Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto: Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 10:00-10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:00-12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30-13:15 Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch)
    • 13:30-14:15 Kinkakuji
    • 14:45-15:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 15:40 Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started about 20 minutes earlier than planned, and we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since one of the guests could not walk very far, we walked slowly to the worship hall, visited the Negiri-no-Matsu pine, and then returned to the car. At Nijo Castle, the guests listened attentively to the explanations, and as they said they liked Japanese gardens, they carefully admired the garden designed by Kobori Enshu. For lunch, I took them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, and they said it was delicious. It seemed to be a novel experience that they enjoyed. At Kinkaku-ji, we saw the reliquary tower and returned to the entrance, where a special arrangement was made for us, but one of the guests seemed to be getting quite tired in their legs. We went to Arashiyama, but after seeing the slope near the Sagano Scenic Railway station, they decided to skip the bamboo grove path and returned to the Hotel. The guests were very friendly and highly praised Japan, saying it was beautiful and the people were kind.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:15 Hotel Sanraku
    • Travel On foot Kazuemachi, Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:30-10:30 Higashi Chaya District  Kinpaku Sakuda
    • Travel Bus Kenrokuen
    • AM 11:00 -11:40 Kenrokuen tour
    • AM 11:40- PM12:20 Kanazawa Castle Park Hishi Yagura Gojukken Nagaya Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura Tour
    • Travel On foot Via Gyokusen'in Nagamachi Samurai District area
    • PM 12:45- PM 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District Ashigaru Museum tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. On the day of the tour, I was waiting at one hotel, but the guests were actually staying at an affiliated hotel. When they had not shown up by 9:00 AM, I checked with the hotel concierge and discovered the situation. Because the travel agency does not share the guests' contact details with the guide, I could not reach them directly on the day. The guests did contact me via a messaging app, so I hurried to the correct hotel and started the tour at 9:15 AM. After explaining the reason, we began the tour without any problem. I guided them through the Higashi Chaya District and the Nagamachi Samurai District, explaining each site so they could also visit the attractions on their own. I believe they enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 05:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 05:30 Observe the tuna auction
    • 06:00 Sushi breakfast inside Toyosu Market
    • 07:00 Stroll through the Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 08:00 Disband at the Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who regularly enjoy fishing and are very knowledgeable about fish, having even caught tuna before. For that reason, they watched the tuna auction with great interest. Since they were interested in all kinds of seafood, including fish, crab, and lobster, at the Tsukiji Outer Market I guided them to a wholesaler's shop at Tsukiji Uogashi, where they carefully examined and enjoyed the large blocks of tuna and various shellfish. They were especially fascinated by the dried fish at a specialty shop, which they were seeing for the first time, and they asked many questions about how we usually eat dried fish. They were very satisfied with the sushi breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market. Before Tokyo they had visited Kanazawa and had eaten sushi there as well, but they were delighted to say that the sushi at Toyosu Market that I guided them to today was by far more delicious. Notably, one of the guests had until then refused to try eel, but since sushi pieces are small, they gave it a first try and were amazed by how delicious it was. At the recommendation of the sushi chef, they also tried conger eel (anago), which they enjoyed as well. As it was a cold day, we finished by taking a photo in front of the caricature of John Lennon's family, who were regulars there, at Yonemoto Coffee, and then parted ways. [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 1BusShijomae 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!

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Hiroshima Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Hiroshima Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at the platform where the Shinkansen arrives at 9:04
    • Self-introduction and explanation of today's itinerary
    • 9:23 Board the train departing from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 9:50 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:10 Board the ferry
    • 10:25 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 10:30-11:30 Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:40-12:20 Daisho-in Temple
    • 12:30-13:20 Street food and souvenir shopping on Omotesando
    • 13:30 Arrive at the pier
    • 13:40-14:25 Board the World Heritage Sea Route
    • 14:30-15:10 Okonomiyaki for lunch
    • 15:15-16:10 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:10-17:00 Hiroshima Memorial Museum
    • 17:00-17:15 Take them to a craft beer shop and finish.

    What Is a Private One-Day Guided Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for their trip. They enjoyed taking many photographs, so I took their pictures while thinking about composition, lighting, and how to capture them nicely, which they were very happy about. They were very mindful of etiquette when visiting shrines and showed great interest in Japanese culture. They also seemed to enjoy drinking, and savored craft beer both in Miyajima and in Hiroshima. They were also very pleased with the okonomiyaki. At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the memorial museum, they listened attentively to my explanations and carefully viewed the exhibits. I was relieved and glad when they told me it had been a very enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Hiroshima Peace Park1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Hiroshima Prefecture with a passionate and knowledgeable guide!

    As a certified interpreter guide based in Hiroshima, I offer you an exclusive and personalized experience. From the poignant history of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to the serene beauty of Miyajima Island, I will share captivating stories and insights that bring these iconic sites to life.

    My fluency in both English and Japanese ensures a seamless and enriching experience, bridging the gap between languages and cultures. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, I tailor each tour to your interests and pace, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable adventure.

    Sep 11, 2026
    Louise_O
    Perfect day
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    What a perfect way to spend a half day…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Rachel M
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Powerful day of one of the worst tragedies…

    Jun 5, 2026
    777mannyr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima private tour
    Lisa Y. Did an amazing job.…

    May 25, 2026
    maryroses96
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Bloomers in Hiroshima
    We had a fantastic day with…

  • Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa
    • 2. 11:15 Hokokuji Temple
    • 3. 12:00 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 4. 12:45 Lunch Mitsuhashi
    • 5. 13:55 Hasedera Temple
    • 6. 14:40 Kotokuin Temple
    • 7. 16:50 Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania, and before joining the tour they wanted to spend a few days sightseeing in and around Tokyo, so on this day I guided them around Kamakura. Since they did not have any particular places they wanted to visit, I showed them a classic Kamakura course. The weather was unfortunately on and off with rain, but the guests did not seem to mind, and we were able to complete the entire itinerary as planned. For lunch, the guests requested soba noodles, so I took them to a soba restaurant on Komachi Street, which they enjoyed very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKiyosumi Shirakawa~Kinshicho180JPY
    Section 2TrainKinshicho~Kamakura950JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station (East Exit)/Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji/Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji/Keikyu Bus~Hachimangu/Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 6TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 7TrainKamakura~Kinshicho950JPY
    Section 8SubwayKinshicho~Kiyosumi Shirakawa180JPY
    Total3,100JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer & Asakusa for Komagome / Rikugien

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer & Asakusa for Komagome / Rikugien

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Hotel
    • 10:00 Arrive at Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:30 Depart Tsukiji for Asakusa
    • 11:00 Arrive at Asakusa. After sightseeing at Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, etc., have lunch at Namiki Yabusoba
    • 13:00 Depart Asakusa for Komagome / Rikugien Garden
    • 13:30 Arrive at Rikugien Garden. Leisurely stroll
    • 14:20 Disband at Komagome Station (Since the guest said they wanted to go to Harajuku, I gave them the route including the way back to the hotel.)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Rikugien in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, on their first trip to Japan. Since they had already visited Shibuya, Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace by the previous day, today I guided them around the western part of Tokyo, taking them to Tsukiji Market, Asakusa, and Rikugien Garden. In response to my explanations, they would offer comments such as "There is something similar in our home region." They seemed interested at every stop, but they appeared especially moved by how beautiful Rikugien Garden was at the end. One of the guests had a Nikon single-lens reflex camera and took many photos at Asakusa and Rikugien. At Tsukiji, perhaps overwhelmed by the sheer variety of fish, they felt that getting a general impression was enough and did not seem to want to stay very long.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Shinjuku~Tsukiji900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Komagome170JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Conrad Osaka Meeting
    • 9:45 Osaka Castle
    • 12:10 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 Nankai Line Namba Station Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka's Castle and Shrines Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. One of them had prior experience studying in Japan and was fluent in Japanese with a strong knowledge of Japanese culture. We first visited Osaka Castle, which fortunately was not too crowded at the time, so we were able to take our time exploring it. Afterwards, we headed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, where I explained various things about the shrine. At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the guests were able to experience the "omokaru-ishi" lifting stone without having to wait in the long line. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigobashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Tennoji240JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji~Sumiyoshitorii-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Total910JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hyogo: Hamafukutsuru & Sannomiya Kokashita Shopping Street

    Hyogo: Hamafukutsuru & Sannomiya Kokashita Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:30 @ Hamafukutsuru
    • 11:15 @ Kikumasamune
    • 12:45 @ Hakutsuru
    • 13:45 @ Sannomiya Kokashita Shopping Street (light meal included)
    • 14:45 Dismissal @ Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Sake Brewery Tour in the Kobe Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were older visitors from North America. They had requested a slower pace, and it seemed they had not fully understood that this was a 6-hour sake brewery tour, so they asked to visit only about three breweries over roughly three hours before having lunch. Since one of the guests enjoyed sake, they tried tastings at each brewery and purchased sake and sake cups as souvenirs. As the guests appeared tired, they wished to end the tour early and have lunch, but their requests were "gyoza," "tonkatsu," and "yakitori," so I was a little unsure of where to go. I guided them to an izakaya with a wide menu, and they were very satisfied. Afterward, when I mentioned that there was a famous gyoza restaurant nearby, the guests very much wanted to go, so I took them there, and they seemed extremely pleased. I also guided them to a famous bakery in Kobe, where they bought many sweet and savory breads. I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was very much appreciated. The guests also gave me chocolates as a gift. The guests were very pleasant and would casually strike up conversations with anyone, both at each spot and on the train. Even though a "slow pace" had been requested for the day, I could not help walking quickly, and I feel very sorry that this may have been one reason the guests became tired.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)~Uozaki250JPY
    Total250JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet guests at the hotel → Travel to Asakusa 10:00~10:40 → Explore Senso-ji Temple 10:40~11:40 → Travel to Akihabara → Experience video games in Akihabara 11:40~12:40 → Travel to Harajuku 12:40~13:10 → Explore Takeshita Street 13:10~14:00 → Enjoy sushi at Kura Sushi 14:00~15:00 → Explore Meiji Shrine 15:00~16:00 Disband

    What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and Harajuku The guests today were a group visiting Japan from Europe. We began by purchasing one IC card each and headed to Asakusa. Since it was raining a little, the area was less crowded than usual. We took commemorative photos at the Kaminarimon Gate, strolled along Nakamise, and everyone drew omikuji fortunes, reacting with delight or disappointment at their results. Next, we moved on to Akihabara, where the guests enjoyed crane games and racing games at an arcade. We then went to Harajuku and walked along Takeshita Street, where the guests experienced conveyor-belt sushi for the first time at a Kura Sushi restaurant. They ordered using the touch panel and were impressed to see the sushi arrive on a little train, remarking that it was truly high-tech Japan. Finally, we visited Meiji Shrine, and when I explained the origin of the camphor trees, the group decided they all wanted to take a photo together and posed for a commemorative picture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa360JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Harajuku180JPY
    Total720JPY

    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
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  • Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel meet-up 10:50 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall  11:30 Nigatsudo Hall 12:15 Lunch (tonkatsu) 13:10 Isuien Garden  14:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 15:20 Naramachi・Nigiwai no Ie  16:00 Sake tasting at Harushika 16:50 Depart Nara 17:50 Return to hotel, tour ends.

    What's a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Following on from yesterday, today I guided the guests around Nara. At the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, they photographed the Great Buddha from every possible angle. At Nigatsu-do Hall, they seemed to appreciate the quiet, serene atmosphere, which was different from the Great Buddha Hall. After lunch, at Isuien Garden, they enjoyed matcha indoors. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they had fun feeding the deer with crackers. After visiting the Nigiwai-no-ie house in Naramachi, we had some extra time, so I had them try a sake tasting at "Harushika." Surprisingly, the guests both loved alcohol. They commented, "Maybe Scotch whisky would be even better." The photo was taken at the tonkatsu restaurant where we had lunch. We were blessed with good weather over the two days, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
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