Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @ANA InterContinental Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park, Azuma Bridge)
    • 3. 12:30 @Tsukiji
    • 4. 12:50 Lunch @Tsukiji
    • 5. 14:00 @Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 6. 15:00 @Shibuya PARCO (Nintendo Store)
    • 7. 15:30 @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 16:20 Disband @ANA InterContinental Tokyo

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. They had long wished to visit Japan and planned to spend about a week traveling around Tokyo and Kyoto. The itinerary went exactly as they had hoped. At Sensoji Temple, they actively took part in drawing omikuji fortunes, purifying at the water basin, and offering prayers. At Asakusa Shrine, they also experienced the way of worship that differs from a Buddhist temple. The guests enjoyed a variety of shopping. They bought chopsticks along Nakamise Street, and at a pharmacy located just outside the Nitenmon Gate after finishing their prayers, they came across Japanese-style KitKats such as matcha flavor while I was asking a staff member whether they had a particular pill case they wanted, and they also purchased matcha chocolate at a nearby shop. For lunch, one of the guests, who loves sushi, ordered a premium sushi set including fatty tuna and sea urchin, while the other, who is not fond of raw fish, ordered a tempura rice bowl, and both were very satisfied. One of the guests needed to walk at a fairly slow pace, but their spirits and energy remained strong after lunch, so we headed to Hamarikyu Gardens, located close to Tsukiji. We strolled through part of the gardens and finished by viewing a 300-year-old pine tree and taking commemorative photos. During this tour, many photos were taken of the guest and me together. I hope they will serve as a nice starting point for sharing stories of their Tokyo sightseeing with the family back home. Finally, the guests wished to buy souvenirs at the Nintendo Store, so we took a taxi to Shibuya PARCO, found what they had been looking for, and were able to purchase the very last one available. On the way back, they experienced crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and I saw them off via the Ginza Line to the Hotel near Tameike-Sanno Station. Just after we parted, I received a message from the guests saying, "Even after returning to the hotel, the guest keeps saying how thoroughly satisfied they were with the tour."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Tameike-Sanno Station~Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Toei Oedo Line Shiodome Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Tameike-Sanno Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

    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…

    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!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensouji Temple in Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensouji Temple in Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting up at the Hotel
    • 10:20-11:00 Sakuradamon Gate~Nijubashi
    • 11:25-13:10 Sensouji Temple in Asakusa
    • 13:40-14:10 Walking on Omotesando Street
    • 14:10-14:50 Lunch at Jangara ramen
    • 14:50-15:30 Meiji Jingu
    • 15:45-16:00 Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. We hit it off right away because we found several things in common to talk about from the very beginning. The guests were interested in Japanese history and religion, as well as in the daily life of Japanese people, and there were so many questions that the conversation never ran dry. Both were very friendly, and I truly enjoyed spending time with them. Many things that seem ordinary to Japanese people are surprising to international visitors, and after each small discovery they would always follow up with a question. They mentioned that they would be taking a cruise from Yokohama to Shizuoka the next day, and they said they wished they could have stayed longer in Tokyo. This private 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 and winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho~Sakuradamon180JPY
    Section 2TrainNijubashimae~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Omotesando260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total880JPY

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:35 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal 10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:45 Kinkaku-ji  13:00 Lunch (Tempura) 14:10 Gion 15:00 Fushimi Inari 17:15 Arrive at Kobe Port

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, enjoying their travels. Originally seven people were expected to join, but some of the guests were unable to attend on the day, so it became a group of five for this Kyoto tour arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). The weather had been a concern since the previous day. It was raining heavily when we departed from Kobe, and although the rain later stopped, the expressway then became congested due to a traffic accident. It was an uncertain start, but in the end the only place we actually encountered rain was Arashiyama, and the other destinations were hardly affected at all. The tempura lunch was a request from the guests. It was quite difficult to find a place that could take a reservation for lunch, but fortunately we were able to enter a restaurant that granted us special permission. The guests enjoyed their meal very much, so the effort felt well rewarded. The photo was taken at the Fudo-do hall within Kinkaku-ji. As it was the season for school excursions, there were many elementary, junior high, and high school students at every destination we visited.

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Shukkeien Garden & Daishoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00a.m. Meet at the lobby of Hotel
    • 9:15a.m. Take a bus to Shukkeien Garden
    • 9:20a.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:20a.m Take a taxi to the Peace Park
    • 10:30a.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:30p.m. Lunch at Okonomiyaki
    • 1:30p.m. Take a direct ferry to Miyajima Island
    • 2:15p.m. Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 2:30p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3:30p.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 4:00p.m. Explore Shopping Street
    • 4:30p.m. Take a Ferry and a JR train to the hotel
    • 5:00p.m. End of the tour

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I spoke slowly and in short segments to make sure everything was easy to follow. Shukkeien Garden was quiet, so the guests were able to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. We took a bus from Hiroshima Station to Shukkeien Garden, but the bus was crowded and we had to stand, so afterward we traveled from Shukkeien Garden to the Peace Park by taxi for a more comfortable journey. At the Peace Park, the guests were very interested in the story of the paper cranes, and we folded some together and offered them at the Children's Peace Monument. The Peace Memorial Museum was very crowded with school trip groups and tourists. One of the guests rested on the first floor of the East Building after viewing it, while I guided the other through the highlights of the Main Building at a slightly quicker pace. The guests really enjoyed the okonomiyaki for lunch and said it was a lot of fun to watch it being prepared right in front of them. After lunch we crossed to Miyajima via the World Heritage Sea Route. The guests seemed a little tired and rested on the ferry. After arriving at Miyajima, we had originally planned to visit Daishoin Temple first, but since walking for long distances was difficult, we visited Itsukushima Shrine together first even though the tide was not yet high. Then one of the guests waited on a bench at Daiganji Temple while I guided the other around Daishoin Temple. The guests loved Daishoin Temple and mentioned several times how they wished the whole group could have seen it together. After Daishoin Temple we regrouped, strolled through the shopping street, and returned to the Hotel to end the tour. There were times when one of the guests waited seated, but the guests were both very calm and kind, and at the end of the tour they thanked me warmly, saying it had been a wonderful memory. At first I communicated through one of the guests, but gradually they grew more comfortable and we were able to talk directly, slowly but surely. They had a playful sense of humor and made me laugh many times. The guests said they would love to visit Daishoin Temple on Miyajima together next time, and asked me to guide them again on a future Miyajima tour once they were feeling well, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Section 2OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,860JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:45 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 11:00 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:15 @ Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 13:00 Disband @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests preferred a slower pace, so the tour proceeded gently throughout. It was somewhat difficult to gauge the group's specific interests, but they seemed keen on shopping at each spot and purchased a variety of souvenirs. Since some of the guests appeared tired, part of the group returned to their cruise ship ahead of the others and did not visit the final spot, Nankinmachi. The guests seemed very pleased that they could see their cruise ship with the naked eye from the ropeway and observation deck at Nunobiki Herb Garden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Section 2TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Pref., Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Pref., Hanshin Line)~Kobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)200JPY
    Section 4SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 5SubwayShin-Kobe~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo: Shibuya

    Tokyo: Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Mandarin Oriental
    • 11:10 Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing ~ Shopping around Shibuya)
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Ippudo Harakado branch
    • 13:30 Shopping in Omotesando, Ura-Omotesando, and Ura-Hara
    • 16:30 Disband @ Mandarin Oriental
    • *The names of the shops we visited will be kept confidential.

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. When I met them at the hotel, they were carrying an empty suitcase and were fully in shopping mode. I selected shops based on the guests' requests, and everything hit the mark except for the watches. For watches, I ended up choosing a shop that was above their budget. Since asking about the budget in advance would be impolite, this was somewhat unavoidable. Still, they were able to purchase something within budget elsewhere, so it worked out well. By the time we were in Omotesando, both the schedule and the suitcase had filled up, so we skipped the planned visit for kitchen knives in Kappabashi. Fortunately, Kappabashi can be reached with a single Ginza Line ride from the hotel area, so the guests decided to go there on their own another day. Since we managed to fill the suitcase that had started out empty in the morning, I believe the guests were satisfied. Side note: Harakado has become less crowded on weekdays, making it a hidden spot for lunch.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando~Mitsukoshimae210JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Niigata: Niigata West Port ==

    Niigata: Niigata West Port ==

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Niigata West Port ==>10:00 Hoppo Culture Museum ==>11:30 Befco Bakauke Observation Deck==>11:50 Pia Bandai Fish Market =i=> 12:30 Lunch Japanese-style Kaiseki・Kura==>13:30 Passing Bandai Bridge=>13:35 Minatopia & Former Niigata Customs House (Photo Stop)==>13:40 Nabejaya Street (Sightseeing from the car window)==>13:50 Furumachi Street (Shopping)==>14:00 Hakusan Shrine・Hakusan Park==>14:30 Niigata Station・Ponshukan==>15:15 Niigata West Port

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Niigata Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This tour began in the morning at Bath with light rain that grew heavier by the afternoon. Early in the day, the guests requested that we skip the walking portions, and also asked to use the extra time for sake tasting at the Ponshu-kan at Niigata Station. So in the morning, following the original itinerary, we visited the Northern Culture Museum. There, the guests were greatly impressed by the large tatami hall, the Japanese garden, the ceramics exhibition, and the Sanraku-tei teahouse. We had planned to go to Mediaship next, but since we would not be walking across Bandai Bridge in the rain, the driver recommended the taller Befco Observation Deck instead, so we took the guests there. They enjoyed a private observation deck with no other visitors. At Pier Bandai, the guests immediately ate freshly fried "shinjo with soft-boiled egg" from the fish market at a table under an umbrella in the rain, and they seemed to enjoy it very much. For lunch, they had a reserved kaiseki set meal. In the afternoon, Bandai Bridge, Minatopia and the former Niigata Customs House, and Nabejaya Street were viewed and photographed from the car. At the request of one of the guests, they wanted to walk along Furumachi-dori, so we walked for about ten minutes and looked around two boutiques, enjoying some exercise after the meal. After a brief explanation of Hakusan Park, we headed straight to Hakusan Shrine, where they purified their hands at the water basin and paid their respects according to proper etiquette. We then went directly to Niigata Station and entered the Ponshu-kan, where the guests shared one 500-yen sake cup between them and enjoyed the tasting. After the tasting, they enjoyed about fifteen minutes of window shopping at the station building's Cocolo before heading home. Although it rained all day, the day was saved by the guests' travel policy of "rain is beyond human control, so we make the best of it even in the rain." Despite moving quickly, they said it was a very fulfilling day and were delighted.

    Hello, my name is Mutsuko Watanabe. I am a professional government-certified guide- interpreter with eight years of experience, originally from the beautiful prefecture of Niigata. While Niigata holds a special place in my heart with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, I am passionate about showcasing the beauty of not only my hometown but also other fascinating destinations across Japan.
    It is my greatest joy to help visitors discover the charm, history, and traditions of this amazing country in an engaging and enjoyable way. Whether it’s savoring local delicacies, exploring hidden gems, or learning about Japan’s deep cultural heritage, I am here to make your trip unforgettable.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Japan and creating wonderful memories together!

    Oct 17, 2025
    Roving64280396391
    A great place to visit.
    Tripadvisor review: Sado Island Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Niigata Dep.)
    Sado Island has many…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 9:30 Asakusa
    • 11:00 Shibuya
    • 11:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:00 Harajuku
    • 14:00 Shinjuku
    • 15:00 Disband @Shinjuku

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America. They had already spent about two weeks sightseeing in the Kansai, Hokuriku, and Chubu regions, and Tokyo was their final destination. Since the day with the guide was the only chance for sightseeing within the city, I showed them the major attractions. These guests had carefully read the explanations on the website and kindly provided all the necessary information before I even asked, which was very helpful. We started from Shimbashi, the nearest station, but the Ginza Line platform heading toward Shibuya was full and entry was being restricted. We were heading in the opposite direction, so we were lucky to pass through the ticket gate smoothly. The guests did not seem to particularly enjoy Japanese food, so we had a light meal in the rest area of Meiji Jingu. The guests planned to take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone the following day, so I helped them purchase a Hakone Free Pass at Shinjuku Station and explained where to board the train. When I took them to a department store food hall in Shinjuku, they seemed to love it. They also bought baby clothes at Uniqlo as a gift. They were a very kind and lovely group. The next day, they sent me a photo taken with Mount Fuji in the background via a messaging app, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Total770JPY

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

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

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Tsukiji & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Oakwood Premier Tokyo
    • 8:55 Tsukiji
    • 10:40 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Irori-an Kiraku
    • 13:00 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:55 Akihabara
    • 14:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:55 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:20 Disband at Meiji-jingumae Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Akihabara The weather stayed cloudy all day, and although it hardly rained at all, it was a slightly chilly day. Because Shinjuku Gyoen closes early, the start time was moved up by an hour and a half. This was a private tour for guests who described themselves as anime fans, and I guided them through Tsukiji, Asakusa, a lunch of station soba, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Akihabara (where they spent a little longer, saying they would come again), Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street. The tour was supposed to end at Shinjuku Gyoen, but since we passed the closing time, we finished at Meiji-jingumae Station instead. At Tsukiji, the guests were interested in the fresh seafood and the many different shops. In Asakusa they stopped by various places and enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes. The kakiage soba for lunch was also well received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNihonbashi~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 5Free PassKanda~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Otemachi

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Otemachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:00 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Yoroiya Ramen
    • 14:00 Higashi Gyoen (East Gardens)
    • 16:00 @ Otemachi

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and the East Gardens in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting Japan, with those living in North America and Asia joining together. Some of the guests were a little tired from jet lag, but everyone was in good spirits. Several members of the group enjoyed shopping and purchased ukiyo-e prints and a small pouch made from an obi at the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa. They were also interested in Japanese history and listened attentively as I explained the differences between temples and shrines. For lunch, they requested ramen and gyoza, and they ate heartily. Afterward, we visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. They were impressed by the atmosphere, which was completely different from the lively bustle of Asakusa, remarking "peaceful!"

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…