Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 9:00-Miho no Matsubara-Tea Hall 11:30~Yume Terrace 12:30-Kashi no Ichi 14:00-Jirocho's Birthplace 14:30-Port 15:00

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour from Shimizu Port to Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira? A Licensed Guide's Report We met successfully at the port and headed to Miho no Matsubara. From the rooftop of Mihoshirube, Mount Fuji was clearly visible, and we walked down to the coast. Along the way, the guests listened attentively to the stories of the Hagoromo Pine, the monument of Hélène, and Haguruma Shrine. Mount Fuji was beautifully visible from the seaside as well, which made the visit truly worthwhile. After that, we headed to Nihondaira. At the tea hall, the guests were impressed to see tea leaves for the first time, and we could see Mount Fuji and a cruise ship below while enjoying delicious tea. We then went to the Yume Terrace, which was closed following the Silver Week holidays, but since we were able to go up to the corridor, we could fully enjoy the scenery below. We then enjoyed the much-anticipated seafood at the Kashi no Ichi market, stopped by the birthplace of Jirocho near the port, and returned to the port. A notable stop on the tour was Miho no Matsubara, a scenic pine grove along the coast of Shizuoka and part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site. It is famous for its black pine trees stretching along the shoreline and its spectacular views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay. The area is also associated with the Hagoromo legend, a well-known Japanese folktale about a celestial maiden who left her feathered robe on a pine tree, which continues to draw visitors interested in both the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of the site.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHatoba Fürkehr Museum/Shizutetsu Just Line~Miho Matsubara Entrance/Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 2BusMiho Matsubara Entrance/Shizutetsu Just Line~Shimizu Station/Shizutetsu Just Line440JPY
    Section 3TrainShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Higashi-Shizuoka200JPY
    Section 4BusHigashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit/Shizutetsu Just Line~Nihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance/Shizutetsu Just Line550JPY
    Section 5BusNihondaira Yume Terrace Entrance/Shizutetsu Just Line~Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit/Shizutetsu Just Line550JPY
    Section 6TrainHigashi-Shizuoka~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 7BusShimizu Station/Shizutetsu Just Line~Minatobashi/Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Total2,480JPY

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Tokyo: Rinno-ji Temple & Kirifuri-no-taki

    Tokyo: Rinno-ji Temple & Kirifuri-no-taki

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 meet at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 10:45 1 Rinno-ji Temple
    • 11:30 2 Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine
    • 13:00 3 Kirifuri-no-taki
    • 14:00 Lunch@Asahi-ya Japanese buckwheat noodle
    • 17:30 see of at the Prince

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip to Nikko Like by Limited Express Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. Their visit was to mark a special occasion for the family. During the limited express train ride, we discussed the itinerary and revised the latter half of the original plan, as the guests wished to visit Kirifuri Falls. On the train, I also gave a brief explanation about Toshogu Shrine and Tokugawa Ieyasu using visual materials. For all transportation within Nikko, the guests used taxis and Uber. At Rinnoji Temple and Toshogu Shrine, as planned, one of the guests listened attentively to the explanations and read the information carefully. At the shrine office, the guests enjoyed themselves and happily chose some amulets. A notable stop on the tour was Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Toshogu Shrine is a lavishly decorated Shinto shrine that enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, who unified Japan in the early 17th century. The shrine complex is renowned for its ornate carvings, including the famous "three wise monkeys" and the sleeping cat (Nemuri-neko), and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set amid towering cedar trees, the shrine blends elaborate craftsmanship with a serene mountain setting, making it one of the most important and visually striking cultural landmarks in the Nikko area.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2OtherAsakusa~Tobu-Nikko3,050JPY
    Section 3OtherTobu-Nikko~Asakusa3,050JPY
    Total6,310JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Station & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Guide arrives at hotel lobby
    • 9:00 Meet customer at hotel lobby
    • 9:20 After meeting with customer, depart hotel and head to Tochomae Station on foot
    • 9:35 Depart Tochomae Station, take the subway Oedo Line via Daimon Station, then the subway Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station
    • 10:16 Arrive at Asakusa Station, head to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center on foot
    • 10:20〜10:30 Guide through the 8F observation deck of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 10:30〜11:40 Guide through Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street
    • ※Guide through Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Hozomon Gate, Five-Story Pagoda, Giant Straw Sandal, Omikuji (fortune slips), Incense Burner, Temizuya (purification fountain), Main Hall, Asakusa Shrine,
    • and a matcha ice cream shop
    • 11:44 Depart Asakusa Station, take the subway Ginza Line to Shibuya Station
    • 12:18 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • 12:20 〜12:45 Guide through Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko
    • 12:50〜13:50 Lunch at Shibuya Hikarie
    • 14:04 Depart Shibuya Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station
    • 14:06 Arrive at Harajuku Station, head to Meiji Jingu Shrine on foot
    • 14:10〜14:35 Guide through Meiji Jingu Shrine's First Torii, Sake Barrels, and Second Torii
    • 14:35 Depart Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 14:40 Guide through the Omotesando entrance and the Harajuku Takeshita Street entrance
    • 14:46 Depart Harajuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line via Yoyogi Station, then the subway Oedo Line to Tochomae Station
    • 15:01 Arrive at Tochomae Station, head to the hotel on foot
    • 15:05 Arrive at hotel lobby, greet customer and finish work

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour of Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests, who had arrived in Japan from North America the day before, thoroughly enjoyed today's tour. It rained from the morning, but at the Nakamise shopping street near Senso-ji Temple the guests purchased T-shirts as souvenirs, and they took many photos at various spots in Senso-ji, Shibuya, and Harajuku. We visited Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Meiji Shrine, and the guests learned about the differences between temples and shrines, the proper way to worship at each, and how to pass through a torii gate. Since the guests and I were around the same stage of life, we were able to talk about a wide range of topics during the tour — not only the climate, food, and family, but also economics, social security, health insurance, life insurance, and hobbies — and I enjoyed it very much myself. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Set within a vast forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, the shrine offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Visitors often pass beneath its large wooden torii gates and may witness traditional ceremonies, making it a meaningful place to experience Japanese spiritual culture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Tochomae340JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4900 tourists from 54 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Sep 29, 2026
    jeffbM3390PI
    Nuobo was awesome as our Tokyo tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Jeff…

    Sep 25, 2026
    skipcooney
    Customized private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Nobby was very flexible…

    Sep 22, 2026
    duncans746
    Great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Nobuo was fantastic, very knowledgeable and shaped…

    Sep 13, 2026
    Culture25230012656
    Very knowledgeable
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    I enjoy every step of the tour.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ginkakuji & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Ginkakuji & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 09:20 Ginkakuji (1000) by taxi
    • 10:40 Fushimiinari (0) by taxi
    • 12:00 SagaArashiyama Station by JR train
    • 12:30 Adashinonenbutsuji by taxi
    • Lunch(Sabo Sagano)
    • 14:00 Okochisanso (1000) by walking
    • Bamboo Path by walking
    • 15:00 Nishiki Market by taxi
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who grow corn and pumpkins in their home region. It rained all day today. However, since there was no wind, we did not get very wet and were able to enjoy the tour. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, the moss wet with rain was beautiful. The guests love sweets, so they were delighted to have pancakes for lunch and coffee jelly for dessert. At a bamboo goods shop, they happily purchased a folding fan set with a cherry blossom pattern (including a fabric fan case and a paulownia box). I also recommended a popular shop for pancakes and donuts. A notable stop on the tour was Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Located in the Sagano area of western Kyoto, this temple is known for the thousands of stone statues gathered on its grounds, which memorialize the souls of the departed. The site has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, and its moss-covered stones and surrounding bamboo groves are especially atmospheric when wet with rain. It is a place with deep historical and spiritual significance, offering visitors a peaceful contrast to the busier areas of Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total240JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet guest at hotel
    • 11:15 Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Five-story Pagoda, Main Hall, Lunch
    • 13:30 Shibuya Station, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 14:20 Meiji Shrine, South Gate Torii, Sake Barrels, Grand Torii Gate, Main Shrine, Forest Cafe
    • 17:00 Part with guest at hotel, Tour ends

    Title: What Does a Private Full-Day Tour of Asakusa, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were senior visitors from North America. We began by assisting with the purchase of PASMO cards at the station. While taking the train to Shibuya Station and then the subway to Asakusa Station, I explained an overview of Japanese history, the differences between shrines and temples, and about Senso-ji Temple. In Asakusa, as we walked from the Kaminarimon Gate through the Nakamise shopping street, the guests enjoyed kinako dango, bought souvenirs, and drew omikuji fortunes, seeming to enjoy the stroll despite the rain. After praying at the main hall, we walked along the covered west approach and the Shin-Nakamise shopping street, then had lunch at a ramen restaurant, which was very well received. We moved by subway to Shibuya Station, took photos in front of the Hachiko statue, and after some shopping, continued by train to Meiji Shrine. Walking from the torii gate at the south entrance along the approach to the main hall, we offered our prayers, then took a break at the forest cafe within the grounds. Perhaps tired from walking all day in the rain, the guests expressed a wish to end the tour, so we took the subway and I saw them off at the Hotel, concluding the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai~Shibuya510JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Minatomirai690JPY
    Total1,880JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @ The Westin Tokyo
    • 2.10:20 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 3.11:20 @ Shibuya Scramble
    • 4.12:00 @ Zojoji Temple
    • 5.13:00 @ Tsukiji Market
    • 6.13:30 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Food Court
    • 7.14:30 @ Ginza
    • 8.16:00 Disband @ The Westin Tokyo

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Tsukiji The guests were longtime friends who now live in different places and had arrived in Japan the previous day. We first visited Meiji Shrine, where they remarked that the natural surroundings were truly wonderful. We then headed to Shibuya and experienced the famous Shibuya Crossing. Next, we went to Zojoji Temple, where we took photos with the main hall and Tokyo Tower in the background. After that, we visited the Tsukiji Outer Market, where the guests enjoyed seeing a wide variety of ingredients. For lunch at the food court, they savored tempura and soba, and some also enjoyed king crab. Finally, we went to Ginza, visiting the gourmet basement floor of a department store and a car showroom before returning to the hotel. Although it was raining, the driver handled everything very smoothly, so I was glad we were able to finish the tour without any trouble. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, it is set within a vast forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a peaceful green sanctuary in the heart of the city. The shrine is one of the most visited in Japan, especially during the New Year period, and offers visitors a tranquil contrast to the busy urban districts nearby.

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel. 9:24 By bus to Sounzan. By ropeway to Owakudani. 10:15 By ropeway to Togendai. 10:45 Pirate ship. 11:25 Motohakone Port.
    • After strolling along Lake Ashi, by bus to Hakone Checkpoint, Maruyama Bussan, lunch at Donburi Chaya, Hakone Checkpoint, Cedar Avenue, then from in front of Hakone Branch Office, 13:57 by bus getting off at Yunessun. Accompany to the hotel front desk and disband at 14:30

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for a trip. Their cheerfulness brightened the poor weather, which was a relief for me as well. There were few tourists, so the ropeway was essentially private. At Owakudani, visibility was poor due to thick fog, but everyone enjoyed the black eggs. The pirate ship was unusually quiet, so the guests could relax comfortably. At a local products shop, they were not familiar with the marquetry (yosegi-zaiku) woodwork, so their reaction was all the greater, and they enjoyed the presentation with cheers of delight. They bought a secret puzzle box as a souvenir. At a soba restaurant, they finished their soba completely, and they enjoyed my stories about kanji. At the checkpoint and the cedar avenue, the rain actually added to the atmosphere, and they were able to reflect on old Japan. A notable stop on the tour was Owakudani in Hakone. Owakudani is a volcanic valley created by the eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago, and it is known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. One of its most famous attractions is the black eggs (kuro-tamago), which are boiled in the naturally hot spring waters, turning their shells black, and are said to add years to one's life when eaten. On clear days, the area also offers views of Mount Fuji, making it one of Hakone's most popular sightseeing spots.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Section 2BusKowakien / Izuhakone Bus~Sounzan Station Entrance / Izuhakone Bus270JPY
    Section 3BusMotohakone / Izuhakone Bus~Hakone Checkpoint Site / Izuhakone Bus220JPY
    Total6,490JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Pokemon Center

    Hiroshima in One Day: Pokemon Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:00 Peace Park monument tour, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 14:00 Pokemon Center
    • 14:40 Miyajima, Great Torii Gate, shopping
    • 17:30 Tour ends at Hiroshima Station

    What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania. At the Peace Memorial Museum, some of the guests read aloud the explanations of most of the exhibits that came into view, and they seemed very keen on learning. The guests also showed a strong interest in the atomic bombing, and I received several questions, which was educational for me as well. At Miyajima, it happened to be low tide, so the guests took off their shoes near the base of the torii gate, walked along the shallows, and relaxed. I was glad to see that they were enjoying themselves. A notable stop on the tour was Miyajima. Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate, which appears to stand on the water at high tide. The shrine, with its structures built over the sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At low tide, visitors can walk out across the sand to the base of the great torii gate up close. The island is also home to friendly wild deer and offers scenic views from Mount Misen, making it one of the most beloved destinations in the region.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Atomic Bomb Dome Front240JPY
    Section 2TrainAtomic Bomb Dome Front~Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Hello everyone, and welcome! My name is Yassy, and I will be your guide today.
    Thank you very much for joining this tour. I’m truely delighted to spend this time with you.
    We will explore some wonderful places and experience the culture, history and atmosphere of this area.
    Each place we visit has its own uniquie story, and I will do my best to share those stories with you in a clear and engaging way.
    As a local guide, I hope to introduce not only well-known attractions but also small details, local perspectives, and everyday life in Japan.
    I belive these little insights can make your experience even more special and memorable.
    My goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful experience for each of you.
    Let’s relax, have fun, and make great memories together!!

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Gather at guest accommodation
    • 9:00 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka ~ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:30 Lunch at Higaki, Nakadachiuri Gate, Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
    • 12:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:10 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:05 Tour ends at Kinkaku-ji entrance
    • 15:35 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from Europe. They had already visited Hiroshima, Himeji, and Kinosaki. They came because they had heard from someone who had been to Japan before and spoke highly of it. It was rainy all day, but the guests were very positive, and I think they thoroughly enjoyed every place we visited. Thanks to the rain, there were actually fewer people, so we were able to take our time and enjoy the sights. It was nice that it was not crowded when we walked from Yasaka Pagoda through Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was also uncrowded, so we could enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Kinkaku-ji did not have its usual crowds either, and the guests gazed slowly at the beautiful Golden Pavilion. I believe they were very pleased. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Kinkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a temple according to his wishes. The pavilion is set beside a reflective pond and surrounded by a carefully designed strolling garden, making it one of the most iconic and photographed sites in all of Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2OtherGojozaka / Kyoto City Bus~Saibansho-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3SubwayImadegawa~Kitaoji220JPY
    Section 4BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial & High-speed boat to Ujina Port

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial & High-speed boat to Ujina Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the cruise terminal
    • 9:40-10:00 Travel by taxi to the Peace Memorial Park
    • 10:00-11:35 Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, Children's Peace Monument, Cenotaph, Museum)
    • 11:45-12:40 Travel to Miyajimaguchi by streetcar
    • 13:00-15:45 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, Omotesando)
    • 16:00-16:25 High-speed boat to Ujina Port
    • 16:50 Disband at the cruise terminal

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima Tour from a Cruise Terminal Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America as cruise passengers. On the day of the tour it was raining, and because the large cruise ship carried many passengers, it was difficult to find a taxi at the cruise terminal, which caused some inconvenience to the guests. Around 1:00 p.m. there was heavy rain in Miyajima, so we entered Itsukushima Shrine earlier than usual. Afterward the rain eased, and the guests enjoyed visiting Daisho-in Temple and strolling along the main approach while sampling food. The conversation with the guests was very enjoyable, and although they had many questions, I believe I was able to answer them appropriately. A notable stop on the tour was Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide. The shrine, dedicated to three sea deities, dates back centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its elegant architecture, built over the sea on stilts, reflects the classic Shinden style and makes it one of Japan's most celebrated scenic views.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAtomic Bomb Dome~Miyajimaguchi240JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Ujina2,500JPY
    Total2,740JPY

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

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

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

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

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