Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Wadakura Fountain Park & Tokyo Tower Main Deck

    Tokyo in One Day: Wadakura Fountain Park & Tokyo Tower Main Deck

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 9:10 Wadakura Fountain Park
    • 9:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Shibakoen Station, lunch
    • 12:50 Shiba Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:00 Zojoji Temple Treasure Gallery, Tokugawa Shogun Family Cemetery
    • 14:00 Tokyo Tower Main Deck
    • 14:30 Tour ends at Tokyo Tower

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokugawa Shogun History Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Oceania. As the guest was interested in Tokugawa Ieyasu, we visited sites related to the shoguns. At the Imperial Palace and East Gardens, after giving an overview of Japanese history, Edo Castle and the shogunate, the shoguns, and the emperors, I explained the buildings, the plants in the gardens, and aspects of Japanese culture at key points. The guest enjoyed strolling among the trees and seemed very satisfied with the beautifully maintained Japanese gardens. After paying respects at Shiba Tosho-gu Shrine and Zojo-ji Temple, the guest viewed the model of the Taitokuin Mausoleum in the basement of the main hall as well as the tombs of the Tokugawa shogun family. When I explained the origins of the shogun family tombs, the guest showed great admiration. At Tokyo Tower, the guest also appeared to enjoy the surrounding views.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuidobashi~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shibakoen180JPY
    Total360JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Museum of Housing and Living

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Museum of Housing and Living

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel gathering
    • 9:40 Osaka Castle
    • 11:40 Kuromon Market
    • 13:00 Museum of Housing and Living
    • 14:00 Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street dismissal

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Kuromon Market The guests were visitors from North America. After learning that the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living would open at 10:00, I rearranged the planned route and headed to Osaka Castle first. One of the guests enjoyed photography and eagerly took many pictures, viewing the historic sites and exhibits with great interest. The other frequently looked at a smartphone while walking, which made me wonder whether the tour was of interest or whether my explanations were lacking. However, since they responded whenever I spoke to them along the way, I assumed it was simply their style and continued the tour without worrying. They had sushi at Kuromon Market, and although a large group's order came in ahead of ours and took more time than expected, we were able to cover all of the destinations planned in advance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNippombashi (Osaka)~Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome240JPY
    Total610JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Welcome at Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Welcome at Hiroshima Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:04 Welcome at Hiroshima Station
    • 9:23 Depart JR Hiroshima Station
    • 9:50 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:20 Arrive at Miyajima Port by JR Ferry
    • 10:20-13:10 Visit Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando Shopping Street, lunch
    • 13:10 Depart Miyajima on the World Heritage Sea Route
    • 13:55 Arrive at Motoyasu Pier on the World Heritage Sea Route
    • 14:00-15:50 Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:50-16:20 To Hiroshima Station by taxi (Depart Hiroshima Station 16:43)

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were in very good health and full of energy. They had a strong interest in Buddhism and Shinto, and at Miyajima they asked many wide-ranging questions about each religion, including its history. Along the Omotesando shopping street, they were drawn to classic local items such as momiji manju, rice scoops, and miniatures of the Great Torii Gate, showing a wonderfully youthful curiosity. In the afternoon, we moved to the Peace Memorial Park via the World Heritage Sea Route. Since they needed to return that same day, I saw them off to Hiroshima Station in time to catch a bullet train in the 4 p.m. hour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3JGA Pre-Approved FeeMiyajima~Motoyasu Pier1,200JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Jul 31, 2026
    Helene R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Experienced guide Hiroshi
    Hiroshi was a great experienced…

    Jul 26, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
    We went…

    Jul 17, 2026
    oswaldom406
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
    We had an absolutely wonderful…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Jennifer L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Hiroshi is…

  • Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Round trip from Shimoyoshida Station to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine (including the Chureito Pagoda).
    • Around 10:30 Take a taxi to the Kanadorii in Fujiyoshida and get off at the Kanadorii. Walk from the torii gate toward Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. On the way, stop by the front garden of an Oshi house.
    • Around 11:10 Arrive at the shrine, worship and stroll around.
    • Around 12:00 Head to Kawaguchiko Station by taxi, arriving around 12:15. Since "Hoto Fudo," which we had planned to visit, was for some reason closed (it was open last Wednesday the 15th), we hurriedly walked to a restaurant on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Lunch of hoto.
    • 13:35 Head to Narusawa Ice Cave by bus. After arriving around 14:10, we went through Narusawa Ice Cave and the Aokigahara forest walking trail to Fugaku Wind Cave.
    • 16:05 Head to Kawaguchiko Station by bus, arriving around 16:50, and disband.

    What Is a Private Fuji-Kawaguchiko History and Nature Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained all day, so the guests were unable to fully enjoy the scenery, but with a history tour in the morning and a nature tour in the afternoon, I believe they were satisfied. The guests were staying near Lake Kawaguchi that night, and since fine weather was forecast for the following day, they should be able to see Mount Fuji as well. Rather than waiting for buses or trains, the guests said a taxi was fine, so we used taxis between Shimoyoshida and Mount Fuji Station, and between Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Kawaguchiko Station. At the Sengen Shrine, the guests wrote their wishes on an ema votive tablet and offered it, and also purchased a small charm with a mini school backpack attached. They seemed very pleased with the hoto for lunch, saying it was delicious and warmed them up. The Aokigahara forest walking trail seemed particularly interesting to them, and they listened attentively to my explanations. Some of the guests were also very interested in mushrooms and took many photos of them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKawaguchiko Station~Narusawa Ice Cave1,500JPY
    Section 2Free PassFugaku Wind Cave~Kawaguchiko Station0JPY
    Total1,500JPY

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel-11:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-14:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens-15:00 Disband at Marunouchi

    A Private Two-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide: Harajuku, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace This was the second day of a first-time-in-Japan tour for a group visiting from Europe. Starting in Harajuku, the district known for youth culture and fashion, the guests were amazed by the animal cafes featuring capybaras, mini pigs, and otters. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, they were surprised to see so many people walking in an orderly way without bumping into one another. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests showed more interest in the surrounding skyscrapers of Otemachi and Marunouchi than in the remains of Edo Castle, and the tour concluded at the "Marunouchi Building" in front of Tokyo Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNogizaka~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2BusJingumae 1-chome/Toei Bus~Shibuya Station West Exit/Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total600JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Garden of Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Garden of Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up@
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Takeshita St
    • Harajuku
    • 13:00 Akihabara
    • 14:30 East Garden of Imperial Palace
    • 16:00 tour end

    What Can You See on a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who booked through a local agency. However, communication from the local agency was slow, so I ended up corresponding directly with the guests. By the time the local agency finally got in touch, the itinerary had already been finalized. My impression is that things come together faster when not going through a local agency. The guests were very friendly and kind. Since it was raining on the tour day, they even offered to reschedule for the next day. However, I received the email after I had already left home, so we decided to go ahead with the tour. At the guests' request, I guided them to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Akihabara, and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. We had originally planned to take a taxi from the Hotel to Meiji Shrine, but when we asked at the Hotel, we were told it would cost more than 4,000 yen, so after discussing it with the guests, we decided to take the subway instead. The guests said they didn't need lunch because they wanted to sightsee as much as possible. However, I suggested we buy onigiri in the basement of Tokyo Station and take a short break at the free rest area in Wadakura Fountain Park to eat them. I was glad they said it was a great idea. On a sunny day you can sit and eat on outdoor benches or on the benches within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but on a rainy day the places where you can sit and eat are limited. I was relieved that seats were available. I had intended to see the guests back to the Hotel, but they said they could get back on their own, so we traveled together to an intermediate station and parted ways there. The guests seemed very interested in Japan and asked many questions, listening attentively to my explanations, which made me very happy. They said they would be traveling on to Kamakura, Nikko, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi~Yoyogi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando~Suehirocho (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Hibiya180JPY
    Total760JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (formerly Wing International Premium Kyoto)
    • 09:10 Sightseeing ①: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 Sightseeing ②: Yasaka Shrine
    • 11:40 Sightseeing ③: Nijo Castle
    • 12:50 Lunch/Break: Kyoto Station Underground / Porta
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ④: Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 14:30 End of guide: Sanjusangendo Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour by City Bus Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting and sightseeing in Japan from Oceania. For the advance arrangements regarding destinations, I communicated with one of the guests. They expressed a wish to hear not only about the major landmarks but also about the history, culture, and daily life of Kyoto. The destinations were finally confirmed as "Kiyomizu-dera → Yasaka Shrine → Nijo Castle → lunch and break → Sanjusangendo." This time, given the positional relationship between the hotel and the destinations, we decided to use the city buses for all our travel. Another thing confirmed during the advance exchanges was a change in the name of the accommodation. At the initial application stage it was one Hotel, but when I searched it, the name had been changed to another Hotel. On the day, the temperature dropped sharply, not reaching 20 degrees Celsius, and I wore an outer jacket for the first time this season. When I met the guests, all of them were in light midsummer clothing of shorts and T-shirts and looked full of energy (though they had properly prepared jackets to put on). After a brief self-introduction, we checked the itinerary and set off. At Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, I explained in detail the characteristics and history of religion in Japan; at Nijo Castle, the history of samurai rule and its relationship with the imperial system. At the final stop, Sanjusangendo, I explained in particular the relationship between the ruling class of the time and Buddhism. The guests seemed overwhelmed by the more than 1,000 statues of the thousand-armed Kannon, and all of them wore expressions of admiration and eagerly asked questions, making it a very rewarding tour to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashiyama Sanjo (Higashiyama Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto Station / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKyoto Station / Kyoto City Bus~Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total920JPY

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

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

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

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

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Courtyard Tokyo Ginza
    • 9:40 Asakusa stroll
    • 11;00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:15 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:00 Lunch @Tsukemen Tomoyasu (Suidobashi)
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14: 45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Travel Center
    • 16:20 Dismissal @Ginza Mitsukoshi Basement

    What Can You See on a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier and had played golf near the foot of Mount Fuji the previous day. The guests love Japanese gardens, and although Shinjuku Gyoen was originally on the itinerary, the rain was so heavy that we changed our plan on the day to Meiji Shrine, where you can walk beneath the trees. At Senso-ji Temple, I advised against drawing an omikuji fortune, but the fortune drawn was "bad luck," which was then tied to the fortune rack. The gardens of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Koishikawa Korakuen looked all the more magical in the rain, and the guests seemed very satisfied. One of the guests had studied well in advance, so my explanations of the daimyo system and the alternate attendance system were easily understood. At Meiji Shrine we took the classic photo at the pair of camphor trees. It happened to be their first anniversary. As a bonus, we made an unplanned stop at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, helped with purchasing bullet train tickets to Shin-Osaka, and guided them to the food hall in the basement of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store to finish the tour. One of the guests was a baseball fan and, along the way, kept spotting posters of a famous player and taking photos of them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Suidobashi180JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi~Harajuku180JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya~Ginza210JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari by Keihan train & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari by Keihan train & Kinkakuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel Alza Kyoto
    • 11:30 Fushimiinari (0) by Keihan train
    • 12:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka
    • Yasaka-no-to
    • Lunch(Dining Sakura)
    • 15:50 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 17:00 Hotel Alza Kyoto by taxi
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like During the Jidai Matsuri? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had retired from work. One of the guests took many photos with a mobile phone but did not go shopping. It drizzled for a while after the tour began. Since it was not heavy rain, the guests used rainwear rather than umbrellas. Fortunately, the rain stopped around the time we finished at Kiyomizu-dera. Because the Jidai Matsuri festival was held today, we ran into heavy traffic congestion when moving to Kinkaku-ji after lunch, which took quite a lot of time. We could not make it in time to Ryoan-ji as originally planned, so after Kinkaku-ji we returned to the Hotel by taxi and parted ways there. The guests will stay in Kyoto for a few more days and also plan to visit Nara. I provided information about various restaurants and places to eat.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Hokkaido in One Day: Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel by GRANBELL
    • 10:25 Former Hokkaido Government Office
    • 11:50 Odori Park
    • 12:30 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Maruyama Class
    • 14:20 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 16:05 Disband @ Tokyu Store

    Guide Report: What's a Private History and Culture Walking Tour of Sapporo Like? The guests were a group who had told me in advance that they were interested in history and culture, so the tour began at the former Hokkaido Government Office, within walking distance from the hotel. There, we spent more than an hour learning about the history of Sapporo. Since the guests were used to training regularly at the gym, they walked at a brisk pace. While I often walk quite slowly to match the pace of guests, this time we were able to move on foot without any hesitation. At the end, the guests wanted to visit an electronics store, so I guided them to a store near the station, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Maruyama Koen210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen~Miyanosawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayMiyanosawa~Odori290JPY
    Total750JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…