Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagoshima in One Day: Sengan-en garden & Marine Port Kagoshima

    Kagoshima in One Day: Sengan-en garden & Marine Port Kagoshima

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00am Pick up at Marine Port Kagoshima
    • 09:00am -10:40am Move to Sengan-en garden
    • 10:40am -00:45pm Sengan-en garden Tour.
    • 00:45pm -01:30pm Move to Tenmonkan by Bus
    • 01:30pm -02:30pm Kurobuta Lunch at Tenmonkan
    • 02:30pm -03:00pm Move to Sakurajima by Taxi and Ferry
    • 03:00pm -04:00pm Footbath at Sakurajima Lava Park
    • 04:00pm -05:00pm Move to Marine Port Kagoshima by bus

    What Is a Private Kagoshima Cruise Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time on a milestone trip. They arrived on a cruise, and although they had joined a short tour at a previous port of call in Nagasaki, they had not had time to enjoy a proper meal there. In Kagoshima, however, they were able to enjoy delicious food, and they seemed to especially like the local black pork. At Sengan-en, they were impressed not only by the beauty of the garden and the residence, but also gained an appreciation of the World Heritage Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution, as well as the way of life and calligraphy of Shimazu Nariakira. Finally, at Sakurajima, I believe they were able to relax for about 30 minutes at a foot bath. Along the way, on the ferry, they seemed to enjoy taking commemorative photos and a Sakurajima quiz.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAsahi-dori～Kagoshima-Chuo170JPY
    Section 2OtherKagoshima-Chuo～Sengan-en-mae240JPY
    Section 3OtherSengan-en～Tenmonkan-mae230JPY
    Section 4OtherTenmonkan～Aquarium-mae170JPY
    Section 5OtherKagoshima～Sakurajima250JPY
    Section 6OtherSakurajima～Kagoshima250JPY
    Total1,310JPY

    Tour Report by Tommy

    I am a World Cultural Heritage Regional Interpreter Guide in Kagoshima Prefecture and live in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, so I can accommodate travel plans that include combinations of people visiting sightseeing spots in Tokyo and Kanagawa, and World Cultural Heritage Sites in Kyushu and Kagoshima.
    ***Strengths***
    -I’m still nervous, but I will be certified as a Kagoshima Prefecture World Cultural Heritage Interpreter Guide in 2024!
    -I love fishing and trekking in Amami and Yakushima. Amami had been staying in Setouchi Town for a long time due to my father’s work.
    -Fukuoka is my hometown where I grew up until high school! I’ll even explain it in Fukuoka dialect!
    -Since I worked at the Nagasaki Shipyard for nearly 20 years, I can also guide you on trips to visit Kagoshima and other sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
    -I have spent long periods of time working overseas in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Kuwait, Iceland, Pakistan, the United States, Chile, Kenya, and other countries, so I can work with people from any country.
    -I have spent long periods of time in Kagoshima (Kirishima), Saga, Oita, Sendai, and Fukushima for domestic work, so I can also provide guidance.

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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet up @ Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku (5-9-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:30 Tokyo Tower (*exterior only) → Zojoji Temple
    • 3) 10:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace *Otemon Gate → Hirakawamon Gate
    • 4) 11:30 Asakusa <Sensoji Temple・Nakamise Shopping Street>
    • 5) 12:20 Akihabara
    • 6) 13:00 Shibuya <Crossing・Hachiko Statue>
    • 7) 13:10 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour of Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from Oceania. In advance, the guests had requested a tour covering Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and ending in Shibuya. At the time we met, I presented a revised itinerary: since the direct route from Nishi-Shinjuku to the Imperial Palace East Gardens would take a long time, I suggested adding a stop to see Tokyo Tower (exterior only) and Zojo-ji Temple, and since the trip from Asakusa to Shibuya would also be long, I proposed a stop in Akihabara. The guests happily agreed, and the tour began. The guests were using a one-day combined pass for the Toei Subway and Metro. They mentioned they would travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima the next day, stay in Kyoto for three days, then return to Tokyo before a long flight home. Chatting along the way, we moved efficiently through Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple, then the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Senso-ji Temple. They had visited Shinjuku's Kabukicho the previous evening and said the taiyaki was delicious. When I recommended Funawa sweets on Nakamise Street, they purchased ningyo-yaki and lemon manju. On the retro street, they bought a vanilla-filled melon bread from Asakusa Sakura. In Akihabara, we walked along a street lined with maid cafe staff and took in the townscape. From Shibuya Station, which was packed with passengers, we crossed the scramble intersection, and I showed them the way to the Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka branch that the guests were after, before parting with smiles.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-shinjuku-gochome～Akabanebashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOnarimon～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara～Shibuya210JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

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    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Maiko

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Maiko

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet up @ Shin-Kobe Station (arriving by Nozomi)
    • 9:40-10:30 Nunobiki Herb Garden sightseeing
    • 10:50-10:52 Shin-Kobe → Sannomiya, 210 yen, subway
    • 11:05-11:26 Sannomiya → Maiko, 320 yen, JR
    • 11:30-12:10 Maiko Park Maritime Promenade & Maiko Park sightseeing
    • 12:20-12:40 Maiko → Motomachi, 320 yen, JR
    • 13:00 Disband @ Kobe Beef Eikichi (support until seated)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Herb Garden, Maiko Park, and Chinatown The guests were visitors from North America. At the herb garden, they repeatedly exclaimed how wonderful the views of Kobe and Nunobiki Falls were from the ropeway. We also strolled through the herb garden, enjoying the variety of plants and fragrances. After that, we moved to Maiko Park. They listened with great interest to stories about the creation of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. They were very fond of Kobe, where both the mountains and the sea are at a comfortable distance from each other. Finally, we went to Nankinmachi and strolled through Chinatown, and the tour ended when I saw them off at the restaurant they had reserved.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Kobe～Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko～Motomachi (Hyogo)320JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet the guests at JR Tokyo Station, explain the building in front of the Tokyo Station Building
    • 9:50 Asakusa Azumabashi, Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 11:40 Board the water bus
    • 12:10 Hamarikyu Gardens, Caretta Shiodome, lunch
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Tour ends at Harajuku Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Hamarikyu, and Meiji Shrine The guests were visitors from North America who joined the tour on a day off during their trip. Due to the departure time of the water bus, the time spent in Asakusa ended up being a little shorter than hoped, which was a bit unfortunate. At Hamarikyu Gardens, we waited in line briefly at the teahouse and had to take a detour along the route because of construction work in the garden. Selecting a meal also took some time, so we ended up running past the planned schedule. However, things went smoothly at Meiji Shrine, and at the end, at the suggestion of the guests, the guide and all the guests took a commemorative photo together, bringing the tour to a warm and pleasant close.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo～Kanda (Tokyo)150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKanda (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3OtherAsakusa (Water Bus)～Hamarikyu (Water Bus)1,180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total1,690JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinagawa Station & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinagawa Station & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Purin Sakura Tower
    • 9:17 Depart Shinagawa Station
    • 10:07 Arrive Kamakura Station
    • 10:45 Kotoku-in Great Buddha
    • 11:30 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:15 Break @ EKIYOKO BAKE
    • 13:00 Komachi Street
    • 14:45 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 15:15 Kenchoji Temple, First of the Five Great Zen Temples
    • 17:10 Disband @ Shinagawa Station Takanawa Exit

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Kamakura Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were two groups traveling together from Europe and South America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier and had explored Tokyo on their own the previous day. Their plans included visiting Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. After arriving at Kamakura Station, I explained Kamakura's place in Japanese history. The guests found the Enoden train, which runs through narrow spaces, fascinating, and filmed video from the very front of the car. At Kotokuin, I explained the Great Buddha by comparing it with the Great Buddha of Todaiji. Hasedera is easy to use for explaining the different types of Buddhist statues, as it has not only the Eleven-Headed Kannon but also Amida Nyorai and the Four Heavenly Kings. When some of the guests grew tired, we took a break. They revived on Komachi Street, spending time buying souvenirs and sampling snacks, so we ended up skipping lunch. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, we all counted the steps up to the thirteenth one, the stage of Minamoto no Sanetomo's assassination, and climbed them together (perhaps a little irreverent). One of the guests had studied well in advance and had knowledge of the Kamakura Gozan, and was delighted to be able to visit Kenchoji, the first of the five temples. I added an explanation of the new Buddhism of the Kamakura period and the Rinzai school. I had known that a group from Europe whom I had guided two days earlier would also be in Kamakura today, and we actually managed to meet at Kotokuin, happily reuniting after about forty hours.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Kamakura740JPY
    Section 2TrainKamakura～Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 3TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)～Kamakura200JPY
    Section 4TrainKita-Kamakura～Shinagawa740JPY
    Total1,880JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:45-10:55 Kyoto→Inari　150 yen　JR
    • 11:00-13:10 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:23-13:51 Inari→ Enmachi　200 yen　JR
    • 14:07-14:16 Nishinokyo Enmachi→Kinkakuji-michi　230 yen　Bus
    • 14:30-15:10 Sightseeing at Kinkakuji
    • 15:25-15:35 Kinkakuji-michi→Nishinokyo Enmachi 230 yen　Bus
    • 15:45-15:53 Enmachi→Kyoto　180 yen　JR
    • 16:10 Disband @ Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji Body: The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and it was the first time in Japan for most of them, with one exception. Since some of the guests were not very comfortable communicating in English, one member kindly interpreted in French from time to time (which did take some extra time). At Fushimi Inari, I explained about Shinto. We discovered a bamboo grove at the bottom of the stairs below the inner shrine, and the guests enjoyed strolling through it. Since they felt they no longer needed to see another bamboo grove, we changed plans on the spot and decided to head to Kinkaku-ji. Looking up at the phoenix atop the reliquary hall, I talked about the powerful figure Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the Muromachi shogunate, and Buddhist concepts such as reincarnation, and the guests listened with great interest.

    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～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainEnmachi～Kyoto180JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 to 09:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:10 to 11:00 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 11:10 to 11:20 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 12:20 to 13:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:20 to 13:40 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were part of a group visiting from Oceania. They live near each other and often go walking and jogging together, so they are very active and keep themselves in good shape. I was surprised at how they walked briskly and did not seem tired at all, even on the slopes of Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. During the tour they mentioned that they wanted to visit the Monkey Park, but since it would have been quite tiring for me, I asked them to skip that part with me. I suggested they head there on their own after finishing the bamboo grove, and we parted ways at the entrance of the Monkey Park.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3SubwayHigashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nishioji Oike260JPY
    Section 4BusNishioji Oike / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total940JPY

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:10 p.m. Meet at Shinkansen Gate, Hiroshima Station
    • 12:20 p.m. Lunch at Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 1:00 p.m. Take a bus to Shukkeien Garden
    • 1:10 p.m. Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 2:00 p.m. Take a bus to Peace Memorial Park
    • 2:00 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 5:00 p.m. Tour ends at Hiroshima station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan, staying for a period of time. They made a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Since they arrived around midday, I had reserved an okonomiyaki restaurant and took them there, which they were very pleased with. We also had a lively conversation together, sharing everyday experiences. At Shukkeien Garden, they enjoyed watching the koi being fed and took many photos. At Peace Memorial Park, we folded paper cranes together and offered them at the Children's Peace Monument. When I told them that the paper cranes are recycled and used for children's graduation certificates, they were very delighted. At the Peace Memorial Museum, the guests looked very earnestly at the records showing the treatment of survivors and the accounts from the relief stations. It was a very meaningful trip, and I was very happy when they said they would definitely recommend a Hiroshima trip to their friends, many of whom are planning to visit Hiroshima as well.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station／JR Bus Chugoku～Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Section 2BusShukkeien-mae～Atomic Bomb Dome-mae／JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Section 3TrainAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Hiroshima240JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Mari

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
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  • Hyogo in One Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in One Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:30 @ Mt. Shosha・Engyoji Temple
    • 13:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 15:00 @ Egret Himeji (Tatsuriki Sake Brewery Shop)
    • 15:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from South America and now living in Tokyo. One of them had already been in Japan for about a year through work, so they could manage simple conversation, and they were great admirers of Japan with extensive knowledge about the country, asking many questions at each spot. Today, JR trains were delayed or suspended due to a suspicious object found at a station near Kyoto. Because of this, the tour started about 30 minutes later than originally planned. At Engyoji Temple, the group purchased an amulet and wrote wishes on an ema votive plaque, and also enjoyed the experience of ringing the temple bell. Due to the 30-minute delay and the departure time of the return Shinkansen to Osaka, the tour became rather rushed, and we had to give up on the sake brewery visit that had been planned at the end. Since the guests are fond of Japanese sake, they seemed disappointed, so on the way back from the castle to the station we stopped by a local sake brewery's booth inside the facility near the station, where they enjoyed a tasting and were very satisfied, purchasing sake as a souvenir. The tour ended after I guided them to their return Shinkansen. Note) As with today, when a tour is delayed due to transportation issues (through no fault of the guests), how should we respond? I have asked about this before, but I would be grateful for your guidance again. Fortunately (?), today's guests had reserved a Shinkansen at 16:00, which included the originally scheduled end time of 15:30, so there was no problem, but I am curious about how to handle a case where, for example, the guests request a tour lasting until 16:00.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMt. Shosha Ropeway Station～Mt. Shosha Ropeway Summit Station1,200JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    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
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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00CafeEcla-11:00Meiji Shrine-12:00Harajuku Takeshita Street-13:00East Gardens of the Imperial Palace 14:00Disband at Ginza

    Title: What Is a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, on their first day of an approximately ten-day stay in Japan. I gave them an overview of Tokyo and an explanation of Japanese history and culture, then started the tour from Meiji Shrine. They were amazed that the surrounding forest was a man-made forest just over 100 years old, and were also delighted to happen upon a wedding procession, marveling at the beauty of the bride in a white wedding kimono. At Harajuku, which we visited next, they mentioned that they had a reservation at a capybara cafe a few days later. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, our final stop, they were fascinated to learn that it had once been Edo Castle.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Okubo～Yoyogi150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Ginza180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Request Booking

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