Category: Uncategorized

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo, however, appeared 25 minutes late and the first meeting took 10 minutes
    • 11:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @Honno Chotto Palace Branch
    • 14:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 15:45 Disband at Ginza Mitsukoshi

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ginza Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan, and we walked at a gentle pace throughout the tour, using elevators at stations where possible. The weather was very nice, and the guest enjoyed taking photos. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were crowded, but we were able to explore them at a relaxed pace. There were many questions about Japanese history and education. For lunch, the guest had hiyashi chuka (chilled ramen). Asakusa was also busy, but the guest drew an omikuji fortune and paid a visit to the main hall. There were many questions about religion. We had originally planned to visit Ueno Park as well, but there was not enough time, so I guided the guest to Ginza and we concluded the tour there. This private full-day walking 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. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Takebashi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ginza0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Pier & Daishoin

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Pier & Daishoin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet @ Hiroshima Station
    • 10:50 @ Miyajima Pier → Great Torii Gate → Outer area of Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:30 @ Senjokaku
    • 12:00 @ Daishoin
    • 12:45 Disband @ Daishoin Gate

    Title: What Is a Half-Day Private Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia. Since they had requested Mount Misen as part of a half-day Miyajima tour, and were scheduled to take the 6:13 PM Shinkansen to Kyoto that day, I moved the planned 10:00 meeting time forward by ten minutes to 9:50. As a result, we were able to board the 10:00 train bound for Iwakuni and arrived at Miyajima before 11:00. We reached Itsukushima Shrine while viewing the Great Torii Gate and other sights, but since there was a line at the ticket counter and the guests had already visited many shrines and temples in Kyoto and elsewhere, they chose not to go inside. We went to Senjokaku near the shrine, and then headed to Daishoin Temple. Both of the guests were very strong walkers and moved along briskly, and since they did not enter Itsukushima Shrine, we finished touring Daishoin earlier than planned. From the moment we boarded the ferry, one of the guests took many, many photographs. Since they had reserved the Mount Misen ropeway for 2:00 PM, they decided to have lunch before going to Mount Misen at a vegetarian restaurant (Rokkaku Sabo) in front of the Daishoin gate. There was still time before 2:00 PM on this four-hour tour, but since they said they could make their way to Mount Misen on their own from there, I showed them the ropeway station using a map and said goodbye at that point. They were very pleased with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Welcome to Hiroshima! I have been guiding mainly Hiroshima City and Miyajima Island. As for Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome and other memorial monuments in the Memorial Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en garden and so on. As to Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji, Daishoin Temple, Five-storied Pagoda, Senjyo-kaku, and some other places on the Island. It is my great pleasure to guide you who have come to Hiroshima all the way from overseas. I will try to accommodate the guest’s needs. Thank you for visiting Hiroshima.

    Sep 2, 2026
    pamhO5676YA
    Exceptional tour guide and experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had an exceptional…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Camper00811140773
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima was so impactful
    Had a wonderful tour despite rainy…

    Oct 25, 2025
    G557HMsues
    Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We went…

    Jul 6, 2025
    4
    421louisev
    Wonderful experience with Sachi in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Sachi was such…

  • Tokyo: Omiya Bonsai Art Museum & Toju-en

    Tokyo: Omiya Bonsai Art Museum & Toju-en

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Toro Station
    • 9:45 Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
    • 11:15 Mansei-en
    • 11:45 Seiko-en
    • 12:10 Kyuka-en
    • 12:30 Shoto-en
    • 12:50 Fuyo-en
    • 13:10 Toju-en
    • 13:30 Tour ends at Omiya Station

    What Is a Private Bonsai Tour in Omiya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. One of the guests loved bonsai very much and mentioned that they had already seen a major bonsai exhibition in Kyoto. On the day of the tour, after visiting the bonsai museum, they said they wanted to visit every bonsai garden, so we went to all six bonsai gardens in the Toro area. At one garden, they found a pot with a design they liked and purchased it. At another garden, they considered buying a larger pot but gave up on the idea because it was too heavy. On the way back, I guided them to a food court at Omiya Station where one can enjoy gourmet food from all over Japan for lunch, and then we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToro Station / Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture~Omiya (Saitama Prefecture)150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Aug 5, 2026
    Voyage03860342449
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Great experience!
    We just had our private 6 hour walking tour with Kahori in Tokyo and…

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:30 Meet at Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 17:40 Tokyo Tower (Top Deck)
    • 19:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 19:55 Disband at Shibuya Don Quijote

    Title: What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya The weather was perfectly clear, and the tour proceeded very comfortably. At Meiji Shrine, we saw families celebrating a traditional milestone. The guests also drew omikuji fortunes and enjoyed the experience. There were many questions about religion. On the way back, I gave a brief explanation of Harajuku. At Asakusa as well, the guests drew omikuji, and they enjoyed snacks and matcha lattes at Nakamise and shops in the surrounding area. They purchased matcha at a tea shop. At Tokyo Tower, they had reserved the Top Deck, and I was able to accompany them free of charge as the guide. They took their time enjoying the night view of Tokyo and were very delighted. Partway through, there was a request to visit the Don Quijote store in Shibuya, so after the scramble crossing I guided them there, and the tour concluded. I received a tip. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Akabanebashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAkabanebashi~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 08:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 09:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 13:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:40 Akihabara
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. They were also delighted to see a wedding ceremony being held within the shrine grounds. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. They were also very pleased to be able to receive goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) at both Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji. Since I responded according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 7TrainAkihabara~Shimbashi170JPY
    Total1,280JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 2. 10:40 @Tsukiji Market
    • 3. 11:40 @Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue (from the car window)
    • 4. 12:00 @Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 5. 12:50 @Takeshita Street
    • 6. 13:30 Lunch @Omotesando (Harakado)
    • 7. 14:30 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 8. 15:00 @Imperial Palace (from the car window)
    • 9. 15:30 @The Sumida Hokusai Museum
    • 10.-1 16:10 Disband @The Sumida Hokusai Museum (2 people)
    • 10.-2 16:00 Disband @Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon (1 person)

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. They had already visited Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, and some of the group had also traveled to Kanazawa and Takayama. All of them were scheduled to leave Japan the day after this tour. In Kyoto, they had enjoyed wearing kimono and experiencing matcha, and they kindly showed me photos of their elegant kimono attire. At the Tsukiji Market, one of the guests loved sushi while the others were not fond of it, so they did not eat sushi, but everyone was excited by the lively, bustling market full of people. One of the guests who was not fond of sushi purchased a traditional ceramic soy sauce dispenser, and another took many photos with a professional-level camera. On the way to Meiji Shrine, we enjoyed the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery at Meiji Jingu Gaien from the car. At Meiji Shrine, since one of the guests was not in full physical condition, we made sure to walk slowly. After the visit, instead of getting back in the car at the parking lot, we walked directly to Takeshita Street. As one of the guests was interested in the micro pig cafe, I guided them there, and they took photos while looking through the window. After that, we had a light meal at Harakado for lunch, enjoying hamburgers and Vietnamese banh mi to refuel, and savored the rooftop garden before getting back in the car and heading to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Actually crossing it, everyone got very excited. Due to time constraints, we skipped Ginza, and after enjoying the Imperial Palace from the car window, the group split into two depending on how tired they were. One who had a strong interest in Katsushika Hokusai, along with another guest, stopped by the Sumida Hokusai Museum, while another did not get off at the museum and was driven directly to the hotel by the driver. I had also introduced the Hokusai-related exhibition being held at a creative art museum in Kyobashi, but in the end they chose the Sumida Hokusai Museum, where I, the guide, said goodbye to the tour vehicle together with the guests. After that, they viewed the permanent exhibition and did some shopping at the museum shop, then caught a taxi waiting in front of the museum. After telling the driver their destination hotel, and since it was already past the tour end time, I saw them off there and said goodbye.

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 12:20-13:15 Shukkeien Garden
    • 13:25-13:35 Move to Peace Memorial Park by bus
    • 13:40-14:20 Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum
    • 14:20-15:50 Peace Memorial Park (Museum and others)
    • 15:55-16:10 Move to Hiroshima Station by bus
    • 16:15 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan three days earlier, and after Hiroshima they were planning to continue to Kyoto and the Hakone area. I first took them to Shukkeien Garden, where the autumn foliage was at its peak, and we enjoyed a pleasant stroll through the grounds. Afterward, since they had a strong interest in peace and the atomic bombing, we visited the hypocenter and the A-Bomb Dome, and then went to the former Honkawa Elementary School, where I gave a detailed guided tour inside the building to help deepen their understanding. At the final stop, the Peace Memorial Museum, I explained the key exhibits, and they also watched part of a video featuring testimonies from atomic bomb survivors before we parted ways at Hiroshima Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Shukkeien Garden~In front of Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Memorial Park / Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

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

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto, departure ➡ Head to Gion-Shijo Station while guiding around the hotel area, take the Keihan train and taxi to Ginkaku-ji (9:50~10:50) ➡ By taxi to Kinkaku-ji (11:30~12:20) ➡ By taxi to the Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge ➡ Lunch at a nearby restaurant (13:00~13:40) ➡ On foot to Iwatayama Monkey Park (14:00~16:00) ➡ Head into the city by the Randen tram ➡ End at Shijo-Omiya Station 16:40 (Guests will take an Uber taxi to the hotel)

    Title: What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Arashiyama in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They asked, through their travel agency the day before, to be taken somewhere that could be enjoyed by everyone in the group, not just some of them. Since the weather was very nice, I decided to take them to the Monkey Park. Everyone in the group was delighted, which was wonderful. Today Arashiyama was so crowded with tourists that it looked as if the Togetsukyo Bridge might collapse under the weight of all the people. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Demachiyanagi240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Total490JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:50-12:30 Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:50-13:10 Hiroshima Castle
    • 13:15-13:30 Move to Peace Memorial Park by bus
    • 13:30-15:20 Peace Memorial Park (A-dome, Museum, etc.)
    • 15:30-15:55 Move to Hiroshima Station by bus
    • 16:00 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from Europe. At the guests' request, we walked from Hiroshima Station to Shukkeien Garden and then to Hiroshima Castle. Since one of the guests had some difficulty seeing, I guided them more slowly than usual. That day, the Peace Memorial Museum was extremely crowded with school excursion students, so instead of starting with the Main Building, I first guided them through the East Building and then returned to the Main Building. However, there were so many people that one of the guests began to feel unwell, so we took a break partway through. Fortunately, they recovered in about ten minutes, so we were able to complete the visit, and as planned, I took them back to Hiroshima Station where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Castle (in front of Gokoku Shrine)/JR Bus Chugoku~In front of Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Memorial Park/Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace / East Gardens & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace / East Gardens
    • 12:30 Shinjuku
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:40 Shibuya
    • 15:30 Tour ends in Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Some of them had been to Japan around twenty years earlier, and this trip was centered on their interest in manga and anime. Based on their requests made in advance, we began at Tokyo Station and walked to the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens. Since this was a place they had not visited on their previous trip, they seemed very interested throughout the tour. Along the way, I explained the history and background from Edo Castle through the Meiji era, when the emperor moved the capital. The guests were very curious about the Japanese language and asked many questions, often incorporating Japanese words themselves. Afterward, we visited Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. As it was the weekend, they were amazed by the extraordinary number of people, something they said they never experience where they live, and perhaps tired by the crowds, they asked to end the tour a little earlier than scheduled. They planned to travel around Japan and then return to Tokyo to stay for several more nights to enjoy the city, so today's tour seemed to serve as a preliminary scouting trip for that plan.

    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.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…