Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:20 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:30 Ginza
    • 14:00 Imperial Palace & Nijubashi Bridge
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Shibuya
    • 17:00 Tour ends at Shibuya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They took this trip during a school break, and it was something they had long wished to do; many people around them had also traveled to Japan and praised the experience so highly that they very much wanted to come and see it for themselves. We first headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market, which was close to their hotel. After introducing Hamarikyu and explaining the history of Tsukiji, we made our way to the outer market. They seemed to greatly enjoy the overwhelming atmosphere and the fresh seafood here, and said they would like to come back again another day. At the nearby Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the different ways of praying, allowing them to experience it in person. They said they were able to understand the background of Japanese culture well, and that they wanted to feel it again in Kyoto, which they would visit after Tokyo. At the Imperial Palace, I explained the history and background of the Imperial family, as well as how it differs from royal families in the West. At the next stop, Meiji Shrine, the Niinamesai harvest festival was being held, it was the season for Shichi-Go-San, and they were even able to see a traditional wedding ceremony, which delighted them greatly. Finally, we headed to Shibuya, where I introduced a ramen restaurant they had wished to try, and the tour came to an end.

    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 in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:40 Stroll around Asakusa
    • 12:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:00 Lunch @Kichi Soba Harajuku Store
    • 14:30 Takeshita Street ~ Omotesando Entrance
    • 15:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 16:30 Dismissal @Hotel Tokyo

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine The guests were from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. They had traveled through Asia and then Hiroshima and Kobe before arriving in Tokyo the previous day. Since they had mentioned in advance that they wanted to see the many different faces of Tokyo, I proposed the itinerary above, and in the end they were very pleased with it. In Asakusa, they were overwhelmed by the crowds on the way to Senso-ji Temple, but they enjoyed the Okuyama area and the Shin-Nakamise shopping street. At the Imperial Palace, the original plan was to visit only the Ninomaru Garden, but they said they also wanted to see the Honmaru, so I guided them there as well. The trees had turned lovely autumn colors, and they seemed very satisfied. I personally found the animal cafe on Takeshita Street a bit over the top, but they watched with great interest. Because the morning was expected to be crowded due to the Niiname-sai harvest festival, I moved Meiji Shrine to the afternoon. There they were able to see the festival offerings and a wedding procession, which delighted them greatly. Throughout the day, the guests listened attentively to my explanations and asked many questions, making it a rewarding tour to guide. Aside: We talked about gasoline prices, and they were surprised at how cheap it was, as well as by the discussion of abolishing the provisional tax rate. It ended up being proof of how the Japanese have grown poorer.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total790JPY

    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, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, 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…

  • Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 11:05 Move: Walk to Kofukuji Temple
    • 10:15 Sightseeing ①: Kofukuji Temple (National Treasure Museum)
    • 11:00 Move: Walk to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ②: Todaiji Temple
    • 12:30 Sightseeing ③: Nigatsudo and Sangatsudo Halls
    • 13:00 Lunch and break
    • 14:00 Move: Walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:15 Sightseeing ④: Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Move: Take the loop bus to Higashimuki Shopping Street (Kintetsu Nara Station)
    • 15:20 Reservation: Reserve a restaurant for dinner (Wagyu sukiyaki) at Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • 15:30 End of guide and dismissal

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting and traveling in Japan from South America. Prior communication about adjusting the destinations was handled with the group. The guests were very meticulous — before I sent my first message after being assigned, their first message had already arrived, that was how quick they were. I hurriedly replied with my first message, and just two hours later a response came back, packed with important information. At that point the guests were staying in Kyoto and wanted to enjoy a full-day day trip to Nara. They left the choice of destinations to the guide but asked for a relaxed tour rather than one covering many places, and since they were interested in various aspects of Japanese history and culture, they asked for clear and easy-to-understand explanations. In addition, they wanted a light lunch and wagyu sukiyaki for dinner — a list of requests that made it easy for the guide to fully apply their skills in building the tour. After consulting with the guests, the itinerary was finalized as: Kofuku-ji ⇒ Nara Park ⇒ Todai-ji ⇒ Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do ⇒ lunch and rest ⇒ Kasuga Taisha ⇒ Higashimuki Shopping Street ⇒ end of tour, after which the guests would have dinner. On the day, although the temperature was on the low side, it turned into wonderful weather with sunshine — perfect conditions for a walking tour. I met the guests on schedule in front of the underground ticket gate at the Kintetsu Nara Station, and after a brief greeting, self-introduction, and confirmation of the itinerary, we set off. The guests had a very gentle atmosphere. During the tour, we carefully visited two representative Buddhist temples (Kofuku-ji and Todai-ji) and one shrine (Kasuga Taisha), while I gave historical explanations about the introduction of Buddhism and its great influence on Japan, and the coexistence of Shinto and Buddhism. The guests listened to the explanations with great interest and asked many questions. Although most of the itinerary involved walking, thanks to keeping the schedule relaxed and taking sufficient breaks along the way, we were able to complete the tour without much strain.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine / Nara City area, Nara Prefecture~In front of Kintetsu Nara Station (highway/connecting bus)250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Sakanoue
    • 0930 Tenryu-ji ~ Bamboo Grove
    • 1045 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
    • 1130 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (view from outside)
    • 1200 Kinkaku-ji
    • 1310 Lunch
    • 1430 Tofuku-ji
    • 1520 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1700 Disband at Yamanoue

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto and Arashiyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. From the email stage, they mentioned that they wanted to visit many places and also enjoy a relaxed lunch, so we extended the tour. It was cold in the morning, but it gradually warmed up into very nice weather, and the autumn foliage showed wonderful colors. Since it was the Saturday at the start of a three-day weekend, there were many people out, but thanks to going to Arashiyama first thing in the morning, we were able to avoid heavy crowds.

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hashiba-cho
    • AM 10:00 – AM 11:15 Strolling through Kazue-machi and Higashi Chaya District, Utasu Shrine, Kinpaku Sakuda (gold leaf)
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:45 – PM 12:30 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:30 – 13:20 Kanazawa Castle Park, visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Transfer on foot to Omicho Market, PM 13:40 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. The booking was originally for a larger group, but one member was unable to join due to personal circumstances, so the group was slightly smaller than planned. They were longtime friends who had known each other since childhood, and they seemed to enjoy their trip to Japan very much. I believe they also fully enjoyed the tour of Kanazawa. While group travelers from that region are often attended throughout by a guide speaking their native language, this tends to be the style for older travelers, and the guests explained that English was perfectly fine for them. In practice, they understood English without much difficulty. We ended the tour by visiting Omicho Market for lunch.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Toyama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Toyama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 ホテル集合
    • 9:20 富山城址公園
    • 9:45 富山市ガラス美術館
    • 10:45 池田屋安兵衛商店、和漢薬づくり体験
    • 11:10 浪速寿司で昼食
    • 12:40 岩瀬浜駅、江戸時代末期に栄えた岩瀬の町を見るため岩瀬の町へ歩く
    • 14:30 富岩運河環水公園
    • 15:15 富山駅、コーヒータイム
    • 15:45 解散

    Title: What's a Private Toyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Glass Art, Iwase, and the Tateyama Mountains The guest was a solo traveler from Europe. Having many acquaintances in Japan, they planned to end this trip with a homestay of about ten days at a friend's house in the Kanto region. Since they had never visited the Sea of Japan side of the country, they had been looking forward to this trip. They also spoke a little Japanese. As soon as we met, they told me about their current situation back home. They were in the middle of selling their home and moving into the house where their family had once lived, so this trip took place during a very busy period of relocation. Because they had been so busy, they had done almost no prior research. They were very fond of talking and shared their thoughts on the current situations in Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as news about the families they support. At the Toyama Glass Art Museum, they were very taken with the installation by Dale Chihuly. They also photographed the museum building itself. At the Ikedaya Yasube Shoten, I explained the history of medicine in Toyama, and they tried making traditional round pills. In Iwase, the weather was perfect, and the Tateyama mountain range looked beautiful rising above the harbor. They took many photos and were deeply moved, saying there was nothing like this back home. They also immediately sent the photos to their friends. In the town of Iwase, we did a sake tasting. We also strolled around the town, visited a beer brewery, and bought some Japanese rice crackers. At the Fugan Canal Kansui Park, they enjoyed the panoramic view of the park and the 3,000-meter-class Tateyama mountain range from the Tenmon Bridge. They said this was a place they had really wanted to visit. Blessed with fine weather, it turned out to be a very precious visit to Toyama.

    My guide name is Gucci.
    I love traditional culture, crafts, history, architecture, food, sake, and seasonal events. I aspire to a sustainable lifestyle rooted in tradition.
    I have been teaching at high schools and a college for a long time. Experiencing other cultures through language has led to my current interests. I feel more strongly than ever before about Japanese culture, tradition, and the wisdom of the people that has been passed down.
    I have a wealth of experience in FIT tours, media FAM tours , VIP tours as well as cruise ship group tours in Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takayama and throughout Toyama prefecture.
    With a spirit of hospitality, I will make your time in Japan memorable.
    I will customize your trip to fulfill your wishes, from the standard ways to seasonal recommendations, unique and deep ways to enjoy.
    I look forward to meeting you!
    Toyama Travel-Designer
    Toyama Pref. Naturalist

    Jun 8, 2026
    Corey B
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Gucci Delivers an Excellent Kanazawa Day
    Gucci was lovely. Kind,…

    May 19, 2026
    Steve T
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Best Way to See Kanazawa in a Day
    Gucci was…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)8:50    Meet (Kujo Subway Station), then take the subway to Nanzen-ji Temple and Tenju-an
    • 2)9:30~10:50 Nanzen-ji Temple and Tenju-an, then take the subway and bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3)11:30~12:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then walk to the pottery shop and Ghibli Shop
    • 4)13:00~13:30 Pottery shop and Ghibli Shop, say goodbye in front of the Ghibli Shop

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Autumn Foliage Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. At the request of the group, who wished to see as much autumn foliage, Japanese gardens, and other sights as possible, I arranged a course covering Nanzen-ji, Tenju-an, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion. The weather was fine on the day, and the autumn foliage at Nanzen-ji and Tenju-an was wonderful, so all of the guests were delighted. However, since one of the group did not seem to be feeling very well, we took frequent breaks. We also took a break before viewing Kiyomizu-dera. As it was already past 12:10 by then, I explained to the group that at this hour it would be difficult to view Kiyomizu-dera and then continue on to Gion. Since one of the guests seemed to like Japanese anime, I suggested going to a Ghibli shop instead of Gion, and the group agreed. After that, we visited Kiyomizu-dera. The autumn foliage at Kiyomizu-dera was also beautiful, and the guests were pleased. Since the group wished to stop by a pottery shop, we visited one and then went to the Ghibli shop, where they did some shopping. By that point it was around 13:30, so the tour came to an end. When I asked what they would like to do afterward, they said they would rest at a café in the area, so we said our goodbyes here.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKujo (Kyoto)~Keage260JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeage~Higashiyama (Kyoto)220JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama-Sanjo (Higashiyama Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total710JPY

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up Hotel Takanawa
    • 2. 10:20 Hotel New Takanawa
    • 3. 11:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 12:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple)
    • 5. 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 15:55 Dismissal Shibuya

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began about 20 minutes late because the meeting point that had been specified differed from the actual place of stay. This appeared to be a mistake on the guests' side. There also seemed to be a misunderstanding that this tour would be conducted by a private car. On the walk from the hotel to the station, and at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the tour proceeded somewhat slowly. The mood improved noticeably at Nakamise, when the guests found the ukiyo-e woodblock prints they had been looking for, and from that point onward things returned to normal. At the end, the guests kindly explained that they had not been feeling well and apologized. I carried out my guiding duties properly through to the end, so I do not expect any issues to arise.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakanawadai~Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Futarasan Shrine

    Tochigi in One Day: Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Futarasan Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet with customers
    •  10:15~10:35 Kanmangafuchi Abyss sightseeing
    •  11:00~12:00 Lunch
    •  12:30~14:30 Toshogu Shrine sightseeing
    •  14:30~15:20 Rinnoji Temple sightseeing
    •  15:30~15:50 Futarasan Shrine sightseeing
    •  16:00 Disband in front of Toshogu Shrine

    What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu, Rinnoji, and Kanmangafuchi The guests on this tour were visiting from North America. It seemed to be their first time in Japan, and they appeared to find everything fresh and exciting. The email had mentioned some concern about walking, so I set a relaxed schedule to be considerate. When I met the guests, they said their condition was good that day, and the tour proceeded without any problems at all. The original plan was to first visit Kanmangafuchi, then have lunch, followed by a visit to Toshogu Shrine, and finally Rinnoji Temple before finishing. However, we were also able to visit Futarasan Shrine. For lunch, I took them to my favorite restaurant, which serves a yuba set meal in a traditional building, and they were very pleased. There was laughter throughout the entire day, and I believe they were satisfied with the tour itself.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Nishisando Entrance600JPY
    Section 2Free PassNishisando Entrance~JR Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Sep 5, 2026
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    Wonderful day in Nikko
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    A perfect day in Nikko with Taka
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    Taka crafted…

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    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

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    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Hiroshima Port
    • 09:25 Travel to Miyajima Port
    • 09:57 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 12:10 Travel to Miyajimaguchi Port
    • 12:30 Travel to Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 13:15 Disband at Atomic Bomb Dome

    Title: What Is a Private Cruise-Port Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania, arriving on a cruise ship that had come from Naha and docked at the Ujina Foreign Trade Pier No. 5 in Hiroshima. This was the ship's first call at Hiroshima, and shuttle bus information was only announced on the morning of the day itself, but in the end no shuttle bus was provided. I am truly grateful that the guests kindly set up a messaging app in advance. It took some time to narrow down the transportation options between Miyajima and Hiroshima, but I was able to move forward with the plan while confirming their wishes beforehand. On the morning of the tour, it took a while before we were able to meet, which made me anxious, but we managed to meet without any trouble and I was relieved that we could head to Miyajima on the high-speed boat as planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMiyajimaguchi~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
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    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
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    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
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