Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Shijo

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Shijo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Kyoto Station
    • 11:00-11:05 Kyoto→Inari　150 yen　JR
    • 11:10-12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha sightseeing
    • 12:14-12:23 Fushimi Inari→Gion-Shijo　240 yen　Keihan
    • 12:30-13:40 Gion area・Kennin-ji sightseeing
    • 14:00-14:40 Ramen Kyo
    • 14:50-15:10 Yasaka Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka stroll
    • 15:20-15:50 Kiyomizu-dera sightseeing (not entering inside)
    • 16:00-16:15 Travel by taxi
    • 16:20-16:40 Nishiki Market stroll
    • 16:46-16:50 Shijo→Kyoto　220 yen　Subway
    • 17:00 Disband @ Kyoto Station ticket gate

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day trip to Kyoto for guests visiting Japan, departing from and returning to Tokyo. The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. The tour covered Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Gion area, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests were amazed by the beauty of the thousands of torii gates as well as the crowds. In the Gion area, they listened with great interest to stories about geiko and maiko. As some fatigue set in around Kiyomizu-dera, we did not enter the main hall and instead headed to Nishiki Market. On the way, one of the guests left a phone behind in the taxi, but I immediately called the driver, who turned back and returned it, so all was well. Finally, I saw the guests off at Kyoto Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

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    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Shinkyo Bridge

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at Nikko Hoshinoyado
    • 9:30 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 10:20 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:50 Break at the cafe in Toshogu Shrine Treasure Museum
    • 13:45 Rinnoji Temple
    • 14:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 14:50 Disband just before Nikko Hoshinoyado

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Nikko? A Licensed Guide's Report The afternoon brought a light drizzle, but the weather was generally good and the tour proceeded smoothly. Of the itinerary we had discussed in advance, the guests had already visited Kegon Falls the previous day, so I guided them only through the remaining spots I had planned to cover. The guests were visiting from South America. Since one of them was quite fluent in Japanese, I guided them in both English and Japanese. There were many questions about religion. We had a lively conversation, touching on topics such as, "Japan is well-liked around the world, yet few people wish to move here, and the reasons for that are…" The tour concluded just before reaching the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinkyo/Tobu Bus～Kanaya Hotel History Museum/Tobu Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Gracy Kyoto Sanjo)
    • 8:30-9:10 Travel (Keihan Railway; Keihan Sanjo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 9:10-10:30 Visit Kiyomizu-dera (including Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do)
    • 10:30-10:50 Travel (City Bus; Kiyomizu-michi → Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 10:50:11:40 Visit Sanjusangen-do
    • 11:50-12:40 Lunch (@Sato, near Sanjusangen-do)
    • 12:40-13:00 Travel (Keihan Railway: Keihan Shichijo → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 13:00-13:50 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:50-14:20 Travel (Keihan Railway; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo
    • 14:20-14:30 Travel (on foot; Keihan Sanjo → Hotel)
    • 14:30 After arriving at the hotel, the tour ended and we parted ways with the guests.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto. They were traveling during a holiday break. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. The weather was not as cold as the previous day, making it comfortable for the tour. Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangendo were also less crowded than expected, so we were able to proceed smoothly. At Fushimi Inari, the area around the main hall was so packed that it felt like the first three days of the New Year, but fortunately it was not as crowded near the torii gates, which was a relief. Some of the guests said they especially enjoyed Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo, while others found Fushimi Inari the highlight. There were questions about the meaning of the New Year's Eve bell ringing (108 times), as well as about kadomatsu and gegyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Kiyomizu-Gojo180JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Shichijo / Princess Line～Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)240JPY
    Total830JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hiraizumi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Depart from ｢Hotel Ichinoseki Matsunokaoru｣ ⇒09:20 Arrive at ｢Geibikei Gorge｣⇒09:30 Board the ｢Boat Cruise｣⇒11:00 Return to the ｢Boat Cruise｣ starting point⇒ 11:40 Arrive at ｢Takkoku no Iwaya｣⇒12:30 Arrive at ｢Roadside Station Hiraizumi｣ and have lunch⇒13:10 Arrive at ｢Muryokoin Ruins｣,｢Yanaginogosho Ruins｣⇒13:20 Arrive at ｢Motsuji Temple｣⇒13:50 ｢Kanjizaio-in Ruins｣⇒ 14:00 Arrive at ｢Chusonji Temple｣ Sakanoue Parking Lot ⇒14:05 Arrive at ｢Chusonji Temple Sankozo｣⇒14:30 Arrive at ｢Chusonji Temple Konjikido｣⇒14:50 ｢Chusonji Temple Fukudo (covering hall)｣⇒15:00 Arrive at ｢Chusonji Temple Main Hall｣⇒15:20 Arrive at ｢Chusonji Temple Tsukimizaka Entrance｣⇒15:40 Arrive at ｢Hotel Ichinoseki Matsunokaoru｣

    What Is a Private Tour of Hiraizumi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Geibikei Gorge, Takkoku-no-Iwaya, and Chuson-ji All three guests share a strong interest in Buddhism, and they are all big fans of MLB player Shohei Ohtani. I am also a big fan of Shohei Ohtani, and when I mentioned that Ohtani's birthplace is only about a ten-minute drive from my home, the guests were surprised. This time, at the guests' request, we experienced the boat ride down Geibikei Gorge. The boat ride operates year-round, but in winter a kotatsu is set up inside the boat for warmth. A removable transparent roof is also installed, so during the roughly one-hour boat ride we did not feel much cold. The boat ride through the gorge is a truly spectacular sight. The towering rock walls on both sides create the illusion that they are leaning toward you. The boatman had a great sense of humor, and the guests were delighted. The boatman's rendition of the "Oiwake" song had an emotional quality that resonated with the heart regardless of language. Of the roughly twenty passengers on board, more than half were travelers from overseas. What was unfortunate was that there was no snow at all in the gorge. Leaving Geibikei behind, our next destination was Takkoku-no-Iwaya. The first thing that surprises visitors at the Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamon-do is that a sheer cliff (a cave) serves as the back wall of the hall, with the upper part of the cliff jutting out and used almost like part of the roof. It is quite powerful. The Buddha image carved into the cliff on the left side of the Bishamon-do also arouses interest. That day was cloudy, so it seemed difficult to make out the face of the cliff-carved Buddha. However, it was the guests who first spotted a small hornet's nest a little above the carved Buddha. After a while, the guests were also able to see the face of the carved Buddha. Among the guests was someone whose legs were not in the best condition, yet they climbed up and down the rather steep stairs to pray to the principal image inside the hall — truly reflecting their devotion to Buddhism. Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamon-do is a temple known for offering the most powerful protective charm, but unfortunately that day the "most powerful charm" was sold out and we could not obtain one. At Takkoku-no-Iwaya, the guests asked me, "Why does a temple have three torii gates?" At that moment the word "syncretism" from "the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism" did not come to me, so I explained, "In the Edo period there was something called the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, where the two were on good terms, and it was common to have torii gates and Buddhist statues within the same grounds," and they kindly accepted my explanation. I also added that at Chuson-ji there is a shrine called Hakusan Shrine right next to the Konjikido. At Takkoku-no-Iwaya we ended up spending nearly twice as much time as planned. The next destination after Takkoku-no-Iwaya was supposed to be Motsu-ji, but since it was lunchtime, after consulting with the guests, we changed it to Michi-no-Eki Hiraizumi. The guests chose the pork cutlet and fried shrimp set meal. I had the same. The guests treated me to lunch. While eating, there was a question about the difference between "tempura" and "fried shrimp (ebi fry)." The guests said both are "deep fried" and asked if they were the same, but I could only explain that the "batter" is different. I could not explain that "ebi fry developed from Western-style cuisine, while shrimp tempura is part of Japanese cuisine." I also regretted not being able to say that "shrimp tempura uses flour dissolved in water, while ebi fry uses flour, egg, and breadcrumbs." There was also a conversation about the "New Year's Eve bell." It concerns the 108 earthly desires, and I explained that "shiku-hakku" (the four sufferings and eight sufferings) works out to 4×9=36 and 8×9=72, which added together makes 108. After this, I explained Muryoko-in and the Yanagi-no-Gosho site while in the car, and we headed to Motsu-ji. At Motsu-ji we prayed at the main hall, but since we were running short on time, we skipped the circuit of the garden. I explained the neighboring Kanjizaio-in while in the car, and we headed to Chuson-ji. Since one of the guests had trouble with their legs, we took a taxi and got off at the Chuson-ji Saka-no-ue parking lot. From here we walked up a short slope and arrived at the Sankozo in about five minutes. Right inside the Sankozo there are three Joroku Buddha statues, and the guests were amazed at their size. All three are seated statues, standing about 2.4 meters tall. If they were to stand up, they would be about 5 meters tall. In addition to the Joroku Buddhas, the guests viewed the seated Dainichi Nyorai and the standing Thousand-Armed Kannon with great interest. After the Sankozo comes the Konjikido. The Konjikido at Chuson-ji is the highlight of the tour. At the Konjikido, an explanation lasting several minutes is broadcast inside the hall over the public address system. Because it was New Year's Eve, entry to the Konjikido was allowed only until 15:00. Since there were far fewer Japanese tourists than usual, I asked if they could switch to the English audio, and they kindly switched the broadcast to English right away. The guests were delighted by this. After the Konjikido we prayed at the Chuson-ji main hall, but perhaps because of preparations for the New Year's visit, the entire hall was filled with a busy atmosphere. On our way quickly to the entrance of Tsukimi-zaka, the guests seemed to be taking in the entire view of Hiraizumi from the Higashi-monomi lookout. Just as we reached the entrance of Tsukimi-zaka, our taxi was already waiting for us. Thanks to that, we were able to board the taxi right away, which was a great help. Since we had gone considerably over time, we skipped the rest house we had planned to visit and left Chuson-ji, heading toward the hotel in Ichinoseki. The guests said they would come to Chuson-ji again the next day for their New Year's visit, and that they would like to take a taxi to the Hiraizumi rest house at that time. I was glad that even the guest who had concerns about their legs was able to return safely to the hotel.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

    Hello and welcome! If you’re an inbound guest, I’d like to extend a warm greeting to you. I hope you have a pleasant stay in our beautiful city. If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask – I’m here to assist! My name’s Toshiya Ozawa. Please call me Toshi. I have 25 years’ experience as National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter guiding in English. Presently, I live in Ohsyu-shi, Iwate-ken where the Major Baseball player Shohei Ohtani was born and bred. The followings are the places where I attended as a tour guide for your reference. [Guide experience] Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Japan’s largest lake Lake biwa and Azuchi-jyo Ruins in Shiga prefecture. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara:Horyu-ji, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple. Former Site of the Imperial Palace at Heijokyo, Todaiji Temple, along with Kasugataisha Shrine and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. Koyasan (Shukubo Rengejo-in) shukubo literally means sleeping with the monks. Yagyu-no-sato (or the swordsman village of Yagyu), known as the home of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu (traditional style of swordsmanship), is located in Northeast of Nara-city with rich natural environment. In Kyoto: JR Kyoto Station, The Golden Pavilion, World Heritage Site Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle, Ryoan-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple. In Mie Prefecture: Ise Shrine, Wadakin (Japan’s one of the best wagyu-beef restaurant, Matsusaka-shi). In Shiga prefecture: Mother Lake Lake Biwa, Azuchi Castle ruins.
    In Tokyo: Meiji shrine, Odaiba, Imperial Palace, Takeshita Street in Harajyuku, Akihabara (the otaku mecca and has its own unique atmosphere), Asakusa Kannon (Bodhisattva of Mercy) Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Tower.
    In Shizuoka Prefecture: Mt. Fuji.
    In Aichi prefecture: 1. Atsuta Shrine 2. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 3. Inuyama Castle (Inuyama-shi) 4. Ohsu Shopping District 5. Konomiya Naked Festival (Inazawa-shi) 6.Tagata Jinja Shrine’s Honen Festival 7. Toyota Automobile Museum (Nagakute-shi) 8. Thousand Rice Paddies of Yotsuya (Yotsuya Senmaida) (Shinshiro-shi) 9. Asuke/Korankei (Toyota-shi Asuke-cho) 10. Chubu Centrair International Airport 11. Rest Stop (Highway Oasis Kariya, Donguri-no-sato Inabu)


    10 years’ experience in a trading operations position and 7 years’ experience as an Exporting Manager and 5 years’ experience as a Domestic Sales Representative: All of the experiences above included contacts with respective customers both externally and internally.
    I spent more than 2 years in the United States and Canada. Attended Kibbutz Hebrew class for six months in Israel.


    Aug1991– present MASPRO DENKOH Corporation, Aichi prefecture in Japan.
    Sales presentative/Exporting Manager “Export of TV reception and related equipment to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand”
    Negotiated prices and specifications with the makers “Drafting and arranging the needed documentations requested by custom houses”
    OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supply of CS antennas to SONY Corporation
    OEM supply of U.S. DirecTV Satellite Dish Antenna Dual LNB to Sony Corporation
    Attended the customers from overseas when they came to the head office
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O. (engaged in direct report to the company president)
    Import of invaluable western style paintings, Japanese potteries and porcelains
    Export of receiver and transmitter for Qualcomm Omni TRACS Ku-band satellite fleet tracking system in the U.S.
    Export of CATV Tap-off for Time Warner Cable in the U.S. OEM supply of ETC In-Vehicle Unit in Singapore to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
    Apr. 1989–March 1991, employed by ESPO Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Manager of secretarial section to the C.E.O
    Interpreter, translator to the C.E.O “Assisted M&A transactions”
    Formula 1 ESPO-LARROUSSE Team negotiation and interpreter. Was in charge of training new staff (26 university graduates )
    Supervised new graduate recruitment activities as a part of training new staff and successfully recruited 40 prospective employees
    Apr 1976 – March 1991 Nissait English School in Tokyo, Japan
    1989 Director of Nissait English School “Management of English schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture”
    Instructor: Taught English conversation more than 1000 students “Was in charge of training new instructors (12 vocational college graduates )”
    Supervised new student recruitment activities as a part of training new instructors and successfully recruited 420 students at ten different schools for 5 years
    Was in charge of International Exchange program
    Chaperoned and supervised 160 Japanese youth delegates for cultural immersion homestays in the U.S.A. and Canada.
    Education: In 1976, Completed the curriculum at a university, received a degree of B.A. in Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University, in Tokyo.


    Windows MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint


    Certified as a National Licensed English-Speaking Tour Guide in 2009 (License No. Aichi EN00307)
    Passed Grade 1 of the EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency in 1989.

    Request Booking

    Apr 29, 2026
    447dags
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full service tour of Morioka
    Full service tour with Toshiya Ozawa, who…

    Apr 2, 2025
    Calder_L
    Best way to spend the afternoon in Morioka.
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshisan was an amazing…

    Jun 14, 2024
    Pelle S
    Great insights on Morioka!
    Tripadvisor review: Morioka Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi-san is a very knowledable guide with…

    May 30, 2024
    Juan Ignacio G
    Experiencia recomendable!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiraizumi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi nos acompañó con mucho entusiasmo a recorrer…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi
    • 09:05　Walk to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 09:15～10:15　@East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 10:30　Take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line via Nihonbashi to Asakusa
    • 11:00　@Asakusa (Nakamise)
    • 11:30　Lunch @Tsurujiro (monjayaki)
    • 12:40　@Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Rokku)
    • 14:00　Take the Ginza Line to Shibuya
    • 14:30　@Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing, Center Gai)
    • 15:00　Disperse @Shibuya Station ticket gate

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Although this was a last-minute booking made just two days before the tour, we were able to exchange emails the day before, so on the day itself we met and set off smoothly. Since some of the guests had a connection to a location in the Tohoku region, I first helped them issue their Tohoku Shinkansen tickets for the following day at Tokyo Station, for which they were very grateful. The guests were also very interested in history and culture, and listened attentively to my explanations both at the East Gardens and in Asakusa. At Nakamise, I bought them some kibi dango and rice crackers, and gave them a pair of chopsticks as a souvenir, which they were also very pleased with. They kindly wrote a wonderful review, and overall I believe they were very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Total470JPY

    Tour Report by May

    Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
    I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
    Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
    I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
    I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.

    Request Booking

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    Introduction to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide ‘May’ had emailed us several times…

    Aug 31, 2026
    Charlene_E
    You get to experience…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    You get to experience moving…

    Aug 31, 2026
    labrinir2016
    Excellent- best in class.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We booked a private tour…

    Jul 16, 2026
    fernandorM8865OM
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Memorable day
    We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…

  • Tokyo: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & ASAKUSA/Senso-ji

    Tokyo: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & ASAKUSA/Senso-ji

    Tokyo Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at Hotel Asia Center of Japan
    • 7:30 1 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 8:45 2 NEZU
    • 10:00 3 ASAKUSA/Senso-ji
    • 11:15 See off at the Shibuya Station

    What Is a New Year's Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since we had coordinated the itinerary several times in advance through a messaging app, the guiding went smoothly. We built a good rapport during our conversations, which helped everyone feel at ease. Despite it being the New Year holiday, we were able to visit Meiji Shrine just after 7:30 without having to wait in line. There was plenty to talk about, including people visiting the shrine on their first working day of the year. Since they planned to take a limited express train to Kusatsu the next day, I showed them the boarding platform at Ueno Station. As they were heading to Jiyugaoka for a lunch reservation, I saw them off to Shibuya and took my leave.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNogizaka～Meiji-jingumae～Nezu, Ueno～Asakusa～Shibuya700JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Total850JPY

    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
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    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Checkpoint & Owakudani

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Checkpoint & Owakudani

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:05 Meet the guests at Hakone-Yumoto Station and help them purchase the Hakone Free Pass.
    • 09:25 Take the bus to Hakone Checkpoint ruins.
    • 10:05~10:50 Tour the Hakone Checkpoint.
    • 10:50~11:25 Walk through the old Tokaido cedar avenue and Moto-Hakone Port to Hakone Shrine.
    • 11:25~11:55 Visit Hakone Shrine.
    • 11:55~12:45 Return to Moto-Hakone Port and spend time in the area, such as taking out bread for lunch.
    • 12:45~13:10 Board the pirate ship to Togendai Port.
    • 13:15~13:40 Take the ropeway to Owakudani.
    • 13:40~14:05 Stroll around Owakudani.
    • 14:10~14:50 Take the ropeway to Sounzan, then the cable car to Koen-shimo, to the Japanese tea cafe "Chaseki".
    • 14:50~15:35 Have tea at "Chaseki".
    • 15:53 Take the train departing from Gora to Hakone-Yumoto.
    • 16:31 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station and disband.

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was excellent, and all the transportation ran smoothly with minimal waiting time, making for a comfortable trip. The air was especially clear, and Mount Fuji remained crisp and beautiful even into the afternoon, which delighted the guests. On the bus to the Hakone Checkpoint, one of the guests experienced mild motion sickness, but recovered while touring the checkpoint. The guests seemed interested in history and asked me many questions enthusiastically at the checkpoint and at Hakone Shrine. At the pirate ship, the ropeway, and Owakudani, they enjoyed the scenery. At the tea house, they were able to enjoy Japanese tea through three infusions, allowing them to compare the flavors, and they were satisfied that it was an interesting experience. At the entrance of the tea house, one of the guests tripped on a step and fell to one knee. It was a startling moment, but fortunately it did not result in anything serious. I keenly felt that I need to say "mind the step" frequently to the guests. (This may also have been related to the earlier motion sickness on the Hakone bus.) As another reflection, I thought that whether walking (public transportation) or traveling by car is preferable depends on various conditions such as the weather, timing, and location. (Hakone Shrine, Owakudani, and other areas seemed to have heavy traffic congestion for cars.)

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station～Hakone Checkpoint ruins6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassPirate Ship Moto-Hakone Port～Togendai Port0JPY
    Section 3Free PassHakone Ropeway Togendai～Owakudani0JPY
    Section 4Free PassHakone Ropeway Owakudani～Sounzan0JPY
    Section 5Free PassHakone Cable Car Sounzan～Koen-shimo0JPY
    Section 6Free PassGora～Hakone-Yumoto0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

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    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
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  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Tsustsujiso Bus

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Tsustsujiso Bus

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:42 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) [Meet]
    • 09:55 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop (09:45 bus was full)
    • by town bus (special delivery)
    • 10:00 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • on foot looking around Art of House Project (Kadoya, Minamidera)
    • 10:10~11:05 Naoshima New Museum of Art (including coffee break)
    • 11:14 Momoyama Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 11:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 11:25 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 11:32 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 11:45~13:15 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch at the café in the museum)
    • on foot
    • 13:30~14:05 Lee Ufan Museum and Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 14:15~15:10 Benesse House Museum and Outdoor Art Works (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • on foot
    • 15:16 Tsustsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 15:29 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 15:45[Say goodbye]

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Naoshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from Europe. On this day it was a day trip from Osaka, and the guest had woken up early and left the hotel in Osaka at 6:00. This was their fifth visit to Japan, and on this trip they were visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Naoshima, Osaka, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo, staying from late December into early January. The guest said they had also visited Hokkaido and Okinawa in Japan before. The reason they chose Naoshima this time was that a photo shown to them by a friend made them want to visit. Many guests come to Naoshima through word of mouth. As the guest seemed to love traveling, I asked about it and learned that they spend part of the year in Europe and travel the world the rest of the time. I wanted to ask discreetly how they managed their income, but I could not quite figure it out. Among their favorite past travel destinations, they mentioned Italy, France, and Indonesia. The guest listened very attentively and noticed even small details, which made guiding them enjoyable. The guest also expressed plenty of gratitude.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture～Nokyomae / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusMomoyama / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    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…
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    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
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  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hilton Kyoto, departure　➡　By taxi, Nijo Castle (10:20~11:20)　➡　By taxi, Sanjusangen-do (12:00~12:50)　➡　By taxi, Heian Shrine (13:20~14:00)　➡　Disband in front of Heian Shrine, guests board taxi, see-off (14:10)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Who Need a Step-Free Route? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had corresponded in advance and we had decided on a route of "Ginkaku-ji → Okochi Sanso Garden → Nijo Castle," but after meeting the guests, it became clear that one of them had difficulty with vision and also had trouble with stairs and walking, so with the guests' agreement we changed to a flatter, as step-free as possible route of "Nijo Castle → Sanjusangen-do → Heian Shrine." We used a taxi for getting around. One private taxi had a sign saying "10% off for those aged 70 and over," so when I mentioned it to the guests, they happily said that a discount was very welcome. Of course, they received the 10% discount.

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

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
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    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
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    SuperGC68
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    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 11:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:45 Masjid Nusantara (Muslim prayer room)
    • 13:00 Akihabara
    • 13:35 Asakusa (Skytree photos), gave up on visiting Sensoji Temple due to access restrictions
    • 14:10 Lunch @Asakusa Sushi Ken
    • 14:40 Kappabashi Kitchen Town (bought kitchen knife)
    • 15:40 Meiji Shrine (gave up on visiting due to access restrictions from the large number of worshippers)
    • 16:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:50 Disband at Hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Guide's Report The weather was good, and the tour went smoothly. We started at Shibuya Station by exchanging a pre-purchased 48-hour subway pass. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided the guests from Otemachi to Takebashi. As there was a request, I took the guests to a prayer room, and the prayer took about five minutes. We walked through Akihabara toward Asakusa, but we were not able to visit Senso-ji Temple. The guests did not seem particularly concerned about this. After lunch at a requested Halal sushi restaurant, there was a sudden request to buy a kitchen knife, so we headed to Kappabashi. After the purchase, we visited Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street, and the tour ended at the Hotel. A tip was received.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi～Akihabara0JPY
    Section 3Free PassSuehirocho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTawaramachi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    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
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    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
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    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
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