Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel – 9:45 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 11:00 Meiji Shrine – 12:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 13:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, dismissal

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania, and this was the second day of an approximately ten-day tour. During the tour, when speaking among themselves the guests used another language. Their accommodation in Tokyo was a private-residence-style lodging. They were on a round trip that would take them from Kyoto to Kanazawa and back to Tokyo, and they seemed eager to make the most of their time in Tokyo. After explaining an overview of Tokyo and the history of Japan, we started the tour from the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The guests were impressed to see how Edo Castle, with over four hundred years of history, has become the present-day Imperial Palace, surrounded by the modern high-rise buildings of Otemachi and Marunouchi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbamba～Tokyo330JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Kita-sando210JPY
    Section 3BusJingumae 1-chome / Toei Bus～Shibuya Station (West Side) / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

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    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel meet-up
    • 9:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:15 Philosopher's Path snack break
    • 11:50 Eikan-do Temple
    • 13:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 14:45 To-ji Temple dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the group based on their requests. Since the sites were spread far apart, they understood in advance that there would not be time for a lunch break. Because the group included some younger members, I arranged time along the way for everyone to enjoy crepes. The guests were delighted and said that every place I showed them was beautiful. The autumn colors of the maple trees at Eikando were not fully turned yet, but there were patches of red here and there. Since Nanzenji was on the way to the subway station, I had planned to show only the Sanmon gate, but the guests liked it so much that they climbed it. As a result, there was no time left to guide them around Toji, so I gave them an overview of it while we were traveling and explained how to make their way back to their hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOmiya (Kyoto Prefecture)～Saiin (Hankyu Line)170JPY
    Section 2BusNishioji-shijo (Hankyu/Randen Saiin Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Shinnyodo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 5TrainKyoto～To-ji180JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:27 Meet and greet at Shin-Osaka Station platform
    • Store suitcases at the baggage storage inside Shin-Osaka Station
    • 10;30-11:15 @Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 11:40-12:00 @Harukas Garden
    • 12:30-13:10 @Osaka Castle
    • 13:45-14:15 @Dotonbori, Hozenji, Kuromon Market
    • 14:15 Dismissal @Kuromon Market

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. On the day of the tour, they arrived at Shin-Osaka Station by shinkansen from Tokyo. Since they planned to stay in Kyoto that night, they left their suitcases at the baggage storage inside the station before we began the tour. Initially, the guests had wished to visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shitennoji, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori, but when I confirmed the plan upon meeting them, they mentioned they might go to Osaka Castle on their own if there was time after the tour. As it would be a shame for them to miss Osaka Castle, I suggested dropping Shitennoji and Shinsekai and going to Osaka Castle instead, which they were very pleased with in the end. The guests were cheerful and got along wonderfully, and while enjoying their free time, they answered a phone call during the tour and seemed to be relishing their time together. We had an enjoyable time throughout.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka～Namba (Subway)290JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Toriimae～Tennoji Ekimae240JPY
    Section 4SubwayTennoji～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 5SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

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    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Park

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

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00-13:50 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Momijidani Park, Lunch)
    • 15:00-15:40 Shukkeien Garden
    • 16:00-17:30 Peace Memorial Park (A-dome, Museum, etc.)
    • 18:00 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Japan Guide Agency Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. One of them was knowledgeable about the Japanese national football team and its players, having once coached the sport in North America. We talked a great deal about football, including how the current head coach of the Japanese national team had previously played for and managed a team in Hiroshima. The guests were also very fond of traveling and often traveled together. In particular, one of them had traveled all over the world, having visited many of the same countries and regions I had been to, and we shared many stories. Throughout the tour, the conversation with the group never stopped. It was a truly enjoyable tour to guide, and I am grateful to the guests. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 3BusShukkeien-mae～Genbaku Dome-mae / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Section 4BusPeace Memorial Park / Hiroshima Bus～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Tour Report by TO

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

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    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel – National Diet Building st – Otemachi st – 10:30~12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace ~ Outer Gardens ~ Marunouchi
    • 12:45 Tokyo st – Ginza st – 13:30~14:00 Light meal at Renoir – Ginza st – 14:30~15:45 Asakusa – 16:00 Disband at Tameike-Sanno st

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Asakusa The guest was visiting from North America and was a pleasant person. Traveling solo, they seemed a little uneasy at first, but gradually became more comfortable and enjoyed finding many things fascinating. Photography was a hobby of theirs, and they carried a large camera, taking many shots especially at the Imperial Palace. They had dietary restrictions and mentioned that they could have hot chocolate, so we searched several cafés in Ginza and finally enjoyed the desired light refreshment at a café. Afterward, they also captured the distinctive atmosphere of Asakusa in photographs. We said goodbye, wishing them a successful cruise trip starting the next day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTameike-Sanno～Otemachi – Asakusa – Ginza – Tameike-Sanno700JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1445 Hotel Tokyo (2 min from Hibiya Station on the Metro Hibiya Line) Meeting point. At Hibiya intersection, explaining the history of the Imperial Palace and Ginza
    • 1510 Harajuku – Meiji Shrine visit – Takeshita Street
    • 1650 Shibuya – Scramble Crossing – Hachiko Statue – Introducing PARCO (Pokemon, Nintendo) and Magnet (One Piece) for a future visit
    • 1745 Asakusa – Azuma Bridge – Nakamise – Sensoji Temple – Asakusa Shrine
    • 1900 Ueno Park – Shogitai Monument – Saigo Takamori Statue – Enjoy chicken hot pot at an Ameyoko izakaya (Torien)
    • 2030 Since you'll be full and jet lag will be setting in, we'll escort you back to the hotel and disband

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Ameyoko The guests were visitors from the Middle East. They had originally come from another part of the Middle East. They arrived this morning and started the tour after a short rest. Including today, they would spend several days in Tokyo, after which they planned to visit Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. One of the guests mentioned that a relative had lived at a hotel in Tokyo more than forty years ago, and that another relative had lived near a place called Summerland. When I showed them the location of Summerland on the map, they were surprised at how far out in the suburbs it was. With the days getting shorter and Meiji Shrine closing its gates at 16:10, I asked to start a little earlier and managed to stroll through the shrine grounds at our usual pace. They did not show much interest in Takeshita Street, but when I brought up Pokémon and One Piece in Shibuya, they became very curious and said they would come back another day for it. At Sensoji Temple, some of the shops along Nakamise were open, and they enjoyed the sweet potato yokan and anko balls from Funawa. Unfortunately, the main hall was already closed, so they could not see inside. However, since they planned to visit a sumo-themed restaurant in West Asakusa the day after next, they said they would see it again then. At this point they had become quite hungry, so we headed to Ameyoko as planned. Due to dietary restrictions, pork and alcohol were not possible, but they explained that ingredients such as mirin were fine since the alcohol content had been cooked off. They were very fond of the chicken hot pot. Once they were full, jet lag began to set in, so we ended the tour here (I had thought of finishing in Ginza), and I saw them off at their hotel before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 5TrainOkachimachi～Yurakucho170JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

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

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

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

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

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

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

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

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

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

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00am Meet at Odawara Station→Hakone-Yumoto Station→10:28 Chokoku-no-Mori Station→The Hakone Open-Air Museum→12:00 Lunch→13:00 Cable Car→Ropeway→Owakudani→14:30 Lake Ashi Cruise from Togendai→15:35 Bus from Motohakone Port→16:00 Farewell at Hotel Hatsuhana

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. They were very curious about the scenery from the windows of the Hakone Tozan Railway and its switchbacks, which made a great introduction to the Hakone tour. At the next stop, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the autumn foliage was at its peak. We enjoyed a photo session with the colorful trees and sculptures in the background. For lunch, at a Japanese restaurant familiar to the guide, we savored a seafood rice bowl made with fish caught in nearby waters. The guests seemed to appreciate the difference in taste. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was not visible, but on the ropeway we enjoyed an aerial stroll surrounded by autumn leaves. It was a day of fully enjoying the nature and art of Hakone.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara～Hakone-Yumoto6,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassHakone-Yumoto～Chokoku-no-Mori0JPY
    Section 3Free PassChokoku-no-Mori～Gora0JPY
    Section 4Free PassGora～Sounzan0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSounzan～Togendai0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTogendai～Motohakone0JPY
    Section 7Free PassMotohakone (Bus Stop)～Hotel Hatsuhana Front (Bus Stop)0JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

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    Sep 25, 2026
    scottrE3713WR
    Great Mt. Fuji experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kaz was amazing! Great communication before…

    Aug 27, 2026
    H694KFjoannet
    Great Day in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 09:45 Walking around/ to Hibiya station
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Takeshita Dori
    • 00:30 Omohara, Tiger shoes
    • 13:20 Lunch at Maisen, Shopping
    • 14:45 Shibuya
    • 15:45 Dropped off at Shibuya station

    Title: What Kinds of Questions Do Guests Ask on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America. During the tour, the guests asked many curious and thoughtful questions, which made for an engaging day of guiding. Some highlights of our conversation are shared below. 1. One of the guests mentioned that another member of the group was a relative living in North America, and they joked about regional pride between different areas, laughing about not wanting to be associated with certain regions. 2. Do Japanese schools teach religion, or do parents teach it at home? 3. What is the mountain God like, descending from heaven to act as a guardian deity? 4. Is the story of the "Hachi dog" a true story? 5. The chrysanthemum flower bed shaped like sumo wrestlers at Meiji Jingu is cool. 6. Are crime rates increasing in Japan? But is it still safe to walk at night? 7. Did a famous celebrity really go shopping here on Takeshita Dori? 8. Has Japan ever been invaded by foreign countries? Oh, by Mongolia? 9. One of the guests shared that their family relies on care workers from Africa, and expressed concern that changes under the new administration in North America had affected essential workers, causing difficulties for many people.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando～Shibuya180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Tour Report by Hideaki

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

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  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Pickup: At the lobby of 41 Hotel. Distribution of handmade booklets. Explanation of tourist spots.
    • Stops (including photo taking): Odori Park – Strolling through blocks 4-3-2-1 // Strolling through the front garden of the former Hokkaido Government Office // Passing through the interior of Akarenga Terrace // Clock
    • Tower exterior. The above are walking areas.
    • 10:15 Board the municipal subway at Odori Station ~ Get off at Maruyama Koen Station ~ Board the JR bus ~ Get off at Hokkaido Jingu-mae ~ Visit the shrine
    • After visiting ~ Short break at the teahouse in the shrine grounds ~ Walk along the natural forest path near the shrine to Maruyama subway station
    • 13:00 Board the subway at Maruyama Koen Station ~ Get off at Miyanosawa Station ~ Walk ~ Enter Shiroi Koibito Park (tour of production process & shopping)
    • 14:00 Board the subway at Miyanosawa Station ~ Odori Station ~ Get off at Sapporo Station
    • 14:30 Board the Chuo Bus at the north exit of JR Sapporo Station
    • 14:37 Enter the Sapporo Beer Museum (free). Explanation of the history of the Sapporo Beer brewery & tour inside the museum (many panels)
    • After the tour, guests do a tasting
    • 15:15 Dismissal. Guests dine at the restaurant on the premises. Inform them of the bus stop and times for the bus to the north exit of Sapporo Station.
    • The guide is off duty.
    • Guests carry SUICA. Admission fee paid by guests. ¥800×4 "Shiroi Koibito Park admission"

    What Is a Private Autumn Tour of Sapporo, Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Hokkaido in late autumn. It was a chilly day, cloudy at first and later bringing light rain mixed with sleet. The trees were shades of golden yellow and deep crimson, and the tour took place just as late autumn was drawing to a close. Coming from a warmer region in Oceania, the guests enjoyed scenery that was quite unusual for them, and they took many photos of the various spots. The group listened attentively to my explanations. They seemed particularly interested in Shiroi Koibito (the chocolate factory) and the Sapporo Beer Museum. They looked forward to the following day's schedule, which included Otaru.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori～Maruyama Koen210JPY
    Section 2BusMaruyama Koen Station/JR Hokkaido Bus～Hokkaido Jingu/JR Hokkaido Bus240JPY
    Section 3BusSapporo Station North Exit/Hokkaido Chuo Bus～Sapporo Beer Garden/Hokkaido Chuo Bus240JPY
    Section 4BusSapporo Beer Garden/Hokkaido Chuo Bus～Sapporo Station North Exit/Hokkaido Chuo Bus240JPY
    Section 5SubwayMaruyama Koen～Miyanosawa250JPY
    Section 6SubwayMiyanosawa～Sapporo290JPY
    Total1,470JPY

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    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
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  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Meet at Seiokaro Ryokan (Gojo)
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:50　Nijo Castle
    • ④　11:00　Daitoku-ji Temple (Obai-in)
    • ⑤　12:30　Lunch (Ginkaku-ji area)
    • ⑥　13:15　Stroll along the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑦　13:45　Honen-in Temple
    • ⑧　14:40　Nanzen-ji Temple, climb the Sanmon Gate, Suirokaku Aqueduct
    • ⑨　16:00　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑩　17:00　Return to the ryokan and disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Beyond the Famous Spots? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto. They had already spent several days in Kyoto and had seen Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Gion, so their request was to be taken somewhere else that still felt like "the real Kyoto," which shaped this itinerary. I chose destinations where they could spend the day at a relaxed pace. First thing in the morning at the accommodation, we began with the question of why the shogun had to return power to the emperor. From the return of political power and the Meiji Restoration, I ended up talking at length about the history of capital relocation as Japanese history — covering Nara, Kyoto, and Tokyo — along with other topics, which helped us quickly break the ice. The guests were warm, cheerful, and kind. One of the guests actually disliked being photographed but smiled and said cheese all day without mentioning it, so I took many photos thinking I was doing a good thing, which I felt bad about afterward. Even so, when I shared all of them via Air Drop at the end of the tour, the guests seemed quite pleased. The previous day they had started at Kinkaku-ji and moved around Kyoto counterclockwise, and today we started at Nijo Castle and went clockwise around Kyoto, so I said, "Now you've conquered Kyoto!" and the three of us celebrated together. One of the guests liked Japanese tonkatsu and skillfully used the sauce and shichimi, quite accustomed to eating it. I also talked about kaiseki and the ichiju-sansai style in connection with Zen Buddhism, and they seemed to listen with interest. They listened to every topic with genuine curiosity, which made it easy for me to talk. After Kyoto, they plan to travel to another destination for about a week, then return to Tokyo to spend a few days before heading home. I wish them a wonderful trip.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
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    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
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    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
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    Fantastic tour guide
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    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
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    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
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