Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet at Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 2. 09:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 3. 10:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 12:30 Meiji Shrine ~ Takeshita Street ~ Harajuku Street ~ Cat Street ~ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Center Gai)
    • 5. 14:30 Disband at Shibuya

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Cat Street, and Shibuya The guests were from North America and had already sightseen around the Kansai region before arriving in Tokyo two days earlier. Since they planned to stay for a few more days, on this day they wished to visit the main areas, with the idea of returning later to any places they especially liked. As there was a little extra time between Harajuku and Shibuya, I suggested walking there via Ura-Harajuku and Cat Street, and they gladly agreed, so we made the journey on foot. There was a little rain, but not enough to affect the itinerary, and I believe the guests enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total610JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Gion Hanamikoji - Gion Kaikan

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Gion Hanamikoji – Gion Kaikan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 11:00~12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:30~13:15 Gion Hanamikoji – Gion Kaikan
    • 13:30~14:30 Yasaka Shrine – Yasaka Pagoda – Ninenzaka

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were making their first trip to Japan, visiting from North America. They had traveled through Tokyo and Hakone before arriving in Kyoto two days earlier. The evening before, they had joined a nighttime tour of Fushimi Inari, but the rain made the footing poor and it turned out to be more demanding than expected, so they left partway through. Today, as they seemed a little tired, we adjusted the plan and strolled at a relaxed pace with breaks, visiting Nijo Castle, Gion's Hanamikoji Street, Gion Kaikan, Yasaka Shrine, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Ninenzaka. At Nijo Castle, we had an engaging discussion about the origins of the Tokugawa shoguns, as well as the wall paintings and architecture. They took many photos of the buildings and gardens. At Yasaka Shrine, they were delighted to buy a kimono from a street vendor.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall (Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 12:00  Osaka Cruise Terminal Start
    • Travel to Osaka Castle
    • PM 12:30-13:40 Osaka Castle Tour (No tour of the main keep)
    • Travel to Shitennoji Temple
    • PM 14:00 – 14:40 Shitennoji Temple Tour
    • Travel to Dotonbori  Driver finishes here
    • PM 15:00 – 15:45 Dotonbori Walk 
    • PM 15:45 ~Tour ends after completing your order at the ramen restaurant Ichiran

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shitennoji The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because the group traveled in two separate cars, I made sure to repeat at each spot the explanations I had given in the car, but the group stayed well together, which made it easy to guide them. During the pre-tour discussion, the plan had been to visit only Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, but since some of the guests had not seen a five-story pagoda in Asakusa in Tokyo, we decided to add Shitennoji Temple to the itinerary as well. As the guests had canceled their dinner tour that day, the final drop-off point was changed, and in Dotonbori I introduced and guided them to local food spots and a ramen restaurant before ending the tour.

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:30 Meet at The RIHGA Gran Kyoto
    • ② 09:35 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:20 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • ④ 11:10 Practice of wabi-cha with matcha and mochi at Hiranoya
    • ⑤ 12:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • ⑥ 12:45 Lunch break (at Toriimoto)
    • ⑦ 13:30 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑧ 14:30 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • ⑨ 15:30 Bamboo Grove・Togetsukyo Bridge・Kimono Forest
    • ⑩ 16:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑪ 17:45 Disband at the hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto and Arashiyama Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. Their itinerary had taken them from Tokyo to Hida-Takayama and Kanazawa, then Nara and Hiroshima, and finally a few days in Kyoto, with a return flight home the next day, and they lamented that they would soon be "pulled back into reality." They were a pleasant group, easy-going and full of laughter and jokes, and they listened very attentively throughout the day. While we laughed at "funny" jokes all day long, they also shared interesting stories about politics, including how things had changed in Europe before and after certain major political events. Over a plate of curry rice, we also talked about how it seemed a new leader might be emerging in Japan. In Arashiyama there is a temple where I could share old and traditional folkloric stories of Japan, including the history of waka poetry, cherry blossoms, Obon, and the stone stacking at Sai-no-Kawara, and I was able to talk at length about what Arashiyama itself is — how there was once a detached palace known as Kameyama-dono, and how the town was laid out to resemble the ancient capital of Heian-kyo. We returned to Kyoto Station in the evening, and when I explained the standing-style udon shops inside the station, they decided to eat right away, so the three of us had curry udon, and they were impressed that the taste was wonderful for the price. We had eaten curry all day long, but I told them that before leaving they should try the pork buns from a famous shop (in the Kansai region they are called "butaman" rather than "nikuman"), and they said they would — and I am confident these guests will definitely try them. I hope it became a good memory for them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2OtherRanden Arashiyama~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total790JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nishiki Market & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Nishiki Market & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:15 Meet at Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:40 Nishiki Market
    • 16:00 Pontocho, Gion
    • 17:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:30 Tour ends at Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like for Cruise Ship Guests from Osaka Port? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the guests, who arrived on a cruise ship at Osaka Port, on a private day tour of Kyoto. At Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), the guests were deeply moved by its beauty. After that, we moved by taxi to Nishiki Market. For lunch we enjoyed udon and soba noodles, and then headed to Gion. Since we could not find a large taxi able to seat the whole group, we ended up walking. Along the way, some of the guests were captivated by Pontocho, so I showed them around there. As it might have been better for those who found walking difficult to wait somewhere, but in the end we all walked together and I guided them through Gion and Fushimi Inari. The guests said they were glad to have seen a variety of different places.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total390JPY

    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!

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet guests at the hotel
    • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 11:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:50 Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko the Loyal Dog Statue, Lunch
    • 14:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 16:00 Asakusa Station, Tour ends

    **Title:** What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa **Body:** The guests were visitors from North America. Since their hotel was in Shinjuku, we first walked to Shinjuku Gyoen. They seemed to enjoy strolling through the Japanese garden within the park. Afterward, we moved to Meiji Shrine, where I gave a brief overview of Japanese history, explained the difference between shrines and temples, and introduced Emperor Meiji and Meiji Shrine. Then, while explaining the torii gate, the sake barrels, and the masugata, we paid our respects at the main hall. They also wrote their wishes on ema plaques and purchased omamori charms, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the visit. In Shibuya, after seeing the scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue, we had ramen, which was very well received. We took the subway to Asakusa, and at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center I explained the origins of Asakusa and its main buildings. We then passed through Kaminarimon Gate, strolled along Nakamise while shopping, paid our respects at the main hall, and drew omikuji fortunes. After walking through the shopping street and taking a break, the tour ended at Asakusa Station. The guests had been a little worried about the amount of walking at the outset, but perhaps thanks to taking breaks as needed, they enjoyed the tour, and I was glad it concluded smoothly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendagaya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total560JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Sep 29, 2026
    532yeldarbs
    Insights to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We were fortunate to have had…

    Sep 28, 2026
    G3219WFjoshp
    A great day with Shigeru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is a fantastic…

    Sep 28, 2026
    E8957WUnathanb
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Shingeru was great and very…

    Sep 23, 2026
    scottmR2068WG
    Tokyo walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an excellent time being…

  • Kochi: Kochi Castle & Shinko

    Kochi: Kochi Castle & Shinko

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Depart from Shinko
    • 09:30 Kochi Castle
    • 11:00 Lunch at Hirome Market
    • 11:40 Drugstore
    • 12:00 Karakuri Clock and Harimaya Bridge 
    • 12:30 Daimaru Department Store
    • 13:00 Mt. Hitsuzan
    • 13:30 Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
    • 14:00 Ice cream at Katsurahama
    • 14:40 Taxi
    • 15:00 Arrive at Shinko

    Are Kochi Castle and Katsurahama Beach Doable with Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. I had been informed beforehand that they preferred not to walk much, but they had many places they wanted to see, so we decided to simply give it a try and started the tour. At our first stop, Kochi Castle, one of the guests chose not to climb any of the steps and waited below. The other guest also found walking difficult, but curiosity won out, and they made it all the way up Castle Mountain and climbed to the second floor of the castle keep, which was very satisfying. However, having been kept waiting for 80 minutes, the guest below became quite displeased, and there was a slightly awkward atmosphere for a while. At the suggestion of the taxi driver, for the guest who could not go up to the castle keep, we drove up to the summit parking area of Mount Hitsuzan so they could look out over the city. Also, since it looked like we would arrive at Katsurahama Beach early, we stopped by Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, where they were able to photograph the statue commemorating Chosokabe Motochika's first battle.

    Hi! I’m Kay.
    It’s my pleasure to be your guide.
    I was born and raised in Kochi city, and I worked for Kochi City Hall for nearly 30 years, so I think I know a lot about Kochi.

    Firstly, I can guide you to the Kochi castle. Most castles you can find in Japan have been rebuilt after fires, wars, or natural disasters. However, Kochi Castle is one of the very few castles that still have the whole structure of its original tower and the mail palace from the Edo period (1603–1868). This makes it especially valuable for understanding Japan’s history and traditional architecture. You’ll like it!

    Other major tourist sites are adventurous Ryugado limestone cave, Makino botanical garden, Chikurinji temple with historical stonesteps, Zenjibuji temple with the spectacular panoramic view, paper-making activity, Oboke gorge, Nakatsu gorge, Niyodo river with a historical bridge and so on.
    If you like sake, you can visit sake brewery, and if you are interested in walking local streets, you can stroll my neighborhood.

    Kochi is a small city, but it’s very popular among tourists for its beautiful nature and good food. I took my kids to rivers and mountains when they were little. If you are interested in those places, please ask me. And I know many good restaurants, too.
    I’m looking forward to enjoying them together with you!

    Jul 7, 2026
    A_J
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent tour with Kay
    Had an amazing time with our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    romankU9693SM
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our trip to Kochi
    Kay was a wonderful guide, very…

    May 28, 2026
    nancykotr
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Kay was a wonderful…
    Kay was a wonderful guide. We…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Jörg R
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Ein toller Ausflug in Kochi
    Pünktliche Abholung, kurze Transferzeiten…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 a.m. Meet at Hotel
    • 9:00 a.m. Ferry to Miyajima Island
    • 9:45 a.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
    • 10:00 a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 10:45 a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 11:30 a.m. Explore the shopping street
    • 12:20 p.m. Ferry back to Peace Memorial Park
    • 1:15 p.m. Lunch at an Okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 2:20 p.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 4:30 p.m. End of the tour at the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. After traveling in Tokyo and Kyoto, they came to Hiroshima together. To match the high tide at Miyajima, they kindly agreed to move the meeting time 30 minutes earlier, and we started the tour at 8:30. Although rain had been forecast, fortunately it hardly rained at all, and they were very pleased with the weather. Miyajima was crowded with group tour visitors today, but thanks to starting our tour earlier, we were able to enter Itsukushima Shrine before the crowds. Since Kyoto had been very crowded and they had grown tired of the crowds, they said they were very happy about this. At Daishoin Temple, they listened to the explanations with great interest and took many photographs. After returning to the city by the World Heritage Sea Route, we went to my favorite okonomiyaki restaurant for lunch. There were few tourists, and since they like going to places where locals go, they said they liked it very much. They also found the okonomiyaki delicious and said they would try making it after returning home. Both of the guests were interested in history, and since one had majored in history at university, we walked around the Peace Park while I answered many of their questions and shared various stories. They were very interested in the story of Mr. Nomura, who was exposed to the atomic bombing in the basement of the Rest House, and they viewed the underground exhibit intently. One of the guests was deeply saddened by the harm done to children. After seeing the uniform of a victim of the student mobilization at the museum, they said it was difficult to see any more, and since they were interested in the paper cranes, I guided them only to the exhibit about Sadako at the end and then led them to the exit first. After that, I went around the museum with the other guest. I guided them through the G7 exhibition materials, then saw them off at their hotel and ended the tour. At the end, they thanked me for the tour and told me they considered me not only a tour guide but a friend, which moved me deeply. During the tour we talked a great deal about each other's families and shared photos, and it was a truly enjoyable time for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Memorial Park~Miyajima2,400JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 The Peninsula Tokyo (directly connected to Hibiya Subway Station) Meeting
    • 1025 Tsukiji Outer Market Kabukiza Theater Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1150 Asakusa Azumabashi Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
    • 1405 Shibuya Scramble Crossing Hachiko Statue
    • 1430 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Jingu Shrine Visit
    • 1630 Drop off at Hibiya and disband

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Ginza, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, arriving from North America. Before the tour they had traveled around Osaka and Kyoto. Advance coordination was a bit challenging as responses were limited, but they finally replied to the itinerary I sent shortly before the tour. They had no trouble with conversation, though since English was not their first language, this may have accounted for the limited responses. One of the guests often filmed videos on a smartphone, so I had to be careful not to lose sight of them during filming. In Ginza, the Golden Parade 2025 (a marching band event) was taking place, and quite a bit of time was spent filming it. When I asked in Asakusa whether they would like to eat something, one of the guests followed a vegetarian diet, so there were few options (even broth was a problem if it contained fish). For the time being they had some melon bread, and we hurried to Meiji Shrine to think things over at Forest Terrace. At Takeshita Street, we decided not to enter due to the enormous crowds, but there were many cosplayers preparing for Halloween, and the guests were delighted to be able to take photos. As it began to grow dark at Meiji Shrine, I omitted the explanation of the Imperial Palace, saw the guests off at Hibiya Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHibiya~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Hibiya0JPY
    Total850JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 AM Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi
    • 11:00 AM East Gardens
    • 12:30 PM Asakusa
    • 2:00 PM Meiji Shrine

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of them works as a designer, creating decorated fabrics and small handmade bags such as pouches. They had arrived in Tokyo the day before and were staying in Tokyo for just one day. From the next day, they planned to travel to Kyoto for several days to take part in fabric-making workshops. They wished to see as much of central Tokyo as compactly as possible within 4 hours. They asked many questions from the very beginning and were full of intellectual curiosity. For the East Gardens, we entered through the Kitahanebashi Gate and started from the ruins of Edo Castle. Entering this way and descending, rather than entering from the Otemon Gate, allows for a smoother guided route. After that, we went to Sensoji Temple. Since Nakamise Street was extremely crowded, we approached the main hall from a back street. I also guided them to Asakusa Shrine and explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. A ten-day event was being held in the precincts, with various stalls set up. As they had become a little hungry, we enjoyed the sweet potato and chestnut pie from Asakusa Mangando. It was crispy and very delicious. After that, we moved on to Meiji Shrine. I guided them through the precincts, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOtemachi~Takebashi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
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    Very…