Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kotoku-in & Minato Mirai

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kotoku-in & Minato Mirai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:00-10:00 Travel (Nihon-odori – Hase) 
    • 10:15-10:55 Kotoku-in (Great Buddha) 
    • 11:15-12:00 Lunch 
    • 12:10-13:00 Hase-dera Temple
    • 13:10-14:10 Travel (Hase – Minato Mirai) 
    • 14:10-15:00 Minato Mirai

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kotoku-in, Hasedera, and Minato Mirai The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests mentioned traveling to Japan every year. They loved browsing for souvenirs, and spent a great deal of time in the souvenir shops at both Kotoku-in and Hasedera. At a music box shop near Hasedera, they purchased several music boxes, and thanks to the kindness of the shop staff, they were able to leave their purchases there while touring Hasedera. They were deeply moved by the eleven-faced Kannon statue at Hasedera. After returning to Minato Mirai, they wanted to visit an eyewear store, so I took them there and interpreted for them, helping to bridge communication with the staff about matters such as their prescription.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNihon-odori~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)790JPY
    Section 2TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Minato Mirai760JPY
    Total1,550JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

    Jun 17, 2026
    Shoney M
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kahori Tour
    Kahori was an excellent tour guide. We also worked…

  • Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1100 Nagano Station meet→Nagano Station 1150→1250 Okusha Entrance 1250→1300 Togakushi Folk Museum, Togakushi Ninja Materials Museum, Ninja Trick Mansion 1410→1445 Togakushi Okusha 1515→1550 Okusha Entrance 1554→1605 Togakushi Chusha 1720→1830 Nagano Station

    Can You Do a Private Tour to Togakushi from Nagano? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. During prior arrangements via a messaging app, they made a strong request to visit Togakushi during their stay in Nagano City, so I designed a course that would let them fully enjoy the charm of Togakushi, knowing it would exceed the four-hour time limit. We were able to visit all of Togakushi — the ninja village as well as the Okusha (inner shrine) and Chusha (middle shrine) of Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site of Shugendo mountain asceticism — and the guests thoroughly enjoyed its solemn atmosphere. Togakushi requires two hours just for the round trip from Nagano, plus a minimum of four hours on site, so it is best set up from the start as a standalone course of six hours or more. In addition, the sightseeing limited express bus requires advance reservation and cannot be booked on the day, so this is a course where the guide is also expected to make such arrangements (purchasing tickets in advance).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherNagano Station / Alpico Kotsu Bus~Okusha Entrance / Alpico Kotsu Bus2,000JPY
    Section 2OtherTogakushi Campground / Alpico Kotsu Bus~Togakushi Chusha / Alpico Kotsu Bus500JPY
    Section 3OtherTogakushi Chusha / Alpico Kotsu Bus~Nagano Station / Alpico Kotsu Bus1,350JPY
    Total3,850JPY

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a fantastic…

    Jan 2, 2026
    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

    Oct 17, 2025
    Laura_C
    Amazing experience…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience getting to see sites outside of…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Karasuma & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Karasuma & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Henn na Hotel Gojo Karasuma
    • 9:12-9:30 Karasuma → Arashiyama 240 yen Hankyu
    • Arashiyama sightseeing (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, etc.)
    • 11:31-11:38 Saga-Arashiyama → Enmachi JR 190 yen
    • 11:45-11:55 Nishinokyo-Enmachi → Kinkakuji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 12:00-12:40 Lunch @ Gontaro Kinkakuji branch
    • 12:50-13:40 Kinkaku-ji sightseeing
    • Travel by taxi
    • 14:00 Disband @ Henn na Hotel Gojo Karasuma

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour in Kyoto for guests visiting from Europe. In the morning, the group explored Arashiyama, strolling across the Togetsukyo Bridge and through the Bamboo Grove Path. At the Sogenchi Garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, the guests showed great interest in the contrast between Western and Japanese garden design and asked many enthusiastic questions. They also understood why Arashiyama is such a popular spot, as various attractions, including the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove Path, are compactly gathered in one area. In the afternoon, I guided the group to Kinkaku-ji Temple. For lunch, we went to a Japanese restaurant near Kinkaku-ji. The guests said they were very satisfied with the Japanese atmosphere and the reasonably priced, delicious Japanese cuisine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total650JPY

    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

    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.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gion area and Yasaka & Light meal at Cafe Soiree

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion area and Yasaka & Light meal at Cafe Soiree

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 9:30-10:10 Sightseeing in Gion area and Yasaka Shrine
    • 10:20-10:50 Sightseeing at Kodaiji Temple
    • 11:00-11:20 Stroll around Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka
    • 11:30-11:40 Kiyomizuzaka → Higashiyama Shichijo, bus 230 yen
    • 11:50-12:30 Sightseeing at Sanjusangendo
    • 12:46-12:50 Shichijo → Gion Shijo, Keihan 180 yen
    • 13:00-13:30 Light meal at Cafe Soiree
    • 13:45-14:15 Stroll around Teramachi Shopping Street and Nishiki Market
    • 14:30 Disband @ Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion, Sanjusangendo, and Nishiki Market The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. In Gion, they listened with great interest to my explanation of the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and how Japanese people relate to each faith. However, partway through they grew tired of temples, shrines, and crowds, so we decided to skip Kiyomizu-dera Temple and visit Sanjusangendo instead. As they had roots in the Indian subcontinent and a strong connection to Hinduism, they were fascinated by the Twenty-Eight Attendants at Sanjusangendo. We finished the day with a stroll through Nishiki Market and the Teramachi shopping street before returning to the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Gion Shijo180JPY
    Total410JPY

    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

    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.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nijubashi & Yanaka

    Tokyo in One Day: Nijubashi & Yanaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting up at the front of the Oak Wood Premium Tokyo
    • 11:00-11:30 Nijubashi
    • 11:45-13:00 the East Garden of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:30-14:00 Lunch at Sushi restaurant in Shin Marunouchi Building
    • 14:30-16:10 Yanaka
    • 16:30 the end of the tour at Ginza

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Yanaka The guests were visitors from Europe currently residing in Asia. Some of the group had visited Tokyo several times before and were very familiar with Japanese customs and Japanese cuisine. They listened attentively to the guiding about the Imperial Palace and the Tokugawa shogunate, and asked many questions. The East Gardens were not very crowded, but Tokyo Station was packed with both Japanese and international visitors. We had originally planned to go to Asakusa, but as the guests wished to enjoy a quiet setting and Japanese coffee, we changed course and headed to Yanaka. We were miraculously able to get into a well-known retro coffee shop, and the guests enjoyed its nostalgic and relaxed atmosphere. On the way to Yanaka Ginza, they were able to see the old-fashioned streets of Tokyo, which they were very happy about.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Sakuradamon330JPY
    Section 2TrainNijubashimae~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tokyo180JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Nippori170JPY
    Section 5TrainSendagi~Ginza180JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch (Tanaka Soba, Asakusa branch)
    • 5. 13:00 Asakusa
    • 6. 15:00 Disband at Ginza, in front of Kabukiza Theatre

    What Does a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived in Japan in October, traveled around Osaka, Kyoto, and other areas, and came to Tokyo the day before. They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days before returning home. It was their first visit to Japan. I guided them to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa. They listened attentively to my explanations and enjoyed themselves, taking photos at each location. Since they wanted ramen for lunch, we went to a ramen restaurant in Asakusa. After the tour, they wanted to see the Kabukiza Theatre, so I guided them to the Kabukiza in Ginza. I explained how to get back to their hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza220JPY
    Total790JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Gion area & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto: Gion area & Sanjusangen-do

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:45 Pickup @ Hotel Elcient Kyoto Hachijoguchi
    • 11:00‐11:40 Stroll around the Gion area (stop near Shirakawa for photos, then view Hanamikoji from the car)
    • 12:00‐13:10 Lunch at Kyoto Gontaro Main Store (reservations not accepted)
    • 13:30-13:50 Kyoto Handicraft Center
    • 14:00-14:20 Stroll along the Philosopher's Path (get off near Ginkaku-ji, board on the south side after a short walk)
    • 14:45‐14:30 Sightseeing at Sanjusangen-do
    • 15:45 Drop-off @ in front of Kyoto Avanti

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Trip from an Osaka Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, arriving at Osaka Port on a cruise ship. Because the location of the cruise ship's shuttle bus arrival point was unclear, I managed to pick up the group by coordinating over the phone with the shuttle guide. As requested, we strolled through the Gion area and along the Philosopher's Path. At Eikando there was a very long line at the entrance and it was raining, so we changed our destination to Sanjusangendo, which turned out to be the right choice, as everyone gazed intently at the thousand-armed Kannon statues. The driver was also very cooperative, which was a great help.

    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

    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.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 8:30 Meet up @ Hotel (2-8-16 Shiomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:20 East Gardens <Hirakawa Gate → Ote Gate>
    • 3) 10:20 Asakusa <Nakamise-dori → Sensoji Temple → Nishi-Sando Shopping Street → Hoppy Street → Rokku Broadway> 
    • 4) 11:10 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 5) 11:40 Yanesen <Break @ Renoir Coffee Shop Nippori Yanaka Branch → Yanaka Ginza → Yomise Shopping Street → Snake Path → Nezu Shrine>
    • 6) 14:40 Shibuya <Hachiko Statue → Crossing> 
    • 7) 15:00 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Square 12th Floor Restaurant Floor (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, Kappabashi, Yanaka, and Shibuya [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a full-day private tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from Oceania. In advance, the guests had requested to "visit a local shopping street and see both traditional and modern Tokyo." At the meeting point, I presented the itinerary again, and the guests happily agreed. After they purchased a Tokyo Free Ticket (¥1,600) at the nearest station, we began the tour. While traveling, we had a lively exchange of questions and answers, as the guests had studied Japan in advance. Perhaps because we visited right after opening, the Ninomaru Garden in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace had few visitors, so we could enjoy it at a leisurely pace (by the time we left the garden, group tour visitors had arrived and it was starting to get crowded). Perhaps because it was a national holiday, Asakusa was very crowded with many domestic tourists as well. On Nakamise-dori, the guests did not shop (since they planned to stay in Japan for nearly four weeks and wanted to shop in the latter half), so I guided them briskly around the temple grounds and the area near Yogodo Hall. Because of the holiday, many food stalls were lined up, which the guests found interesting. On the west approach, they were very curious about melon bread, matcha crepes, and the cypress wooden walkway. They cheerfully peeked into the izakaya on Hoppy Street as we made our way to Kappabashi. It was the final day of the 40th Kappabashi Tool Street Festival, and the main street was almost entirely a pedestrian zone. The guests said they "wanted to buy knives and ceramics during their stay in Tokyo," so I introduced a few shops. Remembering that right after the tour began they had said they "wanted to buy a Welcome Suica," I recommended purchasing one at Ueno Station on the way to Yanaka, and it went smoothly (though I told them to use up the Tokyo Free Ticket for today). Upon arriving in Yanaka, the guests took a roughly 30-minute break at a cafe, and then we strolled along the shopping street. Walking through Hebi-michi, they enjoyed the quiet of the residential neighborhood. Since they had only arrived in Japan the previous night and, perhaps due to jet lag, were not very hungry, I guided them to Nezu Shrine and its rows of torii gates. As time became tight, we skipped the originally planned Akihabara. After the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I told the guests I wanted to guide them to the restaurant floor inside Shibuya Scramble Square, and they happily agreed. During the subway ride to Shibuya, I shared information by email about the places they planned to visit from the next day, recommended sightseeing spots in the city, and how to transfer trains from Shibuya to their accommodation. So that the guests could return to their accommodation smoothly on their own after lunch, I had them take photos of the entrance of the JR Shibuya Station (currently under renovation), a chocolate shop near the station, the first-floor entrance of Shibuya Scramble Square, and the elevator entrance. We parted with smiles on the 12th-floor restaurant floor of the same building.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Takebashi350JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Nippori330JPY
    Section 4SubwayNezu~Shibuya210JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00〜10:20 Visit Peace Park by taxi
    • 10:20〜11:30 Tour the main monuments in Peace Park
    • 11:30〜12:45 Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 13:00:〜1345 Visit Miyajima by World Heritage route boat
    • 13:50〜14:50 Lunch, okonomiyaki
    • 14:50〜17:00 Tour the Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Omotesando, etc.
    • 17:30〜18:15 Return to Hiroshima via the World Heritage route, escort to taxi and end of service

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In the morning, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) led a private tour to Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. As it was a public holiday, the park was crowded with many visitors. The tour covered the Atomic Bomb Dome, Ground Zero, Aioi Bridge, and the Cenotaph, before entering the Peace Memorial Museum. The guests were deeply moved by the exhibits. From Peace Memorial Park, we took a high-speed boat to Miyajima Island. There the guests enjoyed okonomiyaki at an okonomiyaki restaurant on Miyajima, then visited Itsukushima Shrine, followed by Daiganji Temple. Because the group moved at a slow pace, the tour took a little longer than planned, but the guests seemed to enjoy the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,200JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

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    Our guide, Harry, met us…

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:20 Imperial Palace
    • 13:10 Lunch @ Ao Yuzu Tora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:40 Akihabara
    • 16:10 Disperse @ Akihabara

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they were planning to go on a cruise tour. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, some of the guests showed great interest in anime and figures. Since I responded according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,070JPY

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

    Jul 10, 2026
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