Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet outside the gate at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 10:25-12:10 Tokyo Tower
    • 12:50-14:30 Sendagi, Yanaka, Nippori
    • 15:05-15:20 Around Shibuya Station
    • 15:50 Disband at Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Tower, Yanaka, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who arrived that morning by cruise ship, and they wished to visit the highest observation deck of Tokyo Tower, stroll through the old downtown area, and see the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. For lunch, they wanted to try something distinctly "Japanese" in flavor, such as ramen, wagyu beef, or sushi. Regarding Tokyo Tower, I shared an outline of the tour schedule, and the guests reserved and purchased tickets for an appropriate time slot for everyone, including the guide. From Tokyo Tower, we passed through Azabudai Hills and went from Kamiyacho Station to Sendagi Station. The guests seemed to enjoy the difference in atmosphere between the area around Azabudai Hills and the Yanesen (Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi) district. At a small ramen shop near Sendagi Station, we were fortunate that its only table for four happened to be available, so we had the ramen lunch just as they had wished. After the meal, we walked from Sendagi through Yanaka to Nippori Station, taking in a variety of sights, seasonal scenes, and shops along the way. From Nippori Station to Shibuya Station, we took a short rest aboard the Yamanote Line, and at Shibuya Station we viewed the Scramble Crossing from above. As they wished to actually walk across it, we went down to street level. They were also delighted to see the Hachiko statue. Finally, I guided them from Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line to the Yurikamome Shimbashi Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTokyo International Cruise Terminal～Shiodome330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome～Akabanebashi180JPY
    Section 3SubwayKamiyacho～Sendagi210JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Maddie

    Hello!
    I’m Maddie, an English-speaking tour guide.
    As a guide, I have been attending bus tours, Tokyo walk-around tours, and also, sumo wrestling tournaments tours.
    I have lived in Tokyo for nearly 30 years and have enjoyed walking around this city, full of wonder, mixture of nature and artificial structures. I am happy to share my experience with you.
    My hobbies are reading books including Manga, watching films including Anime. I like to watch various sorts of sports. I like to visit museums. And I am a tea ceremony practitioner, so I am quite familiar with green tea (matcha) and Japanese sweets.
    I am looking forward to seeing you!

    Request Booking

    Jun 4, 2026
    vadk2026
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo2026
    We had an excellent 6-hour walking tour around Tokyo with Maddie.…

    May 30, 2026
    Heather_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfect intro to Japan!
    We had a 4 hour private tour on…

    May 29, 2026
    jasonbO4660LV
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Afternoon in west Tokyo
    Maddie was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who maintained…

    May 8, 2026
    sebastianzO2366GR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great
    We had a good time walking with Maddie through Tokio. She…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Hyogo in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet Kobe Port Terminal
    • 11:00 to 12:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Lunch at Gyoza no Ohsho
    • 14:30 to 15:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30 to 16:30 Nijo Castle
    • 18:00 Disband Kobe Port Terminal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from a Cruise Ship at Kobe Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were traveling in Japan and had been asked to bring back some character goods for a family member who loves Studio Ghibli, but they had been unable to find them anywhere they looked. Since there is a Studio Ghibli shop along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I introduced it to them, and they were very pleased. The cruise ship had only 10 hours of docking time at Kobe Port, so fitting a 9-hour tour into that window was a little tight timewise. If the car had gotten caught in even a bit of traffic, we would have quickly fallen behind schedule. Fortunately, there was no traffic and we were able to return within the time limit.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Shimane in Half a Day: Samurai Residence & JR Matsue Station

    Shimane in Half a Day: Samurai Residence & JR Matsue Station

    Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 JR Matsue Station, Saiundo, Nakamura Tea Shop
    • 10:40 Matsue Castle, Kounkaku, Jozan Inari Shrine
    • 12:10 Samurai Residence
    • 12:40 Meimei-an
    • 13:30 Kenmin Kaikan-mae Bus Stop
    • 14:00 JR Matsue Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Matsue Castle and Its Castle Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point and time were changed to Matsue Station at 10:00. (The accommodation had also been changed from one Hotel to another Hotel.) On the way from Matsue Station to Matsue Castle, the guests were able to peek into long-established traditional Japanese sweets shops and tea shops and gaze at the castle moat, walking slowly and taking in the atmosphere of the castle town. After the castle and the samurai residences, the guests enjoyed matcha and Japanese sweets at Meimei-an, a historic and venerable tea house associated with the seventh feudal lord, and they said they were glad to have visited a genuine, historic tea house. A light rain began to fall around noon, but the guests happened to be spending time at Meimei-an while the rain was heaviest, and it had stopped by the time they came out, so they were fortunate.

    Click here for more details: Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKenmin Kaikan-mae / Matsue Municipal Bus～Matsue Station / Matsue Municipal Bus170JPY
    Total170JPY

    Tour Report by SAKANESAN

    I was born and brought up in Matsue City. I taught English at senior high schools in Shimane Prefecture for more than 30 years. I obtained certification as a national guide and interpreter after I retired. Unfortunately I could hardly work as a guide during the pandemic. Now I am very happy that more and more people have resumed visiting Japan. I like traveling in Japan and abroad. It is my pleasure to show my guests around my hometown and surrounding areas. They are full of historic sites, scenic spots and good places to eat. I am sure you will never regret visiting this region.

    Request Booking

    Oct 15, 2025
    out_of_VA
    Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10;30-11:00 Nankinmachi
    • 11:30-12:00 Ikuta Shrine
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch
    • 14:00-14:30 Ijinkan District
    • 14:30-14:30 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 14;45 End at the free shuttle bus stop next to Daimaru

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nankinmachi, Ikuta Shrine, and the Kitano Foreign Houses The guests were a cheerful and refined group visiting from North America. We started nearly 30 minutes early, but it took some time to board the shuttle bus, so in the end the tour began at the usual time. Nankinmachi was not crowded since it was early in the morning, but the temperature was unusually hot for the season, so we bought water at a convenience store to make sure everyone stayed well hydrated. After walking around Ikuta Shrine, we had okonomiyaki at a restaurant at the guests' request, and everyone enjoyed their okonomiyaki very much. When we arrived at the Kitano foreign houses, one of the guests wanted to rest a little, so they waited outside while we toured two of the historic foreign residences. We climbed up to the herb garden, where we bought honey-flavored soft serve ice cream and shared it among the group. It was so delicious that some of the guests bought their own as well. In the end, due to some fatigue and limited time, we decided to skip Harborland and returned right away by shuttle bus, bringing the tour to a close.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNankinmachi～Nankinmachi800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

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

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

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:30 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30 at Kitano Ijinkan ("Moegi House" and "Weathercock House")
    • 13:45 at Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum
    • 14:45 Disband at Kobe Sannomiya, San-Kita Street

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kobe Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Herb Gardens, Kitano, and Sake Breweries The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since one of the guests preferred not to walk long distances, we moved at a slow pace with frequent breaks. At the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, they were delighted that they could see the cruise ship they were traveling on with the naked eye from the ropeway and the observation deck. Afterward, we visited the "Moegi House" (a former consular residence) and the "Weathercock House" in the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences area, and they toured these sites with great enthusiasm. The next stop I had planned, "Hamafukutsuru Sake Brewery," was closed today as a substitute holiday for yesterday (a national holiday), and the neighboring "Sakura Masamune" brewery also happened to be closed today, so in the end we visited "Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery." They enjoyed the tasting and purchased some sake as a souvenir. After finishing the visits to each spot, before heading back, the guests expressed a wish to eat "Kobe beef," so we visited two or three restaurants, but they were either "fully booked" or "temporarily closed at 14:00." We finally found a restaurant on the way back where we could get a table, and at that point we parted ways. Because the pace was quite slow, the tour ran significantly over time. As for the sake brewery visits, I reflect that it was due to my lack of information as the guide, and I regret placing such a heavy burden on the guests when they were already tired.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Section 2SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 3TrainKobe Sannomiya (Hanshin)～Uozaki200JPY
    Section 4TrainUozaki～Kobe Sannomiya (Hanshin)200JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Futarasan Shrine

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Futarasan Shrine

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00　Meet the guests
    • 09:15　Bus ride　Tobu Nikko Station → Shinkyo Bridge
    • 09:25-09:35　Shinkyo Bridge sightseeing
    • 09:50-11:50　Toshogu sightseeing
    • 12:00-13:10　Lunch
    • 13:20-13:50　Rinnoji Temple sightseeing
    • 14:00-14:30　Taiyuin sightseeing
    • 14:30-14:45　Futarasan Shrine sightseeing
    • 14:51　　　 Bus ride　Taiyuin → Tobu Nikko Station
    • 15:00　　　　Tour ends

    What Is a Private Nikko Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu and Taiyuin The guests were very friendly and had a deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture. One of the guests had studied Buddhism and Japan through more than twenty years of experience with yoga. From the moment we met, they asked one deep historical question after another, which made guiding them very rewarding and enjoyable. They were especially fascinated by the idea of visiting Toshogu Shrine and then comparing it with Taiyuin, and using this as a starting point, our conversation extended to Japanese culture, history, and architectural features. Both the guests and I shared a truly wonderful and memorable time together. The guests told me they had a very enjoyable day. I am confident they were satisfied with today's tour.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station～Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Taka

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

    Jun 25, 2026
    N8851CTrebeccaf
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
    kevin L
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing personal tour where you get to choose or have a…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Tobu Nikko Station & Toshogu Shrine

    Tochigi in One Day: Tobu Nikko Station & Toshogu Shrine

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:25-Tobu Nikko Station
    • 9:07-Kegon Falls
    • 9:40-Utagahama Parking
    • 9:59-Ryuzu Falls
    • 11:00-Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 11:45-Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:55-Lunch @ Sannai Shokudo
    • 12:35-Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:00-Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. One of them had been to Japan many times and had not visited Nikko in a while, while another was visiting Japan for the first time. Taking the seasonal crowds into account, they arrived on an early-morning limited express train, which also helped make the taxi transfers smooth. At Kegon Falls, we were able to take the elevator down to the base and enjoy the full view of the falls before the crowds arrived, but Mount Nantai was hidden by clouds, so I also guided them to Ryuzu Falls, where they enjoyed the deepening autumn colors. During the itinerary planning stage, I made the mistake of overlooking that the Imperial Villa Memorial Park was closed that day, and only realized it when I saw the closed sign on site, but the guests kindly accepted the situation warmly. After lunch, we leisurely toured Toshogu Shrine, except for the inner shrine and the Yakushido Hall. Since they had barely slept due to jet lag right up until the day and wished to return to the hotel early, we ended the tour 30 minutes earlier and they took an earlier train back to Tokyo.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by YOKO

    Hello! I’m Yoko.
    I live in Tochigi Prefecture about 40 years and currently based in Utsunomiya, city near Nikko.
    I’m a mother of two kids, and a beagle dog.
    Also I’ve lived in Tennessee for 3 years until 2020.
    I was always happy whenever introducing Japanese culture to local people while living in US.
    Now I’m so excited to introduce you various attractions here in Japan.
    I love traveling, nature, food, Kimono, tea ceremony, manga etc.
    I’m looking forward to showing my guests beautiful places and interesting things related to my neighbor area.
    Let’s explore and have fun with me!

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2026
    Samuel_G
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Informative, fun and well organized
    We had the best day with our…

    May 17, 2026
    E1320OQrobertg
    A fabulous day in Nikko!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day with Yoko as our guide.…

    Mar 9, 2026
    claudiomC4921YK
    The bed guide for a really amazing place
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoko was an amazing…

    Dec 21, 2025
    Earhart_Adventures
    Insight in to Japanese feudal culture
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full Day trip from Tokyo- our…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Castle & Tsutsujiso Bus

    Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Castle & Tsutsujiso Bus

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel lobby [Meet]
    • on foot
    • 07:40 Takamatsu Port Ferry terminal (buy ferry ticket standing in line), but the tickets were already sold out.
    • on foot
    • 08:00～08:40 Takamatsu Castle
    • on foot
    • 08:50 Takamatsu Port Ferry terminal (buy ferry ticket standing in line)
    • 10:14 Takamatsu Port
    • by ferry
    • 11:04 Naoshima Miyanoura Port
    • deposit the luggage
    • 11:26 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by Setouchi Triennale Express Bus
    • 11:32 Chichu Museum Bus Stop
    • 11:45~13:45 Chichu Art Museum (lunch at the café in the museum, it was very crowded)
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 14:14 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 14:20~15:25 Benesse House Museum & Outdoor Art Works (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • 15:35 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Setouchi Triennale Express Bus
    • 15:51 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • pick up the luggage
    • 15:55 Miyanoura Port [Say goodbye]

    Title: What's a Private Naoshima Art Island Tour Like During the Setouchi Triennale? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They planned to stay in Japan and, before arriving at Naoshima, had spent time in Tokyo, along the Shimanami Kaido (where they also enjoyed some swimming), one day at Naoshima, one day in Hiroshima, one day in Hakone, and further time in Tokyo. Naoshima was extraordinarily crowded because the Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, was underway. At Takamatsu Port the ferry tickets were sold out, which created about an hour of free time, so I improvised a short visit to nearby Takamatsu Castle, which the guests really enjoyed. The restaurants on Naoshima were also very crowded with long waiting times, so things were quite different from usual. In the end we were unable to visit the Lee Ufan Museum, the Valley Gallery, or the new Naoshima art museum, but we took our time exploring the Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse House Museum, and the outdoor artworks. The guests kindly said not to worry about it and enjoyed themselves. They were a very pleasant and kind group who always listened intently to my explanations, which made guiding them truly rewarding. I was relieved to see them board the ferry bound for Uno without being left behind, and the next day I received a message through a messaging app letting me know they had arrived safely in Hiroshima. My own ferry from Naoshima toward Takamatsu was so crowded that an extra service had been added, but I too managed to board without being left behind and finished the tour with a sense of relief.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryTakamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture680JPY
    Section 2BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Chichu Art Museum / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 3BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture300JPY
    Section 4FerryMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)680JPY
    Total1,960JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Nara in One Day: JR) Nara Station & Okonomiyaki Okaru

    Nara in One Day: JR) Nara Station & Okonomiyaki Okaru

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 (JR) Nara Station (Start of Guided Tour)
    • I'll be at the ticket gate trying to be as conspicuous as possible.
    • (taxi 1200y)
    • 9:00-30 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • We will be in the park almost to the end of tour
    • 9:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 9:40-50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 10:00-30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 10:40-50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 11:00-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • lunch at Emado-chaya? Noodles/Sweets
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 11:40-50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • (They no more produce katana because of strict regulations.)
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:00-13:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance 700 yen
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 13:30 Ukimido
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 14:00 Okonomiyaki Okaru
    • 14:30-15:00 Kofukuji Temple National Treasure Museum (End of Tour)

    # What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from South America. They kindly taught me the exact pronunciation of their names. I received many questions, such as "Why has the Japanese yen become so weak? Thanks to that we can afford to travel here." The guests also shared their impressions, saying, "In Nara you can really understand the history of Buddhism and Shinto — we didn't get that feeling in Kyoto."

    Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Junichi

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 900 Hilton Odaiba ⇒ 920-1030 Tsukiji ⇒ 1050-1130 Asakusa ⇒ 1150-1240 Yanaka & Nezu ⇒ 1330 Hilton Odaiba

    What Is a Private Taxi Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Yanaka The guests were a group visiting from North America. They arrived by plane and had made a round trip to Mount Fuji the previous day. Tonight they were scheduled to board a cruise ship from Odaiba, bound for Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other destinations. We had arranged to meet on the first floor of the Hotel, but what I thought was the first floor was actually the second floor, so even though one of the guests contacted me to say they had arrived, I could not find them and got a little flustered — but another guest came to look for me. At Tsukiji, we were treated to a skewer of grilled wagyu sirloin at a shop. At Namiyoke Shrine, when I explained that the female lion head wore ohaguro (blackened teeth), one of the guests asked me about the ingredients of ohaguro 💦 (it is iron and tannin). In Asakusa, one of the guests bought two caps with the character for "dragon" written on them. When I was about to explain the Ako Roshi (the loyal retainers) at Kannonji Temple in Yanaka, the guests already knew about the Ako Roshi. The conversation turned to Japanese politics, and I mentioned that with the major defeat of the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan might see its first female prime minister. Since we could see the Fuji Television building in Odaiba where the Hotel was located, I talked about how the company president had been dismissed over a cover-up of a celebrity scandal. Today was a private chartered taxi tour, but the roads were congested all day, so it became a rather rushed tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

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    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…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…