Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna auction

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna auction

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Toyosu Meet at the Lawson at Shijomae Station
    • 5:00-5:30-6:45 Toyosu Market Tuna auction viewing
    • 7:00-7:40 Enjoy the view from the train window on the Yurikamome to Shiodome
    • 7:40-8:00 Walk to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Visit Namiyoke Shrine, then disband.

    What Is a Toyosu Market Private Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They love Japanese cuisine and had all enjoyed sushi together the previous evening. They also mentioned that they regularly eat sushi at a Japanese-run sushi restaurant run by a friend, and that the chef there sources about 90% of the fish from Toyosu Market. With this background, each of the guests asked lively questions and thoroughly enjoyed watching the tuna auction. The group planned to travel on to Kyoto and Hiroshima after Tokyo, and our conversation extended to topics such as how the Pacific War is taught in Japan and thoughts on the atomic bombings.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijomae~Shiodome390JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello, Bonjour, Buongiorno!

    I’m Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, japanese freelance Government-licensed guide and interpreter in French and in English, speaking Italian as well. Having accompanied guests to all over Japan by now with whole 47 prefectures, all year round. 11 years and over 1500 days of experience as a professional guide since 2015, after 24 years of work at French Tourist Board in Tokyo in charge of promotion and marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Je suis Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, guide-interprète indépendant japonais, agréé par le gouvernement en langues française et anglaise, parlant également italien. Ayant accompagné des clients dans tout le Japon avec se 47 départements, toute l’année. 11 ans et plus de 1500 jours d’expérience en tant que guide professionel depuis 2015, après 24 ans de travail à l’Office de Tourisme Français à Tokyo en charge de la promotion et du marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Sono Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, un guida-interprete indipendente giappone e approvato dal governo per le lingue francese e inglese, parlo italiano anche. Avo accompagno i clienti in tutto il Giappone, con sue 47 province, tutto l’anno. 10 anni e piu di 1500 journi di esperienza come guida professionista dal 2015, dopo 24 anni di lavoro presso l’Ufficio del Turismo francese a Tokyo come responsabile della promozione e del marketing.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Having lived mostly in Kawasaki city attached to Tokyo in the West, I have a good knowledge and profound experience of Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kamakura or Nikko.
    A history lover and food lover, qualified as JSA Wine Expert, I’d like to help you choosing good restaurants and good drinks including Sake.
    Let’s go together for a delightful discovery in Japan.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Ayant vécu principalement dans la ville de Kawasaki rattachée à Tokyo à l’Ouest, j’ai une bonne connaissance et une profonde expérience de Tokyo et de ses environs comme le Mont Fuji, Hakone et Kamakura ou Nikko.
    Passionné d’histoire et de gastronomie, diplômé JSA Wine Expert, j’aimerais vous aider à choisir de bons restaurants et de bonnes boissons dont le Saké.
    Partons ensemble pour une délicieuse découverte du Japon.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    Avendo vissuto principalmente nella città di Kawasaki, vicina a Tokyo, ho una buona conoscenza e una profonda esperienza di Tokyo e dei suoi dintorni, come il Monte Fuji, Hakone e Kamakura o Nikko.
    Appassionato di storia e gastronomia, laureato Wine Expert presso la JSA, vorrei aiutarvi a scegliere buoni ristoranti e buoni bevande, tra cui il sakè.
    Partiamo insieme per una deliziosa scoperta del Giappone.

    Jun 5, 2025
    Jenan_A
    Lovely experience but expensive
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    What a lovely…

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel Hiroshima (13:00) → Peace Memorial Museum → Peace Park → Rest House (break) → Atomic Bomb Dome → Hiroshima Castle → Shukkeien Garden (disband)

    What Is a Half-Day Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had seen Mount Fuji the day before and arrived in Hiroshima, joining the tour in the afternoon. They were very friendly, and we were able to talk about many things. When I asked the guests in advance about the places they wanted to visit, they sent me what appeared to be a simple itinerary likely prepared by a travel agency, so I explained beforehand that depending on how crowded the museum was, we might not be able to visit everywhere, and I guided them according to that itinerary. On the day, there was a student group at the museum and it was crowded, but I managed to focus on the most important sections for them to see. When I asked the guests, they said they were not particularly interested in the exhibits inside Hiroshima Castle, so we did not go inside and instead enjoyed the scenery from the outside, and since they were interested in bonsai, we spent extra time strolling through Shukkeien Garden. We moved everywhere on foot, and fortunately the weather was relatively comfortable for walking. There are no questions or comments for Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.).

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I am a licensed childcare worker, a certified junior high and high school English teacher in Japan, and a guide interpreter licensed by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government.
    Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

    Jul 5, 2026
    568jettek
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mayajima
    Yoko Shimida was our guide on July 5, 2026 to…

    Jul 3, 2026
    X2480VKlizc
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima tour
    Yoko was well knowledgeable and catered to…

    Jun 18, 2026
    fdorerabadia
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Yoko-san!
    We booked this full-day tour directly…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Shibuya
    • 13:30 Shinjuku
    • 14:00 Disband @ Shinjuku

    Day 2 Private Tour of Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku in Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report This was the second day of guiding for guests from North America. On the previous day we visited Asakusa and Ryogoku, and this time I guided them around the west side of Tokyo, including Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. The day before, one of the guests had been gazing intently at an origami crane placed at a shop, so in the morning I folded one in the lobby and presented it as a gift. It was a small gesture, but the guests were delighted, and my folding was filmed on video. First, at the guests' request, we headed to Meiji Shrine. I encouraged them by promising that if they walked hard here, we would go to a place they liked. Then, on Takeshita Street, they bought various items and enjoyed soft-serve ice cream, which put everyone in a great mood. The guests seemed to really enjoy the strawberry candy. Since Takeshita Street took a lot of time, we went through Shibuya quickly. When I talked about Hachiko, the guests were very interested, so I recommended they watch the movie after returning home. As there was little time left in Shinjuku, I introduced the Romancecar boarding area, the taxi stand, the lunch spot, and Don Quijote, and we said goodbye in front of the 3D cat screen. I am truly grateful to have spent two enjoyable days with such a wonderful group. Originally I had only been assigned this particular case, but the guide who had been in charge the previous day kindly handed over their assignment, saying it would be better for the same guide to lead the tour, which is how I came to guide for both days. Thank you very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)~Yoyogi220JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total540JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 09:45 @ Osaka Castle (only from outside, including Miraiza)
    • 11:15 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 13:45 Disband @ Subway Namba Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Sumiyoshi Taisha The guests were a group visiting from North America. The reservation was changed from a smaller number to a slightly larger group shortly before the tour. One member of the group had difficulty walking, so the pace of the day was quite slow. Some of the guests were in Japan partly for business purposes, and they naturally showed a fair amount of interest in Japan and in each of the sightseeing spots. However, they seemed to enjoy shopping even more, and at Osaka Castle they spent about an hour shopping. As a result, the remaining two stops had to be visited at a somewhat brisk pace. They also enjoyed shopping at a 100-yen shop near Sumiyoshi Taisha. In the end, we ran over the scheduled time by about an hour and a half, and the tour ended at Namba Station after I explained their route back. On this day, Shitennoji was holding its monthly memorial day for its founder, Prince Shotoku, so there were many food stalls set up and admission was free. As a personal lesson for myself, when a great deal of time is spent on things like shopping, I felt it would be necessary—though a little difficult to bring up—to let the guests know in advance that some planned stops may need to be cut, and to handle the situation accordingly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Morinomiya180JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya~Tennoji180JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji-ekimae~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Total600JPY

    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: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Hotel
    • 9:30 @Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
    • 11:00 @Shibuya
    • 12:00 @Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:30 @Asakusa
    • 15:10 Disband @Hotel
    • 15:00

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Include? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Tsukiji, and Asakusa I had the pleasure of guiding the group, who had arrived in Japan the previous evening, on their first sightseeing tour of Tokyo. We started with a walk through Meiji Shrine and Omotesando, and the guests were amazed at the difference from their home region when they saw how there was no litter in the streets. Next, after seeing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Miyashita Park, we strolled through the Tsukiji Outer Market via Ginza. They sampled cut pieces of tuna and were delighted by its freshness. Finally, we headed to Asakusa, where the guests shopped for souvenirs along Nakamise Street and enjoyed the streetscape full of old Edo atmosphere.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae~Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOmotesando~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya~Ginza0JPY
    Section 4Free PassHigashi-ginza~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa~Tochomae0JPY
    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara - Radio Kaikan

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara – Radio Kaikan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 9:40 Harajuku
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace – Statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:15 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Sushi Tomi
    • 12:20 Fish Market, Outer Market
    • 13:00 Akihabara – Radio Kaikan
    • 14:10 Asakusa – Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ In front of Asakusa UNIQLO

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report Covering Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Akihabara I guided a group visiting from North America. Hearing that the guests were interested in samurai and ninja, I introduced them to the Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa, and since a reservation time became available, they extended the tour so we could visit the places they wanted to see. One of the guests had once been stationed in Japan for a couple of years in the past. The guests took notes attentively and were polite and pleasant to be with. At Meiji Shrine, when I explained omikuji fortunes, some of the guests drew them and were delighted. At a souvenir shop they purchased pin badges and a wooden masu cup decorated with the chrysanthemum and paulownia crests of Meiji Shrine. Since we were near Tsukiji at lunchtime, we decided to have sushi, and the guests enjoyed a good-value nigiri lunch set with draft beer at Sushi Tomi, with one of the guests saying it was the most delicious sushi they had ever had and quite different from what they were used to. They bought teacups at a tableware shop and also stopped by a knife shop. In Akihabara, one of the guests searched for items related to an old anime robot series they remembered from long ago, and after asking a shop clerk, managed to get a small figure. In Asakusa they bought keychains, postcards, an ogre mask, and other items. After introducing them to a wagyu yakiniku restaurant to visit following their samurai and ninja experience, the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 2SubwayKasumigaseki (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 4SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Total750JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hokkaido in One Day: 9 :25 Bus ride & 14 :05 Red Brick Warehouses

    Hokkaido in One Day: 9 :25 Bus ride & 14 :05 Red Brick Warehouses

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8 :55 Meet with the customer
    • 9:15~ 9 :25 Bus ride
    • 9:25~10:50 Visit Goryokaku Park and the Magistrate's Office
    • 11:00~11 :10 Bus ride
    • 11:15~11 :35 Visit the morning market (brief visit since the customer had already visited it in the morning on their own)
    • 11 :40~11 :55 Bus ride
    • 12:00~12 :30 Mount Hakodate
    • 12 :35~13 :10 Stroll through Motomachi
    • 13 :10~13 :40 Lunch
    • 13:40~14 :05 Red Brick Warehouses
    • 14 :10~14 :20 Streetcar ride
    •     14 :25 Farewell at the hotel

    Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I had no information about the guests' ages, I always feel a little concerned before meeting guests on a 6-hour tour, but this time the guests turned out to be strong walkers. Because the Hotel was close to the station and the morning market, I asked just in case, and indeed they had already taken a light stroll through the morning market earlier that morning. The guests agreed to begin the itinerary at Goryokaku, and I gave an explanation of Hakodate until it was time to take the bus. One of the guests spoke very clearly, and at first I worried they might be a bit particular, but once we started talking, that was not the case at all. Since the guests had already experienced towers at various sightseeing spots, we skipped Goryokaku Tower. I recommended the Magistrate's Office (Bugyosho) and shared a little more about the Battle of Hakodate and samurai history. I believe they enjoyed it. To head to Mount Hakodate, we returned to Hakodate Station and, partly to adjust our timing, made a short visit to the morning market. As the guests said they liked seafood, they enjoyed standing-style sushi within the morning market before boarding the bus up Mount Hakodate. They enjoyed my full explanation at Mount Hakodate, and although I considered having lunch at a restaurant on Mount Hakodate, we agreed on a local ramen shop after strolling around Motomachi. After coming back down, we walked through Motomachi as they had wished. They enjoyed the green onion ramen and gyoza for lunch, and since they wanted to pick up their luggage at the Hotel by 2:30 in order to catch the 3:00 JR train to Sapporo, I first suggested a short stroll to the Red Brick Warehouses. The guests were not particularly keen on shopping, but they looked around, and perhaps because they were somewhat tired, they preferred to take the Hakodate streetcar to the station—also as part of the experience—even though it was within walking distance. In the end, we arrived at the Hotel to pick up their luggage a little early, and I asked whether they needed help carrying their luggage to the station, but they seemed fine, so we parted a little early. The guests were more easygoing than my first impression had suggested.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHakodate Station Front~Goryokaku Tower Front/Hakodate Bus300JPY
    Section 2BusGoryokaku Tower Front/Hakodate Bus~Hakodate Station Front300JPY
    Section 3BusHakodate Morning Market Front/Hakodate Bus~Ropeway Front/Hakodate Bus250JPY
    Section 4TrainJujigai~Hakodate Station Front210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    I’m certified guide speaking English and Spanish. I’m well experienced tour guide. My tour is always full of joy. I know Namahage, Onsen and alcoholic beverage verry well. I speak spanish too. I worked there for 5 years. My tour is always full of joy and smile. I was born in Hakodate, so naturally I know Hokkaido verry well including some special points too. I can tell you very special Samurai story, verry noce and local restaurants and verry typical atmosphere. I wait your kind offer. In my tour experiences, no one was unsatisfied. And if you want to ski, I’ll be happy to share a joy of winter spports.

    Aug 2, 2025
    Emily_M
    Our guide, Meji, was very…
    Viator review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Meji, was very professional, knowledgeable,…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Yoshikien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:00-40 Kofukuji Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    •   The famous 5 storied pagoda is under repair and covered all over but still the temple is worth visiting.
    • walk 20 minutes
    • 10:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:00-30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana manufacturer's etc.
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:40- Todaiji Buddhist Temple
    • 11:40-12:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:10-50 Lunch at Emado Chaya
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    •   walk 5 minutes
    • 13:10-40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    •   walk 5 minutes
    • 13:50-14:00 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-30 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 5 minutes and bus
    • 15:00 (End of Tour) back at Kintetsu-Nara Station

    Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Nara. I was a little concerned at first, but they were able to walk the entire route comfortably. Since the weather had turned autumnal, I thought a longer walk would be fine, so we began at Kofuku-ji Temple. Starting from Kofuku-ji is the best way to appreciate the layout of Buddhist architecture, which can be seen as a form of 8th-century modernism. We then compared it with the layout of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and also compared Shinto and Buddhism. I offered many explanations, including the layered nature of Buddhism and the Greek influence on Buddhist statues, and the guests seemed to enjoy listening while also asking questions along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall・National Museum/Nara Kotsu~Kintetsu-Nara Station/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total250JPY

    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…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel – 5:30 Toyosu Market – 7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market – 8:15 Disband at Tsukiji

    Title: What Is a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors currently based in Europe, on the third day of their first trip to Japan. They enjoy dining at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world and are quite knowledgeable about Japanese ingredients. At a professional shop in Toyosu Market, one of the guests immediately purchased some powdered yuzu upon spotting it. After enjoying breakfast at a slightly upscale sushi restaurant in the dining area, the guests smiled with delight. They also thoroughly enjoyed the views along the Yurikamome line on the way to Tsukiji. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Tsukiji Market570JPY
    Total570JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 05:30 Watch the tuna auction at Toyosu Market.
    • 06:10 Breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside the market
    • 06:50 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Tour ends at Tsukiji Uogashi

    What Is an Early-Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Private Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were looking forward to the tuna auction, and I was able to secure a good spot where they could watch the auction up close, which they were delighted by. Perhaps because it fell during a series of scattered holidays, there was slightly less tuna up for auction than usual, which was a little disappointing, but the auctioneer with the biggest gestures handled the auction right in front of us, and the guests took plenty of video. After watching the auction, the guests had breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside the market and were moved, saying, "There are sushi restaurants back home too, but the sushi here is on a completely different level of deliciousness." At Tsukiji Market, only one hour of tour time remained, so in response to the guests' request I mainly guided them around knife shops, then gave a quick overview of the locations of my recommended shops, and after the tour ended at 8:00 I left them to enjoy the area at their own pace. After the tour, the guests contacted me via a messaging app to say they were still enjoying strolling around Tsukiji for another hour and a half or so. 2. Other comments, special notes, and requests In the early morning, the entrances of most hotels are locked, and you have to call via the intercom to be let in. However, at the Hotel this time there was no response on the intercom, so I called the guests on a messaging app, and the guests were able to come outside so we could meet. Since there have occasionally been times before when I could not reach guests even via the messaging app, from now on I will confirm in advance whether contact via the messaging app is possible in Tokyo. If possible, I think it would go more smoothly if you could add an item to the form guests use when booking a tour, confirming whether they can be contacted via a messaging app, so please consider this.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijomae Station Front/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…