Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo & Pokemon Center

    Kyoto: Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo & Pokemon Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 12:30-13:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 14:10-16:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama District
    • 16:30-17:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:00 Pokemon Center

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari The group met at noon and headed to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. They were a group visiting from North America. Everyone walked well, and we finished on schedule. At Kiyomizu-dera, we enjoyed the crowds while sampling ice cream and various food samples, and in the 33°C heat we kept hydrated with water and juice as we made our way to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The driver had prepared cold water, so we were able to relax in the car for a moment before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, which was not too crowded. The guests also experienced the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) and the "rising fortune" pine. Since we had a little time to spare, we passed by the Nintendo headquarters and dropped them off at the Pokémon Center to conclude 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.

    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.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle visit & Ryoanji visit

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle visit & Ryoanji visit

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet(@The Westin Miyako Kyoto)
    • 10:00-10:40 Travel (Subway; Keage → Nijojo-mae)
    • 10:40-11:40 Nijo Castle visit
    • 11:40-11:55 Travel (Taxi; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji)
    • 11:55-12:40 Kinkakuji visit
    • 12:45-13:35 Lunch (@CoCo Hana / near Kinkakuji)
    • 13:35-13:50 Travel (Taxi; Kinkakuji → Ryoanji)
    • 13:50-14:30 Ryoanji visit
    • 14:30-15:25 Travel (City Bus; Ryoanji-mae → Imadegawa, Subway; Imadegawa → Keage)
    • 15:25 Tour ends after arriving at the hotel. We said goodbye in front of the hotel.

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto. At the start, the guests asked about the history of Kyoto, and after a brief explanation, we set off on the tour. The plan was to visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, but as temperatures of 33°C were expected, the guests requested that we finish a little earlier than planned. After visiting Nijo Castle, we switched from the originally planned bus travel to taxi travel, in order to avoid crowded buses and shorten travel time. After lunch, some of the guests wished to skip the final visit to Ryoan-ji due to the heat and returned to the Hotel early by taxi. I took the remaining guest to Ryoan-ji, and after the visit, escorted them back to the Hotel to conclude the tour. The guest who visited Ryoan-ji said that it was the highlight of the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Imadegawa230JPY
    Section 3SubwayImadegawa~Keage260JPY
    Total750JPY

    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 !

    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.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto: Hotel Vischio Kyoto & Takashimaya

    Kyoto: Hotel Vischio Kyoto & Takashimaya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel Vischio Kyoto
    • 08:50 Fushimiinari (0)
    • 10:00 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • Gion area
    • 11:50 Ginkakuji (1000)
    • Lunch inside the car
    • 13:30 Takashimaya
    • Nintendo Store
    • Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade
    • 14:30 Hotel Vischio Kyoto
    • End of the tour

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like When Summer Heat Changes the Plan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. There were many places they wanted to see, but the sudden heat and humidity of the day overwhelmed them, so they gave up on places like the Sagano Bamboo Grove and instead went to a department store. Since they had mentioned wanting to see hydrangeas, I had planned to take them to the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple at the end of the day, and each time we found hydrangeas I explained about them. Around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the guests began to look flushed, so I encouraged them to drink plenty of water. As one of the guests followed a vegetarian diet and meals were a bit complicated, we decided that a convenience store would be the best option, so lunch consisted of sandwiches, rice balls, and snacks bought there. We all had lunch together inside the taxi in a parking area. After lunch we had planned to visit the Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, but since one of the guests was worn out by the heat and wanted to go somewhere indoors, I took them to the Nintendo store on the 7th floor of the department store, the ceramics section on the 6th floor, and then to a doughnut shop in the Shinkyogoku shopping arcade, before returning to the Hotel and ending the tour.

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

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:50 Meet up @Keio New Line Hatsudai Station
    • 2. 10:55 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 3. 11:30 Stay @Asakusa
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch @Vegan Eat Tokyo
    • 5. 13:40 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 14:10 Stay @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 7. 15:20 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 15:35 Disband @Toei Subway Jimbocho Station

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Asakusa and the East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their accommodation was near Hatsudai Station on the Keio New Line, so we set the meeting point in front of the ticket gate at Hatsudai Station. Since the station has only one ticket gate, we were able to meet up easily. For the destinations, we chose Asakusa and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. As I had heard that some of the guests preferred to avoid gluten, I took them to a vegan restaurant near Shin-Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Many gluten-free specialty shops in Asakusa are small and crowded, but the restaurant we used this time could take reservations even at short notice, and it felt easier to use than the other shops. After guiding them through the East Gardens, I accompanied the group to Jimbocho Station, showed them the transfer to the Toei Shinjuku Line, and we parted ways. It was a rather rainy day, but I managed to take photos of everyone in front of the Japanese irises.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatsudai~Asakusa420JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Jimbocho180JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:50 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 08:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 08:45 Stay @ Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market
    • 4. 10:20 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 5. 10:35 Stay @ Toyosu Market Block 7
    • 6. 11:20 Lunch @ Senkyaku Banrai
    • 7. 12:10 Disband @ Senkyaku Banrai

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Market Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Toyosu The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they preferred to meet at their hotel, we joined up at a hotel in Shibuya and then headed to the two markets they wished to see. As they had a reservation for teamLab Planets in the afternoon, I decided to guide them around Toyosu in the latter half of the day. We arrived at Tsukiji just before 9:00, but since I took them to Hongwanji Temple first, we were able to see the wholesale shops inside Tsukiji Uogashi at just the right time. At Toyosu, I had initially thought it would be good for them to have lunch at a sushi restaurant in Block 6, but since everyone showed interest in the shops at Senkyaku Banrai, I had them each purchase the food they liked there. After they finished their meal at the central plaza, I explained how to get to teamLab Planets and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShintomicho (Tokyo)~Toyosu180JPY
    Section 3TrainToyosu~Shijo-mae190JPY
    Total580JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Hotel Kyoto

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Hotel Kyoto

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • There was a message around 8:00 that day saying they would be a few minutes late, but in the end they arrived at 8:55.
    • 9:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:10 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:30 Lunch at Tonkatsu Katsukura Ginkakuji branch
    • 13:35 Visited only the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle
    • 14:30 Suitcase repair shop
    • 14:50 Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As they had been to Japan two years earlier, they wished to visit places they had not already seen. Kiyomizu-dera Temple was relatively uncrowded today, which was wonderful. On Sannenzaka, part of the group enjoyed shopping. Afterward, I took them to Sanjusangendo Hall and gave an explanation, which they found very interesting. We then enjoyed lunch at a restaurant near Ginkaku-ji that I had reserved based on their preferences. Although we started 30 minutes late, they had booked another activity after this tour and needed to finish by 2:30, so at Nijo Castle we visited only the Ninomaru Palace. It was truly fortunate that there were fewer people around. One of the guests mentioned that a suitcase had broken and asked to have it sent for repair, so we stopped there before returning to the hotel, ending the tour at 2:50.

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Entered Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Entered Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Waiting at Miyajimaguchi Terminal, but according to an email and a phone call from the local agent, the guests had already crossed over to Miyajima and were waiting at Miyajima Terminal
    •   Upon checking, it was confirmed that the meeting point was indeed Miyajima Terminal, not Miyajimaguchi Terminal.
    • 11:20 While having the local agent make contact, met at Miyajima Terminal 20 minutes late
    • 11:40 Entered Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:20 Entered Daishoin Temple
    • 13:00 Guided them to the restaurant Mizuha. The wife is on a gluten-free diet, but since they wanted a restaurant that the children would want to eat at, I chose a place with
    •    a variety on the menu. Since they said they could order by themselves, I left the restaurant for a while
    • 13:40 Departed for Senjokaku
    • 14:00 Entered Senjokaku
    • 14:20 Strolled along Omotesando
    • 15:00 Tour ended at Miyajimaguchi Terminal

    What's a Private Miyajima Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. Even though the start of the tour was delayed, they welcomed me with smiles. They were a very active and cheerful group. In particular, one of the guests asked many questions on a wide range of topics. The weather was hot and humid with rain threatening to fall, and since some of the guests began to look a little tired, I slowed down the pace and guided them through Daishoin Temple. The guests were delighted with the restaurant I recommended. After the meal, they seemed to enjoy strolling through Senjokaku Hall and the main approach, and on the ferry ride back, one of the guests told me it had been a wonderful tour.

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: 1 GOTOKUJI & 3 NEZU / YANAKA

    Tokyo in Half a Day: 1 GOTOKUJI & 3 NEZU / YANAKA

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet at the 18fl lobby in BELLUSTAR TOKYO
    • 10:00 1 GOTOKUJI
    • 11:00 2 IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 12:00 3 NEZU / YANAKA
    • 13:00 See off at the udon restaurant Kamatake

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tour Like With a Japan Guide Agency Guide? A Licensed Guide's Report After the booking was accepted, I sent a greeting email through the listed messaging platform on May 18, but received no reply. Communication began three days before the tour on June 17 through a messaging app. I planned the itinerary exactly as requested by the guests. The guests were a cheerful group visiting from North America. After meeting at the hotel, I was able to guide them in a lighthearted way, sharing jokes along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji~Nijubashimae380JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Nezu180JPY
    Total760JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:15 Tsukiji (including lunch)
    • 4. 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 15:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing・Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 15:30 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the day before, and planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks, visiting Okinawa, Kyoto, and other places in addition to Tokyo. It was the first visit to Japan for all of them. I guided them around Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. They enjoyed listening to the explanations and taking photos, and one of the guests was especially enthusiastic, striking poses in various spots and having the others take photos. Another guest was interested in history and religion, and at Senso-ji Temple asked questions about things such as the meaning of the five-colored curtain. For lunch, we did some food-walking in Tsukiji, trying tamagoyaki, wagyu beef, sushi, and more. In the evening, they had a reservation for Shibuya Sky, so the tour ended in Shibuya. Since their dinner reservation was in Ebisu, I explained how to get to Ebisu and how to return to their hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa390JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon, thought they weren't coming for a while, but they were someone staying at a nearby Airbnb
    • 10:15 Nezu Shrine
    • 10:50 Yanaka
    • 11:20 Tokyo National Museum
    • 12:45 From the five-story pagoda to Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:15 Lunch @ Irori-an Kiraku Soba Ueno
    • 13:50 Asakusa (Skytree photo), currency exchange and restroom break at the Culture and Tourism Center
    • 15:40 Dismissal Street Kart (Shinkiba)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like from Nezu to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained in the morning, and it was a bit tough until we entered the Tokyo National Museum. The guests had a Welcome Suica, but they did not have much Japanese cash on hand, so I guided them to a currency exchange along the way. I expected to meet them in the hotel lobby and had been waiting there for over 20 minutes, but they did not appear. Wondering what had happened, I sent a message and learned that they were staying at an accommodation near the hotel and had been waiting outside. The final confirmation had not been fully worked out. We proceeded through Nezu and Yanaka, and at the Tokyo National Museum the guests showed interest in a variety of artworks. For lunch I introduced a station soba spot, but the reaction was lukewarm. We exchanged currency in Asakusa, and after a full round of sightseeing, I guided them to a go-kart facility in Shinkiba as they had requested, which concluded the tour. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOnarimon~Nezu290JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Shinkiba320JPY
    Total790JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…