Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 a.m.
    • Meet at Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
    • 10:20a.m.
    • Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 10:40a.m.
    • Visit Itsukushima Shrine (¥300, cash only)
    • 11:20 a.m.
    • Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 12:20 p.m.
    • Ferry to Peace Park
    • 1:15p.m.
    • Lunch at a Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 2:30 p.m.
    • Visit Peace Memorial Park & Peace Memorial Museum
    • 5:00 p.m.
    • End of tour: City center

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was one visitor from Europe. They were very friendly, and we chatted a lot the whole time from the moment we met. The train from Hiroshima to Miyajima made an emergency stop, which caused a bit of worry, but service resumed after about ten minutes, which was a relief. Even during that time, the guest kept sharing stories about their travels in Japan. On Miyajima, the guest was delighted by the beauty of both Itsukushima Shrine and Daishoin Temple, pausing to leisurely take in the scenery and enjoy the views. Since they mentioned they liked quiet places with plenty of nature, we returned to the ferry pier via a route through Momijidani (Maple Valley), and they enjoyed that as well. The guest was also moved by the views of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea from the World Heritage Sea Route. At the Peace Memorial Park, they listened intently to the explanations. When we folded paper cranes together at the piano café in the park and I suggested they take one back home, they said it was a wonderful experience they would never forget for the rest of their life. They were also interested in the A-bombed piano at the café and watched a video of a performance very attentively. The guest was traveling through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, but said they wished they could stay in Japan longer and that there were still many places they wanted to visit, so they were already planning their next trip to Japan. They told me that although they had come to Hiroshima on the recommendation of others, they were able to see a history of great significance to the world and its aftermath, and that it was also a wonderful place with beautiful nature. They said they would recommend visiting Hiroshima to their friends as well, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    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.

    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
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet @ Hotel Monterey Himeji
    • 12:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 13:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 15:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 15:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 16:30 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and everything went smoothly throughout the day. Both showed great interest in and enthusiasm for Japan, and one of the guests mentioned being very fond of sake and having long wished to visit Japan. At each spot, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations and asked many in-depth questions. They seemed very satisfied with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji and took many photographs. At Kokoen Garden, they enthusiastically viewed the bonsai, which one of the guests particularly enjoyed. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they experienced a tasting and purchased some sake as a souvenir. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which they were very pleased to receive. The guests told me, "You must come visit and we'll show you around." It may have been a social courtesy, but I felt happy and grateful for it.

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 9:40 @Asakusa, Sensoji Temple
    • 11:20 @Ginza
    • 12:30 @Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 13:20 @Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
    • 14:30 @Shibuya
    • 15:00 Disband @Shibuya Station

    What's a First-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for Visitors from Overseas? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding the first Tokyo sightseeing experience for the guests, who had arrived in Japan from North America the previous evening. When I explained how to use the subway network and convenience stores, the guests were very pleased. In Ginza, we also visited the food section in the basement of a department store, and the guests seemed amazed at how beautifully the many bento boxes and food items were displayed. They mentioned that tonight they would buy bento at a department store basement in Shinjuku and eat it at their hotel. After Tokyo, the guests plan to visit Kyoto and Hiroshima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku~Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza0JPY
    Section 3Free PassGinza-itchome~Sakuradamon0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNijubashi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassOmotesando~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    •   walk 5 minutes
    • 9:10-50 Kofukuji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance: 500, Museum 900 yen
    • walk 20 minutes while communicating with deer
    • 10:30-11:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 11:50-12:20 Lunch at Emado Chaya
    • 12:30-13:00 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:10-20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30-14:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40-50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    •   walk 5 minutes & taxi
    • 15:00- Nara-machi (Old Merchants' Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, traditional merchant house, private katana gallery etc.
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 16:35 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station (End of Tour)

    What's a Private Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had a deep interest in Buddhism, Shinto, and history, and their questions were very precise, so I was able to explain many things in considerable detail. Because the explanations expanded and the pace of walking was slower, we went significantly over the planned schedule. I had intended to end the tour after Todai-ji, but I wanted to continue the conversation, so we went on to a sake tasting, a visit to a traditional machiya townhouse, and a viewing of a sword collection in Naramachi, ending up more than an hour and a half over time. Guests with whom the conversation can develop endlessly like this are the very best.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at JR Hiroshima Station
    • 09:15 Depart Hiroshima Station
    • 09:42 Arrive Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 10:10 Depart Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
    • 10:20 Arrive Miyajima Ferry Terminal
    • 10:40 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:25 Depart Mount Misen Ropeway Momijidani Station
    • 11:45 Arrive Mount Misen Ropeway Shishiiwa Station
    • 12:05 Depart Mount Misen Ropeway Shishiiwa Station
    • 12:25 Arrive Mount Misen Ropeway Momijidani Station
    • 12:45 Lunch Restaurant
    • 13:40 Depart Miyajima High-Speed Boat Pier
    • 14:25 Arrive Peace Park High-Speed Boat Pier
    • 14:25 Peace Park Tour
    • 15:25 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:00 Disband in front of Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At first no meeting point had been specified, but once we were able to communicate through a messaging app, the coordination went smoothly. When planning the itinerary, I suggested starting from Miyajima since high tide would be around 12:30, and the guests agreed, so we were able to set JR Hiroshima Station as the meeting point. In the morning we met in front of the tourist information center as planned and began the tour. Fortunately the weather was fine, and we took the Mount Misen Ropeway up to Shishiiwa Rock and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea. Since we were running a little behind schedule, we hurried down the mountain and, though slightly late, managed to reach the restaurant where I had made a lunch reservation. It was fortunate that I had reserved a restaurant able to accommodate the dietary preferences, and the guests were pleased to be able to eat the conger eel they enjoy. We finished the meal quickly and made it in time for the reserved high-speed boat. At the Peace Memorial Park, I guided the group to the hypocenter, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Children's Peace Monument, and the memorial cenotaph. One of the guests mentioned having folded paper cranes in a classroom in the past and listened to the explanation with great interest. Because I had purchased admission tickets in advance, we were able to enter the museum smoothly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    (1) Since 2008, I have been guiding a group including two American student ambassadors accepted under the Sister City Affiliation Program on a one-day tour of Miyajima, Peace Memorial Museum, and Peace Memorial Park as an annual event.
    (2) Since 2016 I have been a member of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace “HIP”, a volunteer guiding group, guiding groups and individuals from abroad at Peace Memorial Park.
    (3) As a shipbuilding engineer, I have ship-related experience and knowledge gained from 30 years of working in new shipbuilding and ship repair. 13 of those years were spent living in Singapore and working for a local subsidiary.
    (4) I enjoy sailing in the Seto Inland Sea. I am interested in sailing in the Seto Inland Sea as well as repairing the boat.

    Oct 29, 2025
    S7876PFsuep
    Amazing tour with Sada
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our private tour with Sada.…

    Sep 11, 2025
    lignacio
    Great Tour with an Excellent Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Mar 27, 2025
    DroitwichBear
    Sadahiro’s meticulous planning made this a day to remember. Fantastic!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Sep 25, 2024
    Andrew_C
    🥰 Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a truly superb day with…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu area & Gion

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu area & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 →10:45   Hotel Meet (@Hotel Musse Kyoyo)
    • 10:45-11:10 Travel (contracted car; Hotel → Kiyomizu-dera/Gojozaka)
    • 11:10-12:20 Kiyomizu area walk (Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 12:20-12:40 Travel (Kodai-ji parking → restaurant/Takayama・Rokkaku-dori)
    • 12:40-13:30 Lunch (@Takayama)
    • 13:30-14:00 Travel (contracted car; restaurant → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 14:00-15:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • 15:10-15:30 Travel (contracted car: Fushimi Inari Taisha → Gion)
    • 15:30-16:25 Gion walk (including 20-minute Coffee Break)
    • 16:25-16:45 Travel (Gion → Nishiki Market)
    • 16:45 Tour ended. We said goodbye at the entrance of Nishiki Market

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. As the tour was flexibly adjusted on the day, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides are able to adapt the itinerary to suit each group's situation and requests. The guests planned to travel from Osaka to the Kawaramachi-Shijo area by Hankyu train, so the meeting point was set at a hotel nearby. As the guests requested that the originally scheduled 10:30 start be pushed back by 15 minutes, the tour was set to begin at 10:45 and end at 16:45. (This time was also reflected in advance on the website above.) Originally, in planning the itinerary for this tour, we had scheduled the Kiyomizu-dera area, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkaku-ji together with the guests. However, at the start of the tour, because some of the group preferred a lighter pace and the guests also wished to do some shopping, the schedule was changed on short notice. It was revised to a stroll around the Kiyomizu area, Fushimi Inari, and Gion. At Kiyomizu, rather than entering the temple itself, we turned back and set aside about 30 minutes for shopping along Sannenzaka. Also, since a round trip to Kinkaku-ji seemed difficult in terms of time, after discussing with the guests, we switched to a stroll around Gion. As the temperature rose in the afternoon, I also arranged a coffee break in Gion for rest. This time, after the tour began, I proceeded with the tour while making significant changes to match the guests' situation and requests.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet up @Shangri-La
    • 9:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens ~ Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 11:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 12:30 Lunch @Biidoro Saryo inside Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:45 Yanaka Ginza ~ Sendagi
    • 15:05 Disband @Shangri-La

    What Is a Private Tokyo Orientation Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Yanaka Ginza The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the previous day and had only this one day for independent sightseeing, as the rest of their itinerary involved group travel. They asked me which places their group would visit later, and they preferred an orientation to Japan itself rather than a large number of destinations, so I arranged the itinerary described above. At the Hotel before departure, along the way, and during lunch, I talked with them about Japanese history, national character, and language. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace I explained the Edo period, and at the Outer Gardens I explained the era from the Meiji period onward, including the role of GHQ. I often choose Koishikawa Korakuen because it makes it easy to explain the daimyo system and Edo-period residences. Some of the guests seemed to particularly enjoy Yanaka Ginza. Having little experience riding trains, they were delighted on the Chuo Line departing from Tokyo Station and took photos of one another. The guests were friendly and easygoing, and since we were also close in age, we quickly got along, making it a very enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Suidobashi170JPY
    Section 2TrainSuidobashi~Nippori170JPY
    Section 3SubwaySendagi~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total520JPY

    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

    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 Half a Day: Nishiki Market & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nishiki Market & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meetup
    • 9:10 Itinerary confirmation
    • 9:30 Nishiki Market
    • 11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nishiki Market and Kinkaku-ji The tour with the guests was originally arranged to visit Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama, but they expressed a wish to go to Nishiki Market and a different temple instead, so after confirming the itinerary we began the tour. I had let them know that some shops at Nishiki Market do not open until around 10:00, but they still wanted to go there first, so I guided them accordingly. They enjoyed seafood, sweets, and other treats. They kindly offered to buy something for me as the guide, and I had them buy just one item, but when they asked if I was already full, I wondered whether it would have been better to eat more together with them. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests looked attentively not only at the Golden Pavilion but also at other features. At this point we ran out of time, so I showed them some candidate restaurants for lunch and the taxi stand, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Sanjo/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the garden hotel
    • 10:30-12:00 Asakusa
    • 12:40- Scramble Crossing, Hachiko
    • 13:00-14:10 Meal
    • 14:30-15:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:15-15:50 Harajuku, ending at the end of Takeshita Street

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Honeymoon Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Until shortly before the tour, communication was handled through a representative at a travel agency, and I was able to obtain the guests' own contact details two days beforehand. The guests had arrived early in the morning the previous day and had already been getting around on their own, so they had already mastered how to use the trains. Since it was a special occasion, I reserved a restaurant that prepares a message plate, and the guests were delighted. As the guests wanted to shop for vintage brand items, we parted ways in Harajuku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi~Kanda (Tokyo)150JPY
    Section 2Free PassKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:00 Meet up @Shangri-La Tokyo
    • 2. 08:05 Transit: Subway
    • 3. 08:35 Visit @Nezu Shrine
    • 4. 09:25 Transit: Subway
    • 5. 09:45 Visit @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 6. 11:00 Transit: Subway
    • 7. 11:30 Visit @Sensoji Temple
    • 8. 12:20 Lunch @Sansada
    • 9. 13:00 Transit: Subway
    • 10. 13:10 Visit @Ueno Park
    • 11. 13:50 Transit: Train
    • 12. 14:10 Disband @JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit

    What Is an 8:00 Start Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had Suica cards, and we used the JR line to travel between Ueno Station and Tokyo Station. I first took them to Nezu Shrine. I find it an easy spot to guide even on a tour that starts at 8:00. It is also very convenient because it is close to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple. After arriving at the station, they made a phone call to family in North America, so we stayed here a little longer than usual. The guests were both strong walkers, and everything proceeded smoothly from start to finish. The fact that there were no spots on the west side was also helpful for time management. At Ueno Park at the end, I guided them to spots according to the remaining time, then saw them off at Tokyo Station, which was nearest to their hotel, before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi (Tokyo)~Nezu180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno~Tokyo170JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…