Category: Uncategorized

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Tobu Nikko Station ➡ 9:00 Shinkyo Bridge ➡ 9:25～9:50 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple (Sanbutsudo) ➡ 9:55 Five-story Pagoda ➡ 10:10～11:45 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine ➡ 12:00～12:40 Lunch at a soba restaurant near the Nishi-sando entrance ➡ 12:40～12:50 Shopping at a souvenir shop ➡ 12:51～12:57 Travel by bus to Kanmangafuchi ➡ 13:00～13:30 Sightseeing at Kanmangafuchi ➡ 13:37～13:50 Travel by bus to Nishi-sando Entrance bus stop ➡ 13:50～14:05 Walk to Shinkyo Bridge ➡ 14:13～14:20 Travel by bus to Tobu Nikko Station ➡ 14:45 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's tour took place in the rain all day, with temperatures chilly enough to stay below 20°C. Even so, the guests were strong walkers and covered a good deal of ground on foot in the first half of the day. After lunch, we headed to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where the footing was poor, and because it is a scenic spot near the river, it felt cold, and one of the guests seemed to grow tired in their damp clothing. According to the plan, we were to visit Taiyuin at Rinnoji Temple and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park afterward, but one of the guests asked to move up their train to Tokyo and return earlier. They had already reserved a train back to Tokyo, so we headed to Tobu Nikko Station to change the ticket, and after doing so they boarded the earliest available train. I worried that my handling might have been poor, but that was not the case — it was simply that one of the guests found the day difficult in light clothing in the rain. In the end they told me it had been an enjoyable tour and thanked me for helping with the ticket change (which was a bit of a hassle), and I was relieved to be able to part with smiles. Although Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a little away from the central area of Nikko's two shrines and one temple, guests from Europe and North America often seem to like it. Today, because of the rain, I advised them that there was a risk of being bitten by mountain leeches (and in fact one of the guests was bitten and bled), but they still wished to visit. I was glad I had brought anti-leech spray in anticipation of just such a situation. It came in very handy.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station／Tobu Bus～Shinkyo Bridge／Tobu Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusNishi-sando Entrance／Tobu Bus～Kanmangafuchi・Bake-jizo (GSM)／Tobu Bus400JPY
    Section 3BusShinkyo Bridge／Tobu Bus～Tobu Nikko Station／Tobu Bus220JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Ichi

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

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    May 22, 2026
    michaeliI2370UG
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
    Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…

    May 15, 2026
    Laurent S
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    excellent
    Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…

    May 12, 2026
    H4725BUbarbarab
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichi memorable tour
    Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…

    Apr 5, 2026
    EmilioP6
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great day with Ichi
    Our day in Nikko with Ichi was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet the guest at the hotel
    • 10:30 Asakusa Azuma Bridge, Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, lunch
    • 13:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:30 Tour ends at Tokyo Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were older visitors from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan the previous day on separate flights into Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. I first assisted them with purchasing PASMO cards at the station and explained the procedures for returning home. In Asakusa, I described the Sumida River from Azuma Bridge, talked about the origins of Senso-ji Temple at the Culture Tourist Information Center, and we visited Nakamise, the five-story pagoda, and the main hall. After lunch at a Japanese restaurant, the guests preferred a Japanese garden rather than the planned Meiji Shrine, so I quickly changed the destination to Shinjuku Gyoen. The garden was very well maintained, and I was glad they seemed to enjoy it. It rained for most of the tour, but everything proceeded smoothly, and since the guests were not accustomed to the trains, I saw them off at Tokyo Station, the nearest station to their hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku-gyoemmae260JPY
    Section 3TrainSendagaya～Tokyo180JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Shigeru

    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.

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    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting Point: Hotel Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi East
    • 10:40 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 12:15 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori・Lunch
    • 14:00 Sightseeing ③: Kuromon Market・Doguyasuji
    • 15:00 Tour End・Dismissal (Sennichimae)

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Kuromon Market The guests were a group visiting and sightseeing in Japan from Oceania. Advance communication and scheduling of the itinerary were done with one member of the group. They mentioned that they had already visited Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, and other places, and that Osaka and Kyoto would be the final stops on their trip. After some discussion, we finalized the itinerary as "Osaka Castle ⇒ Dotonbori ⇒ Kuromon Market ⇒ Doguyasuji." The day before the tour, I received a message from the guide who had guided them in Hiroshima, who kindly passed along the comment that "they were a very pleasant group and the tour was very enjoyable." On the day, we met a little earlier than scheduled. After introducing ourselves, I handed over a printout of the itinerary I had already shared, explained it, and received their approval. With the heat returning a bit and making us sweat, we first visited Osaka Castle. The castle was as crowded as ever, and since the guests were relatively active, we climbed the stairs to the main keep. On the 8th floor, the top floor of the keep, while taking in the view of the Osaka cityscape, I explained the characteristics of Osaka as a place located almost at the center of Japan that has continued to be a hub of logistics and commerce, along with its history and culture. During the transition, one of the guests requested to "buy some medicine at a pharmacy because of a slight sore throat," so when we arrived at Dotonbori next, we went into a pharmacy and they purchased the medicine they wanted. At Dotonbori, our next stop, they mentioned they had come once the previous evening for dinner, but I talked about the cultural characteristics of the "merchants' town," which they found very interesting. For lunch, I had intended for them to try the local food of Dotonbori (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and so on), but every shop was extremely crowded, so we had lunch at a ramen shop a little away from the center where we could sit comfortably. After Dotonbori, we went to Kuromon Market, "Osaka's kitchen," with fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruit. The guests took their time to observe the rich everyday food culture and eating habits of Osaka. They seemed to like it so much that they asked, "We'd like to have dinner here tonight, so could you tell us until what time it's open?" Finally, a few minutes from Kuromon Market was Doguyasuji. With pots, pans, and frying pans, all kinds of tableware, and even sample menu displays, the guests stopped at shop after shop, examining the remarkably varied products carefully. The plan was a "6-hour course" until 4:00 p.m., but one of the guests wanted to "return to the hotel a little early to handle a work-related message," so we decided to finish an hour earlier. It turned out to be an enjoyable tour with a curious and inquisitive group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagahoribashi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nipponbashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 12:00 Ginza
    • 12:30 Tokyo Station・Nijubashimae
    • 14:00 Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Shibuya
    • 17:00 Tour ends at Ginza Station near the hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Central Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since they had arrived late the previous night, the tour time was changed at the last minute to 11:30–17:00. As they planned to stay in Tokyo for several nights, I guided them around the main areas so they could use it as a reference for their later plans. First, we headed to Ginza, near the Hotel, where I introduced the key spots before moving on to Tokyo Station. After explaining the history and significance of Tokyo Station, we went to the Imperial Palace, where I talked about the history and role of the Imperial family. The guests were amazed that such a vast area of land and beautiful nature exists in the very center of Tokyo. After they enjoyed the Godzilla statue's action performance at Shinjuku Golden Gai, we visited Meiji Shrine, where I explained the Japanese view of religion, the differences between temples and shrines, and the different ways of worship, adding explanations that would serve as a reference for their later destinations. Finally, we headed to Shibuya Crossing, but since they planned to come back to Shibuya Sky the next day, I arranged things so they could enjoy it fully the following day.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in One Day: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in One Day: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:45 @ Mount Rokko
    • 12:30 @ Kitano Ijinkan (Moegi House)
    • 13:30 @ Nankinmachi
    • 14:45 Dismissal @ Shuttle bus stop for the passenger ship terminal adjacent to Daimaru Department Store

    Title: What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Mount Rokko, Kitano, and Nankinmachi The guests were a group visiting from North America. Aside from one member, they moved at a somewhat slow pace throughout the day. At the summit of Mount Rokko, they greatly admired the panoramic view of the Kobe cityscape. At the shop there, they purchased a large number of souvenirs. In the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district, we visited the "Moegi House," a former Western-style residence, and the guests appeared to gain an understanding of the damage caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. Afterward, in Nankinmachi (Kobe's Chinatown), the guests enjoyed Kobe beef and the steamed pork buns of "Roshoki," said to be the originator of the dish in Japan, and shared comments that it was wonderful and very satisfying. Since the guests were a little tired by then, and because the shuttle bus stop for the terminal of their cruise ship was located adjacent to Nankinmachi, we parted ways about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. I remain a little concerned about a previous guest who had injured a knee. To be honest, I also felt that perhaps it had not been fully understood in advance that this was a "walking tour."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya (Kobe New Transit)210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Rokko200JPY
    Section 3OtherRokko Cable Shita～Rokko Cable Sanjo2,300JPY
    Section 4BusRokko Cable Shita / Kobe City Bus～JR Rokkomichi / Kobe City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainRokkomichi～Sannomiya180JPY
    Total3,120JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    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: Ryoan-ji Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoan-ji Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia
    • 10:30 Togetsukyo Bridge ~ Tenryu-ji Garden ~ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:15 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 14:20 Lunch at Kinkaku-ji Togenkyo
    • 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:45 Disband at Kinkaku-ji Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's private tour was for a group of guests visiting from North America and the Middle East. One of the guests had been to Japan before, while the others were visiting for the first time. Their family also loves Japan and has visited many times. The guests were deeply interested in Japanese history and culture, and there were many opportunities to explain these topics, making it a truly rewarding day as a guide. The beauty of the Tenryu-ji Temple garden could be enjoyed at leisure today, as there were not too many people, and the guests were also able to take their time viewing the rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple. Kinkaku-ji Temple was not very crowded either, and I believe the guests were very pleased. The tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [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.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoan-ji-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 8:45-9:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:05-11:05 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:10-11:30 @ Higashiyama area
    • 11:50-12:40 @ Nijo Castle
    • 13:00-14:00 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:30 Hotel Kyoto

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America on their trip to Japan. Over roughly a week in Japan, they had traveled from Tokyo to the Hida-Takayama area and then to Kyoto. They seemed to have especially enjoyed the remote village of Shirakawa-go, which came up often as a topic during the tour. One of the guests frequently took photos and videos using a stick-type smartphone holder. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests worshipped at the inner shrine, passed under the Neagari no Matsu pine, and purchased a torii-shaped ema plaque. At Kiyomizu-dera, they prayed at the main hall and bought postcards. On the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, they sampled yatsuhashi and purchased a bag of chocolate-flavored yatsuhashi. Taking the time allocation into account, at Nijo Castle we visited only the Ninomaru Palace and skipped the Ninomaru Garden. At Kinkaku-ji, both guests bought ice cream from a vending machine, and it was memorable how highly they praised the Yukimi Daifuku. After leaving Kinkaku-ji, I saw the guests off to their hotel, where we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & Noukyoumae Bus

    Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & Noukyoumae Bus

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:45 Takamatsu Port Ferry Terminal Building waiting room [Meet]
    • 08:12 Takamatsu Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:02 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • 09:06 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • “Yellow Pumpkin”
    • 10:05 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 10:12 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 10:45 ~11:45 Chichu Art Museum
    • on foot
    • 12:00~12:45 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 13:00~14:20 Benesse House Museum (including lunch at the café of the museum) &
    • Outdoor Artworks
    • 14:27 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 14:31 Momoyama Bus Stop
    • on foot
    • 14:40~15:40 Naoshima New Museum
    • 15:30~15:40 Ando Museum
    • on foot, just looking around The House Art Project houses from outside
    • 15:56 Noukyoumae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 16:05~16:20 Outdoor Artworks: “Red Pumpkin” and Naoshima Pavilion
    • 17:00 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • by ferry
    • 18:00 Takamatsu Port
    • 18:05 Takamatsu Port [Say goodbye]

    What's a Private Naoshima Art and Architecture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. During the stay, the guest watched an athletics event in Tokyo over several days, and then traveled a route covering Kanagawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Takamatsu and Naoshima, and Hiroshima. The guest spent the time freely, and while staying in Takamatsu also took a day trip to Onomichi. It was a little unfortunate that I had not heard about this in advance, as Ritsurin Garden is one of Takamatsu's highlights, so I strongly recommended visiting it. The interest in Naoshima this time was in art and the architecture of Tadao Ando. The guest was accustomed to walking and running, so even though it was still hot during the daytime, we made our way through the museums designed by Tadao Ando together. The guest was calm and quiet, and taught me various things about Europe. I believe the guest was fully satisfied with the tour.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Momoyama / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusNoukyoumae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 4FerryTakamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture680JPY
    Section 5FerryMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture)680JPY
    Total1,660JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel
    • 9:00 Rikugien Garden
    • 11:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Tsukishima Monja Okoge
    • 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:15 Dismissal @ Meiji-jingumae Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Rikugien Garden and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. I was worried about the rain, but thankfully it never came down heavily. The guests were deeply moved by the beauty of Rikugien Garden. At a monjayaki restaurant in Asakusa, the food took an unusually long time to arrive, about an hour before it came out. There seemed to be a clear staff shortage. I had ordered okonomiyaki expecting it to be cooked on the iron griddle in front of us, but it was served already cooked, which was also unexpected. The guests had beer and sake and chatted while waiting, which pushed the end time later. Everyone said the okonomiyaki was delicious and finished it all, so I was relieved. Since it was a restaurant the guests had chosen to enter, they asked if it was alright for the tour to run late, and I answered that there was no problem since I had no other plans afterward. They were cheerful and kind people who said they could never have gotten around on their own, and they thanked me for a fun tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Sengoku220JPY
    Section 2BusKamifujimae / Toei Bus～Ueno Matsuzakaya-mae (Chuo-dori) / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno-hirokoji～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10.00 Hotel Tokyo－1030-1130 East Gardens－1200-1330 Asakusa, meal－1300-1420 Ueno Park－1430-1600 National Museum

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Anime Fans? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who are fans of the anime "Attack on Titan." At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I explained that "only the shogun and feudal lords were allowed to enter through the Ote-mon Gate, while prisoners were sent out through the Hirakawa-mon Gate." One of the guests laughed and said, "So we entered as VIPs and left as criminals." In Asakusa, we dined at "Sansada," a restaurant established in the Tenpo era and known as the birthplace of tempura, where we enjoyed the "Azumabashi Set." At the National Museum, we finished with a treat at the garden cafe, where we were surrounded by fusuma sliding-door paintings by Maruyama Okyo while being served gyokuro mint and citrus tea.

    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 2SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Total650JPY

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Request Booking

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…