Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Ginza Shopping & Lunch @ Jangara Ramen
    • 13:30 Sword Experience
    • 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Ginza, and Shibuya The guests were very energetic visitors from North America who had a strong interest in Japanese culture and food. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we had lunch in Ginza and then went to a Japanese sword experience. There was a bit of a wait for the Jangara ramen shop, but the guests found the line itself enjoyable. They had been looking forward to putting on a hakama for the Japanese sword experience, so I took plenty of photos and videos for them. Afterward, they looked at watches at Wako and then went to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Since they wanted to return to the Hotel once, we said goodbye at Shinjuku Station, and I was glad to see how much they seemed to enjoy the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Ginza180JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total710JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel Meet (@Arashiyama Onsen Kadenshou)
    • 11:00-12:20 Travel (Hankyu Railway; Arashiyama→Kyoto Kawaramachi, Keihan Railway; Gion-Shijo→Kiyomizu-Gojo)
    • 12:20-13:40 Kiyomizu area walk & sightseeing (Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
    • 13:40-14:30 Lunch (@Gion Chibo)
    • 14:30-15:00 Travel (City Bus; Yasaka Shrine-mae→Higashiyama-Shichijo)
    • 15:00-15:50 Sanjusangendo sightseeing
    • 15:50-16:15 Travel (Keihan Railway; Keihan-Shichijo→Fushimi Inari)
    • 16:15-17:00    Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine sightseeing
    • 17:00 Tour ends after Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine sightseeing   We said goodbye to our guests at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from North America, in Japan for a trip. This was their first time visiting Kyoto. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. The weather was again ideal for sightseeing today, but while traveling from Arashiyama to Kiyomizu-dera, the Hankyu train was significantly delayed at Katsura Station due to an accident involving a person, resulting in a loss of about 20 minutes. To make up for this, we walked at a faster pace. In addition, since our start time was just before noon, the crowds were especially heavy along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, making it difficult to move around. The guests said that Sanjusangendo was their favorite, followed by Fushimi Inari. Since Kiyomizu-dera was so crowded, I think they were not able to enjoy it as fully as they would have liked.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)~Kyoto Kawaramachi240JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Kiyomizu-Gojo180JPY
    Section 3BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama-Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainKeihan-Shichijo / Princess Line~Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Total830JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ JR Nikko Station
    •    Since traffic conditions to Kegon Falls are not bad, we'll discuss changing the plan to match the original preference.
    • 10:40 Board the bus
    • 11:50 Kegon Falls
    • 12:25 Lake Chuzenji
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Restaurant Maple
    • 13:55 Board the bus
    • 14:25 Get off the bus
    • 14:40 Kanmangafuchi
    • 15:20 Toshogu Shrine
    • 16:30 Rinnoji Temple
    • 16:45 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 17:05 Board the bus
    • 17:15 Tour ends @ JR Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Nikko from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They came because one of them had visited Japan once about 15 years ago and had been deeply moved, and wished to show that experience to the rest of the group. This tour was led by a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) government-licensed guide. In the initial correspondence, the guests said they wanted to see Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, but I had explained that traffic is very heavy during this season, making it difficult to go. However, based on the traffic conditions over the past few days and the weather, I told them that we might be able to reach Kegon Falls as originally hoped, and they said they definitely wanted to go, so we quickly boarded a bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen. That said, the bus was very crowded, and with so many passengers boarding and alighting, we were running behind schedule. So I asked which places they absolutely wanted to visit and rearranged the itinerary accordingly. We managed, just barely, to reach every place they most wanted to see, took plenty of photos to their hearts' content, and caught the return train right on time, so it worked out well. One of the guests likes Japanese anime and is also studying Japanese, so I wrote down several Japanese phrases they asked about. They also took an interest in the floral origami paper I had written them on, so I folded a paper crane for them, which delighted them greatly. Since they were also planning to visit Hiroshima on this trip, I talked about the meaning and stories of paper cranes for Japanese people.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nikko Station / Tobu Bus~Chuzenji Onsen / Tobu Bus1,250JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen / Tobu Bus~Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park / Tobu Bus1,150JPY
    Section 3BusShinkyo Bridge / Tobu Bus~JR Nikko Station / Tobu Bus220JPY
    Total2,620JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 11:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:45 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:30 Disband @ Kokoen Garden

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. Both were very strong walkers (perhaps the fastest I have ever guided), so we were able to move around smoothly. The guests had visited Japan several times before and showed great interest, which was clear from their many questions. One of the guests appeared to enjoy photography and was actively taking pictures at each spot. Since the guests had requested a limited number of destinations this time, we were able to visit Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden with plenty of time to spare. At the Sangoku-bori of Himeji Castle, the guests were delighted to see the white heron ("shirasagi"), which is the origin of the castle's nickname "White Heron Castle." (Later, near Koko-en Garden, we were also able to see a white heron in flight.) After visiting Koko-en Garden, the guests wished to experience a tea ceremony, so we parted ways at the site. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which they were very pleased 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…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hakone-Yumoto Station ー 11:00 Gora Station ー 11:50 Sounzan Station ー 12:30 Owakudani ー
    • 13:30 Togendai Port ー 14:00 Hakonemachi Port ー 15:00 Hakone Checkpoint ー
    • 16:30 The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Entrance) ー 17:30 Gora Station ー
    • 18:00 Hotel Indigo Hakone (Guest Stay)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. The weather was better than the previous days, mild and with blue skies, but thick clouds hung in the direction of Mount Fuji, so Mount Fuji could not be seen, which left the guests a little disappointed. Even so, they were satisfied with the overall beauty of Hakone's nature and scenery. However, there were a great many inbound tourists, and every form of transportation — the cable car, the ropeway, and the pirate ship — had long lines, requiring considerable waiting time each time, which became a burden for one of the guests. Because there was so much waiting time, and the sunset came earlier as well, we had to give up on entering the Hakone Open-Air Museum as planned. We used a Hakone Free Pass (Web version), but it required showing a smartphone at each boarding and alighting (which was time-consuming), and this proved difficult for older travelers. In addition, some souvenir shops and restaurants accepted cash only, which surprised both the guests and me. Overall, the guests were able to enjoy the sightseeing.

    I am Mr. Hotta Kenji from Yokohama. I am pleased to introduce myself as a Government Licensed Guide registered in Kanagawa Prefecture, having an ample exeperience as a English speaking guide in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone areas for last 4 years. I would be happy to introduce Japanese culture, social activities and history, etc. I have had a rich business experience for over 40 years visiting more than 40 countries in Asia, Middle East, USA, Europe and others in the field of business development, international taxation, invester relations, corporate management, etc. I enjoy playing Japanese classical musical instrument (Shakuhachi or bamboo flute) and performing martial art (Aikido) .
    I will be happy to share happy moments with our important guests in Japan.

    Mar 27, 2026
    TinaS196
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best way to see Tokyo- Kenji
    Our tour with Kenji exceeded our…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 Meet @ Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:40 Board the bus
    • 10:50 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:10 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo
    • 11:45 Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:10 Futarasan Shrine
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:15 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 14:40 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 15:56 Board the bus
    • 16:30 Tour ends after helping arrange return train tickets at Tobu Nikko Station

    Guide's Report: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Nikko Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Experience with Japan Guide Agency [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Nikko for a group of guests visiting from North America. Beforehand, the guests replied that they wanted to meet at Nikko Station, but despite several messages from me asking whether they meant Tobu Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station and at what time, there was no response. Only the night before, via a messaging app, did the time and place finally become clear. Since there were no replies to my other questions (such as places they wanted to visit and any food allergies), I proceeded with the itinerary I had initially proposed. However, after we met and boarded the bus for the World Heritage area, the guests said they wanted to go to Kegon Falls. Because it was raining that day, I explained that the top of the mountain would likely be foggy and the falls probably would not be visible, and I asked if they still wanted to go. They understood and agreed to skip it, which was fortunate. It rained all day, and since all the tourists were carrying umbrellas, places like Toshogu Shrine were very hard to see, and I imagine my explanations were also hard to hear. Even so, I managed to convey at least the essentials. Fortunately, the guests did not seem to have a very deep interest in history, so they enjoyed things like taking photos. At the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, the guests were very curious about the Emperor. Rather than history, their questions were about the Emperor's family structure, who would become the next Emperor, and why Princess Aiko cannot become Emperor. Regarding the family structure, I explained using a group photo of the Imperial Family. The question of who the next Emperor would be was a very difficult one, but I answered in general terms about the historical background and the various perspectives from which it is debated, while adding that personally I think Princess Aiko is a wonderful person and I would like her to become Emperor. There were also questions about the Japanese government. I could not immediately find the right words, but I remembered that [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) had shared a very suitable visual aid with its members (which I had printed and kept in a file), so I showed it to them and they understood. It was a great help.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station/Tobu Bus~Shinkyo Bridge/Tobu Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusNikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park/Tobu Bus~Tobu Nikko Station/Tobu Bus350JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Hiroshima Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ lobby of Hotel
    • 09:45 JR Hiroshima Station
    • 10:11 JR Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 10:25 Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
    • 10:35 Miyajima Ferry Terminal
    • 10:55 Itsukushima Shrine entrance
    • 11:45 Itsukushima Shrine exit
    • 11:55 In front of Daisho-in Nio-mon Gate
    • 12:00 Guided tour of various spots within Daisho-in grounds
    •    Five Hundred Rakan → Bell Tower → Chokugan-do → Henjokutsu Cave → Ichigan Daishi → Maniden → Kannon-do
    • 13:30 Dismissal @ Kannon-do

    What Is a Private Miyajima Walking Tour from Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After arriving at the hotel lobby, I contacted the guests via a messaging app and was able to meet them easily. On the train heading to Miyajimaguchi, we managed to sit at a four-seat section, so I gave a detailed explanation of the history of how Shinto and Buddhism developed within Japanese society and how the relationship between the two religions has changed over time, as background knowledge for visiting the shrine and temple on Miyajima. The guests listened with great interest. The group was very fond of photography and wanted to capture as many scenes as they liked, so we toured Miyajima at a relaxed pace. In the end, by the time we finished the Kannon Hall at Daisho-in, the scheduled four hours had passed. The guests said they wanted to see the Five Hundred Rakan statues once more, and afterward wished to stroll along Omotesando at their own pace, have a meal, and return to Hiroshima on their own, so we decided to end the tour there. I explained precautions for their return journey, such as the location of the platform at Miyajimaguchi Station, and we said goodbye. As we parted, the guests told me they were glad to have had a guide, as they were able to visit places they could not have reached on their own and learned about many things they would not have noticed by themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi Port~Miyajima Port100JPY
    Total520JPY

    (1) Since 2008, I have been guiding a group including two American student ambassadors accepted under the Sister City Affiliation Program on a one-day tour of Miyajima, Peace Memorial Museum, and Peace Memorial Park as an annual event.
    (2) Since 2016 I have been a member of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace “HIP”, a volunteer guiding group, guiding groups and individuals from abroad at Peace Memorial Park.
    (3) As a shipbuilding engineer, I have ship-related experience and knowledge gained from 30 years of working in new shipbuilding and ship repair. 13 of those years were spent living in Singapore and working for a local subsidiary.
    (4) I enjoy sailing in the Seto Inland Sea. I am interested in sailing in the Seto Inland Sea as well as repairing the boat.

    Oct 29, 2025
    S7876PFsuep
    Amazing tour with Sada
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our private tour with Sada.…

    Sep 11, 2025
    lignacio
    Great Tour with an Excellent Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Mar 27, 2025
    DroitwichBear
    Sadahiro’s meticulous planning made this a day to remember. Fantastic!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Sep 25, 2024
    Andrew_C
    🥰 Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a truly superb day with…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: Hotel
    • 09:00 Sightseeing ①: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:45 Sightseeing ②: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:10 Sightseeing ③ + Lunch/Break: Nishiki Market
    • 13:50 Sightseeing ④: Gion・Kennin-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Tour ends・Dismissal: Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for sightseeing from North America. All communication regarding destinations was carried out beforehand with one member of the group. After the assignment, I sent my first message and received a reply almost immediately, which clearly listed four requested destinations (Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion). The message also explained the situation of one guest who required extra consideration when walking, along with the points to keep in mind during the tour. In preparing the itinerary, I gave top priority to the walking distance and pace of that guest, and arranged each destination with plenty of time to spare. One thing I noticed was that the accommodation (a private lodging) and the meeting point (a hotel in Gion) were in different locations. However, both were clearly stated and I was able to confirm both by searching, so as specified by the guests, I set the meeting point in front of the Hotel in Gion. On the day, although it was somewhat cloudy, we were blessed with weather that was ideal for touring. We were able to visit Kiyomizu-dera, which is always crowded, first thing in the morning, so sightseeing went smoothly. Kinkaku-ji was crowded as usual, but I had a bit of trouble myself. Perhaps because I have been guiding for nearly ten years, I had a slight pain in my left knee, and on the gravel path in the latter half of Kinkaku-ji my foot slipped and I twisted my knee. At that moment I felt a sharp pain and was unable to walk for two or three minutes. I explained the situation to the guests and asked them to wait a while, and after a simple massage I was finally able to walk again. Since there was still a little pain while walking, it may have appeared to the guests that I was limping (I have no problem walking normally now). Fortunately, we were traveling by private vehicle, so there were no problems with the rest of the tour (Nishiki Market ⇒ Gion / Kennin-ji). The guests were a group who, although of Japanese descent, had little knowledge of Japan, so they required careful and thorough explanations, but they were able to enjoy the homeland of their ancestors.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
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  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel – 8:50 Fukagawa Fudodo – 10:00 Toyosu Market – 11:30 Tsukiji Outer Market 12:00 Dismissal at Tsukiji

    Title: What's Day One of an 8-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was day one of an 8-day private Japan tour for a group visiting Japan, some of whom were experiencing Japan for the first time. Some of the guests had visited Japan several times before and had already tried Japanese cuisine, and they had invited members of their group who were coming to Japan for the first time. When I suggested Fukagawa Fudo-do as the first destination, the group showed interest, and they were surprised by the thunderous sound of the actual taiko drums. From Toyosu Market to the Tsukiji Outer Market, we traveled by the "Yurikamome" line. The group enjoyed the futuristic scenery of Odaiba and the Tokyo waterfront area, and were amazed to hear that the line was celebrating its 30th anniversary. Blessed with good weather, they were able to have an enjoyable time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Monzen-nakacho180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Kachidoki180JPY
    Section 3BusKachidoki BRT / Tokyo BRT~Toyosu Market Front (Main Line Route) / Tokyo BRT220JPY
    Section 4TrainShijo-mae~Tsukiji Market570JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    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!!
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  • Tokyo: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Sushi Restaurant

    Tokyo: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Sushi Restaurant

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel
    • 5:30-6:30 Toyosu Tuna Auction
    • 6:40-7:30 Sushi Restaurant
    • 7:40-8:00 Toyosu Market Intermediate Wholesalers Building

    What Is a Private Toyosu Fish Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started with the tuna auction. The guests enjoyed watching it happily. The sushi restaurant we visited afterward was much less crowded than usual, which allowed for plenty of time for interactions with the chef and for taking photos, and the guests were very satisfied. Since there was not much time, the guests said there was no need to go to Tsukiji, so we went to the intermediate wholesalers' building at Toyosu Market. I had not imagined it would be very interesting, but the guests seemed to enjoy it quite a lot. It made me realize that perhaps I simply did not know it well enough myself. I hailed a taxi for them outside, and we parted ways.

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…