Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & Naoshima Port

    Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & Naoshima Port

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:45 JR Clement Inn Takamatsu [Meet]
    • on foot
    • 08:12 Takamatsu Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:02 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • 09:07 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by Triennale Express Bus
    • 09:17 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 09:20~10:25 Benesse House Museum & Outdoor Artworks
    • 10:33 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 10:37 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 11:15~12:30 Chichu Art Museum
    • 12:47 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Triennalle Express Bus
    • 12:55 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • lunch at Naoshima Shokudo
    • visit “Yellow Pumpkin”
    • 13:54 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop (13:45 bus arrived 9 minutes behind)
    • by Triennale Express Bus
    • 13:58 Naoshima New Museum of Art Bus Stop (Momoyama)
    • 14:05~15:20 Naoshima New Museum of Art
    • on foot
    • 15:30~15:50 House Art Project (look around Minamidera, Kadoya from outside)
    • 15:56 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • Stand in line for the ferry to Takamatsu (the ferry is so crowded that we need to do it at least 1 hour before the departure)
    • 17:05 Naoshima(Miyanoura) Port
    • by ferry (the special delivery one)
    • 18:05 Takamatsu Port
    • on foot
    • 18:15 JR Clement Inn Takamatsu [Say Goodbye]

    What Is a Private Naoshima Art Tour Like During the Setouchi Triennale? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from South America. They had chosen Naoshima because they love art and it had been recommended to them. This was their first visit to Japan, arriving in October and departing in November. During this time, they planned to travel through Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, seeing Naoshima last before returning home from Tokyo. They had a calm demeanor. Whereas most guests want their photo taken with the yellow pumpkin in the background, this guest was happy simply to photograph the yellow pumpkin itself. Naoshima was in the middle of the Setouchi Triennale, which runs until November 9, and despite the rain the crowds were extraordinary. At Takamatsu Port, we had to line up one hour in advance to buy tickets, and at Naoshima Port, boarding the ferry to Takamatsu also required lining up one hour ahead. On this day as well, an extra ferry to Takamatsu was added, and although we had been waiting in line for an hour, we were suddenly redirected to board the additional ferry. The arrival time in Takamatsu was only about 5 to 10 minutes late, so there was no real problem. Even though it was a rainy day and Naoshima was crowded, the guest was very pleased, and I was glad we were able to complete the tour safely.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryTakamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)～Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)680JPY
    Section 2BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Benesse House Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 3BusChichu Art Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 4BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Naoshima New Museum of Art / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 5BusNokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 6FerryMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)680JPY
    Total2,360JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00　Meet up @Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
    • 2. 10:10　@Roppongi (Roppongi Crossing, Almond, Tokyo Midtown Entrance)
    • 3. 10:20　@The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 4. 11:00　@Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 12:00　@Ginza (Mitsukoshi, 4-chome Crossing, WAKO, Kimuraya, Kyukyodo)
    • 6. 12:30　@Imperial Palace (Sakurada-mon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 7. 13:10　@Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, JR Central Shinkansen Ticket Office)
    • 8. 14:00　@Roppongi Midtown Underground Eat-in・Food Court
    • 9. 14:20　Dismissal @Roppongi Midtown Ground-level Entrance

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Europe, arriving via a connecting route. They were on a roughly two-week trip around Japan, planning to spend two days sightseeing in Tokyo before visiting Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Takayama, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. Since no specific destinations had been requested in advance, on the morning of the tour we agreed to spend four hours visiting Tokyo's major sights with the itinerary left to the guide. On the way from the hotel to the subway station, I showed the guests around the Roppongi area, and since they took an interest in the National Art Center, Tokyo, I also introduced its interior space. They took many photographs. At Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, I recommended and helped them purchase a PASMO card that they could use throughout the rest of their trip in Japan, and they rode the Japanese subway for the first time. At Meiji Shrine, the guests were impressed by the chrysanthemum flowers on display. They mentioned that smaller chrysanthemums also exist where they are from, but not the large-bloom varieties. In Ginza, they showed interest in a traditional stationery store, but planned to return to Ginza for shopping after touring the regions and coming back to Tokyo before departure. At the Imperial Palace, when I explained about the Japanese Imperial family, the guests shared that in their home region the law had been changed so that women now also have the right of succession. At Tokyo Station, there was a procedure related to a JR Pass, so I assisted at the reserved Shinkansen ticket counter. By this point we were nearly at the end of the tour time, so we decided to head back toward Roppongi, where the hotel was located. Since the guests planned to visit Asakusa on their own the next day, I explained how to get there by subway, and as they had reserved the Romancecar to Hakone, I also explained access to Shinjuku Station. I introduced a casual dining spot in the basement of Roppongi Midtown. In addition, I took them back to an entrance we had passed on the way out in the morning, which had not yet opened before its 11:00 opening time and so we had been unable to pass through, and we said our goodbyes in front of a gate designed to evoke the image of a shrine torii.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station～Meiji-jingumae Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Ginza Line Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station～Hibiya Line Roppongi Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    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!

    Request Booking

    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 12:00 ~ Nishiki Market 12:30 (meal) ~ Ninna-ji Temple 15:00 ~ Gion 17:40 End at 18:00

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at the Hotel at 12:00 as scheduled. The guests had visited To-ji Temple in the morning and seemed interested in Shingon Buddhism. The group was very cheerful, often joking and laughing, and kindly chatted with me in a friendly manner. At Nishiki Market, the group enjoyed grilled seafood skewers such as scallops and squid, and for lunch we went to an izakaya-style restaurant where they had udon, kushikatsu, and namafu dengaku. We enjoyed riding the Randen tram to Ninna-ji Temple. There was a shogi tournament at Ninna-ji, so the palace was not open for viewing, but we strolled through the treasure hall, the garden, the main hall, and the five-story pagoda. On the way back, we traveled to Kawaramachi by bus and train, and at the guests' request I introduced some of the highlights of Gion before ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainSaiin (Hankyu Line)～Omuro Ninnaji250JPY
    Section 3TrainOmuro Ninnaji / Kyoto Municipal Bus～Shijo Karasuma / Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainKarasuma～Kyoto Kawaramachi170JPY
    Section 5TrainKarasuma～Saiin (Hankyu Line)170JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 2. 11:30 Tour Nijo Castle
    • 3. 13:45 Tea break at Starbucks inside Sanjo Keihan Station
    • 4. 14:30 Tour the Gion area (Tatsumi Shrine, Hanamikoji) and Yasaka Shrine
    • 5. 15:30 Tour Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
    • 6. 16:45 Tour Kiyomizu-dera grounds and the "Yasaka Pagoda," then take a taxi to Kyoto Station
    • 7. 17:00 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera Body: It rained throughout the day, but I was able to enjoyably guide a group visiting from North America. At Nijo Castle, I explained the relationship between the shogun and the emperor, as well as the difference between outer feudal lords and direct retainer lords, while guiding the group through each room of the Ninomaru Palace. When I explained the difficult topic of the restoration of imperial rule as clearly as possible using the example of the Capitol and the White House, the group seemed to understand it well. From Nijo Castle we moved on to Gion. During a tea break before entering Gion, I explained the difference between maiko and geiko and the demanding life of a maiko, and then guided the group to Tatsumi Shrine and Hanamikoji Street. Among the group, one of the guests was very curious, and most of the many questions came from that person. Another of the guests enjoyed photography and had many photos taken by another of the guests. At this point the rain grew heavy and moving around became difficult, but we managed to make our way from Gion to Yasaka Shrine, and after paying our respects we passed through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. By the time we reached the area in front of the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, one of the guests finally decided to stop, so at the group's request we did not enter the temple. We took commemorative photos at the Yasaka Pagoda, returned to Kyoto Station by taxi, and parted ways there.

    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)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo Keihan～Gion-Shijo180JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Request Booking

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 11:00-Shimizu Station~Higashi-Shizuoka Station~Yume Terrace~Ropeway Entrance~Toshogu 13:00-Ropeway Entrance~Higashi-Shizuoka Station~Kashi no Ichi 15:00-Miho no Matsubara~Port 17:00

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka's Mount Fuji Views and Kunozan Toshogu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met successfully at the port, and headed to Yume Terrace before the rain started, where the guests could enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Then we took the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and made a smooth climb up to the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The guests listened attentively to my explanations along the way. The guests were visitors from Europe, and we enjoyed communicating in English. Since English was a foreign language for both of us, we could relate to one another about its challenges. After that, we returned to Shimizu Station and enjoyed a delicious tuna cutlet rice bowl at the Kashi-no-Ichi riverside market, then headed to Miho no Matsubara. As it began to rain, we wrapped up early and returned to the port to say goodbye. The guests waved with big smiles, so I felt they had enjoyed their time.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHatoba Verkehr Museum／Shizutetsu Just Line～Shimizu Station／Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Section 2OtherShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)～Higashi-Shizuoka400JPY
    Section 3BusHigashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit／Shizutetsu Just Line～Nihondaira Ropeway／Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 4BusNihondaira Ropeway／Shizutetsu Just Line～Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit／Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 5OtherShimizu Station／Shizutetsu Just Line～Miho no Matsubara Entrance／Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
    Section 6BusMiho no Matsubara Entrance／Shizutetsu Just Line～Hatoba Verkehr Museum／Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Total2,520JPY

    Tour Report by Acchan

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Request Booking

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Niigata in One Day: Welcome at Niigata East Port

    Niigata in One Day: Welcome at Niigata East Port

    Niigata Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Welcome at Niigata East Port
    • 9:45-10:30 Former Saito Residence
    • 10:45-11:10 Hakusan Shrine
    • 11:20-12:00 Photograph Bandai Bridge from the banks of the Shinano River → Bakauke Observatory
    • 12:10-13:00 Shopping at Pier Bandai, light lunch on the terrace
    • 13:15-13:40 Tasting and shopping at Ponshu-kan
    • 13:50-14:45 Tour of Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery
    • 15:15 Niigata East Port

    Title: What's a Private Car Tour of Niigata City from the Cruise Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Initially the tour was not planned with a vehicle, but I recommended a private vehicle and they later added one. I would like to thank [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for all the helpful advice provided at that time. On this occasion, a ship that had called at Niigata Higashi Port was carrying more than 4,000 passengers, so the parking lots at every sightseeing spot in Niigata City were completely full. Hakusan Shrine was also crowded with guests from bus tours, but I had arranged in advance for the priest to give an explanation, so we were able to make our visit smoothly and efficiently. The person who served as our point of contact had researched Instagram and YouTube thoroughly in advance and had a clear idea of where they wanted to go in Niigata. Because of this, quite a bit of planning was required to cover all of the desired locations within the available time, and I felt some pressure. However, everyone was a strong walker and kept moving along steadily, so in the end we completed the itinerary without any problems. When I saw the guests off at Niigata Higashi Port, we ran about 15 minutes over the scheduled time. I had understood that the 15-minute extension fee would be settled in cash on the spot between the taxi company and the guests, but the taxi driver said that the extension fee would be billed through [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/). I was not able to press the driver any further on this, so I apologize if I have misunderstood. Thank you for your assistance.

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

    Tour Report by KAYOKO

    Hello. I’m Kayoko. I’m registered as a National Licensed Guide Interpreter by Tokyo Metropolitan City Government.
    I had been living in Yamagata City, 400 kilometers north up to Tokyo for 1 and 3 months, and now just have come back to Tokyo. I really enjoyed living in Yamagata.
    My hobby is horse riding and playing some musical instruments such as piano, clarinet, euphonium and tuba.
    Thanks to my riding experience, I had a special opportunity to do volunteer works at 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the equestrian venue in Tokyo.
    I am also a certified kimono instructor and can help you dress in the traditional Japanese kimono.
    I’m really looking forward to meeting you.

    Request Booking

    May 28, 2025
    X3079KNdeans
    Sado Island Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Sado Island was a beautiful place with many attractions and sites to see.…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 13:00 Start in front of the bus stop at Omicho Market
    • Travel on foot to Oyama Shrine
    • PM 13:15-14:45 Tour Oyama Shrine, Gyokusen-in, Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • PM 14:45-15:30 Tour Kenrokuen Park
    • PM 15:45 Tour ends in front of Hirosaka, 21st Century Museum (due to one group of guests feeling chills)

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and Omicho Market The guests were a group from North America. On the day of the tour, since they were joining a food tour at Omicho, the meet-up point was suddenly changed from the Hotel to Omicho Market. The weather forecast for the day called for rain, but it managed not to rain until we finished visiting Kenrokuen Garden, so I felt relieved. However, after visiting Kenrokuen, some of the guests said they were feeling chills and wished to leave the tour and return to the Hotel. I discussed with the rest of the group, who wanted to continue the tour, but in the end all of the guests decided together to end the tour. They had woken up at 4:30 this morning and traveled from Tokyo, and since they also had a tour to Shirakawa-go the following day, they wanted to rest a little at the Hotel. The tour ended at 15:45.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Rinn Gion Hanatorou
    • 11:30 to 12:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:50 to 13:40 Nijo Castle
    • 14:20 to 14:50 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Disband at Randen Arashiyama Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America. They were close friends and big fans of Japan, and had long wanted to travel to Japan together, which led to this trip. Despite that, they had made almost no plans in advance. They were scheduled to stay in Kyoto for several days, but did not seem to have decided where to go on the following days, so I introduced them to the generally popular spots in both the eastern and western parts of Kyoto. I hope they enjoy their time in Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto)240JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 5TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
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    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet　10:30 Take the hotel shuttle car to Sounzan　By ropeway to Owakudani　Return to　Sounzan　Via Gora　13:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum　After strolling　15:25 Board the hotel shuttle car at the Open-Air Museum　Disband　The guests themselves return to the hotel (since the shuttle car stops at Gora Station, expected to arrive at the hotel around 16:00)　Wait for the 16:30 hired car　To Odawara Station.

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour to Owakudani and the Open-Air Museum Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had explored the ropeway, the pirate ship, and a shrine on their own the previous day, but had passed by Owakudani, so today they requested a round trip to Owakudani along with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which I arranged. Perhaps thanks to that, an almost perfect view of Mount Fuji was waiting from Owakudani, drawing loud cheers. They also tried the black eggs. Next, at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, one of the guests had a special interest in the exhibits. The rest of the group became completely relaxed and lively throughout the grounds. One of the guests, who at first struggled to keep up and seemed discouraged, ended up leading the way toward the end, running around as if it were a playground rather than a museum.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop・Otemae Park
    • 10:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:30 @ Kokoen
    • 13:15 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and the tour proceeded smoothly. They appeared very satisfied with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. In the adjacent Otemae Park, a nationwide pottery fair was being held starting today, and the guests stopped by and purchased small Kutani-ware items. Although it was rainy today, entry to the castle was frequently restricted due to the large number of visitors, including many students on excursions and school trips. At Koko-en Garden, one of the guests enthusiastically took many photographs. At the final stop, Nadagiku Sake Brewery, the guests listened attentively to the guide's explanations. They also enjoyed a tasting experience and purchased sake and sake cups as souvenirs. The guests were delighted with a handmade drawstring pouch, and they kindly gave me a tablecloth from Oceania as a gift.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
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