Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple to Azuma Bridge

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple to Azuma Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ hotel MONday Asakusa
    • 9:05 Walk through Senso-ji Temple to Azuma Bridge (Skytree photos)
    • 9:45 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:15 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:50 Ura-Harajuku (browse a few shops)
    • 14:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 14:30 Disband @ Kaiten Sushi Onodera Musuko Shibuya branch

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Asakusa, Ueno, Shinjuku, and Harajuku in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was cloudy throughout the day, but there was no rain, so the tour proceeded smoothly. After meeting at the Hotel, I guided the guests around the grounds of Senso-ji Temple, took photos at Azumabashi Bridge, and then headed to Ueno Park. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, we paid 700 yen to view the main hall, which the guests enjoyed. At Shinjuku Gyoen, we entered through the Sendagi Gate, but partway through the guests seemed a little tired, so we proceeded while taking breaks. Jet lag seemed to be affecting them. The chrysanthemums were very beautiful and the guests enjoyed them. At Meiji Shrine, many offerings were on display for the Labor Thanksgiving Grand Festival, which the guests found interesting. There were many people attending weddings and Shichi-Go-San celebrations. Since Takeshita Street was very crowded, the guests preferred to avoid it, so I guided them through Ura-Harajuku instead. According to the original plan, we were to continue on to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and then to Shimokitazawa, but as the guests were tired, we ended the tour in Shibuya. They mentioned they wanted to have lunch before heading back, so I looked up a sushi restaurant and guided them there, ending the tour a little earlier than scheduled. The guests enjoyed the sushi, and I received word that they returned safely to the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Ueno700JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Sendagaya180JPY
    Section 3Free PassShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Total880JPY

    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: Buy Welcome Suica at Ueno Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Buy Welcome Suica at Ueno Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:00 Buy Welcome Suica at Ueno Station
    • 10:15 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:40 Harajuku Takeshita Street ~ Ura-Harajuku, Cat Street
    • 15:20 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya The weather was almost perfectly clear, and the tour proceeded smoothly. When I met the guests and asked, they mentioned they did not have a transit IC card, so I had them purchase a Welcome Suica at Ueno Station, where we transferred toward Asakusa, and then continued the tour. In Asakusa, they visited many shops and did a variety of shopping, including food items. Since they mentioned they liked matcha, I introduced them to a tea shop, where they made a purchase. At Meiji Shrine, they took many photos of scenes such as a wedding ceremony and Shichi-Go-San celebrations. On Takeshita Street and in the Ura-Harajuku area, they spent quite a lot of time browsing clothing and shoe stores and did some shopping. I guided them via Cat Street to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where the tour concluded. As there was a lot of shopping time, the schedule ran slightly behind.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Hatchobori (Tokyo)170JPY
    Section 2Free PassHatchobori~Ueno700JPY
    Section 3Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total870JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: 1-3 Higashikujō Higashigoryōchō & Monkey Park

    Kyoto: 1-3 Higashikujō Higashigoryōchō & Monkey Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 1-3 Higashikujō Higashigoryōchō
    • 08:45 Fushimiinari (0)
    • 10:00 Kinkakuji (500)
    • 11:30 Bamboo grove
    • Lunch(CoCo Ichibanya Umezu Danmachi Store)
    • 13:30 Kimonoforest
    • 14:40 Monkey Park (800)
    • Togetsukyo bridge
    • Boating area
    • 15:30 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Arashiyama Day Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The tour proceeded smoothly through the bamboo grove of Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the area around the Oi River. After lunch, the plan was to visit the Kimono Forest and then the Monkey Park, but the signal was poor and we lost contact with the taxi. On top of that, there was an enormous crowd and traffic restrictions, so it took more than an hour before we could find a taxi. Since the original itinerary was to conclude near the boat rental area after the Monkey Park, I guided the guests according to the planned route and we wrapped up the tour there.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at JR Himeji Station
    • 11:30 Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15 Lunch "Harimakko"
    • 15:00 Disband at Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were very interested in the castle, and we took our time exploring the castle grounds slowly. They took quite a lot of photos. They also asked many questions, which was a great learning experience for me as well. The autumn foliage at Koko-en Garden was magnificent, and the weather was fine, so they seemed very satisfied. Since they said they wanted to try local cuisine, I introduced them to "Himeji oden." As this was their first visit to Japan, they said they would love to come again during the cherry blossom season.

    Hello ! I’m Nao, guiding in Kansai, West Japan. I was born and raised in Himeji, near Himeji castle. I love music, watching movies, and of course taking a trip. I stayed in the US for three years, and took a trip to Hawaii, Canada and Indonesia. Those experiences are good sweet memories for me. Visiting places you don’t know much & touching new cultures are exciting and refreshing.
    Wear Kimono in Kyoto, eat Takoyaki in Osaka, feed cute deer in Nara, meet SAMURAI in Himeji (fake one though) and eat Kobe beef and drink Sake in Kobe.
    Let’s make good memories together in Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Nao

    Apr 12, 2026
    Ralf V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit mit Naoka.
    Alles mit Bus und…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Sushil_R
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour the Himeji Castle with Nao San. You will enjoy more.
    I…

    Apr 15, 2025
    O
    oOoKiyaoOo
    Wonderful Family Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our family had Nao for a guide and…

    Nov 21, 2024
    boyd_s
    A great tour!
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The special knowledge shared by our tour guide Noe…

  • Saitama in Half a Day: Kashiya Yokocho & Koedo Kurari

    Saitama in Half a Day: Kashiya Yokocho & Koedo Kurari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Center
    • 10:15 Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)
    • 10:45 Kurazukuri Ichibangai
    • 11:30 Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) → Kumano Shrine
    • 12:30 Koedo Kurari → Kitain Temple
    • 13:00 Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) → Ichibangai

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kawagoe from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan and staying at a hotel in Ginza, Tokyo. After seeing photos of the Kurazukuri Ichibangai street of warehouse-style buildings in Kawagoe, they were looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of old Japan. As they were not particularly interested in shrines or temples, we changed the plan to skip Hikawa Shrine. Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) and the Kurazukuri Ichibangai street were perfect for walking and snacking, and the guests enjoyed them very much. They were delighted with the Kintaro-ame candy, which they found cute and, being light, a good souvenir. Since one of the guests needed to eat gluten-free, we checked whether items such as the sweet potato brûlée contained soy sauce before enjoying them. The crisp texture of the caramelized sugar seemed to be very much to their liking. Another of the guests enjoyed "Imokoi." After that, I guided them to Kitain Temple. The autumn leaves were just at their peak, and the contrast between the blue sky and the red foliage was truly beautiful. We then returned once more to Kashiya Yokocho and the Kurazukuri Ichibangai street for shopping. At Kurari, our final stop, they purchased items such as Koedo beer and sweet potato chips. As the guests were staying two more days in Tokyo, I introduced them to the ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien, which is beautiful with its autumn colors.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawagoe Station/Tobu Bus~Ichibangai/Tobu Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusIchibangai/Tobu Bus~Kawagoe Station/Tobu Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00a.m.Meet at the lobby of Hotel
    • 10:10a.m. Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 10:30a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:15a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 12:40p.m. Take a direct ferry to Peace Park
    • 1:25p.m. Arrive at Peace Park
    • 1:40p.m. Lunch at a vegan restaurant
    • 2:30p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 5:00p.m. End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima. It was the last day of a three-day weekend during the autumn foliage season, so Miyajima was very crowded, but I guided the group while avoiding the crowds as much as possible, and they were very pleased. At Daisho-in Temple, the maple leaves were beautiful, and they took many photos. Two days before the tour, I received word that the guests were vegetarian, so I changed the lunch plan from okonomiyaki to a well-reviewed vegan restaurant. I had sent them information about the restaurant in advance, and they told me they had even gone there the night before the tour. They said that after seeing the menu they wanted to try many things and had wanted to visit twice, and they were very happy. Both guests were very interested in history and listened attentively at the Peace Park. The museum was very crowded as it coincided with a group, so we entered only the East Building together. Since they were very interested, I sent them tickets for 5:30 as well and let them know they could return to view the exhibits at their leisure if they had time. After the tour, the guests wanted to explore the city, so I told them about a vegetarian okonomiyaki restaurant and an izakaya with vegetarian menu options, and we ended the tour on Hondori Street. They said they would like to come back to Hiroshima again next year. At that time, they hoped to climb Mount Misen on Miyajima and said they would book this tour again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    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.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Kanagawa in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:00 Imperial Palace & East Gardens
    • 10:30 Ginza
    • 12:00 Hamarikyu
    • 13:30 Nezu
    • 14:50 Shibuya
    • 16:15 Tour ends at the hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Before a Yokohama Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan the day before and wanted to spend one day sightseeing in Tokyo before boarding a cruise departing from Yokohama. Although it was an early morning start, soon after departure the guests were delighted to see Mount Fuji glowing in the morning sun from the car. Before our first destination, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, opened at 9:00, we explored the area around the Imperial Palace so the guests could enjoy the scenery from various angles. In the East Gardens, one of the guests had some difficulty walking around the grounds, so we took our time exploring at a comfortable pace. In Ginza, one of the guests had requested in advance to purchase a used camera, and we also visited several places to buy a replacement suitcase after theirs was damaged upon arrival in Japan. In the end, we managed to accomplish both goals. After Hamarikyu Gardens, we headed to Nezu, which the guests had requested in advance. As it was right around lunchtime and we were a group, it took some effort to find a suitable place to eat, but we managed at a small Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. It was a very ordinary little local shop, but the guests actually liked it all the more for that, and since the food was delicious, they were very pleased. After that, at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the guests experienced the impressive energy of the spot on a holiday afternoon, and we finished the tour at the hotel.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up@The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Kaminari Issa, Sumida Park, Azuma Bridge)
    • 3. 13:00 @Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 4. 14:15 Lunch@Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku Store
    • 5. 15:00 @Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 6. 15:45 @Takeshita Street
    • 7. 16:00 @mipig cafe
    • 8. 17:00 @Cat street (from Harajuku side towards Shibuya)
    • 9. 17:20 @Miyashita Park
    • 10. 17:40 @Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 11. 18:15 Break up@Pepper Parlor

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for a Group New to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had previously traveled around Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, and this trip to Japan was decided largely because some of the guests were especially interested in Japan. Following a request for "places that the younger generation can enjoy," we visited spots that matched that theme, but the whole group was cheerful and lively, and everyone across the generations had a wonderful time together. At the same time, they intended to send video and photos of the trip as a birthday celebration for a family member who was not on this trip, so they were recording the journey throughout. The first of these was the group singing "Happy Birthday" together at the hotel and filming it on a smartphone. It was an upbeat day from start to finish. The day before this tour, right after arriving in Japan, they had joined a Shinjuku food tour, traveling by taxi between the hotel and Shinjuku. On this tour, we first purchased PASMO cards, and it was their first time riding the subway, with the guests enthusiastically photographing the trains from the station platform. What the guests were most interested in was eating. They wanted to try as many different kinds of food as possible, so they took on the challenge mainly along food streets, sharing dishes among the group. In Asakusa they tried strawberry daifuku, mitarashi dango, and matcha; in the Yanaka shopping street they tried menchi-katsu, cheese chicken fry, and a stick-shaped sweet baked snack; on Takeshita Street they tried strawberries on a stick coated in candy, and crepes. At a Kyushu Jangara ramen shop in Harajuku there was a line to get in, but they wanted to go anyway, so after waiting about 15 minutes they split up at the counter seats and each tried what they liked. One of the guests loves extremely spicy food and ordered something with a very high spice level. Everyone was very satisfied, saying it was "very delicious." Afterward, at Meiji Shrine, one of the guests stopped in front of the ema plaque rack, wrote a wish, and offered it. In addition to food, they sought experiences unique to Japan, and along with traditional ones such as drawing omikuji at Sensoji Temple, using the purification fountain, and worshipping at Meiji Shrine, they showed strong interest in the piglet cafe I introduced on Takeshita Street as part of modern culture. Since it was possible to enter without a reservation, they spent nearly 40 minutes there even though it was not on the plan. At one point eight piglets were sitting on the lap of one of the guests at the same time, many photos were taken, and it seemed to be a very satisfying and unique experience. According to the plan, the tour was supposed to end after taking them to Shinjuku, but since they had already done the Shinjuku experience, including the Godzilla head, the day before, we toured Shibuya, including Cat Street from the Harajuku side and the top floor of Miyashita Park, and we parted ways after they were amazed by the robot cafe inside FUKURAS.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Asakusa Line Takanawadai Station~Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Kanda Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Nippori170JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Total1,070JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gion-Shijo & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion-Shijo & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet@Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:30- 9:38 Gion-Shijo→Fushimi Inari 240 yen Keihan
    • 9:45-10:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Sightseeing
    • 11:08-11:36 Inari→Enmachi JR 200 yen
    • 11:40-11:50 Nishinokyo-Enmachi→Kinkakuji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 12:00-12:40 Kinkakuji Sightseeing
    • 12:45-13:10 Kinkakuji-michi→Nijo-jo-mae Bus 230 yen
    • 13:20-14:00 Nijo Castle Sightseeing
    • 14:30-14:50 Nishiki Market Stroll
    • 15:00 Dismiss@Teramachi Street

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report I guided the guests from North America to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Nishiki Market. At Fushimi Inari, they listened attentively to my explanation of Japan's indigenous Shinto and Buddhism that came from China, as well as the difference between shrines and temples. At Kinkaku-ji, they enjoyed the beautiful garden and buildings. At Nijo Castle, I explained that it was the place where the Tokugawa shogunate both began and ended, the relationship between the shogun and the emperor, and some content that had been broadcast on a Japanese TV program. Finally, we strolled through Nishiki Market together and parted ways at its end point.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi/Kyoto Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Nijo-jo-mae/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet in front of the entrance gate of the Tokyo National Museum.
    • 12:15-12:45 Guided tour of Ueno Kaneiji Temple. After finishing, moved to Sensoji Temple by taxi at the customer's request.
    • 12:55-13:10 Exchanged into Japanese yen at the Seven-Eleven ATM.
    • 13:10-14:20 Guided tour of Sensoji Temple. When about to move to the Imperial Palace, the customers said they were hungry, so we had lunch.
    • 14:20-14:50 Lunch at the conveyor belt sushi restaurant "Genroku Sushi" entered from Kannon-dori.
    • 15:20-16:20 Guided tour of the Imperial Palace Outer Garden (in front of Nijubashi Bridge).
    • 16:20-17;00 Guided them on foot from Nijubashi Bridge to the Shinji Pond in Hibiya Park, then to Yurakucho Station.
    • 17:00-17:15 Helped purchase tickets for travel to Niigata the following evening at the Shinkansen ticket vending machine at Yurakucho Station.
    • 17:15-17:45 Headed on foot from Yurakucho Station to the Ginza Mitsukoshi store, and after guiding them through the B2 food floor of Mitsukoshi, the tour ended with their decision, "We'll walk around Ginza on our own from here."

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour from Ueno to Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at the entrance of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, just as the guests had finished their visit. Since there had been no advance communication about where they wanted to go, we discussed it, and the guests requested: "We'd like to see many temples," "We'd like to visit Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and we've already eaten, so no need for lunch." Given that, since Ueno Kaneiji Temple was only an 8-minute walk away, I asked, "There's Kaneiji Temple very nearby, which also has the burial grounds of the Tokugawa family. Would you like to visit it before going to Senso-ji?" The guests replied, "By all means," so we walked to Kaneiji and I guided them around the area of the main hall (Konpon Chudo). After the tour there, when I tried to hail a taxi, the guests called an Uber, and it turned out they had no Japanese yen. Since there is a convenience store directly across from a hotel near Senso-ji, we moved there to use the ATM. However, the guests could not recall their PIN code, so I received some US dollars in cash from the group and handed over 6,000 yen from my own funds. I was a bit worried about how they would manage afterward, but I felt somewhat relieved when I learned that one of the guests had a bank card at the hotel whose PIN they would remember. After finishing the tour of Senso-ji, although the guests had initially said they didn't need lunch, they said, "We've gotten hungry, so something light," and we had a light lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near the Asakusa subway station. They were delighted, saying it was very delicious. However, since we were running behind schedule, and Meiji Shrine closes at 4:00 p.m., we would only have about 30 minutes there, so I suggested going to the Imperial Palace instead, and the guests agreed. We headed to the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. After guiding them to the statue of Kusunoki Masashige, I said, "Now let's head to Shibuya," but the guests asked, "How close is Ginza from here?" When I explained, "It's no more than about a 15-minute walk," they said, "Then we'd like to go to Ginza," so we decided to go there. Along the way, I guided them through the Shinji Pond garden in Hibiya Park, which they enjoyed very much. While resting on a bench there, I asked in detail about the purpose of this visit to Japan, and I learned that the main purpose of the trip was to be invited to lecture at a university in Niigata. So I asked, "Have you purchased your Shinkansen tickets?" and the reply was, "We'll be traveling tomorrow evening, so we'll buy them then." I said, "Tomorrow is the last day of a three-day weekend, and a great many people will be traveling, so it would be safer to buy them today. If you don't mind, shall I help you purchase them?" They said, "Oh, it's a three-day weekend? Then yes, please," so since it was also on the way to Ginza, we stopped at Yurakucho Station and I helped them purchase the Joetsu Shinkansen tickets. Then they said, "We'd like to go to the biggest department store in Ginza," so we went to Ginza Mitsukoshi, and before parting, I guided them through the food floor on B2, which they were very pleased with. They also told me an interesting story: "In the US, there aren't many department stores with such a large selection of prepared foods, but once Macy's in New York set up a corner like this aimed at single people, and it was a huge hit, because a flood of customers rushed to it (laughs)." After that, they planned to explore Ginza on their own and then head to their hotel in Ariake by Uber, so we parted ways. I changed the route considerably to match their requests along the way, but they were very pleased. Also, even though they had only just arrived in Japan the day before, they walked energetically without giving in to jet lag, and they were guests who made guiding a real joy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Total210JPY

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…