Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:15: Kyoto Station, meet with guests
    • 2. 9:45: Guide to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 3. 11:00: Guide to Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 4. 12:30: Lunch @ "Ozuru" udon restaurant
    • 5. 13:30: Guide to the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 6. 14:30: Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 7. 15:30: Dismissal @ Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group arriving from North America, who traveled from Osaka to Kyoto by limited express train. I met the guests at Kyoto Station and we headed directly to Kinkaku-ji. Most of the group had visited Japan before, and they were quite familiar with Japanese culture. The conversation was lively, as one of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture and we enjoyed discussing many topics together. I guided the group slowly and avoided steep slopes at the destinations. The guests were calm and pleasant, and thanks to the fine weather, it seemed they truly enjoyed today's sightseeing in Kyoto.

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Gracery Tamachi
    • 10:35 Tsukiji: Fish Market, Outer Market, Honganji Temple, Kabukiza Theatre
    • 12:00 Asakusa: Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Hanayashiki Street, Rokku Shopping Street, MAKINOYA
    • 13:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 14:00 Lunch @ Biidoro Saryo
    • 15:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:10 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were retired first-time visitors to Japan from North America. They had arrived the previous day and planned to spend their trip visiting Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Miyakojima, and Bangkok. Both had played sports earlier in life and were strong walkers, so my assumption that today's tour would be relaxed did not hold true. Because they were not fond of crowds, at Tsukiji they enjoyed the fish market area more than the outer market. Accordingly, in Asakusa we walked through less touristy streets such as Hanayashiki Street and I introduced MAKINOYA, which they plan to visit the day after next. As usual, at Koishikawa Korakuen I explained about the daimyo and samurai residences. They savored the tranquility of a garden set within the city and had lunch at a glass-themed tea house with a view of the garden. At Meiji Shrine I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. They were amazed that places like Korakuen and the vast Meiji Shrine exist within Tokyo. Over lunch, I gave them some preparatory information about Kanazawa and Miyakojima, both of which I love.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMita (Tokyo)~Higashi-ginza180JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Suidobashi330JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi~Harajuku180JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Hiroshima Local Food Tasting & City Tour

    Hiroshima Local Food Tasting & City Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:52 Meet at the Shinkansen platform (Sakura No. 551, cars 1-3)
    • Move by Streetcar (about 15 minutes, 240 yen/person)
    • Store luggage in a coin locker near SOGO Hiroshima and move to the lunch venue
    • 12:45 – 13:30 Okonomiyaki lunch (Kuraya, reservation)
    • 13:30 – 15:50 Stroll around Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monument, Cenotaph, etc.) & visit the Peace Memorial Museum (admission 200 yen/person)
    • Walk to Sogo (about 10 minutes)
    • 16:00 – 18:00 Shopping experience at Sogo Hiroshima with Concierge
    • 18:00 Go to the locker to pick up luggage and provide guidance on how to travel to Miyajima

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Food, the Peace Park, and Shopping The guests arrived around noon, so we first had a meal at an okonomiyaki restaurant, which they enjoyed and found delicious. Afterwards, I guided them through the memorial museum and the Peace Park, and then we did a shopping experience at a department store. With the assistance of a store concierge, they sampled some sweets, and I took them to the knife section they had requested, where they made a purchase. I also helped them buy souvenirs for their family. They were planning to stay at a ryokan in Miyajima, but since they said they did not need me to accompany them all the way to Miyajima, I gave them a paper explaining how to transfer trains, which they were very pleased to receive.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen150JPY
    Total150JPY

    Hello, I’m Kyoko, a certified regional interpreter-guide for Hiroshima Prefecture. I was born, educated, and worked in Hiroshima while raising my children, and I absolutely love this city. I have a deep interest in learning about history and culture, and I enjoy exploring the city and trying out local foods. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and chatting with them brings me great joy, so I’m really looking forward to helping make your trip to Hiroshima a wonderful and memorable experience.

    Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a poignant reminder of history, standing gracefully within a beautiful park. Walking through the park together, we can reflect on the powerful message of peace it conveys. Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its red torii gate floating in the sea, is located on a picturesque island. It’s a place where you can enjoy a truly relaxing and serene time.

    I can also guide you to other popular tourist destinations, help you enjoy Hiroshima’s local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and conger eel, or assist you with shopping.

    I will do my utmost to ensure that your trip to Hiroshima becomes a wonderful and unforgettable memory.

    May 20, 2026
    629reniea
    Miyajima Island
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hi Kyoko
    We are very sad to hear about…

    May 8, 2026
    Jan S
    We were blessed with perfect weather and the perfect guide. Kyoko was knowledgeable, patient, polite, fun, sense humour
    Tripadvisor review:…

    Apr 9, 2026
    dianne321
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Emotional and confronting
    Moving experience with amazing guide Kyoko.…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Carmen Maria S
    Great afternoon at Hiroshima❤️
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was an excellent…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meeting 10:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji 10:35 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 11:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 12:15 Short break (Lunch) 13:05 Tenryu-ji 14:10 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:15 Ryoan-ji 16:30 Return to hotel and tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. When guiding in English, communication was easier with some of the guests. One of the guests was quiet but also had a playful side; at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, they stepped in among the many stone statues and posed like a Buddhist statue for photos. We used taxis for the routes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, from Enmachi Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple, from Kinkaku-ji Temple to Ryoan-ji Temple, and from Ryoan-ji Temple to the hotel. They planned to visit Nara the following day and then experience a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and they asked for various pieces of advice so that everything would go smoothly and according to plan. Since one of the guests was good at making plans, I explained everything to that person to pass along. We took a photo at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, but since one of the guests declined to be photographed, the photo was of some of the guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo (Kyoto Municipal)~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi180JPY
    Total640JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet the guests at the hotel→Head to Asakusa 12:00~12:30→Explore Sensoji Temple 12:30~13:30→Head to Akabanebashi 13:30~14:00→Explore Tokyo Tower 14:00~15:00→Head to Shibuya 15:00~15:20→Experience the Shibuya Crossing 15:20~15:30→Enjoy a sushi lunch 15:30~16:00/Dismissal

    What Does a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, and Shibuya Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. We first headed to Asakusa and visited Senso-ji Temple. The weather was cloudy and relatively cool today, and Nakamise Street was not very crowded, so we were able to explore at a leisurely pace. Next, we visited Tokyo Tower, and I explained that it was modeled after the Eiffel Tower and designed to be slightly taller. We went up to the Main Deck and the guests enjoyed the panoramic view of Tokyo. Finally, we moved to Shibuya, where they were overwhelmed by the large number of international visitors. They were surprised to see foreign travelers racing around Shibuya in go-karts.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHatchobori (Tokyo)~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Akabanebashi220JPY
    Section 3TrainAkabanebashi~Shibuya290JPY
    Total800JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Thousand Kyoto & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Thousand Kyoto & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 The Thousand Kyoto
    • 9:20-9:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:35-11:05 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:25-11:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 11:50-12:50 Lunch (Chikusen (inside Saga Shakado))
    • 13:20-13:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace (overview explanation only)
    • 13:40-14:10 Nijo Castle
    • 14:30-14:50 Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 15:00 The Thousand Kyoto

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Their advance requests were Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, and a tofu lunch. However, on the day we discovered on-site that the Kyoto Imperial Palace was closed, so we tightened the schedule and added Sanjusangen-do on short notice to adjust. As a result, the itinerary became: Hotel → Fushimi Inari Taisha → Kinkaku-ji → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → lunch (Chikusen in the precincts of Saga Shakado) → Kyoto Imperial Palace (overview explanation only) → Nijo Castle → Sanjusangen-do → Hotel. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the rich nature and culture of each sightseeing spot. In the car, they asked many questions and talked about the differences between Japan and their home. For example, topics included real estate prices in Kyoto, Kyoto's main industries, relations between countries, language education and the use of Chinese characters, Japanese dining etiquette (and how it differs from customs elsewhere), tipping practices in Japan, the Japanese medical system, and Japanese views on religion. Since the requested lunch was tofu cuisine, I guided them to Chikusen, located in the precincts of Saga Shakado, where they enjoyed a Japanese set meal with many dishes centered on yudofu (simmered tofu).

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Used book browsing in Jimbocho

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Used book browsing in Jimbocho

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Gracery Asakusa
    • 10:00.10:45 Tsukiji
    • 11:15-12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:00 Purchase Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo Station
    • 13:30-13:45 Tea
    • 14:00-14:30 Used book browsing in Jimbocho
    • 15:00-15:30 Scramble Crossing, Hachiko, Hikarie

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting from Europe. They had planned a family trip to Japan in 2019 but had to cancel at the last minute, so this time they came on their own instead. On Sunday they were heading toward the Shimanami Kaido area to join a friend for a cruise on the Seto Inland Sea. Their stay in Tokyo was only for a short time, and the next day they planned to visit the National Museum of Western Art and the National Museum on their own. We shared similar interests and had great conversations, and it was a very enjoyable tour to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Tsukiji900JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Jimbocho0JPY
    Section 4Free PassJimbocho~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:37 Meet on the train at Horyuji station
    • 9:48 JR Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • bus
    • 10:10-20 Ukigumo Enchi (Ukigumo Garden Area)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:30-11:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:10-30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 11:40-12:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:20-30 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:40-13:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Lunch at Kasuga Chaya
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 14:30-16:30 Nara-machi (Old Merchants' Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, traditional merchant house etc.
    • 16:30 Near Starbucks on Sanjo-dori Street (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Japanese Temples and Shrines Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East and North America. They kindly shared many things with me, for which I was very grateful. The following is only a small part of what we discussed. We talked about current world affairs, and they expressed strong personal opinions about political leaders and their hopes for peace, noting that in war it is ordinary civilians, including soldiers, who suffer. It seemed they appreciated my guiding, which focused on cultural and philosophical topics, such as the difference between traditions that tend toward exclusivity based on doctrine and the tendency of Shinto and Buddhism, which have no fixed dogma and tend to assimilate all things.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station/Nara Kotsu~Todaiji Daibutsuden・Kasuga Taisha-mae/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet guests at the hotel
    • 8:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Asakusa Station, lunch
    • 12:50 Culture Tourism Center, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 14:00 Tour ends at Shimbashi Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Asakusa with a Licensed Guide The guests were visitors from North America. At Daiba Station, I assisted them with purchasing a PASMO card, and we then took the Yurikamome line and the subway to visit Meiji Shrine. First, I gave an overview of Japanese history, explained the difference between shrines and temples, and described the significance of Meiji Shrine, then continued walking while weaving in various topics along the way. The guests were delighted by the atmosphere of Meiji Shrine surrounded by forest. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the next stop, they relaxed in the calm setting of the Japanese garden and then enjoyed a break at the tea house. After leaving the garden, we traveled from Sendagaya Station via JR and the subway to Asakusa, where they had beef cutlet for lunch and were very satisfied. Afterward, at the Culture Tourism Center, I explained the origins of Asakusa and its main buildings, and we passed through the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street before praying at the main hall. We then took the subway to Shimbashi Station, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdaiba~Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagaya~Asakusabashi180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusabashi~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi210JPY
    Total1,260JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel, 10:30 Machiya, 11:00 Sanno-wa Shopping Street, 12:30 Machiya, 12:30 Ueno Ameyoko, Toshogu Shrine, 14:00 Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Old-Town Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Toden Arakawa Line and Ueno The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the third time. They wished to explore areas with fewer tourists, ride the Toden Arakawa Line streetcar, and visit Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Based on these requests, I planned a private tour focused on Tokyo's old-town (shitamachi) districts. We first boarded the Toden Arakawa Line and headed to the Minowa Joyful Shopping Street, a small, charming shopping arcade nestled in a residential neighborhood. The guests found it very interesting and enjoyed exploring it. They expressed their gratitude, saying they never could have found this place without a guide. We then moved on to Ueno, visited the Ameyoko market and the requested Toshogu Shrine, and concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Machiya (Tokyo Metro)210JPY
    Section 2TrainMachiya Station Front~Minowabashi170JPY
    Section 3TrainArakawa Itchu-mae~Machiya Station Front170JPY
    Section 4TrainMachiya (Keisei Line)~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Hibiya180JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello, Welcome to Japan! I would like to guide your journey in Japan which will be wonderful and fantastic.
    I was born at Tokyo, have lived 60 years. There are many traditional and modern spots in Tokyo , You can enjoy and feel the contrast between them,
    Please let me know which spots you are interested in, or would you like me to recommend popular spots?
    Japanese food tastes great too. I am also a Sake Sommelier, Sake is Japanese alcohol made from rice with a refined and mild taste.
    Sake tasting would be a fun for you.

    I am sharing self introduction and scenery in Japan(incl outside of Tokyo) by my web site & Instagram,
    Please look at, when you have a time.
    https://stevejpntour.wixsite.com/japan-tour
    Instagram :steve.jpguide
    Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you ! Steve

    Jun 11, 2026
    Melissa_M
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    lornew449
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    Steve was a great tour…

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    KateGolo
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    We had a wonderful tour of Tokyo, and…

    May 19, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I very interesting tour and also the shopping street.
    Steve was an…