Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Ryogoku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Ryogoku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:00 Asakusa
    • 13:10 Ryogoku
    • 14:45 Disband @ Odaiba

    What Is a Kids-Friendly Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family from North America. Since they lived in an English-speaking area, there were no language difficulties at all. As the group included a child, they requested a kids-friendly tour, so I incorporated activities suited to children at various points throughout the day. I gave a small blank notepad as a gift and we collected station stamps along the way. In Asakusa we enjoyed goldfish scooping, and then took the water bus to Ryogoku. Along the way we took a break to eat melon bread and ice cream. On the Yurikamome line, we rode in the very last car so the guests could enjoy the feeling of being the driver. Because I had asked them in advance to purchase a Welcome Suica, I was able to guide them smoothly. It was the first day of sightseeing and there was some jet lag, so the guests were a little tired, but the child did very well throughout the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2OtherNitenmon~Ryogoku River Center400JPY
    Section 3TrainRyogoku~Asakusabashi150JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusabashi~Shimbashi290JPY
    Section 5TrainShimbashi~Daiba330JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle entrance & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle entrance & Kokoen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Gather at Himeji Station ticket gate
    • 11:00 Arrive at Himeji Castle entrance Sightseeing
    • 13:50 Arrive at Kokoen Garden Stroll
    • 14:30 Disband at Kokoen Garden exit

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who showed a great deal of interest in Japan. They were curious about the history and architecture of Himeji Castle, and were impressed by the woodworking and joinery techniques. On this trip they visited many places, including Sendai, Yamagata, Nagoya, and Hiroshima. We enjoyed a lively conversation on many topics, such as buying a yukata and memories of a gathering with relatives in Japan long ago. It was a very enjoyable tour.

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo > Purchase Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass
    • 11:25 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:30 Lunch @Inataya Marunouchi Palace Building Branch
    • 13:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 15:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:05 Purchase Welcome Suica at JR EAST Travel Service Center Shinjuku-East at Shinjuku Station
    • 16:30 Disband at Hotel Tokyo

    **Title:** What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine **Body:** The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They walked the whole route with great effort, though the day proceeded at a relaxed pace overall, partly because it rained at times. After purchasing a one-day pass at Tochomae Station, we entered the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace from Takebashi. One of the guests was quite knowledgeable about Japan, and I received many questions about history, religion, culture, and customs. Many photos were taken here. As the guests seemed a little tired, we left the East Gardens and had tempura and soba at a soba restaurant, which was well received. In Asakusa, I did my best to guide the group toward things that seemed to spark interest. It rained at Meiji Shrine, but only briefly. The greenery of the shrine was very much to the group's liking. Since they mentioned they would be in Japan for a while, I recommended purchasing a Welcome Suica, which they bought at Shinjuku Station. I guided them to the front of their Hotel, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Takebashi320JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Total910JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-11:00 Sensoji Temple-13:00 Meiji Shrine-14:10 Disband at Harajuku

    Can You Do a Private Tokyo Tour Focused on History and Culture? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America on the first day of an approximately two-week tour of Japan. Since they were interested in history and culture, we started the tour with an overview of Tokyo and a lecture on the basic flow of Japanese history. At the first subway station, they purchased PASMO cards. After strolling around Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, we took a break at a typical Japanese-style coffee shop. They were amazed by the man-made forest at Meiji Shrine, and although it was brief, they were able to experience scenes of everyday Japanese life, and we successfully concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa (TX)~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Yoyogi180JPY
    Total600JPY

    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 in One Day: Asakusa & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet up at the hotel in Shinjuku
    • 08:40 Stroll around Asakusa
    • 10:15 Walk around Ueno Shinobazu Pond, then visit Nezu Shrine
    • 11:15 Stroll around Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 12:15 Lunch with grilled fish cooked over an irori hearth in Kagurazaka
    • 13:20 Stroll around the Imperial Palace
    • 14:00 Disband at Sakuradamon

    3.当日のツアールート Title: What Is a Private Cultural Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Tour Highlights and Guest Reactions The guests had studied Japanese culture well in advance and asked a variety of questions, ranging from history to the lifestyles of modern-day Japanese people. As I answered their questions, the conversation flowed naturally, and we were able to enjoy the tour in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In Kagurazaka, the guests tried robatayaki-grilled ayu (sweetfish) and enjoyed it very much. 2. Other Comments and Notes I already reported this in my reply to the positive review, but since it is an important matter, I am writing it again here. This time the pickup was at a hotel on the west side of Shinjuku. Since there are many hotels on the west side of Shinjuku Station, I checked the location on Google Maps on my way there just to be sure. However, Google Maps was showing a completely different location, and even when I looked up directions on the hotel's official website, that website also used Google Maps, so it was of no help. I called the hotel directly to confirm the address, entered it into Google Maps, and then the correct location was displayed. Because of this process, I arrived just barely in time and felt rushed. It seems that Google Maps information can sometimes be deliberately altered by someone to be incorrect. I would recommend alerting fellow guides at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) about this. I also explained the situation to the hotel and requested that they correct their website.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainYushima Station / Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo~Nezu180JPY
    Section 4TrainTodaimae~Korakuen180JPY
    Section 5TrainSuidobashi~Iidabashi150JPY
    Section 6TrainIidabashi~Tokyo170JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 09:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:00 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 12:15 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 13:00 Disband @ Himeji Station "Osho Ramen"

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour Like from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and everything went smoothly throughout the day. At each spot, the guests asked many questions, which showed their strong interest in Japan. At Himeji Castle, they were very pleased to be able to see the "white heron" — the origin of the castle's nickname — which is said to bring good fortune for the year if you can spot it from the Sangoku-bori moat. Being able to see it again on the way back was a first-time experience even for me as a guide, and when I told the guests that it might mean two years of good luck, they were delighted. At Sosha Shrine, they enthusiastically stroked the shrine's mascot, a "stroking horned owl," and also offered their prayers. Before heading back to Osaka, the guests wanted to have lunch, so I guided them to a "Gyoza no Ohsho" restaurant near Himeji Station, where we parted ways.

    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…

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 10:30 Peace Park, Hypocenter Park
    • 11:30 Urakami Cathedral
    • 13:00 Hamanomachi Arcade (including lunch)
    • 14:00 Glover Garden
    • 15:00 End

    What Is a Private Nagasaki Tour of the Atomic Bomb Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests seemed interested in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and in Christianity. At the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, they viewed each exhibit carefully and asked questions about the background leading up to the bombing. They also seemed curious about whether my own family had been affected by the atomic bomb, and when I brought up the subject, they responded as if that was exactly what they had wanted to hear. Urakami Cathedral was actually the first time I had ever guided anyone there, and I think it was meaningful that I could explain how there is a procession of the atomic-bombed Mary statue on August 9, and that the guests were able to see that atomic-bombed Mary statue in person. At the start of the tour, I had been told that a pair of glasses had broken and that they wanted to buy some medicine, so I took them to the Hamanomachi shopping area. I was reminded once again that supporting guests with these kinds of practical difficulties, not just providing sightseeing information, is an important part of a guide's role.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNankou Uramon-mae/Nagasaki Bus~Oura Cathedral-shita/Nagasaki Bus190JPY
    Section 2TrainPeace Park~Nishihamamachi150JPY
    Section 3OtherHamamachi Arcade~Ishibashi (Nagasaki Prefecture)150JPY
    Section 4BusGlover Garden/Nagasaki Bus~Nagasaki Station-mae/Nagasaki Bus190JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Kawai Kanjiro's House

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Kawai Kanjiro’s House

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at hotel
    • 11:40 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:40 Chishakuin Temple
    • 13:30 Toyokuni Shrine
    • 14:10 Kawai Kanjiro's House
    • 15:00 Tour ends in front of hotel

    What Is a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Eastern Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest this time was a person visiting Japan from Europe. After receiving the assignment in late August, I immediately sent a first message to the guest, but even after mid-September there was no reply. One week before the tour, I also asked [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for support, but there was still no contact from the guest. I tried a messaging app as well, but at that point the guest did not seem to be connected. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) advised me that even if there was no contact right up to the day, the meeting point (the hotel) had been clearly specified, so I should go there. With that in mind, I prepared myself to head into the tour. On the evening before the tour, still without being able to reach the guest, I had prepared two tentative itineraries (Option 1: Nijo Castle and Arashiyama route; Option 2: Sanjusangendo and Higashiyama route) and was about to go to bed early. Just after 9:00 p.m., a message from the guest finally came through the messaging app. The message said, in summary, "I am terribly sorry for the late reply. I had multiple points of contact, including a local travel agency, and the information became mixed up and confusing. Regarding the itinerary, I have advice from a friend, but I would also like to hear the places you recommend, so please help me." I replied, "Understood. I am just glad we are now in touch. I have several ideas for the itinerary, so let's discuss them tomorrow when we meet at the hotel," and prepared for the tour the next day. The following day, when we met at the hotel, the guest was a pleasant person who seemed especially interested in sightseeing in Kyoto. As for the itinerary, the guest planned to visit the Nijo Castle and Arashiyama course alone the next day, so on this day we chose Option 2, the Sanjusangendo and Higashiyama course. Since it was a short 4-hour course, I arranged it so that the travel time from the hotel to the sites and between the sites would be kept as short as possible. In the end, we were able to visit four places: Sanjusangendo, Chishakuin, Toyokuni Shrine, and the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House. At every site, the guest listened to the explanations with sparkling eyes and seemed to receive a great deal of intellectual and sensory stimulation. It was the first time I had been so anxious right up until the night before, but it turned out to be a perfect example of "all's well that ends well."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Shichijo Keihan-mae / Keihan Bus170JPY
    Section 2TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo (Kyoto)170JPY
    Total340JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Granbach Ginza
    • 2. 10:20 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch at Towada
    • 5. 14:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 14:45 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omotesando)
    • 7. 16:00 Dismiss at Omotesando Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo's Main Sights Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America and were visiting Japan for the first time, though they had already traveled around the Kansai region and came to Tokyo last. They would be staying in Tokyo, but for today's tour they wanted to see the main spots, so I guided them along a classic route. They did not listen very closely to the explanations, but they seemed to enjoy the tour. For lunch they wanted to have soba or udon, so I took them to a soba restaurant in Asakusa, and they were pleased. The temperature had dropped quite a bit, which made running the tour a little easier.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total770JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Leave the island for Peace

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Leave the island for Peace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40a.m. Meet at the Shinkansen gate, Hiroshima Station
    • 12:00a.m. Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 12:15p.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:40p.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 1:00p.m. Lunch & Explore shopping street
    • 3:00 p.m. Leave the island for Peace Park
    • 4:00 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 6:15p.m. Take taxi back to Hiroshima Station
    • 6:40 p.m. End the tour at Hiroshima station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were visiting Japan for the first time to support a track and field event, staying in Tokyo. Hiroshima was a day trip from Tokyo, and they traveled one way on the Shinkansen, which takes about four hours. When I expressed how happy I was that they had come such a long way, they said that Hiroshima is a historically important place and that they were glad to be able to visit. At Miyajima, they took many photos and listened attentively to my explanations. Afterwards, they recorded many selfie videos in which they narrated the information themselves, incorporating what they had learned. They laughed and told me that Japanese toilets have so many buttons that they always struggle to figure out which one to use. They also shared how impressed they were by many things, such as how clean the streets and stations are, and how the seats on trains and ferries can be turned around. That day there had been an announcement that JR services might be suspended. Although we encountered heavy rain partway through at Miyajima, the rain passed while we were having lunch and the trains kept running, which was a relief. However, due to the tide levels, the World Heritage sea route was not available during our travel time, so there were many transfers between Miyajima and the Peace Park. I think the journey after exploring Miyajima may have left them a little tired. At the Peace Park, they again took many photos and videos, and we folded paper cranes together for them to take home as a memento. Before entering the museum, one guest's phone ran out of memory and the other's phone ran out of battery, so I photographed the exhibits they requested and sent the images to them. After returning to Hiroshima Station, I showed them to a cafe where they could wait for the Shinkansen, and the tour ended. I received a polite thank-you message from them even after they had boarded the Shinkansen, and they wrote "arigatou" in Japanese, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 3OtherShin-Hakushima~Hondori170JPY
    Total920JPY

    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…