Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo Ginza
    • 10:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 11:10 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:30 Imperial Palace
    • 13:20 Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:15 Akihabara
    • 16:15 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo Ginza

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their second time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to depart from Yokohama on a cruise tour lasting about two weeks. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. They were also delighted to be able to take a photo of a bride and groom who were holding a wedding ceremony at Meiji Shrine. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, the Kaminarimon Gate, and more. In Akihabara, they purchased a cable for their headphones at a large electronics store. Since I accommodated their requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 7SubwayAkihabara~Higashi-Ginza180JPY
    Total1,280JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9;30 Himeji Station
    • 10-00-12:30 Himeji Castle
    • 12:40-13:40 Kokoen Garden

    What's a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guest at Himeji Station and we headed directly to Himeji Castle. It was the middle of a three-day holiday weekend, so it was extremely crowded, and with entry limits in place it took a lot of time, but I was able to guide them all the way to the Nishi-no-Maru (West Bailey). The guest listened to many of my stories and paid close attention to my explanations. They said they had been busy with work in October, so they took a vacation to visit Japan during this period. When I asked why they had requested a guide while traveling alone, they said they wanted to learn about many things, so I made an effort to explain as much as possible. At Koko-en Garden we played a little game while waiting for our turn at Kassui-ken, and then we concluded the tour.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:00-9:50 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:00-13:15 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Lunch, Shopping)
    • 13:25- 14:50 Travel to Hiroshima Castle
    • 14:50-15:10 Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:30-17:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (A-dome, Museum, etc.)
    • 17:15 Disperse at Hondori

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since one of the guests preferred to avoid stairs, we used elevators and escalators as much as possible and adjusted our walking pace to match the guests throughout the day. The museum was so crowded on the afternoon of a holiday period that it was difficult to move around, so I had the guests take a seat and rest along the way. Also, on the morning of the tour, I received word that they had already visited Shukkeien Garden the previous day, so instead I guided them to Hiroshima Castle. The weather was fine, and the guests seemed to enjoy the okonomiyaki at lunch very much, so I felt they were satisfied with the tour overall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima~Johoku220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal 11:25 Fushimi Inari 12:40 Kinkaku-ji 13:50 Lunch (sushi restaurant) 15:10 Nishiki Market 16:10 Gion   16:30 Depart Kyoto for Kobe 18:27 Arrive at the reserved dinner restaurant in Kobe city  18:32 Tour ends

    What's a Private Cruise-Port Day Tour from Kobe to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of eight who joined the tour after arriving in Japan by cruise ship from North America. It was the first day of a three-day holiday weekend, so the roads were extremely congested. Traveling from Kobe Port to Kyoto in the morning, it took about two hours to reach Fushimi Inari due to traffic. Since I had planned on roughly one and a half hours, the schedule became tight. The center of Kyoto was also very crowded, and travel took a long time, so I shortened the time spent at each destination. I also decided to share basic information inside the private vehicle before arriving at each site. Even so, compared with the content I usually cover as a guide, I was only able to convey about 60 to 70 percent. It was a rushed itinerary, but everyone was very cooperative. They wanted to have ramen for lunch and Kobe beef for dinner, so I made restaurant reservations. Since I could not find a ramen shop that could seat eight, I reserved a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant that I often visit and had them order mainly ramen there. The conveyor-belt sushi restaurant seemed novel to them, and they were delighted, saying it was a "unique experience." The center of Kyoto was very crowded, and after Gion we got caught in traffic. It took time to get through the congestion in the city, which was worrying, but thanks to the driver's cooperation we managed to arrive in time for the dinner reservation at a Kobe beef restaurant in Kobe. The photo was taken at the Kobe beef restaurant in Kobe. After dinner, the group took a taxi back to the cruise ship.

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

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
    • 10:30-11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:15-13:15 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:30-14:00 Lunch @ Champon-tei
    • 14:30-15:30 Nijo Castle
    • -16:00 Travel
    • (Continued in JGA-T112649680)

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report from Kinkaku-ji to Gion Since it was the guest's first time in Kyoto, at the guest's request, the tour was extended by three hours. The guest was in Japan to attend an academic conference beginning on a later date at the Kyoto International Conference Center, and, perhaps feeling uneasy about traveling alone, requested to be escorted all the way to the hotel. There were no particular requests other than Gion, and since the guest wished to learn about the history and culture of Kyoto, I selected the classic options of Kinkaku-ji, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Nijo Castle. The guest did not ask many questions, but nodded and said "OK" to the things I explained. The guest photographed the beautiful scenery everywhere, and seemed to especially like the Oike Garden at the Imperial Palace. The guest was fairly good at walking, so for lunch we walked to Karasuma Marutamachi and went into a ramen shop there. The guest seemed to enjoy the meal. We then moved by bus and got off at Horikawa Marutamachi. Since a sign indicated that Nijo Castle was 0.3 km away, the guest remarked that it seemed within walking distance, so we decided to walk. The guest also wished to walk around the entire perimeter of Nijo Castle, so we did so. It seemed the guest actually wanted to request my guiding for the following day as well, but as I already had another commitment arranged in advance, I regretfully had to decline. Since the guest seemed anxious about traveling alone the next day, I made an effort to explain transfers and similar details as carefully as possible. The guest took many photos of the stations. I am not entirely sure of the details, but the guest mentioned feeling anxious because the mobile phone internet would not connect. Originally we had planned to head straight to Gion, but since the guest wished to participate in a tea ceremony, I recommended the tea ceremony at Nanzen-ji. As the guest's walking pace was quick, there was not enough time to go all the way into Nanzen-ji, but we went a little further and got off at Keage, where I explained an overview of Nanzen-ji and the location of the tea ceremony. Since Gion was within walking distance, I proposed visiting Nanzen-ji before heading to Gion, and the guest agreed, so we proceeded that way. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji. I accidentally took it in portrait orientation. My apologies.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKokusaikaikan~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Kitaoji Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma Marutamachi (Marutamachi Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKarasuma Marutamachi (Marutamachi Subway Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Horikawa Marutamachi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Tsukiji: 820~1000
    • Nippori~Nezu: 1020~1220

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Yanaka, and Nezu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. We arranged to meet at Tsukiji Shijo Station, but there was a 20-minute delay because one of the guests had left a wallet at the hotel and went back to retrieve it. Since we could stay in touch through a messaging app, everything worked out fine. At Tsukiji Market, the guests purchased grilled wagyu skewers and salmon sashimi. At a greengrocer, one of the guests asked, "Why is Japanese salad the same as in the West?" and I answered, "Before the Meiji era, Japan did not have a custom of eating vegetables raw." At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, we happened to encounter a funeral, and one of the guests said, "I saw temples in Kyoto and Nara, but this is the first funeral I've seen. It was a valuable opportunity." When asked, "Which religion do you believe in?", I explained, "Japanese people make their first shrine visit of the year at Shinto shrines, hold weddings at churches, and hold funerals at temples. We use religions conveniently for different purposes, and we don't think much about which religion we belong to." In Yanaka, we visited the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, and one of the guests said, "From the outside I didn't think it was that big, but I was surprised how spacious it was inside. It was wonderful." At the "Warakichi" hand-puppet theater, there was already a puppet of the current prime minister on display. One of the guests knew about this, saying, "That's the person who came to work at 3 a.m. and troubled the bureaucrats, right?" As we walked, I mentioned that I had once worked in the import of feed ingredients, and one of the guests asked, "How is the feed industry responding to global warming?" I answered, "It is difficult to address that through feed." One of the guests asked, "There were many fires since the Edo period, so why weren't houses built of stone?" I answered, "Because there are many forests, wood was cheaper." Later I researched further and added, "First, wood is less likely to collapse in earthquakes than stone. Second, because of the high humidity, stone houses would be unbearable in summer." At Nezu Shrine, one of the guests said, "Japanese people seem to enjoy making all sorts of wishes with amulets and ema plaques." I replied, "In Japan there is even a proverb, 'People turn to the gods in times of trouble.'" Finally, at a traditional scrubbing-brush shop in Nezu, the guests purchased a body-scrubbing brush and a Christmas tree made from the same brushes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Total330JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hirokoji
    • AM 09:20 -09:45 Nishi Chaya District, visit Nishi Chaya Museum
    • AM 09:50-10:45 Participate in Myoryuji Temple tour
    • Transfer by bus to Hondamachi
    • AM 11:00-11:30 Visit Suzuki Daisetsu Museum
    • Transfer on foot to Seisonkaku
    • AM 11:50-PM12:40 Visit Seisonkaku
    • Transfer by bus to Korinbo
    • PM 13:00-13:50 Lunch at ramen shop
    • PM 13:50 -15:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit Nomura Family Residence, Takada Family Residence, and Ashigaru Museum

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. One of them had been to Tokyo several times before, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time. Since they had already visited Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa Castle, and Kenrokuen Garden the previous day, this [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour focused on taking time to visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum, Myoryuji Temple, Seisonkaku, and the Nagamachi Samurai District. The guests were delighted that the autumn foliage was beautiful at each spot and that they were able to take great photos. They planned to travel from Kanazawa to Nara the next day, and since they asked for recommendations in Kyoto, I offered some suggestions before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMinamicho, Oyama Shrine / Hokuriku Railway Bus~Hirokoji (Kanazawa City) / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City) / Hokuriku Railway Bus~Hondamachi / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHirosaka, 21st Century Museum / Hokuriku Railway Bus~Korinbo / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Osaka
    • 11:00 Osaka Castle
    • 12:30 Shinsekai
    • 13:30 Doguyasuji
    • 14:00 Kuromon Market
    • 14:30 Dotonbori

    What Does a Private Walking Tour of Osaka's Namba and Shinsekai Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. They travel often but were visiting Asia for the first time. They were very friendly and easygoing, and our conversations along the way flowed naturally, making for a very enjoyable time. In Shinsekai they ate taiyaki, and along Doguyasuji they purchased plates, teacups, and small soy sauce dishes. At Kuromon Market, they commented that seeing fruit packed in plastic boxes and bags was something unthinkable back home. They also had chu-toro sashimi and sushi at a tuna specialty shop, and commented that it was the most delicious tuna they had ever eaten. In Dotonbori we visited Hozenji Temple to pay our respects, and we parted at the entrance to the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. When asked whether we had visited all the places one should see in Osaka, I answered yes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigobashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba (Subway)180JPY
    Total610JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:00 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:30 @ Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 12:15 @ Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 13:00 @ Sannomiya Center Street・Hankyu Department Store
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Shin-Kobe Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like for a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were somewhat older visitors from North America. Before the tour, there was very little response to the emails and messages sent (eight contacts with only two replies), so the itinerary had to be confirmed only on the day itself. They did not seem particularly interested in the sightseeing spots. The wishes within the group often differed, which was quite confusing. In addition, they frequently needed to use restrooms, and there were many requests such as wanting to buy kitchen knives, secondhand wristwatches, and chocolate cake. (I guided them to several shops, but they did not make purchases, perhaps not finding anything to their liking.) They expressed a wish to eat "Kobe beef," so I introduced a restaurant in Nankinmachi and helped make an evening reservation. After the tour, they said they wanted to go to Osaka (their goal being to ride the Shinkansen), so we headed to Shin-Kobe, but at the point of buying tickets they said, "Let's skip Osaka and go to Nankinmachi instead." I guided them to the taxi stand, told the driver their destination, and we parted ways there. I was a little concerned about whether they would actually use the reserved restaurant. They were very pleased with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister. Although today's tour was very tiring, it did not leave a strong sense of satisfaction. I truly believe the itinerary should be confirmed in advance by all means.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

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

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

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Bus & Naramachi Bus

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Bus & Naramachi Bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 JR Nara Bus
    • 9:40 Ukigumo Enchi (Nara Park)
    • 10:10 Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate
    • 10:30 Great Buddha Hall
    • 11:10 Bell Tower
    • 11:30 Nigatsu-do, Tamukeyama Hachimangu
    • 12:20 Wakakusayama Foot
    • 12:30 Mizuya Chaya
    • 13:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine→Old Shake Town→Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 Naramachi (Tanaka-cho) Bus
    • 15:20 JR Nara

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Nara's Kasuga Taisha Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they enjoyed the outdoors and were keen to try sake tasting, I included in the course a wooded path near the shrine houses of Kasuga Taisha that is not usually part of the route. As we walked, I was able to share many stories while receiving interested questions from the guests: how, during the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji era, Todaiji had all of its temple lands confiscated by the Meiji government; how Shinto too was placed under the control of the Meiji government, with the hereditary shrine families who had long served as priests at Kasuga Taisha being expelled; and how the original teachings of the Buddha differ from Japanese Buddhism today. This is the message I received after the tour: Thank you so much for the amazing afternoon and showing us Nara! We had such a special trip because of you 🙏

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station/Nara Kotsu~Todai-ji Daibutsuden・Kasuga Taisha-mae/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 2BusTanaka-cho/Nara Kotsu~JR Nara Station/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total500JPY

    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…