tastings and the wasabi sesame, and bought several items. (Since they said lunch was not needed, the snacks were just right.) 3. Imperial Palace: Following the guests' wishes, we avoided the walk to Nijubashi and instead viewed the Imperial Palace from the balcony of a nearby building, while I explained the history of the emperors, the shoguns, and Edo Castle. 4. Meiji Shrine: We strolled through the grounds while I explained about Meiji Shrine and the emperor, and the guests were very taken with the beautiful forest and sacred atmosphere. They were also delighted to see a bride and groom walking, as well as adorable children in kimono who had come for the Shichi-Go-San celebration. 5. Takeshita Street and Omotesando: The guests had been asked by their grandchild to bring back a "Monchhichi" doll, so we searched for a shop selling them and were happy to find exactly what had been requested. 6. Shibuya: We saw the Scramble Crossing they had wanted to visit, and took commemorative photos at the Hachiko statue. They had seen the movie "Hachi," so they were delighted to discover the actual Hachiko statue, which they had not known about. 7. Ginza: Since the hotel was in Ginza, I gave them a list introducing sightseeing spots and shopping in Ginza, guided them to Mitsukoshi, and together confirmed the location of the nearest subway office for the PASMO refund. We ended the tour in front of the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 3TrainHibiya~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Ginza210JPY
    Total900JPY

    About HIDE

    Hello, my name is Hideki (HIDE), a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.
    I spent more than 40 years working in the airline industry, including 12 years living and working overseas.
    During that time, I had extensive opportunities to interact with people from Europe, the United States, and Asia. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for cultural exchange and shaped the warm, attentive hospitality I now bring to my tours.

    My goal is to help visitors enjoy Japan in a relaxed and meaningful way—through not only sightseeing, but also friendly communication, small discoveries, and genuine local experiences. I want guests to leave Japan with a deeper understanding of the culture and a lasting fondness for the country.

    I mainly guide private tours (FIT) in Tokyo, introducing both iconic highlights and hidden local spots that are often missed by first-time visitors. Tours to Kamakura, Hakone, and Nikko can also be arranged upon request.

    Guests often tell me that touring with me feels like traveling with a knowledgeable local friend—something I consider the greatest compliment. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing an enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable time together.

    Languages: English, Indonesian
    Max group size: Up to 4 people
    Contact:
    📱 +81-80-5118-2800 (WhatsApp available)
    📧 morikin57@yahoo.co.jp

    Apr 6, 2026
    Mercedes_G
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great guide in Tokyo
    Wonderful tour with friendly…

    May 30, 2025
    Paradise22352245597
    Great! Hide was the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I did this with my brother on…

    May 15, 2025
    TrishaK454
    Personalized tour with a very lovely guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hide was a delightful guide.…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Imelda_B
    Grateful
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hide was amazing tour guide. He organised our itinerary very well.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Meet at the hotel, confirm the destinations, and depart. 15:00 Arrive at Asakusa. Observation deck on the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Sensoji Temple. 17:10 Arrive at Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando. 18:10 Arrive at Shibuya. Scramble Crossing. 19:20 Arrive at Takanawa Gateway. View from the 28th floor at LUFTBAUM. 20:00 Disband.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour of Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from Asia and was in the country for a trip. Since they wanted to see the most essential places first, we decided to visit Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. In Asakusa, we first enjoyed the view from the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, and then walked to see Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and Senso-ji Temple. At Nakamise, the guest purchased souvenirs such as shuriken as gifts for family, as well as magnets and other items for family and friends. I also helped with picking up a completed set of chopsticks with a personalized name engraving that had been requested by a friend. The weather was fine and the temple grounds looked beautiful, so the guest took many photos. When we moved on to Meiji Shrine it was already dark and the shrine was closed, so I gave an explanation from outside. We walked along Omotesando and I guided the guest to a Harry Potter shop. Since a family member is a big Harry Potter fan, the guest purchased many souvenirs such as magic wands. There was also a moment where the guest chose souvenirs while showing the displayed items over a smartphone. After shopping, the guest seemed very satisfied. We moved to Shibuya, viewed the Scramble Crossing from the second-floor connecting passage, and then crossed the Scramble Crossing. The guest said they were able to take great photos and videos. We then moved to Takanawa Gateway, went up to the 28th floor at Newoman and LUFTBAUM, and enjoyed the night view. The guest commented that it had been a very fulfilling and wonderful tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Gotanda280JPY
    Section 3TrainGotanda~Harajuku170JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Takanawa Gateway180JPY
    Total990JPY

    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!

    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…