Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet up @Meiji Shrine
    • 2.11:00 @Yasukuni Shrine
    • 3.13:00 Lunch @bills Ginza
    • 4.14:30 @Takeshita Street
    • 5.15:00 Disband @Takeshita Street

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Yasukuni, and Takeshita Street The tour was for a group of guests visiting Tokyo. On this day, the group wished to visit places of historical importance. After lunch, the original plan was to go to Asakusa and Kuramae, but since they were scheduled to visit the Skytree the next day, Asakusa and Kuramae were moved to the following day, and instead we changed the plan to visit Takeshita Street. At Meiji Shrine, the group listened to the history of Japan and of shrines, and wrote their wishes on ema plaques to offer them. At Yasukuni Shrine, we visited the Yushukan museum. The kamikaze exhibits seemed to leave a particularly strong impression. For lunch, we went to a restaurant in Ginza. The group followed a plant-based diet, and it was good that the restaurant was able to accommodate this. Afterwards, we went to Takeshita Street, where some of the guests wanted to visit a ninja cafe and others an animal cafe. I guided them to the locations and concluded the tour on Takeshita Street. Although it was a large group, I was glad that everything went smoothly and finished without any trouble.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMeiji-jingumae~Kudanshita210JPY
    Section 2TrainGinza~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at The B Akasaka
    • 2. 10:20 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:20 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:20 Lunch at Towada
    • 5. 14:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 15:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 16:10 Disband at Akasaka Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, and they asked me to teach them about Japanese culture, history, customs, and how to use the subway. When I explained that the Tokyo subway network was modeled on the London Tube, they seemed a little surprised but understood the connection. Although the weather was unfortunately a bit rainy at times, it did not significantly affect the tour, and we were able to complete the entire planned itinerary, which pleased the guests very much. Since they had requested something Japanese for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant where they could enjoy soba and tendon, and they were delighted with this as well. When they mentioned that they had once lived in a town in Europe, I told them that I had lived in a neighboring town, which surprised them greatly. We were able to finish the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere from beginning to end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka (Tokyo)~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Akasaka (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hilton Kyoto
    • 9:15 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:50 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:00 Gion
    • 12:30 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were experienced travelers, but this was their first time in Japan. Despite some light rain, we were able to complete the planned itinerary. At Fushimi Inari, preparations for the New Year decorations were busily underway, giving a real sense of the year's end. Both guests took a keen interest in Japanese culture, and upon seeing a torii gate within the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera, they asked about the difference between Shinto and Buddhism. I explained that, through the historical blending of Shinto and Buddhism, both are religions deeply rooted in the hearts of Japanese people, and that I myself sometimes visit both shrines and temples for the first prayer of the New Year. In Gion, they spotted a maiko walking by and took photos from a distance. Around lunchtime, I took them to Nishiki Market, where we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Gion / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total850JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at JR Kyoto Station.
    • 09:20 to 10:10 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 to 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30 to 12:00 Gion
    • 12:40 to 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 to 14;30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Disband at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America and Oceania. Since their Kyoto tour was only for this one day, they requested to visit the above five locations within six hours. A high school ekiden relay race was being held in Kyoto today, and we were about to get caught in traffic around Kinkaku-ji Temple, but thanks to the driver's quick thinking, we were able to avoid the congestion. We were able to carry out the tour smoothly and just as the guests had requested.

    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…

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel→9:47 Depart Makishi Monorail Station→9:59 Arrive Shuri Station→10:15 Shuri Castle Park (free area) 11:30→11:53 Depart Shuri Monorail Station→11:55 Arrive Ishimine Station→12:05 Lunch at Okinawan restaurant 13:00→13:15 Depart Ishimine Monorail Station→13:20 Arrive Urasoe-Maeda Station→13:30 Hacksaw Ridge 14:45→15:06 Depart Ishimine Monorail Station→15:26 Arrive Makishi Station→15:36 Hotel

    What Is a Private Walking and Monorail History Tour of Naha, Okinawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the course itinerary had been discussed thoroughly in advance, the tour turned out to be very satisfying. The guests enjoyed history and did not mind walking, so we used only a one-day monorail pass and were still able to learn a great deal about the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom era and the history of the Battle of Okinawa, which they were very pleased with. For lunch, the guests wished to try local cuisine. For lunch, I selected an Okinawan restaurant and asked the chef in advance to arrange a specially prepared menu. The guests thanked me, saying, "Thank you for choosing this restaurant!", and it became a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMakishi~Shuri290JPY
    Section 2OtherShuri~Ishimine250JPY
    Section 3OtherIshimine~Urasoe-Maeda250JPY
    Section 4OtherUrasoe-Maeda~Makishi320JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9.00 Intercontinental Tokyo Bay
    • 2.9.25-10.00 Imperial Garden From Otemon Gate to Hirakawamon Gate
    • 3.10.30-11.10 Asakusa From Kaminarimon Gate to Nitenmon Gate
    • 4.11.25-12.20 Ueno Park
    • 5.12.30 -14.00 Ramen (Rokurinsha)
    • 6.14.30-15.30 Meiji Jingu
    • 7.16.00 Intercontinental Tokyo Bay

    Title: What Is a Private Minibus Tour of Tokyo Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private chartered minibus tour for a group of guests visiting from North America. During the ride, I explained Japanese history and information about our destinations. With a small number of guests, I can proceed while chatting, but with a larger group the guide needs to keep talking continuously, so at times I ran out of topics, and some guests looked at their smartphones even while I was speaking. I taught them some simple Japanese, talked about the origins of kanji, hiragana, and katakana, shared some of my own English mistakes, and did my best to keep them from getting bored. Ueno Toshogu Shrine has more than 250 stone lanterns, and one of the guests asked, "Do you ever light these?" I was also asked, "Why does the five-story pagoda have five stories?" and I answered, "Because odd numbers are considered lucky numbers. There are also three-story pagodas." (Looking it up later, I learned that the five roofs symbolize earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.) Along the way, the bus we were waiting to meet arrived 20 minutes late, and there was a 40-minute wait at a ramen restaurant, so we ended up returning one hour past the scheduled time, resulting in an extension fee of 6,600 yen. The guests were very endearing, coming to hug me many times and asking to hold hands. We all headed to the hotel singing Christmas songs, and at the end I said, "It's time to say 'Sayonara'" as we parted ways.

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Toyosu Market & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Toyosu Market & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 6:15 @ Toyosu Market
    • 7:00 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 9:00 @ Asakusa
    • 10:00 Disband @ Shiodome Station

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Toyosu, Tsukiji, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America on a private tour of the Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets and Sensoji Temple. Toyosu Market was originally not part of the itinerary, but since we were able to meet 10 minutes before the scheduled time and there was a taxi in front of the Hotel, I suggested a brief visit to see the tuna auction, which they were very happy about. At Toyosu Market, they were able to see the auction of an enormous frozen tuna in the final stage of the bidding. After that, they sampled tuna at the Tsukiji Outer Market, and in Asakusa they bought souvenirs along Nakamise Street. After the tour, they wanted to visit Hamarikyu Gardens on their own, so I accompanied them to Shiodome Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2OtherAsakusa~Shiodome220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Tokyo: Hokokuji Temple & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

    Tokyo: Hokokuji Temple & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Prince Sakura Tower
    • 10:15 Hokokuji Temple
    • 11:15 Kotokuin Great Buddha
    • 11:45 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:45 Dankazura, Wakamiya Oji
    • 13:315 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 14:00 Lunch @ Tsuruhachi (soba restaurant)
    • 16:20 Disband @ Prince Sakura Tower

    Title: What's a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. This was their second trip to Japan; on the previous visit they had toured Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, so this time they traveled through Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Shirakawa-go / Gokayama, Kanazawa, and Fukui, returning to Tokyo the day before today's Kamakura tour. Since they had already joined four tours with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and gathered information about Japan from other guides, today I focused my commentary on the history of the Kamakura period, particularly Kamakura Buddhism. They had visited Eiheiji on their own but did not seem to have heard any explanation there, so I also touched on the Soto Zen school. As they had visited Todaiji during their previous trip, I explained the Great Buddha of Kamakura in comparison with the Great Buddha of Nara. At Dankazura I explained the use of perspective, and we walked along Wakamiya-oji up to the shrine. Because I was serving as the final guide in a series of [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tours, there was no need to explain the general overview of Japan, which made things easier for me. Instead, I spoke about the politics, economy, history, and culture of Japan and the world, as well as the national character that underlies them and its strengths and weaknesses.

    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…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Tobu Nikko Station & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tochigi in One Day: Tobu Nikko Station & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40- Tobu Nikko Station
    • 10:00- World Heritage Loop Bus
    • 10:10- Nishi-sando Entrance
    • 10:30- Futarasan Shrine
    • 11:05- Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:30- Lunch @ Daikobo
    • 13:40- Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo
    • 15:00- Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 15:50- Dismissal at Tobu Nikko Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. There had been little communication beforehand, and the day got off to an eventful start when we boarded the train only to find that the reservation was for the next day. After arriving, we first helped arrange the return tickets before beginning the tour. As they had skipped breakfast, we bought some coffee, and after an overview of Nikko, we proceeded along a route from Futarasan Shrine to Toshogu Shrine. When one of the guests began to feel unwell from hunger partway through, we moved lunch earlier to accommodate them, and since a reservation had already been made, we were shown to a nice table, which the guests greatly appreciated.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Nishi-sando Entrance600JPY
    Total600JPY

    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 in Half a Day: Asakusa & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport
    • 10:00 Asakusa
    • 11:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Harajuku Lunch after passing the torii gate of Meiji Shrine Gonpachi
    • 13:00 End at Gonpachi

    What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. This was a tour right after their arrival in Japan, and they had a tight schedule: staying one night at a hotel near Haneda Airport, then spending a few days in Kyoto before returning home. Since they were planning to come back to Japan again after the New Year for a two-week trip, their wish this time was to see the must-see spots in Tokyo and get used to how to use public transportation. I had planned to guide them to the main hall of Meiji Shrine, but since one of the guests was hungry and requested lunch, we visited the torii gate of Meiji Shrine and then I took them to Gonpachi. They were very satisfied, saying it was wonderful to be able to see almost three spots that represent Tokyo, and the guests were also very pleased that the lunch was delicious.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOtorii~Shinagawa230JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinagawa~Asakusa390JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)290JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
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    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

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    Excellent tour
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    jacquir581
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    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

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    Frank_B
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    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…