Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:10 Meet at Hotel Osaka ➡ Osaka Castle (15:50~17:00) ➡ Shitennoji Temple (17:30~18:00) ➡ Namba・Dotonbori (18:30~19:00) ➡ End at Dotonbori Bridge near the hotel (19:00)

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting from Europe who had arrived in Osaka just one hour earlier. Another member of the group had planned to join but was resting at the hotel due to feeling unwell, so when we met, the guests said they wished to see only the castle and the temple (based on the itinerary decided in advance) and return to the hotel early. I said I felt bad since it was a 6-hour tour, but they said it was their own circumstances. I guided them to Osaka Castle (they wished to see only the exterior) and Shitennoji Temple (viewing hours had already ended, but the illuminated five-story pagoda was beautiful), and finally showed them Dotonbori near the hotel. We parted with my wishes for the recovery of the group member. Since that member was looking forward to Halloween the next day and was also interested in Japanese vintage clothing, I introduced Amerikamura (which has many vintage clothing shops), located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsakajokoen~Tennoji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Total610JPY

    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!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at HOSHINOYA Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 At Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 12:00 At Shibuya
    • 4. 13:00 At Ginza (4-chome intersection, Mitsukoshi, Kyukyodo, pharmacy)
    • 5. 13:30 At the Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 6. 14:00 At Tokyo Station
    • 7. 14:30 Lunch at Kamatake Udon (inside Tokyo Station Yaekita Shokudo)
    • 8. 15:10 At Nihonbashi (Takashimaya basement food hall)
    • 9. 15:30 At Asakusa
    • 10. 16:15 At Akihabara
    • 11. 16:30  Disband at Yodobashi Camera entrance

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Europe. Their accommodation required removing shoes before reaching the lobby, which they described as "a completely new type of stay." Since they planned to travel to other areas such as Kyoto and Hiroshima after Tokyo, I checked their itinerary and learned that they would also be staying at a traditional inn during their trip. At Meiji Shrine, they actively took part in the water purification ritual and prayer, enjoying the solemn atmosphere. In Shibuya, the Hachiko statue was already covered to avoid the Halloween chaos and could not be seen. As an alternative, I asked whether they were interested in a café where robots provide service, and since they were, I guided them to Pepper Parlor. They loved it, took many photos, and even planned to return the following day. In Ginza, one of the guests had a scratchy throat, so they bought throat lozenges at a pharmacy. We had an udon lunch at the Yaekita food court at Tokyo Station, where they enjoyed a set of negitoro-don and udon, as well as tempura. One of the guests ordered zaru udon based on the menu photo, but after it was served, they mentioned they do not eat cold udon, and as the guide I felt regretful that my explanation had been insufficient. Still, they were satisfied with everything else, saying it was "very delicious." After Asakusa, so that they could enjoy shopping on their own, I additionally guided them to Akihabara, which they had been interested in, and we parted ways at the entrance of Yodobashi Akiba.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station700JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihombashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Total850JPY

    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!…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40 Hotel Meet 11:04 From the Hakone Glass Forest Museum by bus, via Gora Kowakien 12:30 Motohakone, after strolling along the shore of Lake Ashi 13:00 Hakone Checkpoint, Maruyama Bussan, Hakone Checkpoint, Old Cedar Avenue, strolling 14:15 Lunch at Donburi Chaya 15:00 Pirate ship from Hakonemachi Port 15:45 Togendai, ropeway, from Owakudani ropeway to Sounzan, by cable car to Gora Station, arriving 17:00, guide to the bus stop heading to the hotel and disband 17:5

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a friendly group from the Middle East. One of the guests had visited Tokyo several times before, while it was the first visit to Japan for the other. They had researched a great deal online and knew more than I did about things like the timing of the autumn foliage, and they were looking forward to their upcoming travels in western Japan. One of the guests took photos everywhere with an expensive camera, and since the autumn colors had already begun—likely unlike back home—I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of Hakone. At the very last moment, Mount Fuji also made an appearance, which was a relief. Since they would be in Hakone again the next day, I introduced the locations of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, and the Okada Museum of Art as we passed them along today's bus route. Today they also tried soba noodles for the first time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    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

    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
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Ishikawa: Gokayama Iwase House & Shirakawa-go

    Ishikawa: Gokayama Iwase House & Shirakawa-go

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
    • 10:20-11:10 Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, Oyama Shrine
    • 12:00 -12:40 Gokayama Iwase House
    • 13:20 – 14:30 Shirakawa-go
    • 15:30-17:30 Takayama (Hida Kokubunji Temple, Jinya, Sanmachi Street
    • 19:30 Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests could only spend one day in Kanazawa and wanted to see a little of the city before heading to Shirakawa-go, I took them to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Oyama Shrine. They were delighted to stroll through Kenrokuen Garden under beautiful, sunny weather. Before heading to Shirakawa-go, we stopped by the Iwase House in Gokayama. The guests listened with great interest to the explanation given by the staff at the Iwase House. In Shirakawa-go, we walked around the gassho-style thatched-roof houses, and they found the local fire brigade facility and took a commemorative photo there. In Takayama, they were deeply moved by the large ginkgo tree at Kokubunji Temple.

    Hello! I’m Yumi Yostutani. I was born in Fukushima, lived in Brazil and Korea, traveled to many countries, and moved many times, even within Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Okayama and Toyama) I love traveling and I have friends around the world. I am very happy that now traveling is a part of my job. I also speak Portuguese and some French.
    I haven’t been settled in a same place because of husbands’s job, but it gave me an opportunity to get to know many places. I am a mom of a 15-year-old girl. I’ve been an English teacher in schools, and taught students from 3rd to 12th grade. I love teaching, and it was a blessing to be involved in education, but when I had to move and leave my job last time, I thought it’s time for me to try guiding which I’ve always wanted to do.
    I believe traveling is about discovering wonders. I look forward to the day when I meet you and guide you around Japan. I hope your journey will be full of wonderful discoveries and those memories would stay in your heart to add some new colors to your future life.

    Olá! Sou Yumi Yostutani. Nasci em Fukushima, morei no Brasil e na Coreia, viajei para muitos países e me mudei várias vezes, mesmo dentro do Japão (Tóquio, Osaka, Okayama e Toyama). Adoro viajar e tenho amigos em todo o mundo.
    Estou muito feliz porque viajar constitui- se, agora, em meu trabalho.

    Devido ao trabalho de meu marido, nós nos mudávamos sempre e, por essa razão, não nos estabelecemos em um único lugar. Porém, tais mudanças deram- me a oportunidade de conhecer muitos lugares.
    Por algum tempo, dei aulas de inglês em algumas escolas e confesso que adoro ensinar. Dessa forma, considero uma bênção o período em que estive atuando na Educação e, quando precisei deixar meu último emprego, decidi fazer a transição de carreira e desempenhar a função de guia turística.
    Estou apreciando bastante meu trabalho como guia. Adoro conhecer pessoas, mostrar as maravilhas do Japão e conversar sobre semelhanças e diferenças entre nossas países. Sempre acho que, na verdade, as diferenças são sutis e somos todos iguais.
    Para mim, viajar é descobrir maravilhas e se encantar com elas. Estou ansiosa pelo dia em que vou ser sua guia no Japão. E torço para que sua viagem seja repleta de descobertas maravilhosas e que suas memórias fiquem ressoando em seu coração, de modo a adicionar novas cores à sua vida.

    Com os melhores votos,

    Yumi

    Apr 4, 2026
    Dana_H
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city, but our guide Yumi made the difference
    We had…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:50 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Nishiki Market (Lunch)
    • 14:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:30 Arrive at Kyoto Station
    • Disband

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Kyoto for sightseeing and had been looking forward to it very much. To make sure they could visit all the sights they wished to see, I proposed an itinerary that took into account the order of visits and the allocation of time. Although we had entered the peak sightseeing season and it was quite crowded, we managed to navigate around the congestion, and they showed great interest in and enjoyed every destination. They particularly loved Nishiki Market and visited several shops. They did some shopping and bought many kinds of uniquely Japanese foods. "It was a wonderful day!" they said, leaving Kyoto looking thoroughly satisfied.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden & Mitsukoshimae Station

    Tokyo: Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden & Mitsukoshimae Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Imperial Palace East Garden entrance
    • 9:00 Tokyo Imperial Palace East Garden
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 10:30 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • Kayabacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Akihabara Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Ryogoku Station
    • Ryogoku Ryogoku Kokugikan
    • Edo NOREN
    • The Japanese Sword Museum
    • Kyu-Yasuda Garden
    • The Sumida Hokusai Museum
    • Hakkaku Stable
    • Eko-in Temple
    • 12:30 Depart Ryogoku Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • Akihabara Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Lunch: T's TAN TAN Ecutte Ueno
    • 14:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive Mitsukoshimae Station
    • Nihonbashi Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi
    • COREDO Nihonbashi
    • Yamamoto Nori
    • Nihonbashi Toyama-kan
    • 14:40 Depart Mitsukoshimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Ueno Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Ueno Station

    Can You Do a Private Sumo-Themed Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had relocated to North America some years ago. This time they were on a short trip to Japan. After spending a few days in Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, then return to Tokyo before heading home. They had arrived at Narita Airport a couple of days earlier and taken a taxi to a B&B near Ueno Station. The previous day, they had explored the Ueno area. The guests were big fans of sumo, saying, "We'd love to visit various places related to sumo." They were also all vegetarian. It was a clear but rather chilly day for the tour. We met in front of the entrance to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and started there. As always, it was full of tourists. I explained about "Japanese history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," "the Tokyo air raids," and "the construction methods of the castle's stone walls." There were questions and comments such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?", and "Which emperor reigned in which era?" They remarked, "It's wonderful that there's such a large green park in the middle of the city center." We then moved to Ryogoku. We took our time exploring the Ryogoku Kokugikan (the museum and souvenir shop were open) and other spots. As a memento, they purchased "sumo T-shirts." I explained about "the history and current state of sumo," "sumo stables," "the daily life of sumo wrestlers," and "the history of Ryogoku," among other topics. The guests were very knowledgeable about sumo and asked many detailed, in-depth questions. They said, "We're debating whether we should go watch the early morning practice at a sumo stable." Since the guests really wanted to eat vegetarian ramen, we went to "T's TAN TAN Ecute Ueno." We waited in line for 15 minutes. They said, "It was extremely delicious." After this, they said, "We want to get to know old Tokyo," so we went to Nihonbashi. We took our time strolling through Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi and other long-established stores. They said, "It had a calm atmosphere and we really enjoyed it." There were comments and questions such as "The city is so clean and there's no litter" and "Is it safe to walk around late at night?" There was also a question: "Why aren't there hand dryers in the public restrooms?" I saw them off at Ueno Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOtemachi (Tokyo)~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Ryogoku150JPY
    Section 3TrainRyogoku~Ueno170JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Mitsukoshimae180JPY
    Section 5TrainMitsukoshimae~Ueno180JPY
    Total860JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1)8.00 Meet at the lobby of the Hotel
    • (2)8.20-9.50 Tsukiji Honganji temple & Tsukiji Outer Market
    • (3)10.00-11.30 EdoFukagawa Museum & Kiyosumi Garden
    • (4)11.50-12.40 Yanaka district
    • (5)13.00-15.00 Asakusa & Sushi lunch

    Tokyo Private Walking Tour Report: Fukagawa Edo Museum, Tsukiji, and Asakusa with a Licensed Guide The guests were visitors from North America. Before their trip, they shared that one of the guests had lived in North America for many years, while another had family roots in Asia and had previously visited Japan long ago, staying in Osaka. During that earlier visit, they recalled making a pilgrimage from Osaka to Mount Koya and having the chance to wear a kimono. I shared my own memory of visiting Mount Koya with my class during high school, where we did a test of courage in the cemetery. They also mentioned that a member of their family had studied in Japan and still had a strong connection to the country. I remarked that young people in Japan today are quite strong-willed. At the Fukagawa Edo Museum, one of the guests was delighted to discover that an Edo-period boat inn had a toilet, noting that their home in North America is equipped with a TOTO washlet. At Kojuen in Tsukiji, they purchased two cans of matcha priced at 3,000 yen each, and at the reserved sushi restaurant "Maguro>bito" in Asakusa, they thoroughly enjoyed nigiri sushi and a seafood rice bowl. They savored taiyaki on Shin-Nakamise Street and mame-daifuku on Nakamise Street, and finally, wishing to relax at a matcha cafe, I took them to Funawa Cafe before saying our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Market~Kiyosumi-shirakawa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-shirakawa~Nezu210JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno150JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total940JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Otemachi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Otemachi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meeting place: Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
    • 7:40 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 7:50 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 8:40 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • 9:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:45 Arrive Tawaramachi Station
    • Tawaramachi Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 10:30 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:10 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • 11:30 Disband: Otemachi Station

    Can You Do a Private Sightseeing Day Tour of Tokyo Covering Tsukiji, Ueno, Kappabashi, and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of them had visited Japan several times before, while it was the first visit to Japan for the other. This trip to Japan came as part of a group tour of Asia. They had previously made visits to other destinations in Asia before arriving in Japan. The official schedule had ended, and starting the next day they planned to enjoy a private trip in Japan over several days, traveling around Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. Although the temperature was low, the tour took place under clear skies. First, we went to Tsukiji. I explained "the history of Tokyo's fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." Many shops had not yet opened, and there were only a few tourists around. There were questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it still seems like there are a lot of tourists." Since the guests said they wanted to try sushi, they purchased and sampled standing-style "tuna sushi." Both mentioned that they love sushi but do not care for shellfish, sea urchin, or squid. We moved to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. Most shops open at 10:00, so the majority were still closed. There were comments such as "The prices seem very cheap" and "There are a lot of izakaya here." We moved on to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. The guests expressed a strong wish to buy kitchen knives to take home. We strolled slowly along the street. They purchased a large number of items such as "vegetable knives," "meat-cutting knives," "chopsticks," and "bowls" as souvenirs for their family. Then we went to Asakusa. We started from the front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at various spots, including in front of the Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda, and strolled along the Nakamise shopping street. There were also questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?", and "How many Christians are there?" There were also comments and questions such as "The city is so clean, with no litter on the streets," and "Why aren't there trash cans around the city?" I saw them off at Otemachi Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total900JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

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    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

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    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Foreign residences & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Foreign residences & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at JR Sannomiya Station
    • 11:10 Foreign residences (Ijinkan)
    • 12:30 Herb Garden
    • 13:30 Hanshin Sannomiya Station
    • 13:50 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery
    • 14:30 Disperse at Uozaki Station

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 10:30 because the guests arrived about 30 minutes late. The guests were visitors from North America. At the Ijinkan foreign residences, we entered the Weathercock House and the Moegi House, and the guests looked at each room with great interest. Since the weather was absolutely wonderful, we walked slowly along the Kitano Promenade to the Nunobiki Ropeway. It was crowded and the wait was long, but the guests thoroughly enjoyed the views from the summit and from the Glass House and its veranda. We had planned to have lunch in Sannomiya, but since the guests had a full schedule after the tour, we canceled that and went to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery instead. Looking at the displays in the museum with great interest, they said the exhibits made the sake-brewing process very easy to understand. After tasting and purchasing the sake they liked, I saw them off at Uozaki Station, where they transferred, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSubway Sannomiya Station Front/Shinki Bus~Kitano Ijinkan/Shinki Bus300JPY
    Section 2BusKobe Nunobiki Herb Garden・Ropeway/Shinki Bus~Subway Sannomiya Station Front/Shinki Bus300JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture・Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture・Hanshin Line)~Uozaki160JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello ! I’m Nao, guiding in Kansai, West Japan. I was born and raised in Himeji, near Himeji castle. I love music, and of course taking a trip. I stayed in the US for three years, and took a trip to Hawaii, Canada and Indonesia. Those experiences are good sweet memories for me. Visiting places you don’t know much & touching new culture are exciting and refreshing.
    Wear Kimono in Kyoto, eat Takoyaki in Oosaka, feed cute deer in Nara, meet SAMURAI(fake one though, I’m aftaid there’s no real SAMURAI in Japan now) and eat Kobe beef and drink Sake in Kobe.
    Let’ s make good memories together in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Nao

    Apr 12, 2026
    Ralf V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit mit Naoka.
    Alles mit Bus und…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Sushil_R
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour the Himeji Castle with Nao San. You will enjoy more.
    I…

    Apr 15, 2025
    O
    oOoKiyaoOo
    Wonderful Family Experience
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    Our family had Nao for a guide and…

    Nov 21, 2024
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    A great tour!
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  • Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji

    Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:00 to 10:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:10 to 11:45 Gion Hanamikoji
    • 12:20 to 13:10 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:15 to 15:00 Lunch at Kura Sushi
    • 16:15 Dismiss at Kobe Port Terminal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Kobe Port to Kyoto Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of relatives visiting from North America. Although one member of the group had some difficulty walking, we were able to carry out the planned tour as scheduled. Since the guests needed to return to their ship by 17:00, we left Kyoto early. However, there was no traffic congestion, so it looked like we would be able to return to Kobe Port a little after 16:00, giving us some extra time. I consulted with the driver about spending some time at Meriken Park so the guests could relax there, and I also communicated this plan to the guests. However, the driver returned directly to Kobe Port without stopping at Meriken Park. As there were large trucks and other vehicles moving around the port area, I was unable to point out that we were heading in a different direction. The guests looked dissatisfied, so when we arrived at Kobe Port, I asked if we could go to Meriken Park from there, but this was declined. On the way back to Kobe Port, the opposite side of the Hanshin Expressway Kobe Line heading toward Osaka was extremely congested. The driver, who would be returning to Kyoto afterward, was likely concerned about the return traffic and therefore did not stop at Meriken Park. If this had happened after the tour had ended, it would not have been an issue, but it occurred within the tour time. This effectively meant that our side ended the tour without the guests' permission. Even if we were not going to stop, I believe we should have at least informed the guests, obtained their consent, and only then returned to Kobe Port. I hope this does not lead to a complaint.

    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 !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
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    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
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    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
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    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
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    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…