Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 09:05 Transfer: Subway
    • 3. 09:15 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 09:35 Transfer: Subway
    • 5. 09:45 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 10:45 Transfer: Subway
    • 7. 11:10 Stay @ Imperial Palace (exterior), Tokyo Station
    • 8. 11:40 Transfer: Subway
    • 9. 12:10 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 10. 12:40 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11. 13:10 Transfer: Subway
    • 12. 13:35 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 13. 14:50 Transfer: Subway
    • 14. 15:00 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Ueno-hirokoji Station

    What Can You See on a Fast-Paced Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who wanted to see as many places as possible, so we kept a brisk pace throughout the day. For guests who are leaving Tokyo the following day, I take them to the Imperial Palace even on a Monday or Friday if they wish. I show them the exterior of the Tatsumi Yagura and Fujimi Yagura turrets and give a compact explanation of Edo Castle, which is often surprisingly well received, and this time as well the guests seemed to enjoy it. Since the guests seemed to like sushi, we had lunch at Tsukiji. The itinerary was quite packed: in the morning we visited the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace (exterior), and Tokyo Station, and in the afternoon Tsukiji and Asakusa. Even so, it was still before 3:00 p.m. when we returned to Asakusa Station. The guests said they knew how to get back to their hotel on the Ginza Line, so I accompanied them as far as Ueno-hirokoji Station along the way and we parted inside the train.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGaienmae~Shibuya900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTsukiji~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Nara in One Day: Edosan & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara in One Day: Edosan & Yoshikien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Edosan (Start of Guided Tour → 16:00)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:10-40 Araike Garden→Ukimido in Sagiike pond
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 11:00-12:20 Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine + Negi-michi Path
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:30-40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's etc.
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:40- Todaiji Buddhist Temple
    • 12:40-13:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • 13:10-40 Lunch at Emado Chaya
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:50-14:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50-15:00 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:10-50 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 16:00 Former Residence of Irie Taikichi (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Stay Like in Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report The original meeting point had been set at a Japanese-style inn located behind Wakakusayama, but it was a very inconvenient spot to reach without a car. When I explained, "It can only be reached by taxi, so would the guests be willing to cover the taxi fare?" the reply was, "Is it really that inconvenient? Could you recommend another Japanese-style inn in a more convenient location?" I recommended a Japanese-style inn right near the first torii gate of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the guests were very pleased. It is like a Japanese-style cottage within the park, and if you are going to stay in Nara, it is the most unique place to stay. When you wake up in the morning, there may be deer right in front of you.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 to 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30 to 12:15 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:30 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:00 to 13;40 Lunch at Gion
    • 14:20 to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from a Cruise Ship Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a visiting group from North America. One of the guests enjoyed photography and had a great time taking pictures here and there. Because the weather was very hot, our schedule ran short, and we unfortunately did not have time to visit Nijo Castle, which had been planned as our final stop. Since there was a set time to return to the cruise ship, the guests headed back without extending the tour. They said they would definitely love to visit Kyoto again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Gion/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusGion/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho & Nezu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market, Fish Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:10 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Janpara
    • 13:10 Yanaka Cemetery, Tsuiji-bei Wall, Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:10 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ Hibiya Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Yanaka, and Nezu Shrine The guests were visitors from North America who were spending several days in Tokyo before continuing on a cruise from Yokohama. At Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, a memorial service was being held, and since the head priest invited us, we sat and listened to a gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) performance. At the outer market, the guests enjoyed delicious tuna sashimi and purchased wasabi sesame snacks along with Japanese tea as a souvenir. The owner of a seaweed shop was very kind, serving us hot tea in addition to the cold tea offered at the storefront. In Asakusa, I introduced a melon bread shop, and the guests bought some as a snack. They seemed to have a deep interest in Buddhism and looked at the Buddhist statues very attentively. For lunch, we enjoyed the ramen they had requested. They were surprised at how quiet Yanaka and Nezu Shrine were. The guests were very friendly, and we talked a great deal about each other's countries. I believe they enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3BusNitenmon / Toei Bus~Nippori Station / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 4SubwayNezu~Hibiya180JPY
    Total780JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Yanaka

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Yanaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 9:00 Asakusa
    • 10:30 Yanaka
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Maisen
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
    • 14:40 Disband @ Hotel

    The guests came from North America. They had mentioned that since their home region is very hot, they would be fine with the heat in Tokyo, but they were surprised by how humid it was. They did not do any shopping, but they looked at Nakamise Street with great interest. Since they expressed a wish to visit places that are off the usual tourist path, we took our time exploring Tendaiji Temple and Yanaka Cemetery in the Yanaka area. The day before, they had eaten wagyu beef, and they mentioned that they did not care for sushi, so I took them to a tonkatsu restaurant, but they did not eat very much. I think fatigue had begun to set in. After that, we went to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine, and then I saw them off at their hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Section 4SubwaySendagi~Omotesando210JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Roppongi290JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kyoto: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Courtyard by Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 10:05 Decide the itinerary and explain the history of Kyoto
    • 11:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:00 Lunch break
    • 14:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:40 Return to Courtyard by Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma and disband

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time. In our initial emails they had said they wanted to see quiet, beautiful places that were not too crowded, but when we actually met and talked, they expressed a wish to visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Kinkaku-ji. Along with the bamboo grove and somewhere quiet with a dry landscape garden, we decided on Obai-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji. One thing I felt sorry about was that partway through, one of the young members of the group entered naptime and, due to jet lag, could not be woken. Since we were worried about them becoming exhausted, some of the guests took turns staying behind in the chartered car during Kinkaku-ji and the bamboo grove. The bamboo grove in the photo is the one at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Up to that point they were still wide awake. Everyone in the group loved learning Japanese, starting with "maido ookini," "itadakimasu," and "gochisousama deshita," and they actually used these expressions throughout. When I explained that the expression "gochisousama" originates from Idaten, an important figure in Zen Buddhism, they listened with great interest. When I told them they were very good students with a good memory, they laughed. After I described Arashiyama, they said they would surely like to return in spring or autumn. Since they had a dinner reservation at 17:30, in the end we were not able to visit the dry landscape garden, so after Kinkaku-ji we returned to the hotel and parted ways.

    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

    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: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
    • 11:25 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:45 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 14:55 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do and Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:45 Akihabara (lost sight of the customer here — got in contact and reunited at the hotel)
    • 17:15 Disband at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara It was a hot day, so the guests used parasols and stayed well hydrated throughout the tour. The first stop, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, was extremely hot, so we proceeded with frequent rest breaks. In Asakusa, the guests enjoyed shopping. At Ueno Park, I explained the historical architecture, and the guests showed great interest. While guiding them through Akihabara from north to south, the guests stopped at several shops along the way, and at one point I lost sight of them in the crowd and could not find them no matter how hard I looked. I got in touch and arranged for them to make their own way to the hotel in Shinjuku, and we were able to meet up again at the hotel. My apology was accepted, and the tour concluded there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara~Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @ Hotel Osaka
    • 13:40-14:45 @ Osaka Castle
    • 15:15-16:05 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 16:35-16:45 – Harukas Garden
    • 17:10 Disband @ Umeda LUCUA in front of the restaurant

    What's a Private Osaka Tour Like When Your Booking Date Is Mixed Up? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Their trip coincided with an academic conference held in Yokohama. On the morning of the tour day, the guests called to say they had mistakenly booked the tour date one week off, so we quickly rescheduled the start time to the afternoon and carried out the tour. It is their custom every year to travel to the location where the conference is held, and this time, before the conference, they planned to visit Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka (Yufuin). The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a relaxed and pleasant tour with this calm and cheerful group from start to finish. At the request of one of the guests who loves soba, we visited a soba restaurant in Umeda with easy access to their accommodation, and then concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSakuranomiya~Osakajokoen150JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Total580JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka
    • 9:30-10:30 @ Osaka Castle
    • 11:00-11:40 Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:10-12:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 13:15 Disband @ Namba Takashimaya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Heavy rain had been forecast due to an approaching typhoon, but fortunately we were only forced to take shelter briefly during a sudden downpour, which was a relief. The guests asked me to list separately the sightseeing spots best visited with a guide and those that could be seen on their own, so together we toured the classic highlights of Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Due to time constraints, we were not able to go inside the castle keep or the temple halls, but seeing a castle for the first time, the guests were delighted by its beauty. At Shitennoji Temple and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, they were pleased to experience a tranquility not found at the temples and shrines of Tokyo or Kyoto, as well as a glimpse of the local people's devotion. The plan is to take a day trip to Hiroshima the next day, and the following day to head from Kansai International Airport to another destination in Asia.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji Station-mae~Sumiyoshi Toriimae240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Total910JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
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  • Tokyo: Imperial Palace Plaza & Akihabara

    Tokyo: Imperial Palace Plaza & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 11:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine
    • 12:20 Tokyo Skytree
    • 13:20 Lunch at Tokyo Skytree
    • 14:40 In Ryogoku, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Edo Noren. Photo with a sumo wrestler
    • 15:30 Akihabara
    • 16:50 Guide you to Ameyoko, and the guide ends

    What Does a Private Tokyo Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Skytree, and Ryogoku The guests were visitors from Europe. The tour started under forecasts of extreme heat. On the way to the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, I explained the Meiji modernization, touching on the Imperial Hotel in Hibiya, Hibiya Park, and the Rokumeikan. At Sakuradamon, I explained the Sakuradamon Incident from the end of the Edo period. The guests were amazed by the impressive scale of Japanese castles. In Asakusa, I explained by comparing Buddhist Sensoji Temple and Shinto Asakusa Shrine. When one of the guests drew an omikuji fortune, they got "bad luck" four times in a row, which left me at a loss 😰. At Tokyo Skytree, after enjoying the view, the guests had katsudon and katsu curry. At the request of one of the guests who is fond of sumo, we went to Ryogoku. By chance, we came across a sumo wrestler and had a photo taken together, which delighted the group. After giving a full explanation of Akihabara, one of the guests wished to visit another shopping district, so I took them to Ameyoko before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-ginza~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Section 4SubwayOshiage~Ryogoku330JPY
    Section 5TrainRyogoku~Akihabara150JPY
    Section 6TrainAkihabara~Ueno150JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
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