Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:10 Meet up @Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi
    • 2: 8:35 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3.10:15 @Sanjusangendo
    • 4.11:45 Lunch @Kiyomizu-michi "Kuroge Wagyu Nesshinya"
    • 5.12:10 @Sannenzaka
    • 6.12:35 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 7.14:10 Disband @Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Yasaka Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They wished to see Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and Yasaka Shrine, and if time allowed, Sanjusangen-do. Although I had sent an email the day before to remind them of the meeting hotel name and time, they did not appear at the appointed hour, so I checked with the front desk, only to be told that no guest under that name was staying there. When I looked at my smartphone, there was an email from the guests saying they were "now in the lobby," with an attached photo of a card showing the hotel name. It turned out the hotel name was not the one provided by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), but a different hotel. I asked the guests to wait and hurried over there, though the tour started a little late. Also, when the guests tried to pay the city bus fare with Suica upon getting off, it seemed the train fare payment from the previous day in Hiroshima had not been completed, so the driver pointed it out and they had to pay in cash on the spot. Because of this, at the end of the tour we went together to the JR ticket gate and asked a station staff member to complete the payment processing for the Hiroshima portion. From tomorrow, they should be able to use their Suica again. For lunch, they enjoyed wagyu rice burgers at a restaurant along Kiyomizu-michi, and they were satisfied with all three sightseeing spots.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3TrainKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Total530JPY

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tokyo: East Gardens & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo: East Gardens & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Departure: Hotel
    • End: Around4:30　PM (Korakuen Station area)
    • 09:30 Depart the hotel
    • 1. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (about 1.5 hours)
    • 10:00 Explore the East Gardens
    • 2. Tokyo National Museum (about 1.5 hours)
    • 11:30 Explore Tokyo National Museum
    • 3. Lunch Break (about 40 minutes)
    • 01:00–01:40 Relax at a restaurant
    • 4. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (about 1h 20m)
    • 02:30 Explore Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 04:30 End of tour at Korakuen Station area and guided to the hotel back.

    Can You Adjust a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The night before the tour, the guests suddenly contacted me to say that their planned hotel had not actually been reserved, so they had moved to a different hotel. I was glad I had confirmed with them via a messaging app the night before. On the day, I went to the hotel a little earlier than planned. The guests were waiting in the lobby. Because the rain was heavy, we decided to skip Rikugien, which we had originally planned, and instead visit the National Museum. The guests were pleased with this quick adjustment. Both were interested in Japanese history, painting, and religion, and were very satisfied. As the rain eased, we went to Korakuen Garden. They were delighted, saying they loved Japanese gardens. In the end, they thanked me warmly.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Suidobashi170JPY
    Total530JPY

    Tour Report by Mitch

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

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    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Ueno Station

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Ueno Station

    Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel, Tokyo
    • 10:10 Hotel
    • (On foot)
    • 10:20 JR Shinjuku Station Station Travel Concierge
    • 10:40 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive at Tawaramachi Station
    • Tawaramachi Kappabashi Kitchenware Town
    • 12:00 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 12:45 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • 13:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Shinjuku Station
    • 14:00 Disband: Shinjuku Station

    Private Tokyo Walking Tour Report: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You in Kappabashi, Asakusa, and Ueno? The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Both were on their first trip to Japan. One of the guests is a big fan of American Major League Baseball and kept checking the postseason developments throughout the tour. The night before, they arrived at Haneda Airport via Istanbul and took a taxi to their accommodation. They had arrived at Haneda Airport a couple of days earlier, taking a taxi to the Hotel, and the previous day they had explored the Shinjuku area. This time, the guests were staying in Japan for an extended period. After spending several days in Tokyo, they planned to join a group tour visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and other destinations, then return to Tokyo before heading home. One of the guests is very fond of kitchen knives, and today's tour was a gift from within the group. They also expressed a wish to learn how to use public transportation in Tokyo. The tour took place in light rain and rather chilly weather. Since the guests first wanted to purchase a Welcome Suica card, we went to the "Ekitabi Concierge" at Shinjuku Station. After completing the procedure, we first headed to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. The guests strolled slowly, curiously examining each shop one by one. As expected, they were especially fond of the kitchen knives, entering about five shops to check the products. In the end, they purchased a knife they liked. One guest commented, "This is a street for restaurant owners." We then moved on to Asakusa. Despite the rain, it was very crowded. Starting from the front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various other spots, and strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are Japan's main religions?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" "What other religions do people believe in besides Buddhism?" and "Are there any Catholics in Japan?" We moved on to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. There was also a question about the izakaya that were already open with customers inside: "What kind of places are these?" One comment was simply, "There are so many people." There were also comments and questions such as "Japanese people are all quiet and polite," "The subway cars are quiet, unlike New York," "The city is so clean, with no litter anywhere," and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" Since the guests said, "We're not used to the subway yet" and "We'd like to return to the Hotel once," I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)～Tawaramachi (Tokyo)260JPY
    Section 2TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4OtherUeno～Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)260JPY
    Total880JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 14:00 Gotokuji Temple
    • 5. 14:30 Lunch (Denny's Gotokuji Branch)
    • 6. 15:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing / Hachiko Statue)
    • 7. 16:00 Disband at JR Shinjuku Station

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Covering Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Gotokuji, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time and having arrived the day before. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to Kyoto, Osaka, and other destinations, for a stay of around ten days in total. I guided them around Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Gotokuji Temple, and Shibuya. I had provided information about the Welcome Suica in advance, but one of the guests had not yet installed it on their iPhone. We tried to install it after meeting up, but it did not work out, so that person purchased a Toei/Metro one-day pass and we began the tour. One of the guests found it difficult to walk for long periods and needed to rest along the way, so at the Imperial Palace East Gardens I had them sit and wait near the Hundred Guards' Station while I walked the Ninomaru Garden with the other guest and returned. At Gotokuji, since the temple office where you can buy the beckoning cats closes at 15:00, I explained the situation and postponed lunch to visit Gotokuji first. We were able to purchase the beckoning cats without any trouble. Normally I walk to Gotokuji from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line, but to shorten the walking distance, this time we used the Tokyu Setagaya Line from Gotokuji Station. At the end, we went to the moving walkway at the West Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, where I explained how to get back to their hotel, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Asakusa330JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Miyanosaka540JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyanosaka～Yamashita (Tokyo)160JPY
    Section 5TrainGotokuji～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Shinjuku170JPY
    Total1,640JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 3. 12:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 4. 12:40 Lunch at Mendokoro Shinobu
    • 5. 14:00 Shibamata (Taishakuten, Yamamoto-tei)
    • 6. 15:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Tobu Railway Asakusa Station)
    • 7. 16:10 Disband at Nihombashi Station

    What's a Private Walking Tour of East Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza The guest was a first-time visitor to Japan from North America, planning to stay in Tokyo for a while. Since there was plenty of time, I suggested focusing on one area for the day, and as the guest wished to visit Nezu Shrine, I guided them mainly around the eastern part of Tokyo. The weather was unfortunately unsettled, with rain on and off, but the guest listened to my explanations with a constant smile and was very easy to accompany. For lunch, we stopped at a noodle restaurant on the way from Nezu Shrine to Yanaka Ginza, which the guest greatly enjoyed. The guest also wanted to visit Nikko on Saturday, so I advised that it would be best to purchase reserved seat tickets in advance and helped with the purchase. The guest had assumed the tickets could be easily bought on the day and expressed gratitude for the help. Overall, I believe the guest was very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Nezu180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori～Shibamata280JPY
    Section 4TrainShibamata～Asakusa380JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Nihombashi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: JR Kyoto Station gathering & Chion-in

    Kyoto in Half a Day: JR Kyoto Station gathering & Chion-in

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 JR Kyoto Station gathering
    • 12:20~13:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:10~14:50 Shoren-in Monzeki
    • 15:00~15:30 Chion-in
    • 15:40~16:30 Maruyama Park – Gion Kaikan – Hanamikoji – JR Kyoto Station　　dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from a Cruise Ship in Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan for the first time from Europe as part of a cruise voyage, arriving at Kyoto Station by Shinkansen from Osaka Port, where the tour began. At Fushimi Inari, the weather was fine, and the guests marveled at the beautiful scenery of the vermilion main hall and torii gates against the backdrop of Mount Inari, taking many photographs. At Shoren-in Monzeki, with few other visitors, the guests enjoyed a sense of tranquility while viewing the garden in the quiet surroundings, repeatedly saying "peaceful" and taking photographs. At Chion-in, the guests were amazed by the massive wooden architecture of the main gate and the Miedo hall. We then walked through Maruyama Park and Gion, and parted ways at Kyoto Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo Keihan240JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Shijo Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station)／Kyoto City Bus170JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo (Kyoto City)～Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:20 Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata
    • 15:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 17:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 18:40 Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on a trip to Japan. I picked them up at a kimono rental shop and we headed to Arashiyama. On the train, we were able to have a pleasant conversation, even including other passengers. In Arashiyama, they found the bamboo grove beautiful and took many photos. At Nonomiya Shrine, they listened carefully to explanations about the proper manners for visiting a shrine. At Tenryu-ji, we only saw the entrance and did not go inside. They enjoyed the scenery around Togetsukyo Bridge and looked at souvenir shops on the way to the station. At Fushimi Inari as well, they walked only through the entrance of the Senbon Torii, and seemed more interested in architectural structures such as the main gate. They drew an omikuji fortune, so I translated it for them. It had already gotten dark, so we headed to Kyoto Station, where I explained the platforms for their train the next day. The guests were staying at a hotel near Kyoto Station, but we parted ways at Kyoto Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by Hiromi

    I would like to show you Japanese old temples, shrines and castles. Kansai area that covers Kyoto, Nara and Osaka has a long history. Each sites has a old interesting story. Let me tell you about it. And I will show you unique local landscapes.
    Japan is proud of its culture. I have learned tea ceremony, Japanese archery, calligraphy and Japanese dancing. I will tell you some parts of them.
    I love nature. Japan is also a country of beauiful nature. Since I love bird watching and growing plants, I would like to see flowers, trees and birds with mountains and rivers.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been working as a tour guide for many years. I enjoy guiding my guests in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. I am waiting for you!

    Request Booking

    Apr 5, 2026
    Climber41386953072
    Perfect personalized Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was a great private Tour with a kind…

    May 13, 2025
    G1042AProbertg
    Fantastic Way to See Kyoto with a Local!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiromi was such a…

    Apr 18, 2025
    Emma C
    Wonderful day with Hiromi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with Hiromi!…

  • Osaka in One Day: Shinsekai & Osaka Castle and stay there

    Osaka in One Day: Shinsekai & Osaka Castle and stay there

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11：00　　 Meet at Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal
    • 11:00-11:30 Move to Shinsekai
    • 11:30-12:10 Shinsekai
    • 12:20-13:20 Kuromon Market / Dotombori
    • 13:50-14:50 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:00-17:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 17:00-17:50 Move back to Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were pleasant from the very first messages we exchanged while planning the tour. On the day itself, they were eager to try out the Japanese phrases they had just learned. I rode the subway together with them and explained how to use it. They were interested in the architecture of Shitennoji Temple and Osaka Castle, and bought a book about armor and weaponry as a souvenir. One of the guests knew about Billiken (created more than a century ago by an artist from North America) and bought a small Billiken plush toy as a gift. They took photos with a ninja figure and struck the Glico pose, showing plenty of playful humor. The guests had a childlike joy for enjoying the experience.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Ebisucho290JPY
    Section 2SubwayEbisucho～Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba (Subway)～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 4TrainShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 5OtherOsaka Castle Electric Car～Osaka Castle Park300JPY
    Section 6SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Osaka Port290JPY
    Total1,450JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Request Booking

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:40 to 10:30 Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:20 to 12:15 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 to 13:45 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 14:00 to 14;30 Lunch (Indian cuisine)
    • 14:50 to 15:20 Heian Shrine
    • 15:40 to 16:20 Nanzen-ji

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Popular Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from Europe. They were extremely knowledgeable about Buddhism and temples, to the point where there were even things I learned from them. On top of that, they were currently studying Shinto, and when they asked me about animism and nature worship, I found it difficult to answer as a still-learning guide. They mentioned that they would be heading to Nara the day after next to compare it with the temples we saw today. They strolled through the popular spots mentioned above, and I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKarasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Nijo / Okazaki Koen-guchi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusJingu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Nanzen-ji / Eikando-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKeage～Imadegawa260JPY
    Total1,330JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00　Meet up ＠Hotel Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 10:10　＠Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Mitsukoshi, Wako, Kyukyodo)
    • 3. 11:00　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 11:30　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 5. 12:00　＠Nihonbashi (Maruzen, Takashimaya Basement Food Hall)
    • 6. 12:40　Lunch ＠Aoi Marushin (Asakusa)
    • 7. 13:30　＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Azumabashi Bridge)
    • 8. 15:00　＠Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 9. 16:00　＠Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Mega Don Quijote)
    • 10.16:30　＠Ginza (Ginza Main Street, Uniqlo, Onitsuka Tiger)
    • 11. 17:00　Dismissal ＠In front of Ginza Onitsuka Tiger

    What's a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After spending a few days in Asia, they stopped in Tokyo for a single day of sightseeing on the way home. The weather brought occasional light rain, but the guest wished to see as much of Tokyo as possible, partly to help plan a future return visit. In addition to this strong enthusiasm for sightseeing, the guest had great stamina, and although they had only arrived in Tokyo early that morning, they showed no sign of fatigue from work and took part actively in the sightseeing activities. At Senso-ji Temple, the omikuji fortune drawn turned out to be a "bad luck" result, but the guest felt reassured after tying it to the omikuji rack. At Meiji Shrine, when I explained about ema votive tablets, the guest very much wanted to offer one, and after writing a wish, hung the ema on the rack themselves and took commemorative photos. They also purchased good-luck and relationship charms as gifts. For lunch, the guest said anywhere I recommended would be fine, so I suggested tempura in Asakusa. As two well-known tempura restaurants were closed, we went to another one. "I didn't think I was hungry, but once I started eating I realized I was actually really hungry," the guest said, finishing the entire tempura rice bowl and expressing great satisfaction with how delicious it was. Although it was not part of the original plan, we also stopped by several shopping spots. Having been deeply moved to tears by the film HACHI, the guest was delighted to be introduced to the Hachiko statue, and after experiencing the crossing at the Scramble intersection, we visited a large discount store. The guest also expressed a wish to shop at UNIQLO and Onitsuka Tiger along Ginza's main street, which was within walking distance of their hotel, after the tour ended, so I showed them the locations before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-Ginza Station～Ginza Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Ginza Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
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    Jun 16, 2026
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    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…