Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Ginkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Ginkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
    • 10:20 to 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:40 to 12:20 Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:40 to 13:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:30 to 14:10 Lunch near Ginkaku-ji (udon)
    • 14:10 to 14:40 Ginkaku-ji
    • 16:00 Disband at Keihan Railway Shichijo Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Visiting from Overseas? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. The person who made the arrangements was working in Osaka, and since members of the group were coming to Japan, the request was for a day of sightseeing in Kyoto followed by help getting them onto a train to Yodoyabashi Station on the Keihan Line after the tour. There was light rain today, but it was within an acceptable range, and with the temperature neither too hot nor too cold, I believe the guests were able to fully enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. They savored the beautiful gardens at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Ginkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Shichijo180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at the Marunouchi North Gate ticket gate at Tokyo Station at 6 AM, travel to Yurakucho on the Yamanote Line, then walk to Tsukiji Outer Market while strolling through Ginza. At 6:50, enjoyed nigiri sushi at Sushizanmai. After strolling through Tsukiji, walk to Yurakucho. Travel by train to Tokyo Station. At 8:40, tour the Tokyo Station building. Walk to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. At 8:55, visit Nijubashi Bridge. Walk to Yurakucho Station. Travel by train to Takanawa Gateway Station. At 9:30, visit Newoman and the 28th floor observation deck. Disperse at 10 AM.

    Title: What's an Early-Morning Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Beyond The meeting time was early, at 6:00 in the morning, but Tokyo Station was quiet, so we were able to meet up smoothly. The guests were visiting from North America. Since Tsukiji was their top choice, we decided to head first to the Tsukiji Outer Market. After that, they asked me to suggest some recommendations, so I proposed the Imperial Palace, Takanawa Gateway, and Newoman. For each part of the walk on foot, I obtained their consent before moving on. We walked quite a distance, but with the clear skies and pleasant weather, I believe it was very comfortable. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed nigiri sushi at a sushi restaurant (a tuna set, along with individual nigiri of salmon, shrimp, and amberjack). It was very well received. During our movements I explained the rail routes each time using a simplified train line map, so after we parted ways at 10:00, the guests planned to continue strolling around on their own a little longer.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Yurakucho150JPY
    Section 2TrainYurakucho~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 3TrainYurakucho~Takanawa Gateway170JPY
    Total470JPY

    English / Guide in English and German / Guiding areas are in Tokyo, Yokohama and my home town Okayama. (Since I’m based in Tokyo, I might not be able to guide in Okayama, depending on the timing.) My profile in German follows!
    First of all, thank you very much for your taking time to have a look at my profile. My name is Naoki Shimono. Naoki would be fine. I’m a certified tour guide in English and German. After long years of work at Japanese electronics manufacturer, always in charge of international marketing, I’m focusing on tour guide and interpreter. As of now, I did tour guide more than 50 times in English and more than 50 times in German. Not only in Tokyo but also other cities, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha etc. It is always a big pleasure for me to show around Japan to guests from abroad. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

    Deutsch / Reiseleiter auf Deutsch und Englisch / In Tokio und Yokohama sowie in meiner Heimatstadt Okayama. (Da ich in Tokio ansässig bin, kann ich je nach Zeitpunkt möglicherweise nicht in Okayama als Reiseleiter tätig sein.)
    Zunächst einmal vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, mein Profil anzusehen. Mein Name ist Naoki Shimono. Naoki wäre schön. Ich bin zertifizierter Reiseleiter in Englisch und Deutsch. Nach langjähriger Tätigkeit bei einem japanischen Elektronikhersteller, wo ich stets für das internationale Marketing verantwortlich war, konzentriere ich mich nun auf die Reiseleitung und Dolmetschertätigkeit. Bisher habe ich über 50 Mal auf Englisch und über 50 Mal auf Deutsch als Reiseleiter gearbeitet. Nicht nur in Tokio, sondern auch in anderen Städten wie Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hakodate, Niigata, Shimizu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Naha usw. Es ist mir immer eine große Freude, Gästen aus dem Ausland Japan zu zeigen. Ich freue mich darauf, Sie in Japan zu sehen!

    Oct 16, 2025
    Songqi_L
    Highly recommend!
    Viator review: Okayama Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Naoki san is a great guide. He’s very friendly, adaptive,…

    Oct 11, 2025
    Gizelle K
    Wonderful Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    A very organise tour, from the prompt pick up…

  • Tokyo in One Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & ZOJOJI TEMPLE

    Tokyo in One Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & ZOJOJI TEMPLE

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at the lobby in Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 8:30 1 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 9:30 2 HIE SHRINE
    • 10:30 3 UENO TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 11:15 4 Tokyo Cruise
    • 12:15 5 HAMA-RIKYU GARDENS
    • 1:15 6 ZOJOJI TEMPLE
    • 1:30 See of at near the Tokyo Tower

    Half-Day Private Tokyo Tour Report by a Licensed Guide: Shrines, Tokyo Cruise, and Hamarikyu Gardens [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a comfortable private tour for guests visiting from North America under clear autumn skies. Before the tour, I asked about their preferences for the itinerary and arranged it accordingly. The guests placed importance on visiting sites from a historical perspective, so I carried out a tour that respected their wishes. At Meiji Jingu and Hie Shrine, there were families celebrating Shichi-Go-San, so I explained the meaning of this celebration. On the Tokyo Cruise, many international visitors were on board, and many of them disembarked at Hamarikyu Gardens to enjoy the garden and the tea house.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Ginza~Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Kokkai-gijidomae/Tameike-sanno~Ueno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3FerryAsakusa (Water Bus)~Hama-rikyu (Water Bus)940JPY
    Section 4OtherAsakusa~Hama-rikyu240JPY
    Section 5SubwayShiodome~Daimon (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total2,060JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Out door Art Works

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus & Out door Art Works

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:43 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima) [Meet]
    • 09:46 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by Setouchi Triennale Express Bus
    • 09:52 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 10:30~11:30 Chichu Art Museum
    • 11:52 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse Shuttle Bus
    • 11:56 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 12:00~13:45 Benesse House Museum (including lunch) & Outdoor Art Works
    • (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • 14:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop ( 13:54 Bus was full)
    • by Setouchi Triennale Express Bus
    • 14:25 Naoshima Hall Bus Stop
    • 14:35~15:20 Art House Project (visited Ishibashi, Gokaisho and Kadoya)
    • 15:22 Noukyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 15:29 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 15:30~15:45 Out door Art Works (including “Red Pumpkin”)
    • 15:50 Miyanoura Port [Say goodbye]

    What Is a Private Art Tour of Naoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America whose ancestors came from Yamaguchi Prefecture and Okinawa Prefecture. They enjoy art and came to Naoshima, the art island, during their vacation. They also planned to meet a relative living in Osaka. Their itinerary in October covered Osaka, Kyoto, and Naoshima. At the Benesse House Museum, they were delighted by Richard Long's work "Inland Sea Driftwood," and one of the guests happily mentioned having visited the River Avon near Shakespeare's birthplace. Naoshima was extremely crowded during the Setouchi Triennale 2025, and the guests cooperated cheerfully with the long lines and waits for the bus. It was a close-knit group, and I had a wonderful time guiding them for the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Chichu Art Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Naoshima Hall (Art House Project) / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 3BusNoukyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Gion

    Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel
    • 11;30-13:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:50-15:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 15:20-16:20 Nishiki Market
    • 16:30-17:30 Gion
    • 17:55 Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, and Gion The guests were visitors from North America who walked very quickly, so we progressed ahead of schedule. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, unusually there was no line for the Omokaru-ishi stones, so they were able to try lifting them. They enjoyed it, saying it strangely felt light. At the Neagari-no-matsu pine tree, they passed underneath the pine hoping for a rise in fortune. At the Imperial Palace, they listened to an English explanation by the Imperial Household Agency staff starting at 2:00 pm and spent 50 minutes taking photos and looking around. At Nishiki Market, since they wanted to see knives, I took them to Aritsugu. They plan to make a purchase at a later date. We ordered sake and takoyaki and took a short break at Nishiki Market, then headed to Gion, where they watched Kyoto-style dance performed by a maiko at the Gion Corner cultural hall starting at 17:10, and then returned to the Hotel.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park parking lot
    • 9:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15 Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden
    • 10:25 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 11:05 Rinnoji Temple Gomado Hall (watching the goma fire ritual)
    • 11:25 Toshogu Grand Festival Sennin Musha Gyoretsu (Procession of a Thousand Warriors) viewing
    • 11:45 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:10 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Maruhide Shokudo
    • 14:00 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 14:30 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 16:00 Tour ends @ Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park parking lot

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Nikko Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a family visiting from North America. One of the guests was very bright, friendly, and talkative; another was quiet but visibly moved at each site, murmuring "beautiful…" and thoroughly enjoying the day; and another was also very bright and friendly. Together they had a wonderful time walking through Nikko for a full day. After arriving in Japan the previous day, they immediately rented a car and drove from Tokyo to Nikko, staying at a hotel in Oku-Nikko. Because the area around Toshogu Shrine gets very crowded during the annual grand festival, we arranged to meet at the parking lot of the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, a little before Toshogu Shrine. The scheduled meeting time was 10:00, but I arrived 30 minutes early and the guests arrived at the same time, so we quickly spotted each other and were able to start the tour early. The guests, who follow Hinduism, also showed great respect for Buddhism. At Rinnoji Temple, they offered coins at each spot and gazed carefully at the Buddhist statues. At the Goma Hall, a goma fire ritual happened to be taking place, and they watched it very intently. I would have liked to stay until the end, but it also happened to be the time for the highlight of the grand festival procession, so regrettably we watched until the last possible moment before leaving the goma ritual. For one of the guests, the goma fire ritual was the most moving part of the day's tour. The guests praised the tour, saying that each place we visited was beautiful, that they were able to see everything they had wanted to see, and that it was a perfect itinerary. Although the day was packed, they said the walking pace was just right, which was a relief.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:30-11:00 Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
    • 11:30- Asakusa
    • 13:00 Farewell at Hoppy Street

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan early the previous morning and had done a lot of walking that day, so they were a little tired. I guided them to Meiji Shrine and Asakusa. Asakusa was very lively as it was the day of the monthly temple fair, and we were able to see the Golden Dragon Dance. The weather was very nice, so there were also a great many people. One of the guests enjoyed taking photographs and spent time carefully capturing pictures at each location. They wanted to buy a knife in Japan, so after Asakusa they planned to head toward Kappabashi in the afternoon.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Asakusa360JPY
    Total510JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet guests at hotel→Move to Imperial Palace 9:00~9:30→Stroll around Imperial Palace 9:30~10:30→Move to Tokyo National Museum 10:30~11:00→Explore museum 11:00~12:50→Move to Ueno Station 12:50~13:00→Sushi lunch at Sushiro in Ueno 13:30~14:00→Move to Odaiba 14:00~14:30→Stroll around Odaiba 14:30~15:30→Move to Akihabara 15:30~16:00→Explore Radio Kaikan 16:00~16:30→Accompany to hotel in Shinagawa 16:30~17:00 Disband

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. We first visited the Imperial Palace. It was relatively uncrowded that day, so we were able to explore comfortably, and the guests were amazed by the beauty of the Ninomaru Garden. Next, we visited the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno and viewed the special exhibition featuring the works of Unkei. We then moved to Odaiba, where we took a commemorative photo in front of the Statue of Liberty replica, and the guests were overwhelmed by the size of the life-sized Gundam statue. Finally, we headed to the Radio Kaikan building in Akihabara, where the guests experienced Japanese anime and figures, before returning to the Hotel and parting ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Otemachi (Tokyo)350JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Odaiba620JPY
    Section 4TrainOdaiba~Akihabara500JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara~Shinagawa180JPY
    Total1,830JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Engaku-ji Temple & Shonan Coast

    Kanagawa in One Day: Engaku-ji Temple & Shonan Coast

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet in front of Yokohama Port Post Office
    • 10:00 Visit Engaku-ji Temple
    • 10:45 Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 11:45 Visit Hokoku-ji Temple and Sugimoto-dera Temple
    • 13:30 Visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple
    • 14:15 Shonan Coast (from the Enoden train window)
    • 15:30 Disband at Yokohama Station

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour from Yokohama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour experience and guest reactions The guests came to Kamakura after enjoying a 10-day cruise around various parts of Japan, disembarking at Yokohama on the final day, with plans to fly back to their home country on an evening flight that same day. They had joined the tours organized by the cruise at each destination, but said they had always felt rushed and never had time to slowly enjoy the places they visited. Since the guests seemed interested in Zen, at Engaku-ji I briefly demonstrated how zazen (seated meditation) is practiced (having experience with zazen myself in the Rinzai tradition), and let them immerse themselves in the world of Zen for a while. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, they were able to experience passing through the chinowa (grass ring) and happened to see a wedding ceremony at the main hall, which they found very satisfying. They were impressed by every place we visited, saying they could not rank which was the best. Because of the time constraints of the evening flight, the guests wished to return to Yokohama on schedule to collect their luggage, so I escorted them to Yokohama Station and ended the tour. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests They listened attentively to my guiding, which made this a very rewarding tour to lead. I would like to report that Kamakura was crowded on an October afternoon, and boarding the Enoden line was extremely difficult.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Kita-Kamakura320JPY
    Section 2TrainKita-Kamakura~Kamakura150JPY
    Section 3BusWakamiya-oji / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 6TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Fujisawa310JPY
    Section 7TrainFujisawa~Yokohama420JPY
    Total1,840JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:25 Meet up @ Hotel Ryogoku by HULIC
    • 2. 09:30 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 3. 09:50 Visit @ Tokyo Skytree
    • 4. 11:50 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple
    • 6. 12:50 Lunch @ Sansada
    • 7. 14:10 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:35 Visit @ Imperial Palace (Exterior), Tokyo Station
    • 9. 15:10 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:30 Visit @ Meiji Shrine
    • 11. 16:25 Travel: Train
    • 12. 16:35 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 13. 16:55 Travel: Train
    • 14. 17:10 Visit @ Omoide Yokocho
    • 15. 17:30 Disband @ Shinjuku Golden Gai

    Title: What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Skytree, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests were visitors from Europe. Since they had Suica cards, we used both the subway and JR trains as needed depending on the situation. From the outset, the guests had wanted to visit Tokyo Skytree, and they kindly agreed to cover my admission fee as well, so I guided them there. It was a clear, sunny day for the first time in a while, and because Mount Fuji was visible, the site was extremely crowded, so waiting for the elevators and other steps took considerably longer than usual. We took a lunch break at the next stop, Senso-ji Temple, but perhaps due to the crowds at Skytree, we ended up taking things somewhat slowly, and the first two locations took more time than expected. Even so, the guests kept a fairly brisk pace in the latter half as we visited each spot. The fact that it was a Friday and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed may also have played a part. By the time we reached the final stop, Shinjuku Golden Gai, it was right around the scheduled end time, and after confirming that the bars were gradually beginning to open, we parted ways on-site.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRyogoku~Kinshicho150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKinshicho~Oshiage180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOshiage~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)290JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total1,330JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…