Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and the Ninja Temple
The guests enjoyed each of the sights. The Nomura Family Residence was crowded with tour groups, but the guests eagerly took photos and videos as they pleased. Fortunately, the weather was favorable, so they were able to stroll leisurely and enjoy Kenrokuen Garden in particular. During breaks and while moving between locations, it was memorable to see the guests happily chatting while showing photos of various places in Japan they had visited before coming to Kanazawa. Since the guests asked me to make a reservation for the Ninja Temple, and the booking needed to be made under the guide's name, I accompanied them to the temple reception.
Hello. I am Takako. I am a National government licensed guide interpreter specializing in Toyama and Kanazawa(Ishikawa prefecure).
I was born and raised in Toyama. Toyama is blessed with the beautiful nature surrounded by mountains and sea. In Kanazawa, you’ll feel profoundness of sophisticated culture and history by visiting historical places. Also, you can enjoy exquisite food in both places.
I would like to show you the beauty and the depth of Toyama and Kanazawa.
I would be happy if I could share my knowledge and experience with you. I’m looking forward to meeting you.
10:30 Meet the guests at Gora Station → Travel to Sounzan 10:30~11:00 → Take the cable car from Sounzan 11:00~12:00 → Travel to Owakudani 12:00~12:30 → Explore Owakudani 12:30~13:00 → Travel to Togendai 13:00~13:20 → Board the pirate ship 13:55 → Travel to Motohakone Port 14:30 → Travel to Hakone Shrine
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today's guests were visitors from Europe. We first took the cable car from Gora Station to Sounzan Station. Sounzan Station was more crowded than I had ever seen, and we had to wait nearly an hour. We finally moved to Owakudani Station and explored for about 30 minutes. The guests happily bought and ate the black eggs, delighted by the local belief that eating one adds seven years to your life. Next, we moved to Togendai Station and boarded the pirate ship, crossing to Moto-Hakone Port. From there, we walked to Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine, where the guests offered prayers and purchased charms. We had planned to visit the botanical garden, but ran out of time, so we returned to Gora Station along the same route and said our goodbyes.
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.…
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. He was able to add so much information about all the sites we chose to see. He was very kind and when we were tired he suggested a stop for coffee. It revived us and we kept going.
I would highly recommend Yuji to any one visiting Tokyo.
★★★★★
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 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 polite. He was knowledgable and
explained very clearly the various sites that we visited. would highly recommend if 1st time
visiting Tokyo.
★★★★★
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 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 highlights of Tokyo. Our tour guide Yuji
was very knowledgeable and organised and catered the tour to our families needs. Would
definitely recommend.
★★★★★
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…
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 walking tour. Yuji was our guide, he was knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful through the whole experience. He took us to places that were family friendly and recommended good places to eat and enjoy. We recommend him for your next trip to Tokyo!!!
1. 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel & Resort 〈Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome Station Tower〉
2. 10:40 Travel: Subway
3. 11:30 Stay @ Asakusa
4. 13:10 Travel: Sumida River Water Bus
5. 14:15 Stay @ Odaiba
6. 14:30 Travel: Train, Subway
7. 15:10 Disband: Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station
What's a Private Tokyo Tour with Asakusa and a Sumida River Cruise Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. After they purchased PASMO cards at Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome Station, which was the nearest station to their hotel, we began our tour.
Their initial requests were to visit Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, and to take a Sumida River cruise down to Odaiba. Since visiting Tokyo Skytree would not have fit within the available time, after touring Asakusa we decided to take a water bus down the Sumida River to Odaiba. Although it rained, I believe the water bus was reasonably well received.
Since the guests wished to have a meal and go shopping in Shibuya after the tour, I guided them through the train transfers from Odaiba to Shibuya, and we parted ways near Shibuya Station.
I have attached the receipt for the Sumida River water bus tickets. Thank you for your kind attention.
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 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
★★★★★
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 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
★★★★★
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 -…
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 – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
★★★★★
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…
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 both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations
What's a Private Food and Shopping Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America who had been friends for many years. They said they were traveling to enjoy food and shopping, and asked me to recommend anything worth trying. We started with oysters topped with cheese, then had momiji manju with hojicha tea, okonomiyaki, and an affogato made with Miyajima coffee for dessert, and they still seemed ready to eat more. We stopped by a specialty shop on Hondori that focuses on cat-themed goods, where they purchased items such as dishes to use for cats at home. We spent an enjoyable day together. The guests said they had learned a great deal from the guide and that they were glad to have met a good guide.
As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.
Sep 24, 2025
Paige_M
Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Our guide for this…
Sep 24, 2025
Paige_M
Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Our guide for this tour was Tomoyo- to say she was wonderful is an understatement! She picked us up right at the train station and helped us navigate all that Hiroshima has to offer- providing education on World War II, while also showing us how beautiful the city is in its own right. We really enjoyed the Peace Museum and Hiroshima Castle. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
May 8, 2025
Smatty68
Tomoyo was a star guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We really enjoyed our…
May 8, 2025
Smatty68
Tomoyo was a star guide
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We really enjoyed our one day tour of Hiroshima. Tomoyo, our guide, was very sensitive to
our needs and requirements. She went out of her way to make sure we had a really
interesting day. She has a great sense of humour and we enjoyed her company.
★★★★★
Apr 29, 2025
Josh_H
Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…
Apr 29, 2025
Josh_H
Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
I honestly had an amazing time. I am so grateful for my guide, Tomoyo. I travelled alone
and despite us finishing the exhibits early, Tomoyo had amazing additional options at the
ready. I highly recommend going on this experience. You will absolutely not regret it.
★★★★★
Apr 29, 2025
Chloe_O
The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tomoyo was…
Apr 29, 2025
Chloe_O
The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tomoyo was the best tour guide ever! We had a brilliant day travelling around Miya Jima and Hiroshima. Her knowledge of the history of each place and the cultural traditions is amazing. We had such a lovely time it was one if the best days of our whole Japan trip! Everything was seamless from start to finish. Thank you so much Tomoyo!
10am Meet at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu→10:30 Hakone Shrine→11:30 Lake Ashi cruise on the pirate ship→12:00 Togendai→Ropeway→Owakudani→Ropeway→13:30 Lunch→14:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum→Say goodbye at the hotel
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The day of the tour was blessed with perfect weather. Mount Fuji was clearly visible even from Lake Ashi, and the guests enjoyed the views from Owakudani and the ropeway. At the first stop, Hakone Shrine, the guests seemed very interested in the ema (votive wooden plaques), purchasing two and writing wishes for the happiness of their family and themselves, then tying them at the designated place, which became a memorable spot for them. They also listened attentively to my explanation of the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, deepening their understanding of Japanese culture. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the guests seemed deeply moved by a sculpture by Bourdelle and took photos of the explanatory bronze plaque. It was a six-hour tour full of nature, culture, and art.
My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.
Jun 4, 2026
Companion12422328239
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
We had…
Jun 4, 2026
Companion12422328239
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
We had an afternoon in Shizuoka on our cruise, and our guide picked us up at port on time and made sure to get us back on time too.
We went to a beautiful waterfall, the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine, and a local tea shop. We were able to get incredible pictures of Mt. Fuji, and really enjoyed every location we went. Our guide and driver did a great job of getting us to all these places and not feeling rushed even though we only had 5 hours ashore.
We traveled with my parents and our 3 kids (age range of 73 to 8) and we all had a terrific time.
★★★★★
May 28, 2026
kam_g
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
The guide was very nice…
The guide was very…
May 28, 2026
kam_g
Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
The guide was very nice…
The guide was very nice and knowledgeable. Introduced us to very interesting people. Very
cloudy that day so Mt. Fuji was not visible but that was OK the countryside was beautiful.
Very enjoyable experience. Would book again. thank you so much
★★★★★
Apr 11, 2026
Brandon2116
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Personalized Tokyo Experience
Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…
Apr 11, 2026
Brandon2116
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Personalized Tokyo Experience
Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect way to see Tokyo’s top sights through a completely customized lens. We covered an incredible amount of ground, including Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market for lunch, and Senso-ji Temple. Kaz was an outstanding guide who came incredibly prepared. He used historical photos to provide context and help us visualize the history behind every location we visited. What we appreciated most was how he personalized the day in real-time, shifting the focus toward the specific facts and sights that interested us most. While the itinerary involved a lot of walking, Kaz was very thoughtful about incorporating breaks and keeping the energy high and fun throughout the day. If you want to maximize your time in Tokyo and walk away with a deep understanding of the city, I highly recommend a tour with Kaz!
★★★★★
Mar 29, 2026
Stacy_A
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
Great experience – it was…
Mar 29, 2026
Stacy_A
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
Great experience – it was so much more efficient and rewarding than it would have been, should we have done it in our own. Kaz took us to a wonderful private restaurant for an extraordinary meal at a more than reasonable price. We also visited the tea house in Gora Park, where we were serve a cup of matcha and a sweet in the traditional setting.
9:00 Meeting place: Intercontinental Tokyo Bay By IHG
8:10 Depart Takeshiba Station
(Yurikamome)
Shiodome Station
(Toei Subway Oedo Line)
8:45 Arrive Tochomae Station
Shinjuku West Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
9:30 Depart Tochomae Station
(Toei Subway Oedo Line)
Shinjuku West Exit Station
Shinjuku Station
(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
9:45 Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
Shinjuku Shinjuku Gyoen
10:45 Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
(Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
11:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku East Exit Omoide Yokocho
Kabukicho
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Lunch: Isetan Kaikan
12:30 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
(Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
12:45 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
Harajuku Meiji Shrine
Rest: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
Takeshita Street
13:40 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
Omotesando Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
14:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Hachiko Statue
14:40 Depart Shibuya Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
15:00 Arrive Shimbashi Station
15:00 Dismissal: Yurikamome Shimbashi Station
The guests were a group of three visiting Japan for the first time, based partly in Europe and partly in Oceania.
The group had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous day and taken a taxi to their Hotel.
The following days, some of the guests planned a 14-day cruise around Japan, while another planned to travel independently to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima starting the same day.
Both plans included returning to Tokyo afterward and flying home.
They said, "Tomorrow we plan to explore the eastern part of Tokyo without a guide, so today we would like to focus mainly on the western part."
It was a rather hot and humid day under cloudy skies.
First, we went to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. There was quite a long line of tourists.
It was hazy, so the view was not very clear. We were unable to see Mount Fuji.
They said, "Now I understand how vast and sprawling Tokyo is." There was a question about the population of Tokyo.
We moved on to Shinjuku Gyoen.
They said they liked Japanese gardens, and we took a leisurely stroll through the grounds.
They commented, "Japanese gardens really are wonderful. The pine trees in particular are magnificent."
Returning to the Shinjuku east exit, we walked around Kabukicho and other areas.
I explained "the history of Shinjuku," "the differences between the east and west sides," and "the history of Kabukicho."
They especially seemed to like the "cat billboard" and photographed it enthusiastically. They commented, "The atmosphere here is different from other places. There is some scattered trash."
At Shinjuku Golden Gai, almost all the shops were closed, but several groups of tourists were strolling around.
For lunch, we went to the Isetan building. Since they requested "a place that ordinary tourists don't usually go," we went to a kushikatsu restaurant.
We moved on to Harajuku.
I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed."
There were questions such as "What kind of religion is Shinto?" "This is completely different from Sensoji Temple," and "What is the difference between Buddhism and Shinto?"
After a rest at the cafe terrace of Meiji Jingu, we also walked along Takeshita Street.
From here, we moved to Shibuya.
We actually crossed the Scramble Crossing. There were questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?"
We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue.
There were comments and questions such as "All Japanese people are quiet and polite," "There are no homeless people to be seen in the city," and "The city is clean with no litter on the ground."
I saw them off at Shimbashi Station on the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.
Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and lovely company. My 13-yr-old daughter and I had a great day walking around the sites we had picked with him. He tooks his time to explain all the history and then kindly walked us to the spot of our next booking as it was quite confusing. I would very highly recommend him. Of all the tours we did in Tokyo Masa Sam was my favourite tour guide.
★★★★★
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an amazing tour guide that communicated extremely well ahead of time about the sites we would like to see in Tokyo, picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel, was very friendly and well prepared and finally but most importantly made our day in Tokyo very memorable.
We went to the Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shinto Temple, imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Gatden, and Shibuya Crossing. All were great and amazing suggestions by Masa.
Would highly recommend this tour as it was a private tour guide for a full day and provided discretion on which 5-6 sites you want to see. Also highly recommend our tour guide Masa who was a wealth of knowledge and very friendly and charming.
15/10 would do again.
★★★★★
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our…
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our guide, Masa was really great. Although it was raining, he had no
hesitations in completing his tour and showing us great places around Tokyo. If you are still
on the fence about this, please don’t, you won’t regret it. Thank you, Masa!
★★★★★
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was…
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was incredible and filled with interesting facts and history, he gave us incredible insight on each location. We loved that we were able to choose 3-4 sites from a large selection and really spend enough time at each spot. Masa was kind and knowledgable and even helped us with a restaurant reservation for later in the evening when were unable to find one.
Title: What Is a Private Bonsai-Focused Tour in Tokyo and Omiya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They mentioned that they had several bonsai at home and had signed up for this tour because they wanted to see authentic bonsai. The bonsai exhibition changed to Mansei-en starting today, and they were first moved by the large bonsai at the entrance. They also said that the signboard displayed in a separate room — from the shop that Ritaro Shimizu had run in Dangozaka — was large, impressive, and wonderful. After seeing Mansei-en and Seiko-en, the guests said they wanted to go to Miyashita Park in Shibuya, and since they wanted to see the Shibuya Crossing beforehand, I took them to the Shibuya Crossing, showed them how to get to Miyashita Park, and we parted ways.
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^)
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 23, 2026
bennyboyoz
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan, and that was largely thanks to Kahori.
She was incredibly professional, warm and organised from start to finish. Her knowledge of Japanese history, culture and traditions was exceptional, and she brought every temple, street and story to life. Her attention to detail was outstanding, and because it was a private tour, she tailored everything to my interests and answered every question with genuine passion.
The Geisha matcha experience was authentic and memorable, but Kahori’s guidance made it so much more meaningful.
If you’re booking this tour, make sure you try to get Kahori. She turned a great tour into an unforgettable experience.
★★★★★
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
Kwame_L
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Amazing Private tour with Kahori
Our tour in Tokyo was fantastic. Our guide, Kahori, contacted me shortly after scheduling the tour through Viator. She explained who she was, a bit about her experience and gave our group an example itinerary to help us choose places we were interested in. Our group had a few travelers with extreme dietary restrictions/ allergies. Kahori helped us find and research several places that would accommodate our needs. Kahori checked in with our group to remind us of the tour and was very attentive to our groups suggestions.
On the day of the tour she was waiting for us in the lobby of the hotel and was extremely friendly and punctual. We visited 5 different areas across Tokyo (Senso Ji temple, Imperial Palace Gardens, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Metropolitan government building). Although we did do everything, I would suggest sticking to a specific area as we found we were on a very tight time schedule for 6 hours. We truly underestimated how sprawling the city is.
We ended the trip with lunch at Tempura Asakusa Sakura. It was delicious. The staff was friendly and very attentive to our group.
The tour was amazing and I would highly recommend it.
★★★★★
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…
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 our 6-hour private tour with Kahori! She was so knowledgeable, sweet, and patient with our group. Our driver, Tamae, was safe and efficient, even showing us some extra sights along the way.
Kahori contacted us a few days in advance to plan an itinerary that fit our needs and the sights we wanted to see. We started at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, then the Imperial Palace, then the Tsukiji Fish Market, and we ended at Yanaka Ginza. Kahori had engaging and relevant historical and cultural information for each site (she even carried an iPad with really help Yu visual aids). At the Tsukiji Market she helped us find which shops to go to for lunch and explained all of the different types of food (we ended up having our favorite sushi from our entire trip from her recommendation!).
She was really attentive to the needs of our group, always checking in if we needed more time and making sure we got to see everything we wanted to see.
I would absolutely recommend a tour with Kahori!
★★★★★
Jun 17, 2026
Shoney M
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kahori Tour
Kahori was an excellent tour guide. We also worked…
Jun 17, 2026
Shoney M
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kahori Tour
Kahori was an excellent tour guide. We also worked on her English along the tour. She was
very informative.
8. 14:00 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Mega Don Quijote, Shibuya Center Street)
9. 15:10 Dismissal @ The Ritz-Carlton
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Nihonbashi, and Shibuya
The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan, and they mentioned that they enjoy traveling to destinations around the world. They said one reason for coming to Japan was that many people they knew had shared happy experiences of traveling here, remarking that "traveling to Japan is a real boom right now."
One of the guests, who enjoys photography, took many photos using two high-end Canon cameras, switching between them depending on the situation. They also took photos with a smartphone, and when I was occasionally asked to take a picture, I helped out while receiving guidance on how to compose the shot well and how to avoid cutting off people's feet. At Meiji Shrine, an autumn floral offering ceremony was about to take place, and near the third torii gate we encountered a procession of Shinto priests, likely part of a related ritual, which the guests were delighted to have as a wonderful photo opportunity. As the weather was fine, they repeatedly said, "What perfect weather — what a truly wonderful day." Indoors as well, at the basement food floor of Nihonbashi Takashimaya, they exclaimed with delight over the beef, sashimi, vegetables, and fruit. I had imagined that the last stop, Shibuya, might not be to their taste, but while walking down Shibuya Center Street, which is full of young people, one of the guests grew very excited and enjoyed it immensely, saying "This is the best!"
Wishing to find a souvenir for a young relative, we visited the Pokémon Store at Tokyo Station, and as one of the guests became absorbed in shopping, the other laughingly said to me, "This is your fault," making for a very humorous exchange.
Finally, while waiting on the Ginza Line platform to return to the Hotel, the guests shared how active they were, and I was overwhelmed by how energetic and fit they were. Since they play tennis and keep themselves in shape, there were several moments that surprised me — for example, when I went up an escalator assuming they were following behind me, they had actually arrived ahead of me. I was amazed again and again.
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!
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…
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 a GREAT TOUR with Noripy! With a family of many different ages and walking levels this was fantastic. We were picked up from our cruise in Yokohama and dropped off at Haneda airport. We had about 10 hours before our flight and it went flawlessly.
★★★★★
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…
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 several parts of the city: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, Sangedatsumon, Zojo-ji, Meiji Jingu, and Golden Gai. A great way to see many Tokyo sites and get acquainted with the city on your first day!
★★★★★
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…
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 who managed to fit all the iconic Tokyo spots into my 6-hour tour without anything feeling rushed. She was knowledgeable, organised, and genuinely kind. Toward the end she even helped me with some shopping, which I really appreciated. A wonderful introduction to Tokyo and a guide I’d happily recommend….
★★★★★
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…
Jun 3, 2026
Sara B
Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noripy gave a 5/5 tour! She provided useful instruction for public transport use, fascinating historical information, spiritual customs and current cultural practices- All with an infectious smile and never ending positive energy. Noripy’s tour allowed us to made the most of the rest of our time in Tokyo. I feel like we did 5 days of sightseeing in 6 hrs! But Noripy made sure to always check if we wanted a break. Our tour was customized for my 2 teenage kids and I, and if we saw or thought of something along the way that interested us, Noripy accommodated! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. And you will be extra lucky to get Noripy for your guide!
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a solo traveler visiting from North America. They were traveling and sightseeing in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. As the guest was interested in history and Japanese culture, we took our time exploring Nijo Castle in detail. The guest wanted to buy crafts such as pottery for family, so after visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I guided them to shops in the area where they purchased pottery and tea. Since the guest did not want to walk up the hills from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera, we traveled by taxi. I believe the guest enjoyed both the sightseeing and the shopping.
Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
Please call me first name Kuni.
My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
and also lived in London and Paris for work.
Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
I also like history and gourmet food.
I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Looking forward to meeting you !
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and very friendly and knowledgable. Kuni-san greatly assisted with meeting one of our family member medical needs on the day and was very helpful in supporting us and changing the itinerary and assisting our family member.
I would HIGHLY recommend Kuni-san as a guide and this tour defintely met our needs as a group of 4.
★★★★★
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The…
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The communication was very good. It began prior to the trip with emails from our guide,
Kuni. We worked on the best itinerary for our day tour to Kyoto, both Kuni and our driver were
very efficient, organized and personable. My family had a great experience.
★★★★★
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our guide did a fantastic job helping us navigate the
city and exploring the history of Kyoto
★★★★★
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour…
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour guide! Before the tour, he reached out to ask about the specific itinerary we wanted to do. He took into consideration all of our thoughts. The tour was amazing. He was very informative and it was very special to see all of the sites. Would recommend highly!
Title: What Is a Private Cruise Port Shore Excursion to Nanzoin Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe who had arrived by cruise ship, and this trip was to celebrate a birthday. Because the next port of call required immigration procedures, the group needed to return to the ship by 2:15 pm, so we moved up the meeting time and used taxis for part of the route that had originally been planned on foot or by bus. Taxis wait at stations and the cruise center so there was no problem there, but every attempt to request a car by phone was declined with the response that "there are no cars available." It seems app-based reservations are now prioritized, but frequency of use, service fees, and payment by the guest all present challenges for a guide to use the service personally. The guests wished to collect a commemorative stamp in their own stamp book at Nanzoin Temple, but it took considerable time to understand the rule that goshuin stamps can only be placed in a goshuincho purchased at Nanzoin itself, and with the temple grounds being so large and time being short, we were not able to obtain stamps at all of the stations. Even so, the guests seemed pleased to have been able to receive at least one. They also seemed delighted to see the colorful and intricate sand mandala created without any underdrawing by three Mongolian monks, though great care had to be taken as the wind could scatter the sand. Although it was a rushed schedule, the guests appeared to enjoy the experiences at the other spots as well.
Hello everyone .
Please call me Peko.
I’m National government licensed Guide Interpreter.
I like travelling, Japanese archery, and tea ceremony.
I visited 17countries.
Also I lived in Netherlands for a year and three months.
local people always showed me their hospitality. So, I think it’s my turn to show visitors to Japan the spirit of hospitality.
Currently, I live in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.
Fukuoka has been an important place of defense and trade since ancient times, because it is close to the continent,
So, Fukuoka is blessed with historic, cultural sites, as well as beautiful scenery and fresh seafood.
Especially, channel between Yamaguchi and Moji is must see spot for you.
If you come to Mojiko, I highly recommend the “Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full Day Tour”.
Kanmon Strait round tour is so fascinating, varied and exciting for you.
You can enjoy breathtaking scenery ,historical places, walking under the sea tounnel, ferry ride, bus, stream of first current and gourmet.
Let’s enjoy Kanmon with me!
Also Kitakyushu city got the first prize of “New three Major Night Views of Japan in 2023.
We can see and enjoy panoramic night view from mountain.
Why don’t you go around and enjoy Fukuoka with me.
Endless discover is waiting for you.
Apr 6, 2026
Sandra_V
Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Peko was delightful,…
Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned…
Apr 6, 2026
Sandra_V
Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Peko was delightful,…
Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned a great itinerary
and it was a very fun day in Kitakyushu.
★★★★★
Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide…
Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide Peko. Very informative and fun, and even on a dark
and rainy day we were able to see a great deal, including the largest statue of a reclining
Buddha. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
May 25, 2025
Susan_L
Peko was a very nice &…
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Peko was a very nice…
May 25, 2025
Susan_L
Peko was a very nice &…
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Peko was a very nice & good guide. She happily adapted to my requests and I’m very
grateful to her for coming out in the pouring rain! Great city & great tour guide.
★★★★★
Mar 20, 2025
Florencio_J
I had a great time! My…
Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
I had a great time! My…
Mar 20, 2025
Florencio_J
I had a great time! My…
Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
I had a great time! My guide Peko did an amazing job talking about the history and significance of the area. It’s like time traveling to when Japan was just becoming industrialized. You can tell as soon as you step into the train station nearby. If you go on a holiday, make sure to get your fill of blowfish sushi in the fish market.
