Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 the Park Hyatt Kyoto Departure
    • 9:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Arrival
    • 9:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Departure
    • 10:20 Nijo Castle    Arrival
    • 11:00 Nijo Castle    Departure
    • 11:30 Kinkaku-ji    Arrival
    • 12:10 Kinkaku-ji    Departure
    • ~13:00 Lunch
    • 13:20 Tenryu-ji    Arrival
    • Tenryu-ji Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama Park Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:15 Tenryu-ji    Departure
    • 15:00 the Park Hyatt Kyoto Arrival

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were a friendly group visiting from North America. Since the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in December, we decided to view the garden and then also visit Kinkaku-ji. First, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before praying. I then guided them to the front of the main hall and shared the manner of worship: two bows, two claps, stating one's wish, and a final bow. After passing through the Senbon Torii, you reach the "Okuno-in." To the right and behind it is a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. They were fascinated by the idea that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and they enthusiastically gave it a try. Next, we went to Nijo Castle. At the Ninomaru Garden, they seemed interested in the large pond and the story of how the turtle- and crane-shaped stones symbolize longevity. They were deeply impressed by the full view of Nijo Castle and the scenery of Kyoto seen from the Honmaru ruins. Next, we went to Kinkaku-ji. They were moved not only by the building but also by the beauty of the pine trees and stones around the pond. Finally, we went to Tenryu-ji, the Sagano Bamboo Grove, and Arashiyama Park. They were interested in the beauty of the bamboo grove, the view from Arashiyama Park, and the story behind the name of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 a.m. Meet at the lobby of the Hotel Hiroshima
    • 8:20 a.m. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:40 a.m. Take a direct ferry to Miyajima
    • 11:25 a.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
    • 11:40 a.m. Lunch
    • 12:20 p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 1:00 p.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 2:45 p.m. Take a ferry and JR train to Hiroshima station
    • 3:30p.m. Arrive at Hiroshima station and escort to ticket counter
    • 4:00p.m. End of the tour at Hiroshima station

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of them was visiting Hiroshima for the second time, having come previously with another member of the family. The tour started early in the morning and it was very cold, but the guests were deeply interested in history and listened intently to the stories of the atomic bombing and reconstruction of Hiroshima, asking many questions. We entered the Peace Memorial Museum around 9:00, and since it was very uncrowded, they were able to view the exhibits at a relaxed pace. The World Heritage Sea Route from the Peace Park also had plenty of open seats today, and the seats were arranged facing the windows, so the guests could sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery. They were also very interested in paper cranes, so we folded paper cranes together while traveling on the World Heritage Sea Route. One of the guests wanted to learn how to fold them to make them together with a grandchild, and folded three cranes while working hard to memorize the technique. Since the guests wished to have oysters for lunch, we went to an oyster restaurant in the Miyajima shopping street and then visited Itsukushima Shrine. It happened to be high tide, and the guests were delighted by how beautiful it was. At Daishoin Temple, the corridor tour and the Henjokutsu Cave were a very interesting experience, and the guests kindly thanked me, saying that they would never have gone there without a guide and were grateful that I had brought them. It made me very happy. We had planned to return via the World Heritage Sea Route, but the guests asked for help reserving Shinkansen tickets to Osaka for the next day, so we changed the plan and took the JR together to Hiroshima Station, where we reserved the tickets and ended the tour. Even after the tour, the guests sent me a photo saying they had folded paper cranes at the hotel, and told me they would send photos from their next destination as well. It was a truly heartwarming tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 2OtherPeace Memorial Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Hotel (3 min from JR Keiyo Line Shiomi Station) meeting point. The SUICA app setup didn't go well, so purchased a SUICA card
    • 0920 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theater, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1050 Nezu Shrine
    • 1145 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Marunouchi
    • 1240 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1420 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1430 Explained the main stores in Shibuya, explained the way back and disbanded

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Nezu, Harajuku, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first trip to Japan, and they had arrived the night before. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days and then continue on to Takayama, the Kansai area, and Hakone. Some of the guests wore shorts despite the cold wind, saying they dressed this way all year round. Tokyo is likely colder than where they came from, but they seemed comfortable. For this booking, a travel agency was involved as an intermediary, and it was initially difficult to get in touch. Once I was able to reach the guests directly, however, everything proceeded smoothly. One complication was that the accommodation, which was listed as one hotel in the original booking information, was later changed to another, and finally became the Hotel above. It appeared the agency staff had mixed it up with other bookings. I was glad we were able to meet without any problems. The requested destinations were the fish market, Nezu, and Harajuku, but since there was room in the route, I also included the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens. From the following day, the guests planned to explore on their own, so I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained some possible destinations. One of the guests wanted to look for a vintage bag, so, with the caveat that I was "not sure," I recommended Cat Street.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Hatchobori (Tokyo)170JPY
    Section 2Free PassHatchobori~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 3Free PassGinza~Nezu0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNezu~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel 10:15 Todai-ji Temple & Nara Park 11:30 Lunch (tonkatsu) 12:40 Karakuri Toy House 13:30 Depart Nara
    • 14:50 Return to the hotel and end the tour

    タイトル欄: What Is a Private 6-Hour Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 本文欄: The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. The tour had been changed in advance from an 8-hour tour to a 6-hour tour. I had been expecting to receive the guests' contact details before the tour, but there was no communication from the agency beforehand, which caused some concern. When we met, the guests were friendly and approachable, and before starting the tour we discussed the places to visit in Nara and where to have lunch in the hotel lobby. We also confirmed that we would return to the hotel at 15:00. In Nara Park, we had intended to feed the deer but in the end did not. At the "Karakuri Toy Museum," some of the guests enjoyed playing, while others were not yet able to enjoy it. It was a shame that the staff on duty at the toy museum that day were not the type to actively demonstrate how the toys worked. The guests seemed to grow tired of it sooner than I had expected. The photos were taken at the "Karakuri Toy Museum." As this was a 6-hour tour, I believe the guide's compensation will also be adjusted accordingly.

    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.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:45 to 11:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30 to 13:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:30 to 13:45 Gion
    • 13:45 to 14:30 Lunch at Sushiro
    • 15:10 to 15:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:30 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a One-Day Private Kyoto Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They came from their accommodation in Osaka. Since they had only this one day for sightseeing in Kyoto, they wanted to explore the popular spots, which led to the itinerary above. Unfortunately, the weather was not ideal, as light rain came and went from the morning, so we were sadly unable to enjoy the wonderful view from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, the rain stopped in the afternoon, and the guests were deeply impressed by the beauty of the moss at Kinkaku-ji Temple after the rain.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji/Kyoto City Bus~Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGojozaka/Kyoto City Bus~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Keihan-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7BusKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,480JPY

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

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

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:55 Meet @ Hotel
    • 09:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Tonkatsu Isen (Ueno)
    • 13:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:40 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 15:05 Disband @ Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Sensoji Temple, they enjoyed learning about the difference between temples and shrines and the Kaminarimon Gate, and they purchased souvenirs along Nakamise Street. At Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, they said they wished to take their time shopping on their own for items such as cooking knives, so we parted ways there. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno-hirokoji~Asakusa180JPY
    Total740JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ueno

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ueno

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:30 Tsukiji
    • 12:50 Asakusa
    • 14:00 Ueno
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ Akihabara

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara Body: The guests were visitors from North America. I had let them know in advance that we would have to skip Tsukiji this time, but since they said they would go there on their own later, we went just to check the location. When I asked at the information desk, they said it would be fine as long as we did not walk around while eating, so we took a quick look around and enjoyed wagyu beef and sashimi in front of the shops. Since the guests wanted to visit historical places, we then went to Asakusa and Ueno. Unfortunately, the Tokyo National Museum was closed because it was a Monday, so they plan to visit again another time. As the guests also enjoy Japanese anime, I took them to Akihabara, introduced them to the Radio Kaikan and Animate, and we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Akihabara150JPY
    Total720JPY

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Hokkaido: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Hokkaido: Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 10:30-11:30 Yoichi Nikka Whisky tasting, shop
    • 12:00 Otaru Canal
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch at Takeno Sushi
    • 13:30-15:00 Shopping at Sakaimachi Street
    • 15:15-15:50 Tanaka Sake Brewery tour, tasting
    • 17:00 Arrive at hotel

    What Is a Private Sapporo Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from Asia. It was their first time in Hokkaido, and although it was a snowy and cold day, they spent it comfortably without any trouble. Since there were many photo spots, they enjoyed taking pictures and shopping. As they enjoy alcohol, they were pleased to be able to sample whisky and sake. They mentioned that the next day they planned to go snowmobiling and visit the Sapporo Beer Garden, and since the day after that would be free, they asked for advice. I recommended a ski resort and an onsen resort within Sapporo City.

    Hello I’m Hiroko.
    I started tour guide in 2017. I work not only in Hokkaido but also in Honshu area.
    Last year
    Freelance tour guide-operates over 120 days of operation.
    8 times of long -term escort tour in Hokkaido. 4 times of 8-10days in Honshu.
    12 times of Cruise guests’ one day excursions in Hokkaido and Tohoku. I love my job.
    Until then I’ve worked as a short-term study abroad coordinator of an English language School in Japan and Canada.
    I was born and brought up in Sapporo, I’m good at skiing.
    I majored Japanese history at college in Tokyo. I like Calligraphy.
    Let’s enjoy the tour together!

    Aug 11, 2024
    M
    Miller A
    Good intro to Sapporo
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide was very knowledgeable…

    May 24, 2024
    Brian_K
    Sapporo with guide
    Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and…

  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:50 Toyosu Market: wholesale shops, restaurant street, Senkyaku Banrai, seafood market
    • 12:10 Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:00 Disband @ Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour to Toyosu and Tsukiji for a group visiting from North America, Asia, and Oceania. We traveled by bus, but because the group's departure from the Hotel was delayed, we ended up using a bus other than the one originally planned. Since the intermediate wholesale shops at Toyosu tend to close around 11:00, we went there first, where the guests bought rice crackers and other items. As they enjoyed shopping, they purchased a variety of things at the souvenir shops in the Senkyaku Banrai complex. After that, we visited the seafood wholesale market, and the guests took an interest in the hand signals used during the auctions. Because some in the group walked at a slower pace, we could not catch the bus we had planned to take, and walking to another bus stop looked difficult for them, so we ended up waiting about 20 minutes for the next bus in strong winds. At Tsukiji, the guests bought large quantities of wasabi bean snacks and other treats. When I heard they wanted to eat sushi at Tsukiji before heading back, I took them to a favorite sushi restaurant, confirmed that they could return to the Hotel on foot, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGinza 4-chome / Toei Bus~Shin-Toyosu Station / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusShijomae Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at EDITION Ginza, depart by taxi
    • 9:10 Tsukiji Fish Market
    • 11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Disband at Tsukiji 4-chome Intersection

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji Market Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before and had signed up for the tour to show the others around Tsukiji. We first walked through the fish market area, then enjoyed sushi topped with fatty tuna (otoro), conger eel (anago), sea urchin (uni), a rolled omelet made with dashi and truffle, fried chicken, Shine Muscat grapes, and Amaou strawberries, which we savored on the third floor. They also purchased a large quantity of dashi stock as souvenirs. In the outer market as well, they enjoyed sweet potato chips, black sesame soft serve ice cream, and a coffee shop that drew them in with its John Lennon theme. They also purchased chopstick rests, cooking chopsticks, a rice ball mold, T-shirts, and a large amount of beans. For one of the guests, it was their first time visiting the fish market, and they were delighted because it was less crowded and easier to shop compared to the outer market. While there seemed to be few tourists from Asia, despite the request for tourists to refrain from visiting Tsukiji, I did not personally feel that the overall number of visitors had decreased. Since these guests spent a significant amount of money in Tsukiji, I would consider them not merely sightseers but genuine shoppers.

    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, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, 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…