Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet guests at the ryokan → Move to Hakone-Yumoto Station 10:30~11:00 → Move to Gora Station 11:00~11:35 → Move to Sounzan Station 11:35~12:00 → Move to Owakudani by ropeway 12:00~12:30 → Explore Owakudani 12:30~13:00 → Move to Togendai 13:30 → Board the pirate ship 13:55 → Move to Motohakone Port by pirate ship 13:35~14:10 → Move to Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus 14:10~14:50 → Move to Odawara Station 14:50~15:15 → Disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. We first went to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then traveled via Gora Station to Sounzan Station. From there we took the Hakone Ropeway toward Owakudani. I explained that Owakudani was formed by the eruption of Mount Hakone about 3,000 years ago, and that sulfur and steam still rise from the ground there today. The guests got off at Owakudani, purchased the famous black eggs, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Because Owakudani was very crowded, we had to wait more than 30 minutes and could not board the intended pirate ship, so we took the next departure instead. Since the guests were scheduled to head to Kyoto by Shinkansen from Odawara Station at 18:00, we returned to the station from there and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassChuo-Rinkan~Hakone-Yumoto5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Ginza Mitsukoshi

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Ginza Mitsukoshi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 2025.10.5(Sun)
    • 10:15 AM Meet at Hotel
    • 11:00 AM Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 PM Shopping at Ginza Mitsukoshi
    • 12:30 PM Tour ends

    What Is a Private Tokyo Cruise Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, arriving in Japan on a cruise tour that had Tokyo as its final day. Originally the Meiji Shrine had been included in the plan, but since they had already seen many shrines in places such as Kyoto, they said it could be dropped. Because the Imperial Palace can only be seen in Tokyo, I guided them through the East Gardens. As they had some difficulty walking, I made sure to walk slowly and to rest on benches from time to time while guiding. The guests wanted to buy a kimono as a souvenir, so we went to a department store in Ginza, where they purchased a yukata. After that they appeared quite tired, and they said it would be fine to end the tour after two hours.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free Pass900~0900JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Start from hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 09:30-PM12:00 From Kazuemachi Chaya District to Higashi Chaya District, visit Shima and Kinpaku Sakuda
    • Transfer by bus to Omicho Market
    • PM 12:20-PM 13:30 Okonomiyaki lunch and shopping at a cutlery store
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 13:50-15:00 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Although we had been unable to make contact until the day itself, we confirmed their tour preferences on the day and carried out the tour. Despite the rain, the group moved at a very relaxed pace at the places they found interesting, so in the end they visited Kenrokuen Garden on their own. At all of the destinations, I gave explanations slowly in English, and one of the guests, who acted as tour leader, interpreted into Spanish, so everyone was able to enjoy the tour. For lunch, the guests asked for a place where local Japanese people go, unrelated to Kanazawa specifically, so I took them to an okonomiyaki restaurant, which they were delighted with.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Omotesando

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Omotesando

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:20 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Honganji Temple ~ Kabukiza Theatre
    • 10:50 Asakusa Stroll
    • 11:35 Lunch @ Gen Soba Shingari Asakusa Main Store
    • 12:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Omotesando
    • 15:20 Disband @ Hotel

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Visiting Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had been traveling for some time by cruise ship and were feeling a little tired. We held an orientation at the hotel and then set off. Since the Toyosu Market was closed today, Tsukiji was also less crowded, which actually worked in our favor. As always, visiting Hongwanji Temple during the monks' grand chanting is powerful and wonderful. Unusually for recent guests, the group really enjoyed the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa. Since one of the guests appeared tired and it turned out they had injured their foot before the trip, we took an early lunch as a chance to rest. Over lunch I offered advice on how to spend the remaining two days in Tokyo. They were pleased that Koishikawa Korakuen Garden was quiet and could be enjoyed calmly. At Meiji Shrine, I took photos for them at the well-known pair of camphor trees. The 20-minute overrun was due to the taxi called via a ride-hailing app being delayed in traffic on the way back to the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Suidobashi330JPY
    Section 3TrainSuidobashi~Harajuku180JPY
    Total730JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel, 10:00 Tokyo Tower,11:00 Imperial Palace, 12:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, 14:00 Asakusa & Lunch (Starbucks) 15:30 Hotel

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Today I conducted a tour designed to let them fully experience the appeal of Tokyo. We learned about history at traditional sites and visited popular spots. The guests were smiling throughout the day, and they shared that it had been "a more enjoyable day than we imagined." They especially seemed to appreciate Japan's attentive hospitality and beautiful scenery. They also enjoyed a bit of shopping, and we were able to complete the tour safely within the scheduled time. The guests told me, "We would love to introduce Tokyo to our friends as well."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi-itchome~Akabanebashi290JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibakoen~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayHibiya~Suidobashi180JPY
    Section 4SubwayIidabashi~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Tameike-Sanno210JPY
    Total1,150JPY

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

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

    Jun 11, 2026
    Melissa_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    All the hits in in six short hours in Tokyo
    Lots of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    lornew449
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    4 hour tour in Tokyo with Steve!
    Steve was a great tour…

    May 20, 2026
    KateGolo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour of Tokyo
    We had a wonderful tour of Tokyo, and…

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 AM Meet at Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi
    • 11:00 AM Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:00 PM Meiji Shrine
    • 1:00 PM Takeshita Street
    • 2:30 PM Disband at the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street The guests were visitors from North America. They had visited Japan multiple times before. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they enjoyed the lively atmosphere. Since they had eaten breakfast rather late and were not very hungry, they purchased some souvenirs. They bought a wooden keychain engraved with a name in kanji characters. As the rain grew heavier, we moved on to Meiji Shrine. They were captivated by its grand and sacred atmosphere. I also guided them along Takeshita Street, and due to time constraints, I saw them back to their Hotel. The day before, they had explored places such as Ueno Toshogu Shrine on their own, but they were pleased to say that having a guide provide detailed explanations made everything much easier to understand and appreciate.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free Pass900~0900JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Kobe Earthquake Memorial

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hakutsuru Sake Brewery & Kobe Earthquake Memorial

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Candeo Hotels Kobe Torroad
    • 10:45 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 12:00 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 14:00 @ Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 14:15 Disband @ Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sake, Herb Garden, and Earthquake Memorial The guests were a slightly older group visiting from North America, and at each spot they listened attentively to my explanations. They asked many questions and seemed particularly interested in sake, so at the sake brewery museum I received many questions about the sake production process. On those occasions they kindly taught me the correct English expressions, which was very useful and made for a meaningful experience. They also enjoyed a sake tasting and purchased souvenirs. At Nunobiki Herb Garden the sky was unfortunately cloudy, so we could not see the famous stunning views of the Kobe cityscape from either the ropeway or the mountaintop observation deck, which was very disappointing. However, the guests enjoyed sampling German beer and wine. Because our stays at the sake brewery museum and the herb garden ran somewhat long, at the final spot, the Earthquake Memorial Park, we parted ways once I had guided them to the site, for which I felt apologetic. I also presented some of the guests with handmade drawstring pouches made by my sister, which they were delighted to receive.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture, Hanshin Line)~Sannomiya200JPY
    Section 3SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Total610JPY

    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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
    • 11:00-11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00-13:00 Lunch (Tendan Saiin Branch)
    • 13:20-13:50 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:00-14:30 Nijo Castle
    • 15:00-15:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:45-16:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:30 Kyoto Station

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They traveled from their accommodation in Osaka, and we met on the Shinkansen platform at Kyoto Station. The itinerary was: Kyoto Station → Kinkaku-ji → lunch (a yakiniku restaurant) → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Nijo Castle → Fushimi Inari Taisha → Sanjusangendo → Kyoto Station. They enjoyed the scenery and atmosphere of each sightseeing spot, and it seemed that the thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha and the rows of Buddhist statues at Sanjusangendo left an especially strong impression. Since they requested yakiniku for lunch, I took them to a grilled meat restaurant. The style of grilling thinly sliced wagyu right in front of them seemed unusual, and they filmed it with great interest. On this day, just before we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Emperor and Empress stopped by the Omiya Palace within the Kyoto Imperial Park, and we encountered traffic restrictions. During the long wait at the traffic signals in the car, I had the opportunity to talk about the history of the Japanese Imperial family and the issue of imperial succession (the debate within Japan). Also, during the afternoon tour, the leadership election of a political party was underway, and while following the broadcast I explained the situation of party politics in Japan. In response, the guests spoke about the disruption to society and public services caused by political division in their home region. When the winning candidate's victory was decided, one of the guests said with a bit of excitement, "The glass ceiling should be broken!" — which was memorable.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel – 9:40 Tokyo Station – 10:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 11:50 Gotokuji Temple – 13:00 Lunch – 13:30 Meiji Shrine – 14:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 14:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – 15:15 Dismissal at Shibuya Station

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Covering the Imperial Palace, Gotokuji, and Hakone Planning? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a private full-day tour in Tokyo for guests from North America visiting Japan for the first time. The guests were traveling for about two weeks, including western Japan. The night before, they had enjoyed an omakase course at a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant, and they had also made a dinner reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza for that evening. After leaving the hotel, the guests tried an egg sandwich right away at a bakery in Shimbashi Station. After visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we reserved seats on the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone for Monday at Shinjuku Station on the way to Gotokuji Temple. The guests enjoyed the beckoning cats at Gotokuji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shinjuku350JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji~Sangubashi170JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    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…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Hiki Roadside Station & Hashigui-iwa Rocks

    Wakayama in One Day: Hiki Roadside Station & Hashigui-iwa Rocks

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30  Hiki Roadside Station 
    • 10:45 Takijiri-oji
    • 11:30 Fushiogami Entrance
    • 11:50 Fushiogami-oji
    • 12:15 Hongu Taisha
    • 12:30 Oyunohara
    • 13;15 Board the car and have a bento lunch inside
    • 14:10 Hayatama Taisha
    • 14:40 Daimon-zaka
    • 15:00 Seiganto-ji
    • 15:20 Nachi Taisha
    • 15:50 Three-storied Pagoda
    • 16:10 Nachi Falls
    • 16:30 Board the car from in front of the falls
    • 17:00 Hashigui-iwa Rocks
    • 18:00 Hiki Roadside Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I departed by taxi, boarding it from the office. The guests had rented a camper van, and after discussing where to park and changing plans several times, we arranged to meet at the Hiki roadside station. The guests were from Europe and mentioned that they regularly did trail running and similar activities. First, I gave an explanation at the Takijiri Kodokan and let them see the exhibits. We took photos in front of the stone monument and then went to Hongu by taxi. We moved to the Fushiogami entrance and began the walk from there. It was drizzling, but many people were walking. We arrived at Fushiogami-oji, where I gave an explanation, and then we took the taxi again to Hongu. We prayed at Hongu Taisha, moved to Oyunohara, and took photos with the great torii gate in the background. We picked up bento boxes and ate them on the way to Shingu. The guests asked me many questions, such as about the low water level of the Kumano River and the river boats. We arrived in Shingu, prayed at Hayatama Taisha, and then went to Nachi by taxi. Along the way the rain stopped and it cleared up a little, but when we arrived at Nachi it drizzled on and off again. At Nachi, the guests took many photos of the buildings of Seiganto-ji and the three-story pagoda. While one of the guests passed through the hollow trunk of the great camphor tree, another was recording a video. At the waterfall, the water volume was high and they were moved by its grandeur. We were running slightly behind schedule, but the driver adjusted things skillfully, so we were able to take photos at Hashigui-iwa as well. The guests listened with great interest. Because I had injured my leg last month and had only recently returned, my walking pace sometimes slowed, and I felt apologetic about that. The guests said they wanted to walk the Kumano Kodo and planned to walk the Nakahechi route on the following day and the day after. We arrived at the Hiki roadside station, said our goodbyes, and I ended the guiding there.

    Hello, my name is Kiyoko. I have been a local English guide since 2016. I have studied the history and folklore at a local guide club and have an experience of guiding guests from various countries. I am good at Takijiri Oji-Takahara Jinja, Hosshinmon Oji-Hongu Taisha and Daimonzaka-Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Nachi Fall. Besides Kumano, I can guide Koyasan, Okunoin, Kongobu-ji, Danjo Garan, Niutsuhime Jinja and Jison-in. I have been to Koyasan 30-40 times . My aim is sharing a great time with guests while guiding. See you in Kumano or in Koyasan.

    May 23, 2026
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