Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet
    • 9:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:45 Nijo Castle
    • 13:15 Tour ends at the hotel

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were visitors who had requested Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace in advance. Since they had explored Tokyo on their own, I explained the basics, including topics such as religion, from the ground up. When discussing the emperors and shoguns, they seemed to find parallels with the imperial history of their own region in Europe, and they enjoyed comparing the two. Rather than continuing on to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, they wished to return to their hotel to take a shower, so we concluded the tour at the hotel.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKawaramachi Sanjo～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 2OtherKinkakuji-michi～Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 3OtherNijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:00　Meet in front of JR Kyoto Station AVANTI Building
    • ②　11:05　Itinerary explanation and explanation of Kyoto's history
    • ③　11:50　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④　13:00　Yasui Konpira Shrine
    • ⑤　13:20　Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannei-zaka
    • ⑥　13:45　Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Ninen-zaka ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
    • ⑦　15:20　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑧　16:10　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑨　17:00　Disband at Gion

    Kyoto Private Family Tour Report: What Can You See in One Day at Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangen-do? The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member had been coming to Japan frequently for work but had never had the chance to do any sightseeing here, so this trip was finally realized as a leisure trip together with the group. This is something I can relate to well; back when I was an office worker myself, whenever I went on overseas business trips I was always pressed by work and time, so it was usually impossible to find any room for sightseeing. The highlight of this tour was clearly enjoyed by the group, who were especially fond of Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangen-do. During our travels, the whole group and I had lively conversations on rather in-depth topics, such as work, views on immigration, and comparisons between Japan's welfare pension system and the actual situation in North America. Having had a long relationship with Japanese companies, one member seemed somewhat accustomed to Japan, giving me the impression of being a little different from an ordinary overseas traveler. After spending several days in Tokyo and Gotemba, they moved on to Nagoya, and I heard that they had been commuting by Shinkansen every day from their hotel in Nagoya to places like Hiroshima and Kyoto. Today as well, they were going to return to Nagoya once and head to Nara the next day. The group also seemed to be running low on stamina from the consecutive days of a demanding schedule and the hot, humid weather. Even so, I hope this Kyoto tour will remain a good memory for them.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Higashi Honganji Temple
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 End of tour

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Europe, and Tokyo was their final destination after having already visited Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka. Since they would be staying for several more nights, I introduced them to the main highlights of Tokyo to give them an overview of the city, while also suggesting recommended places to visit. We began at Tsukiji, where the guests enjoyed the atmosphere of the unique fish market, and then visited Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple. There, I summarized the differences between the temples and shrines they had seen across Japan and explained the influence each has had on Japanese culture, so they could deepen their understanding. At the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, I spoke about the origins and history of Japan and its imperial family, and at Meiji Shrine I explained Shinto in greater detail. Unfortunately, heavy rain and intense thunder began partway through the tour, so the guests were not able to fully enjoy the solemn atmosphere of the place. Finally, we had a late lunch in Shibuya, and since the guests wished to continue enjoying shopping, we concluded the tour there.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel Tokyo
    • 9:10 Depart Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 9:30 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 10:30 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Cafe Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • 11:50 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 12:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • 13:00 Dismissal: Shimbashi Station

    Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Can You See in One Day at the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya? The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night via a connecting flight and taken a taxi from Haneda to their hotel. The purpose of this trip to Japan was a cruise around Japan departing from Yokohama Port starting the day after next. After landing in Asia, they planned to return home by air from that region. They were staying in Tokyo for only a short time. The next day, they planned to go and watch a sumo show. They also mentioned that the previous night they had explored the streets of Ginza and Shimbashi. One of the guests had trouble with a knee, so throughout the itinerary we used elevators and escalators whenever possible. It was a tour conducted in intense, humid heat. First, we went to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," and "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace." There were questions such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does Japan's current emperor hold political power?", and "Who will be the next emperor?" In the Ninomaru Garden, the guests took photographs enthusiastically here and there. We moved to Harajuku and went to Meiji Shrine. I explained about "Shinto," "the differences between Shinto and Buddhism," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were also questions such as "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" Because of the extreme heat, we rested for a while at the cafe terrace at Meiji Shrine. We moved to Shibuya. First, we took photographs looking down at Scramble Square from the entrance to the Keio Inokashira Line platform, and then actually crossed the scramble crossing. There were questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?" We also took photographs in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests commented and asked, "Japanese people are all quiet and polite," "There are no homeless people to be seen," "The streets are clean with no litter," and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" The guests asked to be taken to Shimbashi Station, so I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Shimbashi180JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Ginza Mitsukoshi 7th Floor

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Ginza Mitsukoshi 7th Floor

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 9:30 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 10:45 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:00 Stroll around Omotesando
    • 12:45 Lunch @ Heiroku Sushi
    • 13:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:45 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing, Mega Don Quijote)
    • 16:00 Ginza Mitsukoshi 7th Floor
    • 17:00 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing and Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived in Japan in August, coming into Yokohama Port early in the morning by cruise ship. In Asakusa the weather was still clear (photo), but at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace the temperature rose, and we ended up taking a break to cool down at the rest area in the Ninomaru section. On Omotesando, since the guests were interested in architecture, I showed them buildings such as Prada, Miu Miu, Boss, and Hills before lunch. Just as we reached the main hall of Meiji Shrine, it began pouring rain with thunder striking dangerously close by, so we took shelter at Forest Terrace. As it showed no sign of stopping, we gave up and moved on to Shibuya. We skipped Takeshita Street and Ura-Hara. The guests knew about Hachiko from the Richard Gere film. No one was crossing the intersection, which was a bit anticlimactic. At Mega Don Quijote they bought Kit Kats not available in North America. On the 7th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi, the guests took a liking to the crafts and purchased a high-end decorative folding fan and two kokeshi dolls. I supported them with the Mitsukoshi coupon that gives inbound visitors a 5% discount and with the tax-free procedures. The afternoon brought the worst weather I have ever experienced as a guide, but with the final shopping the guests seemed happy.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Omotesando180JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya～Ginza210JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Westin Tokyo
    • 9:55 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:30 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 11:55 Snack bar @Kinefuku
    • 13:10 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine, ATM couldn't be used
    • 15:25 Ebisu Station, looked for an ATM and finally the 7-Eleven one worked
    • 15:45 Disband at The Westin Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Ueno It was a humid and hot day, cloudy with occasional rain. In Asakusa it poured heavily, and we waited ten minutes at a subway exit. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I gave a full tour, and when I introduced it as the seat of the shogun, the guests seemed intrigued. In Asakusa, the guests treated me to a snack of sweet dumplings at Nakamise. In Ueno Park, after introducing the historical buildings, we walked around Shinobazu Pond and headed toward Meiji Shrine. Around this point, the guests mentioned they wanted to have more cash on hand and wished to go to an ATM. We looked for several, but they could not withdraw money from their card, and in the end an ATM at a convenience store worked. I saw the guests off at the Hotel and received a tip.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassEbisu～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 4Free PassYushima～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Ebisu150JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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: Senso-ji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50　Meet @ Higashi-Asakusa 2-10-6 Apartment
    • 09:20　Senso-ji Temple
    • 09:50　Jidaiya (Tea Ceremony Experience)
    • 11:30　Imperial Palace
    • 12:20　Lunch @ Aoyuzu Tora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 15:05　Dismissal @ Higashi-Asakusa 2-10-6 Apartment

    Title: What Is a Private Wheelchair-Accessible Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. They planned to sightsee in Tokyo and around Mount Fuji before continuing on to Kyoto. Because one member of the group used a wheelchair, all travel apart from the initial visit to Asakusa was done by taxi. (The taxi fares were all covered by the guests, so there were no transportation costs advanced by the guide.) The booking had been made by one of the guests, who understood that this was a walking tour, but another member of the group had initially thought it would be a tour by private vehicle. Since we needed to arrive at the tea experience venue by 9:50 for the reserved tea ceremony, and because moving with the wheelchair took extra time, we had to keep the visit to Sensoji Temple short. Normally the guide is not permitted to accompany guests during the tea experience, but because one of the guests used a wheelchair, a staff member at the venue asked the guide to join and provide assistance, so I stayed with the group and helped. The guests greatly enjoyed the tea experience. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. In Shibuya, due to a sudden heavy downpour, we made only a short stop before returning to the guests' accommodation. Although the afternoon brought unfortunate heavy rain, I believe the guests were satisfied with the tea experience and the rest of the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet at the hotel. 9:00 Take the hotel shuttle car to Hakone-Yumoto Station. 9:25 Take the Izuhakone bus to Sounzan. 10:10 Take the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan to Togendai. 11:25 Take the pirate ship, 11:50 arrive at Hakonemachi Port. Maruyama Bussan, lunch at Donburi Chaya. 13:36 From the Checkpoint Ruins, take the bus and walk via Ninotaira. 14:20 The Hakone Open-Air Museum. 15:38 From Chokoku-no-Mori Station to Hakone-Yumoto. 16:20 Disband at Hakone-Yumoto. Guests take a taxi to the hotel.

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and the Open-Air Museum The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were very relaxed and easygoing, and the whole day felt like a lighthearted, conversation-filled trip. Because of the risk of the ropeway being suspended due to lightning, I made Owakudani the top priority. As a result, the group was able to catch even a brief glimpse of the summit of Mount Fuji, which delighted them. Everyone enjoyed the pirate ship out on the deck of Lake Ashi, taking in the natural beauty they said could not be found back home. They were surprised by the traditional puzzle boxes at a local shop and did a great deal of shopping. At a rice-bowl restaurant, they enjoyed interacting with the staff so much that it was hard to bring the meal to a close. Despite being tired, the group walked energetically through the Hakone Open-Air Museum, taking photos at many spots.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:20 Meet at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
    • 07:30 JR Hiroshima Station
    • 08:06 JR Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 08:25 Miyajimaguchi Ferry Pier
    • 08:35 Miyajima Ferry Pier
    • 08:55 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 09:40 Mount Misen Ropeway Momijidani Station
    • 10:00 Shishiiwa Observatory
    • 10:40 Mount Misen Ropeway Momijidani Station
    • 11:00 Lunch Okonomiyaki
    • 12:00 World Heritage Sea Route Miyajima Pier
    • 12:45 World Heritage Sea Route Peace Park Pier
    • 12:45 Peace Memorial Park
    • 14:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:30 Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (JR Hiroshima Station)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were waiting in the lobby before the scheduled meeting time, so we were able to start the tour earlier than planned. As a result, we made good progress ahead of schedule in the first half, and took our time at the observation deck near Shishiiwa on Mount Misen to slowly enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea. Fortunately, we were able to reserve an okonomiyaki restaurant on Miyajima and enjoyed lunch with plenty of time to spare. Because the tide was very high, many ferry services were suspended, but we were able to book a suitable high-speed boat and travel smoothly. I guided the guests through the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum, then took a taxi to JR Hiroshima Station where we said goodbye. Yesterday there was heavy rain with lightning, and the weather looked set to turn again from tonight, so today's weather was truly fortunate.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima100JPY
    Section 3OtherWorld Heritage Sea Route Miyajima Pier～World Heritage Sea Route Peace Park Pier1,100JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Tour Report by Sada

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:50 Meet at WPU Tokyo Shinjuku
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 17:30 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 19:10 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
    • 19:50 Disband at WPU Tokyo Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Private Afternoon Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa The guests arrived at the Hotel from Haneda that day, and I waited at the Hotel expecting we could depart around 14:00, but their arrival was delayed, so the start of the tour was pushed back. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we reached the Imperial Palace East Gardens just in time before the 16:30 entry cutoff, but once inside we had to keep moving as the grounds staff were ushering visitors along, and we left the garden. At Asakusa, we also slipped in just before the main hall closed at 18:00. The guests appeared very tired, and dozing off was noticeable in the car during transfers. After guiding them to the Metropolitan Government Building, I walked them back to the Hotel, and the tour ended. I received a tip.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa (TX)～Tochomae450JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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…