Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting: Sanmaru Suit Kyoto Central
    • 09:10 Travel: Hotel ~ Fushimi Inari (Subway, JR)
    • 09:40 Sightseeing ①: Fushimi Inari
    • 10:20 Travel: Fushimi Inari ~ Kiyomizu-dera (Taxi)
    • 10:40 Sightseeing ②: Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:50 Lunch/Break (Udon "Shigemori")
    • 13:00 Travel: Gojozaka ~ Gion (City Bus)
    • 13:20 Sightseeing ③: Yasaka Shrine/Gion
    • 14:00 Travel: Gion ~ Nishiki Market (Taxi)
    • 14:10 Sightseeing ④: Nishiki Market
    • 15:00 End of guide/Dismissal (Nishiki Market)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Nishiki Market The guests this time were a group visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. Prior communication regarding the destinations was arranged with one of the guests. Their wishes for the places to visit were clear from the very beginning: four locations, namely (1) Fushimi Inari, (2) Kiyomizu-dera, (3) Gion, and (4) Nishiki Market. Since the Hotel was near the "Karasuma Oike" subway station, we planned a route starting with Fushimi Inari, which is conveniently accessed by subway and JR, then heading north to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, and finally to Nishiki Market. As for transportation, while a taxi was planned for part of the trip, the plan was to use public transportation (JR, subway, and bus) as much as possible. On the day of the tour, the weather was fine, making it an ideal day for sightseeing. Although the guests were a little late for the meeting time, all of them were able to join up quickly, and after a brief self-introduction and a short explanation of the itinerary and destinations, we set off right away. Shortly after departing, on the way down to the subway station, it became clear that one of the guests could only walk quite slowly. Walking on flat ground did not seem to be a problem, but on stairs and downhill slopes the guest received assistance from another member of the group. Therefore, from then on we did our sightseeing and moved around at that guest's pace. For this reason, with the guests' consent, we decided to use taxis for the transfers from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera, and from Gion to Nishiki Market. Regarding the destinations, the combination of "shrine (two locations, as it turned out) → Buddhist temple (one location) → market" was, from a guide's perspective, an exquisite combination for showing the historic city of Kyoto. While explaining the underlying culture and traditions of Buddhism and Shinto, and describing the liveliness of the market and its food culture, I was able to give the guests a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people as well. The group made for a very warm and affectionate combination, and it was a delightful tour to guide such a caring group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total370JPY

    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.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    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…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 5:15 @ Toyosu Market (Wholesale, Brokers)
    • 7:15 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Disband @ Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Tour with Tuna Sushi Breakfast Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from North America to Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They found the tuna auction very interesting and wished to have tuna sushi for breakfast, so they enjoyed a full tuna feast at the Tsukiji Outer Market. They tasted otoro, chutoro, and akami, and were especially impressed by the chutoro that seemed to melt in the mouth, telling me it was the best sushi they had ever eaten. We took a short break at a coffee shop, and when I talked about John Lennon, they purchased a T-shirt from the shop as a souvenir.

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Air bnb-10:15 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building‐11:30 Meiji Shrine-12:30 Lunch-13:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:45 Fukagawa Fudodo-16:00 Kappabashi Kitchen Town-17:10 Asakusa dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Asia and Europe, on a tour of about two weeks. As it was the day after their arrival and they were still adjusting to the time difference, they occasionally seemed tired. Since it was a clear, blue-sky day, I thought Mount Fuji would be visible and took them to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, but clouds covered the western sky and Mount Fuji could not be seen. Undeterred, we continued to Meiji Shrine and then to Harajuku, where the guests said they were hungry, so we had tonkotsu ramen for lunch. They were moved by how delicious it was, and we continued the tour. This private one-day tour of Tokyo was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeisei Hikifune~Higashi-ginza370JPY
    Section 2SubwayBakuro-yokoyama Station/Chuo-ku, Tokyo~Shinjuku220JPY
    Section 3BusJunisha Ike-no-ue/Keio Bus~Sangubashi Station (Koma Terrace Nishi-sando-mae)/Keio Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station/Shibuya-ku, Tokyo~Monzen-nakacho210JPY
    Section 5SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    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…
    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…

  • Fukuoka in Half a Day: Former Mitsui Club & Mojiko Retro

    Fukuoka in Half a Day: Former Mitsui Club & Mojiko Retro

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Gather in front of SeaBorn Quest
    • 13:21 Kokura Castle & Garden
    • 16:15 Former Mitsui Club
    • 16:35 Stroll through Mojiko Retro
    • 17:20 Disband in front of SeaBorn Quest

    Title: What Is a Private Cruise-Port Day Tour in Kitakyushu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The cruise ship berthed inside a restricted area in an inconvenient location, so [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) filed the necessary entry application in advance, which made getting into the port smooth. However, the reserved taxi was not waiting, and no taxi company escort was present, so the guests ended up having to wait a little while. On the return, the shuttle bus service had already ended (five hours before departure), there were no taxis waiting in front of the station, and we were told a taxi would not arrive for another ten minutes, so the guests chose to walk, returning to the ship on foot in about twenty minutes. They had hoped to visit a museum, but the situation was quite difficult, as some were closed on Monday and others required entry by 4:30 pm. It is possible that the guests found this situation somewhat unpleasant. We were able to visit their top choice, Kokura Castle and its garden, before a large tour group arrived, so they could enjoy a yabusame (horseback archery) game and take their time looking around, which I think was a good point.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKokura (Fukuoka Prefecture)~Mojiko340JPY
    Total340JPY

    Hello everyone .
    Please call me Peko.
    I’m National government licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I like travelling, Japanese archery, and tea ceremony.
    I visited 17countries.
    Also I lived in Netherlands for a year and three months.

    local people always showed me their hospitality. So, I think it’s my turn to show visitors to Japan the spirit of hospitality.
    Currently, I live in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.

    Fukuoka has been an important place of defense and trade since ancient times, because it is close to the continent,
    So, Fukuoka is blessed with historic, cultural sites, as well as beautiful scenery and fresh seafood.

    Especially, channel between Yamaguchi and Moji is must see spot for you.
    If you come to Mojiko, I highly recommend the “Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full Day Tour”.
    Kanmon Strait round tour is so fascinating, varied and exciting for you.
    You can enjoy breathtaking scenery ,historical places, walking under the sea tounnel, ferry ride, bus, stream of first current and gourmet.
    Let’s enjoy Kanmon with me!

    Also Kitakyushu city got the first prize of “New three Major Night Views of Japan in 2023.
    We can see and enjoy panoramic night view from mountain.
    Why don’t you go around and enjoy Fukuoka with me.
    Endless discover is waiting for you.

    Apr 6, 2026
    Sandra_V
    Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Peko was delightful,…
    Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned…

    Mar 27, 2026
    junk1961
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Great day in Fukuoka
    Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide…

    May 25, 2025
    Susan_L
    Peko was a very nice &…
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Peko was a very nice…

    Mar 20, 2025
    Florencio_J
    I had a great time! My…
    Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    I had a great time! My…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2.@ Meiji Shrine
    • 3.@ Takeshita Street
    • 4.@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 5.@ Ginza (Get off at Shimbashi and walk the main street from Ginza 8-chome to 1-chome)
    • 6.@ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 7.@ Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 8.14:20 Disband @ Hotel

    Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Covering Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, and the Imperial Palace? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, arriving a little ahead of colleagues to do some sightseeing. We visited the three requested locations — Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and the Imperial Palace — and added some strolling along the routes between each spot. It was the guest's first time ever visiting a Shinto shrine, and when I explained things carefully, they listened very attentively. They actively took part in the purification basin ritual and in praying. As it happened, several families were visiting the shrine for the traditional shichi-go-san celebration, and the guest was delighted by the sight of the charming children dressed in their bright festive clothing. The guest chose to enter a souvenir shop, having decided to buy a gift, and purchased a lovely beckoning cat figurine with a moving arm, a black pine bonsai kit to grow at home, and a sake measuring box bearing the Imperial family crest. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the guest was thrilled to actually walk across the crosswalk. Since this trip did not include a chance to visit places like Kyoto, I introduced a spot as a reference for a possible future family visit to Japan — Pepper Parlor inside Shibuya FUKURAS, where robots are the stars. The guest was very pleased and took many photos. Next, when heading from Shibuya to the Imperial Palace on the Ginza Line, we got off at Shimbashi Station, one stop before Ginza Station, and I chose a slightly longer walking route along Ginza's main street from the 8-chome area to around Ginza-itchome Station on the Yurakucho Line. I introduced Café Paulista, connected to The Beatles — deeply associated with the guest's home region — and where John Lennon and Yoko reportedly came for coffee three days in a row. When we arrived at Shimbashi Station and came up to street level, it was actually raining quite hard. I was surprised by this, as it was not what the forecast had suggested, but online information indicated it was a passing shower that would soon stop. We sheltered for about five minutes, and when the rain eased a little, the guest bought a folding umbrella at a nearby convenience store. About five minutes later the rain lifted and blue sky appeared, but the guest seemed happy, feeling that the folding umbrella itself made for a souvenir, which was nice to see. Finally, from Shinagawa Station, rather than waiting for the shuttle bus to the Hotel, we walked to the Hotel. As when heading from the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station, we encountered fallen ginkgo nuts in several places along the way, and the guest enjoyed the stroll among the ginkgo trees that were just beginning to turn yellow.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Harajuku180JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station700JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Shinagawa180JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Nagasaki: Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Nagasaki: Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the port
    • 10:30 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 11:30 Peace Park, Hypocenter Park
    • 12:00 Lunch at Stadium City
    • 13:40 Meganebashi Bridge
    • 14:00 Glover Garden
    • 15:30 Disband at the port

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Nagasaki Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the Atomic Bomb Museum, the guests took their time viewing the exhibits, and they shared stories about the Cold War era, which was educational for me as well. They kindly shared the photos they took at that time. They also listened intently to my own family's experience of the atomic bombing. In addition, at a sushi restaurant within the stadium city, they said it was very delicious, and despite there being a Pokémon GO event going on, we were able to get in smoothly. I had been prepared to wait about 30 minutes. At Glover Garden, they enjoyed the scenery.

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Greet the American guest couple at Conrad Tokyo 10:50 Yokohama Landmark Tower (Observation Deck) 11:20 Red Brick Warehouse 12:15 Lunch 12:45 Yokohama Park (Japanese Garden) 13:00 Chinatown 13:15 Yamashita Park 14:00 See them off at JR Yokohama Station

    What Is a Private Yokohama Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America traveling in Japan. They had been to Japan many times, but it was their first visit to Yokohama. The guests were in good spirits, and the weather was pleasant with cool temperatures, so walking did not tire them at all. At the Red Brick Warehouse, they asked to take some time for shopping and purchased a few items. In our communications up to the previous day, the plan had been to have Japanese cuisine, and a restaurant had already been chosen, but on the day the guests said they would like to try casual ramen. The place we hurried to find and entered turned out to be a very popular local spot, and the ramen looked wonderful and tasted delicious, leaving them very satisfied. Finally, the guests said they would like to skip Osanbashi Pier, which had been planned as our last stop, as jet lag had not yet worn off and fatigue was setting in. We quickly saw them off to Yokohama Station, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKawasaki~Sakuragicho230JPY
    Section 2TrainNihon-odori~Yokohama230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Fukuoka in Half a Day: Moji West Coast Pier No. 6 & 14-25 Kokura

    Fukuoka in Half a Day: Moji West Coast Pier No. 6 & 14-25 Kokura

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Moji West Coast Pier No. 6
    • 11:05-11:20 Tour of Mojiko Station
    • 11:20-1145 Move to Tanga Market (JR + Monorail)
    • 11:45-12:30 Stroll around Tanga Market and lunch
    • 12:30-12:50 Walk to Kokura Castle Garden and shopping at Uomachi Ginten-gai
    • 12:50-13:20 Tea ceremony experience, garden stroll and exhibition hall tour
    • 13:20-13:30 Walk through the grounds of Yasaka Shrine to Kokura Castle
    • 13:30-14-25 Kokura Castle
    • 14:30-14:50- Rooftop Observation Room of Kitakyushu City Hall
    • Afterwards, walk to Kokura Station, and the tour ends after the guests board the train bound for Mojiko

    What Is a Private Kokura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tanga Market and Kokura Castle The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Japan, but they were very interested in Japanese culture and listened to my explanations with great enthusiasm. At Tanga Market, they took out sushi and other prepared dishes from a specialty tuna shop and enjoyed them in the plaza within the market. One of the guests also purchased and enjoyed a dry sake. When I explained a little about the sake-making process, they were very pleased. Afterwards, they wanted to buy walking shoes, and while heading to Kokura Castle, they found and purchased a favorite pair at Uomachi Shopping Arcade. For the tea ceremony experience, since we visited at a time that avoided group reservations, we had the place entirely to ourselves and experienced an authentic tea ceremony, which they seemed very satisfied with. At Kokura Castle, they enjoyed taking photos wearing kimono and sitting in a palanquin. Afterwards, the guests expressed a wish to visit the TOTO Museum, but unfortunately it was closed on Mondays.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMojiko~Kokura (Fukuoka Prefecture)340JPY
    Section 2OtherKokura~Tanga Market100JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hallo, my name is Chiharu Horigome. I am a national government-licensed guide interpreter. I was born in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and living in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. I lived for 42 years in Chiba City until April 2023, during that time I worked as a volunteer guide for Narita Airport transit tours. I studied chemistry at university and have over 20 years of experience as a chemical patent translator, so I can also assist with factory tours. My specialty is Japanese culture, especially the tea ceremony, which I have been familiar with since I was a child. In addition, I have a license for kimono dressing. I hope people from other countries feel authentic Japanese culture. I can also help them understand hot springs and sake, including chemical explanations. I am happy to assist you during our tour. If you have any questions about our tour, feel free to ask. I am glad to answer them to the best of my ability! I am looking forward to seeing you.

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
    • 2. 10:30 Tokyo Skytree
    • 3. 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch (Tai Shio Soba Toka Atre Ueno Branch)
    • 5. 14:00 Ueno Park
    • 6. 14:45 Tokyo National Museum
    • 7. 16:00 Dismissal Tokyo National Museum

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who had arrived in Japan the previous day and planned to join a group tour covering various parts of Japan (Tokyo, the Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, Kyoto, and more) for about two weeks starting the next day. Originally the plan had been for more of the party to attend, but another traveler's flight was cancelled, delaying their arrival, so they were unable to join. Since Asakusa and Meiji Shrine were included in the group tour itinerary, today I guided the guest to Tokyo Skytree, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, and the Tokyo National Museum. Although the weather was unfortunate with a light drizzle, the view from Skytree could still be enjoyed reasonably well. The guest had a strong interest in Japanese culture and history and asked many questions. At the Tokyo National Museum, the guest viewed the exhibits with great enthusiasm. At the end, I explained how to return to the hotel from the Tokyo National Museum, and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRyogoku~Oshiage330JPY
    Section 2SubwayOshiage~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Ueno180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
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    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
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    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

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  • Okinawa: Naminoue Shrine & Kokusai Shopping Street

    Okinawa: Naminoue Shrine & Kokusai Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 meet at the port
    • Walk 10 minutes
    • 9:40ー10:10 Naminoue Shrine
    • Naminouegu
    • Walk 10 minutes
    • 10:20-10:50 Taushimamaru Memorial Museum 500JPY
    • Walk 5 minutes
    • 10:55-11:30 Fukushuen Garden 200JPY
    • Walk 15 minutes
    • 11:53-12:13 Bus 346 8 stops away
    • Kencho Kitaguchi – Shurijo Koen Iriguchi
    • 260JPY
    • 12:13-13:25 Shurijo Castle 600JPY & Lunch 1000-1500JPY
    • Walk 10 minutes
    • 13:35-14:15 Tama-udun Royal Mausoleum 300JPY
    • Walk 10 minutes
    • 14:30-14:43 Bus 5 stops away
    • Yamakawa-Tembusu Mae
    • 260JPY
    • 14:43-15:30 Kokusai Shopping Street
    • End of Tour
    • Shuttle Bus 10 minutes to the Port
    • 240JPY

    What Is a Private One-Day World Heritage Tour of Okinawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Okinawa for a group visiting from North America. The weather was between 26°C and 30°C, clear and sunny, making it a perfect summer day very typical of Okinawa. The guests were all steady on their feet and had no trouble climbing stairs. There were questions throughout the day, including while traveling between sites, which gave me many opportunities to share the appeal of Okinawa and Japan. At the first stop, Naminoue Shrine, I was able to explain how to worship at shrines in Japan and the differences between shrines and temples. The guests were delighted to see three World Heritage sites: Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon, Tamaudun, and Shikinaen Garden. There were no injuries and no one became separated from the group, and the guiding duties were completed safely.

    Hello from Japan!
    I’m Yoshi, 55 years old, male.
    I was born in Tokyo and I’ve lived in Okinawa for over 30 years.
    I have been a language teacher, musician, interpreter, diving instructor, and tour guide for so many years.
    As an English guide, I enjoy visiting all the beautiful places in all over Japan, talking about Japan, also learning something new from you.
    I always learn something new every time I go on the tour.
    Not only I give you information of Japan, but at the same time, I can learn about Japan from your perspective.
    This is the joy I get when I go with you.
    I will try my best to make your tour a memorable one for you.
    Let’s start from here together to plan your tour.
    Please feel free to contact me anytime.

    Aug 14, 2024
    Shubha_I
    Great Okinawa intro
    Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best. Super accommodating and flexible.…