Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 12:30-13:00 Ikuta Shrine
    • 13:15-14:00 Lunch (conveyor belt sushi)
    • 14:30-15:15 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 15:45-16:15 Port Tower
    • 16:30  Nankinmachi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ikuta Shrine, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, and Port Tower We started about 30 minutes earlier than planned. At Ikuta Shrine, there were many Shichi-Go-San visitors taking photographs. Since the guests were hungry, I took them to a nearby sushi restaurant, which they were happy about. After playing a small game and chatting about sushi, we went to Nunobiki Herb Gardens, where there were many people and we had to wait in line for a while. At the top, the guests enjoyed ice cream and beer, and then we moved to the Port Tower, where one of the guests preferred not to go up as they did not like high places, so the rest of the group went up while that person waited below. The Nunobiki Herb Gardens ropeway is normally 2,000 yen, but it was 2,800 yen this time, and when I asked, they said it was the Christmas rate. At Nankinmachi, I showed them where to catch the shuttle bus, and the tour came to an end. It took quite a long time, but it seemed that everyone enjoyed it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe New Transit)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3BusKobe Nunobiki Herb Garden・Ropeway/Shinki Bus~Port Tower-mae/Shinki Bus300JPY
    Section 4BusPort Tower-mae/Shinki Bus~Nankinmachi South Exit/Shinki Bus600JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel-13:45 Tokyo Tower-15:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden-16:00 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street-16:45 Sensoji Temple-17:10 Disband at Kaminarimon

    What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of them had entered Japan via another location for a meeting the day before, and they were now looking forward to enjoying a relaxed Tokyo tour over the coming days. We started at Tokyo Tower, then walked from the Sakuradamon Gate to the Otemon Gate of the Imperial Palace for a stroll. On the way to Asakusa, we got off at Tawaramachi and explored Kappabashi Kitchen Town, where one of the guests purchased two kitchen knives, one for personal use and one as a gift. We took photos of the main hall and the five-story pagoda of Senso-ji Temple glowing in the sunset, and the guests enjoyed a half-day blessed with fine weather.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)~Akabanebashi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKamiyacho~Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:15 to 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:20 to 12:20  Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:40 to 13:30 Kodai-ji Temple
    • 14:15 to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16]30 Disband at JR Sannomiya Station

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like During Autumn Foliage Season? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of visitors from North America, three people in total. Although it was a weekday, the autumn foliage was at its peak, so everywhere we went was extremely crowded. The guests told me they had been visiting places where the autumn colors were at their best in each destination — Hakone, Kanazawa, and Takayama — and said they felt "lucky." One of the guests mentioned having hurt a knee during the tour, but managed to climb the steps at Kiyomizu-dera. All three seemed a little tired from touring day after day. They told me they would be heading to Osaka the next day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2OtherSannomiya~Osaka420JPY
    Section 3OtherOsaka~Inari840JPY
    Section 4SubwayGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayHigashiyama (Kyoto)~Nishioji Oike260JPY
    Section 6BusNishioji Oike / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 8OtherNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Osaka840JPY
    Section 9OtherOsaka~Sannomiya420JPY
    Total3,680JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Odaiba

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Odaiba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Asakusa Kaminarimon. Afterwards, stroll through the temple grounds
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Higashi Honganji Temple
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:10 Harajuku
    • 14:00 Odaiba

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Odaiba The guests were visiting from North America. One of the group had lived in Japan until childhood due to a family connection, and this was their first return to Japan since then, though they mentioned they remembered very little from that time. They planned to stay in Tokyo for several nights before heading to Kyoto and Osaka, and since they wanted to explore many places on their own from the next day, I gave a detailed introduction to the major areas and explained how to use the subway. We first met at Kaminarimon in Asakusa and then strolled through the temple grounds. It was early morning, so many shops were still closed, but since they wanted to come back another day, I recommended some good shops for them. At the next stop, the Tsukiji Outer Market, I also introduced some notable shops, and they said they would like to return. At the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi, I introduced the guided tour of the palace grounds that is held twice a day, and they said they would like to come back for that as well. They seemed very pleased with all the places we visited today, and they said they would like to take more time at each location to enjoy them slowly. At Meiji Shrine, various preparations were underway for the Niiname-sai harvest festival, and they seemed to enjoy the unique atmosphere. They said they would like to come and see the Niiname-sai as well. Finally, they wanted to see the Gundam statue, so I took them to Odaiba, where we concluded the tour.

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Arashiyama

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Meet (@The Westin Miyako Kyoto)
    • 9:30-10:15 Travel (Subway; Keage→Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Train; Sanjo Keihan→Fushimi Inari)
    • 10:15-11:05 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:05-11:40 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
    • 11:40-12:50 Visit Nijo Castle (including 10 min Coffee Break @waiting room)
    • 12:50-13:10 Travel (Taxi; Nijojo-mae→Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:10-13:50 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:50-14:20 Travel (Taxi; Kinkaku-ji→Arashiyama Torokko Station)
    • 14:20-14:50 Arashiyama (Bamboo grove walk, visit Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest walk)
    • 14:50-15:30 Travel (Keifuku Train; Arashiyama→Randen Tenjingawa, Subway; Uzumasa Tenjingawa→Sanjo Keihan)
    • 15:30 Tour ends at Sanjo Keihan. The guests then took the subway to Keage and returned to their hotel

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had been to Japan several times before, but this was their first time visiting Kyoto. The schedule was quite tight, but since they walked at a good pace, did not stop for shopping, and switched to taxi transportation for the latter half, we were able to finish according to the original plan. I took them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama (the bamboo grove and Nonomiya Shrine). One of the guests said Fushimi Inari Taisha left the strongest impression, while another said Kinkaku-ji was the most memorable. The weather was perfect for sightseeing, the autumn foliage was beautiful, and I believe the guests truly enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo Keihan240JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total920JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Kappabashi

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Kappabashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (however, breakfast took a little time, so actual departure was after 8:10)
    • 9:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 10:45 Hamarikyu Gardens (rest at Nakajima Teahouse)
    • 12:10 Nittele Big Clock
    • 12:50 Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise, Asakusa Shrine, West Approach)
    • 13:50 Kappabashi
    • 14:30 Disband

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, and Asakusa I guided a group visiting from North America. The assignment itself had been made more than two months in advance, but there were a great many inquiries and exchanges. Rather than being centered on their own interests, the questions were of the type asking whether a place was suitable for having a guide, or whether I could recommend it, and to be honest I found them a little difficult to answer (in a sense everything is suitable, and as a guide I can of course show them around). There was also a question like "If you had four days in Tokyo, where would you go?", and even when I presented my own suggestions, there were follow-up questions about "which destination should we bring a guide for," which was a first-time experience for me. Furthermore, just when the destinations seemed to have been decided, there was a change of heart and a major revision to switch to somewhere else. So when we met in the morning, I felt an unusual and curious sense of tension, but they turned out to be perfectly ordinary guests, and my worries were unfounded. They had already been to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Hakone, so I thought they might already know all about shrines and temples and be tired of them (one of the guests said, "In European terms, it's like church after church"), but surprisingly there was much they did not know, so they listened with great interest. Still, it could not be helped that, apart from shrines and temples, Tsukiji Market, Hamarikyu Gardens, and the Nishi-sando in Asakusa were relatively more highly rated. At Hamarikyu, many photos were taken with comments like "the garden scenery integrated with the modern atmosphere is the best," and I was happy when, for a requested photo, I was told "this is really good"; the guests said they were constantly sending photos to be critiqued. When we had matcha at the teahouse on the central island, one of the guests noticed the wasanbon sugar, and when I explained it, they had assumed it was something to put in coffee, so they took an interest and purchased some. In Asakusa, one of the guests wanted a Japanese sword, so we stopped by the Nishi-sando, where I heard "there are more interesting shops on the Nishi-sando than on Nakamise, so I prefer this one" and "please tell me the name of this street again," which showed real satisfaction. While one of the guests was choosing clothes at a shop on the Nishi-sando and I waited outside with another of the group, we chatted the whole time about the classic "spouse-shopping" routine, saying things like "oh, it's a handful," yet when asked "which one is better?", they answered seriously and properly with an earnest expression, which impressed me (I would have answered "either is fine"). Finally, since they wanted to choose a kitchen knife, I took them to Kappabashi and introduced several shops, received words of thanks for the day, and we parted ways. What was interesting this time was that when I asked something, I was pressed a few times with "why are you asking me that?" It was a fun and rewarding experience. Both Tsukiji and Asakusa were crowded, but not as much as usual, and it felt like there were fewer visitors from Asia due to the well-known circumstances.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Total490JPY

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Arashiyama

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
    • 10:20-11:20 Sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:00-12:40 Lunch @ Gontaro Kinkakuji Store
    • 12:50-13:30 Sightseeing at Kinkakuji Temple
    • 14:00-15:20 Sightseeing at Arashiyama
    • 16:00 Disband @ Near Nishiki Market

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day Kyoto tour for a group visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. At Kiyomizu-dera, to avoid the crowds, we used the so-called back-entrance route, entering and exiting from the Seikan-ji side. For lunch we stopped at Gontaro near Kinkaku-ji, where each person chose from soba and tempura in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. In Arashiyama, we walked from the Togetsukyo Bridge to Tenryu-ji Temple and through the Bamboo Grove Path. Finally, the group got off in front of Nishiki Market, and the tour ended right on schedule. We were blessed with fine weather, and I believe the guests fully enjoyed the autumn foliage of Kyoto.

    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: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up at the hotel
    • 8:30-9:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 9:30-10:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:00-12:00 Asakusa Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:30-13:30 Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch)
    • 14:00-15:00 Nezu Shrine & Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 15:30-15:50 Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
    • 16:00 Return to hotel & end

    What Is a Private Autumn Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan for the first time around Tokyo as autumn deepened. In addition to the major sightseeing spots, they wanted to see some quiet places as well, so I added Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza, which they were delighted with. At each location, some of the guests spent time taking many photos, which they said they would share on their social media. For lunch in Tsukiji, they enjoyed eel for the first time, eaten with chopsticks for the first time, together with Japanese sake for the first time. Something that struck me during my conversation with the guests was when they asked, "Why do so many Japanese people look tired and gloomy when walking through the streets? Is it because they are pressed for time by work?" I answered, "Many people are very conscientious about their work and household duties, so feeling pressure might be one reason." It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own daily life once again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Higashi-ginza220JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Nezu180JPY
    Section 5BusSendagi 2-chome / Toei Bus~Sendagi 3-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 6TrainNippori~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Hi, my name is Ken. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan.
    I’ve been living in Yokohama, west of Tokyo, for more than 20 years.
    Since 2018 I have been enjoying guiding guests from all over the globe to various attractive places in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, and so on.
    I can also bring you unique experiences such as sake tasting, car factory, beer brewery, fish markets as well as rural town in Miyagi pref., where I was born, by riding on the Shinkansen bullet train.
    Please think I’m your friend in Japan. Tell me where you want to go, see, or experience. I can customize the tour for you.
    My hobby is walking and jogging. I made 42K runs 9 times so far but I take it easy now.
    Having worked globally in the food industry for 35 years, I love local foods of Japan and other countries.
    I’ll try my best to make your visit a memorable one.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!

    Oct 4, 2025
    Ivette_S
    Tour in Tokyo
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Ken, kept in touch with…

    Jun 25, 2025
    DTLALynn
    The best tour & guide we had!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo was our last stop…

    Jun 8, 2025
    christophern458
    Amazing time in Hakone
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Private Tour(Tokyo DEP.) with Government-Licensed Guide
    My family and I can not speak…

    Apr 5, 2025
    lisajayneherewini
    Happy happy happy
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely half day with…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:30 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 11:15 at Kitano Ijinkan-gai (Moegi House)
    • 12:45 at Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 13:45 Disband at Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Cruise-Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who moved at a slower pace, so the day was unhurried. Both listened attentively to the guide's explanations. From the observation deck at Nunobiki Herb Garden, the guests were delighted to be able to see the cruise ship they were using. At the Herb Garden they also enjoyed the beautifully arranged Christmas decorations, and they purchased many souvenirs at the shop. In the Kitano Ijinkan district of former foreign residences, they viewed the "Moegi House," an early 20th-century former consular residence. At a nearby shop they enjoyed soft-serve ice cream said to have been selected as one of the best in Japan. At "Hakutsuru" they took great interest in the traditional sake-brewing process of the period and experienced a tasting. I presented the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch, which pleased them. Before returning to the cruise ship, the guests wished to try "Kobe beef," so I guided them to a restaurant in Nankinmachi (Chinatown), where we parted. Incidentally, the guests were pleased to learn that the shuttle bus to the cruise ship departs from right in front of the Nankinmachi gate, which is very convenient. Because I matched the walking pace of the guests today, the tour ran considerably over the scheduled time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Pref. / Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Pref. / Hanshin Line)~Motomachi (Hyogo Pref.)200JPY
    Total820JPY

    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
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  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00am Meet at Hotel Okada→Shuttle bus→9:37 Hakone-Yumoto Station→10:17 Hakone Open-Air Museum→12:00 Lunch→13:00 Hakone Garden Museum→14:00 Cable car→Sounzan→Owakudani→15:50 Togendai→Lake Ashi cruise→16:15 Hakone-machi Port→Bus→17:00 See-off at Hakone-Yumoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Autumn Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting the guests at the Hotel, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The autumn leaves were glowing in the seasonal sunlight, and combined with the sculptures, they created a wonderfully photogenic atmosphere that the guests thoroughly enjoyed. After lunch, the Hakone Museum of Art was the highlight of the day's tour. The garden, colored in reds and yellows by Japanese maples, was at the peak of its autumn splendor. Together with a matcha experience in the tea house, the guests seemed to deeply appreciate the beauty of autumn in Japan. Mount Fuji, which had been almost invisible from the ropeway, revealed itself clearly from Lake Ashi at the end of the tour, and the guests enjoyed the magic hour of the sunset.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto Station~Chokoku-no-Mori Station6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassChokoku-no-Mori~Gora0JPY
    Section 3Free PassGora~Koen-kami0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKoen-kami~Sounzan0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSounzan~Togendai0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTogendai~Hakone-machi Port0JPY
    Section 7Free PassHakone-machi Port~Hakone-Yumoto0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

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    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
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    The guide was very nice…
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