Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita

    Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet up at Narita Airport Terminal 2
    • 2. 10:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 3. 12:00 Lunch at DIN TAI FUNG Tokyo Skytree Solamachi Store
    • 4. 13:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 5. 14:15 Ueno Park
    • 6. 14:45 Disband at Keisei Ueno Station

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Eastern Tokyo Near Keisei Ueno Station? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were stopping in Japan on a transit layover during their journey, and it was their first visit to Japan. Since time was limited, I focused the tour on the eastern part of Tokyo, close to Keisei Ueno Station. They also mentioned that they loved Din Tai Fung and had visited its branches in various countries, and asked if we could have lunch there if possible, so I took them to the Skytree branch. They showed almost no reaction to my explanations, and I had thought they might not be interested, but that turned out not to be the case, as they told me at the end that they had enjoyed the tour. It may be an unnecessary concern on my part, but since a guide adjusts their guiding according to the guest's reactions, I felt it is actually a disadvantage for guests to appear uninterested.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1JGA Pre-Approved FeeAirport Terminal 2 (Railway)~Keisei Ueno2,580JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Oshiage210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOshiage~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Total3,330JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 11:45 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 13:10 Akihabara
    • 13:20 Lunch @ at home café
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:05 Disband in front of TeamLab Planets

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Meiji Shrine, and teamLab Planets The weather was neither too hot nor rainy, so the tour proceeded almost without any issues. After meeting the guests at the Hotel and confirming the itinerary, we headed to Asakusa. They bought souvenirs and visited the temple, taking many photos and seeming very satisfied. As planned, we had lunch at a maid cafe in Akihabara, and the guests were delighted, saying there was nothing like it back home. However, the food came out slowly here, so we ended up using quite a lot of time. Afterwards, the plan had been to continue to Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, but due to time constraints we could only visit Meiji Shrine. I then guided them to teamLab Planets, with entry from 5:30, and the tour finished nearly on schedule. I received a tip. I felt it is important to be careful, as the maid cafe can take a lot of time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Harajuku180JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Toyosu0JPY
    Section 5TrainToyosu~Shin-Toyosu190JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Daikakuji Temple & Tenryuji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Daikakuji Temple & Tenryuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00    Hotel Meet
    • 11:50~11:45 Daikakuji Temple
    • 12:00~12:45 Tenryuji Temple
    • 12:50~13:45 Bamboo Grove – Arashiyama Park – Katsura River – Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:15 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Can You Take a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama Area? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania, traveling through Tokyo and Hakone before arriving in Kyoto. During the first half of their trip there had been a lot of rain, and they were disappointed that they could not see Mount Fuji in Hakone. Although it takes a little time from their hotel, they said they would visit nearby Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Higashiyama on their own, so we first headed toward the Saga and Arashiyama area to Daikaku-ji, which is relatively less crowded. They were moved by Osawa Pond, the quiet and solemn architecture, and the gardens, and took many photographs. At Tenryu-ji, they were impressed by the borrowed scenery, the Sogenchi Garden, and the adjacent bamboo grove. I was worried about the rain, but it held off and they were able to enjoy the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2BusSaga-Arashiyama Station/Kyoto City Bus~Daikakuji Temple/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusDaikakuji Temple/Kyoto Bus~Nonomiya/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainHankyu Arashiyama Station/Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma240JPY
    Section 5SubwayKarasuma~Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel – 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 12:50 Tsukiji Outer Market – 14:00 Lunch – 15:30 Meiji Shrine – 16:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street, disband

    Title: What Is a Multi-Generational First-Time Tokyo Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, planning to stay for about ten days after arriving the previous afternoon. Although signs of jet lag occasionally appeared, the tour proceeded cheerfully and pleasantly throughout. The group was moved by the contrast between the quiet, four-hundred-year-old historical atmosphere of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, formerly Edo Castle, and the surrounding cluster of modern buildings. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, the group enjoyed sushi, katsudon, and ramen on an open rooftop terrace, experiencing Japanese food culture firsthand. This private Tokyo tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYushima~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Yoyogi380JPY
    Total740JPY

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 9:45 Asakusa
    • 3. 11:15 Tsukiji
    • 4. 11:45 Lunch (Tsukiji Sushisei Tsukiji Annex)
    • 5. 13:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 14:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
    • 7. 15:00 Dismiss at Grand Hyatt Tokyo

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, arriving in Japan the day before. After Tokyo they planned to visit Mount Fuji and Kyoto, with an overall stay of about ten days in Japan. Since this was their first visit to Japan, they preferred to leave the itinerary entirely up to me during our planning discussions, so I proposed a route covering Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. On the day, we followed exactly that route, and the guests listened attentively to my explanations at each location. For lunch, I had heard that they did not eat certain kinds of meat, so we went for sushi at Tsukiji. We visited the new building of a well-known sushi restaurant, and the guests were delighted, saying it was delicious and the best sushi they had ever had. At the end, I saw them off at their hotel, and we parted ways there. They gave me a tip, so I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassRoppongi~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Ebisu150JPY
    Section 6Free PassEbisu~Roppongi0JPY
    Total850JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Ropeway & Sannomiya Station

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Ropeway & Sannomiya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet the guests at the Kobe Minato Onsen Ren lobby, explain today's itinerary and then depart
    • 9:20 Explain the former foreign settlement from the taxi window
    • 9:40 Arrive at Kitano Ijinkan (foreigners' district), Weathercock House (exterior only), Moegi House, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
    • 10:15 Kobe Ropeway
    • 11:30 Head to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum by taxi
    • 11:50 Arrive at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 12:40 Head to Sannomiya Station by taxi
    • 13:00 Arrive at Sannomiya Station, say goodbye and end the tour

    Can You Do a Private Taxi Tour of Kobe? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They wished to get around by taxi. During the taxi ride, they asked me where I had learned English, so I shared that I had once lived in North America and studied there. Since they had not yet had breakfast, we stopped at a convenience store along the way where they bought breakfast and ate it in the taxi. When they noticed that each room in the Moegi House had a fireplace, they asked whether it gets cold here, and I answered that compared to their home region, it is much colder there. Since there were sake barrels placed at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, I mentioned the sake brewery museum we would visit later and explained the relationship between Shinto and sake. They were delighted by the beauty of Nunobiki Falls as seen from the ropeway. They said the exhibits at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum were wonderful and were very pleased, which made me glad.

    Hello, I’m Yuko, a nationally licensed tour guide in Japan.
    My passion for guiding began in my twenties, and was deepened by the eight years I spent in New York, where I studied art criticism and volunteered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These experiences taught me the joy of cultural exchange and the value of warm hospitality. I love solo travel, art history – especially the Renaissance – and the Japanese tea ceremony, which I’ve studied under the Urasenke school. Wearing kimono and practicing tea ceremony brings me peace and mindfulness that I enjoy sharing with visitors.
    I look forward to being your bridge to Japan’s culture, history and traditions.

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Obaiin

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Obaiin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 09:05 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • 09:40 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 11:00 Nishiki Market (lunch and strolling)
    • 12:40 Obaiin (Daitokuji Temple)
    • 13:45 Break again at Starbucks (Sanjo Ohashi Bridge)
    • 14:00 Strolling around Pontocho and Gion, Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, Yasui Konpira Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:00 Disband at Gion

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, and Gion The guests were visitors from North America. Both were bright and easygoing, listening attentively and asking many detailed questions, which made the tour enjoyable. Regarding the pond at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, I had previously heard an explanation from a curator that what looks like a pond is actually a river, while the pond in the garden in front of the Ko-gosho is a true pond, and I had been repeating that explanation somewhat secondhand ever since — but it turns out my understanding was vague. Today, one of the guests asked me why the water in the pond flows from north to south, and I could not answer. When I checked again at home, I learned that the pond in the Oike-niwa garden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was historically fed by underground water called mikawamizu drawn from Kamigamo Shrine, and that since the Meiji Restoration it has mainly used water drawn from the Lake Biwa Canal, along with some circulated groundwater. While strolling, it appears to be a pond, but when you look at the palace pond from directly above like a bird's-eye view, it actually resembles a fully connected river, with a gentle current (the Demizu no Ogawa stream) always flowing. However, it is not entirely clear where the water ultimately flows out. Thanks to the question, I became a little wiser myself. We ate curry udon at Nishiki Market, had coffee at a coffee shop, and, revitalized, went on to explore a Zen temple and Gion. The guests are planning to attend the Kurama Fire Festival tomorrow and are thoroughly enjoying Kyoto. I would be glad if I was able to be of even a little 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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel
    • Sannenzaka Shopping
    • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • Heian Shrine
    • Handicraft Center

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Retracing an Old Visit? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. This was a trip to retrace memories of a visit to Japan made about fifty years earlier. At Sannenzaka, they looked very closely at the Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, and they listened with great interest to the history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its "kake-zukuri" stage construction. When they noticed high school students on a school trip wearing kimono, they found it unusual and wanted to take a photo together, so I passed on the request and they were able to take the picture. At Heian Shrine, they marveled at how spacious it was and how beautiful the buildings were. When I explained about the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) scheduled for the next day, they became very interested and said they definitely wanted to see it, so I briefly explained the route using a map. The Handicraft Center, which had originally been their main goal, also seemed to please them, which was wonderful. Since they were also interested in the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts and in maiko, I introduced the Gion Corner as well. We went a little over time, but finished at the Handicraft Center.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Niomon / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Hi, everyone! Nice meeting you! I’m Yoshimi, Japan National Licenced Tour Guide.
    I live in Osaka city with my family, working for overseas trade.
    I love traveling abroad as well as in Japan regardless urban area or countryside.
    So interested in interacting with you through attractive sightseeing spots around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
    Osaka is famous as exciting big city and delicious food, Kyoto and Nara boast more than 1000years history with lots of UNESCO world heritage site.
    I also would like to introduce Japanese culture such as Sa-do or tea ceremony, Ka-do, or flower arrangement, Kimono wearing.
    What intrigue you in Japan? Depending on your interest, I’m able to recommend anything, anywhere.
    Please let me know what kind of thing you’d like to see or experience.
    Really looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Jun 5, 2025
    annandjamesa2025
    Great Half Day tour in Osaka with Kelly
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kelly was a great…

    May 25, 2025
    vibhutit2025
    Enjoyed
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The guide was super friendly and loving. I enjoyed my time…

    Apr 1, 2025
    S2203HDjoanneh
    Guided tour Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Today, Kelly was our guide in Osaka, and she…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Sugimoto Hamono Main Store

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Sugimoto Hamono Main Store

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 The Okura Tokyo meeting point
    • 8:40 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Station New South Exit. Assistance with purchasing Welcome Suica and Shinkansen tickets at the Ekitabi Concierge.
    • 11:40 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 13:10 Lunch "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 13:50 Tsukiji "Sugimoto Hamono Main Store"
    • 14:10 Hail a taxi on Harumi Street, tell the driver the name of your hotel, and disband

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors Heading to Nikko and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests, who arrived in Japan the day before from North America, planned to stay in Tokyo, then take a day trip to Mount Fuji, spend a couple of nights in Nikko, visit Kyoto, and finally return to Tokyo before heading home. It was the first visit to Japan for one of the guests, and the trip had been carefully planned in advance, with all the arrangements handled personally. Once the tickets from the Hotel to Nikko, and from Nikko through Utsunomiya and Tokyo Station on to Kyoto, had all been purchased, the guest broke into a huge smile. Hoping that the group would enjoy their upcoming travels with that same big smile, we parted ways on Harumi-dori near the Tsukiji Outer Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4SubwayKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel → 12:30 Fushimi Inari→13:50 Nishiki Market→15:30 Gion Shirakawa→16:00 Hanamikoji Street→16:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple→18:00 Arrive at hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market The guests were visitors from North America. The tour began as scheduled at 12:00, and I was able to meet up smoothly with both the guests and the driver. Lunch was not included in the original plan, but at the guests' request we went to Nishiki Market. At Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, the guests walked at a brisk pace, so we finished earlier than expected. The guests were interested in Japanese culture and asked many questions, such as how to distinguish good ceramics. I could not explain this very well, but the driver was knowledgeable about it. I felt I should study more myself. For their meal, they enjoyed sukiyaki at Nishiki Market. There seemed to be few dining options around Fushimi Inari. Because we took our time over the meal, Gion and Kiyomizu-dera became a bit rushed, but the guests thoroughly enjoyed the view from the stage.

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
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