Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Ginkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Ginkakuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at the hotel
    • Pass through Kenninji Temple, Gion Komachi Street, etc., and explain about maiko, geiko, and more.
    • 8:30 Yasaka Shrine
    • Guide through the northern part of Gion, including Gion Kiridoshi, Tatsumi Bridge, Shirakawa Street, etc.
    • 9:50 Nijo Castle
    • 11:10 Nishiki Market
    • 11:45 Lunch at Nishiki Market
    • 13:00 Ginkakuji Temple
    • 14:00 Escort to Gion-Shijo Station near the hotel and end the guide

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since their hotel was located just south of Kennin-ji Temple, the tour began with a guided visit there, and they showed interest when I mentioned they could try a zazen meditation experience. I introduced the lives of the maiko and geiko of Gion. At Yasaka Shrine, they were delighted by the deities of beauty, wealth, and blades. At Nijo Castle, they marveled at the grandeur of the Ninomaru Palace! At Nishiki Market, we entered a food stall area and enjoyed sushi, tempura, raw oysters, gyoza, wagyu beef, and more. As they planned to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple the next day after seeing Ginkaku-ji Temple, I explained the contrast between the two sites, which they praised as easy to understand!

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2OtherNijojo-mae~Shijo220JPY
    Section 3OtherGion-Shijo~Demachiyanagi230JPY
    Section 4OtherDemachiyanagi~Gion-Shijo230JPY
    Total900JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet @ Blossom Hibiya
    • 2.9:20 @ Imperial Palace East Garden
    • 3.11:00 @ Tokyo Station
    • 4.11:10 @ Ueno Park
    • 5.12:10 Lunch @ Sushizanmai Ueno
    • 6.13:40 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 7.14:30 @ Shibuya
    • 8.15:00 Disband @ Blossom Hibiya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private History Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were very energetic and full of life. Since they were interested in history and wished to avoid crowded places, we first went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where they felt very relaxed. Afterward, we visited Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park, and as one of the guests enjoyed flowers, they also went into the dahlia garden. They loved sushi, so we enjoyed sushi at a sushi restaurant. As they were fans of a baseball team and there was a playoff game that day, they occasionally checked the results. They wanted to visit a shrine, so we went to Meiji Shrine, which they said was very beautiful. They wished to buy a kintsugi souvenir, so we went to a general goods store in Shibuya, purchased the souvenir, and returned to the Hotel. It was a very sunny day, and I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHibiya~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Harajuku210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Hibiya180JPY
    Total890JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:30 @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and around the castle tower 10:30-12:20・・Move to Nagoya Castle by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawa Garden and view the Tokugawa Garden (Japanese garden) 12:20-13:10・・Move to Tokugawa Garden by taxi
    • 4. Move to Oasis 21 and view the Oasis 21 shopping area and around the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER 13:10-13:50・・Move to Oasis 21 by taxi
    • 5. Return to Nagoya Port Garden Pier and disband 13:50-14:30・・Move to Nagoya Port by subway

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle and Tokugawaen The guests were friends visiting from Europe. Since one of the guests preferred a relaxed pace, we took things slowly and used elevators wherever possible to view each site comfortably. During this half-day tour, the guests enjoyed the grandeur of Nagoya Castle, the beauty of the Japanese garden at Tokugawaen, and the lively atmosphere of the Oasis 21 area in central Nagoya, appreciating the different atmosphere at each location. At Tokugawaen in particular, the guests enjoyed feeding the carp in the pond as well as the pigeons that gathered around. As the guests had experience keeping pigeons at home, they especially loved the relaxing time spent in the Japanese garden. This half-day private tour 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 1SubwayNagoya Port~Nagoya Castle270JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)~Nagoya Port270JPY
    Total540JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel – 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 13:10 Tsukiji Outer Market – 14:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple, dismissal

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They planned to travel elsewhere in Asia after two weeks in Japan before returning home. Having arrived the previous morning, they had visited Shinjuku Gyoen and the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building, but unfortunately were not able to see Mount Fuji, so they were hoping to catch a view of it from the Shinkansen two days later. After first visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where they purchased grilled wagyu beef skewers and were amazed by how delicious they were. They then enjoyed the view from the eighth floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Otemachi (Tokyo)320JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3BusTsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus~Ginza 4-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Total920JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 9:45 Shibamata, Taishakuten
    • 10:45 Snack (kusa dango) @ Takagiya Rouho
    • 11:40 Purchase Welcome Suica at Ueno Station
    • 12:00 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond
    • 13:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:40 Dismissal at Hotel Tokyo

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Including Shibamata, Ueno, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were staying at a hotel, but since only another hotel had been listed as the meeting point, they came there. At Shibamata Taishakuten, the guests took a close look at the intricate carvings surrounding the main hall and the Japanese garden, and were very impressed. In the Shibamata shopping street, I recommended kusa-dango, and the guests tried it. It was well received. Since they would need a Suica card going forward but had not been able to buy one at the airport, I guided them to purchase one at Ueno Station. It was surprisingly crowded, so it took some time. After visiting the temples and shrines in Ueno Park, the guests also spent time exploring the Imperial Palace East Gardens. On the way back, I escorted them to their accommodation. Regarding the meeting point, I felt that in principle it should be the guest's own accommodation, and that offering a choice among designated locations might be better avoided.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Shibamata420JPY
    Section 2TrainShibamata~Keisei-Ueno280JPY
    Section 3TrainYushima~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainTakebashi~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)10:40 Meet at the hotel, confirm today's itinerary, and take a taxi to Arashiyama
    • 2)11:35~12:30 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple), then walk to the restaurant
    • 3)12:40~13:30 Lunch, then take a taxi to Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4)13:50~14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple, then take a taxi to Gion
    • 5)14:50~15:20 Gion, then take a taxi to Kyoto Station
    • 6)15:40 Say goodbye at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report I exchanged several emails with the guests, and it was arranged that on the day I would pick them up at the hotel they had specified. However, the day before the tour, I received an email in which the guests seemed concerned about whether we would meet successfully, so I sent an email reassuring them that there was nothing to worry about. The meeting time was 10:30 am, and on the day I arrived at the hotel by 10:00 and emailed the guests to let them know I was already waiting at the hotel. Around 10:25, they replied that they had arrived at Kyoto Station and were now heading to the hotel. Around 10:40, they arrived at the hotel, and we confirmed the day's itinerary. One of the guests suggested going by taxi, so I asked the front desk to arrange a taxi, and we departed around 11:00. The group had traveled around various parts of Korea and Japan by cruise ship, and had come to Kyoto that day from Osaka Port. Since it was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto, I explained things about Kyoto during the ride. At Nonomiya Shrine, I guided them on how to worship at a shrine, and they made their visit. I also took photos of them at the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, and other spots, and they spent some time admiring the garden at Tenryu-ji, saying it was beautiful. Next, since there was a request for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant and we had lunch together. During lunch, after talking about family and other topics, they said they wanted to go to the next spots, Kinkaku-ji and Gion, but wondered what to do about Fushimi Inari. During the ride, I talked about Ninna-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji, and we headed to Kinkaku-ji. At Kinkaku-ji, they took many photos. As the sun came out and it got hotter, one of the guests seemed a little tired. After that, during the ride I talked about the geisha districts, maiko, and geiko, and we headed to Gion. I guided them along Hanamikoji and to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, took photos of them, and talked about the daily life of maiko. When the Gion visit ended, it was around 15:20. The next plan had been Fushimi Inari, but since one of the guests was tired and wanted to return to Kyoto Station, we returned to Kyoto Station. They planned to take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station and then take a taxi from Shin-Osaka back to Osaka Port, so I guided them to the Shinkansen ticket window, and since they said that was fine, we parted ways there.

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Kita-Aoyama 3-4-3 (Class Aoyama Apartment)
    • 09:25 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:15 Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 12:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:30 Disband @ teamLab Borderless (Kamiyacho)

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like Before Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to continue to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. At Shibuya, they were very interested in the lively atmosphere of the Scramble Crossing and took photos from the Starbucks in front of the intersection. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Sensoji Temple, they were fascinated by explanations of the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Based on the guests' request, I guided them to teamLab Borderless in Kamiyacho before we parted ways. Since I responded exactly as the guests had wished, I believe they were satisfied. This private one-day Tokyo tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), covered Shibuya, the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, and teamLab Borderless. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOmotesando~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Kamiyacho210JPY
    Total990JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia
    • 10:10 Nijo Castle
    • 12:10 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:40 Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 15:00 Lunch at Sushiro Gion Branch
    • 15:50 Gion Hanamikoji Street ~ Yasui Konpiragu Shrine ~ Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Koshin-do ~ Sannenzaka
    • 16:40 Disband at the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Title: What Can You See on a Second-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Today was the second day of a private tour in Kyoto for the guests. We first headed to Nijo Castle, which we had not been able to visit the day before due to lack of time, but it was very crowded. We ended up having quite an in-depth discussion about history. After that, while explaining the history, the guests enjoyed the beautiful garden of Ginkaku-ji. They were also amazed by the magnificent group of Buddhist statues at Sanjusangen-do. In order to fulfill their wish to try conveyor-belt sushi, lunch ended up being quite late, for which I felt apologetic. After a very late lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Gion, we walked the classic course of Hanamikoji, Yasui Konpiragu, Yasaka Pagoda, and Sannenzaka, but even in the evening it was extremely crowded. By the time we arrived at Kiyomizu-dera, our time was up, so the guests explored on their own. It was a wonderful and rewarding tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusHorikawa Marutamachi / Kyoto City Bus~Ginkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusGinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Demachiyanagi-ekimae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4OtherDemachiyanagi~Shichijo300JPY
    Section 5TrainShichijo~Gion-shijo180JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kitano Ijinkan & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kitano Ijinkan & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet @ Candeo Hotels Kobe Torroad
    • 10:15 @ Kitano Ijinkan (Moegi House, Weathercock House)
    • 12:15 @ Sorakuen Garden (entrance only)
    • 12:45 @ Nankinmachi
    • 13:15 @ Daimaru Department Store basement food floor
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Motomachi Station

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kitano and Kobe Port The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests had previously stayed in Tokyo for a few months during their student years and could hold a simple conversation in Japanese. The guests seemed to enjoy photography very much, frequently taking photos and videos not only at each spot but throughout the tour. In the Kitano Ijinkan district, we visited the "Moegi House" and the "Weathercock House," both of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties among the many former foreign residences, and the guests showed great interest. The next place we visited, "Sorakuen Garden," was unfortunately closed for the day. Although it is a spot not included in the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) list, I had guided them there at the guests' strong request, so I felt very sorry that I had failed to confirm its status in advance as a guide. As an alternative, I guided them to the "Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park" at Kobe Port and the basement food floor of the "Daimaru Department Store," which they were pleased with. I was also able to hear many fascinating stories about their home region, which made the experience very rewarding for me as a guide.

    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: Nishiki Market & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Nishiki Market & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet(@Kyoto Station)
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel(Subway; Kyoto→Karasuma Shijo)
    • 11:00-11:40 Stroll around Nishiki Market
    • 11:40-11:50 Travel(On foot; Nishiki Market→Pontocho)
    • 11:50-12:10 Stroll around Pontocho
    • 12:10-12:20 Travel(On foot; Pontocho→Restaurant/Chibo@Gion)
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch
    • 13:20-14:00 Stroll around Gion
    • 14:00-14:30 Travel(Keihan Train; Gion-Shijo→Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
    • 14:30-16:00 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 16:00-16:30 Travel(Subway; Nijojo-mae→Kyoto Station)
    • 16:30 I took them to the platform for Osaka direction at Kyoto Station and said goodbye there.

    What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nishiki Market, Gion, and Nijo Castle The guests were a group visiting from North America (most of them older travelers living in North America). The tour was originally scheduled to start at 10:00, but I could not meet the guests at 10:00, so we contacted each other via a messaging app and were finally able to meet 30 minutes later. Kyoto Station is very large, so I had specified the JR Central Ticket Gate, sent photos of the platform and the ticket gate, and contacted them again a few days in advance just to be sure, but they exited from a different ticket gate and we could not meet on time. Since I had confirmed in advance that the guests were using a messaging app, we stayed in touch through it and started the tour 30 minutes late. I took them to Nishiki Market, Pontocho, Gion (Tatsumi Bridge and Hanamikoji), and Nijo Castle. Some of the guests said they enjoyed Nishiki Market the most, while others said they liked Gion (Tatsumi Bridge) best. Tatsumi Bridge was more popular than Hanamikoji. Some of the guests said Nijo Castle was their favorite. In particular, some of the guests commented that they would have liked more time at Nishiki Market. At Kyoto Station, I guided them to the platform for trains heading toward Osaka, let them know the departure times of the Special Rapid Service train, and said goodbye.

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…