Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:10 Nijo Castle
    • 10:55 Yasaka Pagoda – Yasaka Koshindo – Sannenzaka
    • 11:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch at Seishuan Kiyomizu Store
    • 12:50 Ninenzaka – Entoku-in
    • 13:40 Yasaka Shrine – Maruyama Park – Chion-in
    • 14:50 Disband in front of Chion-in

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, traveling around Japan and stopping at many places. They had already visited Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Ise Grand Shrine, and Nachi Falls before arriving in Kyoto. The guests enjoyed photography and had brought fine cameras with them. We arrived at Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera early enough that neither was very crowded, which was fortunate. The autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera had progressed considerably, and the guests were delighted to be able to take beautiful photos. The garden at Entoku-in was also lovely, and there was a heron at the pond in Maruyama Park, so the guests were pleased to capture more good shots. I believe they enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusHorikawa Marutamachi / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total490JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up BOOK AND BED TOKYO Shinjuku
    • 2. 09:30 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 3. 11:00 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 4. 13:00 Yushima Seido・Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 5. 13:30 Lunch Soba Sakebo Sasajin
    • 6. 14:20 Nezu Shrine・Yanaka Ginza
    • 7. 15:40 Shibamata
    • 8. 17:05 Disband East Ginza

    What Can You See on a First Day Private Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest came from the Middle East and planned to stay in Japan for about a month. This was the guest's first day in Japan, and in response to the request to visit places where Japanese history and culture could be experienced, I guided them to various locations. The guest seemed to especially like Daikyoji Temple (Shibamata Taishakuten) in Shibamata and was very pleased with it. Since the guest wanted to eat soba for lunch, I took them to a soba restaurant in Ochanomizu, which they also enjoyed. The weather was fine as well, and I believe the guest was satisfied with the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shin-ochanomizu180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShin-ochanomizu~Nezu180JPY
    Section 5TrainNippori~Shibamata280JPY
    Section 6TrainShibamata~East Ginza420JPY
    Total1,450JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel Meet
    • 09:30 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:30 Dismissal in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    Can You Take a Private Family Tour of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since I had once held a wedding ceremony in a similar destination myself, our conversation flowed easily despite it being our first meeting, and we quickly hit it off when we discovered a shared love of "mahi-mahi." The guests were active and cheerful, and enjoyed activities such as cycling. As one of the guests had some difficulty walking, I secured elevator access and adjusted the routes for smooth movement, and at Itsukushima Shrine I consulted with the staff to arrange permission to exit from the entrance, ensuring a safe and comfortable tour throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station (Koi) / Bonbus~In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up@JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
    • 2. 09:05 Stay@JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit
    • 3. 09:20 Travel∶Train
    • 4. 09:55 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 11:00 Travel∶Train
    • 6. 11:05 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 7. 11:25 Travel∶Subway
    • 8. 11:50 Stay@Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 9. 13:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 10. 13:50 Lunch@Sansada
    • 11. 14:30 Stay@Sensoji Temple
    • 12. 15:15 Disband@Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like Starting from Tokyo Station? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. The guests were staying at a hotel but requested Tokyo Station as the meeting point, so we met at the Marunouchi North Exit. Before heading to the first destination, I took the guests to the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station so they could pick up the Shinkansen tickets they had reserved online. Because we started at Tokyo Station and the guests had Suica cards, travel went smoothly throughout the day. The guests were able to walk quite a lot, so we spent a bit more time at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Since we arrived in Asakusa a little later than expected, we were able to be seated at the tempura restaurant we visited for lunch without much of a wait. After guiding them around Senso-ji Temple, the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Harajuku210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa290JPY
    Total860JPY

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Hotel – Tour Start
    • Move by Walking to Kanazawa Castle Park
    • AM 09:15-10:30 Kanazawa Castle Park – Visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • AM 10:30 – 11:30 Kenrokuen Garden Visit
    • Move by Bus to Korinbo
    • PM 12:00 -13:00 Nagamachi Samurai Residence District – Visit Nomura Family Residence
    • Tour End

    Title: What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Since they had already visited the Higashi Chaya district — one of the destinations arranged by their travel agency — the day before, I explained that, given the 4-hour tour length, skipping Higashi Chaya would allow us to explore the other sites (Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and the Nagamachi district) more leisurely, and then we began the tour. Some of the guests were involved in construction-related work and showed a strong interest in traditional Japanese wooden architectural structures. At Kenrokuen Garden, the yukitsuri work — the roping used to protect trees from heavy snow — happened to be underway, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railway Bus~Korinbo / Hokuriku Railway Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Westin Miyako Kyoto
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:00 Lunch near Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:50 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 16:15 End at The Westin Miyako Kyoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Lunch was arranged with attention to their preferences, and since they enjoyed gyoza, I guided them to a casual restaurant near Kinkaku-ji. The food was very well received. The group spent extra time shopping along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and the tour ran about 15 minutes over the scheduled end time. I explained the timing to the guests during the tour. I apologized to the driver, who kindly understood the situation.

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Aug 18, 2026
    janetaF288XA
    Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

  • Kyoto: Village Kiramachi & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto: Village Kiramachi & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:00 Village Kiramachi
    • 08:00 Bamboo Grove by local train & walking
    • 08:30 Tenryuji garden(500) by walking
    • Arashiyama area by walking
    • Togetsukyo bridge by walking
    • 09:30 Adashino Nenbutsuji by taxi
    • 10:20 Gioji by walking
    • 11:30 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • Lunch (Omura House Kinkakuji branch) by walking
    • 13:30 Ryoanji (600) by walking
    • 14:30 Nishiki Market by taxi
    • 15:00 End of the tour

    【タイトル】 What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Western Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market 【本文】 Following the previous day, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the guests visiting from Europe on a private tour of Kyoto. Since they wanted to start early to avoid the crowds, the tour began at 7:00. As the eastern area of Kyoto had been covered the previous day, today's itinerary focused mainly on the western side. We arrived at the Sagano bamboo grove around 8:00, but it was already bustling with many people. After Sagano and Arashiyama, we visited Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji. For lunch we had omurice, and we were fortunate that the restaurant happened to be uncrowded. Finally, we walked through Nishiki Market and I took the guests to Takashimaya, where we parted ways. The guests mentioned that planning an itinerary on their own is difficult, and that it was so much easier and more enjoyable to have a guide with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-Omiya~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Total250JPY

    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!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Museum & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Museum & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the Hotel Hiroshima lobby
    • 13:20 Arrive at Peace Memorial Park, begin monument tour
    • 14:40 Visit Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:20 Walk to Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:40 Hiroshima Castle
    • 16:00 Stroll through Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:00 Return to Hotel on foot

    Title: What Is a Private 4-Hour Hiroshima City Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They were visiting Japan partly to cheer on someone they knew who was scheduled to compete in the swimming events of the Deaflympics, held in Tokyo starting in November. The guests regularly enjoy golf and swimming, and both were very strong walkers. While I often see guests who stay only one night in Hiroshima, or who visit on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, the guests had planned three consecutive nights — a 4-hour tour of central Hiroshima today, a day trip to see the Grand Sumo Fukuoka tournament tomorrow, and a 4-hour Miyajima tour the day after — which felt very rewarding as a Hiroshima guide.

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji Rooftop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 @ Mount Shosha, Engyoji Temple
    • 12:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 12:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 14:30 Disband @ Himeji Miyuki-dori Shopping Street

    What's a Private Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan from North America, and this was their second visit to Japan. The guest had a strong interest in and extensive knowledge of Japan, so we were able to move around smoothly. At every spot they asked many questions, which reflected their high level of interest. At Engyoji Temple, they purchased various omamori charms as souvenirs and, with great interest, also rang the temple bell. At Koko-en Garden, some of the maple leaves had turned a beautiful autumn color, which they enjoyed. At Himeji Castle, a special event was taking place and armor and helmets were on display, in which they showed particular interest. On the way back, they were very satisfied with the full view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were pleased to receive. As they wished to have lunch before returning to Osaka, I guided them to a restaurant on Miyuki-dori, and we parted about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Note) The ropeway to Mount Shosha has been confirmed to be out of service from February 5 to March 18 next year for maintenance, and is also scheduled to be out of service from February to the end of October the following year for major renovation work.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherJR Himeji Station Front~Mount Shosha Ropeway Station1,700JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Depart from JR Nikko Station (7:50) ➡ Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal (8:35) ➡ Stroll around Lake Chuzenji (8:40-9:00) ➡ Kegon Falls sightseeing (9:10-9:40) ➡ Nikko-bori shopping (9:40-9:55) ➡ Travel from Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal to Shinkyo (10:00-10:29) ➡ Shinkyo sightseeing (10:30) ➡ Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo sightseeing (10:45-11:05) ➡ Lunch @ Hayashiya (11:25-12:10) ➡ Rinnoji Temple Taiyuin sightseeing (12:20-12:50) ➡ Futarasan Shrine sightseeing (13:00-13:20) ➡ Five-story Pagoda sightseeing (13:30-13:45) ➡ Toshogu Shrine sightseeing (13:45-14:45) ➡ Travel to Shinkyo while enjoying the Japanese garden along the way (14:45-15:10) ➡ Travel by bus to Tobu Nikko Station (15:11-15:18) ➡ Dismissal (15:30)

    What Is a Private Autumn Foliage Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very cheerful group who love to travel. This time of year is the crowded season in Nikko due to the autumn foliage, but because we started our activities by taking an early morning bus, we were able to move through the itinerary relatively smoothly. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography, patiently waiting until the composition was set and other tourists had moved out of the frame in order to capture photos they were satisfied with. Since the autumn foliage was truly at its peak, rather than detailed explanations, the guests appeared to simply savor the natural beauty exactly as they saw it. For the meal, they enjoyed comparing the flavors of a three-kind yuba assortment, tasting the yuba prepared in different ways: "sashimi," "tempura," and "simmered." The guests mentioned that they had come in search of the beauty of nature, and they were delighted that this trip happened to fall during the very best season.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nikko Station / Tobu Bus~Chuzenji Onsen / Tobu Bus1,250JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen / Tobu Bus~Shinkyo / Tobu Bus1,200JPY
    Section 3BusShinkyo / Tobu Bus~Tobu Nikko Station / Tobu Bus220JPY
    Total2,670JPY

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

    May 22, 2026
    michaeliI2370UG
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
    Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…

    May 15, 2026
    Laurent S
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    excellent
    Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…

    May 12, 2026
    H4725BUbarbarab
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichi memorable tour
    Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…

    Apr 5, 2026
    EmilioP6
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great day with Ichi
    Our day in Nikko with Ichi was…