Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden & Togetsukyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 10:15 Sightseeing ①: Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden
    • 11:05 Sightseeing ②: Nijo Castle
    • 12:05 Sightseeing ③: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Lunch/Break (Kura Sushi, Kinkaku-ji Branch)
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ④: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ⑤: Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ⑥: Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 15:30 Transfer to hotel
    • 16:00 Arrival at hotel/Dismissal

    Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Hotel: A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were visitors from North America who were sightseeing in Japan. This was a case that had me worried, thinking "how is this going to turn out," because I was unable to reach the guests until the day before the tour. With the cooperation of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I also tried connecting via a messaging app, but received no reply at all. Since the meeting-point hotel was clearly stated, two days before the tour I prepared a tentative itinerary starting from the hotel (Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Arashiyama/Sagano) and headed into the day with that plan. Fortunately, on the night before, just as I had gone to bed to prepare for the next day's guiding, a message from the guests finally came through the messaging app. According to the message, there was an apology for having overlooked my earlier contact, and the places they wished to visit were almost identical to the tentative itinerary I had prepared, with only the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds added, so there was no need to redo the itinerary in the middle of the night. On the day, although the sunlight was a little strong, the temperature was not too high, and it turned out to be pleasant weather, especially in the shade. I met the guests at the hotel almost on time, confirmed the itinerary, met up with the private car and driver, and started the tour. As we introduced ourselves in the car during the drive, I learned that the guests had a strong interest in and enthusiasm for Japanese history and culture, and that while one of the guests had visited Japan before, this was the first visit for the group. The tour was broadly organized by theme: ① the emperor and warrior-class rule (Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds and Nijo Castle), ② Japanese religion and gardens (Kinkaku-ji and Tenryu-ji), and ③ the scenery of Kyoto (Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge), with historical, cultural, and religious explanations given on the spot at each location. The guests seemed very satisfied with this combination. Right up until the tour began there was the tension of "I can't get in touch!," but once I actually met them, they were a close-knit group who love Japan, and I was able to guide them enjoyably.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Kiyomizu Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Kiyomizu Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Depart from Hilton Kyoto
    • 09:15 Ryoanji Temple
    • 10:25 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 12:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:10 Kiyomizu Temple
    • 14:30 Tour ends at the main hall stage

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizudera The guests were a family visiting from North America. Following their wishes, we visited four sites: Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizudera Temple. The movement between locations went smoothly, and we were able to take our time exploring each place. Originally, the tour was scheduled to end upon arriving at Kiyomizudera, but since we had extra time, I was able to guide them inside the main hall as well. At every location, the guests explored eagerly and tried experiences such as drawing omikuji fortunes and the "Omokaru-ishi" stone. Along the approach to Fushimi Inari, they purchased tornado potatoes, 10-yen cheese bread, and oranges, and enjoyed eating them cheerfully. They mentioned that they would find and have lunch on their own after finishing the sightseeing. Since visiting four sites on a 6-hour tour is a bit ambitious, I had considered leaving out Ryoanji, but once we actually visited, it turned out to be a very precious place where the guests could feel the true charm of Kyoto in a calm atmosphere with fewer crowds. I truly felt it was the right decision to keep it in the itinerary as the guests had wished.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Sanjo / Kyoto City Bus~Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi~Inari200JPY
    Section 5TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Section 6BusGojo Keihan / Keihan Bus~Gojozaka / Keihan Bus230JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima Itsukushima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima Itsukushima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Kiro Hiroshima meet
    • 9:10 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:30 Peace Memorial Park
    • 12:15 Lunch
    • 12:50 trum+ferry(Kamiyacyou-Miyajima)
    • 14:10 Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:55 ferry+JR+taxi(Hotel)
    • 16:45 Tour finished at the Hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Peace Park and Miyajima Early in the morning I received a message that one of the guests had a sore throat and wanted to buy a mask and pain reliever first thing. A drugstore near the Peace Park was open as of 8:30, so I first guided the group there to make the purchases. After that, I adjusted the itinerary to visit the Peace Park first and then Miyajima. The group was full of curiosity and asked many questions. I kept an eye on how everyone was feeling throughout the tour, but there were no problems, the weather was pleasant, and the guests seemed very satisfied with the Hiroshima tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamiyacho-nishi~Hiroden Miyajimaguchi240JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Total570JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizudera & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizudera & Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 09:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • 11:00 Fushimiinari (0)
    • 12:30 Kinkakuji (500)
    • Lunch(CoCo Ichibanya)
    • 14:30 Bamboo Grove
    • Arashiyama area by walking 
    • 15:00 HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • End of the tour

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. After Kiyomizu-dera, I took them to a Kiyomizu-yaki pottery shop, where they purchased a pair of tea cups and a Japanese-style painting on a shikishi board for about 100,000 yen. At Fushimi Inari, they bought two torii-shaped ema plaques, dedicating one as a prayer for improvement in the performing arts and planning to use the other as a Christmas tree ornament. At Kinkaku-ji, they tried a sample and enjoyed the peanut snacks from Mamemasa so much that they bought some. For lunch, I had suggested my usual options of a family restaurant or conveyor-belt sushi, but they said they wanted to eat Japanese curry, so we went to the CoCo Ichibanya in Hanazono on the way to the bamboo grove. CoCo Ichibanya is my favorite curry chain, so I knew all about the rice portions and spice levels, which made everything smooth. The guests told me they sometimes buy Japanese Golden Curry and make it at home as well. They seemed to really enjoy the tonkatsu curry. The final stop was scheduled to be Teramachi shopping street, but since they had already done a lot of shopping, I took them back to their hotel and ended the tour there.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate
    • 9:45 Depart Hiroshima Station
    • 10:11 Arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:35 Arrive at Miyajima by JR Ferry
    • Omotesando Shopping Street
    • Great Torii Gate
    • Senjokaku, etc.
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:20 Miyajima Port
    • World Heritage Sea Route
    • 15:05 Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:00 To Hiroshima Station by taxi
    • 17:30 Arrive at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like During Typhoon Season? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's tour required careful timing due to rough weather from an approaching typhoon, with the constant worry that the ferry and the World Heritage route boat might be temporarily suspended. On the other hand, thanks to the high tide, it was possible to enjoy Itsukushima Shrine in its most iconic form, with the great torii gate and the shrine appearing to float on the sea. However, at the peak of the high tide, the water level rose so much that seawater surged into Itsukushima Shrine, forcing a temporary closure, so we made a somewhat irregular visit to the shrine. The guests were a very cheerful and close-knit group from Asia. It was a delightful experience to spend the whole day with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1JGA Pre-Approved FeeMiyajima Port~Motoyasu Bridge1,200JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    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

    Jul 31, 2026
    Helene R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Experienced guide Hiroshi
    Hiroshi was a great experienced…

    Jul 26, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Miyajima Half-Day customized tour with licensed local guide (Hiroshi)
    We went…

    Jul 17, 2026
    oswaldom406
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour, Fantastic guide!
    We had an absolutely wonderful…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Jennifer L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Perfect day in Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Hiroshi is…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①9:50 Fushimi Inari
    • ②11:40 Kiyomizu-dera
    • ③14:45 Gion
    • ④15:15 Lunch at Daiki Suisan
    • ⑤16:10 Nishiki Market
    • ⑥16:30 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided guests from North America. The guests were longtime friends and got along very well, and one of them had visited Kyoto several times before. We were blessed with wonderful weather today, and the guests were moved by the beautiful contrast between the red of the shrine and the cloudless sky. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they were very interested in the water. Luckily, the line was not very long today, which was fortunate. I took videos and photos for everyone. The guests purchased kanzashi hair ornaments and put them on right away. They also purchased matcha and other items. Looking at the streets of Gion, they said, "This is exactly what we wanted to see." I took many photos. Since they had not had a proper meal since beginning their journey from Tokyo, they said they wanted to enjoy something delicious, so I recommended sushi. Everyone seemed to love the medium-fatty tuna and ordered it many times. At Nishiki Market, they all purchased chopsticks. They had their names engraved on the chopsticks and seemed very pleased with them. We finished once at 16:30, and from there the tour was extended by about two hours.

    Hello. My name is Momoyo Kanagawa. I’ve been a certified interpreter guide for 7 years. I have experience guiding not only in the Kansai
    area such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, but also in the Tokyo area. I have a passion for sharing the rich history and culture of Japan.
    Japan is a beautiful country with diverse culture and nature. If you come to Japan, you might be able to experience things like:
    Sight: You can see the scenery of cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind, or the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji.
    Hearing: You can hear the sound of traditional instruments such as Japanese drums and shakuhachi, or the lively atmosphere of festivals and fireworks.
    Touch: You can relax in a hot spring, or try on Japanese costumes such as kimono and yukata.
    Taste: You can taste famous Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, ramen, or Japanese drinks such as matcha and sake.
    Smell: You can smell the fragrance of incense and flowers, or feel the unique air of temples and shrines.
    These are just some of the charms of Japan. There are still many things to discover in Japan. Please use your five senses and feel the wonder of Japan.
    I’m excited to be able to explore Japan together with you and make your visit memorable! I will escort you with the best hospitality.

    안녕하세요. 간사이에서 가이드를 하고 있는 카나가와 모모요라고 합니다.
    오사카·교토·나라·고베를 중심으로 역사와 문화, 미의식, 그리고 일본인의 정신성까지를 차분하고 깊이 있게 전하며 오래 기억에 남는 간사이 여행을 안내합니다.

    단순한 명소 방문이 아닌, 봄의 벚꽃, 여름의 신록, 가을의 단풍, 겨울의 고요함 등 일본 사계절 자연의 아름다움을 온전히 느낄 수 있는 여행을 중요하게 생각합니다.
    또한 일식을 비롯한 일본의 식문화와 지역의 제철 식재료, 신뢰할 수 있는 고급 레스토랑과 명점 소개를 통해 미각으로도 일본을 깊이 경험하는 시간을 제안합니다.

    커플 여행부터 가족 여행까지, 어르신부터 어린이까지 다양한 연령대와 상황에 맞춘 무리 없는 일정 구성이 가능합니다. 한일 양국의 문화적 공통점과 차이를 세심하게 고려하여, 편안하고 신뢰할 수 있는 가이딩을 제공하고자 합니다.

    최고의 호스피탈리티로 고객님의 여행 추억 속에 오래 남을 소중한 한 페이지를 장식하는 동반자가 되겠습니다.

    Sep 13, 2025
    O7109SGricardoc
    Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    We had an excellent experience…

    May 23, 2025
    R
    Road294776
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Mt Koya Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Really smooth experience. Our…

    Sep 10, 2024
    famililuxe
    Amazing Osaka Introduction with Momo
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We love Momo Kanagawa! This…

    Sep 6, 2024
    Simon C
    Best tour guide in Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Momo is the best. She is…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: various monuments

    Hiroshima in One Day: various monuments

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 09:50 Take the streetcar to Peace Memorial Park
    • 10:00-11:00 Visit various monuments.
    • 11:30-12:30 Tour the Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 13:00 Board the high-speed boat on the World Heritage route
    • 13:45-14:30 Dining and shopping on Omotesando
    • 14:30-15:30 Lunch, okonomiyaki
    • 15:30-17:00 Tour Itsukushima Shrine and Daiganji Temple
    • 17:15-18:00 Escort to downtown Hiroshima via the World Heritage route high-speed boat, end of service

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This morning, Itsukushima Shrine was closed to visitors due to high tides. Because of this, we had to change our plans on short notice, but the guests kindly accepted the change with good spirits. The group visited the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum, which they found very interesting. The group walked energetically throughout, and everyone kept up well during the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMotoyasu River Pier~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Motoyasu River Pier1,200JPY
    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.

    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting with Concierge
    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Roldan_T
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Harry was an great and informative guide.
    Harry was…

    May 10, 2025
    jonathan_R
    Really great tour. …
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Really great tour. Hisashi or…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (taxi)→(arrive 11:30) Meiji Shrine・walk→(from around 12:20) Takeshita Street→(arrive 13:20 by subway) Imperial Palace Outer Garden (Nijubashi Bridge, tea at Tully's, Sakurada Gate)→(arrive 14:50 by subway) After eating a hot dog near Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden→(depart 15:40) Asakusa by taxi (arrive after 16:00)→(depart Asakusa after 17:00, by subway) to the hotel, arrive at hotel a little before 18:00.

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and were eager to see many places. I had planned to take the group to the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, but since they had already enjoyed the night view of Tokyo from the top floor of their hotel the previous evening after arriving, we skipped it. I guided the group with care, and everything went smoothly. In preparation for the following days, the guests asked me about the subway lines and how to make transfers. At the end of the tour, they told me they were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassSakuradamon~Suidobashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shinjuku0JPY
    Total900JPY

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

  • Takayama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Takayama Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 0900→0940 Takayama Festival Float Display 1030→1045 Shimoninomachi 1120→1140 Takayama Festival Karakuri (Marionette) 1220→1245 Yamatake Shoten (Lunch Time) 1330→1345 Takayama Festival Float Procession 1420→1450 Kamisannomachi Sake Brewery Tour 1500 (End)

    What Is a Half-Day Private Takayama Festival Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were on their second trip to Japan, traveling from Europe. On their previous visit they had followed the classic Golden Route, and this time they were wandering without a fixed plan, arranging their stay in Takayama around the timing of the Takayama Festival. This was the first of their two nights there, and since they had come specifically for the festival, I built the entire festival experience into the itinerary — the display of the festival floats, the karakuri marionette dedication, and the parade of the floats. At lunchtime I also took the guests to a specialty Hida beef restaurant I know well, and to a sake brewery for a tasting comparison of different Japanese sakes. Together these made for a special half-day tour of Takayama filled with wonderful memories. Of course, I also advised the guests on where to see the evening float parade and where to have dinner.

    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
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel-10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens-11:30 Tokyo Station-12:30 Lunch-13:20 Tsukiji Outer Market-14:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-15:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-15:50 Disband at Mitsukoshi

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private full-day tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from North America. After giving an overview of Tokyo and Japanese history, we started the tour at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The group was impressed by the contrast between the 400-year history of the Imperial Palace and the modern skyscrapers of Otemachi and Marunouchi. At Tsukiji, we decided to begin with a sushi lunch before strolling through the Outer Market. I guided them to a long-established sushi restaurant with 100 years of history, and they were amazed by the deliciousness of the sushi course. They were able to truly savor Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya~Mitsukoshimae210JPY
    Total930JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
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    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
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    Oct 11, 2025
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    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
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    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
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