Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:55 Meet up @ Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:55 Stay @ Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 13:20 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 14:10 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 14:35 Stay @ Sensoji Temple
    • 8. 15:25 Disband @ Toei Subway Asakusa Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo During a Cruise Stop? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were in Japan on a cruise. Since they mentioned they only needed a transit pass for this single day, we purchased a one-day subway pass at Shinjuku Station, taking into account their return journey. At our first stop, Hamarikyu Gardens, the guests happened to run into acquaintances (possibly fellow passengers from the cruise) and enjoyed a lively conversation, so we ended up staying there a little longer than planned. Since I had heard they did not intend to have lunch, I wondered how much they would enjoy Tsukiji, but it turned out to be surprisingly well received. After finishing the tour of Sensoji Temple, we concluded the tour slightly behind the original schedule.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku～Shiodome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome～Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Kamakura Station >> 11:15-12:15 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine > Komachi Street (Hatsune Art Museum) > 13:04 Depart Enoden Kamakura Station >> 13:20-13:50 Kotokuin (Great Buddha) >> 14:00-14:50 Hasedera Temple >> 15:00 Guide ends at Sakanoshita Beach

    Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. Although the booking was originally for two people, in the end I attended one guest. The guest had a deep interest in history and religion, listening intently to the explanations at each site and asking many detailed questions (for example, the difference in enlightenment between Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism), so I was fully engaged in drawing on all of my knowledge throughout the tour. On this occasion, I guided the guest to an antique shop on Komachi Street that deals in items from the Edo to Meiji periods, where a genuine sword was brought out for the guest to touch (and photograph), which was greatly appreciated. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, we happened to encounter a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San, and we were able to share in that happiness. At the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple, the guest saw Japanese people lighting incense and praying, and I believe this gave a good understanding of how Shinto and Buddhism are woven into everyday life in Japan.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura～Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Sawa

    Hello, my name is Sawako. I grew up in Shizuoka, but I’ve been living in Kamakura for over 25 years, so it now feels like my second home.

    I’ve been working as a volunteer staff member for an English community newspaper in the Shonan area for 25 years, and as a volunteer tour guide in Kamakura for the past 6 years.

    Currently, I also work part-time as an English teacher for children and am studying the art of the tea ceremony.

    Kamakura is known as the home of the samurai and the birthplace of Zen, both of which have had a profound influence on Japanese culture and customs.

    If the weather allows, I’d be happy to guide you in a kimono, making your visit an even more memorable experience.

    I look forward to meeting you and sharing a delightful time together. Thank you!

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:30 Shibuya Station: Assistance with purchasing Welcome Suica at the Ekitabi Concierge.
    • 10:50 Faithful Dog Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:20 Starbucks Coffee WITH HARAJUKU
    • 13:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:30 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:10 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 16:00 Disband at Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had checked in the day before and planned to stay in Tokyo before returning home by cruise ship. Since they wished to visit many places on their own going forward, I offered several tips so they could use the trains without confusion. Some of the guests took a liking to the beautiful purple leather shoes and the various platform shoe designs on Takeshita Street, and planned to visit Harajuku again the next day. It was a very warm and friendly group, and they responded with smiles when I shared a cheerful comment during the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

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    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:20-11:00 Ijinkan-gai (Foreign Residences District)
    • 11:10-12:10 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30-13:50 Lunch
    • 14:10-14:50 Ikuta Shrine
    • 15::10-15:40 Port Tower
    • 15:45-16:10 Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In the foreign residences district, the guests visited two of the historic Western-style houses and then headed to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, where they enjoyed taking photos. Despite the hot day, they walked down on foot to the mid-point ropeway station. Since they wanted to try local food, we went to an izakaya-style lunch spot near Sannomiya, where they enjoyed sashimi, yakitori, edamame, tempura, and more, and they even treated me. At Ikuta Shrine, we walked all the way around and offered a prayer, and then we went to the Port Tower, but since it would take at least 30 minutes to go up to the top, we decided not to and returned to Nankinmachi by loop bus. We confirmed the location of the shuttle bus, and as the time was up, the tour ended.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSannomiya～Nankinmachi South800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Ofuna Station via Yokohama & Komachi Street

    Kanagawa in One Day: Ofuna Station via Yokohama & Komachi Street

    Yokohama & Kamakura in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Yokohama Shinko Terminal
    • 10:00 Head to Ofuna Station via Yokohama Station.
    • 10:40 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 11:30 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:30 Hokokuji Temple
    • 14:00 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 14:40 Komachi Street
    • 15:20 Tour ends at Yokohama Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kamakura Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived in Yokohama after a Pacific crossing by cruise ship and were scheduled to continue on another cruise around Southeast Asia the following day, so this Kamakura tour was fit into the time in between. Since they wanted to visit as many places as possible and were interested in trying new experiences, we traveled from Ofuna Station on the Shonan Monorail via Enoshima toward the Great Buddha. They already had some knowledge of Buddhism and Shinto, so I took the opportunity to explain their meanings, their influence on Japanese culture, and the differences in how prayers are offered. At Hasedera Temple, they were delighted by the unique beauty of the garden and took many photographs. We continued on to Hokokuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. They took a liking to the ema (votive wooden plaques) and bought several as souvenirs. Finally, we visited a mameshiba cafe on Komachi Street, where they enjoyed a form of entertainment that can only be experienced in Japan. At the end, since they wanted to do some shopping, we finished the tour at Yokohama Station.

    Click here for more details: Yokohama & Kamakura in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kagurazaka

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kagurazaka

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • Guide to the Love sculpture, Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla, 3D Cat, etc.
    • 10:45-11:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:45 Lunch at Yoyogi Station
    • 13:00 Shibuya Station: Hachiko, Scramble Crossing, fruit shop, souvenir shops
    • 14:00-15:00 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 15:10-15:40 Kagurazaka stroll
    • 16:10 Hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who planned to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo and around Mount Fuji before joining a cruise. Since they had no particular requests, I suggested a route that would minimize travel time, covering Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and we followed that course. As we had time to spare, we also included Shinjuku and Kagurazaka, which the guests seemed to enjoy. The guests were very interested in Japanese food, and for lunch at a sushi-style izakaya they had grilled fish. The weather held up nicely, which was fortunate. The guests were looking for souvenirs for their grandchildren; there were many character goods options suited to one of them, but they were not able to find a suitable souvenir for the other.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae～Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya～Iidabashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassIidabashi～Tochomae0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by Maki

    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!

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    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…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.09:00 Meeting point: Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi
    • 2.09:30 Sorakuen Garden
    • 3.10:40 Kitano Ijinkan Street
    • 4.12:30 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 5.14:00 Dismissal: Aji no Norengai (Sannomiya)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sorakuen, Kitano Ijinkan, and a Sake Brewery Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met at a hotel in the Motomachi area of Kobe, then visited Sorakuen Garden, the Kitano Ijinkan foreigners' residence district, and the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, before I guided them to a restaurant near Sannomiya Station to end the tour. Despite it being October, it was a hot day and the walking distance was considerable. We took several short breaks, and the guests did their best to keep walking, enjoying the tour at each destination. We spent especially long at the sake brewery museum we visited last, but the guests were very pleased with it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKenchomae (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe110JPY
    Section 2TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)～Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture / Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture / Hanshin Line)～Kobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)200JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 10:00 Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 11:00 Hamarikyu
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba
    • 13:00 Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 14:00 Ueno – Saigo Takamori Statue, Kiyomizu Kannondo, Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ Ueno Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Asakusa, and Ueno I guided a group visiting from North America. Since they were coming into central Tokyo on their own from a ship docked in Yokohama, we arranged to meet at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. I arrived early and waited, checking in along the way to confirm the situation, and they eventually arrived about 20 minutes late. They were very energetic and pleasant, and responded well to everything at Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Asakusa, and Ueno. The bush clover and yellow cosmos at Hamarikyu were beautiful. At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple they bought a gashapon keychain, and at Tsukiji they purchased pears I recommended along with chopstick rests. Since they wanted ramen for lunch, I took them to a ramen shop, and they were delighted, saying it was very delicious. Ueno Toshogu Shrine was holding a dahlia exhibition, and as they love flowers, they viewed it on their own. It was before the scheduled end time, so I considered taking them to Ameyoko, but they said they had enjoyed the day fully and, since they would be touring with me again the next day, would head back. I explained how to return to the ship, and the tour concluded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet the guest at the hotel
    • 2. 9:30: Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 10:30: Guide to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4. 12:00: Guide around the Gion area
    • 5. 13:00: Guide to Kyoto Handicraft Center
    • 6. 14:00: Dismissal @ hotel

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had already seen more than enough shrines and temples in Tokyo, so they hoped that today's tour would avoid shrines and temples as much as possible and show them a different side of Kyoto. However, I suggested that we visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, the two most popular sights in Kyoto, and then explore the Gion area, and we started the tour on that basis. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, I explained Shinto, the fox symbolism, and the Senbon Torii, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much, taking many photos. We then moved from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera. The guests enjoyed the view from Kiyomizu-dera, but by the time we reached Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannen-zaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda, they naturally began to feel tired. After Gion, they wished to buy souvenirs, so they asked me to guide them to a place where they could purchase refined, high-quality souvenirs, and I took them to the Kyoto Handicraft Center. However, they could not find anything they liked and only purchased a few hair clips. They also asked me to find a laundry service near the Hotel, but I could not find any shop in the area around the Hotel that could return the laundry the same day, so I regretfully explained the situation and they kindly understood.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

    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.

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    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…

  • Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:15 at Mount Rokko
    • 12:30 at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 13:45 at Kobe Harborland, Kobe Port Tower
    • 14:15 at Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 15:15 Disband at Kobe Port Terminal

    Can You Do a Private Kobe Day Tour Visiting Mount Rokko, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Nankinmachi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because of some difficulty with stairs, we moved at a slow pace throughout the day. Mount Rokko is usually accessed by cable car, but I explained that this would be difficult for the group and arranged a private vehicle to reach the summit instead. Everyone seemed very satisfied with the panoramic view of the Kobe cityscape from the observation deck at the summit. Afterward, at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, I believe the group thoroughly enjoyed the full view of the Seto Inland Sea and Awaji Island. They also purchased "Akashi octopus" as a souvenir. At Kobe Harborland, they saw the official standing statue of "Elvis Presley," said to be one of only three in the world. The Port Tower was viewed only from the outside. At the final spot, Nankinmachi, they enjoyed authentic "Kobe beef" and steamed pork buns. They also wished to buy Japanese sake as a souvenir, so I guided them to a nearby liquor store. With about 15 minutes remaining, the group was somewhat tired, so we parted ways at the cruise ship terminal. Today's driver was also courteous in both service and driving. Some of the guests found communication in English somewhat difficult, so the guide's explanations were interpreted into Spanish by one of the group.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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