Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the hotel in Asakusa
    • 05:30 Watch the tuna auction
    • 06:30 Stroll through the Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Disband at a beer bar in the Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What Is a Private Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Tour Highlights and Guest Reactions The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Because I had once done a homestay and language study in the same region, we hit it off right from the start talking about the local area, and the tour began in a wonderful atmosphere. At the tuna auction, they were amazed by the sheer volume of frozen tuna lined up across the entire floor, and even more surprised that all of it would be auctioned off. The auctioneer with the biggest gestures happened to be in charge of the tuna auction right in front of us, and the guests were impressed by his unique movements and rapid pricing. Since one of the guests used a cane, I chose a route without stairs and we made it a slow-paced walking tour to match. This actually allowed them to explore Tsukiji thoroughly, and they enjoyed a variety of foods everywhere we went. In particular, they experienced grilled eel (unagi kabayaki) for the first time and were delighted, saying both the aroma and taste were perfect. Finally, I guided them to a bar where they could sample four kinds of Japanese craft beer, and here too we had a lively conversation about the differences from pubs in their home area, took smiling photos at the bar, and parted ways. When I marked recommended shops I couldn't take them to on an English map and handed it over, they were happy to continue exploring after the tour. 2. Other Impressions, Notes, and Requests At the tuna auction viewing venue this time, there were more tours participating than usual (with Japanese guides). One guide from another travel agency, after finishing the Toyosu auction and Tsukiji tour at 8:00 just like [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), continued on to conduct a Tsukiji tour for another group from 8:30 (likely about three hours, including places such as Honganji Temple). Guiding Tsukiji as a separate tour after Toyosu in this way struck me as efficient, so I would be delighted if [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) would consider arranging two consecutive tours in a similar manner.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijomae Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet the guest at 10:00 → 10:00-10:20 walk to Hakone-Yumoto Station → 10:20-10:50 travel to the Open-Air Museum → 10:50-11:50 explore the Open-Air Museum → 11:50-12:30 travel to Sounzan → 13:00-13:40 travel to Togendai by taxi → 14:10-15:00 travel to Motohakone Port by pirate ship → 15:00-15:20 walk to Hakone Shrine → 15:20-16:00 explore Hakone Shrine and disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. We first had them purchase a free pass and took the Hakone Tozan train to the Open-Air Museum. The weather was wonderful, and they thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor museum. I took many photos of them in front of the famous sculptures. Next, we had planned to take the ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani, but since one of the guests had a severe fear of heights, we decided at the last minute to give up on the ropeway. As an alternative, we skipped Owakudani and took a taxi to Togendai. They thoroughly enjoyed the pirate ship, and since we were running short on time, we had them buy sandwiches and rice balls at a convenience store and had lunch while walking. We took a commemorative photo in front of the torii gate floating on the lake at Hakone Shrine, and then parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassChuo-Rinkan~Hakone5,820JPY
    Total5,820JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel 10:00 World Heritage Center 10:40 Okuniwa 11:00 5th Station including lunch 13:10 Narusawa Ice Cave 14:00 Oishi Park 14:35 Kubota Itchiku Art Museum 15:35 Exit stop by convenience store 14:05 Disband at the hotel shuttle relay station.
    • On the way back in my case I am not returning to Tokyo but to Ebina, Kanagawa, so it costs 2557 yen between Kawaguchiko and Ebina, but I cannot enter it in the cost field.
    • Please tell me how to handle this.

    A Private Fuji Day Trip Itinerary: What Does a Licensed Guide Show You Around Mount Fuji? It turned out to be a day to fully enjoy Mount Fuji. Since the conditions change quickly, we took photos early at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, and after that there were endless photo opportunities — in the end, Oishi Park in the afternoon was fine too. At Okuniwa, the guests interacted with birdwatchers. At the 5th Station, we took photos together with the driver as well. We also enjoyed a lunch of udon and ramen while gazing at Mount Fuji. At the ice cave, the guests were surprised that there was still ice. They mentioned that there is something similar in Oceania, but it is not this exciting. At the Kubota museum, we first watched a 20-minute video before viewing the actual works, which the guests admired greatly. Finally, we stopped at a convenience store to buy some alcoholic drinks and headed back to the Hotel.

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

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

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

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel – 5:30 Toyosu Market – 7:30 Tsukiji Outer Market – 8:30 Hotel

    What Is a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Market Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group visiting Japan from Europe for the first time, and this portion of the group came to inspect the fish markets. As professionals in the seafood field, they were very interested in the workings of Toyosu Market and the tuna auctions. Because some of them had a meeting to attend, part of the group parted ways at Toyosu Market and returned to their hotel on their own. The remaining guests took the Yurikamome line to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where they bought peaches and sampled tuna sashimi. In the end, they shared that the Tsukiji Outer Market was the most enjoyable part, and I said goodbye to them ahead of their departure the following day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Tsukijishijo570JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Akasaka (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total750JPY

    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!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Gora & Togendai

    Kanagawa in One Day: Gora & Togendai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the lobby of Hakone Ten-yu
    • 10:20 Take the hotel shuttle bus to Gora Station
    • 10:48 Gora → Sounzan Cable Car
    • Sounzan → Owakudani Ropeway
    • 11:30 Sightseeing at Owakudani
    • Black eggs, black soft serve ice cream
    • 12:20 Owakudani → Togendai Ropeway
    • 12:40 Togendai → Motohakone Port Pirate Ship
    • 13:40 Lunch "Fukao Soba"
    • 15:00 Walk to Hakone Shrine
    • Line up at the Peace Torii Gate (40 minutes) and take photos, then worship at the main hall
    • 16:30 Wait for the bus to Odawara at Motohakone Port
    • 17:00 Disband on the bus

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Golden Route The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since I had received photos and information in advance from a Tokyo guide, I was able to lead the tour with confidence. I made sure to keep the sightseeing and travel at a relaxed pace to suit the group. Seeing Mount Fuji from Owakudani was the highlight of the tour. Even on clear days it is often covered by clouds, so the guests were delighted. This is the so-called Golden Route of Hakone, but the cablecar and buses were crowded, and the waiting times were longer than expected. Since a photo at the Peace Torii Gate was on the group's bucket list, we lined up together and I took photos for them. It was heartwarming that everyone cooperated patiently to make this wish come true. For lunch, Fuka Soba is a traditional soba restaurant by the lakeside. The tatami seating was available, but since the group preferred chairs, we waited for a while. They were impressed by how delicious the soba and shrimp tempura rice bowl were, and I was glad I had brought them there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShin-Yurigaoka~Hakone-Yumoto5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Station area

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Station area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Red roof inn and suites Osaka meet up
    • 9:10 Osaka Castle
    • 10:30 Shinsekai
    • 11:10 Namba Takashimaya
    • 12:10 Doguyasuji
    • 12:30 Namba Station area

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Shopping The guests were longtime friends visiting from North America. Since walking for extended periods was difficult for one of them, we tried to avoid stairs as much as possible. Not only was climbing Osaka Castle out of the question, but the group grew tired even before entering the Sakuramon Gate, so we viewed the castle keep from a distance and turned back. We moved to Shinsekai by taxi, but the guests did not seem particularly interested there and instead wanted to buy cosmetics and a scarf, so I took them to a department store. They also requested to buy Japanese chopsticks, so I took them to Doguyasuji. In quick succession they asked to have tonkatsu for lunch, to receive a good massage, and to enjoy delicious sushi in the evening. I took them to a tonkatsu restaurant, and then handed them the names and addresses of a massage shop and a sushi restaurant before we parted ways. They were quite spontaneous, but they were thoroughly likable guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNippombashi (Osaka Prefecture)~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Total190JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:30 Meet up @ Hotel Kazusaya
    • 2.11:00 @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 3.12:00 @ Tokyo Station
    • 4.12:30 @ Ueno Park
    • 5.12:00 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6.13:30 @ Asakusa
    • 7.14:30 Disband @ Asakusa

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo History and Architecture Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, having arrived only the previous evening. Since they were interested in history and architecture, we first went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where we explored the history of Tokyo and viewed the buildings and stone walls of Edo Castle. They said the buildings and surrounding scenery of Marunouchi were very beautiful. They also remarked that the stone walls of Edo Castle and the Ninomaru Garden were wonderful. We walked to view the buildings on the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station and then headed to Ueno Park. I explained its appearance and history, and we strolled around Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Shinobazu Pond. After that, we went to Asakusa, where we visited Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, and the main hall for prayer, and I explained about religion in Japan. Since the guests planned to explore areas such as Shibuya on their own afterward, we ended the tour in Asakusa. The weather was good and, although it was a little hot, it was a comfortable day. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMitsukoshimae~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total530JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Hotel Iconic Kyoto Meeting
    • 13:00~13:50 Nijo Castle
    • 14:20~15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:30~16:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:40 Karasuma Oike  Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had already visited shrines and temples in Tokyo, Hakone, and Hiroshima before arriving in Kyoto. Although they had seen shrines and temples before, it was their first time entering the interiors of Japanese historical buildings such as the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle and Sanjusangendo, and they observed the wall paintings and Buddhist statues with great interest. They had many questions, especially about the history of the Tokugawa family and its relationship with the Imperial family. At Fushimi Inari, they were drawn to the vermilion Senbon Torii, and we discussed Japanese views on Shinto and religion. They also purchased souvenirs and keepsakes and enjoyed their time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo Keihan-mae/Keihan Kyoto Kotsu170JPY
    Section 5TrainShichijo~Sanjo Keihan170JPY
    Section 6TrainSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)~Karasuma220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50  Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:20 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 13:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:50 Imperial Palace
    • 16:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:10 Disband @ Omotesando

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The guests were visitors from North America who had come to Japan for a trip. They planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Tsukiji Market, the guests enjoyed exploring the retail area of the Tsukiji fish market with great interest, and they also enjoyed a sushi lunch. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about the Kaminarimon Gate. At the Imperial Palace, they were interested in the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Tokyo170JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 6SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando180JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 13:00 Meet up @BELLUSTAR TOKYO, Hotel (1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 13:20 Shibuya <Crossing・Hachiko Statue・Center Gai>
    • 3) 14:10 Meiji Shrine ※Kitasando Entrance→Harajuku Gate
    • 4) 14:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street→Omotesando Cat Street
    • 5) 16:10 Akihabara
    • 6) 17:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 7) 17:10 Disband @Tsukiji Kitakai Banya (4-14-16 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Akihabara, and Tsukiji The guests were visitors from North America. Prior to the tour, through personal email and a messaging app, the guests shared several requests: Akihabara was a must, they wished to finish in Tsukiji for dinner, and they were not fond of soft-bodied seafood such as squid or octopus. At the meeting point on the day, we confirmed the itinerary and started the tour. It was the first visit to Japan for one of the guests, who was very knowledgeable about Japan, mentioning things like Kojima denim and fluffy pancakes. The other guest had visited Japan ten years earlier and wished to revisit some of the places seen at that time. During this 23-day stay in Japan, in addition to Tokyo, the guests planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. They were also interested in traditional Japanese culture and architecture, and had chosen some rare destinations, such as Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoo, Osaka. For their several days in Tokyo, apart from today, they had mostly free time. I shared, via the messaging app, information about strolling in Yanaka, a popular pancake shop in Shibuya, a reasonably priced and delicious tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Shinjuku, Golden Gai, and recommended ramen shops. They also knew of Nikko and wished to go there if possible, so I shared simple directions as well. We crossed the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and took a quick walk through Center Gai. After that, at Meiji Shrine, I explained topics including the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. One of the guests was interested in goshuin (shrine stamps) and had brought a notebook. In that case it would have meant purchasing a pre-written type of goshuin (500 yen), so instead they purchased a goshuin book (1,500 yen) that included a hand-written goshuin (note: it only needed the date filled in, with just a few minutes' wait). After that, we passed through Takeshita Street, went past the front of Harakado, entered the back streets, and headed to Cat Street (south side). I also introduced nearby restaurants and cafés, a sake-tasting shop, and the vintage shop area on the north side across Omotesando (mentioned verbally only). We arrived in Akihabara by JR, and after guiding them through Radio Kaikan and the back streets, we headed to Tsukiji (I had confirmed with the guests in advance that after 5 p.m. only dine-in restaurants would be open). I guided them to a seafood rice bowl restaurant (it was just after opening, so they had the place to themselves), confirmed the order with the staff, and we parted with smiles.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Kitasando180JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAkihabara~Tsukiji180JPY
    Total710JPY

    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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