Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka: Nara Park & Zentis Osaka

    Osaka: Nara Park & Zentis Osaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Zentis Osaka pickup
    • 11:30 Nara Park
    • 12:15 Todaiji Temple
    • 13:45 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Lunch and stroll around Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • 16:15 Wakakusayama observation deck
    • 17:15 Depart Nara
    • 18:30 Arrive at Zentis Osaka

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who came to Japan on a memorable trip. Since I learned about this on the morning of the tour, we stopped by a shop during the tour and I bought them a linen cloth with a deer motif as a gift. I was glad that the guests were pleased with the present. The day was perfectly clear, ideal weather for a tour. Like other guests, these guests thoroughly enjoyed the "deer of Nara." Throughout the day, in areas where the deer gathered, the guests took photos and videos many times. At the end of the tour, since we were using a taxi, we took the driveway to visit the summit of Mount Wakakusa. At the summit, I intentionally kept a little distance from the guests so that they could spend time together. It was only for a short while, but perhaps they were able to relax, as they told me it was "peaceful and very nice," which made me feel "peaceful" as well.

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Cruise Terminal
    • 10:25-10:57 Travel from Ujina Port to Miyajima by high-speed boat
    • 11:00-13:20 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, shopping, lunch)
    • 13:30-15:00 Travel to Peace Park (ferry, JR, streetcar)
    • 15:00-16:10 Peace Park (Dome, Museum, etc.)
    • 16:10-16:30 Travel to Cruise Ship Terminal by taxi
    • 16:35 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from South America, all of whom got along very well together. During the tour, I explained why many people migrated from Hiroshima to South America after the war, and the group listened attentively. Since the guests were arriving by cruise ship, careful time management was more important than usual, but everyone was very cooperative, and we were able to return safely to the cruise ship without any stress by the return time that we had decided together with the guests on the morning of the tour. The guests seemed very satisfied with the tour, and I am grateful to them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Port・Ujina~Miyajima Port1,150JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total1,720JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:15 Asakusa
    • 4. 12:45 Tsukiji
    • 5. 13:00 Disband at Tsukiji (Tsukiji Outer Market)

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, and Tsukiji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Japan the day before. This was their first visit to Japan, and their overall itinerary was planned to include Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kyoto. The point of contact for the itinerary was a local travel agency, which requested that the tour cover Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple and conclude at Tsukiji, so the tour followed exactly that route. This private tour of Tokyo was led by a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) government-licensed guide. The guests listened attentively to the explanations at each location, and they seemed particularly interested in the historical connections between Portugal and Japan, asking many related questions. After Tsukiji, they asked where I would recommend visiting next, and I suggested Hamarikyu Gardens and Ginza. Finally, I recommended some shops at Tsukiji Market and explained how to return to their accommodation, after which the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji290JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: 15: 10 Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: 15: 10 Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel
    • 10:10-11:35 Travel to Miyajima (bus, JR, ferry)
    • 11:35-12:30 Great Torii Gate, Daisho-in Temple
    • 12:30-12:50 Travel to ropeway station
    • 12:50-14:30 Travel to Mount Misen by ropeway
    • 14:30-14:50 Travel to Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:50-15: 10 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:30 Disperse at Miyajima

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Miyajima Tour from Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The day before, they had toured the city of Hiroshima, and on this day they enjoyed a half-day tour of Miyajima. The day before the tour, at the guests' request, the ending point was suddenly changed from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima. After the tour ended on Miyajima, the guests planned to take the 16:25 World Heritage Sea Route from Miyajima to the Peace Park, so their time on Miyajima was longer than usual. Because of this, I took them by the Mount Misen ropeway up to the observation deck near the station, which is not normally included in the standard 4-hour Miyajima tour. The view from there was wonderful, and the guests appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed Miyajima. After parting with the guests on Miyajima, I returned to Hiroshima Station by ferry and JR.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShirakami Shrine-mae/Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine Akama & Mekari Shrine Mekari

    Yamaguchi in One Day: Akama Shrine Akama & Mekari Shrine Mekari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Hotel Meet at Hotel
    • 9:00 Walk around Karato area (Former British Consulate, Karato Market etc) Along Kanmon Strait, Walk around Karato area, walk along Kanmon Strait
    • 10:00 Akama Shrine Akama Shrine
    • 10:30 Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
    • 11:10 Mekari Shrine Mekari Shrine
    • 11: 50 Moji Port Retro (Mitsui Club, Moji Port Station, shopping) Stroll around Moji Port Retro area, rest, shopping
    • 12:50 Take a ferry to back to Karato Board the ferry
    • 13:00 Lunch at locan Ramen shop Lunch at a local ramen shop
    • 13:45 Souvenir Shopping Souvenir shopping at Kamon Wharf
    • 14:20 Take a taxi and dismiss Dismiss at Hotel (return to port by taxi)

    What Is a Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a slightly cloudy and chilly day, but the weather was perfect for walking. Although the wind was strong, the guests asked questions as we walked and listened to the stories along the way, and I think they took a genuine interest. My impression was that they were more curious about everyday life and my own background than about historical details. The ramen shop was a place I know well, and the owner kindly gave them Hasami ware as a souvenir, which added a special touch to the experience. The guests said they would be "very honored!" to have their photos posted, so please feel free to share them. They mentioned that if there is a link showing where the photos are published, they would appreciate being informed, and it is fine for me to let them know as well. Thank you very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryMoji Port~Karato/Sanden Kotsu400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello, I’m Rie, who has been assinged to your guide this time. First of all, thank you so much for choosing this town as one of your travel destination. I am very exciting to show you around! I had live in abroad (Kentucky (USA), Guam, Lugano (Switzerland) ) for about 30 years. I enjoyed to learn many different cultures and languages through the time. I love to meet new people, eat and drink like bar hopping 🙂 and make a great memory together. Please feel free to ask any question, request, etc. I will work my best and accommodate your visit as you wish. We are on “Once-in-a- lifetime.” Let’s have some fun and together! I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

    Apr 3, 2026
    Edward_G
    Viator review: Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the are…
    Wonderful tour of the…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:00 The Westin Miyako Kyoto meeting point
    • ② 09:05 Itinerary explanation and about Kyoto's history
    • ③ 09:45 Nijo Castle
    • ④ 11:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤ 12:00 Lunch near Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑥ 13:30 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑦ 14:20 Bamboo Grove ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • ⑧ 15:20 Dismissal at the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Jojakko-ji The guests were visitors from North America. They had come to Japan on a trip, and it may have been to mark some special occasion, though I did not ask. Over the past few days, the Japanese archipelago had been rainy, and they said Tokyo and Hakone had been shrouded in rain and deep fog the entire time, so they were delighted that it finally cleared up in Kyoto. Today in particular was a beautiful clear autumn day, with the sun almost dazzling, and everywhere the greenery was fresh and refreshing, just like in the photo (Jojakko-ji). Not only for the places we would visit today, but because they wanted recommendations for exploring Kyoto or Nara for one more day tomorrow, I brought along a thick set of materials on recommended spots and explained various options. Jojakko-ji sits partway up Mount Ogura, famous for the Hyakunin Isshu, and there are the remains of the Shigure-tei, where the great poet Fujiwara no Teika compiled the Hyakunin Isshu. When I explained that the very sound of the names "Arashiyama" and "Ogurayama" carries something rhyme-like that evokes classical Japanese poetry, they listened to that story with great interest. About five minutes' climb up from the Shigure-tei there is a natural viewing point from which you can look out over the whole of Kyoto and the Thirty-Six Peaks of Higashiyama, and it was wonderfully refreshing, so they enjoyed filming video here as well. I always explain that the Togetsukyo Bridge is a viewing point from which you look up at Arashiyama from below the mountains, and today the air was so clear that the Oi River, nestled between Arashiyama and Ogurayama, looked beautiful. I believe the guests felt a beauty somehow different from the grand-scale lakes and mountains they usually enjoy back home. I am very grateful to the driver for all the help.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at hotel 10:55 Fushimi Inari  12:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 13:20 Short break & lunch 14:40 Kinkaku-ji 16:20 Gion 17:10 Board Keihan train heading to Osaka
    • 18:15 Drop off near hotel and tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Their accommodation, a hotel, had very unclear signage that was difficult for first-time users to navigate. Some of the conversation was a little hard to follow at times. Partly because we missed a train, it took longer than expected to reach Fushimi Inari Shrine. One of the guests took a great many photographs and captured some excellent shots. Today I noticed the behavior of several tourists a number of times. At Fushimi Inari, one visitor kept a small "omokaru-ishi" stone tucked under the arm while chatting for a while; another stood in the entrance of a city bus so the doors would not close; and in Gion someone stood in the doorway of a private residence to take photos. Also, at the Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop, a Japanese assistant allowed a passenger to board the bus ahead of the line, which made me wonder whether that was appropriate. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTanimachi 4-chome~Tenmabashi190JPY
    Section 2TrainTenmabashi~Fushimi Inari480JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4OtherRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 5OtherKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 6OtherKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 7OtherNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 8OtherHigashiyama-Sanjo~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 9TrainGion-Shijo~Tenmabashi490JPY
    Section 10OtherTenmabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Total2,790JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku & Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo: Shinjuku & Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:40 Around Shinjuku
    • 12:15 From Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace
    • 13:30 Imperial Palace tour
    • 16:30 Tour ends at the Mori Art Museum

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since one of them had visited Tokyo and Osaka about two years earlier, we focused on places they had not been able to see on that trip. As they planned to continue to Osaka and Kyoto before returning to Tokyo and staying in Shinjuku, I introduced Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, the Godzilla building, and Golden Gai as references for later. They had only seen the Imperial Palace from the outside and wanted to see it from within, so we joined the Imperial Palace tour, where they seemed overwhelmed by its vastness and grandeur and were very pleased. After a late lunch, I saw them off at the Mori Art Museum, ending the tour.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 2. 9:15 Guide through Nijo Castle
    • 3. 12:00 Guide through Nanzenji Temple
    • 4. 13:00 Guide through Eikando Temple
    • 5. 14:00 Philosopher's Path
    • 6. 14:30 Disband @ Ginkakuji Temple approach

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Nanzen-ji, and Ginkaku-ji The guests today were visitors from Europe. They had a strong interest in Japan, having read books about the country before their trip, and the questions they asked were consistently deep and thoughtful. For example, at Nijo Castle they were knowledgeable about the shogunate, the feudal lords, and the return of political power to the emperor, so our visit became an exchange of views and we took our time exploring. They also entered the museum and enthusiastically viewed the original fusuma paintings rather than the replicas. At Nanzen-ji, guiding was very rewarding as I explained the differences between Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism, as well as the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. At Eikan-do, they enjoyed dango in the garden park, and when I told them the story of moon-viewing and dango they laughed and enjoyed the beautiful garden scenery. From Eikan-do we strolled along the Philosopher's Path toward Ginkaku-ji, and we parted ways in front of Ginkaku-ji. We were blessed with fine weather today, making it a perfect day for sightseeing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
    Total520JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Royal Park Tokyo Iconic
    • 9:20 Tsukiji: Fish Market, Outer Market, Honganji Temple
    • 10:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:15 Asakusa Stroll
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Owariya (Asakusa)
    • 13:45 Ueno Park: Toshogu Shrine, Dahlia Garden
    • 15:15 Disband @ Wako, Ginza 4-chome

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Covering Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ueno? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had arrived the previous day. They planned to visit Nikko, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa after Tokyo. First of all, the weather today was neither too hot nor too cold, with no rain — a fine day for sightseeing after a long while. At Tsukiji, I explained the history of the fish market area, how it divides its role with the Toyosu Market, and the supply chain. Today there were few international visitors at the fish market, so the guests were able to enjoy a special sense of exclusivity. At the Imperial Palace, I explained Japanese history, especially the founding of the Edo shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, and the imperial system. The guests loved the garden and immediately sent the photos they had taken to their family. In Asakusa, the guests wished to eat tempura, so I took them to a long-established tempura restaurant, where luckily all the other customers happened to be Japanese, and here too they were delighted to enjoy a special sense of exclusivity. Ueno was at the guests' request, but along the way I learned that they liked dahlias, so as a surprise I guided them to a dahlia garden. I also explained Toshogu Shrine, including its connection to Nikko, as a bit of preparation for their upcoming visit there. The guests asked me to guide them again the following day, but my schedule did not allow it, so I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Unfortunately, another guide could not be assigned at that point, so it did not work out.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Yurakucho170JPY
    Total710JPY

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

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

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

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

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