Category: Uncategorized

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Park & Hakodate Morning Market

    Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Park & Hakodate Morning Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet the guests at Minatomachi Wharf
    • 9:20 Goryokaku Park
    • 10:45 Hakodate Morning Market
    • 11:25 Lunch at Donburi Yokocho
    • 13:00 Kitano Area, Hachiman-zaka Slope
    • 13:45 Bay Area, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
    • 14:40 Dropped them off at Goryokaku Park Station, and they took a taxi back to Minatomachi Wharf. Since two taxis would be needed if I rode along, I had the guests return on their own.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hakodate Like from a Cruise Ship Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. Originally the tour was planned for a larger number, but some of the guests decided not to participate. The guests had mistakenly assumed that this tour included a private vehicle, so it took some time to explain that it was a walking tour. In addition, the cruise ship dock was at a port pier with no public transportation available, so we used two taxis to head to Goryokaku. The guests' disappointment was clearly visible, which made for an awkward start. When I told them the admission fee for Goryokaku Tower, they decided not to go up the tower. During the rest of the tour, I could no longer suggest anything that involved additional costs. As the guests walked slowly and took many photos, the tour proceeded at a very relaxed pace. What the guests seemed to enjoy most was taking photos at the morning market and in the Kitano area. We also stopped by the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, but no purchases were made. I saw the guests off by train to Goryokaku Koen Station, and from there they returned to the pier by a single taxi without me. Just to be sure, I confirmed the cruise ship's arrival via a messaging app. Photos were taken at Hachiman-zaka slope.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGoryokaku Park~Goryokaku Park600JPY
    Total600JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • AM 10:00- 11:00 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District, Utasu Shrine
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:45 Kanazawa Castle Park, visit Hishi Turret, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Turret, Gyokusen'in, Oyama Shrine
    • Transfer on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • PM 13:00-13:50 Nagamachi Samurai District, visit Takada Family Residence and Ashigaru Museum
    • Transfer by bus to Omicho Market
    • PM 14:00 Tour ends at Omicho Market

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a trip to Japan. The meeting at a long-established Japanese-style inn in Kanazawa was a first-time arrangement, and while I waited in the lobby, it turned out that their room was in a detached building, so they had been waiting outside the entrance directly from the garden without passing through the lobby. Even so, we met up without any problem. The guests said they were enjoying their stay at the Japanese-style inn. Since the inn itself was a historic old building with a garden, during the tour we did not specifically stop by the Shima teahouse or the samurai residences, but instead I guided them through the overall character of each district and around Kanazawa Castle Park, and they enjoyed the walking tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    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!

    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。

  • Tochigi in One Day: Nikko Station & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Nikko Station & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:18 Meet
    • 10:30 Depart Nikko Station
    • 11:10 Kegon Falls
    • 11:35 Utagahama P
    • 11:50 Hangetsuyama Observatory
    • 12:00 Lake Chuzenji Observatory
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Sannai Shokudo
    • 13:50 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 14:20 Toshogu Shrine
    • 16:10 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 16:35 JR Nikko Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nikko? A Licensed Guide's Report on Oku-Nikko and the Sannai Area The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan, who had come to Nikko because it had been recommended to them. The day before, they had joined a Fuji-Hakone tour and were able to see Mount Fuji. Today as well, under clear skies from morning through the whole day, I guided them around the Oku-Nikko and Sannai areas. Because the tour started a little later in the morning, I was worried about traffic, but the Irohazaka winding road was smooth both going up and coming down, so I was able to guide them without any stress. Since the taxi was booked for four hours, the itinerary was slightly rearranged from the original plan, but the guests seemed very satisfied.

    Hello! I’m Yoko.
    I live in Tochigi Prefecture about 40 years and currently based in Utsunomiya, city near Nikko.
    I’m a mother of two kids, and a beagle dog.
    Also I’ve lived in Tennessee for 3 years until 2020.
    I was always happy whenever introducing Japanese culture to local people while living in US.
    Now I’m so excited to introduce you various attractions here in Japan.
    I love traveling, nature, food, Kimono, tea ceremony, manga etc.
    I’m looking forward to showing my guests beautiful places and interesting things related to my neighbor area.
    Let’s explore and have fun with me!

    May 26, 2026
    Samuel_G
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Informative, fun and well organized
    We had the best day with our…

    May 17, 2026
    E1320OQrobertg
    A fabulous day in Nikko!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day with Yoko as our guide.…

    Mar 9, 2026
    claudiomC4921YK
    The bed guide for a really amazing place
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoko was an amazing…

    Dec 21, 2025
    Earhart_Adventures
    Insight in to Japanese feudal culture
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full Day trip from Tokyo- our…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel – 9:45 Meiji Shrine – 10:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 12:30 Lunch – 13:20 Disband at Akihabara

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report This was the third day of a 10-day tour for guests visiting Japan for the first time from South America. The next day, they planned to head to Kyoto via Lake Kawaguchiko. The guests had researched Japan extensively well in advance and seemed very knowledgeable. We started the tour at Meiji Shrine, where they were amazed by the forest that was artificially created 100 years ago and by its tranquility, and next at Harajuku's Takeshita Street they were surprised by a mini-pig cafe. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, what impressed them most was the contrast between the remains of Edo Castle, which have survived for over 400 years, and the modern high-rise buildings of Otemachi and Marunouchi. The guests enjoyed this short tour very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Suidobashi180JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi~Akihabara150JPY
    Total720JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Granvia Osaka
    • 9:50 Osaka Castle
    • 12:10 Shinsekai
    • 12:40 Dotonbori
    • 13:00 Disband in front of Chibo Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from Europe. They had traveled through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hakone, Takayama, and Hiroshima, and were scheduled to return home the following day. The weather today was clear and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing. We went to Osaka Castle early to avoid the crowds, and the guests were pleased to be able to view it relatively slowly and at leisure. We had originally planned to visit Kuromon Market next, but since the guests had already been to Nishiki Market, they said they would like to try Shinsekai instead, so I took them there and they enjoyed the lively streets. Finally, I took them to Dotonbori and to a recommended okonomiyaki restaurant in Dotonbori, and the tour came to an end. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Dobutsuen-mae240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Total670JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet up @ Mandarin Oriental
    • 9:30 Asakusa: Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Denboin-dori)
    • 11:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:50 Disband @ Omotesando

    Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace Gardens The guests were visitors from North America, traveling to Japan for the first time and stopping over during a longer trip. Because there could have been differences in historical perspective, I did not give the usual history briefing before departure, and instead referred to history gradually and carefully as we went along, watching how things were received. I also took care with wording, for example referring to the Imperial Palace as Edo Castle. Shibuya was originally planned as one of the destinations, but since it seemed fine, I changed it to Meiji Shrine. At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, the guests quickly bought souvenirs. They seemed to feel a real sense of "Japan" in the townscape of Okuyama and Denboin-dori, as well as in the Ninomaru Garden of Edo Castle, and were very pleased. At Meiji Shrine, I took a photo of the guests by the camphor trees, and they observed each individual work at the chrysanthemum exhibition with great interest. Since there was a lunch reservation at a restaurant in Ginza, I put the guests in a taxi at Omotesando, told the driver the destination, and ended the tour. Although I was careful at first, the guests were intelligent and easy to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total570JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Ikuta Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Kobe Sannomiya
    • 09:30 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:15 @ Kitano Ijinkan District ("Moegi House" "Weathercock House")
    • 12:15 @ Ikuta Shrine
    • 12:45 Dismiss @ JR Sannomiya Station

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kitano and Ikuta Shrine The guest was a solo traveler visiting from North America. The guest was a strong walker and moved smoothly throughout the tour. The guest seemed very satisfied with the wonderful panoramic view of Kobe City from the observation deck of the Herb Garden. In the Kitano Ijinkan district of Western-style residences, we visited two houses — the "Moegi House," a former Western consulate, and the most popular and famous "Weathercock House" (incidentally, these two residences are the only ones designated as National Important Cultural Properties) — and the guest viewed them with great interest. After visiting the two originally planned locations, we had some extra time, so I asked about the guest's preference (Nankinmachi Chinatown or Ikuta Shrine) and we visited Ikuta Shrine. The guest experienced the act of prayer with interest as well. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which the guest was delighted to receive.

    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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Gate
    • 9:15-9:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:35-11:45 @ Higashiyama area & Gion
    • 12:10-12:55 @ Nijo Castle
    • 13:35-14:30 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 14:30-15:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Disband @ Nagatsuji Street

    What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had come to Japan to attend a conference, and their visit to Kyoto was a day trip from Tokyo. Following prior discussion, the meeting point was changed to the central Shinkansen exit of Kyoto Station. Fushimi Inari Taisha was not very crowded, and the guests were pleased. During the walk around the Higashiyama area, they stopped at a perfume shop and a hair ornament shop and bought some souvenirs. Due to time constraints, the explanation of the geisha district in Gion was given roughly while walking. One of the guests was interested in shoguns and samurai and asked many questions at Nijo Castle. After arriving in Arashiyama by the Randen tram, they bought and enjoyed mitarashi dango from a stall. At Tenryu-ji, the trees in the Sogenchi Garden had begun to turn autumn colors and were beautiful. At the guests' request, we parted ways on Nagatsuji Street in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 6TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo: tuna auction at Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: tuna auction at Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 05:30 Tour the tuna auction at Toyosu Market
    • 06:00 Breakfast at a sushi restaurant
    • 07:10 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is an Early-Morning Private Toyosu Fish Market and Tsukiji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour experience, guest reactions, and other impressions The guests were a group who got along very well. They were kind enough to wait in the lobby earlier than our meeting time, so we set off immediately after meeting and were able to arrive at Toyosu Fish Market a little after 5 a.m. Thanks to this, we secured a good spot for viewing the tuna auction, and the guests enjoyed taking many photos and videos. After watching the auction, I guided the group to a sushi restaurant inside the market that I know well, where they had breakfast. Since I had heard in advance that one of the guests could not eat rice, I asked the head chef beforehand to prepare an assortment of sashimi centered on tuna, which delighted the guest. Another guest thoroughly enjoyed an omakase sushi course and was very pleased. Since most shops in the Tsukiji Outer Market open after 8 a.m., I marked recommended shops on a map as I guided the group. After 8 a.m., they planned to revisit the shops that caught their interest (yakitori at Toritoh, grilled tuna skewers at Tombo, fish cakes at Hamato, and so on) and enjoy them with beer. One of the guests was interested in kitchen knives, so I guided them to three knife shops, and they finally purchased a knife with a Damascus pattern at Higashi Genmasahisa, and were very satisfied. The attached photo captures a satisfied smile taken after shopping at the knife shop. 2. Special notes and requests to Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) I had recommended in advance that the guests reserve a taxi, but it seems they forgot to make the reservation, so we ended up looking for a taxi near the Hotel. Perhaps because many taxis were returning to their depots at that hour, three taxis refused to pick us up (passing right in front of us), and I regret that I kept the guests waiting for a while in the cold early morning until a taxi could be found. As temperatures will drop further heading into winter, I will be careful to explain this situation in advance by email and strongly recommend reserving a taxi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijomae Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Nijojo Castle & Porta

    Hyogo in One Day: Nijojo Castle & Porta

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 meet at Hotel Sannomiya
    • 8:45 Gion, Pontocho
    • 10:00 Nijojo Castle
    • 11:45 Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka
    • 1:00 Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • 2:30 Porta
    • 4:15 See off at the hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kyoto Station This time the guest was visiting Japan for the first time. Their interest seemed to lie less in Japanese culture or history and more in the exotic streetscapes and atmosphere of Kyoto. On the way back from Fushimi Inari, we got off at Kyoto Station, where the guest enjoyed the view from the rooftop for a while. After that, I guided them to the underground shopping arcade Porta, and we returned by Shinkansen. Ps: I have separately attached the receipt for the outbound Shinkansen fare (for two people, including the guest). Half of the amount, 2,870 yen, is the guide's transportation cost. Thank you very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSannomiya~Kyoto Kawaramachi830JPY
    Section 2SubwayKyoto Shiyakusho-mae~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 4OtherSanjo Keihan~Gion230JPY
    Section 5OtherKiyomizu-michi~Keihan Shichijo230JPY
    Section 6OtherKeihan Shichijo~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Section 7OtherInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 8OtherKyoto~Shin-Kobe2,870JPY
    Section 9OtherShin-Kobe~Sannomiya210JPY
    Total5,140JPY

    Welcome to Japan! I’m Shogo K. National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. “Shogo?” Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai, you can call me “Shogun”. Rather hen-pecked in my family, though. 🙂 I’ve been here as a guide ever since 2018.

    Here’s a little information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, world-famous for its Castle. I used to live in USA for two years in my 20s. Ever since I got married, I’ve been living in Kobe with my family. So I’m very much familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Himeji all in western Japan.
    One of my hobbies has long been going trekking over high mountains like the Japan Alps in central Japan, soaking in local hot springs, and enjoying local dishes & sake. I’ve also enjoyed exploring overseas like the US, the UK, Mongolia, Mexico, and New Zealand. It was really great fun. Through explorations, I think I’ve learned to see what the tourists need and how they want to be treated while staying in Japan!

    I’d like to show you whole-heartedly the beautiful and historic spots of Japan, including again Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe, spiritual Koyasan, and more.
    It’s always my great pleasure showing you across the country, and helping you feel and explore the very places Japanese. I hope you will have an ENJOYABLE and MEMORABLE trip.

    I’ll see you over time. Thank you. And have happy travels. 🙂

    Sep 13, 2025
    Albert_Ok_99
    Nice trip back in time and respit from hastle of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This…

    Sep 10, 2025
    Indy C
    Kyoto walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was Shogo Kiminami and he…

    Aug 29, 2025
    Fran_W
    Shoggo is knowledgeable…
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    Shoggo is knowledgeable and tailored the adventure to our…

    Jul 25, 2025
    annahS7857DZ
    My deepest gratitude to Shogo
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience
    I would like to express my…