Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet. Route proposal due to rain. Odawara Castle. With agreement, 8:50 Yunessun. Bus. Hakoneguchi 9:35. Odawara Castle. Costume rental and ninja shuriken experience.
    • 10:55 Depart Hakoneguchi. 12:15 Hakone Checkpoint ruins. Maruyama Bussan. Light lunch at Hakonemachi Port. Hakonemachi Port 13:45. Pirate ship. 14:25 Togendai Port. Hakone Ropeway. Owakudani. By ropeway to Sounzan. By cable car to Gora, arrive 16:10. Guide to bus stop for Hotel Kowakien direction. Disband 16:20

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Odawara and Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the guests had been concerned about the itinerary due to the rain, we set off after they agreed to my suggestion of trying on samurai and princess costumes at Odawara Castle. The result was a great success, and everyone had a wonderful time dressed in the costumes, thoroughly enjoying themselves. We then made our way back to the checkpoint area, where the guests were delighted by a presentation of yosegi marquetry woodwork at a local shop and did a lot of shopping. The pirate ship and the ropeway offered scenery quite different from their home region in Oceania, and the guests enjoyed the experience. They seemed to really like the black eggs and bought them again, with each member of the group eating two, ending the tour on a high note. Seeing everyone eat two each was a first-time experience even for me.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Rental Kimono Shop 1000→1020 Kanazawa Station Tsuzumi Gate 1030→1100 Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park 1200→1210 Higashi Chaya District 1300→1315 Omicho Market 1345→1400 Rental Kimono Shop

    Can You Do a Private Kimono Photo Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a first-time visit to Japan for the group from North America. In accordance with their wishes, we met at the rental kimono shop they had specified, and I took them to a carefully selected set of photogenic spots scattered throughout Kanazawa City. Using a one-day bus pass, we were able to get around efficiently, and at the end I brought them back to the kimono shop in time for their afternoon departure to Kyoto. In addition to taking photos, the group fully enjoyed shopping at a specialty Kutani ware store and tasting gold-leaf ice cream.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 11:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40　Imperial Palace
    • 13:20　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Zushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:25　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:15　Disband @ Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who were visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. 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 Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Kyobashi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    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

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama and Sagano

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama and Sagano

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

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting Osaka Port Cruise Terminal
    • 10:15 to 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:45 to 12:15 Gion
    • 12:45 to 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 to 14:30 Arashiyama and Sagano Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 16:00 Dismissal Osaka Port Cruise Terminal

    Can You Do a Private Cruise Shore Excursion from Osaka Port to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America who arrived at Osaka Port by cruise ship, and this was a Kyoto tour departing from Osaka Port. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. However, the ship's departure time was moved up by one hour, from 18:00 to 17:00, so the tour was also shortened by one hour. As a result, we had to skip the Philosopher's Path, which the guests found very regrettable. This cruise ship was also scheduled to stop at places such as Hakodate and Kochi, which were of little interest to the guests, and they said they wished the ship had instead spent more time at ports with access to Kyoto, such as Osaka and Kobe.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: 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 !!

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (7 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meetup. Took 15 minutes struggling with SUICA setup on iPhone. 3D cat Display
    • 1040 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, Scramble Crossing. Since they wanted to visit the One Piece and Pokemon shops, we decided to come back after the course ended
    • 1100 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1310 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko Street, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1430 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1620 Accompanied them to Shibuya and disbanded

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Asakusa, and Anime Spots The guests were visitors from North America. Until just before the tour, communication was only possible through a travel agency acting as an intermediary, which was challenging, but we managed to finalize the itinerary. When I met them, they turned out to be knowledgeable and thoughtful people, which was reassuring. As I talked with them, I learned that they love manga and anime, so when I introduced the Pokemon store at Parco and the One Piece store at Magnet in Shibuya, they said they would come back after today's tour ended. They planned to stay in Tokyo for six days, but the guided portion was only for today; from the next day onward they would explore on their own. After Tokyo, they would travel to Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained other sightseeing spots as well. In addition to Akihabara, they showed interest in the museums in Ueno and the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Saying they preferred "one splurge item," they purchased a hand-printed ukiyo-e print at a traditional woodblock print shop in Asakusa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up@Grand Hyatt
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:50 Lunch@Gonpachi
    • 14:30 Asakusa
    • 16:20 Disband@Grand Hyatt

    Can You Do a Private Tokyo Tour on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. After being assigned, we had been exchanging emails, so I was a little surprised when a sudden request to change the tour date came through the guide booking system without any direct message to me. I felt a bit nervous, wondering if they might be demanding, but when we met they turned out to be very kind, which was a relief. It seems they had been watching the weather forecast and decided it would be better to visit Hakone on my original guiding day, so they changed the tour date. I imagine they simply forgot to let me know directly. Because they went to Hakone on the sunny day, my tour day was rainy. Still, thanks to the date change, they were apparently able to see Mount Fuji, which was wonderful. On a rainy day the walking pace naturally became slower, and the overall schedule tended to run behind. However, the guests were very interested in Japanese culture and history, asked many questions, and listened attentively, so we spent a very meaningful time together. They mentioned they would be joining their family from the next day, and at the start they requested to master how to use public transportation, so I explained by getting on and off the subway with them. One of the guests did not show much emotion outwardly, so at first I was a little concerned about their reaction, but I believe they were satisfied in the end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassRoppongi～Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa～Roppongi0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • • 10:25　Meet at Hiroshima Station North Exit Pedestrian Deck
    • • 10:30　Travel by JR from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (using JR Rail Pass)
    • • 11:10　Cross to Miyajima by ferry
    • • 11:20　Arrive at Miyajima → Great Torii Gate → Itsukushima Shrine (focus on photography rather than worship)
    • • 12:20　Stroll along Omotesando
    • • 12:50　Head to the World Heritage Sea Route boat dock bound for the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 13:10　Departure
    • • 13:55　Arrive in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 13:55〜14:10　Inspect the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 14:10〜15:00　Lunch (each person chooses their preferred restaurant at Shimint Hiroshima)
    • • 15:00〜15:15　Move to the Peace Memorial Museum while viewing the Cenotaph
    • • 15:20〜16:30　Inspect the museum
    • • 16:30〜18:00　Shopping at Don Quijote (originally planned for Hiroshima Castle but changed after group discussion)
    • • 18:00　Board the city tram bound for Hiroshima Station to end the tour

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The visit to Miyajima was kept short and focused mainly on taking photographs. After arriving at the Atomic Bomb Dome, the guests asked many questions about radiation and the atomic bombing, and they toured the site with great interest. For lunch, the guests chose their own preferred restaurants at a dining complex in Hiroshima and finished eating in a short time, then passed through the Peace Memorial Park on the way to the museum. Interest in the exhibits on radiation damage and the testimonies of atomic bomb survivors was extremely high, and the questions were very lively. In the afternoon, in order to buy Japanese souvenirs (requested by one of the group), the planned visit to Hiroshima Castle was changed and we went to Don Quijote instead. While surprised by the lively atmosphere inside the store, the guests searched for the items they were looking for. Since we entered Hiroshima early in the morning and walked a great deal under the blazing sun, the guests seemed somewhat tired, but they were pleased, saying it had been "a very enjoyable and satisfying stay in Hiroshima."

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima300JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by NAOMI

    As a person who grew up near the A-Bomb Dome, I offer a personal connection to Hiroshima’s past and present. During my time as an official interpreter for Hiroshima City municipal government, I guided many government officials through our Peace Memorial Park, sharing not just facts, but the emotions and resilience that define our city.
    I love introducing visitors to Hiroshima’s hidden gems – local eateries where you can taste delicious local food and lesser-known spots that even guidebooks don’t mention.

    Baseball fans might be interested to know I created the “squat cheering style” for our beloved Hiroshima Carp team and even hosted their TV show.

    I’m committed to being flexible and tailoring each tour to your interests and preferences. Having traveled solo internationally many times, I understand the mix of excitement, anticipation, and occasional uncertainty that comes with exploring a new culture. This experience helps me anticipate your needs and create meaningful connections.

    Together, we can create more than just a sightseeing experience—we can craft lasting memories that capture the true spirit of Hiroshima.

    I hope your time here becomes a treasured part of your journey.

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2025
    marthakX1636LW
    Insightful Half Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Naomi was a wonderful guide through…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • (1) 10:15: Meet at the hotel and discuss the itinerary
    • 10:30: Travel to Kinkaku-ji (subway, city bus)
    • (2) 11:15: Guide around Kinkaku-ji
    • 　 12:30: Lunch @ ramen shop
    • 　 13:30: Travel from Kitano-Hakubaicho to Arashiyama by Randen
    • (3) 14:15: Guide around Arashiyama
    • 15:40: Travel to Inari Station by JR
    • (4) 16:00: Disband @ Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama The guests were visitors from North America. At the start of the tour, a request was made to change the tour start time from 11:00 to 10:00. In addition, the accommodation turned out to be different from the hotel listed in the instructions, which delayed our meeting (the guests were staying at a different hotel than the one indicated). I apologized to the guests for the delay, explained the reason, and after they kindly understood, I went over today's itinerary in the lobby and began the tour. The guests said they had been looking forward to sightseeing in Kyoto, partly on the recommendation of a family member who had visited Japan before. I guided them to Kinkaku-ji, and once they had enjoyed it, it was time for lunch, so at their request we had lunch at a nearby ramen restaurant. After lunch, we traveled to Arashiyama by the Randen tram. The journey took a little time, but since it had started to rain, traveling by train was helpful. When we arrived at Arashiyama the rain had stopped, so I guided them to the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Hozu River, and the bamboo grove, allowing them to enjoy the scenery of Arashiyama. I then intended to guide them to Tenryu-ji, but they said they had seen enough temples, so I recommended Fushimi Inari Taisha and we decided to visit there instead. However, as the guiding end time was approaching, unfortunately I had to explain at Kyoto Station how to get to Fushimi Inari Station, and we parted ways there. As I learned afterward, the guests were not in full physical condition, and I felt sorry that there had been so much walking involved throughout the day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3OtherKitano-Hakubaicho Station～Arashiyama Station250JPY
    Section 4TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet (@Nol Kyoto Sanjo)
    • 10:00-10:50 Travel (Subway; Karasuma Oike→Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Karasuma→Arashiyama)
    • 10:50-12:33 Arashiyama Walk & Sightseeing (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple [Hatto Hall, Sogenchi Garden, Hyakkaen Garden], Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest)
    • 12:33-13:10 Travel (Keifuku Railway; Arashiyama→Kitano Hakubaicho, City Bus; Kitano Hakubaicho→Kinkaku-ji Michi)
    • 13:10-14:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple Sightseeing
    • 14:00 Tour ends after Kinkaku-ji Temple sightseeing.　　　After the tour, we took them to a restaurant near the hotel and said goodbye there.

    What Is a Private 4-Hour Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe traveling around various parts of Japan. On this short 4-hour private tour, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided them to Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. The weather was perfect for sightseeing. At the start of the tour, I learned that one of the guests was not very comfortable with English, so I provided explanations in Spanish in addition to English. There were particular questions about religion in Japan, which I was able to answer in Spanish. The guests seemed truly impressed by the splendor of Kinkaku-ji. I believe they made wonderful memories of Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Kitano Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano Hakubaicho / Kyoto Municipal Bus～Kinkaku-ji Michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

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    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel b Ginza
    • 9:35 -10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:40-11:20 Takeshita Street and Omotesando
    • 11:20-11:50 Shibuya
    • 12:30-13:15 Lunch @ Azuma
    • -14:30 Asakusa
    • Guide the NEX transfer at Tokyo Station
    • 15:00 Guide how to take the Sobu Line at Shimbashi, then disband

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Some of the guests had relocated with their family from Asia several decades ago. They had spent time sightseeing in Osaka and Kyoto before finishing their trip in Tokyo, and they said Kyoto had been the best part of their journey. Since they were concerned about how to take the Narita Express to the airport on their return, as well as how to turn a QR code into an issued ticket, we issued the ticket together and confirmed the station. It rained throughout the day, but the guests seemed to enjoy themselves. For lunch we went to a restaurant offering a variety of Japanese dishes, where one of the guests enjoyed sake served in a bamboo container. The guests were very cheerful, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOmotesando～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa～Kanda0JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Shimbashi170JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Tour Report by Maki

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

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    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…