Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Owakudani

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Owakudani

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:10 Take the pirate ship from Motohakone Port to Togendai
    • 14:00 To Owakudani
    • 15:30 End the tour at a footbath cafe near Miyanoshita Station, the closest station to the hotel

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Hakone Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Because of the continuous rain we had been having recently, there was concern about whether today's tour could be carried out, but by adjusting the route we were able to proceed. We first headed to Hakone Shrine. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before, both for work and on personal trips, and was quite experienced. However, despite following a particular faith, this guest had not fully understood the difference between shrines and temples until now. After I explained the distinction, they seemed to fully understand. They mentioned that they would now look at the shrines and temples we would visit afterward from a fresh perspective. The guests were delighted by the pirate ship and the "black eggs" at Owakudani, and they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their stay in Japan.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:00-30 Kofukuji Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    •    Museum 900 yen
    • We are already in Nara Deer Park and stay in the park almost to the end of the day.
    • walk 20 minutes
    • 11:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:40-50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • Former katana sword manufacturer's shop, etc.
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:00- Todaiji Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:00-13:00 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall (Lunch at Emado Chaya)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:10-20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30-14:00 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-20 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:30-15:00 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:10-40 Former Residence of Irie Taikichi
    • walk 5 minutes and bus
    • 16:00 (End of Tour) back at Kintetsu-Nara Station

    What Is a Private Nara and Todai-ji Temple Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. During the tour I spoke in particular detail about architecture, but perhaps because Japanese architecture is so different from what they are used to, there was no especially notable reaction. They did find it interesting to learn that the Nandaimon Gate of Todai-ji Temple is in fact a structure built like an overturned boat. Since it was the final day of their stay in Japan and they were tired, I kept everything at a relaxed and easy pace throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall・National Museum/Nara Kotsu~Kintetsu-Nara Station/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.09:00 Meeting point: Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2.09:40 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3.11:55 Kitano Ijinkan (Foreign Residences) District
    • 4.12:55 Kobe Harborland (Mosaic)
    • 5.13:10 Lunch @ Hakata Tenjin Horumon (Mosaic)
    • 6.14:00 Nankinmachi & Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 7.15:00 Dismissal: Kobe Port Terminal

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group from North America who had visited Japan many times before. After meeting at the Kobe Port Terminal, we headed to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. However, since the meeting time was quite a bit earlier than the herb garden's opening hour, I gave an explanation while walking around the Former Foreign Settlement, and afterward we went to the ropeway base station. When we arrived at the herb garden's summit station, it was raining, so we used the umbrellas provided by the herb garden as we walked around. By the time we reached the Glass House, however, the rain had stopped, and we could see the Kobe cityscape and Port Island clearly. The guests were in very good spirits. After the herb garden, we visited the Kitano Ijinkan (foreign residences) district, Kobe Harborland (Mosaic), Nankinmachi Chinatown, and the Kobe Motomachi shopping street, then returned to the Port Terminal to end the tour. The guests were very pleased.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 05:30 Watch the tuna auction at Toyosu Market
    • 06:00 Breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:15 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Disband at Tsukiji Outer Market

    What's a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Tuna Auction Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. About the tour and the guests' reactions The guests were a group visiting Japan together. They had been looking forward to the tuna auction, and enjoyed learning about how the auction is conducted. For breakfast at a sushi restaurant, each of them enjoyed dishes such as an all-tuna selection and the head chef's recommended sushi, and they also added a few extra pieces of their favorite sushi to their liking. They were delighted, saying the sushi was far more delicious than any they had tried before. In Tsukiji, we strolled around while I introduced recommended shops. Since the guests hoped to come back and enjoy the area at their own pace after the tour, I fulfilled their request and guided them to a renowned oyster restaurant as well as well-known shops for kitchen knives and tea. 2. Other comments and notes As it was a group that included young children and older members, I was a little concerned about whether any trouble might arise while strolling through the narrow alleys of Tsukiji, but everyone followed the guide's instructions carefully, and we were able to complete the tour safely.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo-mae~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    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 in One Day: Tokyo Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Haneda
    • 9:15 Tokyo Station
    • 9:35 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos, Sensoji Temple, etc., until 12:30)
    • 13:00 Ginza, Ginza Six
    • 13:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 14:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:10 Disband at Shinagawa Station

    What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Private Guide's Report The guests wished to visit as many places as possible during their single day in Tokyo, even if it took extra time, so I planned an itinerary covering many locations. After meeting the guests at the Hotel, I guided them from Tokyo Station to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and then we visited Asakusa, Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine as requested, though the tour ran considerably over time. Since I had informed them in advance that an extension of about two hours might be needed, this was not a problem. The weather was fine that day, and there was a shared connection through work, which made the tour enjoyable to conduct. At Shinagawa Station, I told the guests which station to get off at and confirmed that they boarded the correct train before we parted ways. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTenkubashi~Tokyo630JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ginza0JPY
    Section 4Free PassGinza~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shinagawa180JPY
    Total1,660JPY

    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 Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Blossom Hibiya
    • 10:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos, then Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 12:30 Snack (ice cream) @ Taisho Roman-kan
    • 12:50 Don Quijote Asakusa Store
    • 13:10 Kappabashi Shopping Street, buy kitchen knives
    • 13:50 Disband at Kappabashi Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Asakusa Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a nice day, not too hot, so the tour proceeded comfortably. Through our email exchange, the guests had expressed a wish to see shopping streets such as the Nakamise arcade in Asakusa, so the tour centered on Asakusa. When I asked about their plans during the tour, they mentioned they would be attending a sumo tour in Asakusa starting at 15:00, and requested to part ways at Kappabashi. Along Nakamise, we stopped at various shops, and I introduced one food shop after another, with reactions like "So this is the one I saw on social media — now I understand it, but I don't need it." At Sensoji Temple, they drew omikuji fortunes and offered incense, which they enjoyed. Finally, at Kappabashi they shopped for a kitchen knife and looked at the food samples, and the tour ended as planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    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…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Jinya-mae Morning & Harada Sake Brewery Tasting

    Gifu in Half a Day: Jinya-mae Morning & Harada Sake Brewery Tasting

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Takayama Ouan Meeting point
    • 8:50 Jinya-mae Morning Market
    • 9:00 Takayama Jinya
    • 10:10 Tsuda Carving
    • 10:20 Yamazakura Shrine
    • 10:30 Miyagawa Morning Market
    • 12:00 Yatai Kaikan (Float Exhibition Hall)
    • 12:20 Old Townscape
    • 12:25 Harada Sake Brewery Tasting
    • 12:30 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Takayama. At Takayama Jinya, the first site we visited, the guests asked many questions. They showed great interest in the differences in the design of each room, as well as the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period. At the morning market in front of the Jinya, they also enjoyed seeing seedless grapes. The next thing that caught their strong interest was a showroom of Hida furniture located along the Miyagawa Morning Market. They were moved by the beauty of the furniture and took their time browsing. I believe they were also very satisfied with the sake tasting at the sake brewery at the end of the tour.

    My name is Akane Ito from Takayama city.
    I started a tour guiding from 2013.
    I was guiding almost 1000 people.
    I love this job. And I love people who visit in my town. I will take a you to local place where my favorite places . I’m good about communication with the guest and always cheerful. I will take you to Local Sake brewery for tasting sake, Morning Market, Historical places (Takayama Jinya, Takayama festival float museum and Old private houses area) ands my favorite places. If you are interesting about me, please feel free to contact me.

    Oct 11, 2025
    Traveler27625367943
    Outstanding, enjoyable tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Annie (Akane) was a wonderful guide…knowledgeable, engaging, fun,…

    Aug 30, 2024
    Leonie_B
    Interesting and informative
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Annie is a delightful person and great guide.…

    Jun 29, 2024
    MarydeS
    Lovely morning tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our morning tour around the old centre of…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Ueno

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Station & Ueno

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:30 Shinjuku Station
    • 10:30-11:30 Asakusa
    • 12:00-13:00 Ueno

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Ameyoko The guests told me that their flight to Japan had been delayed by about six hours, so they had a difficult start to their trip. They also seemed a little uneasy, saying they had taken a taxi but were surprised by how expensive it was. However, when I showed them an estimated fare using an app and it came out to a similar amount, they were reassured. Since they wanted to buy Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto, we purchased them at Shinjuku Station. They had not been able to book successfully online, so they were very relieved and pleased. At Senso-ji Temple, they enjoyed the Japanese atmosphere, and at Ameyoko they were delighted to have lunch at a grilled offal restaurant surrounded entirely by locals.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa360JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel New Grand
    • 11:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11:25 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Inataya Palace Building Branch
    • 13:35 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 15:10 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 16:40 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 17:55 Disband at Hotel New Grand

    It rained lightly for almost the entire day. I picked up the guests at the Hotel and first showed them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, followed by Meiji Shrine. The contrast between these two places seemed to capture their interest. I explained a great deal about religion in Japan. As it was lunchtime, they enjoyed a set of chicken tempura rice bowl and soba noodles at the Palace Building, which was well received. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I talked about the story of "Shogun" and the Meiji Restoration. In Asakusa, they stopped by many shops. Although it was not on the schedule, since we could just barely fit it in, we visited Ueno Toshogu Shrine at the transfer station of Ueno. We parted ways at the Hotel in Yokohama right on time. I received a tip of 1,000 yen.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi-Chukagai~Shibuya540JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4TrainTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 6TrainUeno~Motomachi-Chukagai810JPY
    Total2,100JPY

    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: Imperial Palace Outer & Shibuya Scramble Square

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace Outer & Shibuya Scramble Square

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel
    • 8:30 Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 9:30 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 10:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:15 Rikugien Garden
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:15 Shibuya Scramble Square
    • 14:00 Return to hotel
    • 12:45 Lunch
    • Shibuya Scramble Square → Hotel

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Despite intermittent rain throughout the day, they walked energetically and covered many places with enthusiasm. They asked thoughtful questions about topics such as the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and the imperial system, showing great interest. They also seemed to particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Rikugien Garden. Although the schedule was somewhat tight, the guests did not spend much time shopping, so we were able to visit all the planned spots and finish on time. For lunch, they enjoyed the ramen they had requested and were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdaiba~Tsukiji Market510JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTodaimae~Komagome180JPY
    Section 5TrainKomagome~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Odaiba540JPY
    Total1,800JPY

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…